by Linda Bridey
Whereas the Lakota women were the ones in charge of things, in white culture it was the men who led the family. This was strange to Owl because women were highly respected and treated as equals. They had voting rights and could control whether the men went on raids or not. Lakota women did not participate in battles, but if they didn’t feel that a raid was prudent, they might refuse to give the men the food rations they needed for the trip.
Owl’s wonderment was present as he watched Jack cook breakfast a few days later. Jack was efficient at his job and it was obvious that he enjoyed it. He finished loading up a plate for Owl and sat it down in front of his uncle.
Owl looked down at the plate of eggs and bacon and smiled. “I am getting too used to white people’s food,” he said in Lakota as he picked up a fork. It had taken him some time to get used to eating everything with utensils instead of scooping things up with his fingers. “I’ve gotten fat,” he said.
Jack laughed. “If you’re fat, I can’t see it. You’re fine the way you are.”
“Thanks,” he said and rolled his shoulders.
Jack noticed and said, “It’s bothering you again, huh?”
“Yes. I’ll find Hannah. Maybe she will massage it again,” Owl said.
“I’m sure she will. She’s very nice. Lucky for us that she came here. I just feel bad that she was brought here under false pretenses,” Jack said.
“What do you mean?” Owl said and took a bite of bacon.
Jack told him Hannah’s story.
Owl frowned fiercely. He hated any kind of deception and to treat a woman in such a way greatly angered him. “He must be the man we saw near the bank. I was talking to her about doing a massage for me again and she seemed a little frightened when she noticed him. I made it clear to him that I wasn’t going to let him bother her,” Owl said.
”
Jack said. “Yeah, that sounds like him. His name is Clive. Sammi said he was bugging her the same day she gave you your massage. She’s a very nice woman and deserves better than him.”
Owl nodded. “Yes. She’s pretty, too.”
Jack’s one eyebrow arched. “You think she’s pretty?”
“Yes. She is. Don’t you think so?” Owl said.
“Yeah. She’s attractive, I guess. I didn’t really think about it. Of course, I’m not attracted to her, either. Oh! Do you like her?” Jack said.
Owl said, “Yes, I like her.”
“No,” Jack said. “Do you like her like a man likes a woman?”
Owl said, “She’s white.”
Jack frowned at him as he made a plate and sat down with Owl. “What’s that got to do with it? My fiancée is Lakota, so what’s the big deal?”
“Yes and that is a difficult situation, Jack. You do realize that?” Owl said.
“Yeah, I know. But we’re gonna work it out. Sometimes when you want something so badly, you’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen. It’s like that with me and Sparrow,” Jack said.
Owl thought about that and could see Jack’s point. “I hope things work out for you.”
“Thanks.”
Owl didn’t say any more on the subject but he did think about it. It had been a long time since his wife and son were killed and there were times when it still pained him. It was one of the reasons he’d never remarried. He didn’t want to experience that kind of loss again. The other reason was that he hadn’t found anyone with whom he could imagine sharing a tipi. He knew all of the women in camp and none of them really appealed to him. He could have taken a wife, but he was interested in more than just someone to take care of him.
He smiled as he thought about Hannah’s massage. He’d never had anyone do that before and it had been an extraordinary experience. Obviously she was skilled at performing the treatment. Thinking about Clive’s actions towards her made him angry. He wondered if she’d had any more trouble with him.
Owl made up his mind to go see her. He finished his food and thanked Jack for the meal. “I’m going into town. I’ll be back later,” he told Jack.
“Ok. See ya.”
Hannah finished helping Doc stitch up a local farmer after an accident with a plow.
When Doc was done suturing, Hannah dressed the wound and sent the farmer on his way. She walked out to the waiting room to see who was next and was surprised to see Owl standing there. She felt her pulse rate rise at the sight of him.
He smiled at her. “Hi.”
“Hi, Owl. How are you?” she asked.
