by Vella Munn
“I won’t.”
“I’ll take you at your word,” Niko continued. “Remember what I said about Grandpa’s code of honesty? That’s the message Forest Master gave Grandpa when the elk appeared during Grandpa’s quest. It’s my understanding that Forest Master has been around forever. He’s part of the tribe’s legacy, a closely held secret. Forest Master said—not in words of course, in some kind of internal dialogue—that Grandpa could always hold his head high if his words were the truth.”
“That’s lovely,” Mia got out, despite her tight throat. “He looked into my eyes and said I’d succeed with the tree farm, but it shouldn’t be my entire life.”
“Mia, I showed Grandpa the pictures you’d taken of Ice. He looked at it for a long time then started to cry.” Niko’s voice caught. “He believes Ice is Forest Master’s offspring or maybe the offspring of his offspring. What he said confused me, because I thought he’d been talking about a spiritual creature, not a real one. Maybe it doesn’t matter.”
“Maybe not.”
“It meant a great deal to Grandpa to know his spirit’s essence lives in his sons and grandsons. He wanted you to know that.”
“Please thank him,” she managed. “Even better, I will in person.”
“I’d like to go with you.” Niko, who had always impressed Mia as a strong and independent woman, sounded like an uncertain child. “There’s something else I want to do even more. I need to.”
“What is it?”
“Go to where the grays were last seen.”
“Niko,” Jeff said, “that’s where Grover was killed.”
“I know. I went on a spirit search a couple of times, but nothing happened. I was skeptical. To me, it was something I did to satisfy my family. My mindset was terrible. But I’ve seen the pictures of Ice, and Grandpa told me about Forest Master.” Niko made a sound that sounded like a sob. “I need to try to find Ice. See if he’ll reach out to me like Forest Master did to Grandpa.”
“And,” Mia said, “you’re hoping the grays are still on Dark Mountain because Ice and other elk might be there.”
“Yes,” Niko whispered. “At least one was, the one Grover killed. Jeff, you’re going back up there to retrieve Grover’s body, right?”
“Probably in the morning,” Mia answered for him.
“Let me ride with you. Either that or I’ll follow you.”
“No. It—”
“Yes. I need— Damn, I need this.”
Chapter Nineteen
After saying goodbye to Niko, Mia went out on her porch and clapped her hands, hoping to get Banshee’s attention. She’d never heard so much emotion from her friend, and had no doubt Niko would do what she’d said she intended to. Gazing into the dark, Mia made her own decision. She would accompany Niko. Search for Ice.
And the grays, don’t forget about them.
She was wondering if she would have to go looking for Banshee and Lady when the two appeared and started climbing the stairs. Lady’s tail was up and Banshee’s nose kept returning to the female dog’s rear end.
“This is serious,” she told Jeff as she and the dogs rejoined him. “Banshee may have gotten to Lady.”
“Oh boy.”
She grabbed Banshee’s collar, dragged the reluctant Rottweiler into her bedroom, and closed the door. “We can add that to life’s complexities. Jay, I’ve been thinking. If Niko heads up Dark Mountain tomorrow, I’m going with her.”
“I knew you’d say that.” He groaned. “All right. You two can probably ride with me, but you have to stay out of the way of the recovery team.”
“We’ll try,” was the best she could promise. Looking at him, it took all she had not to embrace him. He’d never thought the career he’d hoped would be his salvation, but he was determined to do the best he was capable of. “Please try to get some sleep.”
“There’s all those loose ends.” He pressed his palm to his forehead. “Things I can’t stop thinking about. Someone else who might be in danger from the grays.”
“Go on.”
“One thing dominates the grays’ behavior. Exacting revenge. Whoever owns Lady left her there to die.”
“Unless it was Grover, the grays might not let him get away with it.”
He stared at his palm. “I have to try to reach the men again, get them to admit who Lady’s owner is. The fact that none of them have gotten in touch with me tonight, they know what Darick and I found. Where’s my cell?”
