Having missed lunch, he rummaged through the refrigerator. Lana had stocked it with German beer, Dutch cheese, and French pastries. What he wanted was a chopped beef sandwich slathered with Oklahoma barbecue sauce. He settled for smoked salmon and brie on a sliced croissant.

A winding wooden stairway leading to the balcony made the great room spectacular. What it missed was another human, or canine, with whom to talk. Feeling glum, he grabbed the chilled bottle of champagne and started upstairs with it.

The bedroom was everything Buck expected. Someone had turned down the covers and sprinkled fragrant rose petals on the sheets. As lonely as he felt, he had to chuckle.

A warm breeze wafted Lana’s silk curtains through the open balcony door. Shucking his boots and clothes, he went outside and let an overstuffed chair swallow him.

Rain fell in waves, the overhang shielding him from all except a gentle mist. He removed the cork with a loud pop. Foaming champagne dribbled on his feet, the cork bouncing as it hit the ground. Not bothering to wipe his foot, he drank cold Dom Perignon straight from the bottle. Lana would have had a cat, he thought.

The champagne was almost empty when the downpour finally abated. Thunder persisted, and dense fog cloaked the valley as humid air saturated the surroundings. Only the hazy glow of a cloud-cloaked moon penetrated the growing soup. The bottle dropped from his hand, bouncing but not breaking when it struck the deck.

Champagne blurred his vision as he tried to focus on something over a distant mountaintop. It was a splinter of flickering light moving toward him. He blinked, thinking it was his imagination.

The light continued moving toward him. He watched until it stopped before reaching the balcony. The muted light glowed brighter as it grew larger. Something wrapped in sheer white cloth appeared. His eyes popped as the vision of Inger moved in and out of focus.

“Hope I didn’t frighten you,” she said.

Buck couldn’t believe what he was seeing. ”You’re floating,” he said.

“You and Thorn floated with me the other night.”

“I was dreaming. Now I’m drunk. You’re not real.”

“I am real, a spirit of the forest, my home since the advent of time.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“You don’t believe your eyes?”

“I can see you better when I close one of them. Why are you here?”

“Grandmother’s prophecy. I think you may have forgotten.”

“Remind me,” he said.

“Demon of darkness, unanswered desire, mistaken judgment, Sister of Fire, Arrow of Justice, or death in the mire.”

”What does it mean?”

“Five questions only you can answer,” she said.

“And if I don’t?”

Blue eyes flashed when she said, “Your salvation lies in the riddle’s solution. Solve it you must.”

“Or?”

“You die.”

Her image grew dimmer. “Wait,” he said. “Give me a clue,”

Warmth radiated through his hand when she grasped it. “Your clue is in the riddle. You must solve it alone.”

Her grasp left only fingerprints that glowed red as her image burst into an explosion of dissolving light.

 

 

 

Chapter 29

 

 

Buck awoke in the chair on the balcony as warm sunlight shined in his eyes. Someone had covered him with a gold and black Afghan. It felt as if he’d just awoken from a dream. It didn’t explain the fingerprints indenting his hand.

When he reached the bedroom, he lay on the rose petals and closed his eyes. The ringing of his cell phone woke him, his dream forgotten, and the fingerprints gone. It was Jake calling.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Disaster.”

“Like what?”

“I’m having an early dinner by the pool with the crew. I’d prefer telling everyone once rather than repeating the story several times. Can you join us?”

“What time is it?”

“After seven. Did I wake you?”

Buck couldn’t believe he’d slept so long, and he didn’t bother answering the question.

“Give me twenty minutes to shower and change clothes,” he said.

Warm water alleviated some of his wooziness, though his head continued to pound. As he toweled off and padded into the bedroom, he longed for a glass of Thorn’s hangover remedy.

Lana had saved him from having to wear the same jeans and shirt. Inside the closet, he found clothing, boots, and a note from her.

“Since you lost everything in the explosion, I took the liberty to have the staff supply you with new clothes and everything else you might need,” it said.

He was dressed and halfway down the stairs when the vague memory of seeing Inger crossed his mind. It seemed so real to him, he couldn’t reject the possibility that it was something other than his imagination.

Jake had arranged a big table, complete with white tablecloth and silver place settings, near the pool. Thorn, Jimi, Candy, and Colley had joined him. Pouring coffee from an urn, Buck swallowed a slug before speaking.

“Hi, gang. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Glad you could make it,” Jake said. “I have something important to tell everyone.”

Candy arose from the table. “Jimi and I already know. Maybe we should just excuse ourselves.”

“Does this mean . . . ?”

“Yes it does,” she said, interrupting him. “I’m taking the assignment in London. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“Jimi?”

“Sorry, boss. The network has reassigned me to another show. Guess this is goodbye.”

After shaking Jake’s hand, he departed without saying a word to anyone else. Candy waved goodbye over her shoulder as she followed him out the door.

Jake motioned a passing waiter. “I’m going to need something stronger than coffee. Can you send someone to take our cocktail order?”

“Amen to that,” Colley said. “That little bitch Candy wouldn’t even give me a kiss on the cheek. Far as I’m concerned, she can kiss my ass.”

“Shut up, Colley. We have more important things to talk about than a little rejection.”

Knowing when to close his mouth, Colley rolled his eyes, making a face after sipping his coffee.

“What the hell’s going on?” Buck said.

“You were right about Blade. I should have listened. He held a press conference yesterday and called me a charlatan.”

“And the reporter’s believed him?”

“Yes they did,” Jake said. “Candy and Jimi were the only two that didn’t check out of the hotel and go home last night. The network canned the episode. Ordered me to take a leave of absence while they try to repair my reputation. The expedition ain’t gonna happen.”

“That’s total horseshit,” Buck said. “We saw the footprints.”

“Blade accused me of planting them. He incited the media; told them I was perpetrating a fraud. The network is livid. I thought they were going to fire me.”

Kristen was working the bar and appeared with drinks for everyone except Thorn.

“Didn’t know what you were having, honey, and I didn’t want to bring you a Shirley Temple.”

Thorn tried hard not to take offense. “It’s okay. Coffee’s all I need.”

Kristen cupped her hand to Colley’s ear and glanced at Thorn. ”Lightweight,” she said, loud enough so everyone could hear.

“Sorry about that,” Jake said when she was gone.

“Don’t worry about it,” Thorn said. “I’ve known Kristen since we were ten. She knows who I am.”

Colley tapped his knuckle on the table. “Women!” he said.

Jake let his comment pass. “I’m so sorry this whole affair is ending like this,” he said.

“Then don’t let yourself get railroaded,” Buck said. “We have all the supplies we need, and you own the helicopter. Let’s go anyway.”

“What would it prove?”

“If you let this lie, everyone will believe Blade. You’ll never live it down.”

“He’s right,” Colley said. “Your oil company could buy the network if you wanted it to. Why are you letting them push you around?”

“Maybe so. The problem is we’re missing a few important cogs.”

“Such as?” Buck said.

“A camera, for one. Someone to operate it, for two.”

“Can’t you find someone?” Thorn asked.

“I’ve never worked with anyone except Jimi. I confess, I know little about what he did. We always counted on him to do his magic.”

Delivering more drinks, Kristen caught the drift of the conversation.

“I could be your cameraman,” she said.

“Excuse me?” Jake said. “It’s not that easy, young lady.”

“I have a two-year degree in filmmaking from Oklahoma Community College.”

“Never heard of it,” Jake said.

“It’s accredited. I learned every aspect of making motion pictures. That includes cameras and how to operate them.”

“You’re mighty pretty,” Colley said. “But you ain’t big enough to tote around a motion picture camera.”

“A movie shot with an iPhone recently won an award at Sundance. There are some nice motion picture cameras built from magnesium, lots lighter than aluminum. And with digital refinements only dreamed of a few years ago.”

“You sound knowledgeable,” Jake said. “Do you own a camera such as you describe?”

“I wish. I don’t have an extra twenty grand lying around.”

Jake raised his hands. “Then there you have it.”

“Bullshit,” Buck said. “Lana could have you the lightest most sophisticated digital camera available here tomorrow. If Kristen can operate it, then give her a chance. What have you got to lose?”

All eyes turned to Kristen. “I’ll nail it for you, I promise.”

“Are you in the union?”

“Come on, Jake,” Buck said. “Lana can handle that as well. Give Kristen a hand up. She’s trying to help. The way I see it, this is your ass if you don’t do something.”

“Buck’s right,” Colley said. “What have you got to lose?”

“My reputation.”

“If you don’t counter Blade’s lies, it’s already gone,” Colley said.

Jake still wasn’t convinced. “What if we find nothing in the valley?” he asked.

“We already found footprints. You have pictures of them on film. What better reason do you need?” Buck asked.

“Blade said they were fakes.”

“They weren’t faked.”

“I don’t know,” Jake said.

Buck pushed his chair aside and started for the door.

“Clayton didn’t tell me you’re a coward,” he said. “I’m out of here.”

“I’m coming with you,” Thorn said.

The table shook when Colley slammed his whiskey glass against it.

“Damn it, Jake, we’ve been together for fifteen years. Don’t matter none cause I quit. I won’t work for a loser.”

Buck, Thorn, and Colley were halfway to the exit when Jake, in a loud voice, said, “I give up. The expedition is back on. Kristen, you’re our new cameraman. Starting tomorrow, that is. Tonight, you’re still the cocktail waitress. Can’t speak for everyone. Just keep bringing me drinks till I pass out.”

Kristen hugged his neck, and then kissed him full on the mouth. “Yes sir, boss,” she said. “When are we leaving? I have to talk mom into taking care of my baby while I’m away.”

“Heaven help us,” Jake said, grabbing his forehead.

As Buck, Colley and Thorn returned to the table, Jake seemed more than convinced. He called Lana. Within an hour, she’d located all the camera equipment they’d need. She also vouched for Kristen’s degree.

“Let’s drink a toast,” Jake said.

Kristen brought a round of shots, and one for herself. Buck was starting to get sick after slugging his Tequila.

“I need something to eat,” he said.

Colley tossed a menu across the table. “Pretty good grub here. Try the Sundown Burger with well-done fries.”

“Wish I had a shot of Thorn’s hangover medicine,” Buck said.

Thorn was already a step ahead. Kristen was grinning when she brought him the concoction she’d ordered for him.

“Rough night, cowboy?”

“You could say that,” he said, between bites of his Sundown Burger.

He felt better after eating and taking Thorn’s hangover remedy. Colley and Jake were already into their cups, meaningful conversation futile. Pushing aside his plate, he slapped Jake’s shoulder.

“Leaving?” he asked.

“Put a fork in me. I’m done.”

Thorn gave Jake a kiss, begged off from another drink, and followed Buck out the door.

“You were wonderful,” she said, clasping his arm.

“Like me one minute, hate me the next,” he said. “My head’s spinning.”

“There’s a scenic trail leading down the mountain. Let’s take a walk, and then . . .”

She smiled when he said, “Then what?”

“I’m still not sure about you. Let’s walk first and then I’ll decide.”

The eastern sky had darkened as he shadowed Thorn down the steep trail, wondering where the day had gone. At least his pounding head had finally departed with it.

They sat on a boulder, looking down at the lights flickering in the valley below. She clutched his hand and pulled him closer. In the distance, a coyote howled. Lost in a moment of passion, neither of them heard it.

“I hope Lana has some champagne,” she said.

“She thought we’d be together last night and left us a bottle of Dom Perignon. After drinking it all myself, I’ll be happy if I never see another bottle of champagne as long as I live.”

“Pussy,” she said.

They held hands all the way up the trail, often stopping to embrace and kiss. She hurried inside the massive log cabin after he opened the door for her.

“This is gorgeous,” she said, glancing up at the rafters. “I could get used to it.”

“You and me both.”

Thorn wasn’t listening as she rummaged through the cabinets, looking for champagne. She soon found a wine refrigerator behind a folding door.

“Oh my God!” she said. “I’ve died and gone to heaven. I waitressed during college, and I’ve never seen a wine and champagne cache like this. Some of these bottles are priceless.”

“Clayton isn’t into wine, and I doubt Lana’s lips have ever tasted Ripple.”

