**************************************************************************** * "NEW TO TEACHING LOVE" * * (part 21) * * by Vince Water * **************************************************************************** | Copyright 2005-2006 by Vince Water UNFINISHED August 29, 2006 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I flinch when he pats me down for weapons. At least he didn't shoot me in the back. "Take a seat, Mister Yager." On the road? I'm about to sit down when an eighteen wheeler roars past us. "It's too dangerous on the highway." "Sit in the back of my car then." I'm not liking that. The officer grips my left shoulder and pushes me towards his patrol car parked behind my truck. "Open the door and get in." He hasn't handcuffed me. That has gotta mean I'm not under arrest but he's gonna make me miss court on the excuse of checking out my story concerning the computers and why I'm driving a truck not registered in my name. He hopes that I've done something illegal. The officer slams my door shut with a bang. He glares at me through the window then pulls out something from his pocket. It's a pack of cigarettes. I'm Reaching out to Jesse again. Nothing. How can he be sleeping?! It was his job to wake me up in time to make it to court. :JESSE!: I Send. I see smoke blowing from the officer's mouth. I'm trying to remember his name but he'd never given me one. It should be attached to his uniform below where his microphone hangs so the next time he faces me... Dummy! I can Glean that from him now. I'm boring a hole in the officer's back when he puffs on his cigarette. His name is Duncan Chevron. What I Glean further makes me even more fearful of my plight. He's told fellow highway patrol officers what he'd do to a cop killer if my path ever crossed his. It has. I reach for the right door handle with my intent to flee. No! That would give this officer the excuse he needs to shoot me. Nothing must be done on my part to provoke him. I doubt that he'd make good on what he's boasted to his friends but he does plan to delay me here so I'll miss court and anger the judge. Whatever else occurs to him to do me wrong will be, in his eyes, a small payback for what I've done to Officer Scott Danielson. I'm taking a few breaths. Calm returns to me so I try Reaching out to Jesse again. He's still asleep. My eyes open and look around the patrol car. There are bars between me and the front which reminds me with a sickening feeling that I'm likely going to jail for my assault on that police officer. I'll fight Mr. Benton every step of the way in court but he's gonna present Ron's diary as 'evidence'. He'll reveal what Ron had written about having sex with Jesse. That's the threat he'd hung over me at the Discovery meeting to get me to accept the D.A.'s plea bargain. I'm not gonna. Officer Chevron tosses his spent cigarette to the road. That's a violation where I'd seen signs warning how it costs offenders a thousand dollars for littering on the highway. He's a police officer. Who's gonna turn him in? After giving me the eye through the window, the officer gets into his car. He reaches over for something on the seat. Oh. It's a donut. He nibbles on it while scribbling something on his pad. I'm Gleaning that it's my citation for sleeping in my vehicle on the side of the highway. He hasn't filled in the time for my violation yet. A final bite is taken of his donut. He washes it down with coffee, turns to peer back at me, then he looks forward out his windshield at the back of my truck. He's probably getting his story straight in his mind to justify delaying me here on the road. No verification to my identity as Mike Yager because I'd only surrendered a temporary license to him. He doesn't know that I know he knows very well who I am. Not having the truck registered in my name only adds strength to his 'justified' suspicion that he's caught me hauling 'stolen' computers where I've admitted not having paperwork on them. Should I tip my hand by telling him that I know he knows who I am along with his intent on making me miss court? No. That'll back him into a corner. He drinks the last of his coffee which makes me aware of my full bladder. I've gotta take a piss! I stop myself from telling him so. So long as I'm sitting in his patrol car, he can't make good on what he'd do to a cop killer. I Glean what that is. There are deep crevasses in these parts where a bullet ridden body wouldn't be discovered. It's just a sick boast on his part. I'm not gonna tempt him in fulfilling it by turning my back on him if I were to get out of his car and take a piss on the road. Hey. It occurs to me that he hasn't made a call in to his station. That's standard police procedure when detaining a suspect. I'm reminded when Officer Scott Danielson had failed to call for backup when he heard someone in my bedroom. That's because his visit to my trailer wasn't going to be reported since his intent was to get Ron's diary from me. That he did. Only later at the hospital did he sign a statement attesting to his supposed arrest of me and that he'd seen Jesse escaping out my bedroom window where he'd given chase. It was Ron's ghost who had chased him out of my trailer! Jesse had been in school at the time. There's no chance for my lawyer to cross examine him on the stand about what had really happened that day but his false statement lives beyond him to cause me trouble in court. The minutes pass. I try not thinking about having to take a piss. After looking at my watch, I become anxious about the time. "Why aren't you calling in to the station?" I ask the officer. He ignores me. Anger gets the best of me which is surprising. I'd thought that Charms A Bird's compulsions that he's set in my head prevents that. "I can give you Winna's telephone number. She'll confirm what I've told you!" "Shuuut up." I bite my tongue and won't say anything more. Officer Chevron is content to just sit there and make me miss court. Precious minutes pass. I look at my watch. It's nearly nine. Even if he were to let me go, I wouldn't reach the Havre court house in time now. What will the judge do because of my absence? Probably send me back to jail to await trial. That's what I fear! All because this officer has an axe to grind for what he thinks my Indian friends and I have done to a fellow officer. I'm startled from my gloomy thoughts when I Hear Jesse! :Oh, love! I'm sorry for falling asleep. Mom was supposed to wake me up before now but you're already awake.: A pause. :Why aren't you driving?: :I'm in trouble, Jes.: :What's happening!: I Open myself to Jesse. He Pulls from my head what I'm wanting to tell him in only a few heartbeats. Thought spoken words would have taken longer. :Mike!: :I know.: I'm racing with coming up with a plan to get me out of this bad fix I'm in. Jesse could call the police... Nope. That's dumb of me to think. They all hate me. He should call my lawyer instead and tell him where I am. :They're already here,: Says Jesse. :Mr. Talbert has just come into the house with another man. They're asking mom where you are.: :Good!: I wonder who's come with Mr. Talbert? Oh, yeah. It's probably my new attorney who's offered to represent me pro bono. He was the former D.A. who has an axe to grind against the current D.A. he'd lost the last election to. If anyone can get me out of this trouble I'm in, it's Mr. James. :They're asking to see you, Mike.: :Tell 'em that I've been detained near where Route 191 and 66 meet just south of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. You have the highway patrol officer's name. Right?: :Yes. Along with him purposely making you miss court. I'll tell them!: I'm giving Officer Chevron a sly look but his back is to me. He doesn't realize that my lover is tattling on him at this moment to my attorneys and then the shit is going to hit the fan! :Mr. James wants to talk with you. I've told him that you had called me from your cell phone.: :I don't have one.: Oh. Jesse had to fib about that since he couldn't tell him about our Connection thing. I'm thinking quick. :Tell him that its battery has gone dead when I was finishing my 'call' with you.: :Okay.: Jesse lets me borrow his ear to listen in on their conversation like he did when talking with Jake on the train. Mr. James doesn't seem convinced and he asks for my cell number to try calling me. :He thinks that I'm lying about everything!: Jesse mind shouts. My thoughts are racing. We need to convince Mr. James that I am in trouble before he'll help. :You could give him Running Water's cell phone number.: No. That won't work. When my brother answers his phone, he won't know what's going on and that'll confuse things even more. Jesse agrees. He can't think of any telephone numbers to give that won't be answered by someone who'll obviously not be me. I think that when a cell isn't answering, it goes to voice mail or gives a recorded message that the number is not answering or something like that. Hmm. Jes could claim that he doesn't know my cell number because it's a new phone and I'd called him up. Naw. Mr. James is a smart guy for being a district attorney. He could ask the telephone company to give him the incoming numbers to Winna's phone. Man! What are we going to do? Jesse is trying to Read Mr. James when their arms whisper together. Through our Connection, I'm picking up on that man's thoughts. He thinks that Jesse is trying to cover for me for not being at the house. His concern is that I've gone on the run when there's no need to. There's been some recent developments to my case that are in my favor. My eyes light up. Hope fills my heart! Before we can learn more from Mr. James, he steps away from Jesse and pulls out his cell phone. He asks to be given my number again. :What should I do!: Asks Jesse in alarm. A wild idea comes to me. :Tell Mr. Talbert this...: If he can be convinced that my lover is telling the truth about me being in trouble, he'll help. I've already shown him some 'Indian magic'. Jesse repeats what I've Sent him to say to my lawyer. "Sunrise Hart's translation of Chief Gazes-up-at-the-mountain's words were flawed and incomplete. Short Hair had given you a true rendering." That certainly grabs Mr. Talbert's attention. He gives Jes sharp eyes. "I was surprised that he was able to translate the whole scroll during his visit with me at my Havre office." :That's not quite right, Jes!: I mind shout. :I'd translated only some of those chief's words at his house in Chinook, promising to do so at a later time for him.: Jesse tells Mr. Talbert that. "What's going on?" asks Mr. James. Jesse ignores him. He gets what my plan is that just might work. I'm feeling a Pulling sensation from my head and See before my inner eye a passage from that scroll I'd read to Mr. Talbert that my lover now repeats to him. He stresses certain words. "As the stream that flows towards the great Mountains of which the Great Unknown is in all places, and the stream that flows towards the Great Water of where our THOUGHTS DWELL, and the stream that flows towards the Great Forests where we OURSELVES DWELL, so did the People live as One by heeding to His teachings." Jesse pauses for a moment to let that sink in. Then he adds, "My People believe that we are all connected to each other like the streams Chief Gazes-up-at-the-mountain spoke of." Through Jesse's eyes, I See Mr. James shaking his head in bewilderment. "What has that have to do with Mike?" Jesse answers Mr. James. "You hear but you haven't listened." He turns to Mr. Talbert who has grown wide in the eyes. He gets the hint that my lover and I are Connected in thought. "Mike is in trouble so he needs your help," says Jesse in a stern voice. "What was that patrol officer's name?" asks Mr. Talbert. "Duncan Chevron. He's holding Mike in his patrol car near where Route 191 and 66 meet." "Why did he stop Mike?" Jesse shakes his head. "He found Mike sleeping in his truck parked on the side of the road. That officer cited him but he won't let Mike go because he wants to make him miss court." "How does Mister Yager know that?" asks Mr. James. He's finally showing some interest in Jesse's account but remains skeptical. "Officer Chevron