Whispering Spirits

by Rita Karnopp

  Summer nodded and broke away from his embrace. The gesture instantly chilled her to the bone. “I’m so tired I can barely move.”

  “Know what you mean. We get to Babb and maybe we can get some rest before Worthington leaves his love nest.”

  “Pl…eeeease! Spare me from forming an image of that one.” She walked alongside Running Crane. His limp reminded her of his injury. She gave him a quick glance and suddenly realized morning light cast eerie shadows across the land. “How far is it to Babb?”

  “Maybe three miles. But there’s some steep terrain and with my leg and considering how tired we are, I’m guessing we’ll be near Babb in about two hours.”

  “That’s not so bad. We can check into a hotel, clean up, get some food and sleep.” She wished they could run the entire three miles.

  “That sounds too good to be true,” he chuckled.

  They fell into a comfortable silence, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. They just crested a steep hill and had barely moved downward when they both stopped dead in their tracks.

  A cinnamon bear and her two black cubs stood directly in their path, staring at them. If it hadn’t been so dangerous, it would have been almost comical.

  “Lower your gaze and slowly back away.”

  Summer gave him a glare without moving her head. “Are you kidding me? We should bee-line it back down that hill behind us.”

  “No! We run and they’ll have us shredded to pieces in a matter of minutes. Bears are non-confrontational. Take a deep breath and do your best to be calm and—”

  The sow growled several short grunts in their direction and her cubs quickly ran into the bushes off to their right. After several long seconds of staring at them, she sauntered after her young.

  Breathing deeply, Summer swallowed hard. “I’m actually shaking,” she said under her breath. I’ve seen bear before, but I’ve never been face-to-face with one like this. Aren’t you just—”

  Running Crane grabbed her arm and pulled her down, squatting close to the ground. “I’m sure I saw movement in the same direction that bear headed.”

  “Her cubs—”

  “No, further along those cottonwoods,” he pointed to his right.

  She scanned the area with care. Morning stillness settled over them. A meadowlark trilled in the distance and several bluebirds sassed each other behind them. A skittish chipmunk chattered as he skidaddled up a Ponderosa Pine just ahead of them.

  Finally she saw a single figure step out of the tree line. He moved swiftly and somewhat recklessly. “You think that’s Bradley or Stuart?”

  “Too tall for Stuart. I’d guess it’s Bradley. Wonder what he did with his buddy. He must have realized we weren’t heading toward Saint Mary Lake and decided our objective was Babb. Must have figured we had more of a head-start on him than we actually do. He reaches Worthington before us and we’ve lost our edge.”

  “Maybe we should accidentally reveal our position and make Bradley back track to us. Didn’t he say he wanted to deliver us to Worthington?” She didn’t want to think so lowly of Bradley. They’d saved his life in that chopper and now he was willing to turn them over to the lion.

  “Make him come to us…instead of us rushing down to surprise him? You might have something there. Why don’t we build a fire and—”

  “No, that’s too obvious. He knows we’d never make a mistake like that.”

  “True, but what do you suggest?”

  Summer thought for a moment. “How about one of us fakes falling down this hill?” She glanced down and cringed at the thought.

  “I’m the one with the bum leg. It’s more likely I’d fall than you.”

  Before she had a chance to argue, Running Crane let out a yelp and slid to his butt. Several twists and turns, rolls and loud grunts, he quickly made his way down the hillside.

  His voice echoed across the valley and the man running ahead of them came to a halt and looked back her way. “Running Crane,” she shouted. “You okay? Answer me,” she shouted again.

  In an over-exaggerated posture, she stretched to look downhill. She glanced up without moving her head and noticed the man actually changed directions and now ran toward them. It had worked. Now what would they do? They should have thought it through before acting. She hurried after Running Crane, sliding and scraping her hands as she grabbed weeds to slow her progress.

  Having reached the bottom of the hill, Summer sat staring at Running Crane. “That was fun,” she exaggerated the thrill of the demanding descent. “He took the bait. What do we do now?”

