Pete whispered, “Big Man is standing up, scanning the area. Be careful.”
Hawke could not see the bar. Suddenly, he heard Melina scream. His heart seized for a moment. Cold fear raced through his system. No! No, she had to be all right. Then he heard her speak in a commanding voice. “Everybody, just stay calm. Okay, sir, you put the gun down.”
Hawke flattened his back against the wall of the hallway and peered around the corner. Melina stood behind the side door, gun drawn and aimed, as she instructed the man he believed was Big Man to put his gun down.
His stocky build made him resemble an overgrown gorilla. Long, shaggy hair was pulled into a bandanna. He stood over the body of the undercover officer. He smiled at Melina and wiped his mouth with his shirtsleeve. As he moved toward her, she warned him to halt.
“I’m gonna cut you, bitch. Cut you into a billion pieces.” Big Man stepped toward her, brandishing a large knife. “See, I don’t think you’ve got guts enough to fire that thing.”
Hawke never hesitated. He pulled the trigger, hitting the burly man between the shoulder blades. As he fell to the floor, Melina jumped to her feet.
Before Hawke realized what he was doing, he ran toward her, screaming, “What the hell did you think you were doing? You could have been killed.”
Melina stared into his eyes, “I can take care of myself. You interfered.”
Her cold words made him focus on what he had just done. He turned to look at the bar.
“Pete, come out now.”
Pete stood, his hair hanging loosely down on his shoulders, and his hands rose.
“Come with us.” Hawke had one objective: to get his hands on Ian Guidara.
Doug and his team took the rest of the Javelina gang members into custody as Hawke spoke to Pete. “Now, tell me everything you know about the Javelinas.”
Pete shook as he spoke. “They have a clubhouse near the warehouse. It’s a big place. Ian’s working with them on this big drug ring. They make a lot of money. Big bucks. Abby came across the key to the warehouse and put it on a feather. Then Ian brought her out to Vegas, and she followed him to the warehouse.”
Pete sobbed as he continued. “She walked in on them exchanging the drugs and money. Big Man demanded Ian kill her. After the hit, Ian called me. Told me what happened. Said he wanted me to help him get rid of the body. Claimed he’d give me drugs as payment. He tossed her body in the truck and drove out to the Eagle Nest Butte area.”
Melina stepped next to Hawke, “Pete, you must take us to the warehouse.”
Pete nodded as he stood. “Sure. I’m glad to rid my mind of this horror.”
“Okay, Pete, just hang loose. We’ll go in a few minutes. Just have a seat for now. You try to sneak out, and I’ll hunt you down.”
Melina turned and walked away. Stepping out into the night, her shoulders shook with her sobbing. Hawke followed her, guessing she felt the same sadness overwhelm her soul as he did.
He sat quiet as his thoughts rushed through his mind. Suddenly, he took Melina’s hand.
“The worst thing about this is we did not get a full explanation of why this had to happen. How can I explain this to her mother?”
Melina held him in her arms. He had no doubt she would help him through this. His heart ached for the young woman who had so much to live for. Such a tragic situation. Hawke held everything that affected his people close to his heart.
The time to end this investigation drew close. With Pete’s testimony and anything they could get out of the bikers, they could present the case to the DA. This would draw closure for some. Ian was the killer, but why he actually followed Mr. Big’s orders and killed his girlfriend remained a mystery. If he had done things differently, Abby would still be alive.
“I promise you, we will continue until we can uncover the entire thing. I know there is somebody who knows as much if not more than Pete Crowe does. Ian will have to explain to the court why he killed this young woman.”
Hawke nodded. “You are right. Pete is just part of the answer. I know he can tell us a lot, and that is the reason I’m trying to convince him I’m a friend.”
Before she could respond, he grabbed her by the hand and went back inside the bar.
“Okay, Pete, let’s go.”
Melina motioned for Doug to follow. “I cannot leave the scene just yet. Go ahead and take my car. I’ll get there as soon as I can, but under no circumstances do you enter the warehouse until I arrive with backup.”
