Death Chant

by Vella Munn

  “That’s one reason I decided to come back as soon as I could.” Booth patted a front pocket, drawing her attention to a bulge in the shape of a cell phone. “I thought Dr. Wilheim might have left a message, but he didn’t. Have the two of you talked?” He lowered his gaze then looked at her again. “Unless I’m asking something you can’t tell me.”

  “I believe he’s on his way here.”

  “Good, good.”

  Something about Booth’s tone made her wonder if he really meant that.

  “Have you seen Dr. Gilsdorf’s cabin since you got back?” Booth asked. “Is it really as bad as I heard?”

  “A great deal was taken,” she said. “Unfortunately, it looks like most of the library material is missing.”

  With an effort, Booth straightened. “Is it?” His gaze shifted to Jay. “I may regret saying this, but I’m exhausted. The first thing I thought when Christian told me was that the Natives must have done it.”

  “Why?” Jay demanded.

  “Motive and opportunity.” He nodded at Winter. “No one knows more than I do about the contents of those old oral histories. I’ve been concerned that tribal members would want them back. That would be a real shame, because they shed new light on the past and should be available to the public.” He smiled. “Several articles about my efforts to preserve those records have been published in library publications. NPR twice interviewed me.” Another smile lifted his tired features.

  “I’ve been accused of using them for my personal gain, which is ridiculous. Dr. Gilsdorf was fascinated by the histories, which initially thrilled me and is why I gave him unrestricted access. I just wish he’d been more forthcoming about whether he found them useful.”

  “Does that have anything to do with you suspecting local Native Americans?” Jay asked.

  Booth rubbed his stubble. “Good question. It’s possible he told some Native Americans about what he’d found in the records. It might’ve been his way of drumming up their support.” Booth shrugged and lifted his hands, palms up. “That could have backfired, made the Natives determined to get their hands on the histories.”

  Was it really theft if the Natives took back what represented their cultures? “There’s going to be an investigation into the theft,” she said. “Until that’s completed, it’s premature to point fingers.”

  Booth nodded. “You’re right. What concerns me is that the files might be destroyed.”

  “Aren’t there copies?”

  “Yes,” he muttered. “But if the tribes go to court to obtain custody of everything—I’ve heard the Hoh council is looking into using an injunction to force Dr. Gilsdorf to stop.”

  “An injunction?” She stumbled over the word. “The Hoh are suing to—”

  “I’m not sure if it has gotten beyond the talking point, and I might be jumping to conclusions. Maybe the Natives had nothing to do with the robbery.”

  “Let’s take this a step further,” Jay said. “Are you also saying one or more of my people might have killed Dr. Gilsdorf?”

  No! She wanted to scream but couldn’t. Just because she’d studied the Native Americans of the Northwest didn’t mean she understood them. How could she believe she did when she didn’t know herself?

  “Don’t put words in my mouth,” Booth retorted.

  “You and I aren’t detectives,” Jay told Booth through clenched teeth. “Let law enforcement do their job.”

  “I don’t care,” she told the two men when that wasn’t the truth. “Right now, there’s only one thing I can focus on.” She pointed at the body bag.

  “You’re right.” Booth’s words dragged. He started to extend his hand toward her, only to pull back. “I held it together pretty well up until now, but I’ve never been around violence. I shouldn’t have said anything. The last thing I want to do is make this any worse for you.”

  The way Jay kept staring at Booth, she gathered he wasn’t buying Booth’s apology, if that’s what it was. As for her, she’d spoken the truth when she’d said she couldn’t deal with any more. “I’m taking this one second at a time.”

  Booth sighed and licked his chapped lips. “I need to do the same thing. First things first is getting out of these boots.”

  He took a step. Before he could take another, raised voices cut through the forest sounds. Looking toward where they were coming from, she saw Michael standing toe to toe with Christian. Michael’s hands were fisted.

  “He’s going off,” Jay said. “I wondered if this was going to happen.”

