Two Wolves Dancing, page 16
Galilani stood beside her mother. Wenona stared at the owl then turned her gaze to Chelly. Her eyes seemed to ask, what’s going on here? Chelly stepped between Galilani and her mother. “Let’s walk. I want to tell you a story.” Turning away from the boulder and heading for the sidewalk, the ladies stopped once again to watch the flight path of the owl. This time, it perched on the gatepost in the driveway, hooted once then flew back toward the boulder.
Aware that Alina was paying close attention, Chelly was careful. She didn’t want to frighten the child. She made the story as non-threatening as possible. “This white owl appeared the first day we visited the house.
“According to Mr. Smathers, the man from whom we bought this place, these owls are somewhat unique to central Texas. Sometimes I dream about an American Indian dressed in fringed pants with a bandana around his head. He stands in front of that big rock holding a white owl.” Chelly paused and forced a smile for Alina’s sake. “In this dream the Indian looks like you, Galilani. Dreams can be funny can’t they?” She winked at Alina.
“Well, I think it’s getting dark and we should go back inside. Alina, you must be hungry.” Wenona said and ruffled her granddaughter’s hair. “Take your mother’s hand so you don’t trip and fall in the dark.” Wenona gently pushed the child forward.
“C’mon. I’m getting cold. Let’s get inside and I’ll make you hot chocolate,” Galilani said, pulling Alina toward the house.
Once they were out of earshot, Wenona took Chelly’s arm. “We need to talk my dear. Let’s meet for breakfast tomorrow, because I’m leaving the day after. We will leave Alina with her father. I have a picture I want you to see.”
***
The next morning, the ladies met at Lucy Loo’s for an early breakfast. Galilani and Chelly sat over their third cup of coffee and listened while Wenona talked.
“You don’t know the Cherokee belief systems or culture, do you?” It wasn’t a question, but Chelly shook her head in answer to prompt an explanation. “The Cherokee were matrilineal, but they thought if they showed the whites that they were ‘civilized’ according to western standards they would protect their sovereignty and their lands. Until 1808, everything passed through the woman, including kinship, clans and family ties. Of course children were taught to respect their male elders. Even today the Clan grandmothers are held in high regard; they are respected and honored.
“The Cherokee are also mindful that they cannot marry anyone in their own clan because we consider each other brothers and sisters even if there doesn’t seem to be any blood connection.”
Galilani interrupted. “What does any of this have to do with Chelly’s visions?”
“Let me tell it my way.”
“Please go on Wenona,” Chelly said, patting Galilani’s hand as if to say be patient.
“I belong to the Paint Clan, connected through my ancestral mothers. I met my late husband, Michael at college. He was also Cherokee. We made sure we were not of the same clan before dating. He came from the Wolf Clan.”
“That means Galilani and Alina belong to the Paint Clan.”
“That’s right, Chelly. If we lived in the Cherokee nation, when there are council meetings men and women separate and sit with their respective clans, but the children go with their mothers.”
Again Galilani asked, “Mother, why are you telling her all of this?”
“Because she needs to understand some of our customs and beliefs in order to have a better feel for what’s to come.
“My great-great-great grandfather, Oukununaka was part of the Bird Clan. In the Civil War, Oukununaka fought for the Confederacy. When he returned to his war ravaged people, he married the first Galilani of the Paint Clan. They had a baby boy and a couple of years later a girl, also named Galilani. Sadly, Oukununaka’s wife died in childbirth. The first Galilani’s unmarried sister Adsila helped Oukununaka raise the children.
“As the story goes, Oukununaka received a letter from a white man named Antonio. They had served together in the Confederate army together. The letter told Great Eagle to get back to Texas so they could ‘settle matters.’ I have no idea what those ‘matters’ were. He left his children with Adsila, and was never seen or heard from again.