is holding Mike because that truck he's driving isn't registered in his name. He thinks it could be stolen like the computers in his truck bed. That's not so! Mike asked the officer to call my mother to confirm everything. He told Mike to shut up." Winna says, "I'd given my husband's truck to Mike. He was bringing those computers up from..." "...to the Chinook Community Center," says Jesse to prevent his mother from blurting out that I'd left Montana by taking them down to see Jake. Jes gives his mother a gesture to keep silent. That's not lost on Mr. James. "What aren't you telling me, Jesse? If those computers aren't stolen, why didn't Mike wait to deliver them until after his Hearing? He knew that court is at ten. Now, he's going to show up late or not at all which will anger the judge. She'll issue a bench warrant for his arrest and revoke his bail on account of his absence." :Mike!: :I'm scared too!: Mr. Talbert explains things. "Mr. Yager had driven Winna and her son down to South Dakota so they could visit a family member attending the Rosebud Indian Mission School. I didn't know this until he was already there otherwise I would have stopped him." "Ah..." breathes Mr. James. "What about those computers?" Jesse explains that. "They were a donation to that Jesuit school but the Father gave them to Mike so he can teach computers at the Chinook Community Center. My mother, Jake and I returned home by train since there's no room in his pickup truck for all of us." :Where's Jake?: I Ask. :He's still sleeping,: Answers Jesse. :I put him in our bed since he was dead tired after our journey. He couldn't sleep any on the train. I was on the couch resting my eyes like you were but I'd fallen asleep. Mom, too. That's why she didn't wake me up in time to Call out to you. I'm sorry, love! All this trouble you're in is because of me!: :Don't think that, Jes. Everyone was pretty tired so I don't blame you. You're helping me now. Can you get Mr. James' ass in gear so he'll get this officer to release me?: :I will, love!: Jesse's sense of guilt changes to one of determination to do just that. He grabs the telephone and hands it over to Mr. James. "Who can you call to get that highway patrol officer to let Mike go?" "It's not that simple," says Mr. James. "If Mike is under arrest for suspicion of theft, he'll be taken to the station." "That officer hasn't!" says Jesse. "He didn't put Mike in handcuffs or make a call to the station. He's just sitting in his patrol car to make sure that Mike misses court on purpose!" "How much time has passed since you last spoke with Mike?" "It was when you knocked on our door." "You let us into the house, Jesse." By saying that, Mr. James reveals his disbelief about when I 'called'. He's probably gonna ask Jes for my cell phone number again to try calling me himself to check out my story. Mr. Talbert speaks up to save my butt. "I believe you, Jesse. Mike is in trouble." He turns to Mr. James. "Hmm. One of his making. I can't help Mike if I don't know everything that's going on. You didn't inform me that he'd been in South Dakota until now. What else haven't you told me? We're supposed to be working together to get this young man out of the legal trouble he's in." "Mr. Yager hasn't signed the form acknowledging you as his attorney yet." Mr. Talbert holds up his hand to stay Mr. James expected response to that. "Until he does, and I'll still advise him to do so... Well. You can understand that there's an attorney/client privilege between us that had prevented me from telling you about him violating his bail agreement. He didn't know that he couldn't leave Hill County." "I needed Mike to drive me down to see my nephew!" Winna defends. "My sister had been murdered and her son left in the care of Jesuits not knowing he had family in Montana. I've gotten legal custody of Jake. If not for Mike's help..." Jesse gives his mother a hug when she breaks into tears. "Alright," says Mr. James while holding out his hands in surrender. Jesse had caught that man's gesture out of the corner of his eye with his mother's face pressed into his neck. I didn't realize that Winna was shorter than him. "I can call up the judge to inform her what's happened to Mike," offers Mr. Talbert. "We don't know what's happening to him right now," answers Mr. James. He goes deep into thought. Winna lets her son go and casts a stern gaze at Mr. James. She says, "Mike needs your help now. Can't you call someone... the sheriff's office and get him released?" "I'll try," answers Mr. James. He gives Mr. Talbert a knowing look. He looks at his watch then asks, "Put in a show at court and tell the judge that Mister Yager is being delayed. I'll make some calls to find out what's happening with Mike. If he's not been brought to the highway patrol station and that officer is holding him in his car, that could play into our hands." Mr. Talbert nods when he gets it. I'll join you in court as soon as I can." Mr. James turns to Winna. "Do you have a vehicle to drive me over to the court building?" "Yes," the woman replies. "My pickup was having some problems so that's why I asked Mike to drive us down to South Dakota using my husband's truck. I can get us into town." "Good. Do you have a copy of that truck's registration Mike is driving?" Winna nods, turning to a pile of mail set over the counter. "I saw an envelope that's addressed from the DMV." She plucks an envelope from the stack, and to her surprise, finds a second envelope coming from them. "They're addressed to my husband and this one is for Mike." "Go ahead and open them." Winna does. Jesse is standing close to his mom and sees that the envelope addressed to his dad does contain the renewed registration to his truck. What I'd given that patrol officer was a desk copy issued on the spot by the DMV. The second envelope addressed to me contains my Montana driver's license. :It is a cute picture of you,: Says Jesse. I'm seeing my driver's license through his eyes. :Yeah. It is, isn't it?: I'm glad that Jesse isn't feeling so tense. It's my hope too that Mr. James will get me out of this situation and turn the tables on that patrol officer. Winna hands the envelopes over to Mr. James. "Mrs. Winnapah. I'll need the telephone number to that Jesuit school so I can verify with Father... ah. What is his name?" "Father McMillan." "Yes. I need to verify that he'd given Mike those computers." "The police can't know that Mike had been with us in South Dakota!" says Jesse. "They'll put him back in jail." "Don't worry, Jesse. Once I confirm things with Father McMillan, the police only need to know that Mike had legal ownership of those computers. That is what he told the patrol officer. Right?" Jesse nods. "Do you have a fax machine?" "No," answers Winna. "There's a place in town where you can do that. Why do you need one?" "I'll ask the Father to fax me a statement that he'd given those computers to Mike. Armed with that and a signed statement from you granting Mike permission to drive your husband's truck should release him from custody." Winna nods. "I need to leave now if I'm to get over to the court building on time," says Mr. Talbert. Jesse looks up at the kitchen clock. It's nearly nine thirty. That's what my watch is also telling me. "Go. I'll join you as soon as I can. Don't tell the judge what's happening. Ask that Mister Yager be called at the end of the dock list." "I understand," answers Mr. Talbert. He hefts his briefcase and starts walking out of the kitchen. Jesse calls out to Mr. Talbert. "Thank you. For everything." Mr. Talbert gives my lover the eye. His are only suspicions about how Jesse is in contact with me but if he ever asks about it, I'll just tell him that it's an 'Indian magic' thing between us. He's seen that before when I was able to translate Chief Gazes-up-at-the-mountain's words written in Old Siksika because my former self knew that language. I'd told him about Chris. Mr. James pulls out his cell phone. Winna quickly asks if he'd like her to make some coffee. He declines with a hand wave, speaking into his phone to someone. Jesse thinks it's a woman. Probably his secretary. :How do you know?: I Ask. :That's my impression, love. Are you still sitting in that police car?: I know that Jes can Read people but he isn't touching Mr. James. :Well... Are you or not?: I've been squirming over my seat for the past hour. :Yeah. I've really got to take a leak or I'm gonna explode!: :Don't ask to be let out of his car to do your business,: warns Jesse. :Just hold it for a while longer!: I know what my lover means. He's Pulled from my head everything that's been happening to me and what I've been thinking. Officer Chevron can't be given an excuse to shoot me in the back and toss me into the crevasse as he'd like. Jesse picks up on what I'm thinking and he shudders. :He won't, Jes. Lots of people think things they'd like to do but they don't act on them.: :Don't you do anything stupid to tempt him!: :I won't.: With crossed legs, I'm trying not to pee in my pants. Jesse is asked something by his mom in Siksika. He answers her. "No. Let him sleep, mom. He don't need to come with us to court and the rest will do him good." "I'll leave Jake a note then," says Winna. "I could stay home with him." "He's not going anywhere. You told Mike that we'll attend all of his court sessions and besides, you need to drive Mr. James." Winna releases a tense sigh. She looks towards the bedrooms with concern. "Mom! Jake isn't going to try to run away. I expect that he'll be sleeping for hours and he needs it. He didn't get any sleep on the train. We'll come back soon without him knowing that we'd left the house." "I'll leave a note just in case," answers Winna. "You could stay..." "No way! We both promised Mike to be there for him." "Jes-ee-ah. With the way things are looking, Mike isn't going to make it to court today." "Mom!" gasps Jesse. "I'm sure that Mr. James will bring Mike home but that could take hours. They have to clear up this mess at the police station. That's why he needs your father's truck registration and to talk with Father McMillan to prove that Mike hasn't done anything wrong." "Excuse me... Mrs. Winnapah?" "Yes?" "I need the telephone number to reach that Jesuit school." Winna digs into her purse. She hands over a piece of paper that he dials the number from. "Is this the direct line to Father McMillan?" "That will get you to his secretary, Rosemary. Maybe I should speak with her first." "If she needs some convincing as to why I'm calling him... Hello? My name is Mister James and I urgently need to speak with Father McMillan." I'm zoning out for a moment when my bladder threatens to explode. My crossed legs tighten. I close my eyes. Breaths are held. I'm not gonna be able to trick myself for much longer. A sense of calm comes over me. I know that Jesse is doing that. He's helped me get to sleep by Reaching into my head through our Connection so this isn't much different. What's happened to my eyes? :I can't see, Jes!: :Relax. I'm blocking your pain, love. If I pull back so your other senses return, I won't be able to help you.: I am feeling relieved by what my lover is doing. A concern strikes me. :How can I know if I'm not pissing in my pants already?: :You aren't, love. I'm soothing the need by your bladder to release.: I feel myself fading as if going to sleep. The sensations to my sore butt (from all that sitting during my long drive), my bladder and even the rest of my body feels distant from me. Only Jesse's voice in my head assures me that I'm awake but I lose all sense of time. A woman's loud booming voice in the car startles me from my light sleep. "What's your location, Duncan?" The officer reaches up for his microphone hanging down from his left shoulder and speaks. "191 about half a mile south of 66." "Are you detaining Mike Yager?" That gives the officer pause. He thinks a moment then presses the button to his microphone. I'm ready to call out for help if he denies it! "That's an affirmative. I've detained him on suspicion of codes 1 and 10." There's a long pause. Then a man's voice is heard coming over the radio. "Mister Yager's attorney has called me. I've been