  “Me too,” Booth muttered.

  “This is unacceptable,” Michael said loud enough for every word to carry. “You’re asking the impossible. I won’t allow it.”

  She couldn’t hear Christian’s response, but his tone and stance made it clear he didn’t share Michael’s anger. If anything, Christian was attempting to calm and reassure the other man.

  “Don’t play me for a fool,” Michael snapped. “I’m aware of how the government works. Hell, I’m part of it. You’re going to run roughshod over the park, make up your own rules and expect me to let that happen.”

  The other law enforcement officers had stepped back from Michael and Christian, but their body language left no doubt they were ready to step in if necessary.

  “What is he talking about?” she asked.

  “I have a pretty good idea,” Booth answered. “Same as you, right, Jay? Christian just reminded Michael that law enforcement is in charge, and Michael doesn’t like it.”

  Michael was still arguing, but at least he’d stopped yelling. Winter was willing to cut him some slack. After all, like Booth, he’d been on his feet most of the day. He’d had to look at a savaged body when he probably was as ill-prepared as she’d been. What she didn’t get was why he’d taken it upon himself to notify the university of Doc’s death.

  “I saw this coming,” Booth said. “All the time we were walking back, he kept on about how worried he was that the park would be shut down. I told him I didn’t see that happening, but I might as well have been talking to a wall.”

  As Booth limped away, Winter focused on Jay. The way he watched the still-heated discussion put her in mind of a guard dog. He bore only a casual resemblance to the man who’d recently stood respectfully next to his uncle.

  “Why is Michael so upset?” she asked. “He knows there has to be an investigation.”

  “Because he’s scared.”

  “For his job? No one’s going to fire him for something that’s beyond his control.”

  “He was hired to increase revenue. That’s hanging over his head. I have to hand it to him. He came up with a couple of programs that brought a few more people in while the programs were ongoing, but the gains he made will be reversed if the doors are locked.”

  “Whoever hired him would understand that, wouldn’t they?”

  “It doesn’t sound as if he believes that. I’m not sure Michael knows why he’s afraid.”

  In a way, she understood Jay’s explanation. Those times were behind her, but she still remembered the fear that had gripped her every time she had no idea where she was going to spend the night. She’d slept outside enough that the lack of a roof had stopped bothering her. It was the isolation, the loneliness, wondering if it would ever end. Having no one to turn to.

  Except for the remnants of her childhood belief in Wolf.

  “Winter,” Jay said, “I want to be part of this discussion. Go to my cabin and get something to eat.”

  Memories of homelessness evaporated with his words. “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

  He ran his knuckles over the side of her neck, causing goosebumps and more to explode all over her. “Our relationship’s a complicated one, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to get something to eat.”

  Take care of me. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

  Between Jay’s words and touch, long seconds passed before she got moving. Once she was on the path with the forest
whispering whatever trees and wind whispered, she chalked her reaction to Jay up to the rabbit’s hole she’d fallen into, starting when she’d opened the box Doc had sent her. She had a sex drive, of course, but she’d never come close to losing her mind because some male said he wanted her.

  Jay hadn’t said anything of a sexual nature. Just because they’d shared a brief kiss and he’d put his arms around her and touched the side of her neck—

  Can you read my thoughts, Wolf? If so, please straighten them out.

  * * * *

  In some respects, the cabin Jay used was indistinguishable from the two others she’d seen since coming here, in that it had been built at the same time from the same mold and subjected to the same harsh weather. The difference lay in the personal stamp he’d placed on it. Several wilderness posters had been taped to the walls. Instead of a sleeping bag, real bedding, complete with a dark brown spread, covered the single bed. He might have bought the efficient wood stove. The small kitchen was well stocked with a full-sized refrigerator, cast-iron skillets, heavy-duty pans, pottery dishes, and a supply of fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and meat. Jay was a bachelor, but he obviously believed in a healthy diet.