He threw the keys to Hawke. As he walked outside with Pete in tow, he warned, “You best help us as much as you can, if you don’t want to die.”
Pete started trembling again. “Look, I’ll cooperate to the fullest. I will tell you in detail of the night at Eagle Nest Butte. Believe me, I’m sorry for my part in this. I want to do what is right for Abby.”
***
They sat in silence as they made their way to the warehouse. In a way, Ian Guidara had made his own demise. Life has a way of cleansing itself, and for Ian, death might be his only relief once he sat in jail.
Hawke glanced at Melina. The softness in her face revealed what he had always known. This woman wrote the manual on one of a kind. The type of woman who could protect herself but also needed protection from the horrible ways of the world.
As they drove in silence, the night sky blanketed with stars. Hawke felt as if Abby tiptoed upon each one. Sometimes life just couldn’t be understood. The Creator knows what is to be, and we walk upon Mother Earth giving thanks for each day.
Brother Wind walks with us, too. He tries his best to help us in our time of need. He listens and then carries our worries to the Creator. His grandfather had spoken many times to Brother Wind. He had been young and did not understand at the time, but he remembered.
Now, he totally understood. He must speak to Brother Wind so his hatred would leave his inner being. He hated what had happened to Abby. He hated the persons responsible.
Suddenly, a star drifted down to Mother Earth, crashing into the night air. Hawke pulled the car over to the side of the road and got out, staring into the darkness.
Once Hawke cleared some distance between him and the roadway, he kneeled in the dirt. He opened his arms and raised them to the sky, turning his head in an upward motion. Then he brought his arms back down, cupping his hands together, and said a prayer offering.
“Brother Wind, I need your assistance. My heart is bleeding for Abby Winters. Her death was sudden and uncaring. Please take my anger and deliver it to the Creator. Let my anger turn to justice as I get the parties responsible for her death. Give her peace and let her family cope. Thank you Creator and Brother Wind. You will deliver all of us from anger and hurt.”
Then Hawke stood and returned to the car. As he started the engine, silence overtook them, and not a word or grunt was spoken, but Hawke knew deep inside the healing had just begun, not just for him, but also for all involved.
Chapter Thirty-One
Hawke parked the SUV beside a large dumpster next to some trees. Time was running out for Ian Guidara. He sat in the warehouse packing dope for the next young victim. Time had taken a toll on Pete. His mother would die when she learned of the part he had played in Abby’s murder.
As they sat watching the warehouse, Hawke said, “I pray for forgiveness for you. It is sad you chose to walk the black road. Time has a way of destroying what some hope to build. You took that hope away from your mother. You should have been the man to come forth and report this horrific crime, not help to cover it up.”
Pete nodded. No doubt, he thought of the pain he would put on his family. He could not change the road he had traveled, so he would have to learn to accept his fate.
Hawke could not let it be. “What about the cop who just got killed? Are you ready to face that, too?” He reached into his pocket and took out the feather that had hung in Abby’s room, given to him by her mother. The day he took it, he’d made the promise to not stop until justice was served. He held up th
e feather. “Pete, look at me. This feather belonged to Abby. The key that hangs on it will open up the warehouse, won’t it?”
Pete whispered, “Yes, it will. I wanted to help her, but I did not do enough.”
“The feather the key’s attached to is in evidence, stained with her blood. I brought the key to prove she knew what was going on. Ian probably had no idea she had it, but you found it when you dumped her body. Then you put it in your pocket so you could return to the scene and place it so we would find it.”
Pete wept as the words of truth rang out. Hawke did not hold back. He slammed his fist into the dashboard. “I had a vision of you and Ian. You were at Eagle Nest Butte, fighting. Ian hit you on the head. This occurred after you had left Abby there. You hate Ian, don’t you?”
“Hawke, please stop this,” Melina begged. Lieutenant Vasicek will be here soon, and we will get Ian. Pete is willing to testify against him, so let it rest.”
Hawke glared at her, instantly realizing she was right. He closed his eyes and chanted softly.