Thorn grinned. “Then she doesn’t know what she missed. Cheap wine makes for the best sex.”

“Hope not,” he said. “There’s no Boone’s Farm in that stash.”

“Then we’ll make do with what we have,” she said.

Despite his better judgment, he was soon swilling expensive wine straight from the bottle. They’d gravitated back to the chair on the balcony where he’d slept the previous night. Thorn was on his lap and acting like anything but a puritan.

“You’re built better than Zeke. Ever play professional sports?”

“Wasn’t good enough,” he said.

Thorn pulled him to his feet. “Even if the rose petals are a bit crushed, I love that bed. Let’s find out how good you are.”

 

 

 

Chapter 30

 

 

Thorn was standing by the open door to the balcony when Buck opened his eyes next morning. A warm breeze whipped the sheer curtains, molding against her naked body. When she saw he was finally awake, she rushed to the bed and climbed on top of him.

“You’re the best lover I’ve ever had,” she said.

“How many is that?”

“Just you and Zeke,” she said.

Buck’s cell phone rang before he could comment. It was Clayton. ”You ain’t gonna believe this,” he said.

“What?”

“Someone murdered Ezekiel Big Shoe last night. Cut his throat.”

“You kidding me?”

“Nope, and I guess we both know who did it.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Buck said. “But I’m too good a P.I. to jump to that conclusion without checking it out first.”

“Whatever,” he said. “Don’t make no difference cause Big Shoe’s deader than a doornail. Lana and me are flying down in an hour or so. She’s taking charge of the lodge until we get a handle on things.”

“What?” Thorn said when Buck signed off.

“Ezekiel Big Shoe. Someone murdered him last night.”

Thorn’s hand went to her mouth. “Oh no! I have to call Mom.”

Without bothering to dress, she hurried down the stairs. When Buck followed, he found her sitting in an overstuffed leather chair, crying her eyes out as she talked on the phone.

“You okay?” he asked when she finally stopped talking.

“I just can’t believe this. The news is all over the valley. Short of the Chief, Ezekiel was the most important person in our tribe.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you were so close.”

After burying her face in her hands, she ran toward the stairs.

“I have to get to town. There’ll be people coming from all over to attend the funeral. I’m sure I’ll have relatives staying at the house.”

Buck didn’t follow her back to the bedroom, brewing coffee in the kitchen instead. He’d already finished his first cup when she blasted down the stairs.

“Gotta go,” she said, after giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“What about Pard and Lady?” he said, calling after her. “Should I come get them?”

“They’ll be fine,” she said, slamming the door behind her.

Disjointed by the events of the previous two nights, he was in no hurry to encounter the rest of the day. Hours later, he stood in front of the range, smoke billowing up from a skillet, as he tried to fry eggs. A familiar voice caused him to turn and look. It was Clayton.

“Who taught you to cook?” he said.

“No one. Guess that’s my problem.”

“Sit down,” Clayton said, pointing to the kitchen table. “I’m a little hungry myself. Relax and watch a master at work.”

Clayton found a frilly apron in a cabinet. Though he looked more than a little silly, Buck kept his mouth shut. Six-four Clayton was anything but feminine. Didn’t matter. He was enjoying himself, his big teeth flashing beneath his silver mustache.

He was soon chopping jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes. When he folded the ingredients into his omelet, Buck’s mouth began to water. He watched in awe as the older man peeled, diced, seasoned, and then fried a batch of hash browns. They feasted on omelets and potatoes, Clayton’s laced with Louisiana hot sauce.

“Glad you showed up,” Buck said. “I was getting ready to open a can of beans.”

“Son, you need a woman.”

“You’re not a woman, and you can cook.”

“Born in my left nut,” Clayton said. “If I weren’t a multi-millionaire oilman, I could have given Emeril a run for his money.”

“Who taught you?”

“My third wife. We had nothing else in common except our love of food. She could cook like nobody’s business. If she’d loved me, I’d still be with her to this very day.”

Clayton grinned when Buck said, “Her fault, then?”

“Met this young filly in a bar one night. Next thing I knew, I was alone and sleeping in my office. Imogene remarried. Last I heard, she had three kids. Took me ten years to regroup and get back in the business after she took every penny I had.”

Buck poured syrup on his hash browns. “Why is it I don’t feel sorry for you? While you’re at it, tell me about Big Shoe’s murder.”

“Don’t know much more than you. He was working late last night. No one saw who entered his office and cut his throat.”

“Any sign of a scuffle?”

“Don’t know. Lana’s over there now, along with a passel of police searching for clues.”

“What’s the plan?” Buck asked.

“Big Shoe was just about the most important man in eastern Oklahoma. There’ll be senators, governors, and powerful business leaders at his funeral. And that’s not to mention everyone in the county.”

“And you?”

“Lana and I flew up today. KK and Sara will be along tomorrow. We’ll be at the funeral with bells on.”

“I’d like to take a look at the murder scene.”

“Head over there,” Clayton said. “Lana will see that you get a look.”

“Think I will. Thanks for breakfast.”

“No problem. If your life ever slows down, I’ll give you a few lessons.”

Buck didn’t bother replying as the door shut behind him. Except for puddles in the blacktop, puffy clouds were all that remained of last night’s rain. The main parking lot was empty except for some police vehicles. A truck came roaring up the hill, the driver honking when he saw Buck. He pulled to a stop next to him.

“Don,” Buck said. “They let you out of the hospital already?”

“Yesterday.”

“You look good. How do you feel?”

“My ears are still ringing, and I have a persistent cough and a few burns. Other than that, I’m good to go.”

Buck shook his hand. “Guess you heard about Big Shoe?”

Don nodded. “Thought I’d get a look at the murder scene. I think we know who did it. I want to make sure.”

“Me too,” Buck said. “I’m on my way over. Lana’s already there, and Clayton says she can get us in for a look.”

“Can we stop by the bombsite first?”

“You bet,” Buck said.

The distance was short from the parking lot to the remains of the cabin. Didn’t matter because Don was moving slow.

“Sorry,” he said. “Can’t get oxygen to my lungs fast enough.”

“I’m in no hurry,” Buck said. “Take your time.”

When they reached the bombsite, he realized he hadn’t taken a good look the last time he was there. Portions of three walls remained. The wall where the front door had been was gone. Yellow crime tape had blown loose in the thunderstorm. The roof was gone, having collapsed. Don put a hand to his head.

“A directional charge,” he said. “Meant to kill the first person coming through the door.”

“The bomber used a flip-phone as a timer. Like you said, the cat saved you.”

“Right about that,” Don said. “If I’d made it through the door, there wouldn’t have been enough body parts left of me to put in a mayonnaise jar.”

Buck tapped his shoulder. “It was a sophisticated bomb. The person that built it and set it up had special training.”

“Army training,” Don said.

When he finally turned away from the demolished structure, Buck tugged his arm.

“I don’t know how an investigator could have mistaken this as a natural gas explosion.”

“Maybe something to do with Big Shoe’s murder.”

“I think it has everything to do with the murder. Let’s head over and see if we can get a handle on things.”

When Lana arrived at the lodge, she’d refunded the money of all the remaining guests, and checked them out. They found her standing alone in the deserted lobby. Seeing Don, she embraced him.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she said.

“I spent years in the army as a homicide investigator. Thought I might be able to help.”

Lana frowned, shaking her head in disgust. “The people investigating don’t seem to have a clue. The detective looks about fifteen, and is in over his head.”

“You think he’ll let me and Buck take a look?”

“I’ll call his chief and get him fired if he doesn’t.”

“You can do that?” Don asked.

“You may get a chance to see.”

“Where was Big Shoe killed?” Buck asked.

She pointed to a door. “In his office.”

Buck glanced at the big, oak door as they entered. “No sign of forcible entry,” he said.

“My money’s betting on an inside job,” Don said.

“What are you inferring?” Lana asked.

“Whoever killed Big Shoe knew him,” Buck said.

“And likely very well,” Don added.

The office was as regal as Buck had remembered it. A chalk outline of Big Shoe’s body marred the polished pine floor. A detective from the county sheriff’s department stood propped against the wall, watching a technician collect forensic samples. As Lana had said, he was young, trying his best to look older. His cookie duster mustache and cheap suit did little to advance his cause.

“Lieutenant Taylor, this is Don Boone and Buck McDivit, two members of my security team. If you don’t mind, I’d like for them to have a look at the murder scene.”

Detective Taylor was in awe of the tall woman in high heels and expensive dress.

“I have no problem with that,” he said. “The sheriff said to consider you part of the department.”

“Sheriff Davis and I’ve been friends for many years,” she said. “Thank you.”

The chalk outline was in front of the wet bar. Blood had pooled on the floor, staining a nearby rug. Shards of glass lay congealed in the sticky mess and some of the fragments were scattered across the floor. Don removed a pen from his pocket and began moving pieces of glass. Detective Taylor watched with an amused expression on his face.

“Got it figured out yet?” he said.

Don gave Buck a wink. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

The detective’s expression changed. “You’ve only been here five minutes. You pulling my leg?”

“It’s plain what happened here,” Don said.

“Then maybe you better tell me.”

Don skirted around the bloody rug, back to the wet bar. “What time was Big Shoe killed?” he asked.

“Two in the morning,” the detective said.

“There’s no sign of forcible entry. It’s reasonable to assume Big Shoe knew the person that killed him. He died standing in front of the wet bar, a bottle of Stoli in his hand. When the murderer cut his throat, he dropped the bottle.”

“What does Stoli have to do with anything?” Taylor asked.

“There’s a half empty bottle of Dewar’s on the bar, another empty bottle in the trash. My guess is that Big Shoe was a Dewar’s drinker.”

“He’s right,” Buck said. “I had a drink with him the first night we met.”

“He dropped the bottle of Stoli, began to bleed out, and then slumped to the floor. There’s only one footprint in the blood. Size twelve or bigger, I’d guess. The print of the person that killed him.”

Taylor began thumbing through his notes. “Big Shoe wore size nine,” he said. “Go on with your story.”

“There was a glass on the bar. The glass into which Big Shoe poured the Stoli. I presume no one has wiped the bar since the murder. Look close. You’ll see the ring left behind when someone moved the glass.”

“Who moved it?” Taylor asked.

“The murderer. After cutting Big Shoe’s throat, he picked up the glass from the bar and drank the Stoli.”

“Then where is it?” Taylor asked. “It wasn’t on the floor.”

Don pointed to the glasses sitting in rows on a shelf above the bar. “I’d say it’s that one right there. All the rows are in perfect alignment. All the glasses except for that one.”

Detective Taylor drew closer, craning his neck to get a better look. By now, even the technician had stopped taking samples and was staring at the rack of bar glasses. Don pointed again.

“There’s a smidgen of vodka still in the glass. My guess is the murderer’s prints are all over it. And the DNA you’ll need to identify him and the evidence to make the charge stick in court.”

“Sam . . .” Detective Taylor said.

He didn’t have to finish his sentence. The technician was already moving toward the wet bar, evidence bag in hand.

“Why was the killer so reckless in returning the dirty glass to the rack?”

“Because he was drunk, and didn’t think we’d be smart enough to figure it out.”

“If what you say proves true, I’m gonna buy you the biggest T-bone you ever ate,” the detective said

Don shook his hand. “I’m looking forward to it, Detective Taylor.”

 

 

 

Chapter 31

 

 

Lana was smiling when they left Big Shoe’s office, exiting into the deserted lobby.

“You’re amazing,” she said. “How did you interpret so much with so little information?”

“Years of practice,” he said. “I can’t begin to tell you how many homicides I’ve covered. Used to give me the creeps.”

“I can imagine,” she said. “I can’t believe how stupid Blade was to leave his prints and DNA at the murder scene.”

“Not stupid at all,” he said. “Repeat killers often leave clues on purpose. I’m not a shrink and have no idea why they do it, but they do.”

“What now?” Buck asked.

“Tie this case up with a pretty bow and put it to bed.”

“Are we that close?” Lana asked.

“I think so,” Don said. “We’ve known the connection between Big Shoe and Forbidden Treasures for a while now. Ever since Buck saw him driving an identical Corvette as Blade’s. Let’s find out who else is in on this.”

