Dark Spirit

Dark Spirit

A backpack-laden Skyler stood before him. “What the blazes are you doing?” “Getting ready to fix my wound.” He held his knife over the flames. “Don’t tell me you’re going to…God, I can’t even say it.” “Cauterize? No choice.” “That’ll hurt like hell. You can’t possibly think you’re going to do that to yourself, do you?” She dropped to the ground and slid out from beneath his heavy pack. “Dang, you carried that here? I’m impressed.” “Didn’t do it to impress you. Just thought we’d need the contents to survive.” He couldn’t help admiring her. “Why don’t you turn your back and I’ll get this over with.” “Not likely. Can’t say I have the stomach for it, but you’d better let me do it.” In’is’kim stared at her. Could she be serious? “You don’t have to. I can―” “What? Can’t accept my help? We’d better get it done with and get this fire out before our shadow notices.” He knew she was right. Once the pain gripped him, he might not even stay conscious, then what would happen with the hot knife. “Here,” he said, clenching his teeth. “I’ll press the skin together. You place the hot knife right across it. Do it quickly—now!” Hellfire tore into his thigh. Burning flesh and hair, his flesh and hair filled the air. Bile rose in his throat. He fought it down. He fought the dark wave that assaulted his awareness. He blinked hard, again and again. He shook his head and Skyler’s shadow came into view. “You okay?” Her words seemed far away. He wanted to answer but his mouth didn’t seem capable of working. Heaviness weighed him down, and he couldn’t fight it.

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Dark Spirit © 2008 by Rita Karnopp

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

An Eternal Press Production Eternal Press 206 - 6059 Pandora St. Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5B 1M4 Cover Art © 2008 by Shirley Burnett Edited by Deborah Nemeth Copyedited by Sherri Good Layout and Book Production by Julie A. D’Arcy eBook ISBN: 978-0-9804739-2-6 First Edition * March 2008 Production by Eternal Press Printed in Canada and The United States of America.

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Dark Spirit

Rita Karnopp

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TÄáÉ uç e|àt ^tÜÇÉÑщ Sacred Ground Wind Song Ransom Love, coming in 2008 Revenge, coming in 2008 Kidnapped, coming in 2009

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Dark Spirit

Wxw|vtà|ÉÇM I dedicate Dark Spirit to my mother, Dorothy Dutton, who has been there for me with support and love through the good and the bad. I treasure her with all of my heart and thank God for the gift of her love. I also dedicate this book to my dad, Thomas Dutton, who passed this past year. His memory is in my heart…and I will miss him always.

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V{tÑàxÜ bÇx Otter...so Curious and graceful, In control and playful. Fear isn’t what it seems, until it violates your dreams.

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ou didn’t have to die so quickly. You didn’t try hard enough.” He hissed the words at the limp form. “Spineless,” he added before pushing her body with the point of his silver-tipped boot, until it slid over the rocky edge. She fell, limp and lifeless. “So the game ends.” He turned away from the player. She hadn’t been much of a challenge. A doctorate in animal husbandry, and she didn’t last more than…what? Barely four months. Disappointment filled him. He’d spent a lot of time preparing. He’d gone out of his way to make it interesting. She’d failed him. She’d failed herself. He stomped back to his cherry-red sixty-five mustang convertible. Giddyup splayed across the license plate. Appropriate for Montana, the big sky country. The last tamed land. He swung his body over the door and eased his legs beneath the steering column. Several pumps on the gas pedal and his pride-and-joy came to life. He shoved the shift ball forward, then a fast back, up to the right, then down again. She purred beneath his fingertips. Turning a corner at least twenty miles faster than the sign posted, the tires spewed a spray of rocks and gravel. Warm air blasted his face, and his long black hair trailed behind, snapping and whipping like a tattered flag. He liked watching it in the rear view mirror. Wild, free, and best of all, unconventional. Gently touching the new deck of blue medicine cards, he fondled them until his fingertip rested on what he believed to be the destined choice. Turning hard on the steering wheel to round a tight corner increased the suspense. Finally a quick glance revealed the picture of an otter. He smiled. So the new game began. His player would be female. She must display playfulness and control. She must be long, sleek, and graceful like the otter. He knew such a woman. She’d already been chosen by fate, and he had her 6

Dark Spirit name and address. *** “Wake up, sleepy head.” Without opening her eyes, Skyler Grinnell rolled onto her back. She peeked through heavy eyelids at her sister. “Damn, you’re not near as exciting as I’d hoped.” “Very funny. It’s not my fault you don’t have a man. You’re not exactly my type, either.” Skyler smiled at that. “Maggie, you’re a gem sometimes. Why don’t you go make some coffee while I hit the shower?” “Not on your life. I’m sleeping in. Go make your own coffee.” Maggie turned over and snuggled further down into the blankets. “Fine. You could try your bed one of these days. You do remember your own room?” “Had a bad dream...besides...you’re warm.” So, now she’d become warm. How wonderful. In spite of it all Skyler couldn’t help smiling. She loved Maggie and truly didn’t mind it when she sought refuge in her bed. An older sister had a responsibility to be there for a sibling. “Oh,” Maggie mumbled. “There’s a strange-looking envelope that came in the mail for you yesterday. I left it on the kitchen table.” Moaning with the effort, Skyler struggled to her feet, blindly slid into her slippers, then shuffled to the kitchen. A day just like the last one…the one before that, and the one before that. Without much effort she made the coffee and popped a bagel into the toaster oven. She glanced down at the mail on the table, took several steps toward the bathroom, then pivoted back to the gray envelope. She studied the address. “This must be a joke,” she muttered out loud. “What’s a joke?” Skyler jumped. “Dang, you scared me.” Her heart pounded in her chest. “You’ve got to stop doing that. One day you’re going to cause someone a heart attack.” Maggie yawned and stretched. “Wasn’t trying to scare you this time. If I’d have thought of it, I could have got you real good.” “Grow up!” “Don’t need to, you got enough seriousness for the both of us. Who sent the letter?” “I’m not sure. Check it out.” Skyler handed the envelope to Maggie. “I saw it. Spooky, isn’t it? Don’t look at me that way. It wasn’t me. Honest. Think I’d take time to cut out all these letters and numbers just for a joke? Not likely.” “You got a point there.” Skyler headed for the coffee. “You’re too lazy for that.” “Very funny. Aren’t you going to open it?” “A bit anxious, aren’t you? Let me guess, it’s filled with thousands of those paper punch holes and it’ll make a mess all over everything.”

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“How would I know?” Maggie plopped down onto the kitchen chair, her one leg tucked under her butt, as always. “That’s not good for your veins.” Skyler took a breath, knowing she sounded like their mother—and that bothered her. She slipped her nail into the corner of the envelope and slit it across. No paper confetti poured out. “Well, what is it?” “I’m not sure,” Skyler admitted. “Looks like a postcard. No.” She paused, turning the blue card over. “It’s more like a card from a game or something. Here.” She passed it over to Maggie. “Strange. An otter? What’s that supposed to mean?” “I haven’t the faintest idea. Do you know what game it’s from?” “Haven’t a clue. Take it to the library, they might know.” Skyler grabbed a coffee mug and filled it. “There are feathers hanging from the circle the otter is in. Looks Indian.” “Native American. Aren’t you going to pour me one?” “Not likely. Get your own.” Skyler sat across from Maggie and stared at the card on the table. “What do you think?” The toaster oven dinged. She ignored it. “Someone’s trying to liven up your dull life. Wouldn’t take much, would it?” “Have I forgotten to tell you lately that I love you? Go back to bed, you’re starting to get annoying.” A brilliant smile spread across her sister’s face. Her tight blonde curls spouted in every direction. She barely reached five feet one inch as opposed to the towering five-ten height that Skyler hated. They were opposites in every way, but they were all each other had. “Maybe you shouldn’t touch it,” Maggie said. “Put it in a plastic bag and have the police dust it for fingerprints…or something like that.” “Real dramatic. And what exactly do I tell them? I mean, what crime has been committed? You’re so blonde.” “Well, you’re so brunette. Fine, if you’re so smart. Do it your way, but I’ll bet you’ll wish you had listened to me. Did you know that every crime starts out with something small like this? Some lunatic is out there stalking you. He’s finally gotten brave enough to send you a clue. You don’t even take it seriously. Watch your back, sis, somebody is watching you.” Skyler rolled her eyes upward, then headed for the bathroom. “Oscar performance.” Maggie giggle. It had to be one of her jokes. Skyler hated admitting Maggie’s comments were actually unsettling. What if it wasn’t one of her sister’s crazy pranks? “It has to be,” she whispered to herself. After locking the bathroom door, she leaned against it. Maybe she would take a trip to the library. She needed to pick up a stack of presentation bulletins for work anyway. *** The Great Falls Library could easily be called the town’s pride and joy. The community as well as the employees worked hard to make it the center of education and the hub of the Montana city’s society.

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Dark Spirit Skyler pulled her orange Volkswagen into a parking spot. She hated the car because it belonged to her mother. Father had left it parked in the garage all those years, never touching it. It too often reminded Skyler of the woman who had left with the love of her life, leaving behind her husband and daughters. Anger built. “I hope you’re happy, Mother,” Skyler gritted the words vocally. Walking toward the library, she wondered why her anger hadn’t mellowed after eighteen years. It hadn’t been any easier as a ten-year-old than it was now at twenty-eight. Several steps in front of the door Skyler paused. She’d nearly been sucked in. Were Sally and Bell at the library, in on the joke? If only Maggie would grow up. There wasn’t enough time between two jobs to waste on foolishness. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction…she’d pick up the bulletins later. Skyler returned to her car only to find a parking ticket beneath the windshield. “Damn!” She glanced around to find the meter person, but saw no one. The minute she parked her car it seemed they came out of the woodwork. “Damn, I hate my life.” She slid behind the wheel. Tears surfaced. Maggie had no idea what it cost to keep them going. Skyler had done a good job keeping the tears and the worries from her sister. She’d been a baby when their mother deserted them. A baby. How could a mother leave her three month-old baby? Flicking the tears from her eyes she started the engine. There were no more answers now than back then. And that’s what it was, the past. Best left forgotten, or at least not thought about. This day had started out lousy. She gave the parking ticket a glance, then noticed something paper-clipped behind it. Lifting the top sheet, she spotted a blue card, like the one she’d received in the mail. She picked it up as though it were a hot coal from a barbecue. Having turned it over a bat stared back at her. This time something had been typed on the backside. “Sacred Bat...symbol of rebirth, shadows your life on earth. Desolation of the cave, unknown location of her grave.” “What the hell is that suppose to mean?” she asked, flipping the card back over to glare at the beady-eyed, rubbery-winged beast. Who but a few knew she couldn’t stand bats? Hell, who could stand bats? She grabbed the first card from her purse and compared them. The pictures matched in style, shape and color. Bolting from the car, Skyler dug deep in her coat pocket and headed for the meter. Within seconds she faced the library doors. If it was a joke, she’d teach Maggie a lesson she’d never forget. Not wanting to draw attention, Skyler quietly headed straight upstairs for the adult research section. She stared at the computer screen, hesitant as to what to enter. Digging in her purse, she retrieved the card and then typed Native American games. She scanned the list. “Throwing willow arrows, hiding bones, bow and arrow, wheel and arrow,” the list went on, but nothing sounded like the cards she’d received. She glanced at the card, then typed Native American cards. “You need some help?” The deep voice drew her attention from the screen. Skyler glanced up and felt swallowed by the deepest, darkest, most absorbing brown eyes she’d ever looked into. They seemed to pull her into the dark shadows, begging to come closer. She blinked to refocus, finally seeing the man.

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Indian...no, Native American, she corrected herself. Handsome came to mind. A man of the past would have been a better description. She felt as though she’d stepped back in time. His raven hair fell below his shoulders in a braid tied with a strip of red cloth adorned with fur and an eagle feather. He wore a fringed buckskin jacket and jeans. She stared at the choker-type bone and bead necklace tight around his neck. It looked ancient, as, in ways, so did the man. “Excuse me, you feeling all right?” Skyler shook her head and suddenly realized she’d been standing there staring at him. “I’m fine, you...startled me, that’s all.” “I seem to have that affect on people.” His laugh came deep, as though from his soul. His eyes were alive. His typical high cheekbones, his nose moderately large, straight and thin gave him a prideful appearance. “You do? Wait a minute. Is this part of Maggie’s plan? You know, I just don’t have time for...games. Tell my sister I caught on right away and thanks...but no thanks.” Skyler tossed the blue cards on the carpet at his feet and bolted down the library staircase. “Wait!” She heard his deep request but continued out the front door and in a direct line to her car. “Wait, please.” She glanced up at the towering figure. For once she felt grateful for her own height. “What?” She hoped he read the disgust in her gesture and annoyance in her voice. “I don’t know any Maggie, nor know anything about a game.” He handed the cards toward her. “I just thought you appeared…troubled—might need some guidance. It’s no skin off my back if you don’t need my help, but—I wouldn’t have even followed you…I mean…these cards, where’d you get them?” “What?” Skyler took a deep breath. “Give me the courtesy of dropping the charade. Ask Maggie where she got them. I really don’t care.” “You’re not listening to me. I don’t know Maggie. I’m not part of any charade. I just want to know where you got these?” He waved the cards at her. She shook her head and released a deep sigh. “I just might believe you. Would you be interested in a cup of coffee and a bagel at the Daily Grind? It’s just up the street.” His hesitation annoyed her. She wasn’t asking him into her apartment for drinks. The offer had no ties. “Suppose I could spare a few minutes. I would like to know more about these.” He held the cards respectfully in his palm. Again she sensed his interest, and it reeked of conspiracy. “I’ll just bet.” She couldn’t help being suspicious. “They’re old.” Skyler glanced at the man as they crossed the street. “How old?” “I’m no expert, but I’d venture a guess of a hundred years or more.” “What? I wonder if Maggie has any idea. She probably got them at a garage sale or something with this charade in mind.” “Don’t look at me. Do I have to repeat, I don’t know Maggie nor―” “I know, you aren’t part of any joke. You’d better hope not. Because if you’re

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Dark Spirit part of this…let’s just say you won’t like the consequences. I don’t like tricks, shenanigans, surprises, and the like. I just don’t. Don’t have time for them. They’re a waste of my time. I think you get the drift.” “No doubt about it.” Skyler chose a table at the back of the restaurant, coffee and bagel in hand. She wondered if the man following thought her a total nut-case. She wouldn’t blame him. “By the way, I’m Skyler Grinnell.” She extended her hand across the table. “Nice to meet you, Skyler.” His firm grip covered her hand like a father’s would a child’s. Surprisingly, in a way she felt every bit as comfortable with this stranger as she had her dad. The revelation seemed haunting somehow. “Your name?” “Did you know a Blackfoot never tells his name if he can avoid it? It’s believed should he speak his name, he would be unfortunate in all his undertakings.” He continued to hold her hand in his while he spoke. The warmth of his skin spread like wildfire. It blazed quickly to her heated cheeks, and she pulled her fingers free from his hold and sat. “You believe that?” Her voice betrayed how unsettled she felt. “Yes and no. I don’t like to tempt fate. I am called In’is’kim. It means buffalo rock.” “You don’t have an American name?” “That is my American name, my Native American name. I’ve been called other names before, but I go by In’is’kim.” “I didn’t mean it quite like that. I mean…it’s just usually if you have an Indian name you have a white one, too. Like Joe Many Horses or Henry Eagle Feather. I just thought you’d have an easy name.” “Depends on what you call easy. Do you try to change Chinese people’s names? Or, say Russian, or Polish, or any other nationality? No. Then why is it so hard for me to have an Indian name? My name is what it is.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. You’re right, In’is’―” “In’is’kim. If it’s easier, just call me Buffalo Rock.” Skyler laughed. She couldn’t recall the last time she really felt like laughing. “I’ll work on remembering In’is’kim.” He sipped his coffee, then rubbed his fingertips across the cards. “You know anything about them?” She took a bite of her bagel, pleased with the taste of poppy seeds, sesame seeds and onion all at the same time. “Some. They’re medicine cards. They’re in remarkable condition. A full set would be worth an incredible amount. You said someone is giving them to you?” “Not exactly.” Skyler sipped the hot latte. “I got the Otter card in the mail. The bat card was attached to a parking ticket on my car window a little while ago. I still think Maggie has something to do with it.” He stiffened his back and immediately checked out the room. “This is a serious matter. You shouldn’t take it lightly. The otter means it’s time to see what’s important in your life and even share your blessings. Take time to play and stop worrying.” She frowned at the dark, handsome man across from her, who tossed a thick braid behind his back, a gesture she’d have thought feminine and disgusting in a

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man. But with this man, In’is’kim, it seemed more than manly. “You made that up, didn’t you?” “No, I didn’t. These are medicine cards. They help us understand our connection to Mother Earth and to all her creatures. I know it sounds hokey, but it’s a new doorway of understanding for those who seek the oneness of all life.” “It sounds even too much for Maggie. She wouldn’t have a clue about this stuff. Can you tell me what the bat means?” He leaned back in his chair, his actions tense and watchful. It seemed a bit too much of a coincidence that she’d start receiving these cards just when she met a man who understood them. “I don’t want to alarm you. The bat is a symbol of rebirth. It embraces the idea of a ritual death―” “What? Ritual death? Very funny. I’m suppose to start shaking in fear and let you comfort me now, right?” She couldn’t help rolling her eyes upward in disgust. “I’m telling you what I know. How you choose to respond is your business. Of course all medicine cards aren’t worded the same, but basically have the same meanings. These, I must admit, are worded quite plain and are easy to understand. Why don’t you go buy yourself a box of medicine cards and read up on them.” “I just might do that. Where would I find them?” She leaned back in her chair, sipped her coffee, and realized it felt good to relax. “There’s a shop up the street, one with the wind chimes in the front window―” “Oh, I know where you mean. It has a strange name, um, Metaphysical or something like that.” He had a mystery about him. Is that what she found so interesting? Did she find him secretive? Alluring? Charming? Maybe he seemed too damn handsome. “That’s it.” She drank her coffee and watched him for a moment. “Why were you at the library?” “Still suspicious? Well, I make it a practice to visit all the libraries in towns I speak at. I keep an eye out for new novels and history books. You’d be surprised how much I find out about my people. I find new and interesting things all the time.” “You aren’t…by chance…the Ind…Native American speaker at the Charlie Russell Museum for Native American Days, are you?” She tried picturing in her mind the man from the poster. “That’s me. You going?” “I’ll be there all three days. I’m the program coordinator at the museum.” She couldn’t help feeling totally embarrassed by her earlier accusations. “I don’t recall your name coming up.” “The Historical Society set this event up. We offered the Charlie Russell Museum, homestead and studio to get some additional exposure.” She wondered why she cared to explain it all to him. He suddenly appeared bored. “I see.” She stuffed the medicine cards into her purse. “I’ve got to get going. I have a million things to do today. It was nice meeting you, In’is’kim. I’m sure I’ll see you

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Dark Spirit the end of next week. I apologize for my initial attack, but you’ve got to know my sister to totally understand it.” “No need to apologize. I’ve rather enjoyed it.” She couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you for the coffee and bagel.” She stood, pushed her chair in, then walked out of the restaurant. She thought she heard a faint, ‘my pleasure.’ Not waiting to see if he followed, she hurried back to her car and headed down the street before checking her rear view mirror. No In’is’kim. Did she feel disappointed? If she was honest with herself, she’d have to admit she was. Without thinking, she pulled into a parking spot in front of the shop he’d suggested. A quick glance at the door and doubts resurfaced. He may not be part of Maggie’s practical joke, but that didn’t change things. Why waste money? This reeked of a setup. Skyler shifted gears, spun back onto the street and headed for the grocery store. She’d be no one’s fool.

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V{tÑàxÜ gãÉ Sacred Bat...symbol of rebirth, Shadows your life on earth. Desolation of the cave, Unknown location of her grave.

\

n’is’kim frowned as Skyler pulled from the curb. So she’d decided not to buy the medicine cards after all. He wasn’t surprised. With her mindset, no doubt it would take some convincing before she would believe this might be a serious situation. He didn’t tell Skyler Grinnell the main reason he was at the library. What would she think if he told her the library aide had received a dream catcher from his organization? That one was given away free, from a drawing for the people who signed up for his seminar, in every city. What would she have said if he’d told her that in the past year, four women had been murdered, one in each city where he gave a seminar? All had received the dream catcher as a free gift. What suspicions would she have if he told her he hadn’t shared this information with the police? Only he and his manager, White Feather, knew this fact. Maybe he should have been upfront with Skyler and told her everything. He could use a friend. No. He couldn’t imagine her believing it any more than his claim that he had nothing to do with her sister’s latest joke. Skyler Grinnell had a natural beauty; clean completion, rosy cheeks, pale blue eyes the color of a robin’s egg. Tall and lean. The otter card came to mind. Yes, it fit her in ways. The otter stood for balance and energy, Skyler did fit that image. Whoever picked that card must know her. The thought scared him. Why was Skyler Grinnell receiving the medicine cards? She wasn’t the recipient of the dream catcher. The library aide, Sally Orlan, was. What if his suspicions about the dream catchers were wrong? That left him with no clues…again. The medicine cards figured in all this, but how, and who manipulated them? The bat card worried him. He didn’t know Skyler, but he wouldn’t wish her harm, either. Picking or receiving the bat card could be serious. No doubt she didn’t believe that, but he wouldn’t dismiss it. If the sender intended to give her a 14

Dark Spirit rebirth, it could only mean a death first. Most of these rituals were brutally hard on the body, mind, and spirit. He wondered if she could take the abuse and come through it with her balance intact. Few he knew could. In’is’kim entered the small shop. Incense filled his nostrils, a mixture of sweet grass and vanilla. He drew it in and felt cleansed. *** The minute Skyler entered the house she knew something was wrong. Periodic whimpers filled the otherwise silence. She took the stairs two at a time and headed for Maggie’s room, doubtless the origin of the whining tones. Quickly Skyler twisted the bedroom doorknob, but it held fast. She jiggled the door and pushed hard. “Maggie, unlock the door.” She pounded with her fist. Seconds ticked away like minutes. The sobs continued. Skyler took a deep breath. “Come on, sweetie, I’m here. Please, just come and unlock the door for me.” Fear set in. “Maggie, do you hear me? Open the door.” Skyler rammed her shoulder against the hard wood. It didn’t budge. Kicking at the lock did nothing so she rammed her shoulder into the door time and time again. It held fast. “Maggie, I need to come in. Please, open the door.” Click. It could easily have been a vibrating gong. Within seconds Skyler entered her sister’s room. “What on earth is wrong? Why didn’t you…” Maggie’s upheavaled appearance and pale traumatized face made her pause. “My, God, what happened? Are you okay?” Rushing to the bed, she pulled Maggie into her arms and rocked her against her chest, like she did when she was a little girl so many years ago. The sobs increased, then slowly came to a stop. “You want to talk about it? I’m listening,” Skyler whispered, a mother’s tone at best. “It…it was awful. I was making a sandwich, and the next thing I knew someone had pulled a tight sack over my head. He said we were in a dark cave. The guy told me he was a shaman. I don’t even know what a shaman is. He said he was going to show me how to put my fears to death so I could be reborn.” Skyler held Maggie to her chest, secure and safe. “I’m so sorry. Could you recognize him…if you saw him again?” “No. I never saw his face. I only heard his voice, and he disguised it, I could tell. It was scary. He knew I hated the dark and spiders.” “Dear God. Let’s call the police.” “No! Please, Skyler, don’t do that. He said if we did…he’d make me eat spiders again. Oh, please don’t let him do that.” Her sobs nearly broke Skyler’s heart. “He made you eat spiders. What kind of monster is he?” “He took me to a place of ritual, and hung me upside down by my feet, like the bat, he said. He told me I was in the position of a newborn being. It’s the position that babies assume when they enter the world through the womb of a woman. I think that’s how he said it.” “The bat card.” Skyler pulled her sister closer. “What then, Sweet Cheeks?” “He let spiders crawl all over me. He said I wasn’t reborn until I ate those that

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tried to get into my mouth. He said it meant I’ve conquered my fear of spiders. That I had killed that fear and was ready for my rebirth. It was the most horrible thing I’ve ever done. I ate them, Skyler.” “It’s over. I won’t let anything like this happen to you again.” Who would do such a thing? “We need to call the police, Maggie. We can’t let him get away with this.” “No, I won’t eat spiders again. I just won’t.” “Shhhh, it’s okay. I won’t call the police.” The horror in Maggie’s voice made Skyler cringe. She wouldn’t call the police now, but she damn well would before the day was over. “Maggie, could you have been dreaming? I was gone, what, two hours at the most. How could you have been taken to a cave, experienced the spiders, and gotten back here in that short of time?” “It was real. I know it was.” “Okay…okay sweetie. But you know how real some dreams seem.” Rocking Maggie, Skyler thought for some time. A comfortable silence filled the room. The shrill ring of the doorbell made them both jump. Normally they’d have laughed, but nothing seemed normal at the moment. “Don’t answer it. It could be him.” “Don’t be silly, Maggie. I’m sure he wouldn’t come to the front door and just ring the doorbell. You wait here and I’ll check it out.” Skyler moved Maggie over to the stack of bed pillows and pulled a blanket up over her trembling body. “I’ll be right back with a hot cup of chocolate, okay?” Barely getting a nod, Skyler hurried to the front door and jerked it open. “Whoa! You scared the hell out of me!” Skyler stared into In’is’kim’s dark eyes. “I’m…sorry. How’d you find me? What are you doing here?” Her abrupt greeting shocked even herself. “You address all your visitors this way? I’ll leave if you want me to.” “No, I mean, come on in. We’ve had a bit of an upset here. I wasn’t thinking.” Stepping out of the way to let In’is’kim in, she detected a faint scent of sweetgrass. She liked it. “Upset? What kind of upset?” “Nothing I can’t handle. What can I do for you?” He took in his surroundings like a wild cat would do on the hunt. He did all but sniff the air. “Here.” He extended a box toward her and she instinctively reached for it and read, “Medicine Cards, Understanding the Power of Animals.” She glanced up at him. The depth of his gaze caused her to pause. “You shouldn’t have,” she managed to say. “Thank you. I’d considered buying them, but decided it was all an elaborate joke. Now I’m convinced otherwise.” “You are? What changed your mind?” Was his question a bit too quick? “Maggie. She says she was attacked today.” “Attacked? Is she okay?” “Yes, I think so.” Skylar hesitated, then had to admit to herself that he couldn’t have attacked Maggie, they were together when it happened. “She says a man took her to a cave, hung her upside down, and let spiders crawl all over her, even made her eat some.”

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Dark Spirit “You believe it?” “Yes and no. Yes, I think she believes this happened. But, no, there wasn’t time for all this to happen while I was gone. It must have been a dream.” In’is’kim walked over to the front window and peeked out from the edge of the closed curtain. She wondered who he expected to find outside her house. “Did he say anything else?” “Yes, I guess he told her he was a shaman. She’s deathly scared of spiders, yet he made her eat them. Told her something like it was the death of her fear of them and that now she was reborn. Some nonsense like that.” “Damn. Could he have done that to her right here? I mean, what if he made her think she was in a cave, but they went nowhere?” “Why? Who?” “She tell you anything more about this shaman?” Skyler shook her head. “You want to talk to her? She’s pretty shook up, maybe talking about it would make her feel better.” “Sure.” “Come to the kitchen so I can make her a cup of hot chocolate, then we’ll go up. Where’d you find the medicine cards?” Skyler wondered the true reason In’is’kim had come to her house. Was he in on the…act! Was this all an elaborate plan…no, she decided. Maggie couldn’t have faked being that afraid. “Nice place. You own it or renting?” Skyler gave the room a quick glance. “Nothing fancy, but I own it. Was my father’s house. He died and it became mine. We’d be struggling more if we didn’t have this place.” She filled a cup with milk and set it in the microwave, then punched in a set of numbers and pressed cook. “We miss him. He had a great sense of humor, like our Maggie.” “How’d he die?” “Throat cancer. It wasn’t pretty nor fair. But life rarely is.” She poured the hot milk into the mug and stirred. “Let’s find out how Maggie’s doing.” She didn’t wait for a response, merely walked past him with the hot mug in hand. She listened to his footsteps following her. Was she crazy? Skyler wondered what she’d done. She didn’t know In’is’kim. She’d just met him today. He was a stranger, and she was leading him to Maggie. “Is something wrong?” “What?” “You’re suddenly tense. Is something wrong?” “No. I mean, I can’t help but think about what Maggie just went through. It’s almost impossible to believe.” They entered the room. Maggie’s breathing indicated she’d finally settled down enough to fall into an exhausted sleep. “That’s the best thing for her.” In’is’kim took in his surroundings, studying the room like one would standing high on a bluff checking for predators. “Look.” He pointed at the red rings circling her sister’s ankles. “Maybe from a rope hanging her upside down?” “That would be my guess.” Once again he scanned the room with his intense stare. “A closet? Attic?” “Closet would be too short…yes, we have an attic. Don’t go up there much.” She set the hot mug on the bed table and led the way out of the room.

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“Is the rug usually centered or like this?” “The area rug is always straight below the drop stairs to the attic. Someone has been up there.” The words sounded stupid and hollow. She allowed him to lower the fold-out stairs and go up first. “See anything? There’s a chain string for the light on the right.” She followed close behind, hoping they’d find nothing. “Maybe it was all a dream―” “The marks on Maggie’s ankles indicate otherwise. There.” In’is’kim pointed. She gasped and stepped back. A rope still hung from the highest rafter. The image of her Maggie hanging by her feet from that rope gave her the most horrifying shiver. “You okay?” She remained still as he slid his arm over the back of her shoulders, pulling her against his chest. She wanted to push him away, but something kept her still. His comfort and warmth were something she hadn’t experienced in so long, it seemed impossible to reject it…even if the comfort came from a complete stranger. “It did happen, didn’t it?” “Yes, I’m afraid it did. Now all we have to do is find out who and why. Maggie have any enemies?” “I don’t think it was done to Maggie. Oh, I think it physically happened to her, but it was done to hurt me. I’m the one getting the medicine cards. You can be sure this is somehow linked to them. It all started with the first card. I’m afraid it won’t end until they stop coming.” *** In’is’kim turned on a football game and dropped onto his bed. So it had started all over again. Would it ever end? He couldn’t have done that to Maggie, he’d been having coffee with Skyler. Then who? None of it made sense. He’d been suspect so long. The cards kept showing up. Even he doubted himself. Too many things didn’t add up, that was his only saving grace. Moving from town to town, setting up tipis and talking about the ancestors had been his dream ever since he was a boy. Now he had more engagements than he could handle. Suddenly learning about the Native American was stylish, trendy, a coup. This Sun Dance Tour had been a disaster from the beginning. Several members of his staff had died mysteriously. His scheduling secretary went missing close to a year ago. Two weeks ago the equipment packers had somehow lost a medicine bundle that had been with his people from the beginning of time. He still hadn’t found the strength to tell the Blackfoot elders. The football game continued without his attention. Until the killer was caught, his life had no real future. He had checked and rechecked all the staff records. No one had a reason to frame him for these murders. He’d even gone as far as to question his best friend, maybe his only friend, White Feather. Things hadn’t been the same between them since. He had been In’is’kim’s right-hand-man for eight years. He couldn’t help

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Dark Spirit feeling ashamed of himself for suspecting White Feather, who’d supported his innocence even after police suspicions turned his way. White Feather had an ironclad alibi when the woman in question had been killed. He’d had an asthma attack and was in an emergency room receiving treatment. Once In’is’kim had accused his publicist of being the killer. A week later In’is’kim fired him. Sad part about that was when he spent a month in France, the murders didn’t stop. Now he felt he had a real lead. Ever since he and White Feather considered the dream catchers might be the common link, he felt that there was a chance to catch this bastard. Only he and White Feather knew, then…how stupid, In’is’kim thought, the killer knew, too. He should have told Skyler he’d received his own medicine card. The Bear. What would he tell her? That the bear sought the truth? That life has many questions, but there are also answers if you search inside yourself for them. Bear reminds us to take the time to think and search for the answers. Yeah, he could tell her that. She’d be impressed. She’d also be suspicious. Could he blame her? No. It didn’t even make sense to himself, and he had a great understanding about walking in balance with Mother Earth. In’is’kim glanced down at the crow, the latest ancient medicine card he’d received. The meaning sickened his heart. Since Crow knew the secrets of creation and was the keeper of sacred law, she could shape shift. This gave her the ability to be in two places at one time. She became the master of illusion. This revelation scared In’is’kim. If he indeed had the ability of Crow, then couldn’t he have…no, he refused to even think it. There had to be a rational explanation. There had to be answers. Concrete evidence. And he’d find them, or he’d die trying.

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V{tÑàxÜ g{Üxx Slithering snake…shed your skin, Come the full circle of life, and win. Take time to learn your passions in life, and learn to control your ambition and strife.

f

kyler slept in fitful stages, envisioning Maggie hanging by her feet in the attic, spiders repeatedly biting her until she fought no more. In a struggle to stop the webbing spiders, Skyler fought the grogginess that gripped her. In a desperate attempt, she dived at Maggie’s legs and pulled her limp body to the floor. A thud…an actual one, jolted Skyler from her sleep. She lay there, tense, still, and barely breathing. Unmoving next to her, Maggie filled the room with her steady breaths. Thud. There it was again. Sliding from beneath the covers, she pulled on a heavy fleece house robe and tiptoed to the door. Squeak. She recognized the door to the basement. Someone was in the house. Straining to see in the dark, she made her way to the fireplace and silently lifted the poker from the cast iron base. The cold, hard metal gave her a sense of security. Carefully she placed each footstep with quiet precision, yet they tapped out a warning. Did the intruder hear them? She reached the basement stairway. The open door broadcast her fears. She would wait at the top, poker raised, until the individual attempted to leave. The poker slid from her sweaty palm and stabbed her foot. She fought back the pain and grabbed it before it crashed to the floor. Was the murderer in her house listening to her heart hammering in her chest? She stood in front of the only way out. Seconds ticked into minutes. Five minutes passed…then ten. Every bone in her body ached. The poker weighed twenty pounds. Should she go downstairs or continue to wait? Had she heard something? Did she imagine it? She raised the poker higher. There it was again. She tensed and tightened her grip. The intruder must be on his way up. A minute passed. Another. She drew in a breath and let it out slow and silent. She’d maintain her self-control. She wouldn’t let this monster get the 20

Dark Spirit best of her, like he had Maggie. She’d had enough waiting. Swallowing hard, Skyler descended a step. She stopped, strained to listen, then stepped down one more. Her back ached from tensing. Struggling to see in the darkness, Skyler hesitated; should she go down further, or go back up and wait? A hard poke in her back startled her and sent her flying down the stairs. She landed on her left elbow. Sharp pain seared across her shoulder. Through the haziness, Skyler glimpsed long dark hair. He leaned closer and she called out, “In’is’kim?” Before she sank into darkness, there was the faint scent of sweetgrass…or was there? *** The sound of an elevator ding brought her slowly to consciousness. With great effort, Skyler opened her eyes. Maggie’s smile came into focus. “Dang, you scared me.” Skyler smiled. What an understatement, she thought. “Where am I? Please don’t tell me a hospital, we just don’t need the expense.” “I didn’t have any choice. You were out cold, and I didn’t know if anything was broke. Good thing your friend came over when he did.” “My friend?” “You know, In’is’kim. He picked you up like you were a rag doll. I always thought you were big…well, not big, but tall. You know what I mean. You were delicate in In’is’kim’s arms. He was real concerned, too.” “What was he doing at our house that time of night?” “I found you this morning and only because he came knocking on the door. You must have been out for a long time.” Tears spilled down Maggie’s face. “I didn’t know you were―” “Don’t, Maggie, it wasn’t your fault. I knew better than to try going down the basement stairs in a long house robe. Stepped on the dang thing and went flying. Was my own fault.” “Is that what happened?” The deep voice filled the room. Skyler gazed into the brown abyss. She read tenderness, warmth, and…fear? “Maggie, would you go find the doctor so I can get a release to leave this place? I can lie around at home if I have to. This place is costing us money.” “Sure, I’ll be right back.” Maggie rushed out of the room. “She has such vibrancy.” Skyler glanced back at In’is’kim without moving her head. “I sometimes envy her bubbly personality. I’ve never had it, never will.” “You’re evading my question, aren’t you?” Skyler nodded. “I didn’t want Maggie to know someone pushed me down those stairs. Before I passed out, I thought I saw you, In’is’kim.” Did she sense his uneasiness, or did she imagine it? “I carried you out to the car and into the hospital. You almost came to several times. Your wrist is broken. I saw the fireplace poker. What was going on last night?” “Someone was in the house. I’m not the kind of woman to hear bump in the

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night.” “After Maggie’s experience, maybe you imagined you heard someone. It’s easy enough to do.” Skyler shook her head. “I didn’t imagine the hard poke I felt before falling down those stairs. Someone pushed me. Do you think someone is trying to kill me?” The thought made her shudder. “No. If he wanted you dead, you’d be dead already. I think he’s playing with you. The medicine cards are a part of the game.” “I agree. What I can’t figure out is why me. I have a dull, nowheresville life. He has to be someone I know. Someone who knows Maggie. We have nothing anyone would want. No family heirloom necklace. No stash of money. No life insurance policy.” “Is there anyone new in your life?” In’is’kim’ asked. “You.” He gritted his teeth. “Damn, I guess I asked, didn’t I? I didn’t hurt your sister. I was with you.” “Yes, that’s true. Where were you when I fell down those basement stairs?” “Can’t blame you for asking. I would have done the same had it been me. I don’t have an alibi. I was in bed sleeping—alone.” She felt color spread across her cheeks. She hadn’t meant to pry. “Then why did you come over?” “I couldn’t get what happened to Maggie out of my mind. I thought I’d stop by and make sure the night went okay. I didn’t expect this. I mean, you were crumpled at the bottom of those stairs like a discarded doll. For a moment I thought you were dead. Whoever is behind all this is dangerous and getting more dangerous with each passing day.” “But why? Who? Why me?” “I don’t know any more than―” “Hey, a guy just handed me a card for you, Skyler.” Maggie ran to the bed, extending an envelope. “What guy?” Skyler asked tearing it open. She held up a blue card. “It’s a snake,” she whispered. In’is’kim dashed to the door. “Which way did he go?” “Oh, he gave it to me before I went in search of the doctor. He had a white jacket on. I think he was a nurse or something.” “Damn! Sorry,” he apologized. “My sediments, exactly,” Skyler stated simply. “Maggie, get my clothes from the closet. I’m getting out of here.” “No you are not, young lady. You have a mild concussion and a broken wrist.” Skyler waited as the formidable, white-haired man came her way. A doctor, no doubt. “It may not feel all that bad now, but you can be sure once the medication starts wearing off you’ll thank me for keeping you here. I’m Doctor Anderson, by the way.” “Don’t be ridiculous. Send me home with some painkillers. I’ll be fine. I don’t care much for pampering myself, Doctor Anderson. Besides, I won’t allow Maggie to stay home all by herself. I’m leaving.” Skyler bolted from her pillow and

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Dark Spirit immediately laid back down. Her head felt like it would explode. Nausea set in within seconds. She no longer felt like jumping out of bed. “Tried to warn you, Miss Grinnell.” “So you did.” “I could sleep on your couch tonight,” In’is’kim offered. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to Maggie.” “That’s definitely okay with me,” Maggie said, sitting on the edge of the bed. Skyler observed the man who’d walked into her life yesterday. Why did her heart say trust him when her mind said beware? “I’ll give it some thought. Maybe Maggie could sleep here, in the bed next to me.” “It’s pretty crowded in this hospital, Miss Grinnell. We would like to be able to accommodate your sister, but it’s against hospital policy. Things like this escalate. I’m sorry. I’ll stop in and check on you during my evening rounds. I suggest you settle your sister’s sleeping arrangements soon and get some sleep. Rest is essential to your recuperation.” “Yes, Doctor.” The moment he passed through the door, Skyler rolled her eyes upward. “He was a lot of help.” She studied the blue medicine card. “It’s a snake. You know anything about what this damn thing means?” In’is’kim’s expression was troubled, or did she imagine that, too? “It is said among the old ones that if you are bitten many times by a snake, and live through it, you will be able to obtain immortality. This life-death-rebirth cycle is epitomized by the shedding of the snake’s skin. If you’ve chosen this card, there is a need within you to alter some thought, action, or desire.” “I didn’t understand a word of what you just said. What does it mean?” Maggie asked. “I guess you’re right, Maggie. It did sound pretty heavy. I get caught up in teaching this stuff and forget to say it in English. It means Skyler, here, has chosen to mask her ability to change. It’s saying she should shed her old life and be or do what she really wants out of life.” “A bunch of mumbo-jumbo! I didn’t ask for it, and I have no intention of getting upset by it. Whoever is doing this better slither back into his hole, I’m not his bait.” “Fine choice of words, Skyler. I wish it were that easy. He’s not playing for fun. I believe he’s playing for keeps.” “Keeps?” Maggie asked. “I don’t think the loser lives to tell about it. I’m not trying to scare you. But, to take this too lightly, or to ignore it, might be fatal.” Skyler thought for a moment. Her head throbbed. Her wrist ached with intensifying pain. She didn’t want either of them to know how much, it made her feel weak. “So what am I suppose to do?” “My offer still stands. Maggie could have one of her girlfriends come over tonight, too. I’ll just stay out of the way and keep an eye on them. What do you think?” “I’m not used to having to depend on other people to watch over my sister. I’ve taken care of her, by myself, for a long time. Damn! Why did this have to happen to me?” “Tell you what,” In’is’kim said. “I have some work to do. You get some rest.