assured that the pickup truck was loaned to him. He's transporting computers to the Chinook Community Center. When was your interdiction of Mr. Yager?" "He was sleeping in the truck on the side of the highway. I'm about to give him a citation for that." "Time of interdiction," the captain repeats. "About ten minutes ago." That's a lie! I glance at my watch for the time - it's already ten thirty! This officer has delayed me here for two hours. "Dispatch doesn't have a call in from you." "I was about to ask for a 10-29," explains Officer Chevron. "I've been searching the suspect's vehicle with his consent. There's a whole bunch of computers in his truck bed that he doesn't have paperwork for." "Look, Duncan. That attorney is giving me hell. He was the former D.A. for Hill County and he's assured me that Mister Yager has legal possession to transport those computers." "Are you telling me to let Mister Yager go on his attorney's say so?" Wow. That sounded like he's talking back to his captain. The man's voice over the radio becomes deadly serious. "Officer Chevron. You are going to give Mike Yager an escort, at speed, to the Havre court house. He has to put in an appearance on another matter I'm sure you know about. Hear me?" "Affirmative." Nothing more is said over the radio. A satisfying grin forms on my lips when the officer turns to look back at me through the bars separating us. "You have powerful friends, Mister Yager." "Yeah. They keep me from being tossed into a crevasse." That draws a sharp look from the officer. I've been Gleaning him for illegal things he's done but I don't See anything. He's served on the highway patrol for over twelve years and has a clean record. Keeping me from attending court was just some payback he wanted to give me for what I'd done to Officer Danielson. Now, he fears that's blown up in his face. "You can get out." When I open the door and step out, I'm nearly pissing in my pants. Jesse is snapped out of concentrating on dulling my bladder pain. While nearly running to the front of my pickup truck, he Pulls from my head what's just transpired in the patrol car. I unzip my fly and let go. Ahhhhhh. :That was risky of you to mention being tossed into a crevasse, love.: :I was angry at him for thinking I'm able to avoid trouble because I have powerful friends.: :But you do. Mr. James thinks he's going to save your butt in court today. We're not without Power ourselves. People can't find out about that, Mike.: He's used my White name which shows his disappointment in me. :No, love. I am not disappointed in you. You've come so far!: No need to Answer that. Jes knows how grateful I am for helping me find my true self. At the back of my truck, I retie the rope securing the tarp. That reminds me about needing to fill up on gas. There's nothing around these parts. Oh, yeah. Dirt-brought-up-in-his-hand had given me a five gallon gas container. I'd moved it from my truck bed to make room for all those computers. I fetch it from behind my seat and empty it into the tank. Officer Chevron glares at me through his windshield. He waves for me to approach. Oh-oh. Has he come up with another idea to make me miss court? I approach the officer's window which he rolls down. Without a word, he's returning my temporary driver's license and the truck's registration to me. "I'll need that citation to show the judge why I'm arriving late." He grunts, pulling the ticket from his pad and he reluctantly hands it over. "Tell me one thing," asks Officer Chevron. I look up from studying my citation to meet his gaze. "How did your attorney know where you were?" My eyes flash in alarm. "Ah. You didn't see my cell phone?" I can fib just as good as Jesse. Well. Maybe not. The officer shakes his head doubtfully. "I'd pat you down and didn't find one on you." I stare at the man without answering to that. "My old wreck of a truck can only do fifty." I'd said that to change the subject and to explain why I won't be driving the limit when he escorts me to... A thought strikes me. :Jes. Can you ask Running Water to meet me at the Chinook Community Center? He can help me unload the computers there and drive me to court in his truck. Alright?: :I will, love. That's what I'd Asked you before you fell asleep.: That sounded like a 'told you so' from Jes but through our Connection, that's not what he'd meant. He's feeling bad about falling asleep himself. I let the officer know that I'll be making a stop in Chinook. He shakes his head in response. "I've been ordered to escort you to Havre to make sure you attend court." "That wasn't your intent when you'd purposely delayed me for two hours!" "Mister Yager. Get into your truck right now or I'll drive you there myself." This officer is deadly earnest. "I need to drop those computers off at the community center first. My arrival is expected there." I'd said that to explain my need for that stop in Chinook and to let him know I won't be alone when he escorts me the rest of the way to Havre. "Fine. You're going to be even more late for your Hearing. That's not my fault for angering the judge." I'm considering his words. Naw. Dropping those computers off will only be a small delay. I'm facing an hour's drive to reach Chinook so I hope that I won't be falling asleep at the wheel when my adrenaline rush wears off. Running Water will drive me the rest of the way where I can nap before my Hearing, if there's even gonna be one with me being so late. I run back to my truck before the officer changes his mind. My citation is pocketed. The empty gas container is grabbed from the road and tossed behind my seat after I get in. Seatbelt is put on. I turn the key in my ignition... The engine starts to my relief. There's only a little more than a quarter tank of gas. I hope that's enough for me to reach Chinook. I'm startled by a siren blast. Officer Chevron passes me on the highway with his lights flashing. I put my truck in gear and follow him. We make that left turn onto Route 66. He speeds to sixty miles an hour in spite of telling him that this truck can't do that. Now he wants to rush me to my court appearance! I'm game since that's in my best interest too so long as the engine doesn't overheat. Hmm. He wouldn't dare play more tricks on me before we reach Chinook, would he? I'm sure there's crevasses between here and there. :We're on our way to court,: Says Jesse. I See Winna driving her pickup truck with Jesse beside her. Mr. James is sitting by the passenger side window trying to look as dignified as he can while being driven by Indians. Through my lover's eyes, I Look at this man. He's wearing a suit, of height where his head nearly hits the ceiling and his graying hair proves his age. A man in his fifties or older. That makes sense since anyone who's been a district attorney has had to proven himself through years of being an attorney and the experience that brings. He'll be able to explain things to the judge; why I'm late so she won't get mad and put me in jail for the rest of my trial. That's my hope, anyway. :How long will it take you to reach Chinook?: Asks Jesse. :At least an hour.: :That's good. I've called Running Water who was at the court house. He's on his way to Chinook now and will reach it before you do.: :Does he have the keys to get us in?: I Ask. :Of course. He's often driving grandfather over there.: Relief fills me. Even if I'm unable to take a nap from Chinook to the court house, I'd want my brother at my side. I don't trust Officer Chevron. He's likely facing trouble for delaying me from attending court. I'd heard that in his captain's voice when scolding him. After twenty minutes of driving through the reservation (a vast wasteland), my engine's temperature nears the red zone. I reduce my speed to fifty five with the officer's car slowing to match my speed. I gradually slow to fifty and with relief, the temperature gage drops to the yellow zone and remains there. I'd driven all them miles from South Dakota without a problem. I'm silently pleading to this truck to hold out for forty more minutes! :We're at the court house,: announces Jesse. Through my lover's eyes, I see lots of news vans parked along the street. It's a madhouse with reporters and line of policemen keeping a small crowd of Indian protestors from entering the building's entrance. So few of them. Mr. Benton had asked the judge to move my trial down to Great Falls because he claimed that the Native protestors would get out of control and disrupt proceedings here. Hah! It was the police themselves who'd entered the courtroom that'd upset the judge. The prosecutor knows that there's an advantage by moving my trial away from this Indian dominated area where they won't likely be in the jury pool or be willing to drive ninety miles to be in court to support me. There isn't a big crowd here. :Maybe they're sitting in court,: assures Jesse. Maybe. :Has Mr. James told you anything?: Jes knows what I mean. He'd Read from him earlier that there's some recent developments in my case that are in my favor. I was hoping that my lover has picked up on what that is. :No. Nothing. He's been silent all the way through town. It's wrong of me to Read him, love. Remember what Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn had asked you about using your Power to Glean People?: :I'm not doing that to family anymore,: I defend. :Mr. James is a lawyer.: Jes knows what I mean since their kind are almost as slimy as politicians. :You'll find out what's going on when...: Jesse is distracted from Saying anything further when Winna is asked by Mr. James to drive past the chaos and drop him off a block away. He adds that she won't find parking around here. My lover goes ahead and Reads this man's real intent. He doesn't want the news reporters to videotape him being driven by Indians. How can I accept this man as my attorney if he thinks like that? :He has to keep up the right image if he's to defend you properly.: :Yeah, sure. He's only defending me because it's to get back at the D.A. By making him look bad, Mr. James hopes to win the next election against him to regain his old job as district attorney.: :You're such a sour puss to be thinking that way about him, Mike.: There Jes goes using my White name when he doesn't like what I've Said. :Why would he take my case on for free? It's not because he wants to fight for the cause of Indians like Mr. Talbert who has his heart in the right place. He wouldn't feel embarrassed to be seen dropped off by Indians in front of the court house.: My lover doesn't Answer me. I tighten my hands around the steering wheel and step on the gas. The police car escorting me doesn't speed up so I'm having to brake to prevent rear ending him. I take a deep breath to calm myself. :I'm sorry, Jes.: :Me too, love.: I'm really having to put on the brakes when Officer Chevron slows to a stop. He's turned his car sideways to block my path and sounds his siren. What's going on? When he gets out of his car, I keep an eye on his right hand to see if he's drawing his gun. The officer strides over to my window. "What's wrong?" Did he hear the fear in my voice? "I didn't complete filling out your citation." He holds out his hand. "No way! You're gonna put down a time that'll jive with what you've told your captain so you won't get into trouble for detaining me." I shouldn't have told him that but I was angry. "Shut off your engine and get out of the truck, Mister Yager." Oh-oh! Jes mind shouts that this officer intends to shoot me. I can't Read this man because that's my lover gift to know what someone is thinking at the moment; I can only Glean what someone has done. I'm figuring that he only wants to make that 'correction' on my citation as I've said. That'll make it harder for the judge to believe my story about him purposely delaying me from attending court on time. I'm looking out my windows in alarm. We're alone in the middle of a vast wasteland where he could carry out his boast about dealing with a cop killer. That's why Jesse is thinking he's stopped me. He urges for me to drive around his car and make a run for it. No way! He'd shoot at me for sure with the justification for not following his order. I