Shifting Targets

by Austina Love

  “Only one,” Remle replied. “If you want to kill the beast you must take the head first.”

  Shye pondered their conversation for a bit, then said, “So if I keep going after Carter, I’m hindering Trip’s ability to take down Pike.”

  “You’re catching on.”

  “You sound like a soldier.” She eyed him curiously. He talked much smarter than he looked.

  “I was.”

  “He was my platoon leader in the Marines,” Trip told her. “We’ve been best friends since.”

  “Ah…the connection. I wondered why you brought me way up here. It wasn’t just to hideout, you wanted backup.”

  Trip and Remle exchanged a glance, then grinned.

  “After what happened back at my cabin, yeah,” Trip said. “I figured the time had come to call in a little reinforcement.”

  Remle stood up and gave her a smile. “We can work out a plan in the morning. You two have a good night. Make yourselves at home.”

  “Thank you.” Shye returned his smile, then turned toward Trip after Remle left the room. “So he’s not a poor hillbilly living off meager profits of moonshining.”

  “He does make his own whiskey.” Trip shrugged in defense. “But he doesn’t do anything illegal like sell it.”

  “Why do you lead me down these paths of mystery? Do you not trust me?”

  “Ah, baby, that’s not it. I had to make sure Remle was okay with you. After all, we dropped in without notice and we are on the run.” He brushed her cheek with the back of one hand. “I didn’t lie…I just didn’t tell you everything. We haven’t exactly done everything by the book, ya know?”

  “True,” she agreed with a relenting smile. “I didn’t exactly ask before you brought me here. Guess I was just glad we had somewhere safe to go until a new plan of attack is in place.”

  “Remle’s a cool dude and I won’t have to worry about him hitting on you.”

  She reached up and grabbed his hair then pulled him down on the couch. “I love a man I can’t figure out. Dangerous, mysterious and even a little jealous…”

  “Mm…I have reason to be jealous. You’re a rare jewel.” He gave her stomach a playful tickle. “And we have the rest of this night to enjoy each other.”

  Chapter Three

  “You might wanna take a look at this.” Remle dropped a newspaper on the kitchen table in front of Trip. “Did you sleep well?” he asked Shye.

  “Yes, too well. I could get use to living here. You have a really nice place and it’s so peaceful.”

  She smiled while staring into her coffee, mindlessly toying with the spoon. After a heavenly night of lovemaking in the guest bedroom, she’d slept in Trip’s arms into the late morning. She hadn’t slept so sound in a long time. Her thoughts drifted as she basked in dreamy afterglow until Trip nudged her back to reality.

  “Looks like our situation just got more complicated.” His dark eyes met hers as he slid the morning news toward her.

  Her mouth dropped open when she glanced at the front page. “That’s us!” She read the headline. Wanted! Renegades for robbing Bluff Ridge Bank. Her throat felt tight and her mouth went dry. “I can’t believe that bastard.” Every word she read after that only increased her rage, bringing on an intense hot flash that coursed through her body.

  Shye Halayi and her accomplice Trip Viper are sought by law officials in connection with a string of robberies that occurred over the past week, as reported by Mike Carter. Shye was seen leaving the bank by an unidentified witness, carrying an undetermined amount of money. Anyone with information on this pair is advised to contact Sherriff Roone immediately. They are considered armed and dangerous.

  “Looks like he found his way out of the woods.” She sighed. “He’s trying to pin us down before we expose him.” She shook her head in dismay. “I’m not letting him get away with it. You had nothing to do with this and now you’re a wanted man. You wouldn’t be in this mess if not for me.”

  “Just what do you intend to do?” Open concern drenched Trip’s voice. “They’ll be watching…everyone will be watching.”

  “For Shye…yes…but not for Shadow.” She pushed away from the table and walked to a window. “I’ve danced around with Carter long enough. It’s been a long time coming. One of us is going down.”

  “Shye, no! Don’t risk your future going after that prick. What about what we talked about last night?” He placed gentle hands on her shoulders from behind. “Let me get Draven then I’ll help you ruin Carter.”