“How?” Lana asked.

“The address in McAlester where the Black Cup package went. I’m going there to check it out.”

“Not without me, you’re not,” Buck said.

“May I go?” Lana asked. “I want to be in on whatever you find.”

“Of course you can,” Don said.

“Then let me change out of this skirt and put on some work clothes.”

They waited outside Clayton’s cabin for her to return. Buck sat in the backseat of the crew cab, the big diesel in Don’s truck humming.

“Why do you think Blade killed Big Shoe?” he asked.

“Maybe the explosion. Big Shoe owned a large chunk of the lodge. I’m sure he wasn’t happy with his business partner blowing up one of his luxury cabins.”

“My bet is there’s more to it than that,” Buck said.

“Like what?”

“Don’t know. Maybe we’ll find out in McAlester.”

“Let’s hope,” Don said.

“What do you think of Lana?”

“Quite the woman; both beautiful and smart.”

“She is that,” Buck said.

Lana appeared from the cabin dressed in a yellow tee shirt and stylish blue shorts. She climbed into the front seat.

“What’s the plan?” she asked.

“Just checking a lead,” Don said as he powered down the mountain in the big truck. “Couldn’t find anything on the web about the address.”

The day had grown warm, so Don cranked the air conditioning.

“Nice truck,” Lana said.

“You own it.”

“Clayton has good taste.”

“At least in trucks and women,” Buck piped in from the backseat.

She took Buck’s comment as a compliment, smiling when she said, “Don’t get me started.”

The broad valley, surrounded by mountain vistas, flattened as they neared McAlester. They were soon on Main Street of the old town best known as the home of the state penitentiary; a facility the locals referred to as Big Mac. There were no skyscrapers. Most of the buildings were one or two-story structures constructed of red brick and native stone. They found the address they were looking for on E. Choctaw.

“Must be in the building on the right,” Buck said.

No other vehicles were on the street, so Don did a uey and parked in front of a red brick building.

“Hope Clayton and I aren’t paying your traffic tickets,” Lana said.

“Used to be a small town cop,” he said. “Believe me when I tell you nobody cares.”

“If you say so,” she said, as they climbed out of the truck.

Business was slow in downtown McAlester. Except for an old man coming out of a furniture store across the street, the sidewalks lay deserted. A boy pedaled past on a bicycle, his dog’s ears flopping as he trotted behind him. The man’s truck backfired as Buck held the door open for Lana and Don.

The building reeked of must and age. Its antiquated lights cast dim shadows on the black and white tile floor. Some of the offices had names on the doors, and numbers in worn gold lettering. Don pointed to a cracked door at the end of the hall. The name said Martino’s Watch and Jewelry Repair.

“Help you?” the little man behind the counter asked.

“You Mr. Martino?”

“That’s me. What you got?”

“We’re looking for Forbidden Treasures,” Don said. “Is it in this building?”

Mr. Martino rubbed his hand through his gray flattop. ”Around the corner,” he said.

“Know if anyone’s there to help us?”

“Justin and his cat. You know Justin?”

“Can’t say as I do,” Don said.

“He’s a little slow.”

Lana was busy looking at the used watches and jewelry in the display cabinet on the wall.

“Slow?” she said.

“Autistic, I think is the word for it.”

“Anybody else work there?” Don asked.

“Two Indian fellas drop by every now and then. The big ugly one with the bushy ponytail had me clean his Rolex once. Got mad when I charged him twenty bucks. Had to give him ten back cause I was afraid he might kill me.”

“Sounds like a mean one,” Don said.

“When I see him coming, I shut my door. He got into it with Justin yesterday.”

“What happened?”

“I kept my nose out of it. The big Indian was yelling so loud his voice echoed down the hall.”

“Did you call the cops?”

“Like I said, I kept my nose out of it. After he rushed out of here, I went down and checked on Justin. He was on the floor, against the wall, his nose bleeding, and his eye starting to swell. I gave him a bag of ice to put on it.”

“Thanks for the info, Mr. Martino,” Don said, starting for the door.

“Just a minute,” Lana said. “How much is this watch?”

“Ma’am, you got quite the eye. That’s the most expensive watch I got. I can’t let it go for less than seventy-five bucks.”

Lana handed him a hundred dollar bill. “Keep the change.” When he started to put it in a box, she said, “Clean it for me, and I’ll give you another twenty. I’ll pick it up later.”

”What was that all about?” Buck asked as they walked out the door.

“My mom had a watch like that. It reminded me of her. I couldn’t resist.”

“He would have sold it to you for ten bucks.”

“Chalk it up as ten dollars for the watch, and the rest for the information and memories.”

The door where Martino had pointed was unlocked and they entered without knocking. A young man of obvious American Indian heritage sat at a computer. As they approached him, a black and white cat ran from across the room and jumped into his lap. Lana motioned to Don to let her do the talking.

“Are you Justin?”

When the young man raised his head, they could see the swelling around his eye.

“That’s me,” he said.

“I’m Lana and these two men with me are Don and Buck.” Justin returned his gaze to the computer screen without saying hello. “That’s a nasty looking black eye you have. Are you okay?”

Justin continued to stare at the computer, but said, “Mr. Martino gave me some ice to put on it. It don’t hurt so bad today.”

“Mind if I take a look?” she asked. When Justin nodded, she knelt in front of him. He winced as she probed the purple splotch with her fingers. “We may have to get this looked at. What’s your cat’s name?”

“Whiskers,” he said.

The cat stood on Justin’s lap, her tail moving as she turned in slow circles. Lana gave the cat a stroke.

“I think she’s trying to protect you. It’s okay, Whiskers. We wouldn’t hurt Justin for any amount of money.”

Justin raised his head and said, “You have a nice voice. You remind me of my mom.”

“Thank you,” Lana said. “How is your mom?”

Justin lowered his head again. “She’s dead.”

“I’m so sorry,” Lana said, touching his hand. “Who do you live with?”

“Whiskers and me live alone in a house down the block. My dad bought it for Mom and me.”

“Oh? Who’s your dad?”

“Mr. Big Shoe.”

Lana glanced up at Don and Buck to catch their reaction. “Ezekiel Big Shoe?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have other relatives; a grandmother or aunt, maybe?”

Justin shook his head again. “Just Whiskers and me.”

“Not ever? Who raised you?”

“Mom.”

“When did she die?”

“Maybe a year ago,” he said.

“How do you take care of yourself?”

“My dad gives me a hundred dollars a week.”

“You buy your own food and cook it?”

“No.”

“Then how do you eat?”

“I give the money to Lola.”

“Who’s Lola?”

“The nice woman that lives next door. She makes my lunch, and I eat breakfast with her kids.”

“Do you know her last name?”

“Redbones.”

“Is she married?”

Justin’s head lowered again. “Got killed.”

“How?”

“Accident where he worked.”

“Justin, I’m so sorry,” she said, patting his hand again.

“Lola buys cat food and feeds Whiskers. Whiskers likes her and the kids.”

“How old are her children?”

Justin raised his hand to his chest. “Hector is this tall. He’s the biggest.”

“Do you work for your dad?” Lana asked.

“Yes.”

“Can you tell us what it is you do?”

“Keep the books and fill orders. When Mr. Doonkeen brings things, I take pictures and put them on the website. When someone buys something, I ship it to them.”

“Is he the one that gave you the black eye?”

“Yes.”

“Why was he so angry?”

“He pushed me away from the computer to look at the numbers. He didn’t know how to use the program and made me show him. He got so angry that I thought he was going to kill me.”

“He saw something in the numbers he didn’t like?”

Justin blinked and touched his black eye. “He called Dad bad names. He was shouting and threw a chair against the wall, and then he slapped me. Lola was angry and wanted to call the police. I wouldn’t let her because Mr. Doonkeen told me he would kill us all if I did.”

It took a moment for Lana to compose herself. When she did, she said, “So you keep the books on this computer?”

“Yes.”

“Mind if I take a look?”

Justin hugged the cat to his chest, letting Lana occupy the chair. With practiced fingers, she began moving from screen to screen. Finally, she glanced up at Buck and Don.

“There’s information for everything we need on this computer. Invoices, addresses; you name it. Another program open is a database of antiquities. Pictures and information describing where the artifacts originated.”

“Bingo,” Don said.

Buck glanced around the small room. “Where do you store the relics?” he asked.

“Warehouse on the edge of town,” Justin said.

Lana let the young man return to his computer.

“Justin, you are amazing. Who taught you how to keep books?”

“Mom did.”

“She taught you how to use the computer?”

“I am good with numbers. She only had to show me once.”

“I’ve never seen a more beautiful set of books. They are perfect.”

“Mom couldn’t believe it either. She used to say I never make mistakes. She kept getting sicker, and I had to start doing all the work for her.”

“Cancer?” Justin lowered his head. “Do you have a picture of her?”

A smile crossed his face for the first time. He disappeared into the back room, returning with an 8 x 10 photo in a gold frame. A young woman with black hair and even darker eyes was sitting on the front porch of an old wood-framed house. Ezekiel Big Shoe sat next to her, holding her hand. He was also smiling.

“She is so beautiful. What was her name?”

“Beth,” he said.

“You must miss her a lot, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“She would be so proud of you. Was yesterday the first time Mr. Doonkeen ever hurt you?”

“He hurt my mom once. I couldn’t stop him. After I told Dad, he never hurt Mom again, but he always gave me dirty looks. When he’s here, I have to put Whiskers in another room to keep him from hurting her.”

“A despicable man,” Lana said.

“Yes.”

“I can’t believe how good you are with numbers.”

“Yes.”

Lana reached into her wallet and removed a hundred dollar bill. “Your dad can’t make it today. He asked me to give this to you.”

 

 

 

Chapter 32

 

 

They were ten miles out of McAlester, heading back to Sunset Lodge before anyone spoke. The frown on Lana’s face expressed her dark thoughts.

“You okay?” Buck asked.

“That sorry prick needs to have his balls cut off with a rusty knife, and I’m just the girl to do it,” she said.

She cracked a smile when Don said, “Don’t sugarcoat it, Lana. Tell us how you really feel.”

“There’s enough data on Justin’s computer to put Blade in Big Mac where he belongs,” she said.

“On death row,” Buck said. “Why did he get so mad at Big Shoe?”

“They ran all their ill-gotten money through an offshore account in Nicaragua. It was easy to see from the books that Big Shoe was taking more than his fair share.”

“How do you get money from an offshore account?” Buck asked.

“The easy answer is by credit card. If Big Shoe or Blade needed money, the bank in Nicaragua would credit their card with cash.”

“I’m confused,” Buck said. “He didn’t use a credit card to pay for his share of the lodge, did he?”

“There are other ways of laundering money.”

“Such as?”

“Casinos, horse tracks, and any number of betting venues. Winning or losing a bundle of money at a crooked casino, for example. It works both ways, and the Treasury Department is none the wiser. That’s why the feds track the gaming industry. They aren’t always successful at keeping out organized crime.”

“There are so many Indian casinos in this state. Good chance Big Shoe was first cousins with some of the managers,” Buck said.

Don tapped the brakes when a jackrabbit scurried across the road in front of the racing truck.

“So Blade found out his partner was cheating him and then killed him,” he said.

“Looks that way to me,” Lana said.

“I’m just thinking out loud here. The information on that computer is the only evidence we have to link Blade and Big Shoe,” Buck said. “Maybe we should have brought it with us.”

“Shit!” Lana said. “You’re right. Turn around.”

No vehicles were within a hundred yards of the truck as Don hit the brakes. Lana and Buck grabbed doorposts as they raced away in the opposite direction. After cresting a small rise, they saw a gray cloud of smoke billowing up in the distance. Something was on fire in McAlester.

They found the main street crowded with cars, cops, gawkers, and firefighters. The old building that housed Forbidden Treasures was ablaze. Smoke and flames billowed high above the roof. Don didn’t stop, weaving through traffic and people before sliding to a halt.

Buck jumped from the truck and sprinted for the door of the burning building. Don tackled him before he’d gone five feet.

“No one in that building is alive,” he said, holding Buck to the ground until he stopped struggling.

“I see Justin,” Lana shouted, pushing through the crowd.