“There.” She pointed at the coffee table. “What if they’re still avoiding you?”
“Then I’ll have no choice but to wait. The way Darick’s back was acting up, he might not be able to walk much tomorrow, so maybe he can get the answer we need.”
“I have an idea.” She knelt by Jeff’s chair. “Considering how much Lyle and I went through with Kendall, he might say. I’d like to try.”
Jeff ran his hand over her hair. “All right.”
The light touch barely registered on her scalp, but she felt it elsewhere—mostly in her heart. Maybe, as worn out as he was, he wasn’t aware of what he’d done. She couldn’t say the same. Yes, depending on what they found tomorrow, he would try to kill the grays, but that wasn’t now. There was just the two of them—and a couple of dogs that might become parents.
“I talked to Lyle’s mother at her place,” Jeff said. “You could try reaching Lyle there.”
Even though the area carpet she’d put over the hardwood floor didn’t provide enough padding for her knees, Mia stayed where she was as she made her call. Lyle’s mother’s cautious greeting warmed when Mia introduced herself and asked if Lyle was there.
“Hold on. I think he’s out of the shower,” the woman said. “I’ve been wanting to thank you for everything you did for Kendall, my son, and their girlfriends. Lyle, it’s Mia.”
Lyle sounded excited to hear from her, so Mia spent a little time telling him about seeing his cousin and her belief that Kendall’s color had improved. Then she switched gears, letting him know she’d been talking to Jeff Julian.
“When Jeff and the other wildlife officer returned to where you last saw Grover,” she said, “they found a dog someone had left behind. Was it yours?”
“No. I’d never—”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She stared at Jeff. “Who did it belong to?”
Lyle didn’t speak.
“It’s important,” she pushed. “I just can’t say why.”
“Oh. I— That’s Ram’s dog Zero. He hoped having her along would draw in the dogs that attacked my cousin. After the attack on Grover, Ram said we had a better chance of getting out alive if the awful things were distracted killing Zero.”
Zero? No. Lady was a better name. “Then Ram’s leaving his dog behind was deliberate?”
“He told us not to say anything, but I don’t know what difference it makes.”
“I appreciate your honesty. It helps a lot.” She asked how Lyle was doing, but barely heard his response and didn’t stay on the phone long.
“I want to say I’m surprised,” she admitted and rested her forearm on Jeff’s leg. “But I’m not. What now?”
Jeff rubbed her shoulders. Even though he was the one in need of a massage, she leaned closer.
“Ram needs to be warned.”
“I’ll call him. Tell him—I wonder if he’ll believe me.”
“About the grays’ agenda? I think so. After all, he knows what happened to Kendall, and now Grover.”
Even though she regretted having had anything to do with Ram, she’d never want him to be killed. Watching her uncle drown had been enough.
Ram didn’t answer, leaving her to ponder whether he was deliberately avoiding her or if something had happened to him. No, she and Jeff agreed, the grays hadn’t had time to get down the mountain and find Ram.
“Hi,” she said. “It’s me. Please call. There’s a potential— You could be in danger. I don’t care whether you believe me, just get in touch as soon as you hear this so I can explain.”
While Jeff relayed what they knew about Lady’s ownership to Darick, she gave in to her complaining knees by standing. She didn’t want to put more distance between herself and Jeff, so sat on his chair arm. He spread his hand over her thigh.
“Darick’s laid up,” he told her. “His back isn’t up for going much of anywhere tomorrow, but he promised to try to locate Ram.”
“Good. Ram lives at the end of Sawyer Road with no neighbors. He said he likes it like that but—”
“Sawyer Road. It sounds like he’s past my place. How far is it after where the pavement ends?”
“About a half-mile. He told me his plans are to build a house. He hauled a singlewide he got at an auction onto the property. There isn’t much to it.”
“I know which place you’re talking about. Rocky as it is, the land there doesn’t have much going for it.”