“Our family legend says that Oukununaka was devoted to his people and his children. He would not have deserted them. Everyone assumed he was killed and no one ever found out if he reached Austin. It was all so long ago.” Wenona took a sip of her coffee. “We easily trace our lineage back because there has always been a Galilani but I have no contact with the other branch of the family, the side that descended from Oukonunaka’s brother, Black Crow.”
“My first child died of SIDS. She was named for me.” Galilani said. Chelly saw the hurt in her eyes.
Wenona stopped talking. She reached into her purse and took out an old photo, a daguerreotype, faded from time.
“Is this the man you’ve seen?”
Chelly took the picture. She gasped.
“That is my great-great-great grandfather, Oukonunaka,” Wenona told her. Galilani took the photo from Chelly’s outstretched hand and gasped.
“You’ve never shown this to me,” Galilani said to her mother.
“His features skipped several generations but it is your face, without a doubt.” Wenona continued. “Some Cherokee believe that owls are spirits of the dead, and the messengers of death.”
Chelly and Galilani gripped each other’s hands. Chelly saw fear in her friend’s eyes and assumed her own looked the same.
“Why is he appearing to me?” Chelly asked.
Her question was met with silence.
CHAPTER 34
A dismal morning accompanied the return to post-holiday routines. Schools and businesses were open and classes would begin at the Bernardi Ballet Academy that afternoon. After completing her morning barre exercises, she walked through the school checking that all the studios were ready. She looked out the window. It was another dreary day, cold and damp with intermittent drizzle. Chelly shivered even though the building was comfortably warm. Satisfied that everything was in order she went to her office and pulled out the list of substitute teachers. MaryAnne sounded so bad last night. I hope she doesn’t have the flu. The weather has been cold and rainy for days. Chelly looked over the list and sighed. I need to find more teachers who can work with the beginning levels. MaryAnne had two classes scheduled that afternoon and they didn’t conflict with her own. I will teach them myself.
Her mind turned to the conversation she had with Galilani and Wenona days earlier. She sat back in her chair uncomfortable with the realization that if Oukununaka was appearing to her she would be closely involved with Galilani’s family, but for what? Why?
***
By the end of the day drizzle turned to steady rain. Ames waited and watched from the end of a side-street where there was little traffic and few people to get in the way. The driving rain and heavy cloud cover made it darker and wind gusts made it difficult for pedestrians to control their umbrellas. Most walked with their heads down against the wind; people pushed forward as fast as they could. The misery level for everyone was high, making them unobservant. The weather is on my side.
Bradford Talliador left the bank at his usual time, five o’clock. He walked with his head tucked into his coat. The dark green car careened down the street toward its target. Bradford had only a moment to jump to the side when he heard the engine roar. He wasn’t hit full-on, but his body was thrown onto the sidewalk where he landed on his head. The few onlookers screamed. Without touching the brake, the driver left the scene. One man ran out to get the license plate, but it had been coated with dirt to obscure the numbers.
Ames drove into a deserted patch under the highway as the sound of sirens filled the air, then pulled out a baby-wipe and removed the lipstick and makeup with one practiced swipe. Off came the woolen cap and dark, long haired wig. They were stuffed into the backpack and replaced with the red-haired wig and big glasses. Turning the green jacket inside out, Ames jumped from the car, and walked back toward the scene of the accident.
An ambulance pulled away from the curb, sirens blasting. Bradford getting a ride to the morgue, I presume. The police were taking statements from the three bystanders who had witnessed the hit and run. Ames hovered nearby listening to bits and pieces of conversation. “The driver was wearing a cap and had long dark hair.”
“What color was the cap?” No one seemed sure.
“What kind of car was it? What color?” Most of the questions received vague answers.
The man who had tried to get the plate number was the best. “The car was dark green, I think it was a Chevy but I don’t know what year. It looked kind of old.”
“Did you get the plate number?”
“No, I tried but it was so dirty. I think the first letter was an L.”
Ames smiled inwardly. Not bad, fella. The first letter was an L.
“Excuse me,” a voice said. “Were you here, did you see anything?” Ames turned to see a police officer with a pad and pencil at the ready.