think quick. "You've asked me how my attorney knew where I was." That gets the officer's attention. "I've been wired with a transmitter. They've heard everything that you've said." I know. It sounds too fantastic to be believable but I had to tell him something. "Show me." He's calling my bluff. I'm shaking my head while giving him a sly grin to hide my fear. I up the ante. "Officer Chevron. You're already in enough trouble as it is without compounding it. Get back into your car and escort me like your captain ordered you to." The officer turns away to think about what I've said. No. He's looking up the road. I see it too - a truck speeding towards us. When it nears, I see the Native driver so I'm honking my horn to get his attention. He stops on the highway near where the officer is standing. "Hello!" I've said that in English because I don't think this man is Blackfoot. He could be Cree but I'm not sure. :He is, love. I call tell by his facial features. Ask for his help!: "What's going on?" asks the Native. I must be careful with what I tell him. Not too strongly a worded plea for his help so the officer won't turn on us both. "I'm on my way to the Chinook Community Center." I glare at the officer. "I'm escorting him there." The Indian looks at the way the officer's patrol car is blocking my path. I'd be puzzled by that too. "This is the right way to get there. Right?" "Sure. Chinook is about a half hour's drive north." "I'm Mike Yager." My face reveals my silent plea for his help. He must have heard my name on the news and about my trouble with the police. "My name is Howard Three-horses. He looks at the officer with suspicion. Officer Chevron is about to say something but thinks better of it. He walks back to his patrol car and gets in. "Trouble?" "There might have been if you hadn't come along. I think he was gonna lynch me." A blast from Officer Chevron's siren cuts me off from telling Howard more. The patrol car starts moving. With a farewell hand gesture, I put my truck in gear and follow him north on the highway. To my relief, I see Howard turning his pickup around in my rearview mirror to follow me. :He's saved your butt, love.: :Yeah. I don't know why he wants to help me since I'm not Cree." :Everyone knows what you've done to help my People that's gotten you into trouble with the police. Indians band together against the White skins. I'm glad that he's making sure you'll reach Chinook.: :Me too.: The long miles pass with fatigue catching up with me. I'm often rubbing my eyes and yawning up a storm. Jes talks me to death to keep me awake. In a long drawn out way, he's Told me that Winna and him have taken their seats in the courtroom. Another case is being heard by the judge. Mr. Talbert sits closer up front. There's a lot of Natives in the audience. Mr. James is standing outside the courtroom awaiting my arrival. Jes and his mom had been mobbed by reporters outside the court building but they refused to answer their questions. A reporter had shouted above the throng asking if they were pleased that John Danielson had stepped down as interim police chief. That's news to us. We reach Harlem and turn west on Route 2. My spirits lift when a sign says that Chinook is eighteen miles away. Howard's pickup is still seen in my rearview mirror. I'm grateful to him for sticking with me so Officer Chevron wouldn't come up with another trick to delay me, or worse. Jes Tells me that the bailiff has called my name. Mr. Talbert stands up to say that I've been delayed but my arrival is expected shortly. The judge doesn't ask why. She gets the bailiff to call the next case. Mr. Laxor is sitting alone at the prosecutor's table. Where's Mr. Benton? I'm looking at my watch. It's eleven thirty! I figure that I won't reach the court house for an hour. Hopefully, the court breaks for lunch so I'll be there when they return. Officer Chevron takes a turn that'll lead to the Chinook Community Center. I wasn't sure that he was allowing my stop there but he probably wants to get Howard off his back before continuing on to Havre. With the blaring of his siren, we speed through a few stop signs. I hope that Howard won't get cited by the officer for staying right on my ass. We enter the community center's parking lot. I see a red Ford pickup near the side entrance. Running Water must be sitting in it because I hear him honk his horn. The patrol car stops. I'm parking my truck near the side door. Howard's pickup is nowhere in sight. He must have taken off. I jump out the door and run towards Running Water. He's getting out of his truck. Such a grim expression on his face but that's because he's looking past me at the patrol car. Officer Chevron remains sitting inside of it. "How are you, Mike?" "I'm alright now!" I couldn't contain the excitement and relief from being heard in my voice. When Running Water flares his eyes at me in warning, I resist the urge to hug him. "Let's get those computers inside." "Sure." I'm surprised that Running Water doesn't look at me. Is he mad or something? :What does your heart tell you, love?: Sends Jesse. Hmm. We do have an unwanted 'guest' watching us. That must be why my brother is acting stoic in front of me. We walk to my pickup and he helps me untie the ropes securing the tarp. It's rolled off to reveal ten computers, monitors, keyboards and mice. It's gonna take us half an hour to get them all inside, I realize. Another delay. When Running Water grabs for a monitor, I tell him: "Those can be set over the computers so let's get them inside first." He only nods in reply. We're carrying a computer each into the side entrance, turn left, go down the hall and Running Water enters a storage room. There are rows of boxes piled to the ceiling, long stacks of folding chairs and a wooden table in here. I hope there will be room for the ten computers. After we set them down, I stop Running Water from leaving the room with my hand on his left arm. He gives me a sharp look. "Thanks for meeting me here." I was gonna hug him instead but when seeing his eyes, I know that he wouldn't have welcomed that. Have things become serious between him and Murl? "Mike..." I Sense that my brother has something hard to tell me. My eyes flare in warning when I see Officer Chevron peering into the room. Running Water turns abruptly to him. "What are you doing inside the building?" The officer looks past Running Water to glare at me. Then he steps back from the doorway without answering but we know why he's here. I tell him, "You can help us carrying in the computers." I'd said that to break this tense moment. My brother can be quite a hot head. "That's not my job." The officer just wants to make sure I'm not trying to escape. Running Water walks past while muttering an Indian curse under his breath. I also pass this 'White skin' with an uncomfortable itching to my back. It's not wise to turn away from an armed enemy. That's Christopher's thinking. We fetch two more computers from my truck bed. To my relief, the officer returns to his patrol car. Oh. He's answering a radio call. Running Water quickly leaves the storage room so we don't get the chance to talk. He's rushing now. I'm panting for breath when carrying the first monitor into the building. Four more trips to go not counting the keyboards and mice that remain. We return outside. I'm startled by a flash. Officer Chevron is taking pictures of what remains in my truck bed and he takes shots of us. I'm surprised by Running Water's violent response. "Stop that!" he shouts. He angrily approaches the officer. Another photograph is snapped of Running Water. "Peace, my brother!" I plead to him in Siksika. "I'm just documenting things," explains Officer Chevron. "By taking a picture of me? You're weakening my spirit by doing so!" The officer lowers his camera to look at it. He laughs in disbelief. "Are you mocking my beliefs?" asks Running Water. "No... These computers could be stolen and you're an accomplice after the fact so that's why I'm taking these photographs." Running Water holds out his hand. "Give me the film." Officer Chevron becomes angry for being told what to do. He reaches down for his firearm while giving Running Water a stern warning. "You're interfering in police business. Stand back!" To my surprise, Running Water keeps his place. He's only a few steps from the officer so there's no way he could avoid getting shot dead. My brother raises his right fist in a show of Red Power. "Do as he's asked!" I shout in English. The officer looks at me with a wolfish grin. "Hand over that citation, Mr. Yager." "The film," Running Water demands when reaching out his hand for it. I need to warn my brother that this officer might shoot us! It becomes a tense moment. I'm considering handing over my citation to end this standoff. Running Water takes a step closer to the officer with his hand open. To my relief, the officer opens his camera. "It doesn't matter. I've seen those computers in Mr. Yager's truck bed." The officer pulls out the film and tosses it down at Running Water's feet. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see him reach up for his microphone. "10-99 at the Chinook Community Center!" That sounded like the officer's plea for help. His radio crackles when a voice is heard coming from it. "Chinook 1218 responding. I'm only a few blocks away." That voice had sounded familiar. "Help is on the way," warns Officer Chevron in a deadly tone. Running Water stomps on the film cartridge until it breaks open. He brings it up to his chest and breathes in deeply a few times. I hear low chanting from him. What's going on? :My uncle is drawing back the Power that man had tried stealing from him.: Says Jesse. :It's only a camera.: :He believes that taking photographs weakens his spirit.: :Really?: I'd thought that was only my brother's excuse so the officer won't take pictures of him. A siren is heard wailing in the distance. It gets closer. Running Water seems oblivious to the approaching threat. He crumples the film and lets it fall from his fingers. A sly grin is given me. "You're in for it now," warns Officer Chevron. I'm feeling dread. Why is it that trouble always finds me? Running Water faces the officer with a deadly look of his own. "It's you who are in trouble. We know that you delayed Mike on the road so he'll miss his court appearance. Those computers aren't stolen. He was given permission to drive that pickup truck." "Be that what it may, I'm going to see to it that you're both arrested." "On what charge?" I ask. The officer smiles. "Interfering with police business and failure to follow my orders." He glares at the Indian. "Attempted assault by you." He drops his camera to the ground where it shatters. My eyes widen in alarm. The officer draws his gun and points it at us. "Don't move!" A Chinook police car speeds into the parking lot. Officer Chevron glances over his shoulder with a look of victory in his eyes. The arriving officer gets out of his car. It's Hawk-swooping-down! "What's going on here?" "Help me arrest these men," asks Officer Chevron. "That one assaulted me." He points his gun at Running Water. In a quick spurt of Siksika, he tells Hawk-swooping-down what's been going on: Officer Chevron taking photographs of us and his false claim that he was attacked. Officer Chevron doesn't understand Siksika but he's figuring what's going on here between the Indians. "I remind you of your duty as a fellow police officer! Help me arrest them." "You're out of your jurisdiction, officer. If you don't put away your firearm, I'm going to arrest you." "What? You've got to be kidding! What's the charge?" "The illegal detention of Mike Yager for starts." Officer Chevron is shaking his head in disbelief. "My captain ordered me to escort Mister Yager to the Havre court house." "Howard Three-horses saw you stopping Mister Yager in the middle of the res. and called it in fearing for his safety. Were you planning on lynching Mike out there?" "Is that what that Ind... Howard told you? He's lying!" "I know Howard Three-horses and believe what he's said." "You were purposely trying to keep me from making my court appearance!" I shout. "That's why you tried getting that