  She whipped around in his arms. “I’m sorry, but no. I returned home from twenty years in the Air Force only to discover that he’d duped my poor innocent parents out of their home and sent them packing back to the reservation. The tables are about to turn.”

  Remle strolled to the sink, poured more coffee and handed her fresh cup. “If you’re hell bent on doing this your way, then you should let us help.” He cast Trip a peculiar look and added, “No use trying to stop a woman like this, old friend. The best you can do is back her up.”

  “What do you know?” Trip growled.

  “Most folks are afraid to venture up this way. A strange old man living in a broken down house makes people skittish. You’ve heard the talk.” Remle leaned against the counter. A slow grin spread across his face. “Ghost stories about the man on the mountain.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard the gossip but none of it’s true. You’re talking as crazy as her, what’s this about?”

  “Patience, Trip, my boy. Did I ever tell you about my grandfather?”

  “Oh hell.” Trip sighed and plopped back onto his chair. “Here we go…another long journey to the past. Go on then,” he said with a laugh. “Tell me.” He motioned for Shye to sit back down.

  Shaking her head, she remained at the window. “I’m fine right here.”

  Remle nodded still wearing the slight grin. “When I was a boy—”

  “Here we go again.” Trip rolled his eyes in jest.

  Shye walked over and playfully smacked him atop the head. “Let him speak.”

  Her action drew a wink from the older veteran. “Thank you, Miss Shye.” He pulled a slice of jerky from a jar, then offered them some. “As I was saying before someone rudely and impatiently interrupted me…” He smirked. “When I was a boy we were dirt poor. My parents had nothing. Mother wove exquisite blankets and she had a special talent for making the most favored dreamcatchers around. My dad was known for his woodcarvings. People traveled far to purchase their handmade goods.”

  “Your parents were Native American?” Shye slowly took a seat.

  “Yes. But you’re probably wondering about the blue eyes and blond hair about now.” He gave his ponytail a playful tug.

  “It crossed my mind.”

  “I never knew my biological parents. Mother died giving birth and my dad didn’t want to raise a child on his own. Times were tough. He couldn’t work and take care of a kid so he dropped me off at the reservation. Nobody there wanted to raise a white boy, but one woman took kindly to me. Since her husband was an esteemed chief among their people, she was permitted to take me in. They raised me as their own and I never had much trouble with the others. They respected their Chief’s decision to give this poor homeless orphan a home.” He paused for another bite of jerky then continued. “I worked hard, learned their ways, and adopted their customs and faith as my own. As the years went by the others no longer noticed my skin or hair color. I had earned their respect. I went off to war to get an education just like you, Shye.”

  “Wow…what a wonderful story. Are your parents still among the living?” She stole a glimpse at Trip who sat looking somewhat shell-shocked.

  “My dear mother is. Dad passed away not so long ago.”

  “I never knew this about you,” Trip interjected. “Why are you telling us now?”

  “One thing I’ve always loved about living up here…so many eagles. They are beautiful creatures.”

  A shiver raced over Shye. “Yes…they are
…”

  Remle stared straight into her. “Last night while I was out back making some brew I felt something ride in on the wind that my father had often spoken of in his campfire tales. He was quite a storyteller, my father.”

  Trip shifted in his chair. “Are you going to clue us in?”

  Shye shot him a foiled look. “Be patient.”

  He feigned a frown and sat back. “I’m glad you two are enjoying this little bonding session but have you forgotten about today’s news?”

  Ignoring Trip’s impatience, Remle simply grinned. “My father’s favorite story was about a painting that hung on his bedroom wall. Now I never could see what was missing in that mysterious piece of work and he never told me. But he did love to repeat the legend of the one who walks without a shadow.”

  Shye gasped, clutching one hand to her chest. “You are Chief Blackwater’s son?”

  “Adopted son.” He didn’t speak for a few minutes as if giving her and Trip time to absorb the shock.