“Me? See what? I’m just passing by. What happened here?”
“There was a hit and run.” The police officer stared. “What’s your business on this street?”
“Just a short cut to my bus stop,” Ames said, pointing to the sign across the street. “Weather is terrible and I want to get home.”
“Well, you can move along since you didn’t see anything.” Ames nodded and walked away, but felt the police officers eyes following.
Trotting across the street, Ames boarded the bus and fifteen minutes later began part two of the plan.
Arriving at the car, Ames drove off and parked in another
location, changed into dark brown pants, shirt and jacket, somewhat like the uniforms worn by delivery men. It was five-thirty when Ames arrived at the Bernardi Ballet Academy.
Alina’s ballet class will be over soon. I’m sure the police haven’t contacted Galilani yet and even if they did, she would have to pick up her daughter or send Gerald to get her.
The rain came down harder, which made it easier for Ames to watch the building undetected. Adults came and went with the children but no one came for Alina.
Damn.
Placing the special kit in the waist belt, Ames crossed the street to the school. The lights were on in all the studios. Chelly taught a class of teens. In another room kids were tapping in their noisy shoes. Ames’s irritation was growing. The back of the house was dark. Adults were in the front waiting room. Where is that damned kid?
***
On her break, Chelly listened to Paul’s tensely whispered message telling her it was important not to allow Alina to leave the building. Chelly called him back. “What is going on, Paul?”
“I can’t talk long. Bradford was the victim of a hit and run about an hour ago. I’m with Galilani at the hospital. Don’t tell Alina anything. Keep her there until I come home.”
“Is he going to be okay?”
“I don’t have details yet. Galilani was hysterical. She called and asked me to meet her and have you keep Alina. She hasn’t even called Gerald. I’ll call you when I know more.”
“I’ll tell Alina that Galilani is coming here for dinner and that’s why she is staying with me.”
“Good. That should work.” Paul hung up.
Chelly leaned both hands on her desk, dropped her head and offered a silent prayer for Bradford before walking into the hall. “Hey sweetie,” she called to Alina. “You had a really good class.” Alina beamed at the compliment. “Your mom called. She’s coming here for dinner so you can sit in my office while I teach. She’ll be here soon. Okay?”
“Can I watch the advanced class?”
“Sure, but not while they are at the barre. Do some homework and come in when they move to center.”
***
Ames circled the building again. There she is. Alina was sitting on the floor in the front studio. Ames watched. When the studios emptied, there was still no sign of Galilani or Gerald.
Chelly turned out the lights in the academy. Soon after, light at the back of the house came on. Ames moved cautiously around the back of the building. Alina was settled in front of the television and Chelly was in the kitchen with her back to the door. Even though this wasn’t in the original plan, it was an opportunity. Flexibility is everything.
Ames picked the lock and leapt forward with the stealth of a jungle cat and grabbed Chelly from behind. She gasped and cried out. Chelly’s strength and reflexes were a surprise; Ames was unprepared. Chelly tried to reach the glasses. Ames smacked her arm away. When she reached for the red wig, Ames punched her hard in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of her then slammed her head against the wall. Chelly slid to the floor.
After a moment of frozen shock, Alina screamed and tried to run back toward the door leading to the academy. Ames was there in a heartbeat. The child struggled and wriggled free. She screamed louder. Ames grabbed her, covered her mouth with one hand, pulled a chloroform soaked cloth from the waist-pouch and held it over the child’s mouth and nose until she lost consciousness.
Chelly moaned and pushed herself up. Ames was on her in one movement, pulled her arms behind her and duct taped her wrists and mouth. Across the white kitchen cabinet Ames scrawled a message: Call the police and she’s dead. Returning to the unconscious child, Ames bound her hands and placed a strip of tape over her mouth. Looking around, Ames reached for the throw blanket on the couch and rolled Alina in it. Can’t chance a nosy neighbor seeing me carry a child out of here.