Melina poked him, and he looked at her, following her finger as she pointed toward the warehouse. Hawke set up and watched. “Pete, do you know who that is?”
“Yeah, he is partners with Ian. He owns a restaurant here in Vegas. They use it as a cover.”
Hawke picked up his phone and dialed then threw it down and opened his door. “Melina, I have to get some fresh air. This is driving me crazy.”
“I’m coming, too.” Melina turned to Pete. “I think it’s best you stay in the car.”
They stood just outside the car where fresh air from the four sacred directions would fill their lungs. The mountains in the far distance appeared like stepping-stones. The sight released Hawke’s inner spirit. As they stood in the openness of the outdoors, a hawk flew in the distance.
“Look, Melina, a hawk comes to visit.”
As she lifted her face, the hawk floated high in the sky.
“Do you know the hawk is a messenger?”
“Yes, my grandfather told me of the hawk and its mystical ways.”
Hawke kept his eye on the sacred animal, “The hawk teaches a lot to us if we listen, but if you let a situation cloud your judgment, you may be unable to hear the voice within yourself when the rain starts to cascade down on Mother Earth. One must always remember the hawk has a sharp eye and an audacious heart.”
Melina stared at the mighty bird of prey. “Hawke you have much knowledge about our people. I will be so honored when you become the medicine man. To know the way of the animals is a gift given to you by our Creator.”
. “Stories will be lost if they are not headed down to our younger generation. My goal is to tell the stories of our people, as Abby planned on doing.”
Melina took his hand. “You will be the man to give to the people as Abby intended on doing. You can do it in her honor. Do not let our people ever forget her.”
His heart was touched by the words. He released Melina’s hand and opened the door. “Pete, step outside, please.”
Pete obeyed.
Hawke pondered where to start. “I’m glad you have finally found the red road. Continue to walk the good road no matter what obstacles you may face.”
Pete stuttered. “D-do you think Abby can forgive me?”
Hawke could see now what he could not see before. He reached and took Melina’s hand. “The Creator has brought Melina back into my life, and we plan on getting married. The hawk flew over us here today. That is a sign from Abby. She wants her people to follow the red road. If you will stand up against Ian and testify for Abby, then I will stand beside you all the way.”
Pete extended his hand as tears welled up in his eyes. “I will speak for Abby. If I could have stopped it, I would have, but she was already dead. My heart has wept since the day I saw her lifeless body. Ian threatened my family’s lives, so I did as he said. Thank you for helping me.”
Pete crossed his arms and stared into the heavens. He’d neglected Abby and his people. He walked the black road, but had been given a chance to correct the wrong. He would do it proudly. His people would take notice.
Finally, Doug pulled up. “Hawke, I have to speak to you. I feel this mystery is not over.”
“I, too, feel this. I have a feeling of incompleteness.” He addressed Pete. Speak to us now. What is the big picture here?”
Pete continued to stare at the sky.
“This is your chance to prove to me you are man enough to help uncover the truth. Please, give Abby what she deserves. Do whatever you must to prove you’re not the type of person who could be involved in such a horrible crime.
Pete ran a hand down his face. “Okay, this is what’s happening. Ian Guidara is part of the motorcycle gang. He has a shipment of meth coming in along with some cocaine. He is to make a great deal of money. Abby found out what he dealt and, of course, wanted no part of it. Ian had been planning this for quite some time. He had big plans to buy this island near the Bahamas. His dream would be shattered if the truth came out, and he was not about to let Abby ruin it.”
Pete cleared his throat, “Well, see, Abby did not know he was part of a gang. She learned all of this out the night he killed her. She had found the key in her car. Ian had dropped it. She had come with him to Vegas to party, but he kept leaving her. She called me that night and asked what was going on. I told her to leave it be. Of course, she wouldn’t listen. She hung up, stating she would follow him. Evidently that’s exactly what she did, and they caught her.” He heaved a long sigh. “She met her demise.”
Doug asked, “So, whose car is that?”