“He made it out,” Don said. “And so did the cat and the old man.”

A buzz-cut McAlester cop dressed in a khaki uniform was questioning Justin. A young woman, baby in hand and two toddlers hugging her legs clutched Justin’s arm. Tears welled in her dark eyes, her face red.

“What happened?” Don asked.

“Some crazy Indian doused the building with gasoline and then lit it,” the officer said.

“Everybody okay?” Buck asked.

“No one in the building except these two.”

”What happened?” Buck asked after the cop had moved away through the crowd.

“Mr. Doonkeen took the computer, and then set fire to the building,” Justin said.

“The crazy man could have killed him,” the young woman said.

“Are you Lola Redbones?” Lana asked.

The woman nodded and started crying again. She was short, plump, and her dark hair mussed.

“I was so afraid,” she said. “He burned Justin’s house. There’s nothing left but ashes.”

“It’s okay,” Lana said, embracing her. “Everyone’s safe. You shouldn’t return to your house just yet. Do you have relatives you can stay with?”

Lola shook her head. “My husband Charlie was from Louisiana and moved to McAlester after Katrina.”

“You have an Indian name. Can’t your tribe help you?”

“Grandpa was full blood and grew up on a reservation. Charlie thought it was demeaning and never claimed his head rights.”

“And you?”

“I’m Mexican,” she said.

“You’re coming with us until we can find you a place to stay.”

Lana’s words calmed the young woman, and she knelt to comfort her two barefoot boys.

“All our things are at the house,” she said.

“We’ll stop by and get what you need,” Don said.

“Are you okay, Mr. Martino?” Lana asked.

He opened his palm, handing her the watch she’d purchased. ”Lost everything except for this,” he said.

He blushed when she kissed him on the forehead and said, “Mr. Martino, you are a doll. I’m so sorry about your shop.”

“Maybe the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said. “Been paying big premiums on my insurance for years. Now, they’re gonna pay me. Maybe even enough to buy a little fishing camp down by the river.”

“Good for you. If we only hadn’t lost that computer. Justin, why are you grinning?”

Justin handed her a jump drive. “Mom taught me to back-up every day.”

“All the data from your accounting program is on this?” She rested her hand on his shoulder when he nodded. “I wasn’t going to tell you. Now, I think it’s best. Justin, your dad is dead.

***

Justin was non-responsive as they gathered clothes and a few possessions for the Redbones. Buck sat up front with Don. Lana climbed into the backseat with Lola and her toddlers. Hector sat in her lap. Her free arm draped around Justin’s shoulder.

“Everything okay back there?” Don asked.

“Good as it’s going to get for awhile,” she said.

“Justin, can you show me the warehouse where you store the relics?”

“Up ahead,” he said.

The warehouse on the edge of town was little more than a large storage shed. It didn’t matter because the door was open. Buck got out and looked.

“Empty. Blade cleaned it out already.”

“Figures,” Don said. “Where to now?”

“Back to the lodge,” Lana said. “And please slow down.”

Don slowed to the speed limit. They found Clayton waiting at the entrance to Sunset Lodge.

“I was starting to worry,” he said.

Don and Buck helped Lola carry her meager belongings into the lobby.

“Go home and get some rest,” Lana told Don. “You shouldn’t have been working today, anyway.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Blade is lurking around, and you need protection.”

“Already taken care of,” Clayton said. “Big Shoe’s security people are working for me now. They’re patrolling the grounds as we speak. The police finished their investigation. I got enough employees back to clean the place up and run the front desk. If I had a cook and some waiters, we’d be set.

“Good,” Lana said. “We need rooms for Lola and Justin.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Clayton said, slapping Justin’s shoulder and pumping Lola’s hand. “You may have to eat my cooking, but you are welcome here.”

Lola’s face reflected her concern. “We can’t afford this place.”

“Baby, don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Your stay here is on the house, courtesy of Miss Lana and me. Like I told you, you’re welcome here.”

“Gracias,” she said, hugging him.

“Come with me, and I’ll get you checked in.”

“I’m tired and going to the cabin,” Lana said. “Can you handle things?”

“Gotcha covered,” Clayton said. “KK and Sara are on their way.”

“Go home, Don. That’s an order,” she said.

“Yes ma’am,” he said, saluting.

She and Buck watched him disappear down the mountain road before heading for the cabin. Once inside the door, she kicked off her shoes and opened the wine chiller.

“I’m going to sit on the deck and drink a bottle of wine. Join me?”

“I could use a nip of Wild Turkey.”

“You know where the liquor cabinet is. I’ll be on the deck.”

The curtains flapped in a warm summer breeze as he joined her on the deck. Sprawled with her bare feet propped on the railing, she sipped her wine with eyes half closed.

“Thank God Justin is such a stickler for backing up his work,” she said. “Otherwise, we’d be toast.”

Buck tapped her wine glass with his tumbler. “The evidence we have on Blade is enough to hang him. I’m happy with that, even if it’s all we accomplish.”

“We don’t have to settle for that now.”

Lana sat her glass on the side table and began rubbing the watch she’d purchased from Mr. Martino.

“I can see it means a lot to you. Tell me about your mom.”

“She was my whole world. The man that fathered me was an abusive monster. He was a welder, and we were living in California. He made good money and spent most of it on whiskey, drugs, and whores. He was always angry when he finally made it home, and Mom usually took the brunt of the abuse. She got him off to work one morning and then took his car and drove us to Oklahoma. He followed us here on his 125 cc Honda. Grandmother met him at the door of her trailer with a hatchet.”

“What happened to him?”

“He stabbed someone on a dance floor one night and went to prison for ten years. When they released him, he drank himself to death. What about your father?”

“Never had one, bad or otherwise.”

“You’re an orphan?” she said.

“I lived with more foster parents than I can count. My bad attitude always got in the way of adoption. Jim and Carol took me in when I was fourteen. Helped me straighten out my life. Otherwise, I might have wound up in prison.”

Lana touched his glass again. “Sounds like we’re kindred spirits,” she said.

“At least you have a partner.”

“It’s not that I don’t like men. I just don’t know what I’d do without Sara.”

“All men aren’t monsters,” he said.

“I know that. I’m even attracted to males, as you can attest. Though I know it’s illogical, I just can’t overcome my innate distrust of the opposite sex.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t change you for the world.”

Lana finished her wine and poured more from the open bottle beside her.

“I was hoping you and Thorn would fall in love. She is so intelligent and beautiful, and you seem so compatible.”

“She’s every man’s wet dream,” he said. “Problem is it takes two to tango.”

“You and KK went together.”

“She recently tried to take a page out of your playbook and asked me to get her pregnant. Said her biological clock was ticking so loud it was about to drive her deaf.”

“You’re kidding me! What did you tell her?”

“I already have a son I rarely see,” he said.

Lana squirmed in her chair, turning away from him.

“I’m so sorry you’re bitter,” she said.

“Not bitter. I just don’t want to have two sons that don’t know I’m their father.”

She faced him again. “I told you things would change. Don’t you believe me?”

“Sorry,” he said.

“Let’s get back to Thorn. Have you had her yet?”

“I’m not sure who had who,” he said.

Lana’s cell phone rang before she could comment.

“That was Clayton. He said Lola took over the kitchen and if we’re hungry, we should join them. Would you like something to eat?”

“You bet,” he said. “I’m starved.”

 

 

 

Chapter 33

 

 

The aroma of enchiladas and refried beans met them as they opened the door to the lodge’s main kitchen. Clayton sat at the table where the cook staff ate, Lola’s oldest toddler bouncing on his knee.

The smallest boy occupied Sara’s lap. KK was rocking the baby in her arms as Lola placed a steaming platter of tamales on the table. Justin sat beside Clayton, smiling for the first time since Lana had told him his father was dead. Lana and Buck pulled up chairs.

“Try the dip,” Clayton said. “The best I ever tasted.”

Lana touched Lola’s arm. “We didn’t intend to put you to work,” she said.

“I love to cook,” she said. “I could do it all day, every day. When Mr. Clayton told me we had no one to cook, I asked him to show me the kitchen.”

”I’m glad you’re happy,” Lana said.

Lola was beaming. “If I had a kitchen like this, I would never leave.”

“Your enchiladas are so good,” Clayton said. “I may never let you.”

Jake and Colley appeared, entering through the door Buck had left ajar.

“Man, we smelled the eats the minute we walked through the front door,” Colley said. “Got extra enchiladas for two hungry souls?”

“Sit,” Clayton said. “Got enough eats here for a log rolling.”

Jake grabbed the empty chair beside Buck. “We have problems,” he said between bites.

“Like what?”

“Ezekiel’s funeral is the day after tomorrow. I’ve known him and his family for years and would be remiss if I skipped it.”

“Why is that a problem?” Buck asked.

“Another storm system is moving our way. Looks like lots of rain following the funeral. I need to finish the shoot by the end of the week, or else scrap it, and I don’t know when I’ll get back this way again.”

“We can film in the rain.”

“Establishing base camp won’t be so easy.”

“I’m not going to the funeral. Colley, a couple of men and I could transport the equipment to the valley. I could have the camp set up when you arrive.”

“Colley, what do you think?”

“The equipment’s packed and waiting on the pad. I could fly it to the valley now if you want. It’s heavy, though. Even four strong backs will have a time moving it far from where we put it on the ground.”

Clayton was listening to the conversation. “I got men that can help, and an ATV that’s small but perfect for transporting packages too heavy to carry. Just say the word.”

Jake and Colley walked out with Buck when they finished eating.

“If you’re serious about setting up base camp for us, can you leave now?”

“Let me pack a few things. If Colley’s ready to go I can meet him at the chopper in half an hour,” he said.

“Make it three hours. Clayton’s rounding up hands to help, and Colley needs to load the ATV.”

They were soon winging toward the valley, Clayton’s ATV dangling from the chopper. The sun was low on the horizon when Colley hovered above the valley opening and lowered the payload.

Clayton’s ATV was little more than an engine attached to four wheels and a metal frame. There was no roof, only a front bench seat and a flatbed for stacking boxes. The little vehicle had surprising speed and power. It was growing dark as they unloaded the last box beside the pristine pool. Colley handed Buck an AK47 assault rifle before climbing up the rope ladder to the helicopter.

“I know Jake disapproves of weapons. Even so, you might just need this. There are thirty rounds in the banana clip. It’s automatic. The ammo won’t last long if you hold the trigger down.”

“Where’d you get this?”

“Liberated it during one of my tours in Nam,” Colley said. “I keep it in the chopper underneath my seat. Jake’s never figured it out.”

Buck handed it back to him. “I promised Jake there’d be no guns, and a promise is a promise.”

“I understand,” Colley said. “The tank on the ATV is full, and there are two 10-gallon gas tanks in case you need more.”

“Thanks, Colley,” Buck said, giving him a fist bump.

“See you in a couple of days,” he said.

The chopper lifted off the escarpment, the sound of its motors fading in the distance. The ATV had knobby tires and enough power to climb a forty-degree grade. He could feel its power as he raced away along the flat surface back to camp.

Darkness comes late to Oklahoma in the summertime. Buck was still surprised by how much they’d accomplished. He’d strung miniature lights around the perimeter, powering them with a portable generator. After eating a can of beef stew, he doffed his clothes and lounged in the pool for almost an hour. It was dark when he got out of the water, and he was glad he’d strung the lights. He was almost ready to turn in for the night when his cell phone rang. It was Don, checking on him.

“I can’t believe you’re in the valley alone,” he said.

“I’m fine. Colley offered to lend me his old AK47. I didn’t take it. I think I’ll be all right.”

“Want me to join you?”

“I’m fine. Stay home and recuperate.”

“I’ll check on you tomorrow,” Don said.

Exhausted from the toils of the day, he fell into a deep sleep. Something padding through camp awakened him before dawn. Unzipping the tent, he crawled across the moist grass that somehow grew in the constant shade. He’d turned off the generator before entering the tent. Now, it was almost like the inside of a cave, no star, or moonlight penetrating the thick canopy of vegetation. He stopped, hoping to hear something, even if he was unable to see it.

After hearing no more movement in the campsite, he decided to return to his tent. When he did, he realized he had a problem.