Moving fast with the bundled child, Ames threw her into the backseat of the car. I hope I didn’t give her too much, but I can’t worry about that now. An uncharacteristic sweat dripped from under the red wig.
***
Bradford was in a coma and Galilani was by his side. Paul was in the waiting room with Gerald. Paul hit the end button on his cell phone. Why isn’t she picking up? Paul took Gerald’s arm and walked to a corner where they were hidden from Galilani’s view. “I need to go home. Chelly’s not picking up when I call. It’s probably nothing, but I don’t want to give Galilani anything else to worry about.”
“What if she comes out and asks where you are?”
“Tell her I went to get food. I’ll call your cell once I get home and make sure Chelly and Alina are okay. I’ll bring back sandwiches, too.”
***
An hour later, the screeching tires on the driveway told Paul that Gerald and Galilani had arrived. When Paul arrived home and found the aftermath of the break-in, he called Gerald and told him to get Galilani to his house immediately. Alina was running a high fever.
Paul met Galilani at the door gripped her shoulders and held her in place, not wanting her to see the message on the kitchen cabinets or Chelly’s face before he could tell her what happened.
Galilani was pale. Her hair flew out from her disheveled ponytail. Dark circles under her eyes accentuated their redness from crying. “How high is Alina’s temperature? Where’s Chelly?”
“Sit down, please. You too, Gerald.” Paul pushed them to the couch, facing him with their backs to the kitchen.
“What’s going on? Where is Alina?” Galilani demanded. Paul sat next to her and drew a deep breath before speaking.
***
Good. She’s waking up. Ames was relieved. Whether the child lived or died wasn’t to be decided by an accident of anesthesia. Alina opened her eyes. “Don’t scream when I pull the tape off. I won’t hurt you as long as you obey me. Understand?” The terror in her eyes told Ames that she would obey. Alina nodded. In one smooth motion the tape was ripped off her mouth and she sobbed from pain. “I’ll get some ointment for your lips.”
Alina sat up. Something tugged at her leg. It was an ankle strap with a chain.
Ames walked back in with the ointment. “Be patient. If you’re a good girl I will give you room to move around tomorrow.” The child was silent while Ames applied the ointment. “Do you feel like you might throw up?”
“Yes.” Alina’s answer was little more than a whisper.
“I will give you toast and tea to settle your stomach because if you throw up you will have to lie in a dirty bed all night. You don’t want that, do you?” Alina didn’t respond. In a sterner tone, Ames asked again. “Do you?”
Alina shook her head no.
“That’s better.”
After Alina ate the toast and drank the tea she was sent to the bathroom with a nightshirt and told to change then get back in the bed.
From the kitchen, Ames glanced over at the child. She lay still, but her muffled sobs were audible. Alina had pulled the sheets and the blanket up to her mouth; her eyes were slits. Exhaustion and the remnants of chloroform will put her back to sleep soon enough.
Ames sat at the kitchen table and fingered a coin. Soon all of this will be mine.
CHAPTER 35
“This cannot be happening.” Galilani sat on the edge of the couch staring at Paul in disbelief. Chelly walked into the room from the kitchen. When Galilani saw her face she whimpered, “Oh my God,” then ran to the kitchen slammed her hand against the light switch fully illuminating the scrawled message. She screamed one word. “No.” Gerald caught her before she fell to the floor. He and Chelly helped her back to the couch and Paul went to get whiskey for everyone.
“Are you going to wash that off?” Gerald asked.
“Not until we discuss what to do,” Paul answered, downing his shot.
“Call the police,” Chelly said, wiping away her own tears.
“Galilani jumped up. “No, no. You can’t do that. He will kill my baby. Please no.” Gerald grabbed her and held her tight. “We won’t do anything you don’t want us to do,” he said, staring over her shoulder at Paul.
“Please listen to me.” Paul begged.
Shaking her head violently, she protested again. “No. I won’t listen to anything until you promise not to call the police.”
