by Sable Hunter
“That’s right. I’m housesitting for my great-aunt.” Journey couldn’t stand it a moment longer. “Your name is Blue?”
“It’s my maiden name. I’m Cherokee from Oklahoma,” she answered, then leaned back to give the waitress room to set down a big basket of chips, two bowls of hot sauce, and a large container of queso. “Oh, goody. Dig in guys.” Skye proceeded to do so. “Where’s Sarah?”
“Her babe’s teething,” Apple said. “She sends her love and full cooperation.”
Journey tried to get back on topic. If she was right, she didn’t want to lose this opportunity to find out what she could. “The reason I asked was because my great-aunt has a neighbor by that name, Blue.”
“I imagine you mean Kota. Yes, he’s a distant relative and a character to boot.” Skye swiped a chip through the hot sauce, then took a small bite. “I haven’t been out to see him in a while. How’s he doing?”
“He’s good. Kota and his grandson help my aunt with her horses.” She tried to put two and two together and was coming up short. “Kota isn’t Cherokee.”
Skye wiped some crumbs from the corner of her mouth. “He’s part Cherokee. He just tends to relate to his Apache ancestors the most.”
“Ela Blue, you mean.”
“Yes!” Skye smiled big. “You know of her?”
Apple and Jewel were watching the conversation with interest. “Is Reno related to the Blues?”
“No, but he knew Ela well.” Journey frowned, then grinned. “I mean the original Reno knew Ela.”
Skye watched Journey closely. Her concentration made Journey feel odd, like Skye could see right through her. She glanced at Apple and whispered loudly to her, knowing full well the other two could hear. “Are you sure Skye isn’t the witch?”
“Ha!” Apple laughed. “Skye, like my husband, has some shamanistic tendencies.” She looked at Jewel. “Would you agree?”
“Oh, yea. Definitely.” She twirled her finger around, she leaned in so a couple passing closely to the table couldn’t overhear. “If you think we’re a little on the creepy side, you should meet Skye’s sister-in-law, Cady.” Jewel nodded. “She’s seriously spooky.”
Skye scoffed. “Cady’s an angel.” She licked some queso off of her finger. “I’d give anything if I could’ve known Ela Blue.”
“What do you know about her?” Knowing how hungry Reno was for any information about his friend, Journey just had to ask. “My Reno would love anything you could tell him.”
“My Reno…” Apple leaned over to nudge Jewel. “Did you hear that? He’s handsome too. Show them, Journey. Do you have a photo on you? A selfie you took with him or something?”
Journey almost said no, then she took out the wallet that held the photograph of the tintype. If the postal clerk didn’t realize it was an antique, these ladies probably wouldn’t either. “Here he is.”
“Oh, he is nice looking.” Jewel stared at the photo, then looked back at Journey. “Very nice.”
Skye looked closely too. “Cute. Was this photo made at one of those places where you dress up like someone from the past?”
“Uh…I don’t know.” Journey stammered. “Maybe. But he just dresses that way sometimes.”
“Reno knew Ela, hmmm.” Skye held Journey’s gaze for a long moment. “She was very much a mystic. From the tales I’ve been told, she had some wild abilities. Very sensitive, able to sense and see things others couldn’t. They say she just knew stuff without being told. Not only what happened in the past, but also what would happen in the future. Plus, she could talk with those who inhabit the gray space between life, death, and beyond.”
All the girls were very quiet and solemn until Jewel giggled. “Been there. Done that.”
“Oh, quit bragging.” Apple poked her sister-in-law.
Skye rolled her eyes. “Of course, some of that natural talent could’ve come about because of where she lived. Noah and I have spent a great deal of time at Enchanted Rock and that place is powerful. It sits on a ley line, you know.”
“Really?” Jewel folded her hands together. “How about a field trip? I’d love to see what I can sense out there.”
Apple nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
All Journey could think of was that they might run into Reno while he was trying to reenact his miraculous arrival. “Are you going today?”
“Oh, no.” Skye grinned. “Our mission supersedes everything else. Right?”