Though he attempted to retrace the path he’d taken from the tent, he couldn’t find it. Finally giving up trying, he lay back, cradling his head in hands.

***

Disoriented when he awoke, Buck found himself only ten feet from his tent. When he scanned the campsite, he found several large footprints. Bigfoot had visited the camp. He wondered how the creature managed to see in the dark. Jake called him later that day.

“Colley said he got you situated. How did it go last night?”

“Dogged after helping move all the heavy equipment. I turned in early. When I got up this morning, I found I’d had a midnight visitor.”

“Bigfoot?”

“It didn’t disturb anything, though it left several footprints in the moist earth. Put some infrared game cameras on your list of things to bring. We might get some great photos.”

“Will do,” Jake said. “The funeral’s shaping up to be quite a production. Governors and senators are attending, along with everyone in the county and half the state. I didn’t realize just how many people Big Shoe knew.”

“I won’t be there, and I bet neither will Blade.”

“I know you’re raring to go. I’d appreciate it if you’d wait for the rest of the crew before making any important discoveries.”

“No problem. I was only planning to do a little light exploring.”

“Our show follows a standard script. We arrive at a spooky sight and then start seeing signs of paranormal activity. The finale is always the resolution, and the last big scene. You get my drift?”

“I guess,” he said.

“It’s not important that we actually film Bigfoot. What’s essential is that our show builds real suspense and anticipation. It needs to keep the viewers flipping the channel our way to make our sponsors happy.”

“But you told me it was your dream to document Bigfoot.”

“Forget what I told you. What’s imperative is the ratings. It wouldn’t do to have the suspense dissipated before we ever start.”

“Gotcha,” Buck said. “You can count on me.”

“I knew I could.”

Buck had planned to drive the ATV up the valley to find out if Blade’s City of Gold actually existed. Jake’s ratings didn’t factor into his decision. He was right about one thing, though. A storm was building to the west.

Distant thunder began rumbling before noon, the weather hot, and the air humid. He contained his curiosity by exploring the caverns above the falls. He’d made a discovery that would not make Jake happy. His phone rang before he had time to assess the situation. It was Don, checking in again.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“From the thunder in the distance, I’d say the expedition’s in for heavy rain.”

“Come across anything interesting yet?”

“Last time here we found some caverns above the falls where we’re camped. While nosing around just now, I learned they are more extensive than what we thought.”

“How so?”

“Cavernous rooms connected by a network of trails lace the mountain. I followed one for more than a mile before turning around. There’s evidence of human habitation everywhere.”

“You have to be kidding me.”

“Not recent signs. The ones I saw are hundreds, maybe thousands of years old.”

“What’s the plan?”

“Head west and see if Blade’s City of Gold exists.”

“Aren’t you going to wait for Jake and the crew?”

“We had an interesting talk today. Despite what he told me earlier, he’s more interested in ratings than results. Just as well for me, I guess.”

“Good for you,” Don said. “I talked with Lana earlier. Blade has dropped off the face of the earth.”

“He’ll be back.”

“Like I said, call if you need me. I’ll get there one way or the other.”

Thunder rumbled again, closer this time. Buck threw a few items he thought he might need on the back of the ATV and headed west. He soon realized the winding creek ran the entire length of the valley.

The lack of undergrowth made for a smooth path for the ATV he’d nicknamed the Mule. He began seeing wildlife: rabbits, an armadillo, and a small herd of deer. He had little doubt there were also predators lurking in the valley.

Instead of narrowing as he’d assumed, the valley widened the further he went. Though he was traveling no more than ten miles per hour, he knew he would soon reach the place where the canyon boxed. An abrupt change in topography stopped him before he reached it.

The flat valley floor had begun to roll. Small hills disrupted his path and giant boulders forced him to slow. He finally stopped, climbed to the top of a boulder, and took a long drink of water from his canteen. Something moving in the distance caused him to take notice.

He waited, not moving as he listened for the almost human sound he’d heard. Chalking it up as imagination, he slid off the boulder, returning to the Mule when he heard it again.

Because of the fallen boulders, the trail had narrowed, and he had to pick his way through the rocks carefully. A hawk startled him, swooping low over the Mule in pursuit of a field mouse. As the bird lifted its captive into the trees, he heard a woman crying. It wasn’t his imagination.

 

 

 

Chapter 34

 

 

Glaring sunlight blinded him as he moved beneath a rare break in the trees. Hoisting his pack, he followed an ancient path to a clump of bushes. Whimpers of a woman in distress grew louder. When he parted the vegetation, he saw who was causing the disturbance.

Female she was, he could see by her pendulous breasts. All else was uncertain. She stood seven feet tall. Except for her breasts and face, grayish-brown hair covered every part of her body. Unlike animal fur, hers looked more like human hair.

She was rushing in hurried circles beside a pool of water, her arms in constant motion. When she saw him, she ran into the brush. She returned, afraid of Buck though too concerned to leave. It took him a moment to understand her cause of alarm.

The upper body of an even larger creature, flailing his arms, protruded from the water. A rapid bend in the creek had formed a stagnant pool, the creature sinking into the green mire. Quicksand, Buck realized. Slipping off his backpack, he grabbed his lariat hanging from a strap.

Except for thick beard and mustache, the face of the creature was bare of hair. Its head was huge, and Buck could only imagine how large he was. Twirling the lariat, he tossed it over the big fellow’s outstretched arms. When he tugged on the rope, he realized a powerful suction had the creature trapped.

There was nothing except rapidly darkening sky overhead, the rough terrain making it impossible for trees to grow. Most trees, anyway. The gnarled branches of a stunted oak provided the lever he needed. Tossing the loose end of the rope over the lowest branch, he laid all his weight into it. The female drew close enough to brush past him, concern replacing her fear.

“Help me,” he shouted.

She stopped in her tracks, staring at him. He knew a bit of Indian sign language and made the motion signaling he needed help. Reluctant at first, she drew closer, grabbing the rope and pulling.

The female was much stronger than he was. It didn’t matter. Both of them pulling together couldn’t keep the creature on the other end of the rope from sinking. Spotting a fallen branch, he picked it up as the female began sobbing again.

After pulling off his boots, he plunged into the water, dog paddling toward the panicked creature. When the big fellow began flailing its huge arms, Buck voiced a whispered prayer. Making matters worse, clouds had begun cloaking the sky. It began to rain, first as small drops, and then as a thunderous downpour.

A cloudburst peppered the stagnant water as he reached the creature and rammed the branch into the mud. He needed to break the quicksand’s suction. If he failed, its grasp would soon drag the creature below water level. He laid his weight into the branch and began rotating it.

A bubble of air burst to the surface with a loud whoosh. As it did, the creature’s lower extremities floated to the surface.

“Help me,” Buck yelled to the female.

She was already tugging on the rope. When they reached the shore, he grabbed Bigfoot’s shoulders. The massive creature weighed upwards of five hundred pounds. The female hurried to help, and they managed to pull him out of the water. It was then that he saw what had gotten him into the quicksand.

The jaws of a giant bear trap bit into the creature’s leg, the wound caked with slimy mud and still oozing blood. He grabbed a first aid kit from his backpack. With its big eyes rolling in pain, Buck stuffed a rag in his mouth.

“Bite hard,” he said, patting his chin.

When Buck began opening the trap, the creature’s eyes closed and he clamped down on the rag. The jaws of the trap opened with a metallic clank and he slid it off the mangled leg. The big fellow emitted a moan that told Buck everything he needed to know about the depth of his pain.

After purging the wound with alcohol, he poured iodine on it and then wrapped it with a bandage. The bone wasn’t broken, though the wound needed stitches. It was something Buck wasn’t equipped to do. Finding a syringe and a vial of morphine, he injected the creature, hoping to ease its pain.

The broken chain attached to the bear trap attested to the strength of the creature. Weakened from the loss of blood, he must have stumbled into the stagnant water. Too weak to break the suction, the quicksand had begun pulling him under.

The female hadn’t stopped crying. Holding the male’s huge head, she continued chattering in some language unknown to Buck.

“Buck,” he said, pointing to his chest and then at her. “Who are you?”

“Uligy,” she said, her meaning unmistakable. She pointed to the big male. “Squamo.”

“Help me, Uligy,” he said, motioning toward the Mule.

Together, they managed to lift Squamo onto the back of the Mule. When Buck cranked the engine, Uligy grew animated, rushing in front of the vehicle as she waved her arms. When he changed directions, she nodded her head in the universal sign that she agreed.

“Hop on,” he said, patting the seat beside him.

Though she was having no part of the noisy machine, she didn’t try to stop him when he started away to the west.

He tooled ahead, following a narrow path through the boulders. The farther they traveled, the broader and wider the canyon became. The surrounding cliffs jutted into the sky. Rounding a bend, he saw something that caused him to disbelieve his own eyes.

A magnificent pyramid like ones he’d seen in the jungles of Yucatan, appeared before him. Worn limestone walls jutted almost to the top of the canyon’s cliffs. He had to swerve to miss a fallen sculpture of a bird serpent threatening to block his path.

Heavy rain had morphed into slow drizzle. The rapid drop in temperature resulted in an eerie ground fog that snaked around broken columns, decimated buildings, and once ornate sculptures. Something else, high on the cliff walls, drew his attention.

Tens, if not hundreds of creatures like the one he’d rescued, stared at him from caves in the cliffs. They weren’t just adults, but also adolescents and babies. None seemed brave enough to come down from their perches. When the female began calling for help, they approached the Mule.

After they’d lifted him off the vehicle, Buck followed them. They led him up a pathway worn by time to a cavern with an entrance so large that it gaped like a giant’s open mouth. It was apropos because every creature in the cave towered over him. He’d not only found Jake’s Bigfoot, he’d found dozens of them.

There was also someone else in the cave, and not as large, or as hairy. Though a woman stood with her back to Buck, he could see the rattlesnake tattoo on her shoulder. Thinking it was Esme, he almost gasped when she faced him and he realized she wasn’t.

Dark hair draped the young woman’s shoulders. Her eyes were the same color as the obsidian in the serpent’s orbs littered around the pyramids. Turquoise draped the colorful dress reaching her knees. Her bare toes dug into the sandy floor of the cavern.

She watched as the creatures laid the big male Bigfoot on a bed of leaves. After putting her hand on his wound, she finally turned her attention to Buck.

“You saved Squamo’s life. I am grateful, and so are the People of the Night.”

“I’m Buck,” he said.

“I know who you are. I am Delayne, daughter of Esme and Talako, and granddaughter of Chief Walking Wolf.”

“Impossible,” he said. “You’re almost as old as I am, and I’m as old as your mother.”

“And like me, you are also a spirit walker. You have yet to learn that time skews when you move across it.”

She turned away, undoing the bandage on Squamo’s leg. “What caused this?” she asked.

“Bear trap. He’s lucky his leg isn’t broken.”

“These people have extra-large bones. It would take more than a bear trap to break it.”

“Good thing for him or he’d be dead,” he said.

She didn’t comment as she applied a poultice to the wound. The creature opened his big eyes when she began bathing his forehead with an aromatic fluid.

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“Because you need help. Mother sent me to assist you. The evil one must have set the trap that snared Squamo. You are correct. He would be dead now if not for you.”

“Is Uligy . . . ?”

“Squamo’s female. She would never have left him.”

“And these people?” he asked.

“Gentle souls with no hate in their hearts. This is their home, and they can’t defend themselves. You must help me protect them.”

“I’m confused. They are huge. Are they human?”

“As human as you or I,” she said. “They feel both love and pain. I think you already realized as much.”

“They don’t smell bad,” he said. “Shouldn’t they be stinking to high heaven?”

Delayne laughed. “They have a scent bag like a skunk. They only release the foul odor when they are in danger.”

“Blade was here?”

“The People watched him as he explored the ruins. It did not take him long to discover the trove of gold in the main pyramid. He must have set the trap before leaving the valley.”

“That was several days ago,” he said.

“He will return,” she said.

One of the meek females brought him a gourd with water. She hurried back into the shadows as he touched the cool liquid to his lips. The view of the giant pyramid from the gaping mouth of the cave was like a picture postcard. A fantasy painting created by a color-happy artist. When he turned, he realized Delayne was smiling as she watched him. A tactile shock of pure pleasure pulsed through his arm when she touched his hand.