“Good. You have time for massage?” he asked.
The waiting room was empty so Hannah said, “Sure. Come with me.”
He followed Hannah into an examination room. She placed a blanket on the table there and said, “Lie down.”
Owl removed his deerskin shirt and placed it on a chair before stretching out on the table. Hannah warmed her hands and prepared to do his massage. As before, she touched his scar and said, “This must have been a deep wound.”
“Yes. I almost died,” Owl said.
Hannah suddenly felt tears threaten as she thought about Owl not being alive. “I’m very glad that you didn’t,” she said and gathered his hair in her hands. “Your hair is so soft,” she said without thinking.
Owl just smiled.
She moved it to the side and began rubbing his back. Hannah found the knot by his shoulder blade and began working it out. Owl tried to contain the growls her ministrations provoked but couldn’t. Hannah didn’t mind hearing them. She found that they stirred a womanly part of her that she hadn’t known existed.
Once again as each muscle was loosened and pain relieved, Owl felt as if he was growing lighter. It was similar to when he’d gone on his spirit walk and had experienced a vision. As she worked, something in his back gave way and the feeling was exquisite. A huge sigh escaped his lips.
She rubbed his shoulders and massaged his arms. When she worked on his right arm and neared his hand, Owl took hers and gave it a squeeze. Hannah smiled at his action and squeezed back. He let go and Hannah finished the massage.
Owl got up from the table feeling very relaxed and in much less pain than before. “Thank you, Magic Hands,” he said with a grin.
Hannah laughed, “You’re welcome. Feel better?”
“Yes. Much better. How much?”
“I don’t want your money, Owl. In your case it’s free,” Hannah said.
Owl frowned. “Why?”
“Because you did me a favor the other day when you scared off Clive,” she said.
His scowl turned very intense at the mention of the man’s name. “I would, um, like to teach him a lesson. What he did was wrong.”
Hannah looked down in embarrassment. “I shouldn’t have answered any of those ads in the paper.”
“Why not? It not your fault he lied to you,” Owl said. He took her hands in his and turned them so her palms faced up. “If you not come here, you could not help me.”
His touch was creating havoc in her mind. She was afraid to look at him in case he could see what she was feeling. “I’m happy to do it. I feel awful that you were hurt so badly.”
“It’s ok. I feel bad for you, too. Women to be respected and protected not tricked or talk to harshly,” Owl said. “You are good woman.”
Hannah did look at him then and a fluttering sensation filled her stomach. His beautiful dark eyes held kindness and she couldn’t look away. “Thank you,” she said a little absently.
Jack’s question about whether he was attracted to Hannah came back to Owl and he thought about it while he looked at her. Those pretty eyes of hers met his gaze and her fingers curled around his. Her lips looked soft and inviting and her womanly figure would feel good in his arms. He couldn’t deny that he was attracted to her. It wasn’t good to be dishonest with oneself.
But did she feel the same way? She certainly didn’t mind touching him even though he was Lakota. She didn’t object to holding his hands. There was only one way to find out. Impulsively, he let go of her hands
and ran a thumb over her cheek. Hannah couldn’t move as he dipped his head and lightly kissed her.
Owl considered it a good sign that she didn’t pull away from him. Her hands made contact with his chest and Owl enjoyed her touch but for a different reason than when she was massaging his back. She responded to him in kind and Owl was encouraged to deepen the kiss. Her nurse uniform was crisp under his hands as he took her in his arms.
Hannah’s heart beat erratically as he pulled her closer. She’d never felt anything as intoxicating as his kiss and would have happily stayed in his embrace longer. However, footsteps sounded in the hallway outside the room. Reluctantly Owl released her and though he smiled at her, Hannah saw the heat in his eyes and knew he must see it in hers, too.
Owl quickly put on his shirt and got ready to leave. He didn’t want her to get in trouble for taking too long with him. There might be another patient who needed help. “What time you done work?” he asked.