“Right.” Apple agreed. “So, what’s the plan?”
Journey had no idea what they were talking about. She wondered if she might ought to slip away. That idea was nixed by the sudden appearance of the waiter. She didn’t want to appear rude, so she placed an order after the others. “I’ll have what Apple’s having, the small fajita platter.”
Once they were alone again, Journey couldn’t help but ask. “Speaking of Ela, there’s one thing Reno hasn’t been able to determine from his research. How did she die?”
A cloud came over Skye’s face. “We’re fairly certain she was killed in 1869. Everyone assumes she died in the massacre. Of course, there’s no way to be sure. Records were non-existent for our people. We do know the massacre took a great toll, almost a thousand lives were lost. Villages were burned. Women and children were killed. Babies scalped. Wounded Knee had nothing on the Leaf Moon Massacre.”
Journey felt sick. This would hurt Reno so much. He’d be raving to go back when he learned he possibly could’ve prevented his friend’s death had he been there to stop the massacre. “That’s so terrible.”
“I agree.” Skye’s mouth tightened, her voice becoming a little loud. “Especially since the Native Americans were blamed for things they didn’t do. They tried to tell someone, but no one would listen.”
“Here comes our food,” Apple announced. “Let’s try to smile. People are staring at us.” She grinned and waved at a nosy woman to their left. “Hi, there. She’s a bit intense today. Hasn’t eaten.”
“So, what’s the mission?” Journey asked, doing her part to get things on an even keel. She understood Skye’s reaction. Reno’s would be even worse she feared. “Or is it a secret?”
“No, not a secret.” Apple looked from one woman to the next. “It’s a fund-raising idea for Angel House, the food kitchen that supports the homeless population in Austin.”
“That’s right.” Skye cleared her throat and pushed her hair over her shoulder. “The charity is our group’s pet project.” She made a circular motion with her finger. “There’s been a great deal of upheaval in the Austin homeless community and the funds are dangerously low. So…we’ve come up with an idea that we hope will raise a lot of money. Fast.”
“What kind of idea?” Journey asked. “You three look strange. Is your idea illegal?”
“No!” Jewel busted out laughing. “We’re just all working together to convince our husbands and their friends to go along with it.”
Journey waited for the big reveal, becoming amused at their reaction. “And?”
“It’s a beauty pageant. For guys.” Apple slapped the table. “Just like an old-fashioned beauty pageant. Swimsuit. Formal wear. Talent competition. We’re calling it The Ultimate Hill Country Cowboy. Isn’t that a hoot?”
“For sure.” Journey couldn’t imagine how that would go over. With a big bang, she imagined.
“Yea. So far, we have all the Blackhawk boys, the Tebow McCoys, the Highland McCoys…who else?” Jewel looked to Skye.
“We have the Equalizers, which includes our hot Governor, by the way.” Skye laughed at the thought. “Tanner Barron, Bowie Malone, the Saucier twins, and who else? I’m drawing a blank.”
Apple added to the list, counting on her fingers. “The Cajun Navy, Canyon Brady, your Aunt Gillian’s son…” She pointed to Skye. “The football player, Clint.”
“And his brothers,” Skye threw up her hands. “There’s more, I’m sure. We need to make a list.”
“Hey, do you think Reno would participate?”
Journey stared wide-eyed at Apple. “Reno? Uh. I…don’t know how long he’s going to be in town. He’s just visiting.”
“Could you ask?” This question came from Skye. “I think he’d be the icing on the cake. He looks…so authentic.”
“Yes. I guess I could ask. When is the fund-raiser supposed to be?”
“In a few weeks; if we can pull it together. That’s what this meeting is for.”
About that time the food arrived, and things calmed down a little. Apple made a list as they ate. “Okay, we’ve rented the hall. We’ve got the caterers and the photographer. Skye, you’re going to call the television station and the newspaper?”
“Yep. I’ll also get the Master-of-Ceremonies. I think it’s a great idea for Desiree Holt to do it.”
“Desiree Holt?” Journey repeated the name. “You mean the country singer?”