“You are even more beautiful than your mother,” he said. “I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Esme told me not to believe a word you say,” she said, dimples in her cheeks appearing as she smiled.

“I may have told lots of lies in my life. That wasn’t one of them.”

With the poultice beginning to work its magic, Squamo moved his big head as Uligy and several females fussed over him. Pulling loose from Buck’s grasp, Delayne joined them, squeezing Squamo’s thumb that was almost as big as her whole hand. Uligy lay draped across the big creature’s chest, sobbing with joy that he was alive.

“Someone must stop Blade. Since I’m from another time, I can do little to help you.”

“I understand,” Buck said. “Please tell me about this ruined city.”

“You already know it’s Mayan.”

“What happened to the people that built it?”

“The city grew until the valley could no longer support its thriving population. The Mayans moved, some of them assimilating with the Mississippians. The temples and pyramids became a holy place. The Mayans used them for a century or more for religious ceremonies and pilgrimages. The forest assimilated the ruins until it was populated only by the People of the Night.”

“Where did the People come from?”

“The far corners of the earth. They live beyond the boundaries of civilization. They are a simple group and harm no one.”

“The authorities are looking for Blade. If he returns to the valley, I’ll try to deal with him. May be difficult because I have no weapon. What else do you need me to do?”

“You must promise me now that you will go to your grave without telling anyone about the ruins, or the People of the Night; a solemn vow that will surely haunt you for the rest of your life.”

 

 

 

Chapter 35

 

 

Rain was peppering Buck’s tent when he awoke the following morning. Only faint light illuminated a dull day as he hurried to the large canopy he’d erected. Firing up the stove, he began brewing coffee; glad the canvas roof had kept everything dry.

The aroma of bacon and eggs frying soon hung in the damp morning air. A lonesome coyote, its howls echoing in the distance, seemed miles away. He’d finished his last bite when his cell phone rang. It was Don.

“Got news for you,” he said.

“Not bad, I hope.”

“Blade’s on his way into the valley.”

“How do you know?” Buck asked.

“Been monitoring flight plans. A Fort Smith charter service filed a point-to-point yesterday. For a chopper flight to the edge of the national forest. I drove to Fort Smith and interviewed the pilot.”

“And?”

“The customer paid in cash and used a fake I.D. When I showed the pilot a picture of Blade, he confirmed it was the man booking the flight. The pilot put him on the ground about thirty miles east of you.”

“Wasn’t he suspicious?”

“Blade told him he was a nature hiker. He had a document authorizing him to trek in the forest. He carried a backpack the pilot said must have weighed a hundred pounds or more.”

“Thirty miles is a long hike, even for someone that’s had special training.”

“You know he’s wanted for murder now?”

“Then the DNA on the glass checked out?”

“Like a charm. I notified the county, state, and even the U.S. Marshal’s office of his whereabouts.”

“And?”

“The Marshals were familiar with Blade. They said a platoon of Green Berets couldn’t hunt him down if he wanted to remain out of sight. They advised me to get you the hell out of there, and they’d deal with him when he emerges.”

“I’ll call Jake and have him abort the expedition. Will you contact Colley and have him bring me a high-powered rifle with a scope, a pistol, and lots of ammo?”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Very much so.”

“You may be good, partner. When it comes to firefights, you’re no match for Blade,” Don said.

“I have to try.”

“Can I ask why?”

“I don’t want this valley opened up to treasure hunters when the story goes viral on social media.”

“What difference does it make?”

“I have my reasons.”

“My guess is Blade intends to kill everyone in your party and then take his time looting the City of Gold. If he kills you, no one will ever find your body.”

“You’re scaring me. Doesn’t matter because I’m not leaving.”

“Fine. I’ll call Colley and get you that rifle. When he shows up, I’m gonna be with him.”

“You stay put. I’ll handle this.”

“No way. Watch your back until I join you,” Don said, signing off.

With words of doom still ringing in his ears, he called Jake.

“I know you don’t want to hear this. You have to abort the expedition.”

“Impossible,” Jake said. “We’re in the air, winging your way.”

“I can’t talk you into turning around?”

“Tell me what your problem is,” Jake said.

“Blade is on his way into the valley. He’s Big Shoe’s murderer.”

“Why would he want to return to the valley?”

“He thinks there’s treasure here,” Buck said.

“You know anything about a treasure?”

“Just rumors. Doesn’t matter because he torched a building in McAlester, and then killed Big Shoe. If he believes there’s treasure here, he’ll pick us off one by one.”

“This shoot sounds juicier every moment. And now I have an ace in the hole.”

“What are you talking about?”

”Picked up a celebrity guest. The most eligible bachelor athlete in America. Our ratings will soar. The network executives are watering at the mouth. I couldn’t back out now if I wanted to.”

“I’m telling you, it’s too dangerous. Please reconsider.”

“Can’t do it. I have Zeke Big Shoe, Ezekiel’s son and the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints tagging along. With this treasure angle as a sidebar, we can’t miss.”

“Seems as if I remember your big shot quarterback knocking you into Clayton’s spa. Did you kiss and make up?”

“Touché,” Jake said. “Thorn got us together for a few drinks following Ezekiel’s funeral. Zeke’s mom loves Thorn.”

“Oh?”

“The two love bugs were holding hands under the table. From what I saw, wedding bells are imminent.”

“Just my luck,” Buck said.

“Sorry I’m the one breaking the news to you. I know you and Thorn had a thing going.”

“This may seem like the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s not. Blade is a killer, and we don’t even have a weapon.”

“Journalists don’t carry weapons. I’ve never backed away from a story in my life. I won’t start now.”

“If you aren’t afraid, at least consider the others. You could be walking into a death trap.”

“I’ll talk to them about it. If they’re frightened, I’ll send them back on the chopper with Colley.”

***

It was wet as he headed toward the cliff below the landing zone. Water misting from the high branches of the giant trees kept his nerves on edge. When he turned off the Mule’s engine, he heard the approaching chopper. Zeke Big Shoe was the first person to descend the rope ladder tossed from the ledge.

“How’s it going, McDivit? Jake says you’re too scared to be part of this expedition.”

His taunt was more than Buck could take. His straight right hand dropped the celebrity quarterback to his knees. Blood trickled down Zeke’s chin as he glared at Buck, and then grabbed his knees, wrestling him to the ground. They were exchanging punches when Thorn reached the bottom of the ladder.

“Stop it, now!” she shouted.

When they didn’t comply, she jumped on top of the fray. A punch nailed her with a glancing blow, knocking her backwards into the mud. Hearing her cries, Buck and Zeke stopped fighting immediately, their attention focused on Thorn.

“You okay?” Buck asked.

“No thanks to you. What the hell are you two doing?”

“That asshole punched me when I wasn’t looking.”

Thorn grabbed Buck’s hand to keep him from punching Zeke again.

“Stop it!” she shouted. “I won’t have this.”

After helping Kristen descend the ladder, Jake turned his attention to Buck and Zeke.

“Knock it the hell off, and I mean right now,” he said. “Who started this?”

“He did,” they both said.

“I’m ending it. Leave now with Colley or else save your temper tantrums for when we get back to civilization.”

“I’m good,” Buck said, holding up his hands.

“Me too,” Zeke said. “It’s over, far as I’m concerned.”

Kristen had a camera on her shoulder, filming the altercation. She managed to get a close-up of Jake’s frown and the blood still trickling down Zeke’s chin. Buck brushed himself off and walked to the Mule.

“What’s going on down there?” Colley yelled from the top of the cliff.

“We’re cool,” Jake called. “Send down our stuff.”

One by one, Colley began lowering their backpacks on a rope. Kristen climbed up the ladder, filming the chopper as it disappeared into angry clouds. Slipping as she descended, Zeke caught her. Thorn gave him a dirty look when he glanced to check her reaction.

Buck didn’t bother helping them load their backpacks on the back of the Mule. Other than him, Jake was the only person present on the previous trip to the valley. The view astounded Thorn, Kristen, and Zeke. Heavy rain had returned, and they pulled their poncho hoods over their heads.

“You couldn’t put two of those giant trees on a football field,” Zeke said.

“They are so huge,” Thorn said.

Kristen remained silent, her camera capturing their trip up the canyon. Her eyes grew larger when they reached the sculpted rock formation rising up from the valley floor. Buck remained in the Mule as Zeke followed Thorn and Kristen up the path to the top of the worn and eroded monolith.

“I named it Saddle Rock during our last visit,” Jake said.

Thorn pointed to the cliff. “Oh my God!” she said. “What a beautiful waterfall.”

Jake had already started down. “Let’s go,” he said. “You’ll have plenty of time to check things out when it stops raining.”

Thorn was grumbling as she joined Kristen and Zeke in the back of the Mule. Buck slowed to give them a better look as they drove past the waterfall pool. When they reached the canopy, he started a fresh pot of coffee as they unloaded their backpacks.

Thorn glanced up at the mouth of the cavern gaping behind them. “Is that our cave?” she asked.

“Let’s have lunch, and then we’ll explore it,” Jake said. “Rain won’t bother us there.”

The gray day had only grown drearier as Buck served lunch.

“Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Sorry I’m not a better cook.”

“Just what I needed,” Kristen said.

She’d finally put the camera down, a tear in her eye as she bit into her sandwich. Everyone was in a dark mood following Ezekiel Big Shoe’s funeral. Buck tapped her shoulder.

“Sorry for your loss,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said.

Jake scowled at him for introducing a sore subject. No one else commented. When he finished eating, Jake stuck his hand out from the canopy. The rain showed no sign of abating as he slipped his poncho back over his shoulders.

“This isn’t getting any better. Ready to check out the cave?”

Buck cleaned the dishes and tidied around the propane stove as the others started away to the cavern. Zeke stayed behind; slow to slip his own poncho over his shoulders.

“You didn’t like my dad, did you?” he asked.

“I hardly knew him.”

“What’s going on here?”

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Buck said.

“There’s tension between you and Jake.”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Zeke said.

“The man that killed your dad is on his way into the valley. I told Jake he should abort this expedition. He said he’d give the three of you the option to leave with Colley.”

“No one knows who murdered my dad.”

“They do now. Haskel Doonkeen, your dad’s business partner, killed him.”

Zeke took a step in his direction, clinching his fist as if he were about to take a swing. Stopping short, he slammed it against the table instead. After taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes.

“Tell me what you know,” he said.

“Doonkeen was stealing Indian artifacts. He and your dad had a company that sold them around the world.”

“Not true,” Zeke said.

“Doonkeen was getting inside information. Whenever Thorn and her group made a significant discovery, someone would steal it.”

“What are you getting at?” Zeke asked.

“Pillow talk. You and Thorn were an item. She told you what was going on at the Archaeological Museum, and you let your father know what she said.”

“I didn’t,” Zeke said.

Buck held up his palm. “I’m sure neither you nor Thorn had any idea you were tipping off the enemy. He’d quiz you, wouldn’t he?”

“He was an honest man,” Zeke said.

“You knew Kristen was his girlfriend. You saw them together.”

“He wasn’t perfect.”

“Do you know that you have a brother?” Buck asked.

“What?”

“His name is Justin. He was at the funeral yesterday. His dad is your dad. He kept the books for Forbidden Treasures, the company Doonkeen and Ezekiel owned.”

“This is too much information for me to handle right now,” Zeke said.

“You have no choice. Doonkeen thinks there’s treasure in this valley. He intends to kill us so he can keep the secret to himself. Colley will be returning with weapons for me. It may be too late.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Checked your cell phone lately?”

Zeke saw there was no signal when he pulled it from his pocket. “What the hell!” he said.

“Blade must have a jamming device he’s employing to keep us from using our phones.”

“That’s crazy,” Zeke said.

“We have no weapons. Blade does. If we do nothing, he’ll kill us, take our scalps and leave our bodies to rot. Is that what you want?”

Zeke didn’t answer. Rain poured even harder as thunder rumbled through the valley.

“What’ll we do?” he finally asked.

