Myra was right, Sara had slept better. The first sight she saw when she woke was Jared’s smiling face, looking down at her. “Morning, angel,” he whispered and kissed her. “Hungry?”
“Starving,” she said, honestly.
He sat up on the side of the bed. “Good. From the smell of things, Mother’s made breakfast.” He slipped on his robe and tossed Sara hers.
~ ~ ~
“Morning,” he said as they approached the breakfast table. He pulled out a chair for Sara. “Looks like we’re just in time.” He bent down, kissed her and sat beside her.
Tom laughed and passed him a platter of oddly shaped pastries. “I restrained myself.” There were at least half a dozen pastries as large as a saucer, on the platter.
Jared poured Sara a cup of coffee. She suspiciously eyed her breakfast, unsure of what it was or how to eat it. She pinched pieces off the edge. It reminded her of an elephant ear she’d had once or twice at the local fair, only this was dusted with cinnamon and sprinkled with a hint of lemon juice.
Everyone, including Jared watched her. She looked up and blushed. “Are you gonna eat that or pick it to death?” Myra laughed.
Jared sighed and rolled his eyes at his sister. “It’s fry bread, Sara. Do you like it?”
“It’s nice. It tastes kinda like a flat cinnamon roll. I’m afraid I’ll only be able to eat one, if that.”
Tom guffawed. “Now that you’re all here, there’s something we need to discuss, as a family,” he said and deliberately glanced at Sara. All eyes turned to the head of the table. Jared flashed her a knowing glance.
“I’ve decided to challenge The Council,” he said. “As all of you know, this won’t be easy, especially since our best defense is out of the question.” He looked directly at Jared and Sara. His mind had been made up; there would be no debating the issue. Jared looked at Sara and shrugged. “We’ll have to find another way. I will not disturb my mother’s final resting place.”
She opened her mouth to protest. Jared laid a hand on hers, forestalling her. It felt weird, but it was almost as if he’d spoken to her mind. “No.” It was a request she couldn’t challenge. She relaxed in her seat. Tom went on.
“Jared and I discussed a few things. From a medical point of view, I agree with Sara’s suggestion. I believe it’s possible my mother was murdered. Whether by his own hand or by his orders, I believe Seth was responsible.”
Myra dubiously glared at him. “Jared, you think Grandmother was murdered? We’ve just put Granddad in his final resting place. After all these years, you choose now to bring this up?”
Tom held up a hand. She cowered and held her tongue. “I know, Myra. I felt the same way ’til I heard Jared’s argument. As strange as it might sound, it makes some sense. I’ll let him tell you,” he nodded.
Jared squeezed Sara’s hand. “I know this sounds bizarre, but when you connect the dots, it makes sense. This was actually Sara’s idea,” he smiled.
She wiped her palms on her robe. Great! Thanks, Jared. Now, if something goes wrong guess who’s left holding the bag?
“Before Granddad married Grandmother, both he and Uncle Seth had been courting her,” Jared said. “Granddad did it because he loved her. Uncle Seth did it because he wanted her inheritance. He never cared about her, Granddad told me as much. Once she’d made her choice, Uncle Seth was livid. When Great-Granddad passed, Granddad inherited Great-Granddad’s position as head of The Council. Because Seth was the older of the twins, by only a few minutes, he felt the birthright and Grandmother should’ve gone to him, but it didn’t. So, he waited for an opportunity to present itself, and….”
“Dad!” Myra interjected. “I know it’s important to reclaim your place on The Council, but is it necessary to disturb Grandmother after all this time? It’s been ten years, besides, her remains were burned.”
Again, Tom held up a hand. “Myra let him finish. We’re not disturbing her.”
She sighed and rolled her eyes.
Jared angrily cut his eyes at Myra. “When Granddad arranged to have his book published, Seth secretly met with certain members of The Council. No one knows who because that’s the way The Council works. He convinced them Granddad was flaunting our ceremonies and traditions. It didn’t matter to him that Granddad had tried to prevent his book from being published. Seth conveniently failed to mention this to The Council. In his eyes, Seth saw his chance for revenge. Because of some of the older and more traditional members of The Council, Seth convinced them, Grandmother’s illness had been a direct result of Granddad’s book. He convinced them, Granddad had brought a curse upon our people, and restitution must be made. Removing Granddad as head of The Council was that restitution.”