citation you wrote back from me to fill in a time later than when you detained me." "Keep silent," Hawk-swooping-down asks in Siksika. "All you Indians stick together!" says Officer Chevron. "If you arrest me, it'll mean your badge." "We'll see who loses their badge. You can either leave here in peace or force me to arrest you. It's your choice." Hawk-swooping-down pulls out his gun in a ready position. Officer Chevron sees the predicament he's in. If he shoots Running Water standing before him, Hawk-swooping-down will shoot him in the back. "I need to call in," whispers Officer Chevron. "Go ahead." To my relief, the officer holsters his gun. He then reaches up for his microphone but pauses from talking into it to address Hawk-swooping-down. "Are you going to escort Mister Yager to Havre?" Hawk-swooping-down nods. He holsters his gun. "Dispatch. This is Officer Chevron at the Chinook Community Center." "Go ahead, Duncan." Officer Chevron wets his lips when he thinks of what to say. "I'll be returning to my patrol area. Chinook Officer..." He turns to get a glimpse of his name badge. "...Hawk Swooping Down will be escorting Mister Yager to the Havre court building." "I copy your message," says the woman. "Hold on..." Before dispatch broke contact, we heard a man's faint voice saying something to her in the background. "Officer Chevron. The captain wants you to report back at the station immediately. Do you copy?" "Affirmative." Officer Chevron lowers his hand from the microphone. I can see in that man's eyes the trouble he's in. He quickly hides it by feigning a grin. "I'll be making a full report," warns Officer Chevron. "You two will be going to jail and you, officer, will lose your badge for not assisting me." "Shut up. No one is going to believe your lies." I've really enjoyed saying that to the officer. He gives me an angry look but that turns to bewilderment and then fear when I touch my right ear and wink at him. He's now believing what I'd told him about being wired with a transmitter that's heard every word he's said to me. Jesse did, that is, but there's no way I was gonna tell him about our Connection thing. Officer Chevron gets into his patrol car and drives off. Running Water speaks with Hawk-swooping-down to fill him in on what's happened. I stand beside my truck, holding onto the tailgate to fight against a fainting spell. They notice my distress. "Mike. Go sit in my truck and we'll carrying in the rest of those computers." I nod, gathering my strength to make that walk to Running Water's truck. Everything that's happened has caught up with me. Jesse Calls out and I Answer, feeling that Pulling sensation from my head. He's relieved that Hawk-swooping-down had come to my rescue and Running Water will be driving me to Havre. A sense of calm comes over me. I fall into a blissful sleep. I'm awakened by a hand pulling on my left shoulder. "Mike. Wake up." I open my eyes and turn to Running Water. A big yawn comes out my mouth. "Where are we?" "A few blocks from the court house." We're waiting for the red light to change. "Thank you for driving me." Running Water only nods. I'm looking for Hawk-swooping-down's patrol car but I don't see him in front or behind us. "Wasn't he gonna escort us?" I ask between yawns. "Hawk-swooping-down? He's been called back to the Chinook Police station." "Is he gonna get in trouble again on my account?" "Mike. He did what he had to do to protect us. I wouldn't worry about him 'cause I've seen him wiggle out of tighter situations." Running Water laughs. "Officer Chevron has a lot of explaining to do back at his station. Your new attorney almost seemed glad when I told him about that scene in the parking lot. I'd almost gotten myself shot." "I know." We exchange looks. The light changes and Running Water steps on the gas. Another concern comes to me. "My brother? About us..." Running Water releases a tense breath. "We'll talk about it later." "There may not be a later." "Don't be concerned about your Hearing. A lot of things have happened since you were in South Dakota. I expect the D.A. will be dropping that charge against you today or sometime soon." "Really?" Relief fills me for that but I realize that Running Water is trying to avoid another subject closer to our hearts. I decide to press it. "If you and Murl are getting serious... I want you to know that I'm happy for you. Really!" Running Water sadly shakes his head. "We're not." "What happened?" My brother takes a deep breath but he doesn't answer me. His attention is drawn to the protestors in front of the court house who are spilling into the street that policemen are trying to keep clear. We're stuck behind a line of cars trying to get past them. "Maybe I should let you out here." I'm grabbing my brother's right arm. "Tell me first. Okay?" Running Water grips the steering wheel and keeps his eyes forward. When I think he won't answer me, he does in a low snarl. "Murl only saw me as a good fuck." I gasp. "I'm sorry!" "Don't be. It was good sex for me too but there's no feelings involved." Running Water gives me a quick glance. Hope fills my heart for us. "Mike. You were right." "About what?" "You're going to be with Jes-ee-ah. Give him your full heart as he deserves and... I'll be free to find someone for me. Do you understand?" Tears sting my eyes. I'm nodding in agreement to what he's said though my heart rails against it. "You're still going to be my brother?" "Yes. Someone has to get your ass out of trouble." We're laughing for a tense moment. Running Water follows the car in front of him when the policemen clear the street of protestors. I'm startled by a knock on my window. "Mister Yager!" I see a reporter standing outside my door who's quickly joined by others. A light shines in my face by a cameraman. I'm turning to Running Water. "I'll get out here." He nods. "My brother?" Running Water opens his mouth to say something but thinks better of it. "Thanks for everything." "Good luck in court." I'm opening my door and race towards the court house admits the clamoring of reporters asking me questions. They want to know why I'm late for my Hearing and though it's very tempting to vent my anger at Officer Chevron, I keep my mouth shut. A policeman blocks my way in front of the stairs. "Let Mister Yager pass," shouts a commanding voice. I'm allowed through the police barricade. Bill Ruston meets me on the lower stairs. He's dressed in full police uniform and a smile on his lips. "I'll escort you, Mike." "Thanks." "No. I'm the one who should be thanking you." I slow my feet up the marble stairs to hear what Bill has to say. Behind us, reporters are shouting but they're being kept back by the barricade held by the officers. The stairs are lined with policemen too. We're alone in a sea of chaos. Bill Ruston lays his arm across my shoulders and speaks close to my ear. "I appreciate how you spoke up for me at the meeting." That's where he offered his resignation to the Indians who were angry at the police for 'losing' their tribe's Power Bundle. I know that Bill had nothing to do with it. Eli Kie had managed to steal it out of the station's evidence room. "Have you been reinstated as police chief?" I ask. "Yes. The city council has seen fit to permit me to clean house before I retire from the force." I pause on the steps and turn to him. "You've served all the people of Havre with honor! Don't be thinking of retiring yet." "We'll see." Captain Ruston leads me up the remaining steps to the court house door. We're met by a tall man there. From having Seen him through my lover's eyes, I know that this is Mr. James. "You finally made it here, Mike." I'm only nodding in reply. Captain Ruston turns away but I stop him from descending the stairs when calling out his name. He looks up at me. "Captain? This town needs good men like you. It's a noble path you walk in the Light of our Father when truth and justice is your cloak." Captain Ruston ponders over that. I know. Those words had sounded very Indian coming from my mouth but I think he understood what I meant. Mr. James grabs my shoulder. He nearly pushes me through the door and into the hall. We're passed through a security check point. Beyond is a line of doors which I assume are courtrooms. "We don't have much time, Mike. The judge will be calling your case soon." "Sure." I set my eyes on this man and Glean him. It is as I've thought. He merely sees me as the means to win the next election so he'll get his old job back as district attorney. He's thought up plans within plans to achieve this goal whether I win in court or not. He doesn't really care about me. "Do you have that citation?" asks Mr. James. I'm fumbling in my pocket and hand it over. "You'll notice that Officer Chevron didn't fill out the time of issuance. He tried getting it back from me twice so he could make that 'correction' to a later time so the judge won't know that he'd purposely delayed me on the road for two hours." Mr. James looks around. "Let's find a place where we can talk privately." I notice the crowded halls. No reporters or policemen here but regular folks with worried looks on their faces accompanied by well dressed attorneys. I know. Having Mr. James on my case is a necessary evil no matter what his real intentions are. I have more respect for Mr. Talbert though. He's helped people with their legal troubles because he cares about them and not out of political gain. I'm pulled into an empty courtroom. While Mr. James closes the heavy door, I take a look around. The long rows of wooden pews where people would sit, official seals on the walls and that high bench where the judge sits speaks to me of White Power. This is where justice is supposedly done. Huh! Prosecutor Benton doesn't labor for the truth but to put as many people in jail as he can whether they're really guilty or not. He's even cheated to make himself look more successful. It isn't the innocence of a charged person which frees him but having a good attorney at his side to counter the prosecutor. It's just a game to them. In the balance are real lives. Like mine! I'm turning to Mr. James to Glean why he thinks he's gonna win today. "Jesse and Running Water have already given me an account of what's happened. I have a few questions for you." He gestures for me to sit beside him on a pew. I remain standing though. "Ask away." "What time did Officer Chevron pull you over this morning?" "He didn't. I was sleeping in my truck at the side of the highway. He knocked on my window out of concern for me. But when he recognized who I was, I could see his anger because he knew I'd put a fellow officer into the hospital. He told me that I would receive a citation. Ah. Eight thirty was the time." "Did he write it up on the spot?" "No." I give Mr. James an account of what happened. He's half listening to me while fingering my citation as he thinks up what to say to the judge. I don't have Jesse's gift to Read what a person is thinking at the moment but I can Glean who this man is from what he's done in the past. He's not much better than Mr. Benton when it comes to loading the dice in his favor. It's just that he's never been caught. Now I know why Mr. Benton isn't in court. This man is gloating over winging his opponent and he hopes to bring down the D.A. because of it. I'm startled when Mr. James' cell phone rings. He answers it. "The judge wants us now? Okay. We'll be right there." I'm stepping back when Mr. James flies off the pew. He's real anxious for his show down in court against Mr. Laxor whom he considers to be a cream puff. Prosecutor Benton would prove a greater challenge for him but that man's wings have been clipped so that explains why he won't be in court today. Hmm. I've had a dream about D.A.rth Benton falling from that high Ewok platform instead of me. Looks like it turned out to be true. I'm led out the courtroom door, rushed down a long hall and at a left turn, three guards allow us to pass. Mr. James opens the door for me. We enter a crowded courtroom. A hush falls over the audience. I see lots of brown faces turning in my direction but which one is him? :To your right, love.: I find Jesse! He's leaning forward from his seat