“This valley goes pitch-black after dark. I’m not trying to scare you. We need to stay in the cavern tonight.”

“Fuck you, McDivit! I’m blitzed by monster linemen intent on breaking every bone in my body every Sunday. I’m not afraid of Blade.”

“This ain’t football. It’s not a game at all. Blade’s as big as one of your linemen, and has a knife and a sniper rifle. If you don’t care about yourself, then at least think about Thorn.”

After a moment, Zeke said, “Got a plan?”

“We need weapons, and then we have to confront Jake before he gets us all killed.”

“I saw a canebrake at the base of the cliff. When I was a kid, we made bows, arrows, and spears using cane we’d cut.”

“And you think . . . ?”

“It’s the only idea I have,” he said.

“Then let’s do it. It’s a sorry plan, though better than anything I’ve come up with, and we may not have much time left.”

 

 

 

Chapter 36

 

 

They could hear Jake’s voice echoing in the distance as they carried bundles of cane up the rope ladder to the cavern. After dropping their load near the entrance, they followed the sound into the darkness. They found Kristen filming and Jake watching as Thorn pointed to carvings in the wall.

“These glyphs are Mississippian,” she said. “Probably carved a thousand years ago by a native point maker.”

Kristen focused her camera on the cavern floor where piles of arrowheads and spear tips lay strewn.

“Where did they get the flint?” Jake asked. “The walls of this cavern are limestone.”

“Not this wall,” Thorn said. “It’s chert, another name for flint.” She picked up a beautifully serrated arrowhead. “Chert found in this region is perfect for creating points. Indians traveled thousands of miles, even from as far away as South America to trade for it. Mississippian artisans were the best point makers in the world.”

Zeke picked up two spearheads and showed them to Buck.

“Put those back,” Thorn said.

“We need them. Tell her, Buck.”

Jake and Kristen waited to hear what he had to say.

“What’s he talking about?” Thorn asked.

“I gave Jake some important information earlier today. He apparently didn’t see fit to tell you.”

“Tell us what?” she said.

“Haskel Doonkeen killed Ezekiel. He thinks there’s treasure in the valley. He’s on his way here as we speak.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” Jake said.

“Do I? Tried your cell phone lately?”

Jake pulled it from his pocket, quickly realizing it had no signal.

“Blade’s jamming our phones.”

“Impossible,” Jake said.

“Shut up and let him finish,” Zeke said.

“Blade is armed and dangerous. We brought water and food from camp. We should stay here in the cavern until Colley returns with help.”

“Kristen, I hope you caught this horseshit on camera,” Jake said. “I’m going to debunk this whole charade right now.”

He hurried to the mouth of the cave and started down the rope ladder.

“Don’t do it,” Buck said. “Even if he isn’t here yet, he soon will be.”

“Slosh around in bat guano if you like. I’m sleeping in my own tent tonight.”

“What now?” Zeke asked.

“Make the spears,” Buck said.

Hours passed, Jake strutting around the campsite below as if daring someone to shoot him. Buck kept an eye on him as he and Zeke crafted spears using twine, cane, and ancient Mississippian spearheads.

“Sure about this?” Thorn asked.

“When I talked with Don this morning he confirmed that Blade is in the valley. He’s on foot and still a few hours away. Since his jamming technology is working already, I’d say he’s close. I promise he’s not here just to say hello.”

“Whatever,” she said. “Kristen, let’s do more filming while we wait.”

Rain continued pouring in sheets, keeping Jake confined to the dry space beneath the rectangular canopy. Buck watched him pace as Zeke added twine to the bow he’d made. Thorn and Kristen were returning when a shot rang through the valley.

A bullet wheeled Jake around. Dropping to his knees, he held his arm before collapsing to the ground beneath the canopy.

“Oh my God!” Thorn said, starting for the ladder.

Buck grabbed her arm. “Get down,” he yelled. “Now!”

“Someone has to go for him,” Kristen said.

“That’s what Blade wants us to do. He could have killed Jake if he’d wanted to. He’s using him as a decoy to draw us into the open.”

When Jake tried to crawl to the end of the canopy, rifle shots pelted the ground around him.

“How deep is the pool?” Zeke asked.

“I couldn’t touch bottom in the center,” Buck said. “Why?”

“I’m fast enough to reach the ledge above the pool before Blade realizes I’m coming. There’s a string of boulders almost all the way to the big tent from the water. I can pull Jake behind cover before Blade can get a shot off.”

“This isn’t the NFL,” Buck said. “If you fail, you’ll be permanently sacked.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

“You’ll still have to climb the ladder. Blade will never let you reach the top.”

“Maybe he won’t have to,” Kristen said. “There’s a maze of passageways in this cavern system. One of them probably leads to the pool.”

“Then why not just go that way?” Buck asked.

“Because many of them are dead ends that get progressively smaller until they trap you,” Thorn said. “Since we don’t know which is which, we can’t chance it.”

“Once I have Jake, you can lead me up the correct passage by calling to me,” Zeke said.

“Too risky,” Buck said.

“A risk I’m willing to take.”

The light beneath the canopy of vegetation had started to darken as Zeke stripped to his undershorts.

Thorn clutched his hand. “You don’t always have to be the hero,” she said.

Zeke kissed her, pulled away, sprinted out the mouth of the cavern and swan-dived into the pool as a bullet ricocheted off the rock wall behind him. After entering the pool headfirst, he swam underwater as Blade fired three more rounds. An explosion of sound echoed through the canyon, the last round dying away as Buck, Thorn, and Kristen held their cumulative breaths.

“He made it,” Kristen said.

“So far, so good,” Buck said. “Blade will be waiting for him to show himself.”

As if he’d heard Buck’s remark, Blade put two rounds through the door of the cavern.

“Shit,” Kristen said. “Those were close.”

Buck began searching through his pack, digging until he found his lariat. When he did, he stripped to his boxer shorts.

“I’m going down there. Blade probably has night vision equipment. Even if he has infrared, he won’t be able to see the rope after dark.

“Then all three of you will die,” Kristen said.

“No, we won’t. Just make sure you help us find our way up the inside passage.”

Without waiting for a reply, he raced toward the ledge above the pool, doing a cannonball into it, shots ringing out as he did. Zeke flinched when Buck touched his shoulder.

“I didn’t need help,” he said.

“Shut the hell up! I’ll use this to pull Jake to us without the risk of getting shot.”

“You can get that thing over him from here?”

“I was Oklahoma roping champ in high school. We need to wait till after dark.”

Just before darkness swallowed the valley, Buck tossed the noose over one of Jake’s outstretched arms.

“Got him,” he said, pulling the noose tight. “He’s dead weight. I need your help. Easy does it, or Blade will put another bullet in him.”

Buck held his breath as they worked Jake ever closer to the shelter of the boulder covering him and Zeke. Fire suddenly flashed in the mouth of the cavern. As smoke wafted from the opening, Blade opened a volley toward it.

The ruse provided just enough time for Buck and Zeke to pull Jake behind the boulder. The mud and blood caking his shoulder wound had probably saved him from bleeding to death. They hurried him to the overhang beneath the opening of the cavern, immediately hearing Thorn’s voice.

“Not that way,” Zeke said when the path bifurcated.

“How do you know?” Buck asked.

“I’m feeling it. Just trust me on this one.”

Ashes from the fire Thorn and Kristen had set flickered as they dragged Jake into a shielded room from the main part of the cavern. Thorn had spread a survival blanket on the cave floor as bats exited in waves from the hollows of the dark complex.

Buck and Zeke stood guard near the entrance as Thorn began cleaning Jake’s wounds with water and rags. Kristen soon joined them.

“What now?” she said.

“Wait until morning. Blade has a position on Saddle Rock. If we try to move, he’ll pick us off.”

“How?” Zeke said.

“He’ll have night vision goggles and scope. He can see us no matter how dark it gets.”

“I didn’t think night vision worked in complete darkness,” Zeke said.

“Infrared senses changes in body heat. You stand up now, and he’ll drop you, I promise.”

Buck glanced at Zeke when he said, “He’s a demon of darkness. You saved my life. I’m sorry about wrestling Thorn away from you. I know she was your . . .”

“Unanswered desire?” Buck said, finishing his question.

“Not exactly what I meant to say,” Zeke said. “What now? We can’t see in the dark.”

“Yes you can,” Kristen said.

“How?” Zeke asked.

“You’re like me, almost full-blood. My grandma used to tell me she could see in the dark, a power only Indians have. I didn’t believe her until my house caught fire. I found my baby daughter in a room filled with smoke.”

“I’m happy you found her. You were lucky,” Zeke said.

“No,” she said. “Something guided me to her. My grandma had the power. So do I, and so do you.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Buck said.

“You have to trust yourself and the power of the Great Spirit,” she said. “If you don’t, you may as well dive headfirst off the cliff right now.”

Zeke was silent for a moment. “How will I keep Blade from shooting me the minute I raise my head?”

“Mud,” Buck said. “We’ll coat ourselves with mud. Blade’s infrared can’t see through it.”

“I don’t need you,” Zeke said. “I can toss a football seventy yards with accuracy. If I get close enough, I’ll crock that sorry asshole right through the heart.”

“And I’ll be there with you in case you miss, and we have to go into overtime,” Buck said.

Thorn joined them. “I’m going with you,” she said.

“No way,” Zeke said. “Too risky.”

“You’ll never kill Blade with a spear, and no one can use a bow like me,” she said.

“Someone has to stay to protect Kristen and Jake in case we fail,” Buck said.

There were shallow pools of water with muddy bottoms throughout the cavern system. After stripping naked, Zeke and Buck caked their bodies with sticky goo until they looked like alien creatures. Buck half expected one of Blade’s bullets to pierce his back as they descended the rope ladder.

The mud did its job, and they made it to the valley floor without alerting Blade. After connecting themselves with a length of twine, they started into the darkness. Buck yanked on the twine and drew close to Zeke.

“You know where you’re going?” he whispered.

“Kristen was right. I’m a cat in the dark. I see the rock ahead of us. Blade is lying prone on it, not even looking our way.”

“Maybe so,” Buck said. “But the rain has already washed off most of our mud. He’s going to spot us before you get close enough to clock him with your spear.”

“Chance we’ll have to take,” Zeke said.

When a stick snapped beneath Buck’s foot, Blade wheeled and fired. Too late for a surprise, Zeke broke the twine, released a blood-curdling war whoop, and then rushed the rock. Buck followed, relying on rapid flashes from Blade’s rifle to guide him.

Zeke beat him to the rock, Buck right behind, following him up the path to Blade’s vantage. Hearing them, he turned and fired from the hip. Hot lead whistled past them, muzzle flash illuminating the big sniper just long enough for Zeke to launch his spear. When it missed, he dived on him.

Buck could hear the sounds of battle as Zeke and Blade fought on the ledge above him. Total darkness had encompassed the valley, and he banged into solid rock after erring off the path to the top. He could also hear the clink of Blade’s knife against the rock as he attempted to use it on Zeke. Unable to find his way up, he was about to panic when a dim glow illuminated the path. It was Inger, the forest spirit, floating above his head.

“Who am I?” she asked

“Sister of Fire,” he yelled. “Bring the Arrow of Justice, and hurry.”

Before her glow disappeared, he used it to rush up the path and join the fray, touching the sticky goo of oozing blood as he dived on top of the two men locked in the grip of death. Grabbing Blade’s ponytail, he yanked hard, hoping to break his neck. His efforts earned him a slash from the bite of a knife.

When bright light lit the darkness, they found themselves staring at the big Indian, grinning like a demon as he prepared to shove his knife into Zeke’s chest. He never got the chance.

Dropping the knife, Blade grabbed his neck as an arrow penetrated it. Blood gurgled from his lips as another pointed projectile penetrated his heart. Blade was already dead as he toppled off the monolith, landing with a thud on the ground below.

Thorn waited at the base of Saddle Rock, the makeshift bow still in her hands. Above her, Inger floated, her body radiating fluorescent light that began changing from flickering green to sparkling gold. Having no better response, Zeke dropped to his knees, raised his hands to the heavens, and began to pray.