Jared paused, glanced at Sara, and back to Tom. “Uncle Seth wanted what Granddad had. Sara and I believe he was willing to kill to get it. We know Grandmother died from some form of respiratory disease. Because no autopsy was performed, without samples from her, I doubt we could ever prove this.”
Tom braced his hands on the table and leaned forward.
Jared held up a hand. “I’m not suggesting we have her exhumed.”
He sighed in exasperation and sat back in his chair.
“I believe the only way we can prove this, is by a little, or perhaps a lot of investigation,” Jared continued. “I’ll get a copy of her medical records or at least I’ll try to. I know you could, Dad.” He paused. “Anyway, by going over her records, I should be able to prove she didn’t have any preexisting conditions before she fell ill. David Whitefeather can help me with this if he will. Between him and me, we might be able to figure out what happened to Grandmother. After all this time, it won’t be easy, but I think we should try.”
He hesitated and glanced at Sara, approaching the next part of his argument with caution. “I also think we should consider something else. I know you don’t want her exhumed, and I understand your reasons for that, but I have a friend in Shreveport. His name is Gary Browne, and he works for a genetic research facility called D’Netics. If we could get an extremely small sample of Grandmother’s ashes, I believe Gary can tell us what killed her. Now, with your permission, when I get back, I’m gonna talk to him and see if he thinks he can help. Will you at least let me talk to him, and see what he says? He’s an expert, Dad, and if we don’t act fast, we might miss this opportunity.”
“Why? What’s the rush?”
“For some reason, Triplet International, a company in the UK, is extremely interested in getting their hands on Gary’s research. They’re offering him a to die for salary with fringe benefits, as well. All the funding he can use to do with as he pleases. Gary hasn’t given them an answer, but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna take it. I know if it were me, Sara and I would be packed and ready to leave tomorrow. It’s that good of an offer. That’s why we’ve gotta act fast.”
Tom and Jared eyed each other for a while. Finally, Jared sighed. Tom looked at each member of his family, including Sara. “I know you all think I’m old-fashioned and stubborn about this. And, maybe I am. Go ahead. Talk to Dr. Browne, but I still make the final decision. I might not be head of The Council, but, I am head of this family, and I’d ask you to respect my wishes. It is my mother we’re talking about.”
Jared smiled and squeezed Sara’s hand. “Seems reasonable.”
“The first step, which is one of the hardest, will be approaching The Council without Seth finding out,” Tom said. “If he gets wind, we’re attempting to undermine him, he’ll use his power and halt any plans we might’ve put into motion.” He paused and glanced at Sara. “Since this is something that’ll affect all of us including you, we all have to agree. There will be whisperings, and possibly a certain amount of danger involved and,” he paused briefly, “we could lose. If we do,” his voice trailed off.
“I believe your father’s right,” Nadine said. “I for one believe it’s worth trying, for our children and our grandchildren,” she smiled.
Jared sighed, relieved. “As soon as I get back to Shreveport, I’ll talk to Gary. We’ve got a gig this Saturday. Our first one since Sara joined the band, and we can’t miss it. After that’s over, and I’ve made arrangements with Terry at the clinic, we’re coming back for the convention. I want all of you to think on this while we’re gone.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing you perform, Sara,” Nadine said.
Myra grinned. “Especially me.”
“OK, anyway,” Jared said. “Sara and I will abide by whatever you decide, Dad, but I want my children and my grandchildren to be able to hold their heads up high. Our family has been under the raven’s wing too long, but I don’t live around him anymore. You all have to deal with Uncle Seth. Regardless of how this turns out, without Council intervention, he’s not going anywhere.”
Tom narrowed his eyes. “Neither are we!”