“And it’s always in the shade. That’s why I hardly ever went there.”
“No regrets where Ram’s concerned?”
She returned his gaze. “None.”
“I’m trying to think,” Jeff said as he yawned, “how long it might take the grays to reach Ram. Last year the animals zeroed in on that puppy mill where they killed those brothers, a deer poacher, and the neighbor of the man who was neglecting his horses. Who or what tells them those things?”
She covered his hand with hers. “No more thinking. It’s time for you to get some sleep.”
He agreed, but when he made no attempt to get to his feet, she stood, laced her fingers through his, and pulled. Without saying a word, they walked into the bedroom. While he took a shower, she returned to the living room with Banshee, where she found Lady on the chair Jeff had been using. After sniffing Lady’s nose, Banshee crawled onto the couch he’d long ago claimed as his.
“Behave yourself,” she told her dog. “I’m going to try to do the same.”
But she didn’t.
* * * *
Darick called a little after eight a.m. “I hate leaving you to do everything,” he said. “But I’m still in bed with a heating pad. This damned back—”
“Dictates what you can and can’t do,” Jeff cut in. “Don’t worry about it. The sheriff’s taking charge and just did everything with a conference call instead of a meeting. Looks like we’ll have three vehicles going up. One’s for bringing Grover’s body back. Another will be a mix of state police and wildlife officers, all of us looking for the grays.”
“I know.” Darick sighed. “A part of me wishes it didn’t have to be that way.”
“Me too. Plans are to get on the road before the media or public sees us. Mia and Niko are traveling with me.”
In response to Darick’s question, Jeff detailed what he understood about Niko Fox’s determination to try to connect with Ice. As for why Mia was coming along, he said she shared her friend’s desire to see the mystical bull.
“I hope Niko doesn’t get her hopes up too much,” Darick said. “There’s going to be a lot of personnel around. Any elk that are up there will be in hiding. Same with the grays.”
“That’s what I told them, but Ice and the grays have gotten to both women.”
“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”
“Neither can I. At the same time, it makes sense.”
“Yeah, it does. As soon as my back loosens up, I’ll try to locate Ram.”
“Keep it low key. He hasn’t done anything to warrant being arrested. There’s no telling how he’ll react if he hears he might be in danger.” Jeff assured himself that Mia wasn’t within earshot. “I should have gotten up earlier or gone out to Ram’s place last night.”
“You didn’t because you deserve a personal life. Besides, it’d take a while for the grays to locate Ram, if that’s their agenda.”
* * * *
Mia and Niko said little during the slow trip up to the jumping-off spot near the logging road’s end. The two other vehicles were behind them and holding back to avoid as much dust as possible. Jeff was grim-faced. She had no doubt she’d share his emotion once she saw the two bodies. Making love last night had been a much-needed respite for both of them, a too-short break from the real world.
Once they reached their first destination, Jeff pulled as close to the edge as he could and got out. He grabbed his backpack and handed Niko and Mia theirs. A few minutes later everyone was ready to head out. The men were all armed. One was carrying a body bag. Niko nodded, indicating the bag.
“Any regrets about what we’re doing?” Mia whispered to Niko when they were underway. Jeff was in the lead while she and Niko brought up the rear.
“No,” her friend replied. “What about you? You don’t have to be here.”
“Yes I do.”
Fortunately, Niko didn’t press for an explanation, because Mia wasn’t sure she could express what she was feeling in words. Keeping the tree farm going didn’t give her much time to explore the land beyond her acreage. She’d hiked part way up Dark Mountain several times and thought she understood it, but she’d never been this high. More rain reached the vegetation here than she’d expected, and the riot of growth closed in on her, turning it into another world. The trail was so narrow everyone had to walk single file. She was directly behind the man with the body bag strapped to his back.