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Talk things over with Maggie. I’ll come back around six to find out your answer. If it’s yes, I’ll take Maggie over to get her friend, then we’ll go out to eat and watch videos until everyone crashes.” Skyler noticed his cute butt as he walked to the door. When was the last time she watched a man’s behind and enjoyed it? It embarrassed her to even be thinking about such things. “In’is’kim, thank you. I know it doesn’t seem like I appreciate all you’ve been doing for me, but I do. It’s just, I don’t know you. All these things happening don’t seem real. You don’t seem real. If my arm didn’t hurt so much, I’d...I wouldn’t believe any of this.” “I understand. I’ll be back around six.” She stared at the doorway long after he’d passed through it. Could she trust him? Lord, she hoped so. “He’s so handsome.” Maggie’s words brought Skyler back to the present. “Looks aren’t everything.” “I like him. Why are you rejecting his help? I’m scared. I want him to sleep on our couch.” Skyler pulled Maggie’s hand into her own. “We know nothing about In’is’kim. He’s a stranger. I’ve never seen him in town before yesterday, just when these cards started arriving. I want to believe him. It just all seems a bit too coincidental.” “Well, coincidental or not, I want him to stay at our house tonight. I bet Jessica will come over.” “Maggie, I want you to go back to my office and ask Arial to find out what she can about him. You might even check the Charlie Russell Museum. They set him up to speak. I want to know everything and anything you can find out about this man.” “Want to know if he’s married or has children?” “Knock it off. This isn’t a game. Look what happened to both of us yesterday. We could have been killed. This isn’t a game.” “That’s exactly what I think it is, Skyler. A sick, scary, deadly game. Just because I’m young doesn’t mean I’m stupid. I don’t like what is happening here. I don’t like having you hurt. Something is wrong and I don’t know what. I do know I trust In’is’kim. Don’t ask me why. I just do.” “Oh, Sweet Cheeks, you are an innocent. I feel helpless to protect you, and that’s more upsetting than you’ll know. Check on In’is’kim for me. I need to know before I let him stay tonight. I don’t want to put a fox in the hen house, so to speak.” “Cute, Skyler. Real cute.” “Well, it’s a cliché, but one thing about clichés—they apply.” “I’ll check on him, but I think you’re wrong. I don’t think he could hurt anyone.” “I’m not saying he hurt anyone, Maggie.” Skyler drew in a deep breath. Pain wore away at her strength and was winning. “I’m saying we better make sure who we trust. Right now he’s a stranger. I can’t take any chances on him being…let’s just check him out. I’m really getting tired, love. Get yourself something to eat and check In’is’kim out for me. Can you do that?” “Sure. It’ll be fun. He’s gonna be here at six so I’ll get here at five. You’ll be

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Dark Spirit surprised how resourceful I can be.” After Maggie left the room, Skyler suddenly felt alone. The feeling wasn’t a stranger. She’d grown to know it all too well over the years. She closed her eyes.

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V{tÑàxÜ YÉâÜ Little scared Rabbit... what you most resist, So afraid of tragedy, illness, and disaster shall persist.

\

n’is’kim stared down at the Rabbit medicine card and grew angry. He knew the meaning of the card well. What a person feared most is what they would become. Where rabbit was concerned, he could ask the advice of others. There was always a way out of any situation, he just had to find it. If he didn’t face his fears, they would get the best of him. Reaching for the phone, In’is’kim drew in a deep breath. It rang several times, nerves and doubts set in quickly. “Indian Cultures Center, Laura speaking, may I help you?” “Yes, this is In’is’kim. Is White Feather around?” “Hi, In’is’kim. Well, no, I think he’s getting everything ready for your presentation in Montana. Where are you?” “In Great Falls. Tell him to call me when he gets here. No on second thought, contact him and cancel everything.” “What! What do you mean, cancel everything?” “Just that. I’m taking a leave of absence, a sabbatical as of today. I need a couple weeks of quiet. Have him arrange the necessary schedule changes.” “Where can you be reached, In’is’kim?” “Let’s say I’m unreachable. I’ll check in with White Feather in a few days. Right now, it’s best this way.” “That’s not how we usually arrange time off, and you know it. We need to have at least two to four months notice, preferably more. Is there a death in the family? You know, we make exception to that.” “I don’t need to explain myself, Laura. Please give White Feather my message. Tell him the rabbit has stopped running. He’ll understand. Bye.” In’is’kim pressed end on his cell phone, not waiting for another word from the over-efficient receptionist. Ever since he refused her advances, she’d treated him 26

Dark Spirit with cold indifference. She was the least of his worries right now. He’d done it. He’d stopped running. Would it all come to blows? Would he finally find out the truth? Would he like what he found? That’s why he’d kept running. The truth scared the hell out of him. *** “He works for the Native American Center out of Washington, DC. I knew he was someone special.” Skyler closed her eyes and listened to Maggie ramble on. “He’s so respected for his knowledge. He’s one of the few Native American experts there are. He’s been doing displays and lectures for the past ten years. During that time he’s written six books on different tribes.” “I’m impressed,” Skyler mumbled. “Well, you should be. Even more exciting, he wrote a book, The Lost Tribe, and it’s going to be made into a movie. The buzz is that Kevin Kostner is looking at it. Can you imagine that?” “Hmmm. Anything else?” The more she shared, the more she wondered about the man. Why would a man of his experience care to waste his time helping her and Maggie with their simple lives? Why did he care that they were being toyed with medicine cards? Ancient medicine cards at that. “Maybe that’s the key. These weren’t just ordinary cards.” Skyler lifted the snake card into the air. “They’re over a hundred years old. Who would own such rare cards, only to give them away to complete strangers?” “Maybe the owner isn’t such a stranger. There was something familiar about the man who hung me up.” “Familiar? In what way, Maggie?” “I was thinking about that. If the man wanted to hurt me, he went to a lot of trouble making sure I didn’t scrape my face going up, nor bang my head coming down. I was so scared and upset that I didn’t notice it at first. He didn’t seem all that strong, either.” “How’d you know that?” “He panted a lot . You know—like I do when I’ve run up the stairs.” Skyler shook her head. “You don’t weigh more than a wet puppy. You sure about that?” “Yeah, I’m sure about that. Why do you always question me? I know what happened. Okay?” “I’m sorry, Maggie. It’s just that everything is important. We make a mistake, and it could be more than serious.” Maggie was tired. “You find out anything more about In’is’kim?” “Yeah, but I don’t think you’re going to like it.” “Spit it out. I’ll find out now or later. I’d rather know now.” “Well, it seems there’s been some serial killer following his tour. Where ever he lectures, someone seems to die.” “What!” “I’m serious. They’ve suspected him, but they can’t prove it’s him. Too many times he’s been in public when the crimes have taken place. It was impossible for

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him to have done it.” “Then why is he a suspect?” Skyler sat up, in spite of the sudden ringing in her ears. “The killings seem like Native American rituals or linked to Indian stuff. The lady I talked to said there’s evidence pointing to a frame-up. Laura, the receptionist, said In’is’kim couldn’t have killed those women. I asked her how she could be so sure, and she told me In’is’kim had spent the night with her when one of the victims was killed. She’s convinced he’s innocent. I agree with her.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Skyler jerked her gaze to the dark figure standing in the hospital room doorway. “Come on in. We were just talking about you.” She noticed the slight smile turn up his lips. So he did have a sense of humor. “Your verdict?” “Innocent until proven guilty.” Skyler adjusted her pillows with effort. “Here, let me do that for you.” He fluffed a pillow behind her head. The heat from his body proved both comforting and unsettling. Faint sweetgrass gave him a clean, manly scent. He pulled her blanket up across her chest, his fingers lightly trailing across the thin fabric of her hospital gown. A growing heat built, as did her breathing. “Thank you,” she whispered near his ear. “My pleasure.” “What are you two whispering about? You don’t have to be secretive, ya know. I’m younger, but not stupid. I can take any bad news you have.” Maggie firmly pressed her palms against her small waist. “I merely thanked In’is’kim, Maggie. Don’t start getting paranoid.” “Well, how are we doing tonight?” Doctor Anderson approached Skyler. “Just fine. I’d like to go home, that is, unless you’d like to pay my hospital bill.” “If all goes well tonight, there’s no reason why you can’t go home tomorrow. You’ll have to take it easy for a couple of days. You have to keep that wrist in a sling. I’ll have the nurse set up a follow-up appointment for two weeks.” “Thank you, Doctor Anderson.” “You do understand a concussion is nothing to take too lightly. If nausea, dizziness or headaches persist, we’ll have to do some further testing. I didn’t appreciate your refusing the CAT scan today, young lady.” “Why run the test if I don’t need it? I’m feeling so much better. Those tests are ridiculously expensive. I don’t need the expense, and neither does my insurance company. That’s why insurance is skyrocketing. Everyone gets excited and does a bunch of unnecessary testing!” “We do what we think best for our patients. If that means tests―” “Hey, you two. Enough. I apologize for my sister, Doctor Anderson. She’s always been this tight with her money. You won’t win the argument, believe me. If she’s having problems, I’ll make sure she comes back in.” Skyler glared at her. “If you think―” “Maggie is right,” In’is’kim cut in. “You don’t need this aggravation. If money is a factor, I could help.” “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t accept hand-outs. Don’t insult me by offering

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Dark Spirit one.” She wanted to add she appreciated his willingness to help, but her pride kept the words still. “See you in a few weeks, Miss Grinnell.” The moment Doctor Anderson left the room, Skyler glanced first at Maggie, then In’is’kim. “Okay, I was a bit—harsh.” “Mouthy would be more like it.” “Thanks, Maggie.” “You were a bit hard on him, but I agree with what you said.” “Oh great, don’t encourage her.” “Maggie, why don’t you give In’is’kim and me a few minutes to talk?” “Can I call Jessica?” “Yes. We’ll talk more later.” Strength emanated from In’is’kim’s posture. She could easily imagine him as a warrior in the eighteen hundreds. “What?” She blinked. “I was staring, wasn’t I? I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ve been told this so many times, but you’re like looking back in time. All your ancestors must have married Native Americans. You are the ideal image of an American Indian. You ought to be in movies.” His deep warm laughter surprised her. “No, I don’t hear that all the time. Most people would be afraid to bring it up. You, on the other hand, don’t seem afraid of anything.” She couldn’t help smiling at him. “Wish that were true.” She tossed the snake card toward him. “I’m scared of snakes. Wasn’t the slightest bit scared when I was little, but now I sure can’t stand the slithering things. When I watched them blow up that barricade on Anaconda, and snakes were dropping everywhere, I nearly passed out. It makes my skin crawl thinking about it.” She shivered and had to laugh at herself. “Dang, they really do get to you, don’t they? Can’t say they bother me that much. I’ve always been intrigued by their skin shedding. Like leaving the past behind with a new start.” Skyler smiled. “Too bad they’re so ugly and sneaky.” A silence settled between them. He sat on the edge of the bed. His expression turned serious and she waited. “I need to tell you something about me. I want you to hear it from me. I didn’t kill anyone. They don’t have proof against me, just suspicions. They don’t have proof because I had nothing to do with the murders of those poor women.” “You want to tell me about them?” He closed his eyes and grew silent. “I knew the first woman quite well. She had been part Crow and she had been searching for her relatives. She started receiving medicine cards just like you. I got a card, too. Just like when you started getting them, well so did I. That is the linking factor. I keep hoping that once the whole deck of medicine cards are handed out, the murders will stop.” “My, God. Everyone who has received cards have died?” “Yes. But before they started receiving the medicine cards, they won a free dream catcher, and you didn’t. The pattern has changed. I was certain I’d discovered a clue that would help me find this killer. That’s why I was in the

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library yesterday. A woman there received a dream catcher, but you started getting the cards.” “Why didn’t you tell me all of this that first day?” “Realize, Skyler, we’ve known each other for two days. I wanted to get to know you better. I wanted a chance for you to get to know me. I thought you might realize I couldn’t possibly be killing women.” “Why me?” He rubbed his temple with the tips of his fingers. The strain showed in his features. “I don’t know. It’s breaking from the pattern. All I know is I’m glad you showed up at the library with those cards. If you hadn’t…you might be dead already.” “Why? Did you scare the killer off? Is there something I don’t know about?” “I think the killer wants my attention. If he doesn’t have it, the game isn’t as fun. He acts quickly and moves on. That’s what he did in Florida.” “Florida?” “A woman was found stretched to…let’s just say she suffered and died. That’s when I realized she’d received a dream catcher from my office. I should have stayed and dug deep enough to find the killer. But I moved on, and now six women are dead, and I’m still alive. I think they died because of me. But I shouldn’t have run. I should have faced the bastard. As a matter of fact, I plan to do just that—right now.” “You’re staying? Why? I mean, won’t he kill you?” “Not if I can help it. I’m staying because I refuse to let this shadow destroy me. I want to stop it before he has a chance to kill one more woman―” “Me, you mean. Right?” “Yes, Skyler. You.” “You have any idea who this monster is? He’s an Indian, isn’t he?” In’is’kim reached over and guided her hand into his. She didn’t pull back and surprised herself. She’d made a practice of staying uninvolved. Once Maggie was on her own and self-sufficient, Skyler could think of her own needs. Until then, she couldn’t take the chance of failing her sister. “I don’t know. Some times I think I’m getting close. Just when I think that, I couldn’t be farther from the truth. I’m tired of running. I’m tired of the accusations. I’m tired of wondering why this killer is casting the doubts on me. The time has come to stop running. I received the rabbit card, which told me it’s time to face my fears. I’m going to do just that.” “You believe in these medicine cards?” Skyler stared at the snake card. “Do they tell your future? Can we catch the killer by out-thinking him in his own game? Has anyone ever worked with you on this?” “Yes, I believe in the medicine cards. They don’t tell your future, but they explain where you are now in life. They are supposed to help you understand yourself and how you are in or out of harmony with Mother Earth.” “So they give you clues? What clues would the snake card have for me?” She was fully aware of In’is’kim still holding her hand. His warmth also became her strength. She felt no fear of him. He couldn’t have killed anyone, she decided without reservation. “Not necessarily clues. They make you search yourself. You must know if you

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Dark Spirit are clinging to the past. You, and only you, know if that past is holding you back from your future.” “My hatred for my mother? Is that what it means?” “You hate your mother? I can’t imagine that being possible. She gave you life.” “She also deserted me. She left me and my sister for a man. She left my father, who was sick at the time, and she never came back.” “You want her to come back?” Skyler jerked her hand free. Anger filled her. Tears swelled in her eyes. “Want her to come back? What for? I needed her when I was a little girl growing up.” She paused to gain control of her quivering voice. “I needed her when I had questions that only a mother could answer. I needed her when my little sister needed a mommy.” She allowed In’is’kim to slide close enough to hold her against his chest. She rested her face across his shoulder and cried. “Better?” “I’m sorry.” Skyler raised her head and pulled back. “Don’t be sorry.” “I haven’t shared that with anyone. I haven’t cried about it for years. I don’t know what’s come over me. It must be this concussion or medicine they’re giving me.” “I’ll bet that’s it. You know, it’s okay to share. It’s actually good to share. I’m not done sharing.” Skyler took several deep breaths and pulled herself together. “What did you need to share, In’is’kim?” “What I started telling you about the cards is that in each case, they disappeared from the crime scene.” “What? What do you mean they disappeared from the crime scene?” She leaned back against the pillows. “Just that. They can be in police evidence, in my safe, or in a victim’s possession. In time they vanish. It’s my Grandfather’s belief that they are the original cards, the first cards, ever made. He believes they possess special powers.” “Maybe we need to go visit your grandfather. Maybe he can tell us what’s happening. Maybe if he sees me and the cards I’ve received, he can tell us what to do.” Skyler sensed his withdrawal as he walked over to the window and stared out at the parking lot. She fell silent. “I’m going to make a quick phone call. I’ll be back soon. Have Maggie wait here for me.” Skyler would have said something, but his icy disposition left her speechless. She didn’t know much about this stranger. Doubts clouded her thoughts. Should she trust him to stay with Maggie? She had to trust someone. This time she couldn’t do it all by herself. The sound of hurried footsteps brought her attention to the door. Her expression pale, Maggie extended a blue card to Skyler and sat in the chair beside the bed. “You okay, Sweet Cheeks?” “I’m scared.”

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“I’ll be honest with you, I’m scared, too.” “You are? You’re never scared of anything.” Skyler smiled and took Maggie’s hand. “No one’s perfect or has all the answers. Not even me.” “Could have fooled me.” “Very funny.” Skyler glanced down at the medicine card. “Mountain lion, find the truth and follow your heart.” “What’s it mean?” “Skyler shook her head. “Don’t have a clue. We’ll have to ask In’is’kim.” “Why don’t you read about it in the red book he gave you?” “I guess I could. Hand it to me, Maggie.” Skyler noticed dark smudges on the sleeve of Maggie’s sweatshirt. “How’d you get so dirty?” “Had to crawl under the car to get this dang card.” “What? What are you talking about? You went to make a phone call. What were you doing crawling under a car?” “Well, when I called Jessica she wasn’t home. I went to the car to get my tunes. When I got to the parking lot there were all these white caulk arrows that pointed under the car and, sure enough, the card was there.” “A game. That slimy jerk is enjoying this game. Did you happen to notice if anyone was watching you?” Skyler hated knowing her baby sister had been in danger once again. “I was too scared. I grabbed the card and ran up here. What’s the book say?” Struggling to appear calm, Skyler opened it to the lion page and read out loud. “Mountain Lion can be a very difficult, because it places you in the awkward position of being blamed for the wrongs of others.” “Are they talking about me?” Seeing the panic in her sister’s eyes, Skyler reached over and patted Maggie’s cheek. “No, Sweet Cheeks, I’m certain there’s more to it than that. You and I aren’t big enough for all this attention. There has to be more, I’m just not seeing it yet.” “Read more in the book. Maybe it’ll give us a clue.” Skyler turned her attention back to the printed page, glancing over the words—it only kills what it needs for survival. She stopped reading and closed the book. “This is ridiculous. We need someone who can understand all this mumbo-jumbo. I wish I knew what was going on here.” “I bet In’is’kim does. Where is he? I thought we were going to get Jessica?” “He’ll be back soon.” She closed her eyes and thought about the past few days. “We will find the answers, you know that, don’t you Maggie? I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ve always been there for you, and I always will be. You believe me, don’t you?” Skyler waited for an answer, sleep weighing her down. She raised her heavy lids a slit, then wider. In panic she bolted upright, searching the room with a penetrating gaze. “Maggie? Maggie where are you?” *** In’is’kim entered Skyler’s room with a dozen peach roses. Her expression told

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Dark Spirit him something terrible had happened. “What’s wrong?” “Maggie. She’s…gone.” “What you talking about? Gone where?” “I don’t know. One minute she was here talking to me, the next she was gone. I don’t know where. Oh, God, In’is’kim. You think the killer has her?” In’is’kim sat on the edge of the bed and forced himself to refrain from pulling her into his arms and telling her everything would be just fine. He couldn’t promise her that. He couldn’t even promise himself that. “I’m so sorry, Skyler. I’ll do all I can to find her. I promise.” “I’m going with you.” She pulled the IV needle from her arm. He swallowed hard. The mere thought made him squeamish. Dang, he hated needles. “You’re making a mistake. You aren’t strong enough for this. Let me―” “She’s my sister. I’m responsible for her. You wouldn’t stay if it were your sister, would you?” He turned away from her, using the window as his salvation. “Once it was my sister. She—was first. Why? I don’t have a damn clue. I’ve been trying to find this bastard ever since.” “My God. I’m so sorry.” He fought to keep his expression void as he walked toward Skyler. She’d managed to get her sweatshirt caught over her head with her good arm in the sleeve. Her bare breasts begged for his attention. Her light pink nipples were taunt and inviting. Heat flushed his entire body. Several quick strides and he tugged the material down over her head, covering her bare skin. “My sister was sixteen,” he said, his voice huskier than he’d have liked. He turned his back to her again and returned to the window. “I found her hanging from a tree in our back yard. It wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t suicide like they tried to say. It was murder.” The warmth of Skyler’s hand on his shoulder surprised him. He slowly turned to face her. “I don’t know why, In’is’kim, but I believe you. Now I need your help to save my sister. If she…I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to her. She’s all I have in this world.” He gently guided her into his chest and held her. He wondered why. She was a stranger. He’d always kept to himself. Since Sis-tse died, he’d promised not to love again until he’d avenged her death. He’d kept that promise. “Let’s go to your place, in case she went home. She say anything suspicious when she came back?” “She’d found another card. It really upset her. Me, too, for that matter.” “Damn. Show me.” He snapped, following her to the bed. The mountain lion card wasn’t good. “I don’t like this.” “You know something?” “No. Let’s go.” He walked to the door before glancing back at Skyler. He paused to take in her long, shapely, and all too bare legs beneath the barely-longenough sweatshirt. “I suppose jeans, socks and shoes would be a good idea, huh?” “Funny.” In spite of how uptight and worried he felt, he couldn’t help smiling. He grabbed her jeans and, holding them open, leaned forward for her to step into them. She rested the palm of her good arm on his shoulder before sliding one

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foot, then the other into the pants. With a severe degree of self-control, he pulled the stiff material upward, and his thumbs brushed her skin on both sides of her legs, all the way up to her waist. Realizing she’d not managed to slip on her panties, he grew warmer with the thought. “I can do the zipping…thank you very much.” He struggled to appear unaffected by her closeness. “I’ll help with your shoes and socks if it’s okay.” He caught her slight nod but didn’t miss the glowing pink of her cheeks. He slipped the sock up her foot, then received the fastest kick to the jaw he’d received in his life. “What the hell you do that for?” he asked, rubbing a throbbing chin. “I’m so sorry.” Her giggle indicated otherwise. “You sound it.” “I am. It’s just that my feet are so ticklish. I can’t help myself. I can’t stand anyone touching them. Including myself. Hurry up and finish this. Don’t touch my feet and you have nothing to worry about.” “Just full of surprises, aren’t you?” He didn’t expect an answer, and he got none. With painstakingly careful efforts, he managed to get both feet outfitted with a sock and shoe. “There.” “Thanks. I am sorry I kicked you. Does it hurt?” It didn’t, but she didn’t have to know that. “Damn right it hurts. I’m not the enemy.” The words slipped out before he thought about them. Her expression changed immediately. “Sorry, that was a bad choice of words. Let’s get out of here―” “Where do you think you’re going, young lady? Get your skinny butt back into that bed.” In’is’kim shot a glance at a stocky, don’t wrestle with me-type, nurse. “She’s checking herself out. I’ll make sure she takes it easy.” He caught the not-so-happy expression on the woman’s face. “In a pig’s eye you will. When Doctor Anderson signs her release, she’ll leave. Not a minute before.” “I’m out of here.” In’is’kim thought he detected a slight sway in Skyler’s stance. He hurried to her side and wasn’t surprised to find her grasp his arm in a firm grip. “There’s no fighting it, Ma’am. You and I both know she can sign herself out. You can’t stop her any more than I can.” “My sister needs me.” “I would think not,” the nurse said. “Why, she’s off with her boyfriend. Get back into―” “Boyfriend? You saw her leave with a boy?” “More like a man, if you ask me. She seemed happy to go.” “What did he look like?” In’is’kim asked, clinging to the woman’s every word. “Don’t truly know. I caught a glimpse of his long dark hair. Much like yours. They were heading for the elevator.” In’is’kim gave Skyler a quick glance. She stared at him as though he’d grown two heads. “What?” “She doesn’t know many men with long dark hair.” “Except me? Is that what you mean?” He shook his head and took several

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Dark Spirit steps toward the door. “I didn’t take her, Skyler. I’m going to find her, safe and sound. You mark my words.” “Let’s go.” “Maybe the nurse is right. Go back to bed and I’ll check things out. Maggie probably ran into some friends and went for pizza or something. Let me see―” “Not on your life. I’m out of here.” Skyler squeezed his arm, and he didn’t doubt she would be leaving with him. He led the way to the main desk. “This releases us from any liability if―” “Just give me the damn release. I know what I’m doing.” In’is’kim waited patiently by Skyler’s side. Silence filled the room as she wrote her name on the release form, then tossed it over the edge. “I’ll be fine. Thank you.” He smiled to himself. The tough lady wasn’t as tough as she pretended. He felt certain of it. Silence returned as they stood in the elevator and walked down the deserted halls to the back parking lot. “Your car is gone.” “It’s gone?” "It must have been parked right here." He pointed. "See, there's the white arrows Maggie was talking about." Skyler looked at them and swayed slightly. He supported her elbow. "Maggie must have gone somewhere herself. Let's go to your house. “Possibly. She’s not the most responsible person you’ll ever meet. If Maggie’s not home, we’ll call Jessica.” “Good idea. My car is that red one across the lot.” He pointed to a red convertible and sensed her getting weaker with each step she took. “Wow. Not bad.” He smiled as she slid into the passenger seat. He hurried into the driver’s side before bringing his pride-n-joy to life. “She purrs like a kitten.” Skyler’s lids slowly closed. He felt…what? Confused? Aroused? Infatuated? A faint moan escaped her lips. She’d said she trusted him. He smiled to himself.

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V{tÑàxÜ Y|äx Badger...aggressive and quick to anger, ready to fight and ignore the danger. Vicious, aggressive and one most strong, taking charge, a leader, never wrong.

f

kyler felt strong arms lifting her, then a warm chest to lean against. The pounding of his heartbeat somehow seemed incredibly personal. She’d have ordered him to put her down, but it felt good to be carried. Like a petite, fragile woman; something she wasn’t…except with In’is’kim. The front door was wide open. “Maggie!” she blurted out loud. In’is’kim glanced around. She felt his hold tense. “Don’t you usually shut the door and lock up?” “Yes. Put me down.” The weakness she felt only angered her. “I’ll go in the front. You go around back. There’s a key under the first flower pot to the right of the patio door.” “Real original.” She ignored his sarcasm, but couldn’t help feeling grateful she wasn’t alone. Several steps into the house she paused, listened to the tense silence, then continued her search, room by room. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. “Anything look out of place?” Skyler screamed, jumped, then gasped. It brought immediate pain to her arm and tears to her eyes. She released a soft moan before adjusting the sling around her cast. “You okay? I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.” She wiped at the tears, angry for the weakness. “I’m more uptight than I thought. At the fear of sounding stupid, I think I’d better sit down.” The downward motion halted when strong arms rescued her from the floor. “I’m not the fainting kind,” she managed to mutter. A cool cloth to the forehead felt incredibly refreshing. She opened her eyes to find In’is’kim staring back at her. “Maggie?” she asked. “No.” He seemed to be holding back. She didn’t know him all that well, yet, it 36

Dark Spirit seemed she knew him completely. “What aren’t you telling me?” “You’re exhausted and better get some sleep. I’ll take you upstairs to your bed, and I’ll sleep down on the couch. If you don’t regain your strength, you’ll be no good to Maggie.” Unfortunately, Skyler knew he was right. Physically and mentally she’d pushed herself. “We should call the police. She may be nineteen but she’s not out of high school yet!” “We have no evidence she didn’t just go out for a ride or go to a friend’s house. They’d laugh at us.” “I suppose you’re right. Jessica’s phone number is written inside the phone book, there.” She pointed, then leaned against the couch cushion. “I feel so angry at myself. I should have stayed at the top of those stairs. I should have been more careful. I’m failing Maggie when she needs me most.” “I know the feeling.” “Your sister?” “Yes. Let’s get you upstairs.” She didn’t resist his help. In fact, she doubted if she could have walked up the stairs to her room. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. Tomorrow she’d be refreshed, and they’d find Maggie. “When we find Maggie, I’m going to give her the verbal thrashing of her life.” *** The tough lady didn’t seem all that tough in his arms. God, he couldn’t let Maggie or Skyler get hurt. If only he could put all the pieces together. What purpose…what insanity…what, what, what? If only he knew. In’is’kim moved the spread back and, with rare gentleness, placed her into bed. He slipped off her tennies before covering her. A glance upward gave him an unsettled feeling. The attic? God, would he find Maggie, sweet, innocent Maggie—he refused to think about it. He bolted from Skyler’s room and ran to the attic trap door. In a quick pull he lowered and unfolded the stairs. Taking a settling, deep breath, he moved upward. A heaviness moved over him. Images of a decayed body flashed before him. He stopped to shake it off. Another step up and a woman floating in a tub of her own blood flashed before his mind’s eye. No. He would not remember. Each step seemed to take minutes to conquer. If Maggie was up there, he’d be too late to help her anyway. Urgency left him. In’is’kim didn’t want to take another step. Would it mean another gruesome memory that would haunt his days and nights? This madness had to stop. The rope still dangled from the rafters. He took a slow, careful look around before glancing back at the hangman’s noose. He reached up to snatch the blue medicine card free. The game continued. With dread, In’is’kim stared at the badger. “Damn!” The badger was vicious and angry. “What are you trying to tell me?” He sat in defeat and stared at the card in his hands. One thing for sure, as the badger, he was a source of strength. And also like the badger, In’is’kim did not plan on giving up.

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Gathering his strength, he returned to Skyler’s room. Taking in the slow rise and fall of her chest, he knew she rested. He paused to gaze at her beauty. Her round face held a delicacy she’d probably not admit. He liked her full lips, and the urge to kiss them pulled on his consciousness. When she rested, so did her dimples, which he enjoyed watching when she frowned or laughed. Unfortunately the latter was rare. With a growing restlessness, In’is’kim headed for the couch. He thought over the events of the past few days. There had to be some hint, some clue, some blatant point he’d missed. Why hadn’t the killer gone after the woman in the library? The dream catcher hung in her living room, In’is’kim had seen it. If the killer was after Skyler, then why had he taken Maggie? Was Maggie the target? Why? A young nineteen-year-old who hadn’t a clue about life. What would the killer want with Skyler? Maybe, In’is’kim thought, he should go to the police. Tell them the whole sordid truth. Could they protect Skyler and find Maggie? Would they…hell…what was he thinking? They’d put him in jail. He couldn’t help Skyler if he were locked up. No, he’d have to figure out a way to understand the cards better. Maybe Skyler was right, they should go visit his Grandfather, Nat’o’ye. In’is’kim dialed Jessica’s number. He clicked a pen up and down with the endless rings until the noise became annoying. Still, no answer. Maybe he shouldn’t be upset about that. If Maggie and Jessica went out, they might not be back for some time. He considered going in search of them, looking for Skyler’s car. He couldn’t leave Skyler in the house alone. A slow dawn of realization washed over him. Had the killer thought to use Maggie as a decoy? If he left in search of Maggie, that would leave Skyler unguarded. Had the bastard tried instilling the ideas about the badger only to direct a path of aggressive persistence? A drive to find Maggie. An opportunity and a mistake. In’is’kim dialed another number. White Feather didn’t answer. In’is’kim glanced at his watch. Where the hell was Maggie? He grabbed a blanket off the backside of the couch and settled into the oversized, somewhat comfortable cushions. No doubt this would be a long night. Exhausted, he allowed the heaviness of sleep to pull him down into an embrace of peacefulness. A candle flickered and hot wax crackled and snapped in the flame. He hadn’t expected a candle to be noisy, but it was. He glanced around, finding only darkness. Chanting filled his consciousness, and he was awake, sitting crossedlegged. Across the fire, in his mother’s tipi, sat Grandfather. “So, you have a problem. What makes you think I have the answer?” The old man’s weathered skin spoke his age, as did his long white hair, which he wore free except for the white eagle feather tied near his right ear. “I have great troubles. I haven’t wanted to burden you with them. Now, I don’t have a choice. I need your help Grandfather.” “You know the answers, you have not seen them clearly as of yet. Like the eagle that flies too fast, he does not see the rabbit unless he slows down and concentrates. Then, as if a circle were drawn around it, the rabbit becomes very

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Dark Spirit clear. Do not try to find a complicated answer, sometimes the answer is easy.” In’is’kim reached for the pipe his grandfather offered. The mixed tobaccos tasted of sage, red-willow and dogwood. It always reminded In’is’kim of his grandfather. “Do you know who is killing these women? “I think it is like a ghost. One that haunts the dark side. It is not you, Grandson, yet, it appears like it is you.” “My twin who died? You think he haunts me because I lived and he died?” His grandfather closed his eyes in thought. When he opened them, In’is’kim handed the pipe back. He held his breath, waiting for his grandfathers’ answer. “I wish I could tell you this. You must find out the truth for yourself. I can only tell you what I feel in my heart and what I sense to be around you.” In’is’kim paused to think about his wise grandfather’s words. It not only showed a sign of respect, it had been that way since In’is’kim had been a small boy. “Why did my brother have to die, Grandfather?” “That is only for Napi to say. When you were born, the Great Spirit blessed you with life. Your brother came into this world with the cord of life wrapped around his small neck, choking off his right to live. It had nothing to do with you. Napi saw a problem and took care of it in his way.” “Do you think he might blame me? I mean…is it possible for his spirit to be angry with me?” In’is’kim realized his question seemed unreasonable, even bizarre. “It is said that a strangled ghost remains at earth level, able to hunt and injure the living, sometimes causing illness and even death.” In’is’kim thought about this for some time. How could he ever explain such a thing to the white men? Who would begin to believe him? “How do I stop such a ghost, Grandfather?” A loud click caused In’is’kim to bolt upright on the couch. He froze in place, listening with his ears and eye, but heard nothing but the pounding of his heart. Footsteps. The intruder tiptoed, but In’is’kim’s trained, sensitive hearing picked up each step. If he knew exactly where the light switch was, he’d flip it on and startle the …a stair step creaked, telling him the uninvited guest knew his or her way around the house. It also told In’is’kim the intruder had to be heading toward Skyler’s room. With disciplined efforts, In’is’kim rose to his feet. Obviously his presence hadn’t been known or detected. Faint moonlight filtered through the round window overlooking the staircase. The shadowy figure appeared slight, and undoubtedly a woman’s shape. “Maggie?” He whispered her name. A short gasp told him he’d startled the intruder. The shadow hurried up the remaining stairs and disappeared down the hall. In’is’kim took the stairs two at a time, reaching the landing within seconds. He peered down the dark hall and saw no one. Searching the wall with the flat of his hand, finally he moved his fingertips over the hall light switch. One quick flip and the dark corners revealed nothing. In fearful, dreaded response, he rushed to Skyler’s room. He searched the darkened space, waiting in the doorway, listening, probing, hoping nothing had disturbed her sleep. All seemed well, as well as it could be. He quietly pulled her door closed, then moved down the hall toward Maggie’s

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room. He pushed the door open and snapped on the light in a unison act. “Good, God!” Maggie yelled, pulling her blankets up to her chin. “I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath. “I heard you sneak up here and when I called out your name you didn’t respond. I thought…where the hell have you been?” “Nice language. Out with Jessica like you told me to do. Jeez. I snuck in so I wouldn’t wake you on the couch.” “Like I told you? I didn’t tell you anything.” “Your note said to go have pizza and a movie with Jessica.” She leaned back against the pillows, and he wondered how two sisters could appear so different. “Thanks for the fifty dollars, wow, we had a great time.” “Who gave you a note?” He didn’t want to alarm her, yet he had to get as much information from her as possible She frowned. “I was talking with Sky, then I went down the hall to go to the bathroom. When I came back, the note was taped to the outside of Skyler’s hospital room. It had my name on it. It said Sky was sleeping and not to disturb her. So I didn’t. What’s this all about?” “You still have the note?” “Sure, I think so. Might be in my jeans pocket over there.” He grabbed her jeans off the floor. “Mind if I check?” “Note and money weren’t from you—were they? Did he leave it there for me?” “I don’t know, Maggie.” In’is’kim search every pocket, but none produced the note she described. “Could it be in your jacket pocket?” “Didn’t wear one. Either it’s in the car or I threw it away. I’m sorry.” He didn’t miss the disappointment and slight upset in her voice. “No big deal. It might have been important, though. Evidence and all that. I didn’t send you off for a movie or pizza, therefore, I can only think of one other possibility―” “The man who’s playing these jokes on us. I found this,” she said, handing him an ancient blue card that depicted a wolf. “It was taped to the steering wheel when I left Jessica’s house. It’s from him, isn’t it? I’m scared.” “I know, and I’m sorry. I wish I could say it will just go away, but I’m afraid it won’t. In the meantime, I want you to check with me before going anywhere. Until Skyler is stronger, you’ll have to rely on me. Sound fair enough?” She nodded, but he wasn’t convinced he’d made her feel any better. He couldn’t blame her. He didn’t find his own words comforting either. “Get some sleep. I’ll be right downstairs. You need me, just call. I mean that.” “Thanks, In’is’kim. Before you go, can you tell me how Skyler is doing?” “Better. She’s in her room sleeping.” “I thought she was staying the hospital tonight?” “She made up her mind to come home. You know your sister. Now you get some sleep.” He caught her faint smile. It made her appear thirteen. He could easily understand why Skyler seemed so protective of the girl, she had a softness and innocence about her. “Good night.” “Good night. I’m glad you’re here.” “Thank you. I’m glad I’m here, too.” He smiled as he pulled the door behind him, leaving it slightly ajar. It seemed strange. He was in a stranger’s house, protecting two women he barely knew, and it seemed right.

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Dark Spirit He glanced in on a sleeping Skyler, then returned to the couch. He tossed the card on the end table and shook his head in frustration. As he settled back into the pillow he caught a faint scent of his grandfather’s mixed tobacco. He knew it had to be his imagination, but it gave him a feeling of being protected.

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V{tÑàxÜ f|å Wolf...loyal and devoted to one mate, family and society rules your fate. The moon gives you strength and power, holding secrets at the darkest hour.

f

kyler woke, as usual these days, against the warm body of Maggie. She had her own room but it seemed she preferred the security of sharing to the feeling of being alone. Skyler understood these feelings more than she cared to admit. When dating Dan it had seemed life couldn’t be more exciting. She was eager to get up in the morning. When he took a job in Spokane and didn’t even suggest she come live with him, it had broken her heart. She doubted she’d have gone unless he’d married her, but he didn’t even ask. Of course there always was Maggie to consider. Observing her beautiful sister, Skyler smiled, then whispered, “I’m glad you’re safe and back with me. You have no idea how much I’ve worried.” She knew her feelings were more motherly than sisterly, but that’s how it was between them. She longed to have a child of her own, but she’d first like to spend some time without the responsibility, the constant vigilance, the demanding presence. Freedom. She needed the freedom to live her life. Guilt filled her. She wouldn’t trade her life, the gift of her sister. Things could have been far worse. What would she do if something had happened to Maggie? The thought brought tears to her eyes. No. She didn’t want freedom from it all, just a chance to be her own person. That would happen soon enough when Maggie went to college. “Great, you’re awake. Are you hungry? I could make some eggs. Might want to let Maggie sleep, she got in awfully late.” Skyler glanced across the room at an incredibly handsome, too manly In’is’kim. What would it be like to wake up next to him every morning? “Did I startle you? I’m sorry.” She blinked, then rightfully blushed. “No…I…I’ll be right down. Coffee would be nice. It might take me a while.” “You need some help?” She stared at him. Help? Him? The mere thought flushed a heat bolt though 42

Dark Spirit her entire body. She cleared her throat, then said, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m sure I can manage.” “If you need me, just give a call.” She couldn’t find a word to respond, and he disappeared from the doorway. She should have asked him where or how he found Maggie for her, but his presence turned her thoughts to mush. It angered her. She was a woman in control. A woman who wasn’t intimidated by a man. She’d worked too long and too hard to allow anything but professionalism in her relationships. It seemed impossible not to smile when she entered the bathroom. Help indeed. A wrist in a cast did pose some real challenges. It took incredible time and effort just to push her jeans down enough to sit on the pot. Dang. This wasn’t going to be easy. She’d slept in her clothes and she still didn’t have any underwear on. She’d considered waking Maggie, then remembered In’is’kim said she’d gotten in awfully late. That comment created a mountain of questions. Holding the toothbrush between her stiff fingers, Skyler managed to squeeze a fair amount of toothpaste on the brush. Like a child, it was awkward and extremely frustrating. A knock on the door caused her to jump and drop the brush into the sink. “How’s it going in there?” “Slow,” she managed to answer. “I’m not too bad at helping.” Taking a deep breath, Skyler turned the doorknob and opened the door. In’is’kim stood towering in the doorway, a boyish grin on his face that caused her to smile back. “It isn’t easy to do a damn thing.” “Been there, done that.” “Really?” She stepped aside as he turned the hot water on and rinsed off her awkward attempt to put toothpaste on her brush. “Here,” he said, handing her the brush. “Thanks.” She took the brush and waited for him to turn on the cold water, which he did with precise timing. “We’re pretty good together.” She smiled but didn’t respond to his rather glib comment. They didn’t know each other. If she were honest with the situation, the man standing in her bathroom, helping her brush her teeth was the most handsome and helpful stranger a girl could ask for. “Penny for your thoughts?” “Not worth a penny,” she responded, handing him over the rinsed brush. “Grab that green wash cloth and run it under warm water and a touch of soap, would you please?” “Sure. When was the last time you accepted help from anyone, like this I mean?” “Why?” “Just curious. I would guess probably never. I get the impression you aren’t one to ask for help, and almost never accept it when it’s offered. I’m like that, too.” She sat down on top of the toilet seat cover and accepted the wash cloth and moved it over her face. “That feels so good.”