  “I’ve been giving that some thought. He’ll be here in about ten minutes. I think we should stand behind those two large trees. He’ll never see us coming up from across that back stretch. We’ll let him pass by and then we’ll grab him when he least expects it.”

  For lack of a better plan, Summer nodded in agreement to his suggestion. None of this seemed real. When had her life become threatened at every turn? Her father was missing. Her grandmother was being held hostage. “Running Crane, who do you really think has that paper Worthington is looking for?”

  “You.”

  “What? What are you talking about? I’m telling you, I don’t have a clue.” She leaned her back against the large pine tree and it seemed to vibrate with foreboding. She glanced over at him and quickly pressed her index finger against her lips.

  Several snaps of sticks warned of an approaching hiker. He ran past them, then paused, and swung around facing them.

  “Thought I didn’t know you were here, didn’t you?” He pointed his gun at Summer.

  “Where’s Bradley? I’m sure we saw him near the cottonwoods, not you.” She glared at Stuart.

  “Seems he was undercover after all. I caught him leaving trail signs for who I don’t have a clue. But there wasn’t much doubt he’d been playing me all along. Our loud conversation about Babb worked, but it seems Bradley had other plans.”

  “What other plans?” Running Crane drew Stuart’s attention as well as the direction the gun pointed.

  Summer kicked the gun and it fired into the sky before landing down the hill among the weeds. Running Crane dropped his pack and dived at Stuart. Catching a fist on the jaw, Running Crane flinched. He punched Stuart in the stomach. He staggered back and before he could set himself, Running Crane swung a powerful right that sent Stuart sprawling.

  Chapter Ten

  Wasting no time, Summer scrambled to the other side of the hill to look for the gun. She dropped to her knees and moved the tall grass around. Where could it have gone?

  “You looking for this?”

  She looked up at Stuart…and the barrel of his gun. He hadn’t found it…he’d had a second gun and wanted her to think he’d found the weapon she’d kicked away.

  “You murdered Bradley, didn’t you?” She glanced around searching for Running Crane.

  “Well, you might say it was more like self-defense. He came at me with a knife and we wrestled and rolled some…next thing you know the knife was sticking in his chest. Funny how things like that can happen. You two have more lives than a cat. That’s gonna end here. I once told you I’d make you pay for killing my brother—”

  “Strange you should say that since I’m pretty sure you killed Derek yourself.”

  “I wouldn’t kill my own brother. Besides we were tight.”

  “Either you’re lying to me…or Bradley—”

  “That bastard! Damn glad I killed him.”

  “Guess you’re even then. Why don’t you just let me go? Worthington won’t have a clue and I’m sure not going to tell him.”

  “Wish I could, but Worthington would pay a bonus if I were to bring you back to him. I can’t pass up that kind of money. Nothing personal, Summer.”

  She glared at the man. “You told Bradley you didn’t know who Worthington’s girlfriend was…but I’ll bet you lied. I think you know…don’t you?” From his expression she guessed he knew a lot more than he was saying. />
  “Get over there and tie your boyfriend’s hands behind his back.”

  “I thought you killed him.” She rushed to Running Crane’s side.

  “I should have, but I’m more interested in the money he’ll fetch instead.”

  Summer knelt next to Running Crane’s unmoving body, then caught a glimpse of steel. The other gun waited barely a reach away. “What should I tie him with?” She moved over to the other side of his body and stooped down, low enough to feel cold steel beneath her fingers.

  “I don’t give a damn what you use. Just figure it out and hurry it up.”

  Summer slipped the gun under her shirt and moved back to face Running Crane. She unbuckled his belt and pulled hard. Leaning closer to him, she whispered, “If you can hear me, reach under by blouse and take the gun.”

  She didn’t expect him to respond but managed to work the belt with energy, disguising his movements to take possession of the gun.

  “What’s the plan, Stuart? You taking us back to StoneHouse?”

  “Hell, no I’m not. We have barely a mile to go and we’ll be at Babb. I’ll turn you over to Worthington there…and good riddance.”