 

 

 

Chapter 37

 

 

When Colley’s chopper landed at dawn, he found the members of Jake’s expedition waiting for him. Don was with him, moving well as he climbed down the rope ladder. He waved, looking relieved when he saw Buck sitting behind the wheel.

“Want us to break camp and retrieve the equipment?” Colley asked.

Jake was cognizant, lying on his back, his arm in a sling.

“Leave it. I’m sure this fiasco was my last shot with the network. All I want to do now is forget about it.”

“You kidding?” Kristen said. “I captured the entire story on camera. I’m predicting there’s an Emmy in your future.”

“You okay?” Don asked.

“Nothing eight hours of sound sleep and a few band-aids won’t cure,” Buck said. “Thanks for coming. I’m glad we didn’t need you.”

“Me too.”

The previous night’s rain had moved east leaving behind a gorgeous blue sky. The chopper hovered a moment over the forest before turning and heading back to the lodge. Realizing he’d likely never see the glorious valley again, Buck took one last look.

Wearing a headset, Don occupied the co-pilot’s seat next to Colley. Glancing into the passenger compartment, he winked at Buck, giving him a thumbs up. Buck mouthed a silent thank you.

Zeke had sustained several non-life threatening cuts from Blade’s knife. With bandages on his chest and arms, he sat with his eyes closed as Kristen and Thorn cared for him and Jake. Thorn’s look of concern told Buck everything he needed to know when she stopped what she was doing to talk to him.

“You okay?” she asked.

“One little cut on the chest. Nothing like Zeke’s wounds.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance before now to tell you about Zeke and me,” she said.

“That big hunk of ice on your ring finger already told me everything I needed to know. You saved our lives last night. I’m happy Inger reached you in time.”

“Who is Inger?”

“Yellow Paint Woman’s granddaughter,” he said. “She lighted the way for you last night so you could find Zeke and me.”

“I’m Indian. I found my way just like Zeke did by using my native perception.”

“You don’t remember the old woman’s prophecy from the night we visited her?”

Her stern expression lightened into a grin for the first time.

“The only thing I remember is waking up naked in the grass with you groping me,” she said. “I don’t know what happened that night. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it to yourself.”

Buck started to say something and then thought better of it.

When they landed at the lodge, Thorn hugged him. Zeke clasped his hand before he could exit the chopper.

“I’m proud to know you,” he said.

“Hope you two invite me to your wedding,” Buck said.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, cowboy,” Thorn said.

“I have tickets on the 50-yard line any time you have the urge to see a Saints game,” Zeke said.

“Then I’m holding out for the Super Bowl,” Buck said.

“One more thing,” Zeke said. “You taught me a lot about life and my Indian heritage. I’m grateful. Tomorrow, I’m returning to the lodge to meet the little brother I never knew I had. Thanks for everything.”

Jake got into the act. “I acted like a fool back there. Please understand, I’m forever appreciative of you and Zeke for saving my sorry life. Forgive me?”

“If you agree to let me tag along on one of your future expeditions,” Buck said.

“Consider it done, pal.”

Don removed his headset and climbed into the passenger compartment.

“I’m escorting Blade’s body to McAlester,” he said. “I’ll file the police report, and wrap this case up with a pretty bow.”

“Need me to come with you?”

“I’ll take care of everything from here on out. You deserve a little R&R.”

“Then it’ll be awhile before I see you again,” Buck said. “I’m heading home soon as I pack my things.”

“Sooner than you think,” Don said. “Josie’s already picked out a house in Logan County. We’ll be moving this weekend.”

“Wonderful,” Buck said. “I’ll see you next week, help you move if you need me, and then we can tip a few cold ones to celebrate.”

“You got it, good buddy,” Don said as he strapped his seatbelt and readjusted his headset.”

Colley’s chopper lifted into the air, banked to the west and headed toward McAlester. He watched until it disappeared. Clayton tapped his shoulder, shaking his hand when he turned around

He, Lana, and Justin were waiting to greet him. It felt like a homecoming as they exchanged handshakes and hugs.

“You’re a hero,” Clayton said.

“I’m glad Colley had a body bag onboard because I’m happy never to see Shampe Canyon again.”

“What about the City of Gold?” Clayton asked.

“Only a pipedream; Blade’s map the wishful thinking of some long dead conquistador,” he said.

“And Jake’s Bigfoot?” Lana asked.

“Oh, he’s out there all right, though I doubt anyone will ever find him. How are you, Justin?”

The young man beamed when he said, “I have a job again.”

“With Ezekiel gone, the lodge needed a new bookkeeper,” Lana said.

“That’s not all,” Clayton said. “We’re building a new Mexican restaurant here on the grounds. Lola will run it, and Justin will keep the books. Each of them will own a third. Lola and her kids will have their own house close by.”

“And I have my own room at the lodge,” Justin said. “With my cat, and a computer that is mine.”

“Everyone on staff loves him,” Lana said. “Oh, and Don is working for me now.”

“That right? How does Clayton feel about you stealing away his best employee?” Buck asked.

“Don’t you worry about old Clayton. Don will be around whenever we need him.”

“You look so tired,” Lana said. “Let’s adjourn to the cabin, get you something to eat, and some sleep in a real bed.”

“Thanks,” he said. “But I have to pick up Pard and Lady from Thorn’s ranch.”

“You think they’ve missed you?” Clayton asked.

“Not as much as I’ve missed them,” he said.

“Then we have a surprise for you,” Lana said.

Pard met them at the door, jumping into Buck’s open arms.

“Thorn’s mom dropped them off earlier today. Lady’s waiting down at the stables,” Clayton said.

“Thank you,” Buck said.

“Justin and I have some work to do at the lodge. Glad you didn’t get yourself killed,” Clayton said, slapping his shoulder.

“You look beat,” Lana said, leading him into the kitchen. “I’ll make a smoothie to boost your energy. I’m dying to hear what happened out there.”

Listening to a whirring juicer, he watched as she blended fresh fruits and vegetables. He began feeling better after the first wonderful sip.

“Tastes great,” he said. “What’s in it?”

“Avocado, kale, spinach, coconut water, apple, and a few mint leaves. Works like a charm. Now tell me how you managed to survive out there.”

“I had help.”

“Who?” she asked.

Lana was the religious director of Lycaia, a town founded on Native American spiritual beliefs. They called the ancient sect the Southern Death Cult.

“You’re one of the few people I can tell that would believe me. A forest spirit named Inger helped save us.”

He waited for her reaction. Instead, she finished her smoothie, mixed a dry martini for herself and a Wild Turkey for him.

“Sounds as if you should recount your story while savoring an adult beverage. Now tell me about Inger.”

“Several nights ago, Thorn and I visited an old Indian shaman named Yellow Paint Woman. A young woman there told us she was the old woman’s granddaughter. Her name was Inger. Turns out, she wasn’t quite human.”

“I’m intrigued. Please continue.”

“We became intoxicated during a tobacco ceremony performed by the old woman. During the ritual, she recited a prophetic riddle in the form of a poem. I didn’t have a clue what it meant.”

“But you do now?”

“The tobacco was hallucinogenic, Thorn and I both naked when we awoke the next morning.”

Lana rested her elbows on the table and drew closer.

“Don’t dare leave me in suspense. What happened?”

“There was a storm on the mountain, rain falling in buckets. Inger stripped off her clothes and led us to a pool of water she called the womb. She was beautiful, blond, and blue-eyed. Her golden skin glowed like the ring around an autumn moon. We didn’t make love, though the warmth I felt was the most intimate moment of my life. It was like a dream.”

“A wet dream,” Lana said. “Keep that thought while I mix us another.”

Buck sipped his fresh drink, enjoying the whiskey’s burn as it touched his lips.

“Inger took our hands and flew us over Shampe Canyon. Thorn remembers nothing. Inger appeared to me twice after that night, both times reminding me of the riddle. The last time saved my life.”

“Tell me the riddle,” Lana said.

“Demon of Darkness, unanswered desire, mistaken judgment, Sister of Fire, Arrow of Justice, or death in the mire.”

“What does it mean?” she said.

“Blade was the Demon of Darkness, Thorn my unanswered desire. Inger was the Sister of Fire, and Thorn the Arrow of Justice.”

“And your mistaken judgment?”

“I thought I had all the answers to the riddle. Everything except for the identity of the person destined to kill Blade. Zeke and I were close to death when Inger appeared. When I saw her, the riddle’s answer popped into my head. Thorn, an expert with a bow and arrow, was our salvation. Once Inger knew I had the answer, she bent time bringing her to save us.

“And Thorn doesn’t remember Inger?”

Buck shook his head. “She thinks her Native American perception led her to us.”

“Quite a story,” Lana said, slugging her martini. “I feel I know Inger, the Goddess of Light, and I can’t remember feeling quite so hot. Clayton’s in for a pleasant surprise when he returns home tonight.”

 

 

Chapter 38

 

 

Buck was loading the Jeep the next morning when Lana and Clayton exited the cabin. Holding hands, they were both beaming.

“Remind me to give you a raise when we get back home,” Clayton said.

“Have a good time last night?” Buck asked.

“You can’t even imagine,” Clayton said. “Lana is one fantastic woman. Getting ready to leave?”

“Quick as I can load Lady and head down the mountain.”

“You’re in for a surprise,” Lana said.

“Oh? A pleasant one, I hope,” he said.

“I think it’ll make you happy,” she said. “I talked with Jim and Carol earlier this morning. Little Adam is spending the rest of the summer with them. They’ve already picked him up.”

“That’s wonderful news,” he said. “You two sticking around here for awhile?”

“KK and Sara are on their way to join us. Meanwhile, Clay and I are planning to take an evening walk down one of the forest trails. See if we can find that forest spirit you told me about.”

“Good luck,” he said, waving out the window as he backed out of the drive.

Pard’s head poked out the passenger window after heading down the mountain.

“We’re going home, Pard. First, we’re stopping to see Jim, Carol, Coco, and Adam.”

Pard barked as if he understood.

“What then, you say? I haven’t forgotten that pretty Guthrie photographer named Laura. Maybe I can talk her into line dancing and a few cold one’s Saturday night.”

As Pard barked his approval, a flickering light appeared in the sky. Inger’s image flashed for a moment, then burst into an exploding climax of fiery colors and disappeared.

Buck smiled and blew her a kiss.

 

 

####

 

 

 

Booknotes

 

Southeast Oklahoma is a beautiful and mysterious place of which few people outside the state are aware. The Mounds at Spiro are real; the Heavener Runestones are real; The Black Cup is real; the ancient Ouachita Mountain Range is real. Is Bigfoot real? Hundreds of sightings of the giant, nocturnal creature in southeast Oklahoma are hard to explain away. There’s even a yearly Bigfoot festival in the tiny town of Honobia, Oklahoma. I had a blast writing Blink of a Eye, my third novel featuring Buck Mcdivit, my flawed and horny P.I. with a heart of gold, that loves animals, and doesn’t have an ounce of quit in his body. I hope you’ll check him out in Ghost of a Chance and Bones of Skeleton Creek. Thanks for being a fan. Without wonderful readers like you, my stories would be little more than morning fog wafting across a forgotten lawn, and then disappearing forever into the Great Unknown..

 

 

Other Books by Eric Wilder

 

Ghost of a Chance

Murder Etouffee

Name of the Game

A Gathering of Diamonds

Over the Rainbow

Big Easy

Just East of Eden

Lily’s Little Cajun Cookbook

Of Love and Magic

Bones of Skeleton Creek

City of Spirits

Primal Creatures

Black Magic Woman

River Road

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Born on a Louisiana bayou, Halloween night, beneath a full moon, Eric Wilder grew up escaping snakes and alligators, and listening to his grandmothers’ tales of ghosts, voodoo, and political corruption. The author of ten novels, four cookbooks and many short stories, he now lives in Oklahoma, about a mile from historic Route 66, with his wife Marilyn, three dogs, one coyote, a cat, though not a single alligator. If you liked Blink of an Eye, please check out the rest of his Paranormal Cowboy series, and all of Eric’s books at his Smashwords homepage.

 

 

Erics Links

 

Website: EricWilder.com

Twitter: EricWilderOk

Blog: Eric's Blogspot

Facebook: Louisiana Mystery Writer