It took about a half-hour for the group to reach the elk carcass. One by one the men filed past it. Jeff had explained that Grover’s body was beyond the elk’s and off the trail. If they weren’t careful, Niko and she would be in the way while the retrieval and search for the grays took place. She believed she could handle seeing Grover, but wanted to be elsewhere if anyone fired at a gray. Despite what she’d told Jeff about wanting the grays to live, it wasn’t that simple. Did Kendall deserve what they’d done to him? Had Grover?
Niko positioned herself near the bull’s rack. When Mia and she were alone, Niko knelt and placed her hands on the elk’s head.
“Did you share this land with Ice?” she asked the stiff body. “Was there room here for more than one bull? Maybe he’s elsewhere.”
“I don’t think so,” Mia said, even though she felt uncomfortable breaking into what was a private conversation. “The grays are Ice’s protectors. They won’t go far from him.”
Niko gave her a look she couldn’t comprehend. When she replayed what she’d just said, she realized how crazy the words sounded. For reasons she wasn’t sure of, she’d needed there to be a connection between gray dogs and a white elk. In a world weighed down by responsibility, there should be something else. Something spiritual.
While Niko remained near the dead elk, Mia turned in a slow, searching circle. Like Niko, she’d brought along her pistol, but if the grays attacked, they’d be on her before she could defend herself.
No. She wasn’t in danger. She’d done nothing to warrant the grays’ anger. This sense of vulnerability was a result of being surrounded by so many trees. Being able to see the sky would make a big difference, but the thick veil of branches hid it.
Time to get her nerves under control. Time to accomplish what she’d come here for. She caught snatches of male voices, but the sound was nearly drowned out by the hum of insects. Fortunately, the undergrowth wasn’t completely impenetrable, and she managed to work her way into the forest until she could no longer see Niko. When she reached a level spot with room for both of her boots, she stopped and again studied the area, slower than the first time. Connecting.
Are you here? Watching me? Learning more about me than I understand myself?
She wasn’t sure whether she was talking to Ice or the grays. By keeping her thoughts open, maybe she’d be able to connect with all of them.
This is my spirit search. I’m probably not doing it right, haven’t prepared. I had no idea it would come to this. Now I’m here, looking for you. Trying to understand.
A breeze caressed the pine needles overhead. A nearby rodent made a scratching sound. She was both uneasy and at peace.
Maybe I’m
not worthy. I don’t blame you for rejecting me. I’m new at this searching thing, but Niko needs you. Please reach out to her. Give her something.
* * * *
Niko wasn’t near the elk when Mia returned. She guessed her friend had the same need for some alone time. The men’s voices were part of the background, no yells, no weapons being fired.
Be careful, she warned the grays. There’s been enough death here.
When the question of whether the grays’ mission was right became too much for her to deal with, she knelt where Niko had and ran her hands over the antlers. Up close, the rack was even more impressive. The elk hadn’t been dead long enough to start to decay, but she couldn’t pretend he might get to his feet.
“Compelling, isn’t he?” Niko asked from behind her. “I’ve only been this close to one other big bull. A cousin who had gotten a tag shot one. He wanted everyone to see what he’d accomplished. I was about ten so, of course, I was appalled.”
“I’ve seen more than enough dead elk for a lifetime.”
Niko stepped to her side and offered a hand up, which Mia accepted. “Did you see or feel anything when you were out there?”
“Feel? What are you talking about?”
“I don’t want to have to spell it out.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. Did anything happen for you?”
Niko looked in the direction she’d come from. “I didn’t see any tracks, but I wasn’t alone.”
“Oh.”
“It was so quiet,” Niko continued. “Just me and the breeze. Birds.”
“I heard something around a downed tree, some kind of rodent.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Niko raked her hand through her hair. “My hands were warm, almost hot. They started feeling like that when I touched him.” She pointed her foot at the bull. “They stayed hot the whole time I was communing with nature. My body buzzed. I felt so alive. I still do. High without the drugs.”
Mia longed to embrace her friend, but if she did, it might break Niko’s concentration, so she settled for a nod.