“Yea, she’s married to Tanner Barron,” Skye answered matter-of-factly. “Tanner used to cowboy for Tebow. Now, he manages a resort with his wife and works with Joseph on the Wilderness Rescue team.”
“She has a recording company in Austin now, doesn’t she?” This question came from Jewel.
Journey felt like her head was spinning. “Wow, you guys know everybody. I feel like I’m out of my league here. I’m just a regular person.”
Jewel pushed her plate back. “I doubt that. Why don’t we see what type of person you are?” She held out her hand. “Let’s do that reading.”
Wondering if she was making a mistake, Journey tentatively complied. “All right. But if I’m dying next week, I don’t want to know.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll sugarcoat it.” Jewel began to study Journey’s palm. “Wow.”
“What?” Journey looked down at her palm to see what Jewel could see.
“You’re very talented. Are you an artist?”
“No.” She laughed. “Way off. I sell essential oil blends for different uses and homemade beauty products.”
“That’s an artistic form of expression,” Apple placed a supportive palm on Journey’s outstretched arm. “Don’t downplay what you do. People love your stuff.”
Journey looked at her questioningly. “I didn’t know you’d tried any of it.”
“Oh, I placed the order through the Kingsland vet clinic. We pooled our money and divvied up the goods.”
This surprised Journey. “Thank you.” She remembered the substantial order. “I’ll give you a discount next time.”
Jewel was still staring at Journey’s hand, tracing the lines on her palm with the tip of her finger. “Well, your lifeline is wonky. It…splits.”
“Uh-oh.” Journey tried to see the split.
“This doesn’t mean you die. I feel like you find a new purpose.” She kept looking. “And your love line. Jesus. I’ve never seen one so defined and deep. It makes your other lines look faint.”
Journey’s heart beat faster. “What does that mean?”
“It means you only love once, and you love forever.”
Wow. “Interesting. What else do you see?”
“Well…this is going to sound cliché.”
“What is?”
“Journey, you’re going to go on an incredible journey one day. It’s going to change your life.”
“A journey, huh?” She couldn’t imagine. “Thanks. Do I owe you anything?”
“Just send me some of those beauty products when you get the chance.” She dug in her purse and handed Journey a card.”
“Gladly.” She slid the card into her purse.
After that, their lunch wound down quickly. Journey kept looking at the time on her phone. Reno was probably standing on his head. She should’ve left him a note. Unless…he was gone. A sense of panic made her weak. She grabbed her water glass and drained the last bit of it, taking some of the ice to chew.
“So, you’ll ask Reno about being in the pageant?”
Journey covered her mouth and nodded to Apple. When she could speak, she did so, “Don’t count on it, though. He’s pretty old-fashioned.”
“Bat your eyelashes at him,” Jewel suggested, then she bent her head near Journey’s to whisper conspiratorially. “He’s the one, isn’t he? The one who inspires that super love line you have going on.”
“Oh.” She knew she was as red as a beet. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
Journey patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I saw a great future for you guys. You’re going to be together for a long, long time.”
As they took care of the check, Journey thought about what Jewel just foretold. She wanted to believe it. But…palm reading probably wasn’t real. Just a parlor trick. When it was time to go, she picked up the box of papers. “Thanks again, Apple. I’ll take special care of this.”
“I know.” Apple kissed Journey on her cheek. “I’m glad you came.”
They walked out to the parking lot together and were surprised to find someone waiting for them. “Sam, what are you doing here?” Jewel asked her brother-in-law.
Journey started to leave, but Apple held up one finger. “Journey, this is Samuel Blackhawk. Sam, this is Journey Stanton. She’s the one I was telling you about. Saul Stanton was her great-great-great…” She laughed. “Whatever, grandfather.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He nodded, tipping his hat to her. “I feel like we’re related. My mother used to tell us all kinds of stories about King, Fancy, Reno, and the others. The Stanton kids played a big part in their lives.”
Apple didn’t argue. She didn’t say so, but Saul’s journal didn’t have much to say about the King’s Ransom folks, not after Reno disappeared. “It’s good to know you.”