  “I’m sorry for my disrespect.” Trip lowered his eyes. “I did not know”

  “No worries, my friend. I understand more than you think.”

  “You know who I am?” Shye looked up with a humble heart.

  “When I heard Trip’s bike rumble up my drive I wandered back to the house. But when I saw he had company I decided to hang back and see who. There have been occasions when he brought his prisoner here for the night before traveling on and turning them over to the law. I didn’t expect him to come riding in with a beautiful woman. He’s been gun shy of the female persuasion for a long time.”

  “Really?” Shye arched her brows in disbelief. “A gorgeous single man like him?”

  “Anyway,” he went on. “I felt a sudden chill in the air when you arrived then while you were standing in the moonlight gawking around I noticed something very peculiar. Only one of you cast a shadow on the ground…and it wasn’t you, my dear.”

  “No, it wasn’t. I only cast a shadow by day. I am forbidden to walk in the shadows of darkness.”

  “My father entrusted me with the story foretold by your great grandmother of a prodigy child. He said if she ever came to me that I was to trust and help her.”

  “You know what she is?” Trip appeared as shocked as she felt. He simply stared at his friend as if frozen.

  “Nagi Howiwacipi…the ghost dancer.” He gave Shye a piercing stare. “You are Shadow.”

  They sat in stunned silence for a while, sipping coffee. No one said a word as the revelation sunk in. She pondered all the connections. Never did she think that by hitching a ride with this hot rebel biker that he’d be chasing a man who was connected to Carter. And then find out that Trip’s best friend, an older man who lives an eccentric life in the Black Hills was the adopted son of an esteemed chief. The correlations simply blew her away.

  Finally Trip broke the silence. “What about our plan to take Draven out so he can’t kill Carter before Shye gets her farm back?”

  “Look at her. Have you ever seen more fire in a woman? She’s on a mission and she doesn’t intend to fail. We at least owe her the courtesy of hearing her out.”

  Shye tensed while waiting for his response.

  “You’re right. I’ve been obsessed with catching Draven for so long it makes me blind at times.”

  Remle gave him an approving nod. “Time to fall back and regroup. What do you have in mind, Miss Shye?”

  “I’m going to shift the target,” she stated without hesitation. “That dirt bag has put me and Trip in everyone’s crosshairs. When I’m done, he’ll take my place on the wanted list.”

  “Are you going to rob the bank again?” Trip asked.

  “Just a little. I’m going to do exactly what they don’t expect. Carter thinks I’ll be on the run. Now is the perfect time to strike.” She smirked. “I need some help.”

  Chapter Four

  “I try not to speak when I’m in another person’s shadow because my voice doesn’t change and it just feels weird,” she told Trip as they sat parked on the outskirts of town. “So don’t get freaked out when I walk up to you as Mike Carter.”

  “Make sure you show me the feathers so I know it’s you, babe.” His hands trailed up and down her bare arms. “You do realize how many things can go wrong with this plan?”

  Shye stood firm. “I didn’t ride two hours in the blazing heat to fail. Trust me, when I’m done nobody will even be looking our way.”

  “I trust you.”

  “No matter what happens, don’t ride into town. I don’t want anyone spotting you. It’s absolutely crucial that you and I are not seen this time, okay, baby?”

  “I’ll be right here. Be careful.”

  “Always.” She offered him a warm smile. “I love you.”

  He accepted her kiss, sweeping his arms up her back and into her hair. They clung to each other for a couple intense moments locked in a heated exchange of unspoken desire. Nothing had ever thrilled her more than working with high power weapons until this hotter-than-hell biker rode into her life.

  “Time for some fun.” She eased from his arms before leaving him parked behind a thick cluster of trees.

  Keeping one eye on the streets and the other to her front, she slunk along the edge of town using her combat training to remain undetected by using trees, shrubs, buildings or anything available to conceal herself.

  Brace yourself, Carter, you’re going down!