and gives me a shy grin. Love bursts in my heart to see him. We're always Connected in thought and emotion but there's our need to be physically together as well. And I don't mean just the sex. :My love. I've missed you so much!: :Me too, love!: This moment is magical. Jesse's smiling face is like a glass of water for a man who's been lost in the desert. I drink my lover in. His eyes shine and I'm also Feeling that joy from him for seeing me. He was so worried about me since this morning's shenanigans. There's the sound of people coming to their feet. Jesse is lost from sight when Indians silently turn to me with a raised right fist. What a moment of Power! It's broken when the judge bangs her gavel several times and the bailiff asks everyone to sit down. Mr. James walks forward to the defense table where Mr. Talbert is sitting. I sit down between the two men. While the bailiff calls out my case number, I'm handed a sheet of paper to sign by Mr. Talbert. It says that I've accepted Mr. James to represent me. That man removes a pen from his breast pocket and slides it over to me. Our eyes meet. A sickening feeling comes over me to be played into this man's hands. :Then don't do it, love,: Says Jesse in assurance. "I'd like to have an explanation as to why Mister Yager is three hours late for his Hearing," demands the judge. Mr. James stands up. "Your Honor. My client was willfully delayed by Highway Patrol Officer Chevron. He recognized Mister Yager and held him in his patrol car without calling it in to the station. It was that officer's intent to make Mister Yager late for his Hearing or even miss it." "Do you have proof of this?" "Yes, your Honor. Mister Yager called Jesse Looks-from-mountain for help when that officer illegally held him. Jesse informed me so I called Captain Riggers who in turn radioed Officer Chevron to order him to release Mister Yager and escort him to the court house. On the way there, he stopped Mister Yager in the middle of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation to demand that he be given back the citation he had issued to him. This was witnessed by a passerby who called Chinook Officer Hawk-swooping-down out of concern for Mister Yager's safety. "Then at the Chinook Community Center's parking lot, Officer Chevron again demanded that Mister Yager return the citation. This was witnessed by Mister Running Water. That citation the officer had written didn't have the time filled in so he could put down a later time after delaying Mister Yager as long as he dared. I would like to present this citation to you as evidence." "Very well." The bailiff takes my citation from Mr. James who hands it to the judge. She examines it for a moment. Then it's handed back to the bailiff who brings it over to the prosecutor to study. "Your Honor. This incident proves yet again that there is much hostility directed at my client by members of the police force because of the charge against him concerning Lt. Scott Danielson. 'Avenging their own' comes to mind if you know what I mean." "Your Honor!" shouts Mr. Laxor. "I protest Mister James' last statements. That's his interpretation of events so I ask the court to investigate what did or did not happen between Mister Yager and that highway patrol officer." "Officer Chevron did delay Mister Yager without cause," says Mr. James. "I agree with Mister Laxor that this matter be investigated and the findings made available at Mister Yager's civil rights violation Hearing." "I've not ruled on that motion yet," says the judge. "Another defense motion had asked for a continuance so Mister Yager could find another attorney to replace Mister Talbert. You will be representing him?" "Yes, your Honor." "No he won't!" I shout. There's a roar of surprise going through the courtroom. I'm standing up in protest while Mr. James tries pushing me back down into my seat with his hand over my shoulder. I shrug him off. "What's going on here?" the judge demands. "I ask for a brief recess, your Honor, so that I may consult with Mister Yager. It's been a very stressful morning for him." "I'm not going to change my mind about him! We've only just met. I haven't signed the paper saying that he's gonna be my attorney." "Mister Yager. Has Mister James misrepresented anything that he's said on your behalf to the court?" "No, your Honor. I was purposely delayed by Officer Chevron from making it to my Hearing on time when he saw who I was." "Then what's the problem?" the judge asks. I'm turning to Mr. Talbert for his help. "Sit down, Mike." Mr. Talbert speaks louder for the benefit of the court. "I advise you to accept Mister James as your attorney to speak for you." No help there. I face the judge and ask, "Your Honor. May I not speak on my own behalf?" "That isn't advised, Mister Yager." I answer the judge, "But I am allowed to." "That is your right." The judge gives Mr. James a look of bewilderment who stands beside me with a stone hard face. "I just can't accept him as my attorney." "Why is that, Mister Yager?" the judge asks. "He's one of the most capable attorneys I've ever seen." "I believe his motives for defending me aren't that pure." There. I've said it. "Do you believe that there may be a conflict of interest between Mister James and the prosecution because he was the former district attorney?" "In a way, your Honor. I've been caught up in a power struggle in this town. Captain Ruston was put on administrative leave for doing right for me and John Danielson made police captain in his place. He's the brother to that officer I'd... the charge I'm facing in this court. He'd ordered me put in that lunatic's cell where my guard had taunted me. The video surveillance tape to prove that happened was conveniently 'lost'." Mr. Laxor speaks up. "This isn't a civil rights violation Hearing, your Honor. If you grant one for Mister Yager, that's when his allegations should be heard." "I agree," says the judge. "Sit down, Mike!" whispers Mr. Talbert. "For the record, Mister Yager. You do not accept Mister James to represent you. Is that correct?" "Yes, your Honor." I hear Mr. James grinding his teeth. He gives me a dark look before leaving the defense table. I'm sitting down. My eyes close when a wave of fatigue threatens to make me faint. "Your Honor. According to this citation, Mister Yager had left Hill County which is a violation of his bail agreement." "I was about to address that issue, Mister Laxor." Oh-oh! I see the look of triumph on that prosecutor's face. He'd come to court this morning expecting a defeat on account of Mr. Benton's cheating but now, he's been handed a diversion from that scandal by making me look bad. "What is your client's explanation for this?" the judge asks. Mr. Talbert flares his eyes at me in warning to keep my seat. He stands up to speak on my behalf. "Mister Yager was transporting computers to the Chinook Community Center and he didn't know that leaving Hill County, whose border falls between Havre and that town, was a violation. I must take the blame for that, your Honor. I didn't inform my client about that particular term to his bail agreement. It's not a major violation." "Your Honor," says Mr. Laxor. "Mister Yager had left Hill County before when attending that Blackfoot meeting which was covered by the press. We didn't pursue that violation but now, this citation which defense is trying to use for showing why Mister Yager was late today indicates that he was much farther south of Chinook. He shouldn't have been that far away from Havre this morning when he had a court appearance to make!" "He did make an appearance," defends Mr. Talbert. "When an investigation into that matter between Officer Chevron and my client makes its report to this court, the allegation of police misconduct put forth by Mister James will be proven true." "Your Honor!" protests Mr. Laxor. "How do we know that Mister Yager wasn't trying to flee? Officer Chevron could have been detaining Mister Yager after catching him outside of Hill County. That is a clear violation of the bail agreement he has with this court. I ask that Mister Yager be held in custody until we get that officer's testimony of what really took place this morning." "Why would my client flee?" asks Mr. Talbert. "We expected that the D.A.'s office will be announcing that the charge against Mister Yager is going to be dropped. Instead, Mister Laxor is grasping at straws to delay the inevitable." "That's absurd, your Honor! The charge of 'attempted murder of a police officer' is still in force against Mister Yager by the district attorney's office in spite of what's been reported in the press!" What's going on here? I've Gleaned from Mr. James that he expected a win in court this morning that concerned Mr. Benton getting caught cheating in my case but I didn't find out what that was. Mr. Talbert clears his throat. "Will your Honor be making a ruling on defense's motion to grant Mister Yager a civil rights violation Hearing?" "There were three motions made before this court," the judge says. "All of them had asked for a continuance for different reasons. I am prepared to rule on them. First. Mister Yager will be granted time to find an attorney to replace you which now, obviously, won't be Mister James. Second. I am granting your client a civil rights violation Hearing. A brief on that matter must be submitted to the court and Discovery given to prosecution by June 3rd. On the third motion put forth by Mr. Benton concerning a change of venue. I'll make a ruling on that after the pretrial Hearing is judicated if it's to the effect that no cause is found that Mister Yager's civil rights were violated." "Thank you, your Honor." Mr. Talbert is beaming so I figure that we did get a 'win' of sorts from the court. It just means that I'll be attending more Hearings. Oh, joy. "Are you going to remand Mister Yager to custody for violating his bail agreement, your Honor?" asks Mr. Laxor. "He should be held until the court learns what really took place that 'delayed' him this morning from making his appearance on time. He's proven to get into trouble again and again." The judge casts a chilly look at the prosecutor. "I don't know if Mister Yager would be safer in jail or not given what's been happening to him. I'm not ignorant to events that's come to light in this case, Mister Laxor." Turning to the defense table she says, "Mister Yager. I trust that you will keep yourself out of trouble until your case is resolved?" When Mr. Talbert nods for me to answer that myself, I rise from my chair. "Yes, your Honor. I really didn't know that leaving the county would be a violation. I've never been in trouble before. Yet I had to do what I did for the Blackfoot People and in defense of my friend." I'm drawn to look behind me when hearing lots of people getting to their feet. All the Indians are raising their right fists in support of me. There are White people standing up too. This is a very powerful moment and Jesse punctuates it by Sending how proud he is for me. I'm expecting the judge to bang her gavel or something but it remains deadly silent in the courtroom. Everyone returns to their seats. "Your Honor. I'll keep my client out of trouble," promises Mr. Talbert. "May I ask that Mister Yager be allowed to attend to his responsibilities in Chinook? He'll be teaching computer classes at that community center." "Very well. I'll order a change to your client's bail agreement so that he'll be permitted to travel to Chinook." She bangs her gavel. I'm glad that Mr. Talbert is my attorney. I wouldn't have thought to ask the judge about that. My eyes widen when I realize something. Did he know that I'll be marrying Jesse in a few weeks which will take place in Chinook? :We'd forgotten to send him an invitation,: Sends Jesse. :Maybe someone told him or it could be that he's simply covering your ass to convince the judge that you were transporting computers to the community center instead of running away like Mr. Laxor said.: :I could Glean Mr. Talbert to find out.: :Don't, love. Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn was right to scold you about using your Power on others. What does it matter why Mr. Talbert asked the judge to let you travel to Chinook? He's proving to be a wise man like an Elder for thinking ahead. His is a good heart.: :Thanks for supporting my decision not to let Mr. James defend me.: That's one instance where I don't regret using my power for Gleaning that man's true intent as to why he wanted to 'help' me. :No one likes to be played, love. Even if the result was that he would help you win your case, his motive was to use you for political gain. I didn't tell you before but when he was sitting beside me in the truck, I'd Read him after you made that sour puss remark about him not having his heart in the right place.: :What did you learn from him?: I Ask. :Not much more than you did by Gleaning him. Mr. James was expecting a quick win in court today but he'd rather draw your case out to get as much publicity for himself and put the current D.A. down in the mud before the next election.: :It looks like my case is going to be a long drawn out affair anyway. The judge has granted me a civil rights violation Hearing on June 3rd.: :No, love. She said that 'A brief on that matter must be submitted to the court and Discovery given to prosecution by June 3rd.': I know that Jes has a mind like a tape recorder. :Well. What I'd meant is that I'm gonna face more Hearings before my actual trial begins.: :At least you won't be sitting in jail on the 24th.: That's our wedding date! I turn around in my chair to catch a glimpse of Jesse but people are filing out of the courtroom. Mr. Talbert touches my arm in a gesture for me to follow him. We don't leave with the crowd but enter a small conference room connected to the courtroom. Mr. Talbert makes sure that the door is closed behind him. I sit down at a wooden table with him taking his seat opposite me. His face is grim. Oh-oh! He's got bad news to give me. "Mike. You're going to need to find a new attorney." "I know. I just couldn't accept Mister James to represent me. He's only doing so because he wants to make the current D.A. look bad so he'll win the next election against him." "I don't mean that you'll need to replace Mister James." My eyes widen when I get it. "You're not gonna represent me anymore?" The man nods. This is obviously painful for him but he feels that it's a necessary action on his part. "Okay." I'm wetting my lips and think quick. "I want to thank you for all you've done for me, Mister Talbert." "Sure, Mike." "Ah. Can you tell me what's just happened in court?" "The judge has granted you a civil rights violation Hearing. That's good news. We were expecting that ruling after what's come to light." "What's happened?" I ask. Mr. Talbert knows that I've been in South Dakota these past five days. "Well. Do you remember that discrepency I found in the search warrant? The bench copy first given me at the police station hadn't listed the Blackfoot Shaman's residence; only your trailer and Mrs. Winnapah's house. Then when Mr. Benton presented us with all his Discovery, the shaman's house appeared on that list. It smacked of a cover up to me. Five Havre officers had barged into the shaman's house looking for you while showing Mrs. Winnapah a search warrant but it wasn't given her as required. Shaman He-who-runs-up-mountains and Mrs. Winnapah signed complaints they presented to the D.A.'s office. Then that 'correction' to the list of residences the police could legally search was made. I informed Mister James who quietly investigated the matter. He has connections with court administration." "Mister Benton had made that happen. He's a cheater!" Mr. Talbert nods. "It seems that a data entry technician working for the court had put the shaman's residence on that list. The judge didn't authorize it. He ordered an investigation which uncovered what had happened. When that court clerk was confronted, she agreed to finger the man who'd asked her to make that false computer entry in return for a plea bargain. Yes. It was Mister Benton. He was aware of that clerk's previous adjustments to court records for pay from criminals but didn't prosecute her at the time. He wanted to own her." "She isn't the only one," I mutter. "That may be so. Remember when Captain Ruston was put on adminstrative leave for his alleged misconduct? That'd happened after he and Officer Miles had gone to Internal Affairs with evidence of misconduct on the part of Lt. John Danielson concerning him placing you in solitary confinement and that video surveillance tape of you being taunted by your guard was 'lost'. It was a complete reversal on the part of Internal Affairs. An investigation is now being made of that department to see if someone had been influenced, perhaps by Mister Benton, to ignore those charges against Lt. Danielson and go after Bill. The Havre City Council is in an uproar. They'd appointed Danielson to act as interim police chief not knowing that Captain Ruston had asked Internal Affairs to investigate that very officer for misconduct. And guess who'd suggested to the city council that John take over the police department? It was Mister Benton's boss." "Wow." "There's more, Mike. The city council had set up an investigatory board last week to review those charges of misconduct made against John Danielson because Internal Affairs had failed to do so. Officer Miles provided testimony that he was ordered by John to place you in solitary confinement without good cause. He believed that it was done to avenge what you'd done to his brother. John testified that it was out of concern for your safety in jail amongst the prisoner population enflamed by the Indian demonstrations going on outside the station that prompted him to place you in a protected environment. It was the best answer John could come up with to defend his action. No one believed him." I'm uttering another 'wow' but more softly. Hope fills my heart that the truth is finally coming out. "Officer Miles also testified that John Danielson told him that he made sure that video surveillance tape of your guard taunting you had been lost. John denied that of course. The guard has also denied that he taunted you. Who to believe then? "Bill Ruston testified before that investigatory board concerning those charges of misconduct made against him by John Danielson. Internal Affairs had ignored Bill's and Officer Miles' charges against John and investigated Bill instead. No evidence was presented that he'd been responsible for that theft of the Blackfoot Tribe's Power Bundle from the station's evidence room, that he violated evidentiary procedures by returning your laptop's hard drive and diary zerox to you when they'd been found on John at the hospital, or that he released criminal investigatory findings to me acting as your defense attorney." Mr. Talbert smiles. "It's well known in this town that Bill and I are good friends. I had testified that what we'd discussed was what my private investigator had uncovered about Officer Eli Kie. He was at the hospital that night Scott was murdered and he'd also been at Miss Thomas' house which burned down to the ground with her in it. Nothing about the charges you faced so it was an allowable conversation between Bill and me." I can tell that Mr. Talbert is very pleased with himself. What he's been telling me has been leading up to what he's about to say. "When the investigatory board gave their findings to the city council, they reinstated Bill Ruston as police chief." "I know. When he'd escorted me up the court house stairs, he thanked me for putting in a good word for him at the Blackfoot meeting. I hope that he won't retire after putting his house in order, as he'd put it. Your friend Bill is a good man." I can see in Mr. Talbert's eyes that I've scored a brownie point with him. Maybe he'll reconsider staying on as my attorney. "Mike. You should reconsider accepting Mister James as your new attorney. He has the legal experience and political connections that I lack. He helped uncover Mister Benton's corruption which may lead to the district attorney himself. Sure. His reasons for defending you are self motivated but that's why he's offering his services for free. You're going to be hard pressed to find another attorney who'll be able to get up to speed in time. He won't be as good as Mister James. And it will be costly." I think over Mr. Talbert's words. It does seem like I've acted rashly in court. Mr. James has done good for me. I've repaid him by embarrassing him before the judge and to the voters he hopes will reelect him as D.A. :Follow your heart, love.: I'm smiling. There's Jesse supporting me even if I have acted like an ass. :Where are you?: :We're a block away from where we've parked. It's a madhouse out here!: I'm Shown the mob of reporters following them while shouting questions. Winna and him have remained silent. :I am sorry, my love!: :It isn't your fault. Mom wants to drive you home. Do you know when you'll be outside the court house so we can pick you up?: :I don't know. I'm talking with Mr. Talbert about my case.: Jes knows that from peeking on my thoughts. :He is a good hearted man, love.: :I know. I've already told him so but he keeps pushing Mr. James on me to replace him. Maybe I should.: Jes doesn't respond to that. :I'll let you know when I'm able to meet you outside.: :Okay, love.: We break Contact, at least in thought directed words. I'm sure that he'll be Peeking on me though he's been showing restraint in making comments of late. My eyes focus on Mr. Talbert. He gives me a strange look. "You were talking with Jesse just now. Weren't you?" I'm startled by Mr. Talbert's question. Should I deny it? "That's how Jesse knew you were in trouble this morning." I'm trying to keep a plain face in front of him but I reveal a sly grin. "Is it that obvious?" "Only to someone who knows about you and Jesse. I won't tell anyone." "Thanks," I mutter. "Mike. Have you read Mister James' mind and know something I don't?" Mr. Talbert thinks I have Jesse's gift; I'm only able to Glean what a person has done, not what they're thinking at the moment. What I've Read from Mr. James sickened me. I don't like being played by him and I resent being caught up in the power struggle in this town. "You have a good heart." "It takes more than that to be a good attorney, Mike. Who better to defend you than Mister James who used to prosecute cases?" "I've learned that you have to surround yourself with good people who you can trust. I believe that Mister James wants to prolong my case so he can make the current D.A. look bad at my expense." "That's not so, Mike. He was prepared to make a motion before the judge that was expected to force the D.A. to drop their charge against you." "How?" I ask. "He didn't make me privy to what he was going to say to the judge but I can guess. There is testimonial evidence that John Danielson had violated your civil rights but it's Officer Miles' word against his. There's no smoking gun. Prosecutor Benton is expected to be charged with criminal misconduct. Though it concerns him getting that court clerk to add Shaman He-who-runs-up-mountains on that search warrant to justify those officers' entry of his home after the fact... Well. His criminal act doesn't directly relate to how he's been prosecuting you. I think Mister James was going to suggest to the judge was that that was only the tip of the iceburg concerning the corruption being uncovered involving the D.A.'s office, Internal Affairs and certain police officers in their actions towards you. A big cover up. I don't have the skill he does to make that plea to the judge for a motion of dismissal whose ear wasn't the real target. It's the district attorney's office and those investigating corruption in this town." "A quick win?" I ask. That's what I'd Gleaned from Mr. James. "Yes. Now as things stand, your best chance to win a dismissal is to prove that your civil rights had been violated. I'm not up to preparing a brief of facts and presenting them at your Hearing. Mister Benton had planned on introducing Mister Earlman's diary which you fear to be made known. You won't tell me why, Mike. That's why I can't continue being your attorney. You've said that you need to surround yourself with good people who you can