Mystery at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  Paul and Hannah looked at each other and spoke at the same time. “The police.”

  27

  BIRD'S VOICE RETURNS

  Tan had found the perfect hiding place — an old deserted cave that was dry and quiet inside. Best of all, it was on the path to a fresh water hole where animals of all kinds came to drink. That would make scenting him very difficult. Tracking dogs just weren’t that smart. He crawled in and made himself as comfortable as possible on the hard ground surrounded by rocks. He grinned and fidgeted. Things were turning out just fine.

  BIRD SLEPT SOUNDLY through the storm. The hail slowly turned to rain and the winds began to weaken, imperceptibly at first, until the storm was finally over.

  Cody was the first to awaken. He wiggled silently out of the tent on his belly and crept away.

  Sunny woke next, and stayed still for as long as he could stand it.

  Bird, I need to stand up.

  No answer.

  Bird! Seriously. Horses are not meant to be off their feet for too long.

  Bird stirred slightly, then rolled over. As soon as she was clear of him, Sunny stood. He shook himself, then stretched. The scent of fresh wet grass drew him outside, and soon he was busy filling his empty belly.

  Lucky snored deeply, and Bird turned over to find a more comfortable position.

  When the cruiser stopped in front of Saddle Creek, Paul opened the ripped screen door, wondering briefly what had possessed Lucky. The officers got out of the patrol car, followed by Phil. Patty ran outside and embraced him. “What happened?” she asked.

  “I’ll tell you all about it,” said Phil, “after the officers have removed our friend Hank.” They walked into the house with arms entwined.

  Paul and Cliff untied Hank and the two policemen snapped on the handcuffs. One officer spoke to Hannah as he worked. “The chief has put another search team together, and they’re on their way now.”

  Hannah nodded eagerly. “I’m so glad.”

  A moment later, they were gone.

  “Well,” said Hannah as she watched the cruiser’s tail lights disappear down the lane. “Hank’s gone. I’m glad.”

  “The rain’s stopped, too,” said Paul, looking at the sky.

  “I just wish we knew where Bird was,” Julia said quietly, her voice cracking with emotion.

  “They’re starting the search again, honey,” said Hannah, giving Julia’s shoulder a warm squeeze. “Mack told us that as soon as the lightning stopped, the dogs and men would go down and find her, and that’s what they’ll do.”

  Julia burst into tears. “I hope they find her,” she whispered, “but I really hope she’s still alive.”

  Liz hugged her friend and began to cry, too. “Don’t c ... cry, Julia,” she croaked. “When you c ... cry, I c ... cry.”

  Cliff was the first to voice what they were all thinking. “I’m going to get a flashlight. Who’s coming with me?”

  Julia jumped up. “I am!”

  “Me, t ... too!” cried Liz.

  “You can’t hold me back!” said Hannah.

  “I’ll take my cell,” Paul said as he grabbed a flashlight. “We can form our own team. Never too many hands.”

  “Pete and I will stay here to answer the phone,” said Laura. “I’ll put the chicken pie in the oven, and we can all eat when Bird comes home.”

  Just as she spoke, the phone rang. Paul put it on speaker so he could grab his jacket.

  “Hello?”

  “Kenneth Bradley here. Have you found Tanbark?”

  Everyone stopped what they were doing.

  “No, Mr. Bradley. Mack’s sending some dogs down soon, though.”

  “Soon, you say? What incompetence!” Kenneth sputtered. “I’ll do it myself. I’ve got my own search team and I’ll find him myself.” He slammed the phone down with considerable energy.

  “He didn’t even ask about Bird,” said Julia.

  From the corner of the kitchen, Pete’s quiet voice interrupted their thoughts. “Why is he so eager to find Tanbark that he would forget his granddaughter?”

  No one could answer.

  Cody slunk back into the tent and pulled at Bird’s shirt.

  Wake up, Bird girl. Wake up.

  Bird opened an eye and looked at the coyote, whose nose was touching hers. What?

  Wake up. It’s time to go back to your den. They worry.

  Bird sat up straight, knocking Lucky by accident. The dog jumped up in alarm. I’m ready! I’m ready!