Hannah had to clear her throat so she could speak. “Around five. Why?”
“I will see you then,” Owl said. He placed a brief kiss on her mouth and disappeared out the door.
Hannah sat down in the chair before she fell down. Why had she allowed that to happen? Never had she kissed a man so soon after meeting. She had to get herself together so she could do her job. No man’s kisses had ever made her weak in the knees before, either. She began laughing at herself for acting like a schoolgirl, but she’d been helpless to stop the reaction he’d inspired. Once her pulse rate returned to normal, Hannah left the examination room and went out to the waiting room to get the next patient.
Owl rode to Bradbury’s General Store. He still hadn’t remembered to get some candy and was intent on buying some. He went into the store and saw people look at him. There were a few he knew and spoke to him. Others just watched him curiously or sent distrustful stares his way.
He knew that he had Marcus to thank for the acceptance most people extended towards him. Marcus’ Lakota heritage was well known now, but he was a respected member of the community and well liked. So with him vouching for Owl, there’d been very little trouble for him. Owl ignored the rude stares and walked with his head held high as he went over to the candy counter. Elliot Bradbury, the son of the owner, stood behind it. “Hey, Owl. How goes it?”
“Fine. You?” Owl asked with a smile.
“Good. Are you back for more candy?” Elliot asked.
Owl said, “Yes. Same as last time, please.”
Elliot laughed. “That’s some sweet tooth you have, Owl.”
“It is your fault. You gave me peppermint candy and now have to have it,” Owl said.
“Sure. Blame the white guy,” Elliot said. He and Owl laughed together. It was a standard joke between them.
Owl said. “I will be back.”
“Ok,” Elliot replied.
Owl liked to look up and down the shelves. There were things for sale that confused him and then others that he liked. Going past the section for ladies, something caught his eye. He backed up and saw a pair of barrettes on a shelf. They had a butterfly design etched into them and Owl thought they would look nice on Hannah. He smiled and took them with him back to the counter.
He paid for his purchases and turned around to see Clive staring at him. Now that he knew how badly Clive had wronged Hannah, Owl couldn’t stand the sight of the man. He walked right up to Clive and said, “Leave Hannah be or there be big trouble.” Owl didn’t wait for a reply. He walked out the door with a smile on his face.
Tessa watched as Owl played with Mikey, Aiyana, and the twins out on the lawn. She sat on the front porch swing enjoying the mild weather. Owl’s method of playing reminded her of Marcus and she missed her brother-in-law very much. She was so happy that Marcus’ dream of becoming a doctor was finally coming true. He deserved it after all the work he’d put into it over the years.
Owl scooped up Katie and swung her around while she let out shrieks of laughter. Like Marcus, Owl was wonderful with children and she thought that it was too bad that Owl didn’t have any of his own. Sometimes she didn’t like it that he interfered when they were disciplining the kids, but she tried to remember that it was ingrained in Owl to side with the children.
She smiled as she thought about how Owl had wheedled permission out of Dean for him to give Mikey one of his Indian ponies when his family came back to camp. Dean had complained about it the day he’d discussed it with Owl. He had gotten cranky when she’d laughed about Dean giving in. Owl seemed to have made it his personal mission to annoy Dean and he never wasted an opportunity to bait the rancher. It was amusing to everyone except Dean.
Owl had continued to teach the children to speak Lakota after Marcus had left and when he was with them, made them speak only the ancient language. Conversely, Tessa and Claire had insisted that he not only learn English better, but to also read and write English. They told him that since he was going to be around for the winter, it would be good for him to know more English.
He had reluctantly agreed and Mikey helped him a lot. Sometimes the two of them did more goofing off than actual work, but eventually they completed their studies. Owl hated it when Claire gave him back something to be corrected. He’d grumble in Lakota and go off to fix whatever it was. At those moments, it was amazing how much his mannerisms were like Marcus’.