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“I could rig up a plastic garbage bag over your cast and tie it off so you could take a shower.” She glanced up at him almost startled. “I don’t think―” “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t peek. You want a shower, we’ll rig it up. If you don’t, no problem.” A shower, she’d give anything. “I…yes.” She turned away, hoping the burning cheeks she felt were hidden. “I’ll be right back.” She wondered what she’d agreed to. How could he possibly help her and not… it’d be okay. “This should do the trick.” She heard him before seeing him. “You sure this is going to work?” He adjusted a plastic bag over the cast. “Yump. Use to do it all the time.” He closed it down and slid a rubber band over the edge. She felt his closeness. His dark hair moved around him as he worked. Why would his hair seem manly? She hated long hair on a man. Maybe it was because he was so Indian. American women had an ongoing love affair with the image of the American Indian of the olden days. He signified the freedom, the true ideal of a man. A man who wasn’t afraid to fight. A great hunter and of course a great lover. She blushed at her thoughts. “You feeling okay? Your complexion is flushed. You aren’t feeling faint or anything, are you?” If only he knew why she was flushed. His face, mere inches from hers, stared back at her. The tenderness and concern in his expression seemed genuine. She wanted him to kiss her. It sounded crazy, but she wanted to know what it felt like to kiss him. She stared at his full lips and sensed him inching closer. It seemed to take forever. Slow inch by slow inch he moved closer. She didn’t move, hoping he’d follow through. The slightest touch of his lips to hers sent a tingling feeling that traveled her entire body. Soft touches, soft kisses. Slow moving of his lips across hers. She reacted in a similar response. Her breathing increased. She wanted more. He stepped back, and she gazed into his eyes. Deep, penetrating, and mysterious. “I…you aren’t offended?” She smiled, then stood before him. “I wanted you to kiss me. It sounds crazy. I don’t even know you. We’re strangers—yet we aren’t. In ways I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. Please don’t laugh,” she added, turning her back to him. “I’m not laughing. It scares me, but I feel the same way. It’s like a comfort, a sense that…I don’t know. We’ll have to see what happens. Right now I can hardly think about anything but finding out who is threatening you and Maggie. I can’t handle anything more.” A feeling of rejection came over her. She knew what he was saying made sense. She, too, needed to concentrate on the threats that had changed her life. Yet, it didn’t lessen the feeling that he didn’t have time for her. When he moved his palms down the sides of her arms and pulled her back into his chest, she

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Dark Spirit tensed. “We’d better keep ourselves objective to the game.” “Game?” “That’s what you called it, didn’t you? You said this monster was playing a game with us. Then, we need to think of it as a game. We need to write down his moves, then ours. Like a chess game. Maybe we can get a move ahead of him. We do that, and we’ve won.” He removed his hands from her arms. A sense of disappointment filled her. “You’re right.” Did she sense disappointment in him? She rested her palm on the side of his cheek. Her hand felt on fire. “You feel it, don’t you? I do. Maybe it’s not so crazy.” She moved her hand around his neck and pulled him closer. This time she didn’t wait for his gentle, feather soft kisses. She pressed her lips to his and wasn’t disappointed by his quick response. She allowed him to pull her into his embrace. He deepened the kiss with a movement that nearly sent her sailing to the ceiling. His breath on her cheek excited her. With hot palms against her back, he pulled her into his chest, bringing her body to a frenzied state of need. She returned his fevered movements with as much intensity as his. She never wanted to come up for air again. It felt right. It came close to intoxication. A kiss had never been more stimulating. More emotional. More right. She backed slightly, pleased he didn’t let her go. “Tell me you felt nothing. Tell me we feel like strangers.” She barely breathed the words. He guided her gently to his chest. She longed for such arms to hold her. She could hear his heart pounding, it matched the intensity of her own. “I can’t deny you start my blood to boil. I can’t even deny I want you this very moment. I can’t get involved.” Skyler stiffened. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to get to know you better. I feel drawn to you like I’ve never been drawn to a woman before. It’s―” “I’m white?” “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not hung up on race. I’ve taken my share of prejudices, but I don’t carry a grudge or a preference. It doesn’t have anything to do with you. Like I said before, until I can figure out who is behind my nightmare, I don’t think it’s fair to have a relationship. It could get you killed.” “You believe that?” “Yes.” “I’m already in danger. I feel it. This,” she lifted her cast toward him, “is a good indication that I’m part of this game. What happens between us has nothing to do with it.” “I wish I could believe that.” “You are one big, beautiful Indian man.” She couldn’t believe her words. It just came out of her mouth. His laughter filled the room and she couldn’t help joining him. “I would hope you meant beautiful in a guy sort of way.” “It just slipped out. I―” “Oh, don’t apologize. Us guys need compliments as much as you gals. If it’ll make you feel any better, I find you one very beautiful, sexy lady. There, now we

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know what we think about each other without wondering.” She smiled. It felt good and seemed a natural thing to do. How void her life had been until now. “I’d better take that shower.” He worked the sling loose, then pulled the sweatshirt over her head and dropped it to the floor. He unsnapped and unzipped her jeans and she allowed him to work them down and over her feet. “You’re beautiful.” His voice had the huskiness of a lover. She noticed his breathing had increased, then first realized her own had also. “I’m at a disadvantage, you realize that, right?” “Some disadvantage.” “Get serious. You say you don’t want involvement, then you quickly strip away the rest of my dignity. I would like that shower.” “Yes Ma’am!” Standing motionless, she waited until he set the shower temperature and opened the magnetic shower door. “I’ll come back and check on you in a bit.” “Thank you.” He’d left the room and closed the door behind him before she had the nerve to move. Several steps later she enjoyed the refreshing water beating against her flesh. Her thoughts didn’t wonder far from the hot kisses they’d shared. Reliving them caused her breathing to increase. He’d said he thought she was a very beautiful and sexy woman. No man had ever said that. She didn’t think a man could think that of her. She wondered if she’d ever taken enough time to evaluate how she must appear to the opposite sex. There never seemed time to care. If they discovered who was behind this nightmare, did that mean he wanted a relationship with her? Confusion filled her thoughts. What if they never solved the crimes? A wave of darkness threatened. She felt a weakness in her knees, and they buckled. She suddenly found herself sitting in the shower. The water seemed to grow warmer, as did the waves of dizziness that assaulted her. The air became heavy and misty. The suffocating heat turned the room into a sauna. “In’is’kim,” she called out. The noise of the shower drowned out her words. Getting to her knees, she pushed on the shower door. It didn’t budge. She pressed on it again and still it resisted her efforts. Where had all the air gone? She struggled for a breath but it seemed impossible to breath. “In’is’kim,” she called out, then slid to lean against the shower wall. Water continued to beat against her skin. It hurt. “Skyler…Skyler.” She heard her name through the darkness and she struggled to hear it again. “Skyler.” She fought the heaviness that held her down. Air, light, fresh and cool washed over her. She drew it in, welcoming it. Awareness came. She found herself wrapped in a towel receiving mouth-to-mouth from In’is’kim. She drew in his breath and opened her eyes. “You okay?”

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Dark Spirit Skyler sensed the concern in his voice. “I think so. What happened? The shower door wouldn’t open. The water kept getting hotter and…” Tears surfaced and she struggled to keep her emotions in control. He pulled her onto his lap and she welcomed the comfort. “You adjust the water temperature?” She shook her head. “It just kept coming down harder and hotter. I couldn’t get the door open.” “You try turning the faucets off?” It hadn’t occurred to her. She shook her head, feeling ridiculous. “I guess I didn’t think of it. I don’t know why.” “Well, when a person panics, common sense goes out the window. Why did you lock the door? I wasn’t going to come barging in and take advantage of you.” She glanced at him, puzzled by his question. “I didn’t lock the door.” “It was locked, Skyler. I had to break it in to reach you.” “I didn’t lock it.” “Does it sometimes lock when you close it?” “No. I didn’t lock it, In’is’kim.” She leaned against him. His palm on her shoulder felt protective. She wanted to stay like this, safe and feeling cared for. “Could someone get in and out of that window?” She thought about it. “I suppose it’s possible. Couldn’t be a very big person. But, I’ll bet it’s possible. You think that’s what someone did? Why?” “I don’t know. I never seem to know why.” “Am I safe anywhere? What does he want? What have I done? In’is’kim, I’m scared.” She longed for the comfort of his arms, the security they promised and the protection they offered. She leaned into him, pulling him as close as she dared. A jolting pain shot up her arm, and she grimaced. His immediate distance caused her alarm. “Did I hurt you?” “It’s my wrist. Once in a while it shoots a sharp pain to my fingers. It wasn’t anything you did.” He lowered his mouth toward hers, and she lifted hers to welcome him. Soft, fleeting at first, tender and demanding as the kiss deepened. It left her breathless. “We’d better get you dried off and dressed before Maggie wakes. This would not be easy to explain.” How true, she thought. “I’ll go and get a change of clothes, I’ll be right back.” Within minutes she headed down the hall with a handful of clothes. As she passed Maggie’s room she noticed a sleeping In’is’kim lying on the bed with his head propped up on a stack of pillows. She watched him, aware she’d finally gotten a chance to observe him without him knowing it. In sleep his high cheekbones seemed less firm. His dark lashes shielded his ever-changing, deep, mysterious eyes. Her gaze settled on his full, soft lips. She longed to feel them against her own. She’d been kissed by other men, but none of them kissed with such intensity, such depth, such fire as this man before her. Laying the clothes on the bed, and after a quick glance at In’is’kim, she dropped the damp towel to the floor. Silently, she pulled the cast through the bra strap, then up her arm. There it dangled. Every effort proved impossible. Finally giving up, she tossed the dreaded thing to the floor.

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Instead, she slipped the sleeve of her gray fleece hoodie over the cast and pulled it over her head…it remained as such. She struggled to pull it down, and finally was rewarded. With much continued effort, she managed to slip her arm in the other sleeve. She glanced back at In’is’kim and breathed a sigh of relief at his continued sleeping form. Dropping a pair of panties on the floor, she stepped into them, then gradually worked them up her legs and to her waist. Using the same method, she stepped into the matching gray fleece sweats. The effort took most of her energy. Skyler carefully slid onto the bed and snuggled alongside In’is’kim. He pulled her into his arms. She glanced at him and noticed he still slept. Who did he think he held in his sleep? Did he really think it was her? She could only hope so. She closed her eyes and welcomed the drowsiness of slumber. A startling scream caused Skyler to jolt from In’is’kim’s arms and the depths of her sleep. He bolted from the room, and she followed as quickly as she could. Skyler paused in frozen horror as Maggie struggled to free herself from a man-made spider’s web. It laced from one bed post to another. The intricate design imprisoned her sister. “My, God, what on earth?” “I’m not so sure this is an earthly doing,” In’is’kim said. “At first I thought it was string, but it’s some sticky white substance, damn near like a spider’s web would be like. Hang in there, Maggie. I’ll have you out in no time.” “I’m so sorry, Maggie. I should have been here with you.” Her whimpering response caused Skyler great concern. “Wait, I know this sounds crazy, but don’t take it apart.” “What? You can’t be serious. Maggie is…we’ve got to get her out of there.” “I know, but let me get my camera. This is evidence. I’ll be a second. Hang on, Maggie.” Skyler rushed down the stairs, grabbed the Sony Cybershot from the desk drawer, then ran back to her room. “You’d better give that to me.” She handed the digital camera over to In’is’kim. He didn’t waste any time snapping pictures. In mere seconds he had Maggie free of the horror and into his safe arms. He stroked Maggie’s hair, like a father would comfort a child. “Let’s go to your room, Maggie.” Skyler wrapped her good arm around her sister. “I don’t know what’s happening here or why. I think maybe it would be a good idea if you went to visit…” She paused, who could Maggie go visit? They had no other family. “We’ll have to give it some thought. You want to get more sleep or do you want to come down and have some breakfast with In’is’kim and me?” “I’m scared, Skyler.” “I know, love. I’m scared, too.” “You! Don’t be silly. You aren’t scared of anyone or anything. You keep saying that just to make me feel better.” Skyler couldn’t help smiling. “I wish that were true. I didn’t think I could be scared of anything, but I’ll admit, this so called game has me baffled and scared shitless.” “Skyler!” “Well, I’m telling you the way it is. We have to be careful.”

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Dark Spirit Maggie crawled beneath the blankets. “You want me to sit with you? I will.” “You won’t laugh?” “If I’d just gone through what you have, I’d want someone to stay with me, too. I won’t leave until you’re sleeping, then I’ll come and check on you several times. What time you want me to wake you?” “Don’t. I just want to sleep until I’m not tired anymore.” “Fair enough. Close your eyes now.” Skyler sat on the bed, her back against the headboard. Although it seemed silly to hum to a nineteen-year-old, she softly hummed “You Are My Sunshine.” It brought pleasant thoughts of their father to mind. Times when he’d made dandelion headbands and necklaces for them both. She thought of firefly rings and polka dancing while standing on the top of his shoes. It soothed her. Glancing down at Maggie, she imagined it had done the same for her sister. Carefully, Skyler slid from the bed and walked back to her own room. In’is’kim had cleaned it completely. No traces of spider webs remained. She shivered at the thought, then headed for the kitchen.

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V{tÑàxÜ fxäxÇ Turtle...you connect with mother earth, and make us conscious of self-worth. You plant our feet upon the ground, make us think before action bound.

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n’is’kim busied himself with scrambling eggs and frying bacon while his mind searched for clues, meanings, and possible suspects. He glanced over his shoulder to find Skyler heading his way. Her womanly movements warmed his blood. “Maggie resting?” “Yes. I think it’s best she hide away in sleep for a while. Smells good.” “You’re just in time.” He scraped the eggs onto two plates, added the bacon, then grabbed the plates and set them on the table. “You need help with that sling?” She nodded while faint pink washed over her cheeks. “You might say that.” He then noticed she was holding a bra, not sling. “Oh, I see.” Taking a step toward her, he caught the dry, somewhat earthy scent of her freshly bathed body, and it intoxicated him. He took the bra she offered and dropped it on the table. He stared at her, and she stared back, innocent and almost brazen. Without a word, he moved his palms to her bare waist. She didn’t resist. With renewed encouragement he slid them upward. His breathing came quick. After a pause, he continued upward until his palms moved across her soft, inviting breasts. He rubbed them, feeling their pliable skin. He moved his thumbs across the nipples, the firm peaks caused him such an arousal he nearly jumped. With urgency he lowered his lips to hers, taking them with such demand it surprised even himself. He kissed her neck and then lowered his mouth to take in a bare breast. Her gasp caused him to take all she had to offer. He licked her skin, enjoying the salty taste. Making a trail with his tongue, he offered the same to the other breast. Her fast breathing excited him. He kissed her again. The need to taste her unsatisfied, he increased the pressure, the urgency. Her response matched his own, and it excited him beyond his own imaginings. He’d become fully aroused with a kiss. This woman made him ignite from head to toe. He wanted her. 50

Dark Spirit He needed more. Brazenly he moved his palms to her buttock and pressed her into him. He knew she felt the condition she’d created. “I want you, Skyler. It’s wrong of me, but you have no idea what your body does to mine.” “My body says yes, but my mind says it’s wrong. I don’t have sex because it feels good. When it’s right, I want to make love. There’s a difference.” What she said made sense. It wasn’t his way to take a woman who wasn’t willing. He’d just not met one who wasn’t. It took considerable effort to turn off his desires for Skyler. He slipped her arm free of the shirt, then over her head and cast. With wet, hot kisses he trailed from one shoulder to the other. He took the liberty of tasting her breasts again and he reveled in the fact she leaned into him, offered him the taste, then pressed the back of his head to bring him closer. “You taste incredible. I can’t get enough of you.” He reached for her bra and slipped it through her arms, then, placing soft kisses across the mound, fastened the front. “I’ve never had such pleasure in putting a bra on a woman before.” “You make a habit of putting them on, is that what you’re saying?” “I prefer taking them off.” He laughed. “You’re the only one who has asked me to put one on. I hope we can amend this in time.” Her laughter filled him with a sense of lightheartedness. “What do you think would have happened to me if I’d stayed at the hospital?” “What?” He pulled her shirt over her cast, head, then guided her other arm through the sleeve. Her questions rushed through his mind. “I hadn’t thought about it. I don’t know.” He pulled a chair out for Skyler, and she sat at the table. He sat across from her before giving her a glance. “Where did you find Maggie last night?” “I didn’t. She came home on her own. She’d gotten a note from me saying she should go to eat and take in a movie with Jennifer. The envelope included fifty dollars.” “From you? You’ve got to be kidding. Where is the note?” “She can’t find it.” “Damn. It’s evidence. We’d have had a sample of the killer’s handwriting.” “I thought of that, too. I’m glad you remembered to take a picture of that mess upstairs. Maybe we should have called the police.” She dug into the scrambled eggs. “Just what would they say? A practical joke. No one was hurt. No crime other than trespassing occurred. They’d have laughed and left.” “Suppose you’re right. I guess I should tell you two more cards have showed up.” “What?” “Well, it’s been strange around here—to say the least. I didn’t want to even tell you, but, maybe you can help decide what they mean.” “I’ll try, but you know more about this stuff than I’ll ever know. I’ve been reading some stuff from the book you gave me. I still don’t understand most of it.” In’is’kim took several bites of egg, then swallowed it down with coffee. “I thought I had a good understanding of it—hell, I give seminars on this stuff for a

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living. Who understands it better?” “Maybe you perceive the good side of the meanings, and the killer observes some dark side.” She amazed him. “I had a dream last night. I was talking with Grandfather. He said a similar thing to me. He said it’s like I have a dark spirit following me around.” “You talk with your Grandfather while you sleep?” “I’m sure it was a dream, but they tell you much if you listen to them.” It surprised him she didn’t laugh at his comment. “You believe in the power of dreams?” “Yes. I might not believe in them the same way you do, but I think dreams are our subconscious telling us things we’ve forgotten, wish for, or wish we could do.” “I believe dreams are our ancestors or those we love showing us the truth, the right direction, or the answers if we’re willing to listen.” “I’m not going to argue. Were the new cards bad?” “The turtle card was hanging from the rope in the attic. I think it was meant for me. I’ll be honest, I’m damn sick of these games. The cards can mean just about anything, it’s how you interpret them and if you believe. This sick bastard may think he’s leaving clues, I think he’s using them as an excuse to kill people.” “What does the turtle mean?” “It’s the oldest symbol for earth. We are born of Earth, and to earth we will return. It’s our way of thanking Mother Earth for what she has given us.” “Does that mean you’re going to die?” He read the fear in her eyes and reached across the table and took her hand in his. “I hope not. No, I think it’s supposed to scare me. To remind me who’s in charge. Hell, I don’t know,” he snapped, jumping up from his chair. Realizing his action scared her, he immediately sat, then took her hand in his again. “I’m sorry. I don’t care to add to your fears or frustrations. I’m just tired of it all.” “I’m not sure how you’ve managed not to crack under all this strain. I mean… never knowing, always on guard for years. Did you ever wonder if that’s the purpose behind it all? Someone wants you to break down; either institutionalized or dead?” He thought about her words, all the time rubbing his thumb in circles on her palm. The gesture seemed soothing. He felt as though for the first time in his life he had someone to share this horrible nightmare with. He had someone to talk to, someone to listen, and— something he really didn’t expect—someone to truly care about. “There would have to be a reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t know of any. There’s nothing too special about me.” “You have any inheritance that becomes available at a certain age? What are you …going on twenty-five, maybe?” “I’ll be thirty the thirteenth of October.” He loved her smile. “What a date to be born. Hope you’re not superstitious.” “I’ve heard it all. It doesn’t bother me. Good thing, I mean, what can I do about it?” Her laugh sounded good to him. “In’is’kim, are you sure you don’t have some kind of trust or something like that? Think about it, someone wants you to be found guilty for these murders, right? It doesn’t seem like he wants you dead. He wants you in jail or out of the

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Dark Spirit way. Why?” “You’re right. I’ve never considered that before. I don’t think I have a trust or inheritance at age thirty. Wouldn’t Grandfather have told me?” “Maybe Grandfather doesn’t know.” In’is’kim considered her words. She just may have uncovered the most important part of this whole game. He stood and retrieved the coffee pot. He poured them both a cup, then walked passed the window, shoving his hands in his pockets. The early morning seemed peaceful. He withdrew his hands, bringing the two new medicine cards out with them. He went to the table and tossed them down before sitting. “Maggie found the wolf card in her car last night.” “He could have hurt her again. I don’t like this at all. What does the wolf mean, In’is’kim?” “No big deal. The wolf is the creator of new ideas willing to teach and share new medicines. The wolf is dedicated to his one partner and loyal in love.” She smiled at that, and he couldn’t help smiling himself. “The wolf means you have a teacher in you and the moon will give you power.” “What? I could start baying at the moon?” He couldn’t help chuckling. It’d been too long since he’d done much laughing. “I’ll keep an eye on you. Fortunately, it has nothing to do with vampires.” “How fortunate for me…or should I say you?” Again, he laughed. “I’ll watch my neck anyway.” Her smile disappeared and a serious expression took over. “I think Maggie needs to hide out somewhere. At least for this weekend. I can’t be there twentyfour hours a day for her. I’m not much good with my hand in a cast, as you well know.” “I’ve been giving that some thought myself. I think we’ll go see Grandfather. Maybe he will watch her. When she wakes, we’ll go to Browning.” “Browning?” “Afraid?” “No, why should I be? I’ve never been there.” In’is’kim leaned back in his chair. “Ah, but you’ve heard all about it. A bunch of wild Indians live there in trashed houses. None of them are disciplined. They all fight with knives and drink.” “I didn’t say that, you did.” “True. I know the stories, I’ve heard them, too. It angers me.” She slid her small hand over his. He held still. “If I’ve got something to say, believe me, I’ll say it. If you’re wondering what I think, just ask me.” “Sorry. I’m sick of generalizations about Indians. There are lots of good people in Browning, old as well as young. We have our share of problems, but things don’t change over night.” “I’m sure that’s true.” “If you’ve got a problem with Maggie staying there, I’ll understand. Would you be willing to check it out for yourself first, before making a decision?” The pressure of her hand on his made his heartbeat increase. “Yes.”

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“Yes what?” In’is’kim glanced at Maggie walking into the kitchen. A little girl in a woman’s body, he decided. “What would you think about going to visit my Grandfather, Nat’o’ye.” “Cool name. What’s it mean?” He smiled. “It means something sacred, having sun power, of the sun. He’s a wise man. You’ll understand what I mean when you meet him.” “Can we, Skyler? I’d love to meet him.” “Yes, Maggie. We’ll go have a talk with Grandfather Nat’o’ye.” *** “Well, this is Browning.” Skyler glanced around and decided it wasn’t half as bad as she’d imagined. “I didn’t know Browning was a town, I mean, I thought it was just housing.” “Strange what we think we know, huh? You can’t exactly call it Beverly Hills but it’s not the neighborhood dump, either. We have an eight block square of shops and fast food. Many of the new housing areas are nice. The old sections, not so much. I’m on a committee to improve many of the old buildings. My suggestion was to fire up the bulldozer and level them. That didn’t exactly get the support I was hoping for.” “Skyler, look, it’s a Native American museum. Can we go there? They have window displays of how it use to be with mannequins.” “She’s right,” In’is’kim said. “I’m constantly searching for pieces from private collectors that belong to my people. It’s pretty exciting when we have a ceremony to return an item that has been long lost. It’s like bringing back a family member to rest.” Skyler noticed the quiver in his voice and gave him a quick glance. He’d done his best to cover up the emotions surfacing, but she could tell he felt deeply about this. “I never thought about it before. We’ll make sure we stop before we leave, Maggie.” “Great. Oh my gosh, there’s a real tipi. I’d love to sleep in a tipi. Hey, we’re stopping here?” A rather small house and a huge tipi nestled near an even larger Dutch Elm tree. The sudden pounding on Skyler’s window caused her to jump and scream simultaneously. The furry beast’s deep bark sounded more unearthly than any dog she’d ever heard. “Don’t be afraid, it’s only Mahkwoyi.” “What’s that mean?” Maggie asked. “He’s beautiful.” “Means big mouth or wolf.” “You named your wolf dog, Wolf. Clever. Is he tame?” “As tame as a wolf-dog can be. He’s sort of Grandfather’s dog. But, I don’t think anyone could own him. Most people ignore him. A simple warning, don’t reach out to pet him, you might be missing a limb.” Skyler felt her heart pound. She liked animals and definitely loved dogs. Mahkwoyi hadn’t moved from her window. Finally she calmed enough to return the stare. His penetrating, deep eyes appeared more human than dog. If she

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Dark Spirit didn’t know better, she’d swear the beast was reading her mind. “He’s frightening in ways, yet, there seems to be something special, something almost human about him.” “He doesn’t usually pay much attention to strangers, other than to keep guard and make sure they don’t make a wrong move. He’s definitely interested in you, Skyler. Maybe you two were lovers in a past life.” “Don’t be absurd!” Skyler snapped, ignoring Maggie’s giggles from the back seat. “Animals sense when a person likes their species. Does it matter? It’s just a dog.” “Doesn’t matter at all. Let’s meet Grandfather.” Skyler pushed on the door. Mahkwoyi backed on his hind feet, until it was completely open. He rushed to her side the moment she stood on the ground. She felt no anger from the animal. He seemed intent on getting to know her. Without thinking she dropped to her knees. “You are beautiful, aren’t you? She rubbed his silver and brown hair, burrowing her fingertip down to the skin, scratching and rubbing with her free hand. He licked her cheek, and Skyler laughed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “Dang, he’s never allowed anyone but Grandfather to do that. You part animal or something?” She glanced up at In’is’kim and smiled. “Jealous?” “Too bad men didn’t find her that attractive,” Maggie piped in. “Oh, but they do,” In’is’kim said under his breath. Skyler found his dark, penetrating eyes staring back at her. They had a similar gleam to that of Mahkwoyi. It startled her. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. Let’s go meet Grandfather.” She’d expected they’d go to the tipi, but instead he led the way to the house. After several knocks, the door finally creaked open. “Grandson, it so good to set these tired eyes upon you. Come inside where the coffee is hot.” “I’ve brought company for you, Grandfather.” “Bring them inside, too.” Skyler smiled at that. She liked him already. “He looks like an Indian from the old west,” Maggie whispered. “Native American,” Skyler corrected. “He is interesting. Are you afraid?” “Heck no. I can hardly wait to hear his stories. This is the most exciting thing we’ve ever done. I think In’is’kim is the most handsome and exciting man I’ve ever met. He likes you.” “Spare me.” “Grandfather, I’d like you to meet Skyler and Maggie Grinnell. Skyler and Maggie, this is Grandfather Nat’o’ye.” Skyler smiled at the old man. His white hair trailed down in front of his chest. He wore khaki pants and moccasins. His simple, baggy, white t-shirt seemed out of place beneath the leather-strung stone that hung around his neck. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She allowed him to take her hand in his withered one, then placed his other on top, sandwiching hers. “You are unusual. Mahkwoyi has already taken you into his trust. It is good to

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meet you. I have waited a long time for my grandson to bring you to me.” “I don’t understand.” “You will, in time you will.” Skyler glanced at In’is’kim and noted his I don’t know shrug and facial expression. “Come, sit at the table and I will get us some cups and coffee.” Skyler followed the old man. The feather that he wore tied to his hair matched In’is’kims’. She wondered about the meaning of that, but refrained from asking. “The feathers mean we are of the same spirit. He is my grandson, but he is much more than that. The moment he was born I felt it. One day he will take my place.” Skyler couldn’t help thinking his weathered voice captured pride and respect. “How did you know I wondered about the feathers?” She sat in the chair offered. “You asked from your heart. I hear the heart. Besides, it was in your face, it was the only thing you could be looking at and wondering about.” Skyler laughed. A clever old man, for sure. “You live here all by yourself?” “It is a lonely way to be. I am eighty-two summers now. When my wife was seventy summers she went to the Sacred Hills. For twelve summers my heart is sad she is gone. I do not miss her nagging, but I do miss her company under the buffalo robes.” Fighting back the need to snicker, Skyler glanced over at In’is’kim. He, too, appeared ready to burst out laughing. “Under the buffalo robes? At your age,” Maggie asked in an amazed tone. “Wow.” Skyler couldn’t hold back, she laughed freely and noticed that’s all it took for In’is’kim to join her. “It is an old Indian secret.” That caused Skyler to laugh even harder. Tears trickled down her cheeks, and she gasped for breath. “Sit, Grandfather, I’ll pour the coffee,” In’is’kim said, his voice tainted with a hint of laughter. “So, you have come for help. I did not think you would wait this long to come to me. I have had many dreams about the cards. But it is mostly a troubled feeling I have had. Today a see-pis-too hooted outside my window. I know the warning of an owl is of something evil or death.” Skyler shuddered. “How could you know about the cards?” “I do not know the answer. I have been troubled by this feeling for many summers. My grandson has experienced the same warnings.” “Do you know why?” Skyler asked, sipping her coffee. “Someone spread cobwebs all over my bed and there were spiders. It was awful. Is there some meaning in that?” Maggie asked, then accepted a cookie from In’is’kim. “This is not good. Things are getting out of hand.” “What things, Grandfather,” In’is’kim asked. “I did not think it right to keep the truth from you. I always felt one day it would hurt you. Maybe this day has come.”

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Dark Spirit “What are you talking about, Grandfather. Skyler sat back, quiet, observing the two men. She sensed a sudden tenseness. “It is a conversation that would be best discussed with just the two of us in the sweat lodge.” “Grandfather, I don’t have time for the sweat lodge. What you have to say can be discussed in front of Skyler and Maggie.” “I will know the right time, and now is not that time.” Skyler read In’is’kim’s uneasiness. She could only imagine the struggle for patience it must take for him not to force the issue. “Okay, I’ll prepare for the sweat lodge. Will you tell me then?” “Not if you are angry, Grandson.” “I’m not angry, just frustrated and tired of it all.” “You are not in a way to receive what I have to tell you. I will know when I must.” In’is’kim jumped from his chair and paced the kitchen floor. Skyler leaned forward and cleared her throat. “Grandfather, if you’ll excuse my interruption, I’d like to say that we are in need of help. We don’t understand the cards.” “In’is’kim does understand the cards. He is blind to their meaning. When he puts his anger aside, he will find the answers.” Grandfather lit a small bundle of grass, then quickly blow out the flames. The scent of sweetgrass filled the room. It reminded her of In’is’kim, and she liked it. “Does that mean you won’t help us?” “I can not solve problems, I can only guide one to the solution. The muskrat is very important to my people because he is the one who brought up mud from the waters that covered the world and gave it to Napi so that he could make the ground. Like the muskrat, In’is’kim must dig deep and bring up the truth so you can find the truth and peace.” A quiet In’is’kim stared out the window. She wondered why he didn’t answer his grandfather. “I didn’t understand a whole lot of that,” Maggie said. “It was not meant for you to understand, but for In’is’kim to.” “Oh,” Maggie said. “What is that hanging from your ear? A bone or horn?” “Maggie! You don’t ask such questions,” Skyler warned, embarrassed at her sister’s audacity. “How else is she going to find out things if she does not ask? This is a human finger bone. It was given to me by my father, and to him by his father. It is from a Crow warrior a long time ago. It is very powerful.” “Gosh, that’s too cool. They had their ears pierced?” “Maggie!” “Yes, it is not a new thing for men to pierce their ears. My people have done so for a long time.” “Cool.” Skyler rolled her eyes upward, hoping Maggie had finished asking questions. “That’s a neat rock around your neck, why do you wear it?” Skyler gave Maggie a warning glance, but she ignored it completely.

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“It is a buffalo rock. It is the stone In’is’kim’s father found the day his son was born. That is why he is called In’is’kim, buffalo rock.” “Wow. Can I touch it?” “Maggie.” “It is good to touch the buffalo rock. In the time of many buffalos, the one who had a buffalo rock brought the animals to his people. The hunt was always good. There are not many buffalo rocks. When I go to the Sand Hills, In’is’kim will have this buffalo rock. I am only keeping it safe for him.” “Gosh, it’s so cool. It’s shaped like a buffalo. Did In’is’kim’s father have to carve it?” “No. Mother Earth made that rock in the shape of a buffalo. Only one who is of the old ways can appreciate the importance of a buffalo rock.” “You’re a medicine man? You take drugs to have visions and all that?” “All right, Maggie. You are old enough―” “Her questions are not offensive. You must not be upset because of her curiosity. She is like the happy, ever-watching and -seeing o’toch-koki, the yellow breast that you call meadowlark. Yes, that is a good name for your spirited sister.” “My favorite bird, how fitting.” Skyler smiled, no doubt these two would have a great time together. “Skyler, show Grandfather the cards.” In’is’kim’s tone caused her alarm. She gave him a quick glance before reaching into her purse. She dug around, searching. Compartment after compartment, she searched and searched again. “They’re not here. I know I put them in the center pouch. Maybe I should check the car.” “What cards?” “Oh, you’ve got to check them out. They’re old and have pictures on them. It’s getting them that’s so darn spooky.” Skyler gave Maggie a tender glance. “They’re just not here. I’ll check―” “No, I’ll go.” She didn’t answer In’is’kim. He’d seemed sullen since they arrived. She’d thought he’d have acted differently around his grandfather, especially the way he’d talked about the old man. “He’s frustrated and tired of all of this.” “Yes, that is true. My grandson has carried much guilt and sadness with him for a long time.” “They’re not there either.” Skyler noticed the tightness of In’is’kim’s jaw. “Maybe I left them on the table at home. I thought I’d…well, it doesn’t matter now. We’ll bring them next time.” “They’re not there, because they’ve disappeared like the others.” “Disappeared? Others?” Maggie asked in a mysterious tone. “Like a shadow in the day.” “Cool, Grandfather. I get it—it’s really there, you just don’t see it.” “Very good, O’toch-koki.” “What?” Skyler glanced at first one, then the other. “Don’t you see, Sky, it’s like you’re trying too hard. The answer is simpler than you’re making it. You’re not seeing the forest for the trees. It’s black and―” “All right, Maggie.” Skyler turned toward In’is’kim in exasperation. “Obviously they know something we don’t.”

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Dark Spirit “Grandfather, Skyler and I have…we were―” “O’toch-koki can stay with me. We have a lot to talk about. You do what you must do. Meadowlark will be safe with me.” Skyler paused, then asked, “How did you know―” “I saw you leaving her in my dream last night.” “Really? Gosh that’s too cool.” “No, not really, I just thought it would sound impressive. Both In’is’kim and your sister have a lot on their minds. They have tension in their bodies. But you, little O’toch-koki, are not so troubled. You do not have a worried look on your face.” “You’d have made a good detective. Kinda like that Columbo guy.” Skyler couldn’t help but laugh at Maggie’s comparison. “I like that show,” Grandfather said. “He appears to be unorganized and almost dumb, but he uses that as a distraction.” “We need to go. You two have a good time discussing everything and we’ll be back as soon as we can.” In’is’kim nodded to his grandfather, then pulled smoke from the sweetgrass over his face and body. Skyler hurried over to Maggie and gave her a big hug. “Be good and try not to ask too many questions.” “I’m nineteen, Skyler. I’ll be fine.” It seemed strange to be reminded of that. She observed her sister and still saw a little girl. “It’s hard for me to believe you’re growing up.” “You’d better get going before you start saying it was only yesterday you were making dandelion necklaces for me, just like Daddy made for us when we were little.” “Well, it’s true. I’d better go before In’is’kim gets tired of waiting and leaves without me.” The thought hadn’t occurred to her before, she suddenly felt uncomfortable with the thought. “Bye,” she called out over her shoulder. “Thank you Grandfather!” She shouted. Their unison, “bye,” reached her as she rushed to the already open passenger door of an old Chevy truck. She’d barely closed the door when In’is’kim had them speeding down the road. “Keep low and down. I want to make sure if someone is watching they think both you and Maggie stayed with Grandfather.”

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V{tÑàxÜ X|z{à Frog… sing and replenish my soul, cleanse me and call the thunder to roll. Guide my energy and strength to bear, so I might be renewed, refreshed, and care.

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n’is’kim pressed Skyler’s head against the passenger seat and scanned the distant trees for a possible binocular reflection. A quick look up and down the street revealed no secrets. A nervous glance in the rear-view mirror produced nothing. “Great truck. Grandfathers I presume?” “Yump. Thought it might be less noticeable than my cherry-red car.” “I have to agree. You seem in an awful hurry.” “More or less.” “What’s all this cloak-and-dagger stuff?” He drew in a steady breath. “Grandfather was right. I’ve got to stop walking around with blinders on. It’s time I started facing the truth, instead of hiding behind it.” “And that means?” In’is’kim thought for a moment. What did that mean? “Well, for one thing, I’ve played this bastard’s game on the defense. I’ve waited to see what’s going to happen next. I suddenly realize…why am I waiting?” “Be the stalker, not the stalked.” “I couldn’t have said it better.” He scanned the four directions and breathed a sigh of relief. “You can come up now. I hope I didn’t scare you.” “Not likely.” He couldn’t help liking the way her tight black jeans fit her trim, slim figure. Long legs. Very long legs. He fought for control to stop staring at them. “I’m glad we don’t have to worry about Maggie. I think Grandfather found her refreshing.” “I thought your grandfather would have been more help. He didn’t even seemed to question about the cards or their―” “Disappearance?” “They could be on the table at home.” “I don’t think so. All the others seemed to have disappeared, so why would these be any different?” He wished he didn’t like Skyler; it’d somehow make 60

Dark Spirit things easier. “Someone managed to take them out of my purse. I don’t know when or where, but I’m not convinced we have ghostly things happening here. Just unexplainable for right now.” “Call it what you will, but—” “What’s wrong?” “I think we’re being followed. Get that seat belt on.” He hoped paranoia was the only thing following them. He doubted it, though. Glancing at the speedometer he realized they already pushed their luck at eighty-miles-per-hour. “You sure they’re following us? I mean, they just might be using the road.” “Don’t be coy, Skyler. I can’t imagine anyone would be trying to pass us, I’m pushing eighty-five right now.” “Really?” “Really. Know anyone who drives a burgundy Pathfinder? I haven’t gotten a chance to read the license―” In’is’kim felt the impact to the bumper simultaneous to his head snapping back. “Damn.” “Can’t you go any faster?” “I doubt I can. Be ready to run when I say so.” “Run? You don’t expect me to jump from a truck going this fast and then run, do you?” “No,” he stated between gritted teeth. “There’s a logging road up ahead.” He pressed the gas pedal to the floor. Approaching a gravel road at eighty-five could finish them off faster than the jarring Pathfinder. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Well, she didn’t mock him or tell him the plan sounded foolhardy. What plan? An incredible increase in speed, a fast corner, then a split-second change from highway to gravel sent them hydroplaning across the gravel. The pine trees and juniper shrubs that edged the mountain road became a blur. “Slam on the brakes,” Skyler shouted. In’is’kim knew he had to slow the vehicle, but not all at once or the truck could easily flip. He struggled to control the sharp turn as rocks spewed from beneath his tires. The steep incline ahead served to bring the vehicle to a slightly fast but controllable speed. At last he had a chance to glance in the rear-view mirror. “I think we lost him.” “Thank God.” A large pothole jolted the old truck, causing them to shimmy along the edge. The back tire slipped down, and he stepped on the gas to bring it back up. A sickening feeling washed over him as the momentum sucked the vehicle sideways. It turned them over once, then twice before landing back on all four wheels. They were lucky they didn’t continue to roll down the next embankment. The back fender rested against the dried bark of an old pine. “I think you thanked the big man a bit too soon,” he said, glancing over at Skyler. “You hurt?” When she didn’t answer fear jolted him like a flash of lightning. “Skyler?” “I’m…I’m okay. How about you?” “Not a scratch. Wish I could say the same for Grandfather’s truck. Dang. He’s had this vehicle since I can remember.” A few rocks dropped on the hood of the

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truck. In’is’kim jumped. “I think we have company. Don’t move, pretend you’re knocked out.” Relief filled him when she didn’t argue. He watched her for a second, slouched, leaning against the crushed door, her eyes closed. She trusted him. Damn, he hoped he wouldn’t disappoint her. Easing the door open, he stepped out, then shut the door behind him in near silence. He slid to his belly and rolled under the vehicle. Silence surrounded him. A hawk screeched in the distance. In’is’kim imagined the red-tailed bird crying its thanks to Mother Earth for the snake it snatched from the field. He felt like that helpless snake, hiding under the truck. But he had no intention of becoming the victim. Watching for approaching feet, In’is’kim inched his way to the other side of the vehicle, paused, listened, then rolled to the edge of the drop-off. He realized how lucky they were not to be crushed from the dangerous drop they’d survived. In what seemed minutes, he successfully got to his feet and worked his way to a less steep area. A quick glance at the truck told him Skyler remained in a motionless position. Inching his way up, In’is’kim worked through the thicket of pine trees. Within minutes he’d managed to reach the dirt road. No Pathfinder waited for him, as he’d expected. Heart beating hard, he searched the area for any signs of intrusion, but none seemed apparent. What about the rocks that came crashing down on them? He hadn’t imagined them. Something or someone pushed them over the edge. Had it all been a lure to get him away from Skyler? In’is’kim bolted back down the steep incline and rushed to the truck. “Skyler!” he shouted, scanning every direction. “Skyler!” he shouted once more. She no longer leaned against the door. The empty truck cavity became a screaming reminder of his failure. A blue card had been placed upside down on both the driver’s and passenger’s seats. In’is’kim turned over the card where Skyler had been sitting. A squirrel. He pocketed it. In’is’kim turned over the upside down card from the driver’s seat. A frog. “How damn true,” he mumbled, glancing about. “So, what are you trying to tell me? That I expect the worst, so that’s what I’m going to get?” he asked as though the bastard stood right in front of him. “Well, not this time. I’m going to get her back, you hear me? This time I won’t allow you to destroy someone I care about.” “You care about me?” In’is’kim whirled around. “Where the hell have you been? You have any idea how upsetting this…why did you move?” He didn’t miss the uneasiness in her step. “Was he here? Did you see him?” In two steps he stood by her side. “What happened?” “I saw you rounding the ridge, then a few more rocks hit the top of the truck. I decided I didn’t like being a sitting duck, so I slid out of the truck like you did. I wasn’t sure where to go, so I followed you, at a distance of course.” “Could have gotten yourself killed.” “Could have gotten myself killed had I stayed, too.” He hated to admit she was right. “We have a long walk ahead of us, we’d better get started. You sure you’re not hurt?” “My wrist aches some, but I’ll live.”

