“You smell of smoke. Have you not showered since rescuing Irene Amador?”
“Short one and a fast change of clothes. Didn’t have much time between the fire and the hospital. That bad?”
“Sensitive nose. Makes my sinuses itch.”
“I didn’t want to keep you waiting. I’m sure you have other more pressing matters to deal with.”
“Serving my tribe comes first. Tending to my garden after. I was joking about my sinuses. No allergies!”
“Good to know.” Nick found the man intriguing. In moving to the deck built off the back of his home Newton’s wife Rayna looked up with a hint of what is he doing here but did eventually show respect.
“Rayna? Bring Nick here an iced tea. Sit!” He motioned Nick to join him at the table. Hearing splashing Nick realized there was a 27 x 52-inch pool next to the deck. Chlorine should have given him a clue. Unable to see who it was swimming, Nick just sat down to conduct business. “How much manpower do you need?”
“I intended small scale at first. I need to rebuild the bridge supports before I can drive across it. So small mowers and chainsaws at best for now. Once the bridge is supported, I can bring in tractors. The place is in bad shape, but I’m determined to make it my home.”
“Need contractors?”
“Well, I hired a guy that came recommended by the Coopers, Niles Gullivant.”
“Veronica Redmane lives with his son William.”
“Yep! That a problem?”
“You must understand the Santee ways Nick. Even Irene and Matilda broke the code in marrying outsiders. Irene left my granddaughter’s father Samuel at the alter to be with the Spaniard. Bad history without my granddaughter Dawn’s lessons. Samuel was devastated but moved on to be with Dawn’s mother Wanita.”
“I would say I’m sorry but if that hadn’t happened…”
“You would not have set your eyes on Midnight Amador?” Again, Newt taps his lens.
“Aware of that too?”
“Nothing escapes my ears outside of wax.”
“Gotcha! Yeah…I have my eye on her.”
“As a mate?”
“Probably not! I’m not into settling down with any wife and kids.”
“Ah! It is good then. Midnight has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.”
“What exactly is that?” It made Nick set back worrying it might be contagious.
“From what my wife has read to me it is when a baby is born without a uterus, and never suffers from monthly periods. Nor can she ever get pregnant. 1 in 5000 women suffer from it.”
“I had no idea.” His sigh of relief withheld because he knew Newt was studying his response. “That’s something she should have informed me of, not you.”
“Perhaps! Yes, you are correct. Outsider she may be, Santee even as a half breed is still Santee…cast out or not.”
“So why give their family grief? I’ve met Esteban Amador I agree he’s a piece of work but without him, Midnight would not have been born. So, I suppose I’m thankful of that much. At any rate can we change the subject concerning the Amador’s?”
As if on cue a head popped up over the back railing of the deck. Hearing water escape the swimmer Nick had his first hint of the mermaid. Losing sight of a definite female Nick tried to focus on Newton. Newton also pausing alluded to his notice of a new face incoming. With a towel used to dry her extremely long mane of raven hair came a remarkable beauty. A body to rival even Midnight’s. She however was full blooded Santee.
“My granddaughter Lillian Dawn Bearpaw. Cover yourself!” He knew his granddaughter’s white bikini was next to nothing. Before Nick stood a 5’7 extremely fit woman with huge natural breasts considering her fit yet somewhat slender build. Her big brown eyes studying Nick with questions, with he being of Hispanic descent. Without even saying hello Lilly Dawn turned her back to him showing off her outrageously perfect ass. In toying with her hair Nick noted an interesting tribal tattoo on the back of her neck, cloaked otherwise by her mane. He simply went back to the business at hand.
“I’m thinking 20 workers. Big property the Shoals. Tree cutters, groundskeepers to mow, plant some flowers. Know a good mechanic? There’s an old 1963 Jeep Gladiator out there I’d like restored.”
“Joey Redmane does body work. Veronica Redmane’s father.”
“If he’s good then tell him he has a job. I’ll pay your workers twenty bucks an hour. Maximum of 20 employees until the place is done.”
“You are the gentleman who purchased Harbinger Shoals?” Dawn finally spoke up wrapping her towel about her body hiding it away. Nick missed it already, but he did have more pressing matters.
“I am. I hear you’re a history buff.”
“That’s what they pay me for.” She smirked with a wink hidden from her grandfather, however Rayna returning with Nick’s glass of iced tea saw the flirt and sneered at her. Dawn simply flipped her tongue at her grandmother.
“Thank you.” Nick respected Rayna. “You knit I see.”
“Yes. I make clothing for those in need.”
“She taught Irene Sage how to knit and sew.” Newton brought up.
“Mind if I put in an order?” Nick smiled at Rayna. “Mrs. Amador might need a new wardrobe after the fire.”
“I heard, that is very unfortunate. I am afraid I must decline.”
“Oh, come on Grandma. Irene needs our help. Stop with the outsider crap.”
“Tone Lillian.” Newt grumbled.
“Midnight’s a sweet girl. Make her some clothes too. Although Daddy Morebucks here could just take them shopping. I know some killer stores in Charleston I’d be happy to show them.”
“Midnight can fend for herself.” Nick growled. Tempted to ask about her tattoo he reconsidered in case her grandparents were unaware. Lukas Porcupine arriving was a perfect diversion. With him Deputy Darcy stepped up with news of her own.
“Sorry to interrupt. Two things Nick…I have to answer a call over in Turncoat. Domestic stuff! I can arrange a ride back for you if…”
“I can give him a ride.” Dawn lit up as Lukas drooled over her more than his cold French toast. She was not helping him by unwrapping her towel for a full frontal then retied it just as swiftly. Even Darcy drooled in the moment, being very bi-sexual. Newton frowned expecting a wolf call out of the officer.
“I did want to discuss the history of the Shoals if you had time. Only thing is, after here I need to go back to Cordoba and check on Irene and Midnight. Esteban’s in custody until he sobers enough for Chief Roster to interrogate him.”
“Then I’m…all yours.” Dawn smirked sheepishly. Newton reached for Rayna’s hand to prevent her swatting their granddaughter.
“If you’re fine with that Nick, I need to go.” Darcy cast an exitting thumb, “The other thing is your truck was towed into Berkley Coward’s service center in Caretaker. New tires within the hour. Sheldon’s car too.”
“Thanks!” He nodded, “Go! I’m in good hands.” Dawn wiggled her brows at him even though he barely looked at her.
“Call me if you need anything.”
“Yep!” He sighed as Darcy took her leave.
“Eat!” Rayna pointed at Lukas enabling Dawn to again share an inspiring grin that Nick just knew meant an offer to eat her. Not on his plate! Let her do her worst.
“I’ll make calls Nick. I have your number and I’ll communicate with my counsel on who best to send your way.” Newt returned to business. Your offer is very generous, but our laws often get in the way of progress. Pride is…rather unforgiving.” Dawn sarcastically nodded agreeing with that assessment.