“You can imagine what I went through just to accept my position in Charleston. I had to kick and bite my way to be free.”
“Loyalty means everything Miss Bearpaw.” Nick opted to focus on tradition. “I suppose I’m just trying to mend fences.”
“By hiring Santee?” She asked with curiosity, “Many of our people won’t take you up on your generosity. Pastor Sage will give them guilt trips.”
“I’m no fan of Mordecai myself. Sooner or later he and I will sit and have a good long chat.”
“Good luck with that one.” Newt sighed, “Mordecai is bullheaded.”
“Influential though.” Rayna frowned dabbing syrup off of Lukas Porcupine’s chin in a motherly manner. It was obvious they were all fond of the boy.
“Let me go get dressed and I’ll drive you back to the Shoals.” Dawn suggested.
“Cordoba General! I’ll make it worth your time.”
“Oh?” She nearly twisted her hair in a seductive manner.
“Gas money!”
“Oh! Ten minutes?”
“As long as you need.” Nick sipped his tea. “Gives me time to convince Rayna to put her seamstress talents to good use.”
“I will consider your offer. For Irene.”
“Ever think about opening up a clothing shop?” Nick put it out there. “I might consider getting you started in Caretaker, I know there’s quite a few vacant storefronts.”
“I would not wish to be beholden to you.”
“Not beholden. It’s a tax write off on my end. Just giving you something to think about.”
“I am too old for starting any business, but…thank you.”
“Never to old Rayna.” Newton lit up, “Take the white man’s money.” It was then Newton Waterfall lowered his shades for the first time to wink. Nick found it admirable, if not racist.
“You can hire a few locals as seamstresses and sales reps. Pay them legit wages. I’ll give you the rent money up front for the first year. Better yet, I’ll buy the store and put it in your name. Taxes the first year on me. After that you’re on your own.”
“There is that garment store up town. I could possibly strike up deals on material.” She pondered but grew stressed. Heritage kept her at bay.
“No pressure Rayna, just a friend helping a friend. Speaking of…put Lukas here on the grounds crew. Let’s make a real man out of him.” Lukas pepped up as Dawn excused herself finally, removing her towel to wiggle away. Watching her Nick chuckled, “Not that way Luke.”
“He adores Dawn.” Rayna recalls the boy’s face away from checking out her granddaughter. “Most young men on the Rez do.”
“You can see why even If I can’t.” Newton laughed. “I hear the wolf calls. The packs run wild here.”
“And I shoot at the wolves.” Rayna smirked. “I go to the firing range twice a week.”
“The woman scares me every time I smell gun oil.”
“Oh, Newton!” She pats his arm. “I would never shoot my bread and butter.”
“She said Butter.” Lukas had a good laugh. So did Nick. He needed it.
Parkay on the table!
Parlay too!
********
Cordoba General Hospital…10:00 AM
“I will be fine. Quit fawning over me.”
“I’m your mother, Irene. I have earned the right.” Dorothy Sage pampered her daughter having broken in on she and Midnight’s private nap over the last hour and a half. Midnight wearing her doctor’s smock checked her mother’s forehead as if a doctor herself. Buttoned up most of the way her grandmother did not object. Being nearsighted helped.
Beside her stood Irene’s sister Tilly overseeing their mother while the eldest Sage sibling Mordecai found himself banned after violent outbursts. He had been allowed inside again after a cooling off period, but his temperament led to another confrontation between, he and Tilly’s husband Sheldon. Mainly over the accusation of Mordecai slitting his tires. It was true and Sheldon knew it, but with no solid proof, and Mordecai lying over it, the tension was quicksand thick. Some Pastor!
With everyone devoted to Irene, Midnight decided she had to go pee, excusing herself. Leaving the ICU, she walked out to find her friends Naomi and Caprice still in the waiting room, allowed in by the family. Seeing their fellow waitress, the ladies perked up from dosing off in their chairs. It became a threesome without the hanky panky in the restroom, the ladies following Midnight in as she tinkled.
“How’s your mom?” Naomi splashed water on her face then sprinkling droplets from her hand at Caprice.
“She will be fine. I am sorry you’ve both lost sleep over us.”
“Sweetie we love you, so there’s no better place to be until we know you’re okay.” Caprice added.
“Your momma too.”
“I am fine.”
“Your dad is in Caretaker jail.” Caprice sighed, “Do you really think he burnt your home down? Hurt poor Irene?”
“I would like to ask my father in person. I will know if he is lying.” She just knew he did but felt compelled to hear him tell her himself one way or the other.
“What does Irene remember?” Naomi tilted her head.
“My mother will not admit the truth. She will protect my father even if he did do this. She is harder to read.”
“Lynette’s covering for me at the diner.” Naomi shared, “She and Olan. I could…drive you to Caretaker.”