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Dark Spirit He could only pray she would. “Our adversary left us a couple more medicine cards.” “What are they?” He hesitated. “Yours is a squirrel. The squirrel teaches us to plan ahead. To prepare for the future.” He glanced at the woman beside him, her aquamarine eyes told of her interest. Wisps of long dark hair escaped the tie behind her head. He reached up and wrapped a strand behind her ear. It nearly scorched his fingers. It seemed more intimate than a kiss. Damn, she had powers a woman shouldn’t have. “I was waiting in the truck. Would he have killed me if I’d have stayed?” “I don’t know.” In’is’kim pulled his fingers through his hair. “I think he’s having a great time playing his game. He’s not ready for it to end just yet.” “When will he be tired of his game?” “I don’t know, but you’re in big trouble when that happens. I won’t let anything happen to you, Skyler.” He felt his breathing increase. He leaned closer to her, and she stood perfectly still. He guided her against his chest and held her in his arms, fearful she’d bolt from his embrace, incredibly happy when she didn’t. “What was your card?” “A frog. Frog calls to cleanse. It means to take time to regain what’s important and get rid of distractions so you can see things the way they are.” “The killings?” “Yes, I think so. It means someone is draining my energy. How damn true,” he mumbled, glancing about. “Frog warns that I’m courting disaster if I don’t take time to gather myself and refresh my brain.” “What’s the clue? What is the killer trying to tell you?” “That I expect the worst, so that’s what I’m going to get.” “Do you expect the worst?” He held her against him. “I did before, but not anymore. I’m going to protect you. I’m going to figure out why this is happening and who is doing it. It’s not me, Skyler. I don’t give a damn what the police are trying to prove. I’m not the killer.” “I never said you were.” “You…I guess you didn’t.” He swallowed the lump that rose in his throat. “We’d better get going. It’s a good twenty miles to Browning. We could go to Dupuyer, but I think the killer will be there, since it’s about a mile away. We’d be smart to head for Browning. Besides, I know just about everyone there, and it wouldn’t take long to get a ride.” He held the back of Skyler’s neck and lowered his mouth to barely touch her lips with his. Feeling no resistance, he increased the pressure and her response ignited his with a fierceness he’d been suppressing for days. “Taking advantage of a damsel in distress?” He noted the tease in her tone and chuckled. “Skyler, I don’t think you’d ever qualify as a damsel in distress.” “You truly think that of me? Why? I’m no different than any other woman out there. I’d say this proves it.” He kissed the cast she raised toward him. “You haven’t let this keep you down. I admire your tenacity. Your devotion to Maggie and your passion for the

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truth. You’re quite a woman.” He hadn’t meant to tell her that, the words just came. He’d never been one for fancy words. Although he liked women, it seemed he’d never met one yet that pulled such emotions from him. He released Skyler and headed toward the truck. “I’ll get my jacket, you’ll need it later. Nights get cold up here.” “What about you?” “I’ll accept sharing,” he answered before thinking. She’d completely distracted him. He’d even forgotten the killer was most likely watching them. He’d placed those cards on the truck seat, and that meant he had been there. Why would he bother leaving when the game had become so interesting? In’is’kim hurried back to Skyler with his jean jacket. They fell into a comfortable silence. He set a fast pace and it impressed him that she kept up with each step. “He’s watching us, isn’t he?” In’is’kim grabbed her by the hand and pulled her up the edge of a large boulder. “I’m not sure. My guess would be yes.” “He’s expecting us to walk back to Browning, right? Like you said, you could get a ride from just about anyone heading that way, right?” “That would make sense.” “Even a ride from the killer, and we wouldn’t know it.” She pointed out. “What a coup that would be for him.” “A coup?” He smiled. “An old way of saying a feather in his hat.” “Let’s not play his game. Allowing him his coup will only make him more confident. We need to go where it wouldn’t make sense.” “Do the unexpected. Where would you suggest?” She scrunched up her face and drew in her brows. He couldn’t help chuckling. “I have to admit that I don’t know a thing about north from south. I can get lost in a grocery store. I spend more time searching for my car in the shopping parking lot in a week than most people do in a lifetime.” “You’re a lot of help.” He stopped to let them both rest a moment. “Let’s think this through. We’re about a mile south of Dupuyer. We could head further south another five miles or so and go to Pendroy.” “The killer is in a car. We don’t show up at Dupuyer and he’ll guess Pendroy in no time. And it would take him merely minutes to arrive there to check it out. No, we need to drastically do the unexpected, In’is’kim. Where would he never expect us to go?” “East Glacier Park. Damn, Skyler, that would be suicide for sure. It’s treacherous to say the least.” “You know the land?” “Yes, that’s why I’m saying it wouldn’t be the smartest way to go.” “We can’t think of smart. Grandfather tried telling you to look beyond, to be unpredictable, to think things through, and you’ll find the meaning behind this all. You have to surprise this killer. He knows your every move because you’re predictable.” In’is’kim stared out at the rolling hills below them, then glanced back at the rugged mountains behind. “My people call the Rockies the Backbone-of-the-

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Dark Spirit World.” “I like that.” “We could skirt the edge of the park. Hell, this is crazy. We need to get supplies and sleeping bags. This just isn’t going to―” “We wait until dark and get provisions from Dupuyer. You know anyone there you can trust?” He couldn’t believe he was even considering this plan of hers. “Kevin Red Hawk can be trusted.” “We won’t tell him the truth. I won’t even be visible. Tell him something he’ll believe.” “Got it all figured out, don’t you. What if one of us gets seriously hurt? What if a late winter storm comes in and buries us under twelve feet of snow? What if―” “The killer catches us. We play his game, and I get killed. He gets bored with us and goes back for Maggie. He hurts Grandfather getting Maggie.” “Okay, I get your meaning. This isn’t going to be a picnic. You have a cast on your hand and that puts you at a disadvantage already.” She smiled, starting slow and then increased to a beautiful ray of sunshine. “I have you to protect me. I’m not scared, are you?” “You don’t have a clue how treacherous this will be. It will take stamina and physical strength.” “I can make it. I’m hoping the killer won’t have such an easy time of it, though.” He hadn’t considered that. Skyler just might have an edge here. This would be the first time he’d be in control of the killer’s game. The mere thought pleased him. “We’ll do it. Don’t expect it to be easy.” “I never expect things to be easy.” Sliding her palm against his, he pulled her to her feet and into his arms. He had no doubt life hadn’t ever been easy for this woman. Had she considered they’d be traveling together day and night. The thought quickened his breathing.

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V{tÑàxÜ a|Çx Squirrel... teach me what I need and more, to learn how to gather, prepare, and store. Guide my troubled heart and mind, to use wisdom and caring in time.

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kyler’s heart pounded as though it demanded to be noticed. She welcomed the warm touch of In’is’kim’s lips against hers. She didn’t want it to stop. “I’ll wait here for you.” “You notice anything suspicious, I want you to work your way back to that old log I showed you. Crawl inside it and wait.” She couldn’t help rolling her eyes upward. “Don’t expect me to climb inside some bug-infested log. It’s not going to happen. If you’re careful, you’ll be back here before you know it.” “You can count on it.” A slightly overcast sky gave him the cover he needed to cross the highway, then disappear into the ditch on the other side. She struggled to watch his movements as he worked his way into the night. Immediately the waiting seemed endless. She didn’t dare pace. She remained still as the night around her. A twig snapped and she held her breath. Surely no one could possibly notice her in the crotch of the cottonwood. Skyler studied her surroundings. Another snap and the rustle of last years leaves. She tensed. What would she do if the killer came after her? She searched around for a weapon. There wasn’t any. Why hadn’t she thought of preparing for this moment, in case it occurred? She had no experience in cloak and dagger. She had no idea how a serial killer thought, acted, or reacted. That’s what she and In’is’kim needed to do. They needed to try and think like the killer. To figure out his meanings and course of action. They must have confused him at the truck when they crashed. Another rustled bush and cracked branches caused Skyler to freeze even her thoughts. Moving only her eyes, she scanned the area below her. A young deer passed the tree without detecting her presence. She breathed a sigh, then realized she physically trembled. It seemed forever since In’is’kim left her. Struggling to see beyond the shadows, she searched for any sign of him. Cold penetrated her body 66

Dark Spirit and she shivered. What was taking him so long? Had the killer caught him? Dear God, what would she do then? Was the killer after In’is’kim, too? Had he known the other women who were killed? Had he befriended them like he had her? If a heart could be a solid judge, she’d have no doubts about In’is’kim. And, in reality, she’d chosen to believe him, or she wouldn’t be sitting in this tree waiting for him. Where was he? The dry, somewhat sage scent of the cottonwood permeated her nostrils. She hadn’t grown too fond of the smell. The tree became less comfortable by the minute. The faint hooting of an owl caused Skyler to grow suspicious. There it was again. She glimpsed movement by a distant tree. It could be In’is’kim, she told herself. Motionless, she stared at the spot, hoping he would appear any moment. The scent of a cigarette filled her with renewed alarm. In’is’kim didn’t smoke. She tensed, hardly able to breath. There, barely ten feet away, a dark figure moved in a slow, easy motion. A dark hat and trench coat only increased her fear. If she hadn’t been so afraid, it might have seemed laughable. Who would believe a killer followed her? Again she caught a glimpse of movement in the moonlight. The dark figure moved away from her hiding place. That nearly caused her more fear than had it moved in her direction. Now she could only hope In’is’kim hadn’t started to return yet. “I see him.” Skyler pressed her scream into her palm. She shot a glance under her position and found In’is’kim staring back. “You scared the crap out of me,” she whispered. “You think that’s him?” “Who else?” “Maybe we should go after him. We catch him, and it’s over.” That made sense, didn’t it? she asked herself. “If we catch him, then what? What proof do we have he committed any crime? We can’t prove it was him who ran us off the road. We can’t prove diddly.” She hadn’t thought about that. “How are we going to prove he killed those other women, then?” In’is’kim’s expression darken. “I don’t know.” “Help me down, I’m so sore I can hardly move.” She welcomed his strong arms around her waist. She slid down the front of him and instantly felt on fire. “I’m glad you’re back. It was getting spooky out here all by myself.” “I didn’t expect to be this long. I saw the burgundy Pathfinder and knew it wasn’t going to be easy to come and go without being seen. It seems this killer knows too much about me.” “What makes you say that?” she noticed he pulled her closer against him. This new information seemed to have upset him considerably. “The Pathfinder was parked in a good spot to watch Kevin Red Hawk’s house.” “Dang. Who do you know, In’is’kim? The killer is someone you know.” She moved from his embrace. “He’s someone who knows the same people you know and everything about you. That’s why he hasn’t had any trouble following you

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around. How does he choose his victims? Have you known them? Were they new acquaintances like me?” “You got two cards before you met me, Skyler. I didn’t know you at all before that day. I knew some of the victims…and some I didn’t.” “I don’t know if that’s good or bad. What did they have in common with you? I mean, if the police think you’re the killer or at least involved, what was their linking factor?” He fidgeted with the stone around his neck. “All the killings took place in a city where I gave a lecture. I’ve been sent these cards every time a woman was stalked, then killed. Now you know why I was shocked when you showed me that card. I’d never met one of his potential victims before. It was coincidence, but this one time I caught up with him.” “What do you mean coincidence?” “I was at the library watching a library aide. She’d received a dream catcher from my organization and so had other victims.” “This is too spooky for comfort. Why me, then? I didn’t get a dream catcher. I’m a nobody from a no special place. What do I have in common with the other women who were killed?” “That I don’t know. I’ve been struggling to find that answer, among others. I thought I’d finally figured it out, but once again I was wrong. Let’s put some miles behind us and this place.” “And him?” She didn’t need to ask, she already knew the answer. “You know I didn’t even hear or see you coming.” “An old Indian trick.” She released a quiet laugh. “I know, you can ride a horse and shoot a bow better than any white boy, too.” “You got it.” “A horse wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” He hoisted a large backpack to his shoulders. “I hope you brought me a pack to help out.” “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” She couldn’t help being surprised when he produced a smaller, yet quite cumbersome pack for her. “I’m suppose to carry that?” She hoped it wasn’t as heavy as it looked. “I’m afraid so. We can’t take any chances on getting caught off guard without food or medical supplies. Here, put this jacket on first. This trip isn’t going to be easy.” “So you’ve said.” She welcomed the down jacket, then slipped into the pack he held up for her. “Do you hike much? Earlier were you serious about your sense of direction?” “You really don’t want to know about my sense of direction. As for hiking, it’s one of my favorite past times. Wow, that is some rugged looking terrain. We’re really going―” “Yes, really going. We’ll hike through a couple miles of dense pines and then cross about five miles of bedrock and streams. Most are shallow by now. Then we’ll start the gradual climb toward the pass. If we’re lucky, we won’t meet up with any snow storms until we get to higher elevations. This is crazy, you know that, right?” “You keep reminding me. I’m having second thoughts. Glacier National Park

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Dark Spirit is something I’ve only seen in pictures. You think it’s possible to go maybe ten miles in and backtrack around, making him think we were stupid enough to―” “If he were that easy to fool, we wouldn’t be contemplating this desperate challenge.” She allowed him to tie the straps in front like a child. “You do agree this is a good plan, don’t you?” “I’m not so certain about it being a good plan, but I’m certain the killer won’t be expecting this. That gives us an edge, something I’ve never had before.” “In’is’kim, what did the killer do to those other women?” “You sure you want to know?” She drew in a breath, then followed In’is’kim’s steady pace. “Yes, I may not want to know, but I need to know.” “It isn’t pretty. He tortured them in the ways of the old ones. He didn’t do the same thing with all of them, but his taste for more is evident. The last woman was found at the bottom of a gorge in Arizona.” “What did he do to her?” “He sliced the skin from the bottom of her feet. He’d never done that before. He…you sure you want to hear this?” “Yes. I need to know what I’m up against.” “She had incredible breasts, I guess. The bastard removed them and stitched up the skin. They still haven’t found her breasts. My guess is, find them and you find the killer. As with all his victims, he placed a small bundle of sweetgrass in her vagina.” Skyler gasped. She’d liked the smell of sweetgrass, it reminded her of In’is’kim. “Anything else?” she managed to ask. She hoped her voice didn’t reflect the horror her mind imagined. “He took his usual souvenir.” “That being?” “The woman’s bellybutton.” “What?” Skyler asked, sickened by the thought. “What on earth for?” “The survival and longevity of all Plains Indians began before they were born. During the pregnancy the mother or grandmother made two quilled or beaded objects, a sand lizard and a turtle. These were shaped and finished with horsehair or feathers attached to the end of the four legs. Both animals were revered because they lived forever and were so difficult to kill.” “You think the killer believes he’ll extend his mortality if he has their symbol of life?” She tried to understand the twisted mind of the killer. “It’s possible. When a child was born, the umbilical cord was cut and placed inside the turtle, packed in tobacco or herbs, while the lizard served as a decoy to lure away malevolent forces.” “Meaning?” “I think it means he’s pointing out he has the strength to take their power and well-being in a land of extremes and unknowns.” Skyler thought it over. “Is there any truth in it? I mean, if he believes it, then every time he kills a woman and takes her strength, he becomes stronger, or thinks he is. That’s dangerous.” She felt her legs tightening with the steady climbing.

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“I think the killer believes he is getting more powerful and brilliant with each hunt or game. A second use of the turtle amulet is to remind the bearer that his life is a precious gift from his parents, and that he has the responsibility to marry and pass the gift of birth and life on to his own children.” Catching her breath, Skyler said, “You think he had a bad or difficult childhood and this is his revenge? But how does he choose his victims? Are they all Native American?” “I thought of that, too. But he’s killed Native and white. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern other than they’re all women.” “That’s it? What about same hair and eyes, build, job?” “No. Just they’re all women.” “That doesn’t fit the profile of a serial killer. I mean, I’m no expert, but I’ve watched Copycat at least eight times. Serial killers are usually young, white men in their twenties, I think. Anyway, they seem to like a certain type of woman. He has a purpose in killing them, like they remind him of his mother, who he hates.” “If that’s true, then maybe I’ve interfered with his life somehow. Maybe he’s killing me.” Skyler shook her head. “Then he’d be killing men. No, I don’t think it’s you he’s killing. If that were true, you’d be dead. I think the killer must hate a woman; either his mother deserted him, his wife or ex-wife left him, daughter either denied his advances or left him to marry her prince charming, aunt he lived with was cruel, or just a girl friend who jilted him and he couldn’t handle it. You see the pattern?” “Yes, but how does it involve me? I mean, if he wants to kill these women for one of the reasons you said, how can it involve me?” “Can we rest for a minute,” she asked, sitting down on a rock. “I don’t understand what you have to do with―” “Unless I’m the killer.” “Damn it, In’is’kim, did I say that? Stop it. If I thought you were the killer, do you think I’d be here with you right now?” “No, I suppose you wouldn’t.” In’is’kim sat, facing her. “Okay. That’s settled, again. Now, where were we?” His closeness left her breathless. He had a power about him, that hero handsomeness one noticed on the cover of a romance novel. Bold, virile, and captivating. “I don’t understand what you have to do with the killer’s scheme. You tick someone off? A friend? Relative?” In’is’kim thought over her questions. The wind played with his hair. As he searched for answers she drew in the sweetgrass scent of him and her thoughts strayed to the last women the killer had mutilated. “I don’t think I’ve made any enemies; friends or family.” “I think your grandfather knows something he’s not telling.” “What makes you say that?” “I don’t know. He seemed on guard. He told you things in riddles. Do you think he’s in danger if he says something? Or maybe what he knows he can’t tell you because it would breach a confidence. What do you think?” She felt excited by this sudden revelation. “I sense he’s holding back, too. It makes me angry because he’s done this

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Dark Spirit before. I love the old man. I can’t make him understand his silence is killing people.” “Why or who would he protect, even if he suspected that person was the killer?” “Dang, Skyler, I don’t know. I don’t think he’d keep a killer’s identity secret if he knew it. I can’t imagine any reason he’d keep silent about that. If the killer thinks like the old ones, then he’d know the Blackfeet considered few crimes sufficiently serious to merit punishment, and the penalties which were attached to them.” “What crimes,” she asked, finding him an endless source of information, whether she asked for it or not. “Theft, adultery, treachery, cowardice, and of course murder.” “What was the penalty…the old way penalty for murder?” “A life for a life. Maybe a heavy payment by the murderer or his relatives. The choice or decision is made by the murdered woman or man’s relatives. This payment was often so heavy it would strip the murderer of all his property.” “A life for a life,” she repeated. “Simple but effective. That’s what the killer is doing. Taking a life for a life. The question is whose life for whom?” “Mine?” “He’s not taking your life. He’s playing games with your life. Why?” She wished she knew or could figure out the reason to this madness. She truly wished In’is’kim didn’t appear so guilty. Each time the killer made an appearance, they weren’t together. She didn’t believe In’is’kim was guilty, she just wished…she dropped the thought. It made her nervous. “We’d better think on that while we walk.” Skyler glanced at him, then realized he was answering her question. She remained silent. “I want to reach Birch Creek before we get some sleep for the night.” Skyler didn’t question his plan. She followed behind with great effort. Already she questioned the wisdom of her idea to walk to East Glacier Park. Thoughts of Maggie filtered into her tired mind. No doubt she and Grandfather were having a stimulating conversation. “What you thinking about?” “Maggie and Grandfather. I think they’re getting along fine.” She smiled at the thought of them sitting in front of the fireplace, Maggie firing questions left and right and Grandfather laughing at most of them, but still answering. “Maggie’s a gem. Grandfather liked her honesty. He liked you, too.” His comment took her by surprise. “How could you tell? I’m not exactly the social bunny that people are attracted to, like Maggie.” “You underestimate yourself. Besides, if he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t have talked to you.” “Really? Has he ever done that?” She couldn’t help being surprised. He seemed incredibly warm and receptive. “He’s done it more than he hasn’t. I think he liked you because he thought you were my girlfriend.” “You’re kidding. Why would he think that?” “I don’t bring women with me when I visit him. I had your sister with me.

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Even more damning is I left that sister with him.” “So what?” “I am suggesting we are family.” Skyler found herself hitting the ground before she realized In’is’kim had pulled her down with him. What sounded like an explosive pop had scared the crap out of her. “Was that a gunshot?” “Yes. Damn it!” “He couldn’t have followed us. You sure it was a gun?” “Positive.” “Now what?” “I don’t know. One thing for sure, I’m not going to make this easy on him. Come on.” She followed In’is’kim without question. How on earth had the killer found them? Out here in the wilderness. Maybe he wasn’t earthly. The thought took her by surprise and even gave her the chills. This Indian stuff was giving her the willies. “Maybe he’s been following us by our talking.” “Could be. I just didn’t expect anyone to be following us, so there was no need to maintain silence.” “I can’t figure out how he could have known where―” “Quiet,” he whispered. “That was a rifle being cocked. Damn, he must be awfully close. Be ready.” “Ready for what?” She didn’t like the tone he used. “To run. I’m not going to let him have you. I’ll do whatever it takes, but I won’t let him hurt you. You hear me?” “Yes,” she whispered back. She lifted her chin, only to find him lowering his lips to hers. His kiss, soft, warm, and tender, didn’t last as long as she wished. “Run back the way we came. Ask for Kevin Red Hawk, and he’ll help hide you until I come back. If I don’t get there by morning, have him take you to Grandfather.” “I don’t like the sounds of this. I’m staying with you.” Her words were stronger than she felt. “For once don’t argue with me. Think of what he did to those other women. Now go.” Skyler gave In’is’kim a momentary stare, then inched her way away from him. Once she knew her movements wouldn’t be seen, she stood and blindly ran. A branch snapped her in the face. “Ow,” she muttered to no one. Several more steps and she caught her foot on the twisted roots of a tree, landing face down on the ground. The unexpected fall left her gasping for air. There wasn’t another gunshot, maybe In’is’kim had gotten the…she stilled her thoughts. Once again, In’is’kim would be facing the killer, and she was nowhere around. She’d go back. Yes, that’s what she’d do. She owed it to In’is’kim, as well as herself. Determined, Skyler got to her feet and headed back in the direction of In’is’kim and the killer. In what seemed like hours, but she knew could have only been minutes, she inched her way toward the area she’d left In’is’kim. “You’re lying’.” “I’m telling the truth, but you only see a lying Indian. Go ahead, admit it. You

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Dark Spirit don’t have any proof I’ve been killing your cattle. You find me walking across your property, and I’m instantly guilty.” Skyler didn’t miss the anger in both men’s voices. She also didn’t miss the glint of the riffle in the man’s hand. She worked her way around, hoping to get behind the man without being detected. “I know I’m missing cattle and it ain’t coyote, wolf, or bear. They ain’t likely to skin, gut, and leave nothin’ but the bones behind. Fact is, even some of them was missin’.” “Doesn’t look like I’m carrying any meat, does it?” “Caught ya before ya had a chance to do it again.” “Should have waited to catch me in the act. This way, with no evidence on me, well, it’s your word against mine.” Skyler winced at In’is’kim’s final comment. They might not be able to prove anything, but the arrest would be on his record. “Who they gonna believe? A fine, upstanding rancher or a thieving’ Indian?” “You’re forgetting something, you don’t have any evidence it was me. They’ll throw your case out of the window, hopefully you along with it.” “Fact is I don’t give shit about a trial. I’ll serve my own justice. You’re on my property, Injun. That makes you trespassing. I could shoot you where you stand, and they couldn’t as much arrest me for it. Besides, there’s enough evidence left over from last night to make sure you are found holdin’ the goods.” “I think the law would find that opinion questionable. You’re accusing the wrong man. When you kill me and the cattle are still being slaughtered, you think you’ll sleep at night?” Glaring at the back of the rancher, Skyler drew in a breath. Now what? “Killin’ an Indian would make my nights a lot more tolerable. Should have killed you all off years ago when Indian scalps fetched a good price.” “You’re a disgusting old geezer, aren’t you?” The rancher raised his rifle to his eye. She frantically searched for a solution. Moving her hand to the right she felt a stick beneath her fingertips. She picked it up, rose, then took several quick steps, stopping behind the man. She pressed the point of the stick into the man’s back. “Ease your finger off the trigger.” He tensed, then physically trembled. “Good. Now hand the rifle to me before my finger slips and puts a hole straight through you, and believe me I could do that.” “Don’t shoot me. I was just protecting’ what’s mine. This Indian has been steeling my prime beef. I’m aimin’ to make it stop.” “Show me proof and I’ll take him into the authorities myself.” She took the rifle, then positioned it in front of her just as the rancher turned to face her. “Damn, you was bluffin’. What’s a white girl like yourself doin’ protecting an Indian?” “Indian has nothing to do with it. I don’t like seeing an innocent man get shot for something he didn’t do.” “What makes you so sure he didn’t do it?” She shook her head. “Fact that he was with me for the past two days. Now it’s your word against the two of us.” The man’s face turned a pasty white. “You gonna shoot me?” She realized the reason for the man’s concern—she’d unintentionally moved

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her index finger tight against the trigger. She opened the weapon and turned it so the shells dropped out onto the ground. “I suggest you give some thought to prison.” “What you talkin’ about?” “We hear of any Indians being shot on your ranch, and we’ll know it was you. We’ll come here faster than a flock of geese heading south. It won’t take the police long to believe you acted out of prejudice. With our supporting testimony, you won’t be protecting your ranch. You’ll be busy staying alive.” “Think you scare me, little girl? Well, I don’t scare easy. Fact is I’m not without some pull in these parts. You might be on the right side of the barrel this time, but next you might not be so lucky.” Shaking her head, Skyler snapped the rifle shut, then tossed it to the ground. “What’s your name?” “Joshua Thornston the Third.” “Too bad you’re not as impressive as your name. I hope we never meet again, Joshua.” “Think you’re all smart, don’t you missy? Well, I hope we meet again. If we do, be sure I’ll make you pay for this―” “What? From saving your hide? Count your blessings.” Skyler suddenly realized In’is’kim had picked up his pack and had moved to her side. “Let’s find that road so we can hitch a ride into Browning. My feet are killing me.” “You get turned around or what?” “We’ve been hiking.” In’is’kim wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “Got dark faster than we expected. I’m sure my brother will be driving Highway Eighty-Nine searching for us. If not, we know plenty of people heading that way.” “Dangerous country to be hitchhiking. Person could get killed.” “Is that a threat?” “ Skyler eyed the man. “No, just sayin’. Indians killin’ my cattle, don’t figure a white girl like yourself is exactly safe either.” “To be honest with you, Joshua, I feel a lot safer out there than I do with you.” She bent down and picked up the shells and dropped them into her pocket. Careful not to mention his name, she grabbed In’is’kim’s arm and said, “Come on, lets get out of here.” His silence worried her.

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V{tÑàxÜ gxÇ Lynx ...you keep a secret very well guard those things you shouldn’t tell. Watch your tongue and you will know, what your inner self can show.

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n’is’kim seethed beneath the surface. She hadn’t listened to him, even when he’d warned her what had happened to the other women. Not only that, she disarmed a man and held a rifle to his chest. Damn! Why couldn’t she just listen for once? “Okay, let’s have it. You’re mad, I know, and I guess I don’t blame you. But you have to admit, I did come in handy.” He picked up the pace, knowing she’d have trouble keeping up. “It could have been the killer.” “But it wasn’t.” “You have any clue what it’s like to have women being butchered all around you, and it looks like you’re guilty? Yet, you can’t do a damn thing to stop it or can’t find out who is really doing the killing.” He sucked in air to catch his breath. “It’s damn helpless and―” “Heartbreaking.” “I wouldn’t have used that word, but you could say that.” He stopped to let her catch up, then realized she wasn’t more than a few steps behind him. He stood still, as she reached up and placed a palm across his cheek. Her touch nearly caused him to bolt, but he remained motionless. The tenderness in her eyes caused him to swallow. When she moved her face toward him, he lowered his slightly. He allowed her to kiss him. The fullness of her lips brushed his, then pressed, gentle, massaging, ever slightly increasing the pressure. He slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her into him. He returned her kisses, allowing the growing heat to ease his tension. “It’s dangerous to kiss a man like that.” “I’m trembling in fear.” He smiled. “That kiss even made me tremble some.” He released his hold on her. Damn, he’d never talked to a woman like this. The words just came out with 75

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Skyler. He cleared his throat then adjusted his heavy pack. “We’d better get moving. I’m not so sure that asshole won’t get some of his Indian-loving buddies and come back after us.” “You think so?” He read the fear in her eyes and wished he’d have kept his thoughts to himself. “No, I don’t think so. But we have to consider all possibilities. Let’s get moving.” He led the way, picking and choosing the easiest path he could. It was getting colder, which added to his exhaustion, he worried even more about Skyler. They’d hiked further than he’d planned. “It’s going to rain.” “What you talking about? There isn’t a cloud in the sky.” He smiled to himself. “Tell you what, I’ll find a cliff overhang to sleep under and you can choose the wide open stars.” “You’re making fun of me, but I don’t care. There is no way it’s going to rain with a sky boasting thousands of stars.” “Want to make a bet?” “What kind of bet?” “Lets see, it has to be fair, but beneficial to the winner.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She studied the brilliant sky with innocence. “If I win you have to let me cook you snake, and you have to eat it.” “Not on your life.” He couldn’t help but laugh. “Pick an equal dislike and the bet will be equal.” She pursed her lips to one side, then another. “Okay, I hate cooking. Never liked it. Think I’ll take a vacation from it while we mosey on to Glacier Park.” “Mosey, great choice of words. Don’t like cooking huh? You couldn’t possibly hate it more than me. I do the cooking and we’ll both starve before we get to Glacier.” “You said choose whatever, and that’s my choice.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her he would have done the cooking anyway. Fact was, he made a fine dinner. She’d struck the bargain to his satisfaction. “Deal?” “Deal.” Silence surrounded them as they walked in the crisp night air. His pack got heavier with every step. He didn’t doubt Skyler’s pack had the same effect on her. “We’ve put at least two miles between us and that rancher. I doubt we’re off his property, but hopefully we’ve seen the last of him.” “We’ve only walked two miles? Dang, it seemed more like twenty. You sure?” In’is’kim slid his pack to the ground. “Positive. Not easy, is it? Makes one appreciate the modern mode of transportation, doesn’t it?” “Dang right. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” “Whipped already? Didn’t figure you for a quitter.” “I’m not a quitter, and I’m not quitting. I’m just reevaluating our decision to walk to Glacier Park.” “Do the least expected. Isn’t that what you said? Well, I’d say we’re doing a good job of it right now. For once in all this damnable nightmare, I feel like I’m doing something. I don’t plan on giving up.” “I don’t blame you. I’m sure I’ll feel differently in the morning.”

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Dark Spirit He helped Skyler off with her pack. “How’s the wrist feeling?” “Aches. To be expected.” He familiarized himself with the landscape by moving the flashlight across every tree, rock, and indention in the land. “There’s a nice overhang just up this rocky edge. Be careful, there’s a lot of loose gravel. Give me your bag.” He took a bag in each hand and led the way. Skyler seemed particularly quiet. “Second thoughts about being out here alone with a possible killer?” “Don’t be ridiculous. I wasn’t even thinking about you, I was thinking about Maggie.” “Grandfather probably has her eating turtle soup and chanting old Indian songs.” He missed spending time with Grandfather. When this was over he would take a whole month off from his speaking tour to spend with the old man. “You love him, don’t you?” “Yes.” He dropped the bags and scanned the rocky indentation for critters who might have struck residence. “All clear,” he announced, then untied the sleeping bag from first his pack, then hers. “It’s going to be pretty cold up here tonight. I’d suggest we zip these things together and share our body heat. That is, if you won’t feel uncomfortable with that arrangement.” She blushed, then shook her head. “Won’t bother me. I’m about frozen right now.” He hadn’t noticed her shivering. He’d nearly gotten too hot with his jacket zipped up. Hiking took a lot of energy and produced a lot of heat. He finished the last zip, then said, “Crawl in. I’ll get us some of Kevin Red Hawk’s jerky.” “I love beef jerky.” “His is made with deer or elk. Soaks it in a brine of soy sauce and liquid hickory smoke before he puts it in one of those dehydrators. It makes a mean jerky. Here, try this.” In’is’kim handed her several strips of meat. She sniffed at it like a dog. “Smells good.” Her first bite was barely big enough to taste, but the second answered for itself. “Not bad, huh?” “Not bad at all.” He smiled to himself. “I’d like to make a fire, but just to be on the safe side, I think we’ll not advertise our position.” He didn’t want to alarm her, but instinct, or was it past history, told him any careless risk could prove to be fatal. “Want more?” Silence caused him to take a good look at Skyler. Her slow, steady breathing announced she’d already fallen asleep. In’is’kim pulled the top of the sleeping bag around her neck. Unfolding the map, he studied the land heading north. He moved the flashlight past the paper, scanning once again the land that surrounded them. He didn’t feel safe. *** A twig snapped. Skyler tensed, holding still as she strained to listen. The soft pelting of rain dripping off the end of the overhang muffled… no…there it was again, a snap of underbrush. She stretched out to wake In’is’kim, but found a medicine card instead. She held it to the fire and saw it was a Lynx. The killer had been here and In’is’kim

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was gone. Fear filled her. Was this a clue where In’is’kim was? She pulled the red book from her backpack and quickly found the index. Holding it to the firelight, Skyler read that the Lynx meant it was time to shut her big mouth. That didn’t make sense and it definitely didn’t help her right now. Should she call out for In’is’kim or should she keep quiet? Should she hide? Where? Was this all her imagination? Snap. Now there was no question about it. Where had In’is’kim gone? Was it his footsteps she heard coming toward her? He wouldn’t call out, because he thought she was sleeping. Could she take the chance? Without waiting for another snapped twig, Skyler eased out of the bag. The cold air surrounded her like a breath of frosty mist. She felt around for her jacket, but couldn’t find it. She hadn’t remembered taking it off. Inching her way to the edge of the overhang, she debated; should she wait or run off into the wet, cold night without a jacket on? “Bet you’re under the overhang, aren’t you, pretty girl?” Skyler gasped and held her breath. My God, he hadn’t even tried sneaking up on her. His voice seemed muddled. Was it the rancher or the killer? She strained to see, but nothing moved in the black, misty night. Where was In’is’kim? Without having much of a choice, Skyler moved onto her stomach and inched her way out of the protective overhang, into the night. The cold rain soaked her to the skin within seconds. Groping in the dark on her belly, hands and knees didn’t seem too smart, but neither did waiting to be attacked in a dry corner. A stick poked into her knee, and she squeezed her palm over her mouth to keep from crying out. Her injured wrist ached from the pressure, and her knees were already raw from the pine needles and rocks she’d forced them to endure. Pulling herself to her feet, she moaned in despair. She didn’t remember taking her shoes off either, but the fact remained she stood on the wet ground in nothing more than her socks. She leaned against a tree trunk and searched the night for any signs of a man. An undeniable snap sent her running like a mad woman. She rammed into a tree. It dropped her to the ground in a dizzy heap. Cold rain fell on her face and she shook off the heaviness that attempted to claim her. Remembering why she’d been running in the first place caused her to scramble to her feet. She chose her direction and ran as fast as she could. Brush scraped at her face. Nature’s carpet dug into her tender soles. The bitter cold rain jolted her body with severe shivers. When breathing became an effort, Skyler sat on a rock, struggling to convince herself she’d made the right decision. Was it better to be out in the woods, lost and most likely suffering from hypothermia, than to face the killer? Where had In’is’kim gone? Doubts surfaced like apples in a tub filled with water. She felt like a bobbing apple right now, not too sure who was going to take a bite out of her. A twig snapped and Skyler froze. She waited, listening. There—another footstep. Even in the water-sogged pine thicket, the land spoke to her. She couldn’t run any more, but she refused to sit on top of the rock like a beacon light, either.