  “You really think he’s gonna pay you and let you leave…just like that?” She hoped bating Stuart would take his mind off tying Running Crane.

  “Why wouldn’t he?”

  “Couple of reasons. First, consider the fact that Bradley was soon to become Worthington’s son-in-law. He tried killing him, didn’t he? You aren’t even that close to the man. The only reward he’s going to give you is a shot between the eyes like Willie got.”

  “I won’t let that happen.”

  “How are you possibly going to stop the man? He’s powerful with a bank account that has no limit. He doesn’t care about you.”

  “Hurry up, what’s taking so long?”

  She could tell Stuart’s level of uncertainty increased. “It’s not easy to remove a belt from an unmoving man. You ever try it? Maybe you should come down here and help me?”

  “Ain’t that stupid, girl. Bradley told me you have a couple years of what…oh yeah, defensive fighting training. How stupid do you take me for?”

  “Guess you’re smarter than Derek, then.”

  “Shut your mouth about my brother. It weren’t his fault he got into that fight with your boyfriend. He shoulda told Derek where that paper was and he’d still be alive.”

  Summer sat back on her heels and looked at Stuart. “Did it ever occur to you that he never had that paper Worthington is looking for?” His expression revealed it’d never have occurred to him. “Bradley said…well never mind. I’m tired of all this speculation and drama. I wish someone would just give him that damn paper and this would all be over.”

  “What did Bradley say? You better tell me, girl.”

  Summer smiled. “Why should I? What? Worthington has a reward for the person who brings him that paper, doesn’t he?” She smirked at Stuart.

  “Five thousand smackers.”

  “It’s worth about five billion smackers and that’s all he’s rewarding you? I think he’s one stupid cheapskate. You should find that paper and ask for a cool million dollars.”

  “No fucking way!”

  “Why not? Haven’t you been asking yourself why he wants that paper so badly? Don’t you wonder what it’s really about? Surely you don’t think it’s only about a few test results, do you? You must be more stupid that I ever imagined.”

  “Shut the fuck up! I ain’t stupid. What aren’t you telling me?”

  Smiling to herself, Summer stretched her neck first to one side then the other. “Bradley didn’t tell you anything? Some partner he was.”

  “Bradley wasn’t my partner. It was Derek, Jordan and Joshua.”

  “Aren’t you just a bit curious where Joshua has been all this time?”

  “What you saying?”

  “While you’re here busting your hump chasing after Running Crane and me, he’s out there looking for that document. How much you want to bet he might even have found it? Is he going to split his finder’s fee with you?” The look on Stuart’s face told her she’d pushed the right button.

  “That son-of-a-bitch! Wait until I get my hands on his sorry ass.”

  “He must know you’re working for Worthington and you’d be busy. That gives him the freedom to go after the document. If he hasn’t contacted you with his plan, I’d say he figures to run solo.” She considered she might have pushed a bit too hard…Stuart might see right through it. “Then again, I could be all wrong. You guys are partners and you’re the only two left. I’m sure he’d never consider cheating you out of your share, like Worthington would.” Summer pulled on Running Crane’s belt and it gave way, sending her sprawling to the ground.

  He jumped up, pointing a gun at Stuart. “Drop the gun, Stuart. I really don’t want to shoot you. Summer get behind me.”

  She scrambled to her feet and trembling leaned against Running Crane’s back. She was tired, hungry, thirsty and so done with guns and running.

  “You shoot me and I shoot you. Guess we have us a standoff.”

  “Maybe we should consider working together,” Running Crane said.

  “I don’t follow you.”

  “I don’t think Worthington has any intention of letting any of us live, and that includes you, Stuart. I don’t have a clue where Joshua is, but I’m guessing he’s knee deep in Worthington’s business.”

  “Even if you’re right about Worthington, I can’t back out now. He’d kill me for sure.”

  “He’s going to kill you anyway. Why not try saving yourself by helping Summer and me? I have the law on my side and if you help us, I’ll see about getting you immunity.”