Owl left the children and came running up to the porch. He smiled at Tessa and asked, “What time is it?”
Tessa looked at her watch. “Four o’clock.”
“I thought so,” he said with a glance at the sky.
“Are you going somewhere?” Tessa asked.
“Yes, nosey,” he teased.
“Stop it,” she said with a laugh. She and Seth were made fun of for their intense curiosity about everything and everyone.
Owl waited. He could tell Tessa wanted to ask where he was going.
“So you aren’t eating supper at home?” she asked.
Owl said, “No.”
“Will you be back later on?”
“Yes.” He enjoyed baiting her as much as he did everyone else.
Tessa tried to not ask any other questions. “Tonight?”
Owl shrugged even though he certainly planned on being home that night.
“Where are you going?” Tessa finally blurted.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he asked and ran off.
“You’re awful!” she shouted after him.
His laughter floated back to her on the breeze.
Chapter Five
Sammi left the sheriff’s office and started walking home. Owl startled her when he suddenly appeared beside her. She whacked him in the stomach.
“I keep telling you to not sneak up on me,” she said when he grunted in response to the blow.
“You are lucky I do not strike back,” he teased her. He grabbed her head roughly and kissed her cheek. He would never treat any another woman quite the way he did her, but Sammi didn’t mind horse play.
She pushed him away with a laugh. “Get off me! What do you want?”
“I need clothes,” he said.
Sammi looked at him. “What kind of clothes?”
“Lady clothes,” Owl said.
Sammi stopped walking. “I don’t understand, Owl.”
He grinned at her. “I need pants for lady like yours,” he said as he snagged a belt loop on her jeans and tugged on it.
“What on earth for?” Sammi said.
“Can I borrow some or not?” he asked. “And a shirt. Socks and boots, too.”
“Listen, Owl, I’m not going to give you an answer until you give me one,” Sammi said.
“Start walking. You will make me late,” Owl said and pulled her forward again. “Need stuff now.”
“Late for what? Damn it, Owl, let me go!”
Owl laughed and released her. He said, “I race you. I get there first, I do not tell you. You beat me, I tell you.” Then he took off.
“That’s cheatin’!” s
he hollered and ran after him. She knew she had no chance of catching Owl, but she as sure as heck going to try.
When she got to her front porch steps, Owl stood leaning on one of the posts. “Why you so long?” he teased.
Sammi picked up a rock and hurled it at him. He ducked and it hit the front door. She ran up onto the porch and unlocked the door. “Get in here and tell me what’s going on.”
He hesitated as he crossed the threshold. Owl hated Sammi’s house because it was so big. There was a lot more to fall on him should it collapse. He looked at Sammi who was smiling at him.
“Shut up,” he said. Sammi teased him about his fear and it irritated him.
She laughed and then said, “Why do you want my clothes?”
He shifted his feet a little nervously. “I have, um, a, um…” He couldn’t come up with the right word.
Sammi wasn’t sure how to help him, either. “Who do you need the clothes for?”
“Hannah.”
“Hannah? Why?” Sammi asked.
“We are going somewhere,” Owl said.
Sammi let out a shout of laughter. “Oh good Lord! You have a date!” She jumped up and down a little and continued laughing.
Owl was annoyed at first but she looked so funny that he had to laugh. “Yes. A date. Can I have clothes? I not know if she has those,” he said pointing at her jeans.
“Yeah, you can borrow them. I’ll be right back,” Sammi said and took the stairs two at a time.
Owl looked around at the hated house and fidgeted as he waited.
Mitch came in the door with Beulah, his bloodhound.
“Oh, hey, Owl,” Mitch said. “I take it my wife is home?”
“Yes,” Owl said as he bent to pet Beulah who wagged her tail in greeting.
Sammi came running down the stairs with a rucksack in her hand. “Ok. Jeans, shirt, socks, boots, and warm jacket. Where are you taking her?”