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Dark Spirit She slid down behind the boulder, sandwiching herself between the underbrush and the rock. In the black night, she’d become as invisible as the night creatures that belonged there. It seemed impossible to stop her body’s involuntary trembling. With increasing determination she concentrated on slowing her breathing, afraid the killer would be sure to hear it in the still, drizzling night. A muffled footstep shouted in the stillness as though it were a gunshot. With every ounce of her being, Skyler struggled to remain motionless. The man stood behind her. She could hear him breathing. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” His soft sing-song call terrified her. The bastard was playing a game, and she was the…what? The trophy at the end of the game? What had the last medicine card told her? She’d read the entire description in the red book. She concentrated as best she could. It told her there were secrets surrounding her, and that Mother Earth was talking to her, whatever that meant. The footsteps moved around the boulder, then he jumped on top of it for a better look. He paused and so did her thoughts. Skyler drew in a steady breath. She’d grown tired of hiding. Maybe she should jump from her hiding place and face the bastard. Would the man standing on the rock be In’is’kim? The thought frightened her. What would she do then? She’d be at his mercy. No, she told herself, it couldn’t be him. Her heart would know. Didn’t the Lynx card say it was time to shut her big mouth? Did that mean she should remain still? The stamping of the intruder’s feet spoke of his impatience and anger at not finding her. “I know you’re here. Hide like a frightened rabbit. You can’t hide forever. Not everything is as it seems. Search for a deeper meaning, little girl. Challenge me. You were chosen. But in the end I will win.” Skyler tried swallowing, but her mouth had gone dry. She barely heard a thing beyond the loud beating of her own heart. Something didn’t seem right about his voice. The killer struggled to disguise it for sure. Why? Because she’d recognize it if he hadn’t? Or, was there something memorable about the killer’s voice, and he didn’t want to be recognized later? She could only hope the latter was the answer. “Skyler!” Footsteps ran past her. Yes, she thought, excited at the revelation. She did hear them, didn’t she? Another shiver thrashed her body. In’is’kim was calling for her in the distance. The man chasing her just ran off into the night. “Skyler!” His voice came closer. She remained still in case the killer hadn’t run off too far. Before answering, she’d make sure In’is’kim was closer to her than the killer. “Skyler. Can you hear me? Please, answer me.” “I’m…I’m here,” she called out. Her voice sounded distant and raspy. “I’m here,” she yelled louder. The attempt offered a squeak and a high-pitched squeal. She moved from her hiding place but found her body wouldn’t respond. Shivers controlled her limbs. Numbness had replaced the prickling sensation, and she had no doubts that her condition had worsened. “Skyler! My God, are you okay? I’ve been searching everywhere. He went

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after you, didn’t he?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Don’t talk. I’ll get you back to our camp, and we’ll make a fire. You’re going to be just fine, Skyler Grinnell.” His words were like a lullaby to a frightened child. He pulled her into his arms and carried her. She felt nothing but the trembling that convulsed her body. She closed her eyes and felt safe in In’is’kim’s arms. A snap filled her with fear. Tense and wary, she opened her eyes and glanced around. A fire crackled in front of her. She drew in a breath of relief. An involuntary shiver shook her body and comforting arms pulled her closer. She realized she’d been stripped down to her undies and wrapped in a blanket. In’is’kim snuggled against her back and a blazing fire radiated a wall of heat to her front. She was alive, safe, and in the arms of the man she’d questioned, even accused in her mind as being the killer. Guilt filled her. He had just saved her life. Exhaustion took control. Even thoughts seemed to take their share of energy. She closed her eyes and weaved her fingers into In’is’kims’. Heaviness claimed her body, mind and soul. *** In’is’kim woke and fed more sticks to the fire. It had served them well. He’d had a fitful night’s sleep. There was no guarantee the killer had given up for the night. Skyler finally slept without trembling. Her body heat had returned, and she’d survived the most dangerous stage. At first he wasn’t so sure. He’d worried she’d die, then what would he have done? How could he have proved he hadn’t killed her? Just the two of them in the wilderness. How would he explain they were hiking to East Glacier Park? It was a ridiculous idea. How could he make anyone believe they’d been setting a trap for a killer? It sounded ludicrous even to his own ears. Skyler had come close to dying last night. “Are you sleeping?” Her question surprised him. “No. Just thinking about what happened last night. How do you feel?” “Weak, tired, and safe.” He smiled at her last word. He wondered if she’d ever thought it was him chasing her last night. “Why’d you leave me all alone last night?” He couldn’t blame her for asking. “I felt someone had been following us. I thought if I could find a hiding place out there, then when he came in after you, I’d get him.” He expected her to bolt from him, and she did. She turned to face him and put an arm’s length between them, while glaring at him with fiery defiance. “You used me as bait?” “I guess you could call it that. But I didn’t think―” “Damn right you didn’t think. He chased me in the freezing rain through the damn pine trees. He stalked me like…like a…cunning fox chasing a rabbit.” “But I thought I could get him before he got to you.”

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Dark Spirit “Why didn’t you?” “Because I didn’t see or hear him. I waited and waited. I dozed some, but my instincts were alive. If he’d been anywhere near me, I would have known it. But I didn’t, so I went back to camp to check on you. You were gone. I knew I’d made a mistake. I followed your tracks.” “My tracks?” “Yes. The killer left no tracks. But you left a trail anyone could read.” “I wasn’t thinking about leaving a trail. I was trying to get away from that monster. I didn’t want him to do those things to me that he did to those other women.” “I’m sorry Skyler. I thought I could catch him coming after you. I didn’t think he could get past me. I didn’t even think he could have followed us up here.” “But he did. Why didn’t you tell me? Warn me?” “I didn’t want to worry you. I thought…hell, never mind what I thought. I’m sorry, Skyler. I didn’t mean for you to go through this. I wanted him so badly. I want to strangle the life out of him with my bare hands.” “You’re scaring me.” He gazed at the woman before him. Beautiful, strong, and every much a part of this game as he was. “I failed to realize you and I need to work together, if we’re going to catch this bastard. I don’t often share. I don’t have a history of working with others. I do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Less complications.” “Less involvement?” She was right. “Yes, less involvement.” He turned away and surveyed the peaceful landscape. “You think he’s out there?” “Yes.” “Then we need to get back to town. We need to check on Maggie.” “That’s where you’re wrong. The longer we’re out here, the longer she’s safe. The more he tries to toy with us out here, the more we can toy with him. Every day he thinks he’s gotten closer to catching us, means every day we’ve gotten close to catching him.” He waited while she evaluated his theory. “Maybe you’re right. I think the answers are in the medicine cards. I don’t think he’s choosing them to tell us something. I think he doesn’t have a choice on the card he draws for us. What if he’s drawing cards for himself, too? Now I’m sounding weird.” In’is’kim stared at Skyler. Grandfather said the answer was close at hand. Damn, right in his hand. Of course, the killer had his own medicine cards to reckon with. “I should have seen it. How did you know?” “I didn’t. I was going to call out to you but I thought of the information I read on the Lynx. It said to know when to keep my mouth shut. I remained still. Good thing I did, because a few seconds later I realized the killer was standing right by me.” “The moose was my last card. But it really doesn’t say much. It pretty much means to recognize when you deserve a pat on the back.” “That doesn’t help us.” “Moose medicine is about having self-confidence and celebrate jobs well

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done. The moose also points out that we shouldn’t take things so seriously and that we need to recognize the gift of being calm.” “You think that’s what we should do? Go back, cool down, and act like nothing has happened?” In’is’kim thought a moment. “I think it means we’ve survived this far. We shouldn’t go chasing after the killer, it’ll get us killed. I think we need to cool down, get some rest, then after we’ve made a plan, we should continue on our journey.” “It does makes sense when you think about it. What if the killer isn’t the one giving us the medicine cards?” “What?” In’is’kim asked, astounded she’d even ask such a thing. “Well, I don’t know. You said they were a hundred years old. They disappear in time. Could a…never mind.” “Sta’au.” “What?” “Ghost.” “Sounds more than stupid, but it makes one wonder. I mean, I do think there are things that can’t be explained. Maybe this evil person has offended the old ones and they’re trying to help you.” “I can’t believe you. I mean, you don’t know the ways of my people, yet you perceive things so clearly.” In’is’kim couldn’t help wondering if his ancestors truly would come from their rest to help capture the killer. He wished he could go talk with Grandfather. “I could be wrong. It’s farfetched to say the least. There’s no proof. Maybe instead of it being a ghost, it’s someone else trying to help you. He can’t reveal himself so he remains invisible.” “Why doesn’t he stop the killings? I’ve had years of this bullshit.” “Maybe he can’t. Fear? It’s a loved one and it’s too hard to reveal the truth? Maybe he’s sworn to secrecy or a loved one will be killed? Heck, I don’t know.” “I’ve never thought about it. I’ve been working so hard at finding the killer that I thought I’d worked it from every possible angle.” She leaned back against the sleeping bag. “Why don’t you take a nap?” “I’m fine.” “Afraid I’ll slip out on you again?” “No.” “I won’t. I promise.” “No need to. I understand why you did before. I only wish you’d have told me.” “I wish I had, too.” The subdued warble of a bluebird filled the silence between them. He reached over and pulled the top blanket of the bag up around her neck. She’d already dozed off. He studied her delicately carved facial bones and her generously curved, slightly parted mouth. There was both softness and strength in her face. In’is’kim pressed his eyelids shut, then open, fighting the exhaustion that threatened to claim him. He’d protect her. He wouldn’t let her die. He’d expose the killer this time, and the nightmare would finally end.

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V{tÑàxÜ XÄxäxÇ Antelope…nourish and make me strong, help me take action and stay where I belong. When I am stressed, set me free, it is your sound judgment I must see.

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t had all been a nightmare. Warm sun streamed across her face through the bedroom window. Relief washed over her. It had seemed so real. Especially In’is’kim. Does it really mean buffalo rock? She stretched, drew in a deep breath, and keeping her eyes closed, prolonged waking. “Well, you were tired.” Skyler jumped, squinted in the bright light to find In’is’kim staring at her. To confirm the fact, she took a quick look around at the snapping fire and cave walls. “I thought I’d been dreaming. I mean, it seemed like I was waking in my own room and all this had been a nightmare.” “Now you know how I feel every morning. Why don’t you get up? I’ll make some coffee and heat up a can of Dinty Stew.” “Sounds too good to be true. I’m so hungry I could eat a bear.” She headed toward the bushes, then stopped abruptly. “In’is’kim,” she said in a choked tone. “What? You okay?” She stared at the ground and two medicine cards. She walked past them, fear moving with her. In’is’kim’s silence told her he was as upset as she was. Had the killer been that close to them again? Why hadn’t he attacked them if he had the chance? She knew the answer. He liked playing games. The chase. The unexpected. Finding a cluster of serviceberry bushes, she quickly finished nature’s call. It wasn’t easy to be away from In’is’kim’s protection for any length of time. A branch snapped. Skyler froze. Her heart pounded so fast it hurt. Should she run back? What if she ran into the killer? Should she drop to the ground, or would the sudden movement catch the eye of the killer? She thought of calling out, but what if the killer answered? While thinking things through, she stood there and did nothing. Springing 83

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into action, she ran toward camp. It seemed to take forever, but finally the rocky overhang came into view. Skyler ran frantically until she dropped onto the sleeping bag. An icy feeling swept over her. She searched every inch of the area with a penetrating gaze. “In’is’kim?” she called out in a squeaky voice. He wasn’t there. Had he been watching her in the thicket? A thought suddenly came to her. She swallowed hard. What if there wasn’t a killer. The revelation exploded a flush of heat through her body. Could In’is’kim have made it all up? Were any women really killed? Of course they were, Maggie had checked on that. Maybe the only game going on now was the one between her and In’is’kim. Skyler didn’t want to believe her thoughts. Why would he be doing this? For the fun of it? It wasn’t any fun. Did she believe In’is’kim capable of this deceit? But, didn’t she hear footsteps run away when In’is’kim approached from another direction? What did she really know about him? Nothing. “Damn! I know nothing!” Her own voice released her from thoughts that she didn’t want to face. Now what should she do? The medicine cards remained on the ground where she’d seen them only a short time ago. Fumbling in the small backpack, Skyler retrieved the red book and thumbed through it until she saw antelope. She read it through with a rush, then thought about it. Antelope medicine was belief in the full circle of life. “Now, what was that suppose to mean?” Did it mean she was going to die? She tossed the book on the sleeping bag, then quickly opened it to the last page and read aloud; “Don’t wait to do something, take courage and do it now.” At least she understood that. Skyler fumbled through the pages to find the other card and stopped at Fox. Fox was able to blend with his surroundings and become like the wind. If you think someone may be watching you, you might be right. She stared at the book. Wasn’t it telling her In’is’kim was the killer? Or was he just playing a stupid game, and wouldn’t kill her. He liked stalking, tracking, and the hunt—after all, he was Indian. Skyler shook her head, disgusted with the thought. She wasn’t a prejudiced person and didn’t even like comments like the one she’d just thought. Skyler sat unmoving. Did she believe the cards were really trying to help her? She forcefully tossed the book down again. None of this made sense. Antelope said make a decision. Well, she would. She was heading back to the highway and hitching a ride back to Browning, get Maggie and go straight to the police. Without hesitating, she stuffed the book into her backpack and rolled the sleeping bag. In’is’kim’s pack remained on the ground. Why hadn’t he taken it with him? She glanced around the overhang area, then unzipped the bag. Guilt filled her, but at this moment she felt justified in invading his privacy. Rope, a knife, jerky, bandages, couple cans of stew, a small bundle of what appeared to be sweetgrass. Gloves, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper—she couldn’t help smiling at that one. At the bottom she found a leather-wrapped package. With another guilty look around, she pulled her concentration back to the item at hand. She untied the

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Dark Spirit leather straps, then removed the leather folds of material to reveal an old photograph. Skyler immediately recognized Grandfather Nat’o’ye. The young warrior behind Grandfather resembled In’is’kim. She knew it couldn’t be, so it had to be his father. The resemblance was amazing. A rather plump, yet incredibly beautiful woman sat next to Grandfather. It had to be In’is’kim’s Grandmother. Her white buckskin dress had been decorated with buffalo teeth and leather strips. Skyler liked it. In’is’kim’s grandmother held two infants. Skyler wondered if one was In’is’kim. He hadn’t mentioned having a twin. They didn’t look like twins; one was dark and skinny, the other infant was plump and lighter skinned; this one she’d guess to be In’is’kim. Studying the picture made her once again ask herself, what did she know about him? Suddenly, she felt like a fool. She’d fallen for everything he’d told her. She’d trusted her sister with a complete stranger. Was Grandfather in on the scheme? Had the Indians needed a white girl for some sacrificial ceremony? Now she’d gone too far again. These thoughts were pure stupidity and prejudicial. Feeling a need to apologize, she whispered, “I’m sorry.” It seemed a silly thing to do, but it made her feel better. Without thinking, she slipped the medicine cards into her pack. She shoved all his stuff back into the pack, then pressed her palm on the ground and got to her feet. Immediately she felt moisture on her skin. Skyler jerked back onto the sleeping bag and help her hand up to the camp fire. Was it covered in blood? She sniffed at the skin and bile rose in her throat. She fought it back down. Blood. Without a doubt, her palm was covered in blood. “My God! In’is’kim?” Had the killer come while she was in the thicket? Was he alive? She studied the ground toward the opening better. A large wet area became clear. She hadn’t noticed it before. Now, it came into view without trying. A trained eye would have noticed it right away. What should she do? She knew nothing about the woods or tracking. God, In’is’kim had to be hurt. Should she try to follow? She rubbed her palm on the grassy edge outside the overhang. It was sticky and clung to her skin. She swallowed hard, reached for the bota, rinsed her hand, then sat, staring out as the early morning rays of daylight glistened across the vast land. The mountains ahead would only get higher and more rugged. Without In’is’kim she would be as lost as a mouse in a maze. No, she had to retrack the way they came, it was her only hope. Maybe, if she was lucky, she’d find signs of where the killer had taken In’is’kim. What if it was another ploy? She glanced at the moist ground again. If it came from In’is’kim, he had lost a lot of blood. What if the blood was from an animal? It could be a trick so she’d go after him. Confusion filled her. She couldn’t take the chance In’is’kim was hurt. He might need her. Was she being a fool? Deep inside, perhaps a warm, special place in her heart, she wanted to believe he was every bit as much a victim in this as she was. She tied the sleeping bag to the small pack, then took the jerky, some bandages and a rope from In’is’kim’s bag and stuffed it into hers. She wrapped the leather around the picture, tied it secure, then slid it down the side of her bag.

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She retrieved the knife from his bag once more, then slipped her belt through the sheath. Skyler paused at the entrance of the overhang, studying the ground. A spot of blood on a rock caused her heart to pound fast. She glanced around at the sky then told herself she was heading north. *** It had taken most the night for In’is’kim to work out a plan that just might end this nightmare. A wave of guilt washed over him. Would Skyler agree to be the bait, and if it didn’t work, would it get her killed? Silence settled around him. Maybe he should have gone with her to take care of nature. The killer had to be close. In’is’kim stretched and moved toward the edge of the cave and looked out at the rugged valley paled in the pristine white blanket. If this plan worked, he’d have the advantage. Once and for all he’d get his life back. And maybe, just maybe, Skyler would consider being a part of his future. “Didn’t get much sleep last night, did you?” In’is’kim jumped and turned to face his adversary. “So, finally you’re brave enough to face me. But I see you’re still hiding. Take the ski mask off and show yourself. Stop hiding like a coward.” His tormentor held a knife in front of him, shaking slightly. “Brave Indian man. Where are your ancestors now? “ “Why are you doing this? Who are you? What have I done that you hate me this much?” The killer paused, then stabbed his knife into In’is’kim’s leg. “It’ll hurt like hell, but it won’t kill you.” Pain gripped him. “Son of a bitch! What the hell you’d do that for?” He pulled a gauze bandage roll from his backpack and wrapped his leg tight. “Can’t have you running off on me. Always prepared for the emergency. A good little Indian, aren’t you?” The killer kicked at him. In’is’kim jerked back. “Bastard!” “Just like you!” In’is’kim tied off the wrap. “Meaning what, exactly?” “All in due time. Right now we have to put some miles behind us. On your feet.” “We can’t just leave Skyler! Good god, she’ll never find her way out of these mountains. I’d rather she die than leave her to the mercy of this wilderness.” In’is’kim faced his tormentor. “Let’s fight it out, right here and right now.” “You’d like that, wouldn’t you. What makes you think I don’t have her stashed a few miles ahead of us?” “You do? You didn’t leave her tied up somewhere? You have any idea what can happen to her? Which way?” He stared into vacant eyes. “Listen, you bastard, I’m sick of your games. Spare her. Whatever I’ve done, I’ll make it right. This is between us. Skyler has nothing to do with it. Let me take her out of these mountains to safety and I won’t give you any trouble. You can do whatever you want to me.” In’is’kim struggled to his feet.

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Dark Spirit “Hero, right down to the last minute. That’s real manly of you, Indian. Guess what? You’re too late.” “What the hell do you mean, too late?” He took a step forward, then spotted the pistol pointed at his chest. “What did you do to her?” In’is’kim dived at the killer. Pain gripped his leg and threw him off his mark. “Don’t try that again or I’ll put a bullet in your other leg. Now get up and let’s get moving.” “I want to see her, or you can shoot me in the heart for all I give a shit. I’m sick of you. Where is she?” He didn’t want to die, at least not until he cleared his name and saw the killer pay. But, how could he live knowing Skyler was left to the wolves? How would he face Maggie, knowing he’d left her sister as bait for a madman? “She just might be two miles ahead, waiting for her mighty warrior. What do you think? Want to take the chance she’s still alive?” “God damn you and your games. If you’ve harmed one hair on her head, I’m going to kill you. Hell, I’m killing you, period. But I’ll wait and make sure she’s―” “Shut the hell up! You could talk a person to death. You might want to hurry if you want to save your precious Skyler. Put this rope around your neck and get going! You can track—follow the trail, Indian.” *** In’is’kim pushed himself with each step. Every bone and muscle in his body ached. He’d been so foolish. The killer pulled on the rope, and he stumbled, once again falling to the ground. “Get up or I’ll shoot you now.” “I need to rest,” In’is’kim said between gasping breaths. He tightened the knot on the cloth tied around his injured leg. The killer’s knife hadn’t gone in too deep, yet the gash was deep enough to risk an infection. Nits-ik-opa would help. He had so little of the squawroot in his pocket, he only hoped it’d be enough to draw out any inflammation. “Not so important now, are you. I thought you were a great warrior, like your ancestors.” “I never said that. I talk about the old ones and their ways, I never claim to be as great as they are.” In’is’kim struggled to peer through his abductor’s black ski mask. Although his camouflaged voice was deep, there was something familiar about it, too. The killer sat right in front of him, yet In’is’kim knew as little about his identity as the day before, other than that he had midnight black eyes. He was a small man, about the size of a skinny teen. His jacket was too big for him, his black boots were army issue bivouac. Maybe he was a psych army reject. That would explain his tracking and arms familiarity. Or, since he had managed to frame all the murders on him, was the killer an ex-cop? That would explain a lot. Something about him was so familiar. “Who would have thought a heathen could be a successful professor?” the killer wheezed. “You are considered an expert in Indian ways, and now look at you! Pathetic.”

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“What do you want? Why have you been killing women, then making it look like I’ve done it?” The killer’s awkward breathing caused In’is’kim some discomfort. Instantly it dawned on him. “You have asthma? You’re White Feather, aren’t you?” “You’ll find out soon enough.” In’is’kim barely heard him. Why the mask? Maybe it wasn’t White Feather. Why would White Feather hate him this much anyway? “What have you done with Skyler?” “That’s the beauty of my plan. You know she thinks you’re the killer, don’t you? I mean, how could she not? Every time someone is chasing her, you’re not around. You show up out of nowhere. You tell her all these outlandish stories about how someone is killing women and trying to blame you. You really are pathetic!” “She believes me.” “Janet Locker believed you, too.” “You bastard! Janet was a sweet girl. She was taking care of her invalid mother and she—you bastard.” In’is’kim jumped at the killer. A sharp yank on the rope around his neck brought darkness. *** The coolness of early evening settled in. Skyler’s back ached from the pack, and her wrist throbbed from the pressure of moving it while walking. She felt certain she’d seen several spots where the killer and In’is’kim had stopped. She’d noticed blood on the ground each time, and she worried how much longer he’d last. Would she soon find his dead body on the ground? Maybe she could get to him in time to help. The thought pushed her on. The killer had a reason for all of this. What? She didn’t know In’is’kim well enough to begin to figure it out. She wondered if it had something to do with the photograph. Most puzzling of all, why her? She didn’t know In’is’kim, then why choose her? Maybe the killer didn’t choose her. The medicine cards did. Could someone else have chosen her and directed In’is’kim to her with the cards? But did that make sense? What did she have to offer? No, there had to be something else that led In’is’kim to her. But what? He mentioned the dream catchers, but Sally wasn’t being stalked. Why? Skyler knew nothing of the Native American ways. None of this made sense. She sat on a rock to rest, easing the backpack down. Where was the killer leading her? She’d seen two sets of tracks, In’is’kim’s moccasins and another, smaller set. Now she knew In’is’kim wasn’t…she paused…could he be in on this with someone? A serial killer team? There were teams like Bonnie and Clyde, and how about Bianchi and Buono? It wasn’t unheard of. But, the same old question echoed back—why her? Pulling the pack back onto her shoulders, Skyler pushed on. She reached a spot where the grass had been pressed down. The area would have been about the size of In’is’kim. She felt the ground. It was cold. She searched and found a small

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Dark Spirit spot of blood. Good, that meant his injury was bleeding less. She glanced down at her feet and picked up In’is’kim’s feather earring. Had he left it there to tell her he was alive and she was on the right track? Or, had the killer left it there to make sure she continued to follow? Either way, she didn’t doubt they were ahead of her, and In’is’kim was still alive. Without giving it much thought, she slipped the pieced wire hoop into her own ear, feeling a closeness to In’is’kim. Exhausted and nearly winded, Skyler stopped once again. She’d pushed herself all day, and now the sky, which had seemed light only minutes ago, was darkening as the sun quickly found its way behind the mountains. Fear gripped her. She hadn’t given it much thought with In’is’kim, but she’d heard stories about the mountains at night. Bear…or did they sleep? She didn’t know. Wolves? Pack dogs? The lack of knowledge scared her nearly as much as the killer. Since she wouldn’t be able to read signs in the dark, Skyler chose a large rock to hunker down on for the night. She broke off a large stick, then half-pulled, half-shoved herself up an incredibly large boulder. She surveyed the land in all directions, then paused at what she believed to be North. Up ahead In’is’kim waited for her. *** Warm sun told In’is’kim he’d lived through another night. However, he hadn’t come any closer to finding out the truth. He inched his eyes open only to find a blazing fire accounted for the heat and light. His arms ached from being tied behind his back. Hunger echoed in the growling of his stomach. He glanced around the campsite and found no one. So, he’d become bait. For Skyler? Wild animals? He didn’t much care…or did he? If only he hadn’t become friendly with Skyler and Maggie. If he’d kept a distance, this wouldn’t hurt so much. Most of the murdered women had been strangers. Being friendly with Janet had made her a target. Because he cared, the killer had mentioned her. There had to be something that linked all these women. Something that the killer, in his twisted mind, believed pointed to them individually. If not the dream catcher, then what? His head ached from trying to figure it all out. “Awake, I see. Great warrior you are.” “I’ve never called myself a great warrior. Look at you, hiding behind a mask. Too ashamed to reveal yourself?” In’is’kim knew his words were taunting, but he hoped the killer would slip in his anger and reveal something of the truth. “I’ll let you know who I am…when I’m good and ready. Bothers you, doesn’t it?” “Damn right.” “At one time, so did I. I’m quite a mystery. I’m the best kept secret. You’ll find out soon enough.” “Why not now? I’m sick of your games. I’m sick of your killings. I’m damn sick of you framing me. Why not be man enough to face me without all the cloak and dagger?” “Because I want you to pay—like I had to pay. I want you to wonder. I want

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you to know what you’ve done to me.” “Done to you? Hell, I don’t even know who you are.” In’is’kim stared at the ski mask across the raging fire between them. His leg throbbed. At least the bleeding had stopped. He scrutinized the silent figure. “Who are you?” “You really don’t have a clue, do you?” “No. I do know I’m tired of it all. You’re ruining my life. It’s got to stop.” “Stop! Ruining your life? Damn, you have some nerve! You’ve ruined my life. It’s because of you that I’m unnoticed. You aren’t even a full-blood.” The killer struggled for control. “How is that my fault? I didn’t have a choice who my parents were or how much Indian flowed through their blood.” “You’ll know in due time.” “I want to know now. I want to know if you’re going to kill me. Are you planning on killing Skyler?” “Skyler? Oh, that little whore you’re sniffing after. You want to know? Yes. Damn right! I will kill her, and this time you will be found guilty for murder! Gotta love my plan, don’t you? Out here in the wilderness. You tell your old buddy some imaginary man is chasing you. You take an innocent woman into the mountains with you, and guess what? They find her dead. All indications are she died in the ways of Blackfeet enemy captives. She’s out here with only you. Who do you think they’re going to believe? You’re a suspect in many other murders.” “You’ve thought it all through, haven’t you? I won’t cooperate. How did I stab myself in the leg? What’s my motive?” “There are ways of explaining things. Maybe your little whore did it. She won’t be able to corroborate your innocence, so her silence will ensure the conviction that you’ve eluded until now. Besides, everything will point at you. No one will question your guilt. You’ll be behind bars the rest of your life.” “Not in this lifetime. I’m not going to cooperate. I’ll fight you all the way. I’m not going to let you hurt Skyler.” The masked man tensed. “Better hope you have a strong threshold for pain. How are you at watching someone you care about being tortured? She’s coming, you know. I figure she’ll catch up to us sometime tomorrow. If she were smart she’d head for the highway, but, knowing the woman, she’ll follow your blood trail.” In’is’kim gritted his teeth. The damn fool was right. Skyler would have chosen his trail of blood. She may have her doubts, but she’d be coming. *** The cold night air bit at Skyler’s tired limbs. She scanned the terrain once again. As though imagining it, she blinked, then searched again. A faint glow in the distance beckoned like a lighthouse. She had direction, something she wouldn’t have in the morning. No doubt it wouldn’t be easy traveling in the dark, but she’d have the element of surprise if she managed to reach their camp before sunlight. After sliding down the boulder, Skyler headed toward the distant fire at a fast pace. Fortunately moonlight cast a silvery beam across the darkened land, allowing her more light than she could have hoped for. She sent a silent thank

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Dark Spirit you toward Father Sky. Were In’is’kim’s ancestors helping, or had she fancied they were around because the illusion made her feel less alone? Skyler stumbled and thrashed, head-over-heel, down an embankment. She landed in a heap at the bottom of the draw. Remaining there for a while, she took a mental evaluation of her condition before pulling herself up to sit. Damn, she hadn’t seen the drop-off. She’d have to be more careful or she’d be dead before she reached In’is’kim. She pulled the knife from the sheath and notched another tree, then returned it with a shove. The valley she’d stumbled into wasn’t very wide, and she now found herself climbing up a steep, rocky hill on the other side. The thin air left her gasping for breath. She needed to rest, but pushed herself upward. Finally, reaching the top, she rewarded herself by dropping to the ground for a well-deserved break. Her body ached. She gasped in mid-breath. The campfire glowed through the pine trees. She’d even surprised herself. With minimal motion, Skyler eased the backpack to the ground. She pulled the knife free, gripping the handle. She’d take no chances now. Easing behind a tree, she stepped carefully until she found shelter from another. The pines were thin and tall, yet she felt confident they hid her silhouette. The fires acrid smoke filtered her way. It snapped and crackled as if warning her to stay away. In’is’kim laid on the ground. He faced the fire. His hands were tied behind him. She could make out another body across the fire. He also appeared to be sleeping. On her belly, Skyler inched her way toward In’is’kim…closer and closer. It seemed to take forever, but finally she managed to reach him. She wanted to call out to him or at least try whispering, but she couldn’t take the chance. With a quick, silent movement, she slid the knife behind the ropes that bound In’is’kim’s hands. Working it back and forth, she managed to slice through the bindings. Reaching lower, she moved the knife into the ropes around his ankles. In a short time they, too, were sliced through. Slow and deliberate, she moved back into the pine trees, deeper and deeper until she reached the ridge edge she’d climbed not that long ago. There, she waited for In’is’kim. A rustling tensed every muscle in her sore body. She remained still. “Skyler.” Relief washed quickly over her. “Here,” she called out barely above a whisper. He moved beside her, and she let him pull her into his chest. As he moved his arms around her, she nuzzled her face into his neck. “Thank you for believing in me.” She noted the huskiness of his voice. No doubt he hadn’t experienced much trust for some time. She didn’t have the heart to tell him she’d had her share of doubts. “I thought you might be dead by the time I found you. There was so much blood. Where are you hurt?” “He stabbed my leg, but the bleeding has stopped. I’ll be honest, it hurts like hell.” “Can you walk?” she asked in a hushed tone.

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“Don’t have much choice. We’re sitting ducks, you know that, don’t you?” “Yes. I’m not one-hundred percent and now neither are you. We’re in trouble, aren’t we?” She knew the questions were about as dumb as they got. “Understatement.” “Then we need to surprise him.” “Surprise him?” “You know, booby traps. Do the unexpected, remember?” She smiled, proud of herself. “We aren’t going to let him just kill us out here. He picked the fight, now let’s give him one.” “Damn woman, you’re gutsy. Remind me not to cross you! Know any booby traps?” She smirked, knowing he couldn’t see it in the darkness. “Well, if he’s going to wake and realize you’re gone while it’s still dark, he’ll follow our trail, which by now won’t be that hard to follow. Let’s rig up a line across this area and leave something he’ll rush to get, hopefully sending him head-first down this drop-off.” “Not a bad idea. But we’d better make it quick. The more distance we put between him and us before daylight the better.” In’is’kim was right. They didn’t have time to spare. Digging the fishing line from her backpack, she tied and knotted it around a straight pine, then stretched it across the obvious path they’d gone. “What should we put on the edge?” “Maybe your glove?” “Obvious. Has to appear like it dropped out naturally like that piece of rope hanging from your ankle.” Skyler reached over and grabbed at it. The knot remained tied. She pulled her knife and sliced the binding. “I think it’ll work.” “We’d better start praying.” She tossed the bait just beyond the fish line. “One can hope he’ll fall and break his neck.” “Doubt if we’ll get so lucky. Come on, let’s get out of here.” Skyler slipped her knife back in place, then followed In’is’kim’s hobbled progress. “Not going anyplace fast, are we?” “I think you should run on ahead. Get to the highway as soon as possible and bring back help. At least if he catches me, he won’t have you, too. If I die, at least they won’t be accusing me of murdering you.” “Don’t be ridiculous. You know how easily I can get lost? I don’t suppose you do. Well, I don’t have a clue which way the highway is. You could show me, and in twenty minutes I’d be as lost as a goldfish in a bowl.” “Let’s get back to our original camp. We’ll take turns sleeping―” “I don’t think so.” “Why?” “It’s predictable. He’ll think we’ll do exactly that. We need to do the opposite.” “Like what?” “Well, we need to make it seem like we headed back to camp. Get him to chase south and we’ll be heading north.” “I think it just might work.” “You need to rest that leg. I’ll follow my tracks and tree notches back for a good mile. I’ll take a stick and make it appear like we tried to hide our tracks, and

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Dark Spirit I’ll poke the stick every now and then, and if I’m lucky, he won’t notice it’s only me in the dark.” She wondered if she could pull it off. What if she met the killer on her way back to In’is’kim? She kept her doubts to herself. “I can’t let you do this. If he catches up with you, you’re dead.” “It’s not your call to make. You forget that I make my own decisions. Come on, there must be a hiding place for you over in that rocky embankment.” Skyler didn’t wait for an answer. She slipped the stick under his arm and led the way. “Go on ahead. I can make my way up there myself. No need for you to waste time taking me there like a little kid. Give me your pack,” he ordered more than asked. “The rocks will hide my trail, get going. Don’t get too tricky, he’s no fool.” Skyler leaned into In’is’kim for a brief moment. He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around her, and she took comfort in his warmth. She broke the embrace without a word. Glancing around, she found a stick to use, as In’is’kim might have with his bad leg, and headed down the trail. The stillness of the cold night crept into her bones. The light mountain air caused her to be winded without much effort. She pushed on, poking the stick now and then, pulling a leafy branch behind in an effort to hide their tracks. Her injured wrist ached from the strain, but she ignored the pain. Once she’d hiked as close to a mile as she could gauge, Skyler brushed the tracks behind and slightly over the ridge and quickly headed back, acutely aware she’d better make the trip back even faster than the first time. She pushed herself beyond limits she didn’t even know she possessed. Even though she didn’t have the backpack, it still proved exhausting. No one could accuse her of being a quitter. No one could say Skyler Grinnell didn’t give onehundred percent when she set her mind to it. Unfortunately, this challenge was taking one-hundred and fifty percent. Skyler snapped herself out of her thoughts. She couldn’t become so preoccupied that she wasn’t totally aware of her surroundings. If the killer was hot on their trail, she had to make sure she saw him, instead of vice versa. Exhaustion slowed her every step. Her feet felt like she stepped with lead boots. Her arms had long since gone numb. If she was going to make it back to In’is’kim, she had to stop and rest a moment. She worked her way around a rocky edge, then behind a larger boulder. With her back to the cold, formidable rock, she struggled to slow her breathing. When had her boring life changed? In spite of the fears, dangers, and upset, she hadn’t ever felt this alive. In’is’kim seemed to change everything. Could they stop the killer? Would she die here? What of Maggie? Maggie—Skyler stopped her thought completely. She tensed. She listened. She swallowed hard. There were footsteps again. Fast steps that were definitely headed her way. Skyler froze in place. Suddenly she wondered if she was visible from the semi-brushed path. Had she been careful enough to have gone off the trail without showing signs of it? With each breath she drew in strong pine and cold air. It hadn’t occurred to her earlier that the darkest part of night had quickly disappeared. The shadows of early dawn were quickly appearing. The fast-moving footsteps rushed by her hiding place. If she hadn’t been

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alert, she might not have even heard them. Without hesitating, Skyler moved from behind the large boulder and rushed back up the path that led to In’is’kim. They wouldn’t have much of a jump start on the killer, unless he fell for the indication they’d headed back. It wouldn’t take him long to realize no fresh tracks led back to the highway. Pressing on, Skyler slid down the embankment she’d fallen down earlier. She slid to a stop and froze in place. She’d only seen wolves in movies and magazines like National Geographic. Now she came face-to-face with a silver-haired, steambreathing wild animal that could tear her throat open in a matter of seconds. She stood still, staring at the black eyes that warily gazed back at her. He blinked and Skyler blinked in return. He panted and spewed a fine spray of mist. Could this beast be an ancestor of In’is’kim? She wondered what would make her think such a thing. She knew nothing of his people, yet, she somehow sensed an understanding of them. As though reading her thoughts, the wolf took several steps away from her. He glared back with each movement. Skyler held still. She’d received the wolf medicine card, and she searched her memory hard to recall what the book had said. Something about being faithful to their mate for life and was it finding power or energy from the moon? What was Wolf trying to tell her? As if she’d finally understood, the wolf ran off down the path, in the direction of the killer. Would the wild animal stalk the killer? Delay him from coming after them? Skyler didn’t wait to find out. She charged from her position, crossed the small valley, then up the final ridge with painful energy. She could only hope she’d find In’is’kim alive.

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V{tÑàxÜ gãxÄäx Clever Fox...blend into the night, when will you jump out to fight? Cunning and playing games with my mind, whisper like the wind, and give me a sign.

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n’is’kim grimaced in pain. The loss of blood had taken a considerable toll on his strength. He struggled with his emotions. He couldn’t fail Skyler now. He’d promised her and himself he’d protect her. He wouldn’t let the killer get her. She was off on her own. In danger. Possibly at the mercy of the killer, while he hid like a rabbit. He shamed himself as well as his ancestors. With effort, he tore the jean material back from the wound and laid it back to expose the deep gash. He’d have to cauterize it shut, removing the danger of it bleeding again. He lifted the poultice of ek-siso-ke. His grandmother had long ago told him that bear grass roots placed on cuts would stop bleeding and help any inflammation. In’is’kim decided to chance making a small fire, getting it quickly red-hot to eliminate smoke. An exhausted, winded Skyler stood before him. “What the blazes are you doing?” “Getting ready to fix my wound.” He held his knife over the flames. “Don’t tell me you’re going to…God, I can’t even say it.” “Cauterize? No choice.” “That’ll hurt like hell. You can’t possibly think you’re going to do that to yourself, do you?” She dropped to her knees beside him. “Dang, you hiked two miles in rugged terrain and you’re back already? I’m impressed.” “Didn’t do it to impress you. I did what you would have done in order to survive.” He couldn’t help admiring her. “Why don’t you turn your back and I’ll get this over with.” “Not likely. Can’t say I have the stomach for it, but you’d better let me do it.” In’is’kim stared at her. Could she be serious? “You don’t have to. I can―” “What? Can’t accept my help? We’d better get it done with and get this fire 95

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out before our shadow notices.” He knew she was right. Once the pain gripped him, he might not even stay conscious, then what would happen with the hot knife. “Here,” he said, clenching his teeth. “I’ll press the skin together. You place the hot knife right across it. Do it quickly—now!” Hellfire tore into his thigh. His burning flesh and singed hair filled the air. Bile rose in his throat. He fought it down. He fought the dark wave that assaulted his awareness. He blinked hard, again and again. He shook his head and Skyler’s shadow came into view. “You okay?” Her words seemed far away. He wanted to answer but his mouth didn’t seem capable of working. Heaviness weighed him down, and he couldn’t fight it. *** “Shhh.” Skyler moved her finger over her lips. She pointed down, over the edge in hopes In’is’kim would understand. He had to. Seconds earlier the killer had passed below their hiding place. Now he was frantically heading back down the trail toward their first camp. They were safe for now. Without a word, she untied the bandage covering In’is’kim’s leg. “It appears better.” Carefully she pressed her index finger into the pink skin. “Much better.” “I wish I had my black pouch from my backpack.” “I brought it.” “What do you mean, you brought it?” “I took it from your pack and stuffed it into mine. It looked important and I thought you might need it. I took some jerky, rope, knife…um…that picture wrapped in leather, guess some other stuff.” She pulled out the black pouch from the backpack and opened it up. “I need some ground oks-pi-poku, sticky root. It’s in that small green zip-lock bag, should be labeled.” She held up the small bag, and he nodded. “Wet it and spread it over the whole area before wrapping it.” Skyler didn’t question his directions. “Suppose it’s some great healing salve.” “It’s a root found in gravel beds. It helps draw out inflammation. A little trick shared by my ancestors.” She smiled. “I think we’ve confused our shadow. Do you know who he is now?” In’is’kim’s coloring had returned and she felt reassured. “He kept a mask over his face. Something about him seems familiar, but I just can’t place it. He confirmed my suspicions that he was trying to frame me for the murders. He seems bent on sending me to prison for the rest of my life. I just don’t know why.” “He wouldn’t tell you? That doesn’t make sense. I always thought a killer was proud of his actions. He wants recognition. That’s his sole purpose. Was there anything unusual that you noticed? Maybe that would help reveal why he seems familiar.” “Now that you mention it, you’re damn right, I just can’t put my finger on it.” “What?” “You heard me right. He seems more than familiar, but I can’t place it. He

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Dark Spirit indicated his failure in life was my fault. I don’t have a clue what he’s talking about. He said I made him suffer, so that’s why he’s making me suffer. It doesn’t make sense.” “Your fault. How bizarre. He won’t tell you, but it’s your fault? I don’t know much about the psychology of a killer, but if I remember my psych class right, murder is a means of self-fulfillment. Which doesn’t make sense here because it seems like this jerk is killing, just to make you look guilty.” “But that’s his satisfaction. He hates me that much.” “But why?” She didn’t expect an answer. His lids slid shut. Every bone in her own body ached. She’d pushed herself both physically and mentally. In’is’kim’s steady breathing told her he slept. She stretched out next to him. Not touching, but close. He’d said he couldn’t allow himself to become involved until the killer had been caught. Was that an excuse? They were so close to—or were they? They knew nothing about the killer, and he was out there somewhere searching for them. Wasn’t it merely a matter of time before he caught up with them again? Then what? In’is’kim had an injured leg and she an injured wrist. They both needed rest and medical attention. Who were they fooling? The killer still protected his deadly secret. They had no clues and no proof. The only thing they’d accomplished in the past few days was to allow themselves to become more vulnerable. This killer had patience, motive, and experience on his side. They had…what? She couldn’t think. Exhaustion muddled her mind. She’d give it more thought later. She sat rigid and chilled with fear. She couldn’t fall asleep. What on earth was she thinking? Someone had to stay alert, on guard, watching, listening, and protecting. Skyler slapped herself on the cheeks and gave each direction a nervous glance. Had the killer figured out where they were hiding already? A rustling of leaves caused her to tense. She waited, listening, straining to hear anything. A breeze swayed nearby pines, and they answered in a swishing melody. They had a calming affect, she breathed a deep, settling breath. Another quick, calmer glance around revealed that In’is’kim had chosen the spot cleverly. It seemed she could watch from every direction without revealing her hiding spot. She’d take the chance of getting some sleep; then, in the cover of night, they would move on. They wouldn’t get far if she dropped from exhaustion. Without giving it much thought, she found her place next to In’is’kim. The small spot of grass provided only slight comfort, but was a wiser choice than the endless rocky ledges surrounding them. Although Skyler closed her eyes, she couldn’t brush off the uneasy feeling that no place was safe for them. *** Pain seared his leg like scalding hot coffee. Bolting upright only increased the pain that shot nightmarish jolts down his leg. He got a grip on his bearings at the same time and quickly swallowed the stream of cussing that struggled to escape.