  Everything about being in his domain spoke to her. She wished he’d explain why he’d chosen the poster of a mountain creek flanked by deep snow or the awe-inspiring one of a bull elk, its head and massive rack lifted. Did anyone ever share the narrow bed with him?

  Stop thinking like that.

  A little later, as she ate a ham and cheese sandwich complete with tomatoes, lettuce and onions, her head cleared. She was still tired but no longer felt as if she was going down for the count. Even her grief had become less all-consuming.

  While preparing her meal, she’d wondered if Jay would come in, but he hadn’t. She wished he would so she’d know whether to return to her cabin or connect with Christian. One thing she was certain of, she didn’t want to see the bag holding Doc’s body again. She’d finished eating and was wiping off the counter when her cell phone rang. Hoping it was Jay, she grabbed the phone. The number displayed belonged to Carolyn.

  “Do you have something to write on?” Carolyn asked. “I have the grant committee information you need.”

  Looking around, she spotted an ink pen and wrote the names and numbers Carolyn gave her on a napkin.

  “That was fast,” she said. “I appreciate it.”

  “I figured the sooner the better. Besides, I can’t concentrate on anything except Dr. Gilsdorf’s murder. Any sign of Dr. Wilheim?”

  “No, not that I’m in any hurry to see him.”

  “I don’t blame you. Have you decided whether you’re going to go after the grant?”

  Yakanon.

  Startled by the word Talio had thrown at her yesterday, she looked around, half-expecting to see the older Hoh. The walls closed in around her.

  “Stay?” she muttered.

  “Are you there?” Carolyn asked. “I can’t hear you.”

  Instead of answering, she stepped outside. No matter how intently she stared all around, she saw nothing.

  Yakanon.

  Her mouth dried.

  “Winter, are you all right?”

  She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, a whispery sound reached her. Maybe it was Wolf, maybe not.

  “Winter?”

  The whisper again, a little stronger this time. Unmistakable. Wolf.

  “I’m here,” she said around the lump in her throat. “And, yes, I’m staying.”

  Some five minutes later, she was in her cabin. Even though she was certain it wouldn’t do any good, she tried to get a Wi-Fi connection for her laptop so she could run a search for Yakanon. After giving up, she scanned through the graduate course notes in her files, copies of Doc’s lectures he’d given her, even outlines of Dr. Wilheim’s classes, but didn’t come up with anything. Maybe the explanation was on Doc’s laptop or in his backup. Maybe she’d have to ask Talio.

  By now, it was late afternoon, and when she stepped outside, she realized she’d soon have to put on a jacket. If she were still in San Diego, she’d be looking forward to the cool of evening, but it was different here.

  Everything was different in Olympic.

  Everything had changed for her.

  Determined to rejoin the real world, she headed toward the Potlatch office. The shadows were so long that little sunlight reached her, and she couldn’t help but wonder if someone might be watching. No matter how firmly she told herself that Doc’s murder was responsible for her paranoia, she couldn’t shake off the suspicion. Maybe if she were back in familiar territory—

  Maybe if Jay were with her—

  No one was outside near the office, and there was no sign of Doc’s body bag.

  Suddenly afraid for the man who’d done so much for her, she picked up her pace. She should have stayed around to make sure he was properly cared for.

  The office door opened, and Jay and Michael stepped out. Michael barely acknowledged her before striking off for a park service vehicle. Jay headed toward her. Next to Michael and Booth, who both carried the strain of their day, Jay looked as if he could keep going indefinitely.

  “What happened?” she asked.

  Jay came closer than her nerves needed. “They’re taking the body to Seattle for an autopsy. Michael is going to the ranger district office in Quinault. I’m not sure what he hopes to accomplish there. Mostly, he probably can’t bring himself to just wait for the process to play itself out.”

  “What about the investigation?”