  The storm was over and it was getting dark. Bird was so tired that she had trouble thinking. What had Cody said? They worry? Suddenly it hit her. Hannah and Julia didn’t know where she was.

  Cody, how long have I been sleeping?

  No matter. Go now.

  Sunny! Let’s go!

  I’ve been ready for ages.

  Bird scrambled up on the chestnut gelding’s back. Can you find your way home in this light?

  Can birds fly?

  Bird patted his neck affectionately and wound her fingers through his mane to help stay on. Lucky followed at Sunny’s heels and Cody wove in and out behind them and in front, through the trees and around the rocks, all the way up the Escarpment.

  Once they were up the slippery, rain-soaked trails and past the rocky outcrop, Bird urged Sunny into a canter. He was eager to get home, too, and they sailed along freely. Sunny sure-footedly galloped along the well-known paths as darkness fell, eating up the distance easily.

  As they arrived in the back field, Bird saw what looked like stars sparkling in front of the house. She blinked hard and looked again. What the heck was that?

  Julia was the first to see them coming. “Bird?” she hollered.

  Hannah turned to look, aiming her flashlight into the darkness. “Julia, what do you see? Where are you looking?”

  “There, Aunt Hannah. There! Way past the barn. I swear it’s Sunny with Bird on his back.” She started running. “Bird! Bird!”

  “I can’t see anything,” said Cliff, “but I hear hooves.”

  “Something’s coming,” Paul said as he strained to see. “There, behind the barn. Do you see it, or am I imagining things?”

  Slowly the shapes of a horse and rider followed by a dog began to solidify in the mist.

  “She’s coming home!” yelled Hannah. “Bird’s coming home!”

  Julia ran toward Bird as fast as she could, gasping for air.

  Lucky could no longer contain himself. He barked and wiggled with excitement, then he shot toward home. He raced past Sunny and bumped into Julia, who patted him as he passed. He dashed to Hannah, then to Paul. Lucky whined and sang, wagging his whole body.

  Slowing Sunny to a trot, Bird saw the outline of a small figure barrelling toward her.

  “Bird!” called out Julia as loud as she could. “Bird!”

  “Julia!” Bird yelled.

  Sunny’s ears spun back. Bird! You spoke!

  In a rush of energy and excitement, Bird realized that he was right — a word had passed her lips. “Julia!” she cried again,louder this time. “It’s me! I’m home!”

  Julia and Sunny almost collided in the dark. Bird slipped off her horse’s back and hugged her little sister tightly.

  Breathless and sobbing, Julia pulled back. “Bird, you talked! You said my name.”

  Bird laughed and cried at the same time.“I did,didn’t I?”she said. “I can talk again, Julia! I can talk!”

  Hannah stumbled on some tufts of grass but found her feet in time to catch herself. As soon as she reached her niece, she hugged her so tightly that Bird began to hurt.

  “Aunt Hannah! Let go,” she laughed. “I’m in greater danger now than I was all day!”

  The others were right behind, exuberant with joy and relief. Bird was fawned over and Sunny was praised and patted. Slowly, the elated procession made its way to the farmhouse.

  “Where were you?” asked Paul. “What happened today?”

  “I’ll tell you the whole story.” />
  “Did Tanbark kidnap you?” he persisted. “I can’t believe I didn’t call the police right away.”

  “Well, he tied me up, but only to keep me with him until he could tell me his story.” Even to Bird’s ears, it sounded weak.

  “I thought you might be dead,” Cliff blurted.

  “I’m sorry, Cliff. I was knocked out when I fell off Sunny, then tied up and I couldn’t get away. Then the storm hit and I fell asleep. Cody woke me up and we raced home as fast as we could.”

  “Cody woke you up?” Julia asked. “So he was watching over you the whole time?” She turned to Hannah. “Like I said, right?”

  “Yes, the whole time.” Bird scanned the shrubs that lined the path to the house, but she could not see the coyote anywhere. A great gratitude swelled up in her chest. Thank you, Cody.

  It was my duty. His reply came from the bushes.

  Sunny tossed his head. I helped, too, after I escaped the barn.

  “And Sunny helped, too. He came to rescue me and bring me home.”