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Unfortunately he hadn’t been dreaming—he and Skyler were in hiding. As he took a careful search of the terrain around them, he said a prayer to the four directions. Although he detected nothing, his instincts warned him that he and Skyler were not alone. She lay inches from him, and even the early evening mountain breeze didn’t cool his body from seeing her. Sleep revealed a softness in her face that she took great pains to hide when awake. She was a gutsy woman, that much he’d give her, but she wasn’t as crusty inside or out as she wanted people to believe. He didn’t have time to think more about Skyler. He had to form a plan. He had to get them out of these mountains and safely to a town. They could and maybe should have captured Dark Spirit when Skyler cut the ropes. The killer had been sleeping and vulnerable, but then what? In’is’kim couldn’t go to the police until he had proof. Without it—everything still pointed to him. He’d kill Dark Spirit. In’is’kim fought the wave of guilt that washed over him. Was it right to want someone dead? How could his life depend on the death of someone else? Could he live with himself if he killed this man? “Damn right,” he said under his breath. This bastard had killed, mutilated…In’is’kim didn’t even want to think about it. But yes, even though it wouldn’t be easy to kill, he’d do what it took to save Skyler’s life—and his, too. He reached for her backpack and fumbled around until he found the black medicine bag. Even though he didn’t want to, he’d have to take something for his leg, enough to relieve the stabbing pain so he could walk, but not enough to dull his senses. Raising his arms to the sky and facing the direction of the setting sun, In’is’kim offered his prayer. “Hear me, Sun. Pity me. You have seen my life. You know I am a good person. Guide us safely, Sun. Give us strength. Watch over us and protect us.” “Who are you talking to?” In’is’kim lowered his arms, and studied the woman he’d grown to care about. “To the Sun and to Old Man. In the times of my ancestors, a Blackfeet prayed daily to the Sun and to Old Man, and nothing of importance was undertaken without asking for divine assistance.” “Is that what you were doing, asking for divine assistance?” “Yes.” “We must be in deep shit.” “Skyler, I won’t let anything happen to you.” He said the words and hoped they sounded more convincing than they felt. “I know the ways of the old ones sound primitive and pointless, but I’ve been studying my people, and many other tribes, and maybe all of it wasn’t believable, but―” “You don’t have to explain or make excuses why you pray to the sun or to Old Man. I pray to God and don’t make excuses.” In’is’kim smiled. “I love you for that…” he stopped himself. Damn, had he said the words I love you? He hadn’t meant to say that. He didn’t know if he loved her. It was too early for love. “I mean I appreciate your understanding. You know, it’s nice not to have to try and explain things all the time. It was a matter of speech―” “Okay, stop falling all over yourself for three words that slipped out without

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Dark Spirit meaning. I won’t hold you to them,” she whispered. “It’s not that I don’t care what happens to you. I mean, I do care. I mean, we’ve gone through a lot together and―” “In’is’kim, shut up before you dig a hole so deep you can’t climb out. Now, tell me what we’re going to do to get out of here?” He swallowed hard. She’d let him off the hook, and he appreciated it. He popped a small piece of bark into his mouth. Her wary glance told him his actions appeared suspicious. “It’s willow bark. Chewing on it should help the pain in my leg. It acts like aspirin in a way.” He handed her a small piece. “Chew on it, it’ll help your aching arm.” It pleased him she took it without questioning his knowledge. “You’re a walking Indian CD-ROM, aren’t you?” “There’s so much more to learn, I’ve barely scratched the surface,” he said in a lowered voice. “Every time I go to a new city I’m awed by the amount of history there to read about. I’ve studied Blackfeet, Sioux, Crow, and the Assiniboine extensively. All the plains tribes fascinate me. I’m at the library all the time searching for new material.” “I can’t imagine there would be that much new material.” “There are always new books out by new authors and recent interviews with local Native Americans. It seems every book has something new to offer. Beverly Hungry Wolf wrote a wonderful book on The Ways of My Grandmothers. The information in that book is incredible. Long Standing Bear Chief put out a small book, Ni-Kso-Ko-Wa, Blackfoot Spirituality, Traditions, Values and Beliefs. These books are priceless. It’s preservation. I absorb them and try to use their information in my presentations. I give credits to local authors when I speak in their hometowns. An audience recognizes their own. It makes them proud, receptive, and it enriches me, too. “I’m at the library all the time with Maggie. I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other before.” “Unfortunately I wasn’t there for research that day.” “You really like what you do, don’t you?” He nodded. “I do. The ways of my people have always interested me. Grandfather took me to listen to the storytellers and the old mothers. He took me to neighboring tribes so I could listen to their histories. I spent summers with medicine men and, yes, even medicine women. I have learned much, and have so much more to learn.” “I’m impressed. Did you like Dances With Wolves?” “You expect me to say no, don’t you?” She nodded. “I loved it. I also loved Into the West. Both did a great job showing the misconception of the Indian at that time. Both films allowed the Indian dignity and humanity. Great care was taken for authenticity. They were well received because non-whites are fascinated by the ways of the American Indian. They’ve taken some of their blinders off and are seeing a society that was near flawless. Certainly not perfect, but nothing is.” “I’m feeling sick to my stomach.” In’is’kim glanced at a pale Skyler. “Spit the willow bark out and eat some

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jerky. Sometimes it’s hard on an empty stomach.” He pulled a bag of jerky from his pack, offered her several and took a few for himself. “You have any idea how we’re going to get out of here with your leg?” “I’m more concerned how we’re going to get out of here without Dark Spirit finding us.” “Pretty much the same thing, if you ask me.” He chuckled. “I know things don’t seem too promising. We will make it, I promise you.” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” In’is’kim grew silent. She was right. He had no right to promise her anything. He’d do what it took, including dying, if need be, but he couldn’t guarantee they’d get out of this alive. “We’re going to travel by night. It’ll be slow going, but we have a better chance that way. We won’t be able to light any fires, so we have to be extremely careful to stay dry.” “You think Dark Spirit has figured out where we are?” “I’m sure he has a good idea. He may have had to back-track, since we didn’t leave any signs of moving ahead, but we can be sure he’ll be back.” No doubt angrier than before, he thought, keeping it to himself. “You sure you don’t have a clue who he is? Think back to when you were a kid. Did you and a buddy get into any trouble, maybe the other kid took the brunt of it?” “I’ve given that some thought, but nothing comes to mind. If something did happen, well, it had to have been before I can remember.” “Like maybe when you were born?” “What do you mean by that?” “Maybe your twin isn’t dead.” In’is’kim stared at her. “Don’t be absurd. There is no way that could have been kept a secret. And why? Besides, my mother and father wouldn’t have deserted him. He died, Skyler. I’ve felt that void in my soul all my life. If he were alive, I’m sure I would know it. I’d feel it. He’s dead.” “I’m sorry. It’s just that someone really has it in for you. This Dark Spirit truly feels you did him wrong. It’s more serious than a black eye or stolen girl friend.” “I agree, but it’s not my long-lost twin brother, believe me! I need to make myself a crutch so we can get going.” In’is’kim scanned past the endless pines, not crutch material. He worked his way down the boulder, his leg hurting. It wasn’t going to be easy to reach their goal. He thought over Skyler’s words, then dismissed them. This killer had a warped reason for what he was doing, In’is’kim knew he had to stay focused to find out what. He had allowed his thoughts to wonder and, upon realizing it, he quickly glanced back to reassure himself Skyler was okay. She sat watching him, and he gave her a slight wave. It felt awkward, yet her smile became infectious and he returned the gesture without giving it much thought. Things couldn’t be worse for them. Yet, he was happy to be with her. He couldn’t figure it out. They were in danger. They were being stalked. They were… falling in love? He didn’t have time for this right now. “Focus,” he told himself. Spotting a sturdy stick that would work, he bent to pick it up. A whizzing buzzed past his right ear and it burned. In’is’kim rubbed his ear and found it wet

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Dark Spirit and sticky. His fingertips were covered in blood. His blood. He grabbed the stick, then rolled onto his back. He couldn’t make out the top of the boulder, nor Skyler. Panic gripped him. He got to his feet, hobbled to the rocky edge and worked his way back to the top. “Skyler?” He searched for her frantically. “Yeh, I’m here.” She rolled out from a crevice in the rock. Clever, he thought. “You okay?” He led them behind the boulder. “Yes. You?” “He shot at me. If I hadn’t bent down for this stick, I think he’d have shot me right in the head,” he said, showing her blood. She rushed to him and he pulled her into his chest. Her faint eucalyptus scent was nice. She felt good in his arms. The timing was all wrong for these feelings. All wrong. “So, he’s found us already. Now what?” “To be honest, I don’t know. But, I do know we have to get out of here. I won’t wait for him to get close enough to make the next bullet count.” “You going to be able to walk on that leg?” “No choice.” He broke off another piece of bark and popped it into his mouth. He tied down the flap on her backpack, then slipped it over his shoulders. “Let’s show him what we’re made of.” Her smile told him all he needed to know. *** Skyler turned to see how far behind In’is’kim was. She’d been scouting for a hiding place for some time. They’d traveled all night. Near exhaustion had claimed them both. “You spot any possibilities?” she asked, taking a step backward. “Not yet. Maybe past these boulders we’ll find something.” Another step sent her sliding downward into what seemed a black hole in the middle of nowhere. The land was flat—she’d seen it, she told herself as she attempted to grab anything. She came to a stop, landing on her feet. As her eyes adjusted to the dawn-shadowed pit, she realized her worst nightmare had come to life. She shared the deep confines with hundreds of slithering, hissing snakes. She cried out, but mere squeals emitted from her mouth. She froze in place, fear wrapped around her like the snake on her leg. It didn’t matter that they seemed to be bull and grass snakes sluggish from the cold. It didn’t matter that they could only writhe and slither over and around each other. It was the sound of them. The knowledge that they were everywhere. On the side walls, on branch overhangs. A one-foot green grass snake dropped on her head, then landed on her shoulder. She shook violently, and it dropped into the slithering carpet at her feet. Bile rose in her throat. She wanted to cry out to In’is’kim, but her voice constricted into a tight knot. Her body trembled and an even worse fear occurred to her—if she fainted…she’d be laying in the mass of snakes. It was too much to imagine. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks. “Slide this rope over your head and under your arms, Skyler.” She heard him but couldn’t move. She wanted to tell him, but it wasn’t possible. Her heart actually hurt, like a gas bubble caught beneath her breast. Am

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I having a heart attack? She struggled to determine if it were true. Her heart beat so hard in her chest it hurt. “Skyler, do you hear me?” She tried talking, still only squeaks answered. Come get me, please, come get me, her silent cries asked. Her legs trembled, literally knocking against each other. What if they gave out? The question sent her into a deeper state of fear. Another snake dropped onto her shoulder and she slapped her arms about, screaming, crying. “Get me out of here, please, In’is’kim, get me out of here.” “I’m coming, just hold on.” Hold on? To what? The question seemed so absurd she laughed and laughed, until tears rolled down her cheeks. She heard the hysteria. Was that her voice? The laughter turned to cries, but she still couldn’t do more than stare at the wiggling mass all around her. Shivers shook her entire body. She couldn’t take much more of this. The grip on her shoulders seemed too frightening to comprehend. A giant snake, like an anaconda, was going to eat her, and she couldn’t do anything but cry and scream. “I’m here, Skyler. I’m going to put this rope under your arms, then I’ll go back up and pull you.” She was incapable of helping him adjust the rope under her arms. “Don’t leave me down here. Please, don’t go up without me.” “I don’t think I have the strength to pull us both up. It won’t take me long to get back up and pull you.” “You don’t understand,” she said, gripping his arms. “I can’t stay here. Not one minute longer. They’re going to eat me. They’re―” “Don’t think about it. They’re small and harmless. I realize you hate snakes, but believe me, they’re more afraid of you than you are of them. Now, wait and I’ll have you out of here in no time.” “Oh, God, In’is’kim, I don’t think I can.” “You can,” he soothed. He pulled on the rope and raised himself above her. She could only imagine how it must hurt his injured leg. Another snake dropped and she screamed, kicking her feet up and down. Snakes went flying, causing her even more aggravation and fear-instilled shivering. At what moment In’is’kim began pulling her up, she really didn’t know. Only when the early morning light struck her face did she realize she was merely inches from the top edge. In’is’kim gave one great pull, and she landed in his lap. She clung to him, shivering uncontrollably. She couldn’t get close enough to his comforting, protecting arms. She struggled to get closer, but it wasn’t possible. Her breathing came fast and hard. “Are you okay?” She nodded. “You can’t imagine what that was like. I’ve dreamed this… exactly this…so many times. Nothing prepared me for how horrifying it felt. Nothing.” “It’s over.” “How…how did they all get down there?” “Do others know of your fear of snakes?”

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Dark Spirit She slid a glance upward and nodded. “Why?” “I think I understand what this is.” “What?” she asked, snuggling closer. “Your end.” Skyler bolted from him, staring at him in disbelief. “You mean the killer meant for me to…to die down there?” “Exactly.” “What makes you think that? I mean―” “This type of place is known to my people. It is a trap the old ones used for catching eagles for their feathers. You see, they dug a pit like this and spread the dirt some distance away so it couldn’t be detected. Then they covered the opening with willow sticks, on which they scattered grass, and over the grass laid a little earth and stones, to give the place a natural look, like the prairie all about it.” “What then?” she asked, feeling her breathing slow. “The bait was a piece of bloody neck of a buffalo. Sometimes they would even place a stuffed wolf skin next to the meat to make it appear it was eating on the meat from a distance.” “Really?” His voice seemed mesmerizing. “To the buffalo meat they would tie a rope, which passed down through the roof of the pit and was held in the watcher’s hand.” “How could he catch an eagle that way?” she asked, trying to picture it in her mind’s eye. “The man would rise very early, before it was light, and after smoking and praying, he left his camp, telling his wives and children not to use an awl while he was gone.” “An awl? You mean to scrape meat with?” “Yes. It’s believed if his wife should use an awl while he was trying to catch the birds, the eagles would scratch him.” “Do you believe that?” she asked, settling down against him. “Doesn’t matter, it’s what the people believed at the time. The awl was one of two sacred things connected with the catching of eagles. The other thing the eagle-catcher had to observe for good luck was he could not eat rosebuds. If he did, when the eagle came down to the bait, the rosebuds would make him itch. He’d begin to scratch himself and so he wouldn’t catch the eagle.” “That sounds silly. Tell me how he catches the eagle, then.” “You might not like how it ends. The eagle-catcher would go into the pit before light and lay in it, taking with him a slender stick about six feet long, a human skull, and a little pemmican. Then he waited.” “But I thought they took some feathers and didn’t kill the eagle.” “Not true. When morning came, and the eagles were flying, one of them would spot the meat and descend to take it away from the wolf. Finding it held fast by the rope, the bird would feed on it; and while it pecked at the bait, the watcher seized it by the legs, and drew it into the pit, where he killed it, either by twisting its neck, or by crushing it with his knees. Then he laid it to one side, first opening the bill and putting a little piece of pemmican in its mouth.” “What on earth for?” she asked, totally immersed in In’is’kim’s story. “So they wouldn’t be afraid of the people and to make the other eagles

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hungry. The old ones believed that by feeding the eagles, their spirits might tell other eagles how they were being treated—that they were being fed by the people.” “I’m not so sure I believe that. I thought the eagle-catcher wanted the pemmican in case he got hungry.” “While he was in the pit, the man neither ate, drank, nor slept. He had a sleeping place not far off where he went each night after dark, and there he ate and drank.” “You mean he didn’t just kill one eagle?” “No. It is said that in one pit, once, forty eagles were killed in a day. The larger hawks were caught, as well as eagles, though the eagle was most highly valued.” “Valued as in trading?” she asked, wondering what they’d do with forty eagles. “Five eagles used to be worth a good horse, a valuation which shows that, in the Blackfoot country, eagles were more plentiful, or horses more valuable, than farther south, where, in old times, two eagles would purchase a horse.” “I never thought about it. Dang, that’s interesting. Why’d the eagle-catcher take a human skull into the pit with him?” “Mostly for his protection. It was believed that the ghost of the person, to whom the skull belonged, would protect the watcher against harm from the eagle. Besides that, the skull, or ghost, would make the watcher invisible, like a ghost. The eagle would not see him.” “That’s spooky. Why’d he break the eagle’s neck, why didn’t he just stab it with the stick?” He seemed vibrant, more alive when he spoke of the way things use to be. She could tell he enjoyed sharing his knowledge. “He used the stick to poke or drive away smaller birds, such as magpies, crows, and ravens, which might alight on the roof of the pit, and try to feed on the bait. It was also used to drive away the white-headed eagle, which they did not care to catch.” “The bald eagle?” “Darn right. They were, and I guess are, so powerful they could kill a person.” They fell silent, and Skyler suddenly realized why In’is’kim had chosen that moment to tell her about the eagle-catchers. It had taken her mind off the snakes and the awful ordeal she’d just experienced. The shivers and helpless feelings had passed. “Thanks. I feel better.” “No need to thank me. I got the willies down there, too.” “You think Dark Spirit would have left me down there?” His body tensed. “Yes. I counted at least three rattlers. It’s my guess he’d have stirred them up a bit for you from above. He’d enjoy your terror and slow death. I have a feeling he knows this area quite well, maybe even better than that. He might not have set this trap just for you, but I think he’s used it on others. I’m certain I saw a couple of skeletons under all those snakes. One would think they’d all be frozen this high up, but it felt warm down there. I think there might be a thermal pocket there keeping it warm.” Skyler didn’t want to think about it. “Let’s get out of here and as far away from this nightmare as possible.” She squared her shoulders and inched her way

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Dark Spirit around the gruesome pit filled with the slithering, dark mass. What could be waiting for them up ahead?

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V{tÑàxÜ g{|ÜàxxÇ Ant...patience is the gift you hold, you work for the greater good of the whole. Show me how to trust and the means to give, find harmony in the universe so I can live.

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n’is’kim wished for a hot bath, a soft bed, and something other than pemmican to eat, not necessarily in that order. He glanced ahead to make sure Skyler pushed forward. Nothing seemed to have gone right since she fell in that pit of snakes. Maybe it was because a dark cloud had settled over him shortly after that. Maybe it could be called a dose of reality. Dark Spirit was going to kill Skyler. He’d targeted her before they even met each other. But what if, and it was a big if, he managed to destroy the growing feelings between them? Would Dark Spirit find her less important to his plan? This spirited woman had all but stolen what he called his heart. He found her intelligent, witty, and gutsy. That didn’t even include the warmth and passion he witnessed surfacing now and then, before she had a chance to camouflage it. He rubbed his arms and realized he’d become increasingly colder with each passing step. They’d been walking all night and now most of the day. They were exhausted. It had been snowing only an hour, but already the ground and everything around them had been blanketed with at least three inches of snow. “We’d better start searching for a place to spend the night. A cave, preferably.” Skyler didn’t appear to have heard him. “Skyler?” He hurried to catch up with her. She methodically placed one foot in front of the other, but appeared ghastly white. “Why didn’t you tell me you were getting this cold?” Her failure to respond worried him more than if she’d have argued with him. He scanned the surrounding area, searching frantically until he spotted a nottoo-distant cave. Sliding his arm around Skyler’s waist, he struggled to support her best he could. He wondered what thoughts went through her mind. Her need to put distance between herself and that pit of snakes must be what had driven her to push on without as much as a word. It seemed the sky had opened up, dropping large flakes of snow in a driving 106

Dark Spirit rage. It took longer and more energy to reach the cave than In’is’kim had expected. He gasped for breath in the crisp, frosty air. He moved into the cave entrance and quickly dropped his backpack. “Sit right here out of the snow, and I’ll check out the cave and make sure it’s safe.” She allowed herself to sit, but he hadn’t missed the awkward movements of her body. Hypothermia could kill. Without wasting any more time, he grabbed the flashlight from his pack and flashed the beam around the dark indenture in the rock. “Perfect. We have dried leaves and even a nice stack of dry wood from a previous camper. We’re going to warm up and be just fine.” He wasn’t sure Skyler even heard him, but he felt comforted by the words. Within minutes a fire snapped and cracked, its warmth a direct contrast to the winter wonderland outside the cave. Quickly he piled dried sage brush across the opening and hoped they stayed in place. He spread out the sleeping bags and quickly rushed to Skyler. A single tear streamed down her cheek. It broke his heart. She hadn’t said a word. Not one complaint. He’d put her through all this. Damn! “I’m sorry, Skyler. I never meant to hurt you.” He pulled her into his chest and held her for a moment. “I’m going to strip you down. I’m sorry, if it embarrasses you. You need warmth, like when you got wet. If you don’t warm up you’re going to…we’ll get you warm, I promise.” He wished she’d say something. Anything. Her skin felt strange, and he knew the flesh had gone numb. It wasn’t a good sign. He wrapped her naked body in a blanket and quickly stripped himself down to his shorts. He lay her down, facing the blazing fire, then worked the blanket loose enough to pull her chilled skin into him. He covered them with the second sleeping bag. In’is’kim rubbed her arms, thighs, and face, hoping to generate some warmth. He placed a soft kiss in the nape of her neck. “I’m so sorry, Skyler.” The raging storm did nothing to sooth his frayed nerves. He held Skyler’s trembling body and wondered if he’d be able to protect her from the killer. Hell, he couldn’t even protect her from the elements of nature. He hated himself for not having paid more attention to her needs. He’d been so wound up in his own thoughts and she… who knows, she might even have said something, he didn’t know. She’d been through so much in the past few days. He admired her stamina. No matter what happened, she always seemed to bounce right back without a complaint. Why hadn’t he told her that? He reached over and added more sticks to the flames. His thoughts didn’t wander far from the killer. Where would he be riding out this storm? Had he passed them and set up traps, or was he behind, struggling with the elements like they were? In’is’kim realized that physically and mentally his energy had been drained. Maybe the storm wasn’t such a bad thing. They both needed rest. It wasn’t possible to travel in the blinding snowstorm. He drew in a steady breath and closed his eyes. Skyler fit perfectly in the contours of his body. It seemed right to hold her in his arms. He slid his palm across her waist and felt her cold breasts brush against his skin. His arousal came sudden. Guilt filled him. He felt like a peeping Tom.

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Even though exhaustion claimed him mentally and physically, he found himself staring across the flames at the cave opening. Most of the afternoon he had that feeling, the one he’d felt in the past, the one that caused his skin to prickle. The killer was close. For some reason In’is’kim could feel it. *** Skyler woke with her skin on fire. It burned and stabbed sharp pains everywhere. The painful thawing had begun. In’is’kim’s body outlined hers. She suddenly realized her breasts pressed against his arm, it seemed intimate. Obviously the gesture was protective on his part. She found it extremely sensual. The sounds of the fire crackling and snapping somehow comforted her. She liked the smoky scent of a wood fire. Without realizing it, she found herself staring beyond the flames, out into the dark unknown. The killer was out there. She hoped he froze to death. No, she wouldn’t stoop to his level. Maybe he’d even turned back and no longer stalked them. She didn’t believe it for a second. In’is’kim stirred behind her, and she tensed to hold still, hoping her movements hadn’t wakened him. He needed a good night’s sleep. She did, too, but knew that wouldn’t happen until the burning sensation stopped. “Is it hurting?” His voice seemed deep and almost husky. “Yes,” she managed to answer. Even her own voice sounded strange to her ears. He softly moved his lips the length of her neck, and she felt heat build inside her. “Does this help?” She didn’t know how to answer. She wanted to scream, don’t stop, but she didn’t. “Maybe.” “How about this?” He nibbled the lobe of her ear. “Kinda.” She smiled to herself, knowing he couldn’t see it. She liked his tender game. “What about this?” He placed a trail of kissed across her shoulder, then down her arm, until he reached her elbow. “It’s helping,” she managed to say in a calm tone, in spite of the fact her heart was racing. He moved, allowing her to roll onto her back. She gazed up into his eyes and studied his serious expression in the firelight. “You’re a beautiful woman, Skyler Grinnell. You deserve to be treated better than this.” “Shhh,” she said, placing her index finger across his lips. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t you think I understand that?” “I shouldn’t have let you nearly freeze to death. That was my fault.” “I didn’t know it was happening until I couldn’t feel anything. I should have known.” “How can I make it up to you?” His voice cracked with emotion. “You seem to be doing a pretty good job already.” She held her breath as he lowered his mouth to hers. She responded in the same soft, slow-moving manner as the kiss he offered. It was a kiss for her tired soul to melt into. The gentleness of it sent currents of desire through her.

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Dark Spirit He placed a soft kiss on the tip of her nose, then her eyes, and, finally, he returned to take her mouth in his. She responded with an intensity that surprised her. His pressure increased, and she returned his demands with equal passion. He gently outlined the circle of her breasts with his warm palms, and she gasped in response. He lowered his mouth until he captured a breast. She found the warm moisture caused them to surge at the intimacy of his touch. He placed small kisses across the valley to her other breast, this time he brushed his tongue across her nipple, then sucked it with tantalizing possessiveness. Her body arched in response. Suddenly he tensed and rose above her. She panicked, fearing his rejection to what she was offering. “What? Did I do something wrong?” “No, maybe it’s me who’s doing something wrong. I don’t want to take advantage of you, Skyler. You’re afraid, exhausted, and ―” “Then, maybe it’s me who’s taking advantage of you? I need you, In’is’kim. I want you,” she added, rising slightly to meet his lips as he lowered his face toward her. The kiss came demanding and devouring. The intenseness of it caused her to pull him closer. He moved over her, keeping his weight from crushing her. “I want you, too,” he whispered. “Have since the day I first saw you, fury and all.” “Don’t be ridiculous. I was…I made a fool of myself.” “A pretty fool, I might add,” he said, laughter in his voice. “Skyler, I’ve tried to keep my distance because I don’t want to hurt you.” “What are you saying?” she asked, tensing. “If Dark Spirit realizes I love you, well, he’ll kill you for sure.” “Do you?” “Do I what?” “Love me?” She accepted his kiss, deep, hungry and claiming. When he released her lips, she felt breathless. “Yes, I…I think I do love you.” “Everything is happening so fast. It’s frightening, and we’re under so much stress. I mean, maybe we’re just lonely, or we need someone else. If I’m honest, I don’t know when it happened, but I guess I love you, too.” “Guess you love me? Is it that hard to admit? Is it because I’m Blackfeet? I would understand.” “You idiot. You still think that matters to me? Get a grip. I love the Indian in you. It’s what makes you who you are. I fell in love with In’is’kim, the man. I think I love everything about you. Now do you feel better?” He lowered his head until his lips touched hers like a whisper, then increased to a slow, drugging kiss. He seared a path of kisses down her abdomen and onto her thigh. She moaned in pleasure. Nothing could have prepared her for the wonderful explosion of feelings that stimulated her body. She allowed him to intimately touch her everywhere. She responded with her own touching, finding it every bit as exciting as his exploration of her. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. She could hardly believe he said the words she longed to hear. Could she really be beautiful to him? She hoped so. “Is it okay to tell a man his body is beautiful?”

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“I think guys prefer buff or hot, but I don’t mind beautiful, if you mean it.” She smiled. “I mean it.” She pulled his face into her breast, offering him hardened nipples. He tweaked the firm bud with the tip of his tongue, and she moaned softly in response. He moved his hands downward, skimming either side of her body to her thighs. Her impatience grew, and she wanted him. The waiting seemed like sweet torture. “I want you inside me,” she whispered. He moved his fingers over her feminine hair, then slid inside. Her pleasure came pure and explosive. She rose toward him, encouraging, wanting, needing more. “You sure you want this, Skyler? It can’t be undone.” “I’m sure,” she answered, her voice raspy and breathless. He rose above her and for a slight moment she panicked. He entered slow and gentle. She received him without pain, only pleasure. Her need increased with each gentle thrust. She pulled him closer and sensed his thrill of arousal. He increased the momentum, and she lifted her hips to meet him. Hungry desire spiraled through her. Her urgency grew, and she surrendered completely to his masterful lovemaking. A gust of desire shook her as she felt his own explosion in the height of passion. Simultaneously, they went limp in each others arms. Still joined, he shifted his weight, pulling her with him onto their sides. They snuggled and savored the union that expressed the love they felt. “You have second thoughts?” he asked. She pressed her breast against his arm and welcomed the warmth of his palm as he cupped it. “None. It was incredible.” “I feel the same.” “We should have used protection. We’re old enough to know better.” She half expected him to laugh at her. “I thought of that, too. I’m sorry, it’s my responsibility, and you’re right, I do know better. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it. I only knew I wanted to make love to you so badly it hurt. I wanted to prove I loved you.” “It’s hard for me to believe you said that. I mean, I’ve waited so long to hear those words. I’ve wanted to be there for Maggie, and I never had time for me. I figured I’d be too old to find love.” “Maggie isn’t a little girl anymore. It’s time to let her go and think about yourself. Think about me, and maybe it won’t be so hard to let go.” Skyler smiled. “Maybe I can be persuaded.” She allowed her lids to slide shut. Wrapped in In’is’kim’s loving arms, she slid into a content sleep. *** He would never regret making Skyler his, yet, now he knew the killer would know. There was no way to camouflage the love between a woman and a man. Dark Spirit would know, and that placed Skyler in a most dangerous position. In’is’kim pulled her closer. He loved the feel of her snuggled against him naked and asleep. He’d never felt this way about a woman before. The timing was wrong. All wrong. If it got Skyler killed, he’d never forgive himself.

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Dark Spirit He reached over and added several sticks to the hot coals, then settled back to get some sleep. Strange, but now he felt the comfort and warmth he needed to rest. They had to keep their strength up, they had to escape nature’s fury and the killer. He thought of Skyler’s warm lips on his, her naked body pressing into his, her gift of love. Damn, he did love this woman. *** Skyler woke to In’is’kim’s steady breathing. He still held her breast in his palm. She smiled. He’d made the sweetest love to her. He said the words she needed to hear. He loved her. His tender lovemaking confirmed it. She already yearned for him to take her again. She felt wanton, yet excited. It felt right. She couldn’t help wondering why so many complications had to come with this relationship. Why did she always get life’s pleasures with an equal amount of pain? For some people things always came easy. It somehow didn’t seem fair. But, she hadn’t expected life to treat her fair. It started out kicking her in the ass, why would or should she expect anything different now? Pushing the depressing thoughts to the recesses of her mind, Skyler added a few sticks to the glowing fire. She glanced out at the early morning light and realized the snow had stopped. She rose to an elbow and paused, staring at two medicine cards that had been placed beside their heads. Fear filled her completely. Who and when had someone put them there? She’d considered waking In’is’kim, but didn’t, he needed sleep as much as she had. She fumbled in her backpack and finally gripped the red medicine card book. She turned over the card meant for her. It was the ant. She paged through the book and read, “Self-sacrifice is a part of Ant medicine. Greater than Ant’s other medicines, however, is patience.” Skyler paused. What was she supposed to be patient about? Did it really mean anything? She turned In’is’kim’s card face up. Turkey. She checked the index and quickly turned the pages. “The Turkey is unselfish and sacrificed so he could give everything away.” Skyler stared at the book. My God, did that mean In’is’kim should die so he could save her? She couldn’t allow him to do that. Skyler threw the book down. She hated this game. She hated Dark Spirit. What right did he have to tell In’is’kim to give his life for hers? She grew still. What if she went to Dark Spirit first? Maybe she could reason with him. No, a man who kills, stalks, and plays the sick games Dark Spirit plays, couldn’t be reasoned with. Then what? Do the unexpected, she told herself. He was expecting her and In’is’kim to continue in their quest for East Glacier. What if she left him, made it seem like they’d parted ways, then followed the killer? She’d have the advantage. She’d be in control. Or would she? Fresh snow meant footprints. Would Dark Spirit go after her or In’is’kim? Anger filled her as did her muddled thoughts. She wouldn’t allow In’is’kim to sacrifice himself for her. She had to think of a plan to disrupt the expected

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outcome. She eased from In’is’kim’s side and warmth. Quickly she pulled her clothes on, then added more sticks to the fire. She paced the cave entrance, thinking about the situation and possible solutions. Finally she nodded. What if she were to leave early, get ahead of In’is’kim? When his footprints joined hers, it would appear like they were traveling together, yet she’d be way ahead of him. The killer would be following In’is’kim, thinking he still had his “ace”. Dark Spirit couldn’t torture In’is’kim without her. Dark Spirit wanted her, and that knowledge made In’is’kim safe. Having decided, she dug into the backpack and took half the jerky and stuffed it into her jacket pocket. He would be more than angry with her, but if it saved his life, she didn’t care. He would forgive her. If he didn’t? At least he’d be alive, and she could live with that. Hopefully he loved her enough to understand. She could only hope so. She adjusted the knife sheath to her hip, then hurried from the cave. She had a mountainous peak to head for. In’is’kim had pointed it out earlier, saying they would be mere miles from their destination once they got to that point. Skyler hadn’t been prepared for the cold gust of wind that slapped her in the face. Doubts quickly flooded her mind. The snow was a good foot deep, or more, in places, and it took an incredible amount of energy to plow through it. It didn’t take long to realize this plan was not a good one. After what she guessed to be at least two miles, she made the hard decision to go back. The bitter cold bit at her exposed face. Suddenly, streaming rays of sun found their way through the clouds. Its immediate warmth gave her surprising energy. Step-by-step she retraced her own footprints in the snow. They stopped. Skyler grew tense. She scanned the ground in every direction. No footprints. “Impossible,” she muttered under her breath. She warily glanced around for the killer but spotted no one. Quickly she decided to keep the mountainous peak to her back, that would surely take her back to the cave and In’is’kim. “Kind of spooky, don’t you think?” a raspy voice asked. Skyler froze. “What do you want?” “You, pretty girl. I’ve wanted you from the minute In’is’kim wanted you.” “Who are you? Why are you doing this to In’is’kim and me?” She whirled around, but saw no one. “Won’t be long and you’ll know, just before you die.” “What are you going to do to me?” “Do you really want to know? Skyler swallowed hard. She couldn’t find him, but when she glanced behind her, she noticed the peak. Without another thought she ran, hard and fast. She pushed on, faster and faster. The cold air burned in her throat. The muscles in her legs tightened. She’d never make it back to the cave, pushing herself this hard. She found no signs of anyone following and slowed her pace. The deep snow was getting harder to step in and she struggled against nature. She scanned the rocky ledges and quickly spotted the flickering of a fire. New energy surged her on—back to safety and the man she loved.

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Dark Spirit “In’is’kim!” she called out. It wasn’t all that far ahead and Skyler reserved her energy for stomping through the snow. Once again the clouds shut out the suns warm rays. Bleakness settled over the land, and Skyler. “In’is’kim!” she called out again, this time with more volume. Keeping the fire in her sight, she trudged toward it with what remained of her strength. She got closer and closer. It seemed to take forever. Finally she stepped out of the cold wind and into the cave. “Well, it took you long enough.” Skyler gasped. A masked figured sat cross-legged in front of the snapping fire. He wasn’t In’is’kim. She’d walked right into Dark Spirit’s camp. No way was she going to give the arrogant bastard a chance to torture her. Without skipping a beat, Skyler turned and ran away from the cave. She hadn’t gone far when some one shoved her hard in the back, slamming her face down in the snow. Panicking, she bolted upright, only to have the killer quickly pushed her face back into the cold abyss. She struggled to lift her head, but found she couldn’t match the strength of her assailant. It got harder and harder to breathe. Her lungs burned for want of air. Skyler fought the darkness that threatened…and won.

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V{tÑàxÜ YÉâÜàxxÇ Turkey…you sacrifice so you can give away, unselfish so others may have a better day. Aspire with the spirit of giving, all is sacred in this world that is living.

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n’is’kim rolled the sleeping bag with more anger than he could imagine possible. He’d waken to a nightmare. At first he thought Dark Spirit had been gutsy enough to take Skyler while he slept. Then he realized her jacket was gone. The medicine cards told him the rest. She’d gone of her own free will. But where to? To talk to the killer? He’d kill her for sure. Maybe she’d decided to create a diversion and lead the killer away from him. If that was her choice, it was a purely stupid and dangerous one. He tied the sleeping bag tight and fast. He’d follow her footsteps in the snow and he damn well better find her before dark. He felt the presence of the killer. It was like he had a connection or a telepathy to make himself be felt. Was he imagining it, or had Skyler’s comments about his twin being alive put the thought into his subconscious? In’is’kim hurried out of the cave. The wind had already erased some of her small footprints. He pushed on with a drive. “I’m coming, Skyler, I’m coming,” he said under his breath. Cold wind bit at his cheeks. Skyler wouldn’t last long in this bitter cold. She’d just recovered from hyperthermia. In her weakened state, she would have even less of a chance of handling the elements. He worried. He blamed himself. He cussed out her stubbornness. He even cussed his own negligence, and he wasn’t a man for cussing. All the while, he kept his feet moving and his mind alert. In’is’kim stopped. He smelled smoke. Faint, but he still knew the implications of that. Ahead he noticed footprints coming his way, then veering off to his right. In a patient glance, he scanned the mountainous terrain, then paused. A cave, not that far ahead, brazenly exposed a fire. The killer had made a stand. And he undoubtedly had Skyler. Fear filled In’is’kim as never before. Had the deed been done already? No, he decided; that 114

Dark Spirit would not be as much fun. Dark Spirit would want a witness to show his glorious work to. He’d want to make his point. His satisfaction would be in the symbolism and winning. In’is’kim grabbed his knife from the sheath at his side and cut several lowlying juniper branches. Using a rope, he tied the bundle together, then placed it on his pack, making sure it covered him from mid-waist to slightly above the top of his head. Having secured it in place, he dropped to his hands and knees and headed toward the camp ahead, each step a gruesome shot of pain to his injured leg. Not once did he take his gaze from the cave entrance. It didn’t take long for his gloves to get soaked through. The knees of his jeans gave him little protection and quickly went numb with cold. He inched closer. The fire had been a beacon, every bit as flashing as a lighthouse for fishermen. The killer wanted In’is’kim to come. And he did. There was a time In’is’kim would have stormed right in, regardless of the situation. Skyler’s words haunted him. Do the unexpected. He struggled to think what he wouldn’t be expected to do. The killer wouldn’t expect In’is’kim to wait. That was it. He wanted immediate action. He had the prize, his bait, his goal in sight, and now he wanted to get on with it. The time of reckoning had come. So, that meant? In’is’kim inched his way to the side of the boulder, creeping closer to the cave opening. He would be patient. He’d make Dark Spirit pace. Get annoyed and agitated. Feel failure. The hunter would become the hunted. The rules of the game had changed. The wind subsided slightly. In’is’kim untied the juniper from his back, leaned against the cold stone, and rested. He blew warm air into his hands and vigorously rubbed them together. He slipped off his pack and retrieved his black sweat pants. It took some doing, but he managed to shed the wet jeans and pull on the dry, much warmer sweats. He untied the sleeping bag, zipped it up, then crawled into it. Grabbing several jerky and the bota, In’is’kim allowed himself a meal. Every now and then a gust of wind brought the smoke from Dark Spirit’s fire. If ever a man had created a hell for another, Dark Spirit had done that to In’is’kim. If Skyler…he swallowed from the mere thought. If the killer had already hurt Skyler—he choked. It seemed impossible to imagine, so he chose not to. But if she were dead, he would kill the bastard and hope he’d be fatally wounded in the process. If he couldn’t spend the rest of his life with Skyler, it wasn’t worth living. Even though resting was necessary to conserve his strength so he could fight the bastard, In’is’kim found it difficult to just sit there, close to Skyler, yet so far away. His patience had come to an end. He had to know. He couldn’t just sit there hoping the killer hadn’t hurt her in any way. In’is’kim rolled to his stomach and inched his way around the boulder, toward the cave opening. “He’s not coming to your rescue,” said a gruff voice. “What do you think about that?” “It doesn’t matter, he owes me nothing,” Skyler said. “Besides, I don’t mean

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anything to him. We hardly know each other.” In’is’kim clenched his teeth. She said all the right things, he only hoped she didn’t mean them. He found her tone very convincing. He shoved his doubts away and crept in closer. “Can’t tell me a man and woman are together night and day and you haven’t screwed yet.” “I don’t ‘screw’. I make love. But, there has to be love, and I don’t love that Indian. There, you happy?” “Shit, you tramp. Think you’re too good, is that it?” “Let’s just say my ancestors and his once killed each other. My greatgrandparents were slaughtered by Blackfeet. So, maybe I shouldn’t care, but deep down, I do. Why would I desecrate my great-grandparents by giving myself to an Indian?” “He know how you feel?” “Doesn’t matter. It’s because of him that I’ve had to protect my sister and myself from you! Why me? Just tell me that!” In’is’kim wondered if the story about Skyler’s great-grandparents was true. With great care, he inched close enough to the cave’s entrance enough to peer inside. The blazing fire gave him a good view. Skyler was standing, her arms stretched above her head and tied. Her feet were unbound. Dark Spirit wore a mask, as he had before. In’is’kim studied the small-framed man. Who possibly had that physique’? He racked his brain, but no names came to mind. “Why you? Because you were chosen.” “Chosen? How?” “The dream catcher.” “What on earth are you talking about?” “Yours was the first name drawn for the dream catcher, not that lady at the library. Her name was drawn second, because you had a conflict of interest and weren’t eligible. But, that didn’t change the fact you were the chosen one.” “Chosen for what?” “Don’t you see? You’re name was chosen. You were chosen as the next―” “Victim? Chosen by whom?” “The old ones. Me. It’s what he deserves. What they deserved. I’m the purebred, the innocent one. I’m the one they deserted for dead. Now it’s time for them to pay.” “Them? Who are them?” “All in due time. Right now all you have to know is that I’m going to kill you. Just like my ancestors killed your great grandparents.” “Why?” “Because it’s your destiny.” “Not a good enough reason.” “Can’t help it. You were chosen, and nothing can change it.” “This is crazy. You don’t have to do this. Why don’t you just stop? Killing is wrong. Framing In’is’kim is wrong. What could he possibly have done to you that you hate him this much?” “You’ll see. Why, do you care?”