“Not sure,” Hawke replied. “Pete said the guy is part owner of these drugs and owns a restaurant here in Vegas.”
Doug ran the vehicle tag. “Yeah, he does own a restaurant here. I thought he was no good. Well, as soon as the tactical team gets here, we’ll go in.”
Hawke glanced over at her. She was beautiful, standing there in her black leather outfit. She’d had so much fun earlier, buying their disguises. Of course, she’d had no idea how the night would go down and that they’d never need them. She would be a wonderful mother one day.
Melina put in, “Amy told me she would always remember Abby as the little girl who would sit in her room and play with a miniature tipi her father had made for her. In honor of Abby, I would like to have a replica of the tipi made for our wedding. It can be placed upon the sacred ground to stand for her life.”
Hawke pushed her hair away from her face. “I think that is a wonderful idea. It will be soon.”
As soon as the words left his lips, the tactical team arrived. Soon, Abby’s killer would meet his demise, and she would be set free.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Hawke was relieved to see the team arrive. The only reason he’d agreed to wait was because Ian, the ringleader of the Javelinas, and the prominent owner of a local Vegas business were inside the rundown warehouse. He didn’t want to take any chances. He wanted their arrest and charges to stick in court.
Several members of the Javelinas had been at the bar when they took down Pete Crowe. He would be glad to get the news back to Abby’s mother. He could see the headlines on the front page of their local paper, The Painted Horse News. They would not hold back. They believed in swift justice.
The back door to the van flew open and the team of eight jumped out, along with their trained dogs.
The dogs made him think of Three Paws, his beloved wolf dog.
He needed to think of a way to keep Melina out of the thick of things. He didn’t want her hurt.
As the team approached, Hawke knew what to do to keep Melina out of harm’s way. He just prayed she would not notice what he tried to do.
“Thanks for helping us out,” he said. “These are some dangerous men, but we must take them alive if possible, especially Mr. Guidara. I’ve only seen three men going in and out, but there could be more. Be prepared at all times.” He paused and turned to Melina.
“Agent Wolfe,
we need you to stay with Mr. Crowe. He must be protected. If one of these dangerous men were to get out of the warehouse, Mr. Crowe could be killed, and we need him for this case. If Ian gets to him, he’ll be dead. Ian will be out for revenge.”
Melina objected. “I will not stay behind. I’m sure Lieutenant Vasicek has a man who could take Pete Crowe to the police station. I’m a federal agent and I will not stay behind. Do I make myself clear?”
Anger vibrate doff her. He’d made a mistake. He did not blame her but he loved her so much. His soul knew she would never accept such a crazy suggestion, but he had to try.
“Okay, Agent Wolfe, you made yourself perfectly clear.”
Hawke pivoted and stared at the tactical team. “We have officers stationed at particular points around the perimeter. We will storm quickly through the building. I hope the surprise will overtake them before they can react. Remember, we must take Ian Guidara alive. You’ve all seen his photo. You know what he looks like?”
They all nodded.
Lieutenant Vasicek winked at Melina as she stepped forward.
“I’ll take some of the men and go in from the back entrance, while you go in from the front, Everyone set your cell phones on vibrate. Hawke will call when we’re all in position and he wants us to enter the building. We must do this in unison. The element of surprise will be on our side.” Then she speared Hawke with a sharp glance. “Did you really think that lame idea of my looking after Pete would work? Fool man!” Before Hawke could respond, she pointed to four of the men, motioning for them to follow her. Quietly and quickly, they disappeared behind the building. Hawke chuckled at the thought of how angered Melina appeared toward him.
“She is quite the woman,” Doug said.
“Yeah, she is. I guess that’s why I love her so.”
“Lead on,” Doug said.
Hawke prayed Melina would be okay. To lose her now would kill him. The stars twinkled in the night sky. It was a peaceful night, but not here. Here there would be a battle. A battle he intended to win. He held the phone as the tactical team got prepared for entry. Gun drawn, heart racing, Hawke hit the send button.
Lakota Justice Page 16