  Lucky pawed Bird’s leg. Me, too! Me, too!

  “And Lucky brought me a loaf of bread so I didn’t starve to death. Good boy!” Bird rubbed his ears and Lucky wiggled happily.

  “So that’s what was going on!” Hannah said with a laugh.

  “We couldn’t figure it out,” added Paul. “We didn’t know what had gotten into him! But how did he know where you were?”

  “Cody brought him down,” answered Bird. “Then we all slept until the storm passed.”

  “A nap in the storm?” Julia shook her head, puzzled.

  “Tanbark had made a tent out of stolen, or borrowed, horse blankets. It was actually quite protected and dry.”

  “That’s another mystery solved,” said Cliff. “The green one that old Paul wore and the red waterproof?”

  Bird nodded. “And Charlie’s wool cooler.”

  “Bird, darling! Darling Bird!” Laura came running out. “There’s chicken pot pie and I’ve made some hot cocoa and cookies for you.”

  “That sounds too good to believe,” Bird said. “I’m so hungry I could eat a ...”

  Don’t say it.

  Bird laughed at Sunny’s warning. “I’m so hungry I could eat out the entire refrigerator!”

  Just then, the canine unit truck pulled up at the house. Mack Jones got out of the passenger door and walked up to the group. “Do I see who I think I see?” he asked, smiling broadly.

  “You do, indeed,” answered Paul. “Bird just got home, and she can talk again! You can call off the search. For her, at least.”

  “Welcome home, young lady.” Mack examined Bird carefully. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine. Tanbark saw what happened to Sandra Hall. That’s what he’s been wanting to do all along — to tell someone.”

  Mack nodded eagerly. “We’ll want a complete statement of course. Where is Tanbark now?”

  “I don’t know. He ran away when the dogs got close. I have no idea how long ago that was, or where he went.”

  “Did he hold you against your will?”

  “Yes, but he only wanted to make sure I’d stay and listen to his story.”

  “Did you feel in danger at any time?”

  Bird paused and thought carefully. This was a more difficult question to answer. “He’s weird, and has some crazy ideas, but I never really thought he’d hurt me.”

  “Where did you last see Tanbark and when?”

  “In his tent at the bottom of the trail and off to the south, but I can’t tell when because I fell asleep after he ran away.”

  Mack checked his watch. “It’s ten o’clock. We called off the search at seven. He could be anywhere by now.” Mack turned to signal the driver of the van. “Start the search for Tanbark Wedger!”

  When Mack turned back,Paul spoke. “Kenneth Bradley has sent down a search team, too. Perhaps you can co-ordinate with him.”

  “No!” Bird shouted. “Don’t let him!”

  Mack peered at her with a raised eyebrow. “Explain, Bird.”

  “My grandfather should not find Tan. It’s very, very important.”

  “Why is that?”

  But Bird wasn’t listening. She grabbed Sunny’s mane and leapt up onto his back with one fluid motion. She dug in her heels and urged him to retrace their steps.

  Sunny, we’re going back down.

  Sunny balked. You’re whacked!

  Maybe so, but we have to find Tan. Now.

  How are we going to do that?

  Cody!

  Yes.

  Can you find the wild man?

  Yes.

  We’ll follow.

  All at once, a doubt began to grow in Bird’s mind. Even if she found Tan, how would she convince him to come back and tell everybody what had happened? He might be too nervous. But his version of the events was crucial. Somehow, someway, she needed the others to hear it. She had an idea. “Julia! Get me your recorder!”

  “My digital recorder? My new one? Why?”

  “Just get it! I’ll explain later!”

  Julia ran into the house.

  “Bird!” Hannah’s voice was hollow with worry. “You’re not going back down there. I will not allow it.”

  “Sorry, Aunt Hannah,” Bird steeled herself, “but Cody will find Tan the fastest. Grandfather cannot get to him first! He might try to kill him! I’ll be fine!”

  Hannah spoke to Mack earnestly. “Mack, stop her. This is dangerous work.”

  Mack looked at Bird sternly. “Listen to your aunt, Bird. I need to hear what Tanbark said. You must get down and tell me now. My team will find him. This is not a job for an inexperienced child.”