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Dark Spirit “I care because it’s wrong. Don’t read some great romantic love thing into it, save that for the movies.” “Do I hear anger? Did you offer yourself to him, and he turned you down? I’ll bet that’s it. You know he does that. He is stupid enough to believe if he doesn’t care about them, I won’t kill them. He’s wrong. They have to die. It’s their destiny.” “Then why do you care whether I love In’is’kim or not? You keep asking. Why’s it so important to find the woman he loves?” “It’ll continue until I find her. That’s his ultimate loss. I’ve had my loss, he must have his. It’s only fair.” “Why? What does he owe you?” In’is’kim held his breath, waiting for the answer. “All in due time, little girl. All in due time.” In’is’kim felt like jumping up and choking the reason out of Dark Spirit. The bastard was still enjoying the game, and it graveled In’is’kim to the point of—no. He had to maintain patience. Do the unexpected. “Why don’t you let me down. My arms hurt.” “Imagine the fury of your warrior when he sees you strung up. Let’s give him a little flesh to savor.” Dark Spirit slid his knife down the front of her pullover shirt, splitting it in half. Using the tip of the blade, he moved the material off to the side, exposing both her bare breasts. “If he’s not my lover, why would it matter whether or not you humiliate me this way?” “Oh, the knight-in-shining-armor syndrome will conquer his brains. Isn’t it the man’s way to protect the frail woman? Save her from the demon? You seem so helpless and vulnerable this way. What do you think he’ll see?” “A stupid woman who got herself caught and now is paying the price. You don’t get it, do you? He doesn’t give diddly about me. I don’t give diddly about him, for that matter. He isn’t going to care a flying leap what you do to me. His only concern is that he doesn’t want to be framed for my murder.” “Hard-lined. Maybe too hard-lined.” “Think what you like. I don’t give a shit. I’ve done nothing to you, it’s wrong for you to be doing this to me.” In’is’kim sensed the strain in Skyler voice. She was wearing down. Now wasn’t the time to help her. “I didn’t want this. You think I wanted this? I wanted family. I wanted a brother who cared about me, no matter what I am. I wanted to be loved.” The man’s words confused In’is’kim. He wanted a brother who cared? Could Skyler be right? Could his twin brother have lived? Why would they have been separated? Why did the family tell him the second twin, his brother, had died? Why didn’t Grandfather tell the truth? In’is’kim had more questions than answers. “You’re In’is’kim’s twin brother, aren’t you?” “Keep guessing. You’ll never get it right.” “You’re so angry. Why?” “You’re angry, aren’t you, little lady? Tell me, how do you really feel about your loving mother?”

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“What’s my mother have to do with anything? Why would it matter to you anyway?” “Touchy, are we? You’re getting personal, why can’t I? You haven’t answered my question.” “Okay, if you must know, I think she’s the poorest excuse for a mother there is. She deserted my father and her two daughters to be with some other man. We were in the way. It nearly destroyed my father. I know it bothers Maggie, but she doesn’t talk about it. No one likes to be deserted.” “You see, my point exactly. We’re a lot alike.” “We’re nothing alike. I forgave her.” “You what?” “Forgave. Is it a new word to you?” “Don’t be flip. She didn’t deserve forgiving. Revenge will make you feel better. Besides, you haven’t really forgiven her. I can hear it in your voice.” “Think what you like. I didn’t say I loved her, I said I forgave her. Doesn’t mean I accept what she did. Doesn’t mean I think it’s alright. It just means I don’t harbor the hate. I released it. She’ll pay for her sins, like I’ll pay for mine some day.” “Like a goody two-shoes?” “No, like a Christian.” “Bullshit!” “Why?” “Why what?” “Why is it bullshit?” “Because I don’t think you’re being honest.” “I don’t give diddly whether you believe me or not.” Dark Spirit slapped her across the face. In’is’kim scrambled to his feet, then held back. The time wasn’t right. “Where the hell is he?” In’is’kim pulled back. The focus had changed, and now the killer showed signs of agitation and impatience. “Most likely he’s reached East Glacier and has summoned help. That’s it, isn’t it? All the while you believed you were being so brilliant here, he hasn’t given you a thought. He’ll come back with the police. If you kill me, they’ll know In’is’kim couldn’t have done it. It’s only a matter of time before they catch you.” In’is’kim could have kissed Skyler for her needling. He slid back down to his belly, then inched his way toward the edge in order to watch them again. The killer’s mood had darkened and his sudden pacing spoke for itself. “I won’t get caught. I’ve planned this out, and it’s been working like a puzzle, each piece fitting. I don’t make mistakes.” “The way I hear it, maybe you are the mistake.” “Bitch!” He slapped her hard. In’is’kim struggled with his emotions. He kept telling himself a few slaps were nothing compared to what Dark Spirit could be doing. It was in Skyler’s best interest to wear him down. She happened to be doing a fine job of it. She also seemed to be wearing herself down as well. Her posture leaned heavier on her outstretched arms. It had to be painful to her broken wrist. He hated seeing her

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Dark Spirit suffer. Finally darkness threatened. In’is’kim had reached his patience level hours earlier. The silence between Skyler and Dark Spirit lengthened. It seemed to further agitate him. “He is coming.” In’is’kim found it surprising Dark Spirit broke the long silence. “I agree, he’s coming. But, not tonight. I expect he’ll show up with the authorities around this time tomorrow.” “Think you’re smart? Tell you what, little lady, you’ve just talked yourself into a skinning.” In’is’kim sat in alarm. “What are you talking about?” “I’m going to kill you tonight.” The killer’s knife glinted in the fire light. He placed it in the red coals. “What are you doing?” “If the blade is hot, I can skin and cauterize the flesh as I go. Doesn’t bleed as much, and you stay alive so much longer. I had this one woman, big gal, who almost enjoyed the experience. She lasted four days. She was a glorious specimen. The satisfaction I received lasted a long time.” “Did In’is’kim know her?” “Indeed. She was the second victim. His loyal friend and secretary. A loudmouth who had shunned me. She did everything possible to get in my way. She dug into my past and discovered my secrets. She died knowing too much.” In’is’kim cringed. “What secrets got her killed? I mean, is any secret worth taking a human life? What possible reason could you hate In’is’kim enough to kill and put the suspicions on him?” “What do you know?” “I know that you killed that woman―” “Brenda Horton.” “Okay, you killed Brenda Horton in a horrifying way because she found out your dirty little secrets. What does that have to do with In’is’kim? Does this sound reasonable? Rational? Sane?” “You don’t understand.” “Make me understand.” Skyler had gotten Dark Spirit talking again. He no longer held his knife in the fire, preparing to skin her. In’is’kim eased the grip on his own knife, his fears cooling as did his temperament. He breathed slightly easier. “Brenda Horton told me In’is’kim was gifted. She loved him, I could tell.” “Then the killing should have stopped with her. You said it would stop—” “She loved In’is’kim. He didn’t love her. She protected him like a mother bear protects her cubs. It was Brenda who sent out the dream catchers. I was led to Brenda, as I was led to all of them. It was my revenge. It’s my right to serve revenge on a wrong done me.” “What wrong, Dark Spirit?” “What did you call me?” “Um, Dark Spirit. It’s what In’is’kim and I started calling you after speaking

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with Grandfather.” “Grandfather, huh? He is a stupid old man. He has protected the truth all this time. He and Grandmother. They came to see me once. I thought they were old friends of my care parents.” “Care parents?” “Yes. The couple who raised me didn’t want people thinking they’d birthed me, so they called themselves my care parents. Convenient, huh?” “Are they still alive?” “Funny you should ask.” “You killed them? How could you?” “I didn’t kill them. The old ones did.” “What do you mean by that?” “They died in an avalanche. In Alaska the weather is treacherous and dangerous. They were traveling by dog sled and got caught in a storm. They were found six feet under snow. No big loss.” “How awful.” “Not really. It was destiny. That’s when I learned the truth.” “What truth? How old were you?” “Fifteen. The truth was that my care parents were being paid big money to take care of me. My grandparents took me to Alaska because my mother was frail. Two babies nearly killed her. One son was perfect and the other was a thin, scrawny, premature after-thought.” “But, why take you away?” “They didn’t think my mother could handle the death of a son, so they didn’t tell her there were two. It didn’t matter, she didn’t live a week past our births anyway. The family had told no one there were twins. Only our grandparents and father knew the truth. They didn’t expect me to live more than a week, so what harm was there in a little lie?” “That’s awful. But why blame In’is’kim?” “He knew the truth and never tried to find me. He didn’t want me any more than the rest of the family. When I did try to talk to him, he shunned me.” In’is’kim stood and entered the cave. “I didn’t know.” Dark Spirit whirl to face him. “You had to know. She said you called me Dark Spirit. That was the name on my birth certificate. They called me Kwo’tuck, shadow before death, but the papers say, Dark Spirit. You had to know.” “Grandfather must have slipped when he said that. I swear he only called you that a few days ago. In’is’kim never knew.” “Skyler is right, Dark Spirit. I never knew. Take off the ski mask. Introduce yourself to me. Find out that I will not reject you.” In’is’kim took several steps around the fire and glared directly into the man’s eyes. Their intensity had a sinister gleam to them. In’is’kim stepped back and held his breath as the stranger, who had made his life miserable, pure hell, for years, stood before him. Hatred mingled with sympathy, the intensity of it all becoming more than confusing. “Who are you?” Only the crackling of the fire responded. In’is’kim waited, patient and unmoving. He glanced at Skyler, hoping to tell her with his eyes that things were going to be okay. That he loved her and that he wouldn’t let anything happen to

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Dark Spirit her.” “You love her!” In’is’kim nearly jumped at the accusation. “What?” “You love her! I knew it had to happen. It’s like I envisioned. This will be the end. It will be the final death. My vengeance will be finished.” “You’re wrong. If I loved her, she’d be with Grandfather. It’s Maggie I love.” The killer gasped. Silence spoke confusion. In’is’kim dove at the smaller man, and they crashed to the hard cave rock. The effort sent stabbing pains up In’is’kim’s leg, but he ignored it. Dark Spirit stabbed the knife at In’is’kim and he backed away in time to escape the blade. Taking a swinging blow, In’is’kim caught himself, then took several steps back. In a powerful motion, he drove his knife into Dark Spirit’s ribs. He gasped for air. Dark Spirit wilted like a picked daisy in the sun. In a quick movement, In’is’kim pulled the ski mask from the killer’s face and bolted backward. “White Feather! You’re my brother? My twin?” He looked up at Skyler, then back at Dark Spirit. “In the flesh. Quite a shock, huh? Damn straight, though. Don’t resemble each other much, but when you start comparing, there are similarities. Look close. I’m a pure-blood. Seems like you missed the mark on that one. If we took a paternity sample, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out you aren’t even our father’s son. I don’t think you are my twin. I think we were born of the same mother, but different sacks, different fathers!” “It’s impossible!” He choked out the words, then landed a fist on Dark Spirit’s chin. He dropped like a water balloon. “In’is’kim? Please cut me down.” It took a few seconds before her words penetrated his brain. He drew in several deep breaths, then bolted from the limp body of his…brother. He sliced the rope above her hands and caught her limp body in his arms. “I’m so sorry I let this happen to you.” “It wasn’t your fault. He’s a scary, sick man.” In’is’kim dropped to sit, holding Skyler in his lap. “Can you move them?” he asked, rubbing her arms. “They prickle and are quite useless right now, but that’s a good sign. I’m not so sure my wrist hasn’t separated again. It hurts like hell.” “I’m sorry. God, Skyler, I’m so sorry.” He buried his face in her neck. “It’s over. What you going to do about him?” In’is’kim observed the unmoving, beaten man. “Get him some help. Be supportive. Try to make up for all he’s suffered. I’m not sure I can forgive the killings, but I can try to understand. In time maybe.” “Maybe not!” Dark Spirit sprang to his feet, gripping a bloody knife. Without warning he encircled Sklyer’s neck and pulled her into his chest. “She lied. Said you didn’t love her. Said she didn’t love you. I knew better. I always know better.” “Don’t, Dark Spirit. Please. I do love her. Spare her for me. I didn’t know you were alive, I swear it. Had I known, I wouldn’t have deserted you. You know that in your heart, don’t you?” “She tried tricking me. You tricked me already. How can I trust you?” “How can I trust you?” In’is’kim asked. “What medicine card did you get

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today?” “How do you know about the medicine cards?” “We’ve been receiving them. They don’t come from you, do they?” “No.” “What card?” In’is’kim pressed. “ Raven.” “You know what that means, don’t you?” “I don’t,” Skyler whispered. “Dark Spirit is being warned,” he said. “All the harm he has wished on those women he killed, on you and me…he has asked for it to teach him in turn what it feels like. You know that, don’t you, Dark Spirit?” “I won’t let it. I’m in control. I hold the knife.” His nervous tone rose as did the laugh that followed.

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Dark Spirit

V{tÑàxÜ Y|yàxxÇ Raven...the bearer of magic and of spells, the color of void or that of a deep well. Bring your darkness to the light of day, dispel the inner turmoil that eats us away.

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kyler refused to come this far only to end up a victim. She had too much to lose. Her numb arms dangled uselessly in front of her. In’is’kim’s position wouldn’t allow him an opportunity to disarm Dark Spirit of his knife. “Say your prayers, pretty girl.” Dark Spirit’s voice edged with cold confidence. “You don’t need to do this,” she blurted, before thinking. “You’ve wanted In’is’kim to acknowledge you as his brother, and now he has. Why kill me now?” “Because I have to. It’s your destiny. You’re the last.” “Why?” “In’is’kim was so big when he was born. I was small, so small they were sure I’d die, too. It was his fault our mother died. It was his fault they sent me away to die. It didn’t do any good, because she died anyway. My mother would have loved me. When I kill the woman that he loves, my vengeance will be done.” “What?” In’is’kim asked. “I had a twin brother. I was told he died at birth. I have missed him my whole life. I’ve never stopped wondering what it would have been like had he lived. I have felt a void, because without him I’m not completely whole. That’s how it is with twins; fraternal or identical. There’s a special bond.” “You had a brother who did not die. You should have felt that!” “You’ve been my one true friend all these years, White Feather. Or should I say, Dark Spirit. Why didn’t you once tell me?” Skyler felt Dark Spirit tense. She held still, as the tip of the knife pressed slightly deeper into the thin skin of her neck. “I had to wait until you truly loved. Now it can end.” “Killing all those other women…why? My spending the rest of my life in prison for killings I never committed, why? My best friend, my worst enemy, and my brother!” In’is’kim’s voice choked off. “The shits, wouldn’t you say? You’re one stupid bastard, aren’t you? Why? How would you like to know your family sent you away to die? You lived a 123

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wonderful life, I lived a pathetic existence! You think those people I lived with, relatives at that, cared about me? Hell no.” “That wasn’t my fault.” “Bullshit! You were first born, healthy and wanted. I was the afterbirth.” “Give me a chance to change all that.” “We can’t go back. I can’t unkill those women. I can promise you now that it’s all going to stop. She dies, you go to prison, and I can do the lectures, the seminars, the fine speeches about our people. I’ve been listening to you for years. You’re not even a full-blood! I’ll do the people right. I’ll be renown for eternity.” “Why not join me? We could do the work together. Share in the glory of being Native American and brothers.” “I can relate to your feelings of rejection,” Skyler said, realizing her mouth had grown dry. “But I don’t understand why you blame In’is’kim. He didn’t do this to you.” “He could have helped me. I felt his existence, and I’m sure he could feel my presence, too.” “I did feel something, but I didn’t know what it was. I thought it was sensitivity toward the killer. I’d always felt a part of me was missing, but I knew my twin had died. I always thought those feelings meant he watched over me, and even though he died, he still remained somehow linked to me. I’ve shared this with you many times. Why didn’t you tell me then?” Dark Spirit pressed his knife against her wind pipe, then unceremoniously shoved her aside. She landed hard on her shoulder, but quickly sat. Her numb arms hung at her sides. She glanced from Dark Spirit to In’is’kim, but couldn't find even the slightest resemblance between the…twins. “The time wasn’t right,” Dark Spirit shouted. “I knew the truth when you didn’t even try finding me. If you’re honest with yourself, you knew all along I wasn’t dead. You wanted the family for yourself.” Tears pooled in Dark Spirit’s eyes. She felt his pain and felt somewhat sorry for him. She glanced at In’is’kim and sensed he had similar feelings. “Why would I try finding my dead brother?” In’is’kim asked. “Besides, you had so many opportunities to tell me. You never gave me a chance to know you as my brother. You came to me for a job. I gave you one. We’ve been friends.” Dark Spirit jabbed his knife at In’is’kim’s face. Skyler winced as a slight trickle of blood ran down his cheek. “I dropped hints. I even asked you once if you didn’t think we were close enough to be brothers.” “I remember that. If I recall, you were drunk and babbling on about all sorts of shit. You mentioned something about long lost brother and justice or revenge. How was I to know you meant it?” Skyler’s arms prickled painfully as her circulation struggled to bring life back into her limbs. “You never gave me a chance. No one gave me a chance. I deserve revenge. It’s my right as a Blackfeet.” “The Blackfeet would be ashamed of how you’ve killed in the name of justice and rightful revenge.” Dark Spirit fingered his knife, his thoughts deep. Skyler wondered what

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Dark Spirit confusion must be taking place. “I want to finish this,” Dark Spirit said, taking a step forward. “Finish what?” In’is’kim tensed. “I still must kill her.” “Why?” In’is’kim drew his shoulders back and sucked in a slow, even breath. The truth had come out, and still Dark Spirit wanted to kill her. She couldn’t let him. Without giving it much thought, she kicked, sending the knife flying out of Dark Spirit’s hand. Jumping across the short distance, In’is’kim landed on top of Dark Spirit. He raised his fist and paused in mid-air. Roughly, he twisted Dark Spirit onto his back, pulled off his belt and hooked it tightly around Dark Spirit’s wrists. “You’ve been hurt enough. I’d like to let you go, but I can’t. All those murders, they must be accounted for. I’ll do all I can to help you, but you must face the consequences.” “I’d rather die than be locked in a cage.” Skyler sat and rubbed her arms. In’is’kim pulled Dark Spirit to sit in front of him. “A fate you preferred I had? You hate me that much? You and I could have had such good times, sharing like brothers should. Instead, you’ve made my life close to a living hell all these years. I kept wondered if it was me killing those women. I worried I had a multiple personality. I wondered if I had the power of two places, one remaining, the other butchering women. You have any idea what a hell that can be?” “My life started out in hell. You think I should feel sorry for you?” “No, I don’t expect sympathy. I would have thought our ties would have given you compassion. Instead of turning to revenge, why not tell me the truth so we could work it out? Why?” “I didn’t want your rejection. Once in a lifetime is enough.” “You didn’t give me a chance.” “What did you want? Me crawling on my hands and knees? Did you know you were born first, no complications? I took six more hours to be born. They told me I drained the life out of her. It was all my fault. They sent me away because I killed her. But they were wrong, you killed her. You were over nine pounds, she didn’t have the strength for me to be born.” “Neither of us killed her. Father told me the doctors warned her if she were to get pregnant, she would most likely die. It was her choice to give it a try. Father said she tricked him, and when she was pregnant she refused to abort. She wanted a baby so much. She wanted to give him a son. So, you see, neither of us killed her. It was her choice.” “They blamed me for killing her. I killed those women so you would know what it felt like to be blamed for something you had no control over. The dream catchers chose them for me, and I took care of it. I tried to make them live longer than six hours. One didn’t die for four weeks. She was glorious.” “You’re sick!” Skyler spat. “Maybe I can’t blame you for it, but I certainly don’t have to understand it or forgive it.” “Skyler, please don’t,” In’is’kim said in a soothing tone. “Dark Spirit, I have to take you back. I promise I won’t desert you. I’ll do all I can to help you.” Skyler read disbelief in Dark Spirit’s expression. He stared at his brother and

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silence fell as the siblings looked at each other. “Why?” “Because you’ve suffered enough. You’ll have to pay for your crimes, but if the court hears the reasons, they’ll have to…you could plead insanity. Yes, with good doctors, you won’t have to go to prison.” “Christ! You think it’s that easy? They’ll have to lock me up in a cage until the court decides. They’ll lock me in a padded room until they decide I’m not crazy any more. Shit, I won’t go through that.” “I’ll be there to help you. Grandfather will help.” “I won’t accept his help. He’s the one who sent me away.” “Grandfather! I don’t believe―” “In’is’kim,” Skyler interrupted. “Your mother was Grandfather’s daughter. He may have blamed Dark Spirit at first. Maybe he went back to see Dark Spirit and realized his grave mistake, but it was too late. You said Grandfather has been acting distant and strange, and now you know why. He couldn’t reveal that he knew the killer was his own grandson. I’m sure Grandfather felt guilty enough for having sent Dark Spirit away, he couldn’t tell.” “You think Grandfather knew I was the killer?” “Yes, I do,” Skyler answered. Sympathy for Dark Spirit surfaced. She could only imagine how lonely and rejected he must have felt all this time. “Dark Spirit, allow me to help you. I won’t ever turn my back on you again. I’ll come visit you. I’ll do the things I promise.” *** In’is’kim didn’t sleep well. He’d taken the bindings off Dark Spirit. In his heart, In’is’kim knew it had been the right thing to do, but in his mind he still didn’t trust him. The whole thing was impossible to imagine. The only good thing was that Dark Spirit no longer felt a need to kill Skyler. She was safe. Pulling her closer, In’is’kim glanced at a sleeping Dark Spirit. It was like looking at a stranger. He’d known White Feather…Dark Spirit for ten years. Even stranger, in spite of the stalking, killings and fear, In’is’kim felt a kinship, a closeness to this stranger, his brother. Another matter pressed on his mind. Grandfather. Why hadn’t he ever said a word? When Grandfather had given him the picture, he’d asked why they would take a picture of a dead baby. Grandfather had answered the picture was taken just before his twin became dead to them. Now In’is’kim understood. The Blackfeet way when one became sta-au, ghost. But why would they have turned their backs on a baby? “Awake because you don’t trust me?” Dark Spirit stared at him across the fire. His voice came deep and strange. “No, awake because I have a lot on my mind. Questions unanswered.” “Like?” “Why didn’t Grandfather ever tell me?” “He told me he sent me away because he believed I was going to die soon and he wanted to spare his daughter, our mother, the pain of knowing her union was an unapproved one.”

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Dark Spirit “Unapproved? Our mother and father?” “Didn’t know, huh?” His deep laugh worried In’is’kim. “I don’t know anything about this. I’d like to know and understand.” “You’d be better off not knowing a damn thing. But, I’ll tell you all the gruesome details. You see, they were both of the same tribe and were told they couldn’t marry. Blood lines are checked carefully. They didn’t have enough distance to become one.” “Cousins?” “Probably. The people shunned them and made fun of them. Grandfather wanted to save one of us from the shame. If one of us died, it meant the old ones would forgive them their shame, because their loss of a son would be payment for going against the law. The loss of our mother was also punishment. “Grandfather said he thought I was going to die soon. So he took me to his sister in Alaska. But I didn’t die. And when our dear aunt realized I was going to live, she paid my caretakers to raise me. They were paid well to keep the secret that I lived.” “I wish I’d have known, Dark Spirit. I wish I could have helped you before all the killings. I could have. I would have, too.” “So you say. Doesn’t matter now anyway. What’s done is done. I don’t feel bad about killing them. It helped me.” “You can’t mean that. You must feel some remorse.” “Remorse? Justice and revenge, yes. But remorse, no. I did it for you. We’re in on this together. You should kill Skyler. You’d be amazed at how it would set you free. Our parents and our grandparents did this to us.” “I don’t blame anyone. It was all a mistake. A terrible mistake. But now we have to correct the mistake. Dark Spirit, it’s time to heal.” “We could continue on together, like it was meant to be.” “What do you mean?” “The women. Their death is our release.” “No. Their death is wrong. None of them had anything to do with your birth, rejection, or me. They had nothing to do with our mother dying. Don’t you see? You can’t kill them for me. I don’t want them to die.” “If we killed Skyler together, you’d feel I’m right.” “We aren’t killing Skyler or anyone. The killing has stopped now, because I’m stopping it.” “Let me go. You don’t have to take me in. I could go back to Alaska. You’d never hear from me again.” “I wish I could do that, but I can’t. The police think I’m guilty of these murders. They think I did all the things you did. We have to set them straight. We’ll face the courts, then we’ll make your mind better.” “Maybe I don’t want to be better. I like things the way they are. You could come with me. We could be together.” “No, Dark Spirit. I’m sorry, but it won’t work. We are brothers, but we’re nothing alike. I’ll help you, I promise.” “If I promise not to kill again, will you let me go?” A single tear rolled down Dark Spirit’s cheek.

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A rush of sympathy and sadness filled In’is’kim. “I don’t think you’re capable of promising that. You still want to kill Skyler. I thought she was safe. But, she’ll never be safe as long as you’re free.” Dark Spirit’s husky laughter caused Skyler to stir in her sleep. It fringed on hysterical, and In’is’kim tensed. “What…what’s going on?” she asked. “Nothing, Skyler,” In’is’kim soothed. “Go back to sleep.” “You don’t need her. We don’t need women.” He sat, his back tense. “Dark Spirit, you’re in need of help. Let me help you.” In’is’kim sat facing him across the fire. Dark Spirit’s expression grew sullen. “I should have killed her. She wouldn’t be between us now if I had just killed her.” “Listen to yourself. Do you think wanting to kill her is a rational statement? Stop and think about it, Dark Spirit. You need help. Will you let me help you?” Dark Spirit’s expression showed more attitude. “I won’t let you turn us in. I’ll kill you first.” “Us? What do you mean?” “Us. You know, White Feather and me. I won’t let you drag us to any court, any jail, any loony bin. It ain’t happening, man! And, I wish you’d stop calling White Feather…me.” “You being…Dark Spirit.” “Damn, you catch on quick, don’t you?” “So, he didn’t kill those women, you did?” “Right on. Oh, he knows about them. He fancies he has the balls to do it, but he chickens out every time. I’ve given him every opportunity to follow-through. Pussy just can’t follow through.” In’is’kim recognized the gruff voice and didn’t doubt a different man stood before him. A more aggressive man. A more dangerous man. “So, it’s you, Dark Spirit, not White Feather? That makes more sense to me. The friend, companion and closest thing I’ve had to a brother couldn’t have murdered all those women. But you, yes, I believe you could.” In’is’kim jumped to his feet. “You want him to kill me, or at least try, don’t you? It ain’t happen’in.” Dark Spirit stood sporting a cocky attitude. “It ends here. You’re going to kill the slut behind you, then I’m going to either kill you, or make sure the police find you guilty for her death. Either way, I’m going to be rid of you forever.” “You want to do it? You want to kill me? Go ahead and try.” “I’ll do more than try.” “I want you and White Feather, both of you, to come with me and end this madness.” “I’ll never quit. I hate you. I hate Grandfather. I hate Grandmother. I even hate our parents for letting this happen. I hate life, and nothing will change my mind.” On edge, In’is’kim drew a steadying breath. The killer’s husky voice had returned. In’is’kim moved away from Skyler and slipped his knife out of the sheath. “I want to help you.” “You want to put us away in some hospital somewhere behind bars and locked doors. A place where people won’t have to know about us. You’re some

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Dark Spirit famous speaker…knowing about us would destroy you.” “That’s not it. I want to help you. You’re my brother, my twin. You can’t believe I’d want to hurt you, now that I know the truth. I’m sure White Feather wants to feel whole.” “He wants me dead. You talked him into killing me.” “No. Try to understand, you’ll always be a part of him, but you’ll be one. The horror of power will be over, as will the killings.” “He is rejecting me.” “No, he’s trying to do the right thing. Is it you who talks him into killing? Is it you who has so much hatred you’ll use any excuse to take the life of others? The murdered women were raped, you had to do that. Which of you is guilty of the murders?” “I hate you! You’re all that is good, aren’t you? You get the good life. You get the love. You get a father, a grandfather, and a grandmother. You get relatives, a tribe, and even a career. What did I get? I got rejection.” “I didn’t have anything to do with that. I didn’t know until White Feather told me.” “You must have guessed. He told me if we found you, you would understand. He wanted to meet you. I didn’t give a shit. I told him you would turn on us. You’re one of them. He didn’t believe it. But now, I know I was right.” “No. I haven’t turned on you, Dark Spirit. I want to help you. I want to help White Feather, too. Don’t you see? If you come back with me, you’ll find the help you need. I won’t desert you. I don’t care who finds out about you. I’ll take you to meet your relatives. Your family. They’ll accept you. I’ll make sure grandfather tells the truth.” “I could kill you and Skyler. I could take your place, and no one would know the difference.” “Are you serious? Of course they would. You’re forgetting we aren’t identical twins. You’re not you until you allow White Feather to become one person. You’re rejecting him by overpowering him. You’ve taken over because he is weaker. But, I think now he’s gotten stronger. He doesn’t need your strength anymore. He wants to be himself. Let me help him.” Dark Spirit pointed at Skyler. “Could you love White Feather as much as you love her?” In’is’kim felt a great need to protect her. “A man doesn’t love his brother the same way he loves a woman. I could love White Feather, but he must let me help him. I won’t reject him. I’ll be there for him. I won’t fail him, and I won’t fail you. Give White Feather a chance to be happy.” Dark Spirit closed his eyes and remained still, then jerked violently. In’is’kim moved his palm over Skyler’s hand, but didn’t take his gaze off the man who claimed to be his brother. “Did you mean it?” White Feather’s warm voice had returned. In’is’kim drew in a breath. “Yes. Are you strong enough to keep Dark Spirit from hurting Skyler or me?” “He’s going to give me a chance. He’s promised.” “What if he’s tricking you? What if…how can we be sure?” “Tie my hands behind my back. Tie a rope to me and don’t let me run. Keep

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your knife away from me and don’t ever leave me alone with Skyler. He is an angry spirit. I want to be whole. I want to get better. I don’t want him to push me away anymore. I’ve never trusted anyone in my life, but now I’m trusting you, my brother.” In’is’kim fought back the sentiment that gripped his heart. He crossed the distance between them. Emotionally, he wrapped his arms around White Feather and pulled him to his chest. They cried, silent sobs together. In’is’kim held his brother for some time, then realized he'd finally returned the hug. “I’m so sorry, White Feather. I’m so sorry for the pain you’ve suffered. I won’t ever let you down. I promise.”

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V{tÑàxÜ f|åàxxÇ Hawk...look around and be aware, are you bringing good tidings or warning beware. Take your powers and use them to perceive, watch for the signals, we only need to receive.

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kyler choked back the tears that found their way to the surface. In’is’kim had proved to be the most forgiving, loving man she knew. He had compassion beyond anything she thought possible. If she hadn’t witnessed the change in White Feather, she wouldn’t have believed it. Dark Spirit was still a dangerous person. In’is’kim might forget that, but she promised herself to remember it at all times. They weren’t safe until White Feather was in the hands of professionals. They separated, then sat staring at each other. It must be confusing for In’is’kim to be looking at his twin after believing he’d died as an infant. Even harder would be to admit this brother was the killer, the person who made his life hell. “Should I get our packs ready?” Skyler asked. “Yes, we’d better get going. In two days we’ll be at East Glacier.” Skyler couldn’t believe it was over. How In’is’kim kept going all that time, never knowing, wondering when the next victim…she glanced at White Feather…Dark Spirit...the killer. A shudder ran the length of her spine. “You going to bind his hands?” “I don’t think it’s necessary. Look at him. Besides, he’s given his word.” “White Feather has, but remember, Dark Spirit hasn’t,” Skyler whispered. “Why take the chance Dark Spirit will return and kill us both?” “White Feather is in control now.” “Yes, and he warned you that he’ll try to stay in control, but to be safe you need to tie him up. Don’t take chances, In’is’kim. I don’t trust him. Think about what they accomplished these past years. Think about how you felt about the killer yesterday. That’s how you should keep feeling until White Feather is in custody and getting professional help.” “You’re overreacting. I can’t tie him up. He’s my brother. Look at him―” “No, In’is’kim. He is Dark Spirit. And that part of White Feather killed …what? How many women, In’is’kim? Not just killed them…butchered, sliced, 131

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mutilated, do I need to go on?” “I know you’re right, but I’d feel like I’m betraying him by tying him up. I’d feel like I’ve turned on him. I promised to help him.” Skyler squeezed In’is’kim’s arm gently. “I understand what you’re saying. But, I believe he’s still stronger than White Feather. Be smart. Don’t give Dark Spirit the opportunity to return. Don’t let down your guard and tempt fate.” In’is’kim rolled the sleeping bag aggressively. “Are you angry with me?” “I don’t think you understand how I feel. It hasn’t been easy. I’m doing what I think is right, and I refuse to tie my brother’s hands behind him like a common criminal.” “But that’s what he is. Yes, he’s your brother. A brother you never knew you had. But, In’is’kim, use your head, not your heart. I beg you, don’t place us in jeopardy, we won’t survive it.” “You’re wrong.” “So, if I’m wrong, no problem. What if I’m right? What if it’s a trick to let Dark Spirit surface? Gain your trust, even a little love―” “I’ve heard enough. You’re out of line.” “Out of line! And what is that suppose to mean? I’m telling you the way I see it. I’m out of line! In’is’kim, wake up. Dark Spirit is the killer.” “Enough, Skyler. It’s my decision and I’ve made it. You don’t like it, too bad. He won’t hurt us anymore. You have my word on that.” “It’s not your word that I mistrust.” “Don’t push me.” “What’s that suppose to mean?” “Whatever.” Skyler watched the man she thought she’d gotten to know over the past few days. The man before her seemed like a stranger. He seemed almost frightening. “If you love me, don’t do this.” “If I love you? If you believed in me you wouldn’t question my decision.” “Is that it? You think I’m questioning your decision, and that is questioning your masculinity? Don’t be absurd! I’m questioning your decision because I think it’s wrong.” “Then keep it to yourself. I’m tired of arguing about it. White Feather won’t be tied. Got that?” “Oh, I got it. But be sure, I won’t be hiking in front of him. You got that? I will carry the pack with his knife, and I will follow behind with a gun pointed at his lying ass. I’m not so gullible.” “You’re starting to piss me off. He’s been treated like shit his whole life. He gave me his word and I don’t plan on―” “Save it, In’is’kim. I don’t think White Feather’s word is worth spit in the wind.” Skyler turned away. She hadn’t meant to jump all over In’is’kim, but she never expected him to turn so trusting. It was foolish and he couldn’t even see it. White Feather made no comment about their disagreement. That told Skyler that her assumptions were true. The air seemed thinner than ever before. Skyler gasped for each cold breath. She noticed it was taking a toll on White Feather and In’is’kim. He still limped and she didn’t doubt his leg hurt like hell, as did her wrist. Renewed swelling

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Dark Spirit indicated she had in fact broken it again. She didn’t complain, she didn’t say a word. Silence hung like a thunder cloud above their heads. “Let’s stop and rest,” In’is’kim said, glancing behind him. “White Feather, you doing okay? Skyler?” She merely nodded as did White Feather. “We’ll crest that peak in about an hour, then it’s all downhill from there. We’ll be at East Glacier sometime late tomorrow afternoon if all goes as planned.” If we live that long. Skyler refrained from saying her thought aloud. Her sullenness was annoying In’is’kim. It wasn’t intentional and she felt guilty since he had enough baggage to carry. She just couldn’t lower her defenses. They just might keep them alive. She took the jerky he offered. If she ate another piece in the next twenty years, it’d be too soon. Carefully she adjusted the sling around her neck and the knife concealed under the cast. “Well, we’d better get moving. That almost looks like snow clouds again. Might not start until tonight, if we’re lucky.” Silence answered In’is’kim’s comment. She kept a watchful eye on White Feather. She wanted to step behind the boulder and take care of nature, but she didn’t want to leave In’is’kim unguarded. Her nerves were stretched, and her emotions confused. One thing she refused to get confused about: Dark Spirit was still a threat to In’is’kim and herself. Each step brought them closer to East Glacier. Skyler couldn’t help thinking that’s just what Dark Spirit was thinking. Was he scoping the land, considering where would be a good place to overtake White Feather and turn on them? Night would be the most dangerous time for them. They crested the peak and stopped. The scene unfolded like a picture out of National Geographic. “It’s spectacular.” “Look!” In’is’kim shouted, pointing ahead at bighorn rams butting heads. It was wild and pure. “Dang, that is something,” Skyler whispered, as though they might hear. A kick to her heels sent her sliding down the steep, snow-covered slope. A bump sent her rolling, picking up momentum. Junipers scraped her body as she rolled over them. They slowed her progress some, but she was still pitching downward at a dangerous pace. She grasped at everything in an attempt to stop the momentum. Several scrub junipers were below her and Skyler grabbed with both hands. The pain of her broken wrist seared up to her shoulder. She clung to the brush with every ounce of energy she possessed. “Skyler, hang on!” She hoped In’is’kim wasn’t fool enough to come after her, leaving White Feather…or was it Dark Spirit…at the top by himself. Would Dark Spirit push In’is’kim, too? She clung to the bushes, refusing to let gravity pull her further into the bowels of earth. “I’m coming. Just hang on.” Her fingers slid a few inches down the branch. She tightened her grip. “Come on, White Feather. Tie this end of the rope around that tree.” It didn’t take long for In’is’kim to slide next to her.