trust. I'm not one of them it seems." Using my own words against me! I'm taking a deep breath to calm myself. Mr. Talbert is right about not trusting him completely but I can't tell him what Ron had written in his diary about having sex with Jesse! And then there's all those other secrets I must keep such as Eli Kie trying to bring about an end to the world. He wouldn't believe me if I told him! I've taken an oath not to reveal that. This man has already guessed that I'm Connected to Jesse in thought but he doesn't know the extent of our Powers. We fear people learning that. The government would grab us to learn how we do that like that movie about a little girl who could start fires with her mind. We'd be imprisoned in a science lab and never see the light of day. "Mike. I know that you've been caught up in something bigger than this criminal trial. I'm not asking you to reveal tribal secrets or the abilities you and Jesse possess. Yet if I'm to defend you properly, I need to know more than you're willing to tell me such as what Mister Earlman had written in his diary. Prosecution has an English translation so they know. I need to know too. Haven't I earned your trust so I can help you?" I'm biting my tongue. I've been hoping against hope that what Ron had written about Jesse wouldn't become known. I was willing to go to jail to to protect my lover, his mom and save Running Water from disgrace by what his lover had done from being known by the tribe. Part of me had also hoped that Mr. Benton couldn't actually present that diary as evidence because Ron didn't identify himself as being its author. The threat of revealing it at my trial was to make me accept the D.A.'s plea bargain. "Consult with Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn. If he'll allow you to tell me what I need to know, I'll continue to act as your attorney. Alright?" Mr. Talbert has put the spin on it being that Elder's fault for not keeping him in the loop when it's really been me. I'm nodding in reply to appease him. At least I don't have to tell my lawyer anything right now. The shame! :I'm not ashamed of what Ron did with me, love.: :Even if your mother finds out?: :She's strong. Even when mom found out that Jake was gay and what he's been doing that was going to force the Father to expell him from school...: Is Jesse about to reveal that to me?! :Love. My mother and I made a promise to Jake not to tell you or others. Please try to understand!: I'm releasing a long sigh. :Dumb secrets, Jes. Part of the trouble I'm in is because of keeping secrets from those who need to know like Mr. Talbert so he can defend me.: :I know.: There's a long pause. :It's not the Elder who prevents you from telling Mr. Talbert about what's written in Ron's diary. He'd want your attorney to know so he can defend you.: I'm shaking my head. :Mike. It's you who feels ashamed for what Ron did with me. You need to let go of your anger, love. I don't want you going to jail because of it!: :I'm not gonna accept that plea bargain. You know that, Jes.: :Only after I'd returned to myself when you broke our Connection. You'd caused that.: I'm remembering what happened. It was out of fear for my lover and the great anger I'd felt at myself for being put in that position to protect him. That's what Mike felt. When I returned to myself as Short Hair, that's when our Connection came back. Jesse is saying that I've not accepted what Ron had done with him. I just don't want others to find out! I drop my head to the table with my arms wrapping tight around it. I'm so tired! Everything that's happened to me is more than I can deal with! If things don't let up, I'm going to go crazy. All I want is to be with Jesse! He needs me to be with him too. That warm sensation of a blanket covering me fends off the cold. I'm kicking my little feet against the crib. Mommy smiles down. She sings me a lullyby and I go to sleep. The roar in my ears stops. There's the metal bang of a door closing. It's difficult, but I open my eyes to see where I am. Arms reach around me. A gentle push from my lover. Oh. Winna is helping me out of the truck. Jesse holds me up from behind until I get my feet supporting me. We walk towards the house. My head feels numb from a lack of sleep. I can't remember where we've been but I'm longing to get into bed. :Just a few more steps, love.: My heart is filled with his Warmth to fend off its terrible emptiness. I kick the porch step, my feet rising over them when I'm carried through the door. Winna smiles at me. I smile back in gratitude as she helps me walk into the front room. Jesse holds me from behind. We fall to the couch with my head resting over his enclosing arms. I'm unable to keep my eyes open. In my ears and heart and my head, I Hear my lover singing me a sweet lullyby. Sleep takes me with a smile on my lips. I awaken with my urgent need to piss. Jesse is holding me in his arms on the couch. He kisses the back of my neck. :I need to piss, too.: My lover helps me to my feet. We hold hands on our way to the bathroom. He gives me bright eyes and my heart lifts to see his utter love and devotion for me. I think that he's held me all that time I was sleeping. We drop our pants and let go into the toilet. Our two yellow streams cross in play. Then I'm turning around to sit on the pot. Jesse pinches his nose. From our Connection, he's made that gesture because of my stinking body. I could really use a shower. :How about a bath for two?: Asks Jesse with a sly grin. I'm smiling in reply. We strip out of our clothes and sit in the tub. He reaches his long arms past me to run the water. Then soap is taken to my body in a kind of massage. It soothes me. I relax in the tending by my lover. Events from this morning intrude on me. I tense up. :Love! Please don't think about that,: Jesse pleads. :We have this moment together so let's enjoy it.: I release a deep sigh. Jesse splashes water to rinse my body and hair. He's applying shampoo to my head. My pony tail is playfully pulled on and I Sense his amusement about giving me that Indian name. :You'll always be Short Hair to me in spite of growing a pony.: I'm reaching back for it. :Only the beginnings of one.: It'll take me years to grow a pony tail down my back like the Indians. That's what I admire in a warrior - his long flowing hair. Jesse brings his cupped hands up to my head to rinse it of shampoo. I lean back onto him with my butt pressing against his dick. He's not hard. Yet the meeting of our warm slippery bodies is very sensual. I relax in his arms coming around me. A yawn fills my mouth. :How long was I sleeping?: :Nearly three hours.: That surprises me since it feels like it's been much longer than that. I'm not that tired. :I'd deepened your sleep, love. You needed it!: When thoughts of what's happened to me try to intrude on this moment, I cast them away. Jesse is right. We have this moment to be together so why waste it with worrying about things beyond my control? :You have been feeling like a leaf tossed about in a storm, love.: Tears sting my eyes. :You are the calm in my life!: :And you are the Light in mine.: I close my eyes and relax in the arms of my lover until our bath water turns cold. :You can set them down over the toilet,: Sends Jesse. :Thank you.: I open my eyes in surprise. He wasn't Talking to me, I realize. Jake puts down two towels and a clean set of clothes over the dropped toilet lid. He averts his eyes from us. "Your mom has finished cooking dinner," says Jake. "She's expecting guests to arrive soon." "That would be grandfather and your uncle. They're coming to meet you." "Oh." "Don't worry, cousin. You're going to be seeing a lot of our family in the days ahead so I'm glad that it is grandfather first welcoming you to our tribe since he's nice. You'll like him." "He's... shaman of the Blackfoot. Right?" Through Jes, I Sense the boy's uneasiness to be meeting such an important man of the tribe. "I think of that old man as my own grandfather. He is kind, wise and full of humor. Don't think of him as someone to fear and respect. He is your grandfather, Jake. That's how you should greet him." "Short Hair is right," says Jesse. :Don't worry about him thinking badly of you...: I don't catch the remainder of what Jesse Tells Jake in thought spoken words. They were only for his ears... ah, head. "Well. Your mom hopes that you two will get out of the tub soon." At my lover's unspoken plea, we both stand up. Jake gives our nakedness a quick look before dropping his eyes. "You've seen us thus before. Why the embarrassment since we're all guys?" "Yeah, sure." "Could you please hands me the towels?" asks Jesse. Jake grabs them and is nearly tossing the towels at his cousin. He makes a quick escape from the bathroom. We're both laughing. :We shouldn't make fun of him,: Asks Jesse. I see the serious look on my lover's face and Feel his pity for Jake. We dry each other off in silence. When Jesse reaches over for our clothes, I stop him, pulling his brown body onto mine for a hug. He holds me close. We kiss. Our dicks pressing together begin to swell and thoughts of running back to our bedroom to make love grows strong in us. Jesse pants for breath. :Tonight, love! We're expecting dinner guests.: I tighten my arms around him not wanting this sweet moment to end. All my worries and fears about the future leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I begin shaking like a leaf. :Love! Don't be afraid.: :It's not that.: I'm not that scared about things as I feel cheated. Jes and I are always having to steal moments in our lives to be together. This hug, a night's brief time to make love followed by sleep where come morning, there's always something coming up that prevents us from enjoying a carefree time together. It's not fair! I'm gonna go crazy if we don't get some time off from the troubles life brings. "Shh. Let's take one day at a time, love. I can't think of anything you or I need to do for the rest of this week except be together. We're going to!" "Yes. I need that." Jesse tightens his arms around me. I close my eyes to surrender myself to this moment where I hope there will be many others like it to express our love and need to be physically together. Sexual joy is brief. What I mean is to simply be with my lover without having to deal with other stuff. We dry each other off and get dressed. Jesse's promise about enjoying the rest of this week with me is sealed with a kiss along with the determination in his eyes that it will be so. In the kitchen, Winna is bringing dishes down from her cupboard which she hands to Jake. They turn to us. I see the concern in this woman's eyes for me so I'm smiling in assurance. "Are you feeling better, Mike?" "Ah, na'a." I've called her 'mother' in Siksika because it wouldn't be right to say that in English with Jake listening. He's blood family unlike me. :You are family, love!: Sends Jesse. :Jake understands that.: I'm giving the boy a good look. He's standing beside Winna with dishes piled in his hands. Jake looks very tall compared to her. A big strong lad. Yet in his face, I see a vulnerability that changes the way I think of him. I'm promising myself to forget the past between us and to give him a chance at fitting him. He will be living with us from now on. One happy family. "Could you set the table for me, please?" asks Winna. "Sure." Jes and I are grabbing dishes from her and follow Jake into the dining room. I'm counting five place settings we're putting down. My lover gets five candles from a cabinet. He places them in a line across the middle of the table. "What significants do they have in your... in Indian culture?" asks Jake. "The burning candles represent our spirits coming together," answers Jesse. "It's more my mother's meal time tradition than being a blackfoot ritual." "Oh." "Winna doesn't like talking around her dinner table," I warn Jake. I'm elbowed in the ribs by my lover but ignore that. "That's another of her traditions not really practiced by the Blackfoot." ... {THESE THREE DOTS INDICATE THAT THIS SCENE IS UNFINISHED.} ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of file: TEACHL21.TXT The story continues in: TEACHL22.TXT