  “A couple of law enforcement rangers stayed where we found Dr. Gilsdorf, and Christian has been in contact with them. Christian wants to turn his attention to the cabin to possibly determine if there’s a connection. They might not bother looking for fingerprints, because they’d have to have a testing kit brought in. Besides, anyone focused enough to take what he did would have worn gloves. Christian said he doesn’t want to wait too long to interview the two of us.”

  Thank goodness for food in her stomach. Otherwise, her sudden lightheadedness might’ve gotten the better of her. She debated telling Jay that she might have heard Wolf again, but she’d only be giving him a partial story if she didn’t mention Yakanon’s role, and she wasn’t ready to do that. One more thing, she wasn’t sure she should tell him about her conversations with Carolyn. Given everything Jay had done for her, she hated keeping anything from him, but she first had a lot to ponder.

  She nearly told Jay she wasn’t sure she could add anything valuable, but the interview might provide her with the opportunity to ask the investigator if he had any suspects.

  Suspects? She was an anthropologist, not a detective.

  A woman being stalked by a spirit wolf.

  “What are you going to do?” she asked.

  “Michael asked me to try to convince Christian to rethink his decision to close the trail to Ghost Totem. I agreed to bring it up. That’s part of why Michael’s going to Quinault. He’s hoping the Pacific ranger district will put pressure on Christian.” Jay ran calloused fingers through his thick, dark hair. “I’m sure they’ll trust Christian to do his job.”

  “I wonder if he has any idea who did it.”

  “I don’t know.”

  Jay hadn’t closed any more of the distance between them, so why did she feel as if he was trying to draw her toward him? Maybe the sensation came from within her.

  “Did he say anything to you?” she pressed.

  “I’m not law enforcement, so I’m not the one he’d be discussing suspects with, but I’m sure he’s compiling a list of everyone who had recent dealings with Dr. Gilsdorf.”

  Which included Dr. Wilheim, Michael, Booth and the Native Americans.

  Jay’s gaze became even more sober. “I didn’t tell Michael about you staying in one of the cabins after all.”

  “Why not?”

  “If he can use you to his advantage, he will.”

  “You sound sure of that.”
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  He nodded. “He tried it with my people.”

  “What did he do?”

  “He’s long wanted to put us on display. This spring, he attempted to talk my uncle and other Hoh elders into conducting a potlatch on the border between the park and our reservation to entertain the public.”

  “Which you didn’t want to do.”

  “It didn’t personally involve me, Winter. I’m not part of those discussions.”

  But he wanted to be. His expression left her with no doubt. “Doc didn’t tell me much about his relationships with other people here.” She paused. “I wish he had. Dr. Wilheim is on his way here.”

  Jay frowned. “Why?”

  “I’m not positive, but I have my suspicions. Have you said anything to Christian about Doc and Michael’s relationship?” Or what the Natives thought of Doc?

  “Not yet, but I’m going to. A heads-up about Michael—he doesn’t handle confrontation well. Most times he backs down, but he has a temper. You saw a taste of it.”

  “Yes, I did. It seems strange to me that someone with a short fuse has gotten promoted like he has.” Feeling chilled, she started rubbing her arms.

  “Look, it’s going to get cold in a hurry. Maybe you should go to your cabin. I’ll tell Christian where you are.”

  “Jay?” She stepped into his space, once more feeling his heat. “Are you going to say anything to Christian about Wolf?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Of course not. Are you?”

  “And have him believe I’ve lost my mind?” Wishing Wolf would step out of the forest, she looked around. Jay was right, it would soon be dark. She was trying to decide what to do when Jay reached out, captured her wrists and drew her arms to his sides.

  “There’s something I need you to consider,” he said. “The spirits are sacred to my people. They’d never forgive you if you say anything.”

  If he wanted to intimidate her, he was doing a decent job of it—all except for the part of her that wanted more than his fingers around her wrists. As evening took away the distinction between man-made structures and nature, what Jay represented became even more important.

  “You indicated you don’t believe as some Hoh do. Would you ever tell someone who isn’t a member of the tribe about Wolf or other spirits?”