  She reached a phone booth behind the drugstore without any trouble. After dialing the number to the bank, she cupped one hand over the receiver. “This is Sherriff Roone’s secretary.” She kept her voice low and muffled. “We just apprehended Shye Halayi and the Sherriff thought Mr. Carter might want to come in during the interrogation in case he has any questions.”

  “Oh I am sure he will,” the teller replied, excitement evident in her voice. “I have a few questions myself for the wench.”

  “He should get here as soon as possible.”

  “We’re on our way.”

  “I’m sorry, miss, but only Mr. Carter will be permitted. This investigation is not open to outside parties. We can’t risk critical information slipping out before court. I do hope you understand.”

  Jill sighed loud enough into the phone. “Yeah, I’ll tell Mike. I’m sure he’ll head right out.”

  “Thank you.” Shye hung up the phone then crept through back alleys, using extreme caution to avoid being seen.

  At the rear entrance of the bank she hunkered down behind a dumpster, knowing Carter would exit here to his waiting SUV. Time had swung past noon placing the sun into perfect position for casting long shadows. A squeaking sound drew her focus toward the back door. Out walked Carter dressed in a gray three-piece suit over a coral shirt. She never made a sound while creeping along behind him to assume his shadow.

  Grabbing the black feather, she whispered for Nagi and instantly the brutal July heat vanquished beneath the icy cold grip of shifting. Moving with a speed that impressed even her, she ducked behind his car until he slid behind the wheel. She walked beside the long, tall black vehicle as he backed up then she slipped behind a nearby tree before he turned the wheel and drove away.

  Have a nice trip! She wanted to laugh out loud but controlled herself. The Sherriff’s office was a solid forty-five minute drive one way. By the time Carter figured out he’d been duped, Shye would be riding north on Trip’s bike.

  Mustering all her courage, she boldly walked into the bank through the rear exit and into the vault. This time she made sure the security camera caught her at each angle while she filled two canvas sacks with as much money as they would hold. The bags were heavy but she felt supernaturally strong today—be it sheer will or powers from beyond, it didn’t matter right now. Her mission for today would end in a blaze of glory.

  Once outside again, she ran full speed straight through the center of town carrying the bags of money in plain sight. People began gathering on the sidewalk, clearly baffled by what they saw. S
he found Trip right where she’d left him and shoved the money into his hands. Speculation shadowed his eyes. Oh yeah, she thought and pulled the feathers from under the stifling collar. He grinned and handed her what she’d received from Remle for assistance in her outrageous plan. Nodding her thanks, she turned and stalked back into town carrying an RPG rocket launcher.

  Pedestrians began screaming and running amok when Shye, using Carter’s identity, took a stance in the town square with the weapon braced on her shoulder. She waited for word to reach the bank and counted each employee as they ran outside to escape the coming wrath. She heard people shouting he’s crazy—he’s gone mad—and saw them dialing their cell phones for help. None of it mattered. She had her target in sight.

  Their calls would create chaos and with the reception drop-rate in these hills, she knew it would take police longer to get here than it would for her to get away.

  “Stop him!” someone shouted. “He’s out of his mind!”

  A couple of brave but foolish men attempted to advance on her so she whipped out her shotgun with one hand and fired a couple warning shots at their heads. In a flash they dropped to the ground and scurried back.

  Idiots! Don’t even mess with me today!

  Everyone stood back in utterly visible shock as she took aim once again. When the stream of people fleeing the bank ceased, she squeezed the trigger.

  A loud pop followed by a strong whoosh filled the air as the first grenade fired. With lightning speed she reloaded and released a second grenade. An explosion rocked the ground. Flames shot out and up in every direction. A blast of heat radiated through the air yet she felt nothing but cold. Townspeople ran for cover. Screams of panic flooded the area amidst the roar of a blazing fire.

  With a smile of satisfaction plastered on her face, she sauntered up the sidewalk through the billowing smoke and onward until the massive inferno left behind grew farther away. She hated to leave her masterpiece of destruction, but wisely chose not to linger in the glory of it all. Before returning to Trip, she stopped behind the last grove of trees and called upon Nagi once again.