“So, why are you here? Is something wrong?” Jewel asked, appearing a little concerned. “Easy hasn’t wrecked that new motorcycle of yours, has he?”
“No. He’s fine.” Sam reached into his back pocket and pulled out an envelope. “Benjen wanted you girls to have this.” He glanced at Journey. “I’m sorry. I don’t think he knew you were joining them.”
“Oh, no. That’s fine. I’ve got to get going anyway,” she assured him.
“Well, what is it?” Skye demanded. “My curiosity is aroused.”
All the girls laughed when Samuel blushed. “Uh, it’s prepaid spa-day certificates. Sarah is meeting you there.”
“Whoo-hoo!” Jewel yelled, clapping her hands.
While they celebrated, Journey hurried to her car. When she tried to start it, however, the engine wouldn’t turn over. “Damn.”
“What’s wrong?” Samuel called loudly though the closed driver’s side window.
Journey hit the button, lowering the window. “I don’t know. It won’t start.”
“Open the hood.”
She did so. “I hate car trouble,” she murmured to herself. Journey thought about calling home, but she didn’t know if Reno would even try to answer the house phone. “Can you tell what the problem is?”
“Dead battery, I think. Sit tight.” He ran to his truck and pulled it up next to hers. This commotion caused the other three women to join them.
“Do you need a tow?” Skye asked, holding her phone. “I can call a friend.”
“I think I’ve got it,” Samuel said as he hooked up the jumper cables.
“Now, that’s a handy man to have around,” Jewel observed. “He’s eligible, Journey.”
Sam laughed and Journey blushed. Neither made a comment.
“Okay. Try it now.”
At Sam’s direction, Journey tried to start the car and was rewarded by a purring roar. “Thank goodness.”
Apple walked over to her brother-in-law. “I think you should follow her home.”
“No, that’s not necessary,” Journey protested. “I’m sure he has better things to do.”
“Apple’s right.” Sam agreed. “It may be more than just a weak battery. If the battery terminals are dirty or the starter motor is worn, the vehicle could stop on you before you make it home.”
“Well, okay. I hate to put
you out though.”
“No problem. I can follow you to a mechanic, if you like, then take you to your house.”
“No, I just want to go home. There’s someone there who can look at it.” Apple just wanted to get to Reno as quickly as possible.
“Okay.” He raised one finger to point straight ahead. “Let’s head out.”
After one more goodbye to Apple and the other women, Journey pulled out of the restaurant in North Austin to head west.
* * *
Reno was past being angry that Journey left without telling him where she was going. Now, he was just flat-out worried. He’d watched all the television he could stand, then proceeded to pace a hole in the kitchen floor. After that feat, he’d moved out into the yard to work on pacing a trench in the lawn.
. “Damn. Damn. Damn.” He felt helpless. He didn’t know what to do, where to go, or who to call. Earlier, he’d walked over to Kota Blue’s but the house was empty and their vehicles were gone. He had no idea where they were.
He’d thought about getting in touch with her great-aunt, but he couldn’t find her number. The stupid phone was still a mystery to him too. “Don’t this just beat all.” If she wasn’t hurt, he might just turn her over his lap and spank her sweet ass. Even though the thought made him chuckle, his cock twitched some enthusiasm at the notion. “Where are you, Sojourner?”
What a day this was turning out to be. Upset from the information he’d learned about the Indians and Cole; Reno had spent the morning at the box canyon. The more he tried and failed to go back in time, the more he doubted he ever would. A sinking sick sensation made him queasy. What if he couldn’t make it back in time? Knowing his brother would face a firing squad just broke his heart. “I’m so sorry, Cole. So sorry.”
One thing was for certain, what he was doing was getting him nowhere. If there was any chance at all of going back in time to set things straight, he was going to have to figure out another way of doing it. What that way would be, he had no idea. His original plan for today was to sit down with Journey and have a heartfelt conversation. Maybe there was something they haven’t thought of, maybe there was somewhere they could look on that computer of hers for answers. Reno knew he couldn’t do it alone. He needed help.