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“My God, Skyler, are you okay?” He pressed his feet into the juniper to brace himself. “Reach up with your good hand, Skyler. Don’t look down.” She reached up and grasped his hand. As he pulled her against him, she closed her eyes and clung to him. She glanced up the mountain side where White Feather was pulling the rope, bringing them up toward him. “He pushed me, In’is’kim.” “Don’t be ridiculous. I was standing right next to you, and that’s not the way I saw it.” “You think I’m lying? He kicked my heels, and that sent me sliding down. You may not want to believe it, but I thought you ought to know.” “You’re right, I don’t believe it.” “Don’t believe what?” White Feather asked, pulling them up over the edge. Skyler gave him a nervous glance. “Nothing important,” In’is’kim said, getting to his feet and untying the rope from around his waist. “Let’s try to get down the rest of the way without any more carelessness.” “Carelessness! Bullshit, carelessness!” “Skyler. That’ll be enough. I have my hands full, and I just don’t need more right now.” The face of the man she loved had an iciness that she’d never seen before. What power did White Feather or Dark Spirit have over In’is’kim? Fear filled her. She glanced over at the killer. Dark Spirit’s glare made her shudder. “Follow In’is’kim, Skyler. It makes me nervous having you walk behind me with a gun. You trip and you might shoot me or even In’is’kim here.” Dark Spirit said, his tone calm and even. “I don’t take orders from you. I’ll walk where I want to.” “Skyler, for heavens sake, drop it.” In’is’kim punched the rope down into his pack. She clenched her teeth and fumed at In’is’kim’s insensitivity and blindness. With careful efforts, Skyler remained a safe distance behind the two in front of her. Dark Spirit wasn’t getting another chance to cause her fatal accident. Reaching into her pocket to feel the security of Dark Spirit’s gun, Skyler froze. Damn…it was gone. It must have fallen out when she fell. Her mouth went dry. Fear filled her. What if White…no, what if Dark Spirit had found the gun? He could turn on them at any time. In’is’kim had succumbed to the song of the snake. She only hoped the bite wouldn’t be fatal. Similar thoughts crowded her mind as they made their way across the valley. He pointed to a low-lying cave as darkness set fast around them. She didn’t remember much about walking the distance since In’is’kim had rescued her from her fall. That knowledge seemed frightening, too. She had to keep alert. Aware and on guard if they were going to stay alive. “Well, you took your time in joining us. You okay or just sulking?” In’is’kim dropped his pack. “Spare me the sarcasm. I don’t need it either.” She was tired and agitated. “Sulking. Should have guessed. I’m going to take care of nature, then make a fire. I’ll take White Feather with me if you like.”

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Dark Spirit “Since he’s starving to get to know his brother, I guess it’d be considered bonding to pee together, too.” “Skyler! Christ, that was crude.” “I think cutting off a woman’s breasts is crude. What do you think, White Feather? Or is it Dark Spirit?” “I’ll go by myself. I won’t run. There isn’t any place to run to.” Dark Spirit took off down the trail. “Nice going!” In’is’kim glared at her. Skyler couldn’t help wondering why he wasn’t more suspicious. More careful. More aware. “Don’t expect me to react the same as you. That man has stalked me for days. He’s scared the hell out of me, and you, in case you’ve forgotten. I don’t forget that easily.” “Ever hear of giving someone a second chance?” “Yeah. A second chance to take out the trash or come home on time. Not a second chance to kill me!” “It’s hopeless. I don’t know you any more.” “You don’t know me? Well, buster, that’s a switch. I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing about you. Have you forgotten what you’ve gone through―” “I’ve forgotten nothing. Look at him! He’s my brother! Do you know how that feels? He’s my twin. I sense things about him. We’ve shared a womb. I can’t forget that.” “Then try not forgetting all the women he’s slaughtered for you. That might put things in perspective.” “It’s no use talking to you. I’m going around that boulder over there. You need me, call out.” Skyler dropped to her knees and untied the sleeping bags. Alone, she sat in awe before the wilderness. Even when they were being stalked she noticed the beauty around her. Now she understood the bleakness, the ruggedness, the survival aspect of nature. Eat or be eaten. Shelter or freeze. Kill or be killed. The last thought weighed heavy on Skyler’s mind. Dark Spirit dumped a load of firewood near the mouth of the cave and leaned his pack against the other. His shadow fell across her. “So, we’re alone at last. Afraid of me, aren’t you?” “No, just damn careful I don’t give you another chance to send me hurling over a cliff.” “You imagined I pushed you.” “Imagined shit! Maybe you could blame it on Dark Spirit—or are you Dark Spirit pretending to be White Feather? Do you remember, or know what he does, or do you only know you?” “I only know me and what he tells me he’s done. We think and react differently about things. I’ve never really understood him, but I didn’t feel it right to question him either.” “Not even when he killed.” “I understood why. Besides, I couldn’t go against him, he’s stronger than me.” “Even now? Is he allowing you to suck In’is’kim in, just to show his ugly self when it’s time to kill us both?” “I don’t think so. I haven’t felt him trying to take over. I usually can feel when

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he wants to be present. I think he feels my peace and doesn’t feel threatened. He won’t hurt you anymore.” “Are you sure? I mean, if you don’t have control over him, how can you be certain? Maybe you wouldn’t hurt In’is’kim or me, but I don’t trust him.” “Trust has to begin somewhere.” “Well it ain’t happenin’ with me.” In’is’kim brought a small load of wood and moss and dropped them into the center of the rock circle. “Skyler! If you can’t say something nice, don’t bother. I’ve had enough of your rudeness to last me a lifetime.” “I’ve had enough threats to last me a lifetime! I’m going around that boulder. If you need me, just call out.” She knew her words angered In’is’kim, but she found it impossible to understand his complete turn-around. The wind picked up, and the temperature was dropping at an incredibly fast pace, as was darkness. When she finished doing her duty, she stomped back to camp. Empty! They were gone. No fire. No packs. No In’is’kim! It had happened to her again. Fear gripped her more now than any time since it had all begun. Footprints. She studied the two sets of tracks at the cave entrance heading toward the dense pine ridge that followed the river bed. Pulling the collar of her jacket up, she ran after them. Cold wind bit through her clothes and exposed skin. She wouldn’t last long in these temperatures, neither would they. Didn’t Dark Spirit think she’d come after them? They’d left her with no blankets and no food or water. They’d left her to die. Skyler suddenly realized she was including In’is’kim in her accusations. She hadn’t meant to. Dark Spirit must have surfaced. She only hoped her conversation with White Feather hadn’t caused it to happen. She loosened the sling around the cast, then quickly wrapped it over her head and across her nose. It helped immensely. She slipped her injured wrist into the jacket pocket and pushed on. The footprints were quickly disappearing in the wind and the darkness that seemed to swallow her up. Making it to the trees helped considerably, and she strained to see if anyone was walking ahead. Snow fell in blinding force. She had no choice but to search for shelter. Being out in this storm would mean certain death if she didn’t find protection. While she scanned the area, a small indentation just ahead caught her attention. She quickly made her way toward survival. She pulled snow up, packing it in place. Quickly her hands grew numb. Her broken wrist ached, but she continued building her igloo-like shelter, boxing herself into the rock cavity. Packing the last bit of snow in place, Skyler immediately felt warmer. No wind. No snow. No sound. It somehow felt safe. She leaned her back against the rocky wall and pulled her legs up into the jacket, pressing them against her breast. She moved her arms inside, grateful Kevin Red Hawk had a larger body than her own. She’d have to thank him…if she lived. That thought weighed heavily on her mind. Suspicions screamed for attention. In’is’kim seemed different the moment White Feather was with them. Did he do it to show he didn’t love her, to protect her? Did he do it because he was in on the game to start with? The last scenario gave her shivers. She closed

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Dark Spirit her eyes and tried going over the events of the past few days. She dozed with her thoughts. Her stomach growled, waking her from a light sleep. Breathing became difficult and she suddenly realized the reason. There wasn’t any air. She was suffocating. Groggy, she struggled to remember if she had left an air hole. Panic filled her. God, an avalanche could have buried her and that would account for the sudden lack of air. Was she imprisoned under several feet of snow? Buried alive? No one would find her until the snow all melted, and even longer if no one happened by. She had no identification on her body. No purse. No driver’s license. God! Was this the plan? Skyler punched the snow igloo with both her feet and the cocoon gave way, flooding the small area with cold, biting air. She laughed, sucking in bittersweet breaths. There was no avalanche. Snow whipped into her space, and she quickly grabbed at the broken snow to rebuild her shelter. This time she left several small openings. Once again her fingers were numb. She hated the cold and found herself laughing at the irony of it all. Tears replaced the laughter. She cried. Tears for having fallen in love with a man she knew nothing about. Tears for Maggie, who might suffer for years wondering what happened to her sister. Tears for having allowed herself to get into this predicament. In all fairness, what if In’is’kim was now Dark Spirit’s victim? He would be angry at being betrayed. In’is’kim might be in more danger than Skyler was at this very moment. She hoped in her heart that…what? Skyler knew. She loved In’is’kim. She couldn’t totally believe that he had turned on her, unless it was to protect her. Had Dark Spirit confessed to pushing me? Skyler asked herself. Had In’is’kim turned on White Feather, and had Dark Spirit forcefully returned? Was In’is’kim being given a choice between them? Choose one? “Instead of killing me, he might have bargained to leave me to fend for myself. At least that way, I’d have a chance.” It sounded crazy to be talking to herself, but the silence and being totally alone in the small space seemed to close in on her. The sound of her own voice worked as a pressure valve. Once she realized it, she hummed; first You Are My Sunshine, then God Bless America. Soon she’d hummed every song she’d ever learned and fell into an exhausted sleep. Skyler wasn’t sure what woke her. Maybe it was the absence of the wind howling through the air holes. Maybe it was her sore limbs from being pulled into the coat cavity. Maybe it was instinct. But whatever the reason, she bolted from her confines, rolling out with a desire to be free. Early morning light told her the wind, snow and night had all ceased. She slowly got to her feet and scanned the winter wonderland. There was no way of knowing which direction to take; if she chose wrong she’d surely die. It seemed In’is’kim had been heading to the river edge. She would do the same. She’d keep alert and hope to catch a glimpse of them ahead, then she could follow them out of the savage mountains. Warm sun rays filled her with hope. She pushed herself, allowing only short spells to rest. Reaching a boulder, she climbed on it and surveyed the valley and

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rolling hills below. There, slightly off to the right she spotted two people walking. They weren’t moving fast. One was a short distance ahead of the other. Were they In’is’kim and Dark Spirit? Did one of them limp? They were too far ahead for her to tell. Skyler knew in her heart that In’is’kim was in trouble. She didn't waste time sliding from the rocky lookout. In a near run, she chased after them. In the lower elevation, breathing came easier. Her wrist shot pains mercilessly up her shoulder, yet she pushed on. She wouldn’t let them get away. She wouldn’t let Dark Spirit kill In’is’kim. If nothing else, Skyler decided, she’d die trying, if that’s what it took. That last thought caused her deep concern. She pressed on. She stuffed her fingers deep into the jacket pockets and felt some jerky that she’d left there several days earlier. She retrieved two small chunks and nearly cried with joy. She took a bite and savored the flavor as though it were an inch-thick, juicy steak. The jerky disappeared in four bites, but they were the tastiest four bites she’d eaten in her life. Something else she’d have to thank Kevin Red Hawk for. She wondered what this friend of In’is’kim’s looked like. He must be big, by the size of his jacket. A bit taller than In’is’kim. He’d have raven hair, long like In’is’kim’s but, she decided, he’d wear it in two braids. He’d have black eyes that danced when he used humor, which, she fancied, was often. Skyler smiled. She wondered how close she’d come. “One more thing to live for, Skyler Grinnell.” The bright sun reflected off the white snow, and she found herself squinting. She’d read about snow blindness, and if that fate befell her, so would certain death. Pausing a moment, she tore a strip of silky jacket lining long enough to tie across her eyes and around her head. The world turned a soft blue hue. She smiled, pleased with herself. In an hour of near running, Skyler caught up to the two sets of footprints. She’d been right; moccasins and army boots…a lethal combination. Throwing caution to the wind, she pressed on in a near run. She couldn’t afford to get too far behind. If a storm came up, it could quickly wipe out their tracks. Without a bright moon, she’d never be able to follow their tracks at night. Her one and only chance was to give one hundred percent now. Her survival depended on it…and maybe In’is’kim’s did, too.

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V{tÑàxÜ fxäxÇàxxÇ Eagle...near the Great Spirit you soar so free, find your courage and connect with me. Follow the joy in your heart with pride, gather the gift of freedom and open your eyes.

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n’is’kim wanted to scan the land behind, but he didn’t dare. How could Skyler have possibly lived through the night? He wanted to die himself. She’d warned him. She’d told him not to trust, but he’d scorned her. Thought her fears were ridiculous. Hadn’t he proved stronger than his confused brother? There didn’t seem to be any threat…how stupid! Skyler had been right. The game hadn’t been finished. Dark Spirit had played his hand perfectly. In’is’kim felt like a total fool. How could he have been so blinded. This killer, his brother, didn’t even have control. Grandfather must have known something was sinister about the second born. Kwo-tuck had been on the birth certificate. Shadow before death. Had it been a warning? One In’is’kim didn’t heed. Kwo-tuck wasn’t anything like White Feather. He had the strength of three men. He had the look of death in his eyes. He showed no mercy, no understanding, no forgiveness. In’is’kim had found the killer. He walked five strides behind and followed like the shadow of death he was. “Stop. We’ll rest.” In’is’kim dropped to the ground, but didn’t turn around. He kept his back to the monster behind him. It was easier that way. He couldn’t stand seeing the evil that emanated from the man he’d shared a womb with. “Wondering where your love is? She isn’t too smart in the ways of the mountains, is she? She’s probably frozen in that cave we left. Hell, she’s probably sittin’ under a pine tree, as stiff as the branches above her. Which one do you prefer? Do you think she tried following us and fell into the freezing waters? She could be floating, on her way to the nearest town right now.” “Shut up!” “Oh, you are grouchy in the morning. Did you really believe I wasn’t strong 139

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enough to take control? Poor little White Feather. He was so happy to have found you. You were the perfect, forgiving sap I thought you’d be. He’s gone, forever, like your precious Skyler. Both of them gone, whisked away by the freezing winds of early spring. You like spring?” “I said, shut up.” “I love it. It’s unpredictable. Can be gentle or vicious. We’ve seen that, haven’t we?” He sat a few feet behind In’is’kim. “Of course, it does have it’s drawbacks, like flowers and that sappy shit about being reborn.” “Why don’t you just kill me and get it over with. I’d much rather die than sit here listening to your bull.” “What, no fight left in you? That will work fine when the police take you away. Behind bars for the rest of your life. You’ll experience what my life has been like. Unwanted, uncared for, ridiculed, and being such a handsome Indian, dang, you’ll have more boyfriends than you can handle in a night.” “I didn’t reject you. We shared the same birth. We’re twins. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Why do you hate me? I’m innocent of your fate.” “My fate, huh? I’m innocent of your fate, too.” “You don’t make any sense, but I guess that stands to reason since you’re crazy, right?” In’is’kim glared past the monster. “You’ll never convince people I’m guilty. I’ll tell them everything and they’ll find you.” “I’m dead. You keep forgetting that. I don’t have a social security number, White Feather did. Poor guy is probably dead in the mountains along with your girlfriend. I don’t have a record. I don’t have a past. I don’t exist. How can I be the killer? You’ve been distraught all these years…missing your dead twin. You suddenly believe he’s alive in you. I guess they call it multiple personalities.” “You bastard.” “Tell them all about Dark Spirit. My God, In’is’kim, you’re one sick bastard yourself. You have three personalities. You’ve killed so many women. You’ve killed Skyler and they’ll find her dead in the mountains. You took her there. No one was with you. She can’t tell them anything.” “Oh yes she can!” Skyler stated in a firm tone. In’is’kim whirled around and found Skyler pressing the point of a deer antler into Dark Spirit’s neck. “You’re alive!” “Don’t move a muscle, one deep push and you’ll be turning the pure snow red with your blood. In’is’kim, I would truly appreciate it if you’d tie up this twisted killer.” In’is’kim sprang into action. He slipped off his pack and retrieved a rope. He tied Dark Spirit’s hands behind his back, then stretched the rope down to allow just enough room to walk before tying his ankles, too. “Dark Spirit took control?” “You were right all along. I’m so sorry. Forgive me, please, Skyler?” He took two steps toward her, then opened his arms. She paused and fear filled him. He’d lost her love, too. He couldn’t blame her. He only hoped she’d understand. “I tried convincing myself you were in on it,” she said. “I tried convincing myself that being twins, it had all been an elaborate game, to the finish. But my heart refused that answer. It told me you loved me. It told me that I had to stay alive because if I didn’t, you would rot in jail for something you didn’t do. I

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Dark Spirit followed my heart.” He welcomed her embrace but noticed she winced. “The wrist? It needs to be in a sling,” he said, noticing her swollen fingers. “How touching,” Dark Spirit sneered. “Such concern for her. You’re one stupid woman, Skyler. You should have run for town the first chance you got. How many chances are you going to give me to kill you?” “Shut up you bastard!” In’is’kim shouted, landing a fist into his nose. Skyler jumped, surprised. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. I hope it felt as good for you,” In’is’kim snapped at him. He didn’t give the bloody-nosed killer another glance. He could crawl on the ground and wipe it in the snow. In’is’kim no longer cared. “Why? You forgave me?” White Feather’s voice revealed his return. In’is’kim glared down at the bleeding face. “I didn’t do it to you. Dark Spirit deserved this, not you.” “I’m tied. Why? You’ve betrayed me!” “Dark Spirit betrayed you, me, and Skyler.” “I warned you to tie me. I wouldn’t have harmed you.” In’is’kim fought hard to find some caring feelings for the man. The twisted killer had destroyed most of what he thought he felt for his brother. “I’m taking you in. I’ll keep my promise to help you.” In’is’kim released Skyler from his embrace and removed her sling from her head and readjusted it back in place. He pulled a thin blanket from his backpack and wrapped it around her head. “The colored blinder was a good idea. How did you ever survive the night?” “A long story. I’ll tell you all about it some night in front of a roaring fire.” There was softness to her voice, yet he didn’t miss the slight edge on the words. He couldn’t blame her. “I’ll hold you to it.” In’is’kim helped Dark Spirit to his feet. He didn’t touch him any longer than he had to. “Let’s get moving. We can make it to the highway before dark.” “Really?” Skyler picked up the pace. “Really.” He handed her his knife. “I’ll lead, you follow behind.” He leaned down and brushed a light kiss across Skyler’s lips. “I love you,” he whispered. “I know. I love you, too.” Her answer came without hesitation, and he couldn’t help feeling the luckiest man alive. “Let’s get on with our lives.” He walked past Dark Spirit and pulled the rope without a word or glance. *** Skyler found it easier to walk after the men trampled down the snow. They’d actually made it down the mountain and were close to finding a town. Her wrist felt much better in the sling, and the blanket gave her the warmth her body needed. Yet she’d pushed herself nearly to the limit to catch the men earlier, and now she struggled to keep up. It also became increasingly difficult to watch Dark Spirit struggle to walk in the snow with the restraints. She concentrated on her footsteps. Occasionally she adjusted the knife In’is’kim had given her to hide beneath her cast. She felt safer knowing it was

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there. The air chilled and became still as signs of night set in. “We’ll rest here.” In’is’kim tossed Dark Spirit’s rope to the ground. “It’s the road!” Skyler rushed to In’is’kim’s side. “We made it!” “I told you we would. We’ll cross the bridge and walk about half a mile. A much busier road connects there. It won’t take long to find a ride and the police.” “Watch out!” Skyler slammed to the hard ground, In’is’kim on top of her. It nearly knocked the wind out of her lungs. She coughed, and he pulled her quickly to her feet. “My God!” In’is’kim whispered. Skyler followed In’is’kim’s gaze and felt sick at the sight of Dark Spirit lying on the rocks below. Cold water splashed over his unmoving body. “Could he be alive?” “No. It’s a twenty-five foot drop. I can tell from here that his skull is cracked.” “In’is’kim, White Feather saved us.” “What the hell are you talking about?” “That was his voice warning us to look out! Dark Spirit must have been trying to take over, and White Feather managed to warn us. He believed you cared, or he wouldn’t have tried saving you.” “My God.” In’is’kim’s voice cracked. “I did sense the good in him. Will this nightmare ever end?” “Yes, In’is’kim. It just did. Think about it. The torture, the sadness and shame he would have had to go through. White Feather never would have been free. Now he is.” “I guess you’re right. Maybe it is better this way.” “Not maybe. I don’t think he could ever have gotten rid of Dark Spirit. He’d have remained a shadow before death. Now Dark Spirit is released, too.” *** “You do realize, Mr. In’is’kim, that your story is a lot to take in?” Officer Woods scribbled more information in his notebook. In’is’kim nodded. “I do.” The ambulance workers lifted the zipped-closed, black body bag. He swallowed hard. “We’ve taken Miss Grinnell into custody, and we’ll be taking her testimony before she has a chance to speak with you again.” “I wouldn’t expect anything less.” "I understand this isn't the first time you’ve been suspected of murder. From what I understand, it’s about time there’s a break on these cases linked to you. There weren’t too many of us who thought you were innocent. Now, I'm not saying I don't believe your story, I'm just being honest. This is almost so incredible, I have to admit…I do believe you." “Thank you, Officer Woods. I’m exhausted. We have family that’s worried about us. Could you ask someone to notify my Grandfather Nat’o’ye that we’re okay? Skyler, Miss Grinnell’s sister, Maggie, is staying with him. I’m sure they’ll be relieved to hear we’ve survived our ordeal.” “They knew you were going into the mountains with a killer on your tail?

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Dark Spirit What the hell nonsense is that? “ In’is’kim glared at Officer Woods. “They didn’t know we were going into the mountains, but they knew we were being stalked by the killer. Don’t put words in my mouth. I’m telling the truth here, and I won’t be misunderstood.” “Calm down, Mr. In’is’kim. I think you’ve had a rough time, you’re exhausted and hungry. We have to take you in, there is a dead body involved. We’ll let you shower, change and eat. I’m instructing my people to let you get some rest, too.” “I appreciate that, Officer Woods.” “I listened to you speak once in Wisconsin. Learned more about my Chippewa Cree ancestors than any book could have described. I felt their pride through you. I understood their need to protect themselves, and the desperation they must have felt to make sure their race didn't expire. I have continued to search for my people and I’m hoping one day I’ll find them.” “Thank you. My staff has many connections in finding the blood lines of its many Native American families. Call my office and ask for Vicki Caudil. Tell her I suggested she could help you.” “Thank you, In’is’kim. I’ll do that.” As the officer walked away, he felt relieved. Office Woods believed what had happened. That gave In’is’kim hope. If one man believed the truth, there was more than a good chance others would, too. *** The courtroom fell silent. Judge Hanson leaned forward. “I know this sounds bizarre, your Honor. It was worse than that. It was a nightmare. But, every word is true.” Skyler swallowed hard and looked at each of the jurors. Grandfather had told her to speak the truth and look everyone in the eye, so they could feel her sincerity. “You may sit back down, Miss Grinnell.” Skyler hurried back and sat next to In’is’kim. She had done her best to tell the truth. Now it was up to the jury to decide their innocence. Attorney Blackwell crossed the room and stood before the jurors. “We have here a case like no other.” Skyler held her breath. She slid her fingers between In’is’kim’s and held fast. “We must decide, considering all the evidence and testimony presented before you, whether Mr. In’is’kim and Miss Skyler Grinnell have in any way willfully contributed to the death of one Mr. White Feather, also known as Kwotuck on his birth certificate. “We have given proof that Mr. White Feather was in fact guilty of several counts of murder, with the intent of framing Mr. In’is’kim. We have given proof of Mr. In’is’kim’s innocence in these murders beyond a shadow of a doubt. We have also proven and shown unusual evidence that neither Miss Skyler Grinnell nor Mr. In’is’kim caused the death in question, but did in fact try to save Mr. White Feather’s life on several occasions. It was in an attempt on their lives that the death of Mr. White Feather occurred. The defense rests, your Honor.” “The jury is released to deliberate. This court is adjourned.”

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*** Skyler clung to In’is’kim’s arm. “I can’t believe it’s all over.” “No, my dear, it’s not over. It’s my hope we’re just beginning.” He loved her smile. They stepped out into the sunlight and the roar of the crowd startled him. Cameras flashed from every angle. “They found you both innocent. How does it feel?” “We were pretty confident they would find us innocent, because we are. It feels good to know it’s over and we can move on.” In’is’kim pushed through the sea of reporters. “Tell us, Miss Grinnell, when did you realize your life was in danger?” “Can you tell us how many days you were in the mountains?” “How did you survive in that snow storm?” “Is there anything you care to tell us about your experience in the mountains?” Skyler stopped and glanced over the crowd. They fell silent. "You haven't heard that the mountains are incredibly breathtaking after a blanket of fresh snow glistens across the land? I’d never seen rams butting heads before, and I felt the power of nature, both good and bad. I’d like to go and visit it again.” She walked down the courthouse steps, In’is’kim at her side. The reporters remained silent and parted to let them pass. When they reached the car she turned and waved. “Thank you.” Bulbs flashed, nearly blinding her, but she merely rested her head against the car seat. “It’s over.” “I’m glad Maggie wanted to stay with Grandfather. They barely know of her existence, and that’s the way I want to keep it. You think all this publicity will hurt your lectures?” “The opposite, I would expect. The public thinks we’re heroes for surviving.” “I feel bad for the victims and their loved ones. At least now the killings will stop.” “I hope White Feather knows I kept my word to him.” “I’m sure he knows, in his heart, that he saved his brother’s life. I think that meant more to him than anything.” “I hope so.” Skyler opened her purse…fear filled her. “What’s wrong?” She pulled out an ancient medicine card with the picture of a hawk. “You might check your pockets. If I got one, then I’m sure you did, too. Does this mean Dark Spirit hasn’t died? Can his shadow still live to torture and kill?” She shuddered at the thought. It seemed impossible, yet, she’d learned nothing was quite impossible. “I have one, too. The Eagle.” “What does it all mean?” she asked, afraid of the answer. “The Hawk is giving you a message, to grab an opportunity which is coming your way.” “Opportunity?” “Will you marry me, Skyler?”

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Dark Spirit “What?” “Will you marry me?” “I heard you but, yes…yes, I’ll marry you.” She kissed him fully on the lips. “Is this considered my opportunity?” He laughed softly. “I hope so.” “What about the Eagle?” “Eagle medicine is the power of the Great Spirit. In my lectures I tell my audience that Eagle asks you to give your permission to be free and to follow your heart desires.” “Have you?” “Yes, Skyler. As much as this all has been a nightmare, it hasn’t all been bad. I found you, the bright yellow flower, amidst the prickly thorns of the cactus.” “I like that much better than the cliché of a rose in spite of the thorns or something like that.” “You two are driving me nuts with all this mush,” Kevin Red Hawk said, turning up the radio. “Dang, I agreed to drive you, but neither of your warned me I’d have to listen to all this shit.” “Red Hawk, watch your mouth. You may be my best friend, but you were sleeping during manners class.” Skyler couldn’t help laughing. “You know I tried imagining what you looked like.” “What the hel…heck for?” “Well, I was holed up in the side of a mountain with snow packed around me like an Eskimo igloo. I pulled my body inside your coat and realized you had to be a somewhat large man.” “Somewhat large! Well, thank you, Skyler. I’ve been called many things, but that’s a kind way to describe my two hundred fifty pounds. The jacket isn’t mine. Belongs to my brother, Stiff Turkey. He shouted at me for days about giving his jacket away.” “I’ll buy Stiff Turkey a new one, with pleasure.” “Well―” “Well, what?” She asked, confused by Red Hawk’s question. “What else did you imagine me looking like?” “You know, I imagined you just about right. Handsome, braids, and dimples.” “Dimples? Shit, I don’t have dimples. Girls have dimples. You seeing right?” “Sure am, and you have dimples. I like them. Makes you appear like a big teddy bear.” “Shit, now I’m a Go―” “Watch the language, Red Hawk.,” In’is’kim repeated. “Dang, we need to spend more time together. You need some help talking to women.” “You an expert?” “Well―” “No, he isn’t,” Skyler interrupted. “Matter of fact, he has a way of sticking his foot in his mouth more than he’ll ever admit to you.” “I’m not getting out of the car at Grandfather’s house,” Red Hawk said. “That mangy mutt will eat me this time. I just know it. He hates me.” “You can’t be talking about Mahkwoyi?” Skyler stated with disbelief in her

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voice. “You know him?” “Of course. Why, I gave him a hug the first time I saw him, and he liked it just fine. Maybe you ought to give it a try.” She couldn’t help laughing at his shocked expression. “Did she?” “Sure did,” In’is’kim said. “I nearly died on the spot myself! Kevin Red Hawk, how about being the best man at our wedding?” “No shit? I mean—really? Dang, In’is’kim, I’d be pleased to be your best man. You two really getting married? I never thought I’d see the day.” “Well, you’ll see the day. Hey, they’re all here. Must be two hundred people!” In’is’kim’s excitement and pleasure showed in his face. She suddenly tensed. “So many people.” “They’ll love you, like I do.” He kissed her softly. Skyler returned his sensual kiss with the same feelings. She didn’t have to ask if he loved her, she could feel his love. The car barely stopped when the door opened. Maggie stood there in a white deerskin dress with feathers and beads streaming from it. Her blonde braids trailed down the front. Matching deerskin moccasins were tied in place, reaching shy of her knees. “My, you are beautiful!” Skyler hugged her. “You like it? It once belonged to Grandmother. Grandfather said I can wear it for all festive occasions. Isn’t it―” Tears streamed down Skyler’s cheeks, unchecked. “Why are you crying?” “You’re all grown up.” “Of course I am. Gosh, Skyler, I’ve been trying to tell you that for a long time.” She gave Maggie another loving hug, then released her. “Thank you for taking such good care of Maggie, Grandfather.” “It was my pleasure. She is called O-toch-koki by the People. It means yellow breast, prairie robin or meadow lark.” “Yes, I think I remember that. It’s a good name, Grandfather. It fits her perfectly.” “Skyler, guess what Grandfather and I found this morning? We slept in the tipi and when I woke I was holding a whole deck of old medicine cards.” Skyler quickly opened her purse. “It’s gone.” She glanced at In’is’kim. He dug into his pockets and shook his head. “What’s gone?” Maggie asked. “Is the hawk and eagle card in your deck?” Skyler asked. “The deck is full,” Grandfather answered. The people are here so you can present them to the museum. Their need is no more.” “It was you, Grandfather?” In’is’kim asked. “You helped us by the cards? But how? You couldn’t have been in the mountains.” “It is not for us to always ask why, but to accept what is.” “Don’t you just love how he talks?” Maggie squeezed the old man’s hand. “You have a lot to explain.” Skyler smiled and gave Grandfather a hug.

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Dark Spirit “In’is’kim needs to know you love him,” she whispered in Grandfather’s ear. “I am very proud of you, Grandson. I told you one day I would give you the stone that my father, and his father before him, wore. It is a symbol of our People. It is a symbol of our heritage. You have done us all proud by teaching the ways of our People. You have given us pride in our ancestors. You have survived the test of your manhood. Now you have earned this buffalo stone. Its strength will be your strength. You will call the buffalo to our People in your own way. We will be stronger for your contributions.” In’is’kim leaned his head down and accepted the necklace from his Grandfather. When In’is’kim raised the stone from his chest, the cheers from the observers were deafening. He gave his Grandfather a hug, and as they stood holding each other, Skyler knew she and In’is’kim could put Dark Spirit behind them. They’d be eternally grateful to White Feather. Grandfather had seen to that. Maggie didn’t need mothering any more, Skyler finally admitted. But In’is’kim needed her, as much as she needed him. Things were going to be different—wonderfully different.

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About the Author Although originally from Wisconsin, Rita Karnopp and her husband have lived in Montana for over thirty years. When she isn’t reading, writing or doing research, she enjoys making dream catchers, gold panning, crystal digging, rafting, fishing, canoeing, and spending time with her family. She’s drawn to the history of the Native American and strives to bring alive the authenticity of a time past. Whether writing contemporary romance, suspense, or historical novels, she brings excitement and the enduring power of love to her stories. The contemporary romance Sacred Ground and historical Wind Song, her first novels from Eternal Press, were published in November 2007 and January 2008. Watch for her upcoming releases: Ransom Love, a historical, and Kidnapped and Betrayal, both romantic suspense novels. She invites you to visit her website at www.ritaritr.com.

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Dark Spirit

‰ WÉÇËà `|áá ‰

ftvÜxw ZÜÉâÇw ‰ uç e|àt ^tÜÇÉÑÑ ‰

^

eep your damn buffalo on your side of the fence," Brett Turner shouted. Willow Howling Moon watched the most irritating man she knew stand in the stirrups and stare down the fence line, his glare unmistakably fueled by his anger. If she could get past his arrogance and narrow-mindedness, she might admit he bordered on handsome, with that curly wheat-colored hair edging his collar beneath a worn Stetson hat. Ranch work rendered him lean and muscular and in better shape than most men who worked out. "My damn buffalo haven't crossed onto your property since 1890! As usual, your mouth is speaking before you've had a chance to think, if you think at all," she snapped, gritting her teeth. "You think twenty head of my prized cows died from brucellosis without one or more of your ancient beasts giving it to them?" He wiped his brow on the back of his leather glove. The gesture didn't fit the spoiled, rich-boy image she had of him. Uncomfortable under his steady gaze, she swung into the saddle. This cowboy had a way of unraveling her nerves. She raised her chin and stiffened her back. "My buffalo have been tested for brucellosis," she informed him, looking directly into baby blue eyes flanked by too-long dark lashes. They gave him a look of innocence she knew didn't exist. "Your sickly cattle didn't die from any buffalo of mine." She gave his herd a glaring once-over. "Find someone else to blame for your misfortunes." She reined her mount away from the barbed fence, then into a slow trot away from Brett Turner. "I catch one of those ugly horned beasts on my property, and I'll shoot it!" Brett shouted. "You'd better think long and hard about firing a gun at my stock." She reined and turned in the saddle to face him. "You can't afford to spend any time in jail now, can you?" Noticing his clenched jaw, Willow Howling Moon paused. She caught a glimpse of a faraway gaze, an almost sad expression, before he quickly covered it with a look of defiance.

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"Keep them on your side of the fence and you won't have to worry about it. I suggest you keep that wild kid of yours on your property, too!" A smug smile tipped the corners of his mouth. She brought her horse to a complete turnaround and raced back toward him, moving as one with her mount. Her hair had escaped from the leather tie and flew behind her like the mane of her horse. She didn’t care how it looked at this point. She glared at him. If he had any smarts he'd read the fury and back down. "Listen, Brett, I can take your accusations and insults with a grain. But, I won't tolerate them when it comes to my son. Lance hasn't been on your property―" "Since 1890? I've heard that one," Brett interrupted. "I thought I'd remind you, again. I don't like Sean associating with any―" "Indians?" she spewed the word out with an inflection of disgust. "I know how you feel about Indians. Bear in mind, I don't have control over your son. He comes over to play, and I'm not about to make him feel unwanted. He's welcome, it's more than I can say for you." Lifting the reins, she moved her mount closer. "Sean doesn't seem to notice Lance is Indian. Prejudice is a learned behavior. I'm sure, given time, you'll have him hating us, too." "I don't hate you, Willow, but I do hate drunken Indians as a whole. Always have their hands out, expecting to be paid for the injustices done their ancestors. Hell, we've all had life kick us in the ass. We all could be waiting for a handout. You have this great ranch, and you're still out there fighting for Native American rights. Makes me sick." Willow took a deep breath. "You’re so narrow-minded, you wouldn't know the right and wrongs of it if I spent hours explaining. I don't expect you to change nor to understand. You have no idea what we face today." "They face large handouts and do squat with the money." "Shows how much you know," she snapped. "The average Indian lives in poverty. The reservations are nothing but a place to hide from the rest of society. Many are still waiting for forgotten promises." "They should close those damn reservations and make the Indians mix with society. This Indian revival thing is crazy. Learning the language of their ancestors…how stupid. Who are they going to talk to?" Brett snickered. "Somewhere in that ignorant persona you must feel a certain respect for other cultures. Native Americans were forced to forget their belief in Napi, the Great Spirit. They were forced to speak English and punished if they spoke their native language. They weren’t allowed to dress or practice the old ways. Their code of ethics would put today’s society to shame." She wondered why she bothered explaining anything to this man. "Native Americans should be a thing of the past, like Vikings and knights in shining armor. Indians have to learn to blend with society. You're wasting your time trying to convince me otherwise. Nothing would, or could, change my mind." Brett adjusted his hat. "And I repeat; I don't want Sean playing at your place. Indians don't supervise their kids. They just let them run wild." "That's a crock and you know it!" Willow exploded. "We don't raise our children any different from the typical American. Where do you get these warped

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Dark Spirit ideas?" She shook her head in disgust. "Sean’s a nice kid. He and Lance love feeding the ponies and―" "I don't want him at your place," Brett interrupted. "It's as simple as that! Nine-year-olds don't think about consequences. If Sean gets hurt, I'm holding you personally responsible." "It's surprising he doesn't have that spoiled little rich kid syndrome like his father." "You may have a cute little ass and a face that puts most women to shame, but once you open your mouth, a man forgets all the rest. I don't want Sean playing with Lance. That's all there is to say. Remember it!" He whirled his chestnut around and pushed the animal into a hard, full run away from her. Willow couldn't remember them ever talking without arguing. It always ended with one or the other running in the opposite direction. Amidst her anger, his comment about her cute behind and a face that put most women to shame came to mind. Did he really think that? She refused to allow his semi-compliment to soften her anger…she told herself, even though it already had.

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‰ jtàv{ yÉÜ ‰

etÇáÉÅ _Éäx ‰ uç e|àt ^tÜÇÉÑÑ ‰ Montana Territory Fall of 1868 Leaning back against the rough bark of the narrowleaf cottonwood, A'hwa Waki closed her eyes and raised her face to the sun filtering through the foliage above. She sat motionless, enjoying a brief time to herself. "Jennie Proctor?" A'hwa Waki stiffened. Had she really heard a voice whisper her white name? Tense and uncertain, she listened. "Jennie Proctor?" There! She had heard it! A'hwa Waki flashed her eyes open, and then squinted against the blindness of immediate brightness. Blinking, her vision cleared. She stared at a man wedged above her in the crotch of the tree. A white man. She stifled a scream deep within her throat. "Don't be frightened, I won't hurt you," the man said, his voice a strained whisper. His words jarred her from the shocked stupor she'd lapsed into. "Why are you here?" she asked, looking around. Her heart pounded against her breast, leaving her breathless. The first few years of her capture she'd dreamed and prayed this would happen. Then, last winter, a time she had guessed to be her eighteenth birthday, she'd given up hope. Too much time had passed...she couldn't go back. She knew it in her heart. She was no longer white. She'd be Blackfeet the rest of her life. And now...when she least expected it...fear gripped her like a bear trap. "Did you hear me?" His muddled, hushed words reached her. "What?" "I said, I'm here to take you back to your people." She glanced ahead at the approaching women. In minutes they'd choose a place to watch the dagger throw. What if they chose here, where a white man sat above? She stood abruptly. "These are my people. You'd better find a way to shimmy down that tree because in three seconds I'm going to scream white man."

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Dark Spirit "No…don't. I'm here because of your sister, Violet." A'hwa Waki paused. "Violet! Have you seen her? Is she well? What does she look like? Where does she live?" She forgot the immediate danger. She wanted to know the fate of her sister. "Violet is just fine. She wants you to escape from the Indians and come home to her. I'm here to help you." Biting her lip, A'hwa Waki looked away. The news of Violet's well-being choked her with emotion. "Go back and tell my sister I'm happy with my life here. It's too late. I will stay here with my Blackfeet family. I have no wish to return with you." She glanced up at him. Even though his body crouched awkwardly in the tree, she could tell he was a big man, broad and tall. She took in the rugged cut of his clean-shaven, square jaw. Curly, wheat-colored hair escaped from beneath his black felt hat, falling haphazardly just above his shoulders. She gazed into deep blue eyes, and their power held her for a moment. Glancing away, A'hwa Waki broke the trance and forced herself to observe the growing crowd before her. "My name's Cody Larimer." He paused. "Don't be frightened. I've rescued many women before. I'll take you away from these hostiles and back to civilization. Just do as I tell you, and there'll be no problems." He hesitated for a moment, and then continued. "I need to know which tipi you're in. Tonight I'll come and get you." A'hwa Waki noticed the women were settling down on the grass just beyond the cluster of cottonwoods, facing the ancient ceremonial site. Laughs Behind Hand stood chatting with her mother, pointing in A'hwa Waki's direction. Could they have noticed the white man in the tree? Her muscles tensed. A group of warriors, their faces painted black with red lightning streaks, beat rhythmically on drums, chanting. Many women sang in shrill harmonizing voices. The atmosphere was one of anticipation...not fear. No, A'hwa Waki finally decided, if the women had noticed the white man, things would be in an uproar by now. "Kai yiwahts, A'hwa Waki?" Mahkwoyi called out to her. She glanced toward the warrior and found him watching her. His expression asked what troubled her. If only he knew, she thought, leaning against the cottonwood. If only he knew a white man sat above her, wanting to take her away. A'hwa Waki smiled in an attempt to appear relaxed. The handsome warrior standing within the white-painted rock circle had become her confidante, her friend, her...soon-to-be husband. Instincts warned her not to reveal the white man's presence, yet a nagging feeling of betrayal existed.

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