  Summer could tell Stuart considered Running Crane’s offer. “If you can’t bring yourself to helping us, then let us go. Tell Worthington we got away.”

  “That’s just it…he’d know. I can’t take the chance.”

  “Maybe I should shoot you in the arm. He’d believe you then.” Running Crane shift his weight, then pulled the trigger. The gun dry-fired.

  “You tried shooting me!” Stuart shouted. His reddened face revealed his immediate anger.

  Summer couldn’t help being surprised by Running Crane’s actions herself. She glanced at him and caught his shove square on the shoulder, sending her sprawling to the ground.

  Running Crane dived at Stuart and the gun fired. She waited to see which man dropped to the ground. Instead, they continued fighting, rolling on the ground and punching each other. She searched around, and spotted the gun. Within seconds she recovered it and stood, hands extended, holding the weapon toward them.

  “Come on guys, stop fighting. I’ve got the gun and we’re all going to decide our next—”

  “This day just keeps getting better and better,” Stuart scrambled to his feet.

  Running Crane slowly stood. She could tell he was about as spent as she was. They both could drop from the lack of sleep and food.

  “You go your way and we’ll go ours. We’ve had enough killing to last a lifetime.” Summer breathed deeply as Running Crane moved her way.

  “That’s not how it works. It’s kill or be killed.” He dived at Summer.

  His sudden movement caused her to jump…she pulled the trigger. The loud shot and recoil from the gun sent her sprawling backwards.

  Stuart hit the ground, pushed himself up, and he sat clutching his shoulder. “You bitch! You shot me!”

  “I didn’t mean to…you shouldn’t have come at me,” she shouted back.

  “What now? You going to finish me off?”

  “Give me that gun, Summer,” Running Crane said.

  She gladly handed it over. “I wish you had decided to cooperate with us, Stuart. I’ve no doubt you would have killed us if you had the chance.”

  “Damn right, and I still could. You have no idea what Worthington can do. Even if he went to prison, he’d be able to find and kill me. The choice isn’t mine. What now
?”

  “We’re going to get a hotel room where Summer and I are going to get something to eat and some sleep. By the looks of you, you’re going to a hospital and find yourself arrested.”

  “What the fuck! You’re having me arrested for what?”

  “You have to ask?” Running Crane shook his head. “Murder, accessory to kidnapping and several attempted murders, and to be honest the list goes on.”

  “Like what?”

  “Failure to help an investigation and assaulting an officer. I’m sure I could find several others if you’re feeling neglected with those. Summer, would you mind tying his hands behind his back.”

  “Shit, you don’t need to do that,” Stuart held his injured shoulder with his right hand.

  “You think that’s necessary? Won’t that really hurt his shoulder more?” Summer didn’t care if Stuart felt pain or not, but she didn’t want him dying at her hand either.

  “I’m tired and not in the mood to watch his every move. If we don’t get some sleep pretty soon we’re just going to drop.”

  Running Crane had a point. She could barely stand for need of sleep. Her body cried for nourishment. She nodded and used the belt she’d pulled from Running Crane’s jeans and bound Stuart’s hands behind his back. With his hurt shoulder, there was no way he’d be able to maneuver himself free.

  * * *

  The shower barely revived her. She’d washed her bra and panties in the sink and dried them with the hair dryer. If only she could wash the shirt and jeans she’d been in for three days…that felt like ten. They’d been pushing themselves beyond the breaking point and so much had happened.

  She walked into the room and found Stuart tied to the bed by the window. His snores told her exhaustion had won. Pulling the complimentary thin comb through her hair, she sat on the far side of the second bed and leaned against the pillows.

  The door opened and she jumped before realizing Running Crane carried a pizza box and several bottles of water.

  “That smells so incredible my mouth is watering already,” she said.

  “Well, hi to you, too.” Running Crane laughed. “I nearly fell asleep waiting for this.” He tossed her a bottle of water and set the pizza on the small table. “I actually ate a piece before I left the shop. Best pizza I ever ate.”