Nadine shifted in her chair and rubbed her hands. “When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow,” Jared said. “I’ve arranged for us to leave Phoenix on an evening flight. I’ve already talked to Steve. He and Carl are gonna pick up my car and meet us in Dallas. That way, we won’t have to change flights so many times.” He looked at Sara. “I could rent a car, but since we’re both tired, I thought I’d let Steve do the driving.”
Sara arched an eyebrow. “You trust him with your car?”
“I have a good insurance policy,” he laughed. “Besides, he knows if he wrecks my car, I’ll scalp him.”
Myra frowned. “Do you have to leave so soon?”
“Yes, we do. The gig’s important to me, and to Sara, and to the rest of the band. We’ve been preparing for this for weeks now. It’s a chance for the rest of the world to see Sara. You’re all invited. You know there’s plenty of room for you at Wisteria Hall, and we’d love to have you at the show.”
Myra frowned again. “I’ve got final exams that week. I’ll be shut up like a hermit. Make a DVD for me.”
Tom sighed, disappointedly. “I’m afraid we won’t be able to come either, Jared.”
Nadine smiled. “But, we’ll be looking forward to watching your DVD and hearing you perform at the convention. You’re still performing, aren’t you, Jared?”
He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Sure, we are. It’s what Granddad would’ve wanted. You know how much he loved these conventions. It gave him a chance to show off his musical skills.”
Sara eyed him. “You never told me your grandfather performed at the convention.”
“I never got the chance. Granddad played the flute.”
“The flute?” she prompted incredulously.
“Not the flute you’re familiar with, Sara,” Tom laughed. He left the room and came back carrying what looked like a bamboo stick with holes in it. “That was his flute. I guess it’s mine now.”
Sara admired the instrument. “Do you play?”
Tom reached for the flute. “I try.” He placed the mouthpiece to his lips and began playing.
It was soothing and relaxing, but immensely sad and lonely. Sara pictured the horrible things the Native Americans had endured to get to where they were today. It was appalling, the way the white people, her people, had treated them. Being here, among them, she sensed there were so many things her people could’ve learned from them instead of taking their lands and forcing them from their homes. She felt ashamed. Tom’s playing made it too real for her.
------------
First thing the next morning, Jared phoned Gary at D’Netics in Shreveport and explained a little about the situation about his grandmother. Gary told him he would be happy to meet with him when he got back to Wisteria Hall.
The rest of the day went by too fast, and soon it was time for Jared and Sara to leave for the airport. Myra agreed to take them. They changed into what they would be wearing on the flight and packed the rest. He loaded their luggage and other things in the trunk of Myra’s Audi.
While he said his goodbyes, Sara waited by the car. She’d said her tearful farewells already. Arizona wasn’t the only thing she’d fallen in love with. She’d been accepted as a member of Jared’s family, and she liked the way it felt.
------------
Jared and Sara sat in the airport, waiting for their plane. Myra went to the bookstore for a quick wander. Sara was sad, and already feeling homesick for her new family. Not for the one in Louisiana, but for the one she was leaving behind. Jared turned her face to his. “We’ll come back, angel.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.
She smiled and nodded. “I know, but I’m gonna miss them, especially your mother and Myra.”
“They’ll miss you too. As far as we’re concerned, you’re part of this family already. You always have been.” Sara smiled again.
The speaker announced their flight. Jared glanced around for Myra while he led Sara to their boarding gate. “She’d better get back or we’re gonna miss her.”
“I ran all the way back when I heard them announce your plane,” Myra said, out of breath. She hugged Sara. “Now you take good care of my new sister!”
“With my life.” Jared hugged her and kissed her cheek. He took Sara’s hand. “With my life.”
They stood at the gate and turned. Myra waved. “I’ll miss you! Hurry back!”
“I’ll miss you too.” Sara fought tears as they walked down the connecting tunnel to the plane.
~ ~ ~
They settled in their seats and listened while the pilot announced their departure. Jared kissed her. “You are her. There’s no doubt in my mind.” His mood saddened. Sara wondered why. He read the confusion on her face. He softly smiled and kissed her again. “I’ll always love you, Sara. No matter what happens, remember that. I’ll always, love you.” He took her hand and turned. The plane taxied down the runway.