  “Trust me!” cried Bird. “There’s no time! I’ll tell you later! I have to warn him! He knows too much and my grandfather wants to shut him up.”

  Paul tried a more gentle approach. “Get down, Bird. Sunny needs some feed and rest. So do you. You’ve had a very long day.”

  “Julia!” Bird yelled. “Hurry!” She turned to Mack, Paul and Hannah. “You don’t understand, and it’s a long story. Keep my grandfather away from Tan! I’ll tell you everything when I get back.” She had just decided to leave without the recorder when Julia reappeared with a small device in her hand. She reached up to Bird and gave it to her.

  Bird slid it securely into her pocket, and, without another word, Sunny and Bird shot off at a gallop toward the back of the farm. Cody was waiting at the top of the Escarpment, sniffing the air with intense concentration.

  The race was on.

  28

  THE SEARCH FOR TAN

  Tan listened to the baying of the hounds. They were far away, but he thought they were getting closer. He prided himself on having ears as sharp as a dog. He would have lots of warning. He wasn’t worried in the least.

  MACK IMMEDIATELY LEFT with the search team, and Hannah, Julia and Paul resigned themselves to waiting in the farmhouse. Cliff went up to the barn to check on the horses, and Pete and Laura settled in the armchairs by the fire. Phil, Patty and Liz decided to go home to get some rest.

  “Call any time day or night, Hannah,” said Patty as they headed out the door. “Especially if there’s anything we can do.”

  “I will. I promise.” Hannah closed the door then slumped in a chair, rubbing her forehead.

  “Don’t worry,” said Pete. “Bird knows what she’s doing. She has a special relationship with nature. Let her use it.”

  Hannah looked at the insightful old man.“You might be right.”

  Pete smiled. “Of course I’m right. With Sunny’s strength and speed, and Cody’s nose and tracking skills, Bird has the best chance out there of finding Tanbark.”

  “If he’s still out there,” said Paul.

  Pete stretched his arms and rubbed his aching shoulder. “I’ll bet he’s close by. At least until his mission is accomplished.”

  “What mission?” asked Julia.

  “Whatever it was that brought him here in the first place.�
��

  Bird and Sunny were back down below the Escarpment at the tent, exactly where they’d started. Cody crossed and double-crossed the deer trails and hiking paths. Bird watched as he systematically checked under every leaf that had a trace of Tan’s scent.

  The tracking dogs were close enough to hear, but there was no way to tell if they were Mack’s or her grandfather’s.

  Cody, can we find him first?

  Yes, Bird girl. He went this way. Follow.

  Bird and Sunny kept as close as possible to Cody. Nose to the ground, he followed the scent. As they picked through dense underbrush and walked flat-footed across slippery rocks, the baying and crying of the hunting dogs never let up.

  Can you hear two teams, Cody?

  The dogs have split into groups. I know not which team is which.

  Do any of them have the scent?

  No. Soon, though.

  Bird struggled to calm herself. She knew she couldn’t rush the coyote, but they had to find Tan before Kenneth Bradley.

  Cody stopped and raised his head. The wild man is hiding in a hole where coyotes were before.

  Where?

  Look where I look.

  All Bird saw was a group of large rocks and a steep cliff. I don’t see anything.

  Get down to the ground, and follow me.

  Bird did as she was told. Stay here, Sunny. I’ll be back. Hopefully with Tan.

  Don’t be long, Bird. It’s dark.

  Sunny stood by the edge of the drop while Cody led Bird down.

  There was no path, and the descent was slippery and rocky. Eventually, a small cave was revealed in the side of the hill.

  He’s in there.

  Cody and Bird heard the dogs at the same time — closer now. They’d found the scent and were coming fast.

  Hurry, Bird. I’ll distract them.

  Be careful, Cody! Bird was alarmed at the thought of her coyote friend putting himself at the mercy of packs of hunting dogs.

  Never fear. I will be safe. In an instant, the coyote was gone.

  Bird was alone in the dark. She took a deep breath and concentrated on her job. She crawled onto her knees and looked into the black mouth of the cave. Bugs buzzed around her.