CONCLUSION

Chapter 1

At mid-morning, a uniformed deputy sheriff sits in the hall beside the patient’s

door with an open Field and Stream in his lap. Hushed voices heard from the nurse’s

station are reverential and professional. It is January 2nd, and Earl has been in the hospital

on life support since Christmas Eve.

Inside the room, a television affixed high on the wall reports world events on

CNN News. Most of the airtime is devoted to covering the bizarre events on the little

Hopland Reservation. Earl’s wife Gladys, a quiet, fashionable woman who appears to be

near Earl’s age, kisses Earl on the cheek and excuses herself, saying that she will return in

an hour or so.

“You’ve heard that I’m dyin’, I guess,” Earl says, using the remote to turn off the

news.

Andrew Darkcloud, seated in a chair beside Earl’s bed, is ready with a note pad in

his lap. “Yes, Earl. I’ve been told, but that’s not always a sure thing. I don’t usually

mention this, but my sister – the woman who kicked the spirits out of you – she prays for

the sick. I’ve never known of anyone she prayed for that didn’t get better. I can bring her

to see you, if you want that.”

“My Mama used to pray for us boys when we was sick. I know what you mean,

Andrew. We always got well after she prayed.”

“So should I bring her?”

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 “Not this time, friend,” Earl replies weakly. “It’s hard for me to explain, but I feel

good about myself for the first time since my little Dallas was killed.” Earl is having

difficulty breathing, so Andrew fits an oxygen mask back on him for a few minutes.

Earl closes his eyes and reaches for Andrew’s hand. The years of bitterness and

indecisiveness have finally past and he is resolved to let go and drift peacefully into

death. Yet he has this one last chore to finish. When he has recovered sufficiently to

continue, he releases Andrew’s hand and removes the oxygen mask once more.

“Be patient with me, Andrew,” he says. “I’ve thought this through, so listen

close.” He reaches blindly for a note pad on the table beside him. Andrew slides it over to

his hand.

“This is the combination to the safe in my store in San Francisco,” he says,

handing the pad to Andrew. “You can find all of my financial records, along with some

jewelry and cash. I can’t trust my lawyers, that’s why I’m askin’ you to rewrite my will

and see that what I want is done. I’ve decided to declare you my lawyer, if you will do

that for me.”

Already making notes, the old man nods, saying, “Go on, Earl.”

“I don’t know for sure what all of my holdings are, but you’ll find everything you

need in that safe. There are several buildings, including the new winery that you know

about. Maybe I shouldn’t have built it in the first place, but that Chambers girl can keep

that for a research center. I sorta’ took a likin’ to her.”

Earl paused to catch his breath, and then he continued, “Besides real estate,

there’s somethin’ over three hundred million in various accounts. I’m givin’ you power of

attorney to liquidate it all.”

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 “Liquidate it all. Yes.”

“I want you to see that Gladys gets half of everything. Then here’s what I want

you to do with what’s left. See that the Hopland Reservation gets half of that for housin’

and education. That leaves the other half of it to be split between Sarah Chambers and

that little girl in the truck.”

“Becky Crow?”

“Yes, Becky. Start with a trust fund paid out every year until she starts college,

then increase it for her expenses. Then I want her to have control of the rest of it when

she’s twenty five years old.”

“That’s a lot of money, Earl. That’s over 35 million each,” Andrew counsels him.

“Do you think that’s too much?” Earl asks.

“No. I’ve known the Crows all of their lives. They’re good people…and from

what I’ve seen of Sarah, she would use the money in the right way. I think you’re right on

track.”

“Well good. Now I expect for you to have lawyer’s fees and your executor

percentage. That’ll reduce it some.”

“No need, my friend,” Andrew replies. “I’ve got more than this old man needs

already. You do what you want to with your money.”

“How about your sister? Can she use some money?”

“She won’t take it either. That would be like taking money for a gift from God.

No need even asking her.”

“What I want is a safe-sure will that can’t be broken. Can you do that?”

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 “Yes, Earl. That’s my promise to you, but what about your brother? Are you sure

that you want to leave him out?”

To this, Earl begins to laugh. “I already fixed him up good. He’s goin’ to be

surprised when he checks his accounts. I’ve been investin’ for him, because he don’t

know squat about handlin’ money. He thinks I stole it, but I just borrowed it for awhile.”

“You sneaky scoundrel,” Andrew laughs along with him. “I guess that’s how

brothers are. I had a brother like yours, but he passed on about five years back. I did the

same thing to him! But now his family is sitting pretty.”

Again, Earl gasps for breath. “You better get started then, Andrew,” he manages to

say. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not afraid of dyin’ now.”

Andrew fits the oxygen tubes on him again, replying, “You just rest now, Earl. I’ll

get started on this will. I’ll need you to sign some documents, so when I get back, I’ll

bring witnesses and a notary public with me. Just don’t worry, okay?”

Earl nods and closes his eyes once more. Just before the old man leaves, Earl

says, “One more thing. Tell your sister that I truly thank her for what she did for me, and

would she please pray for me to live one more week?”

“One more week,” Andrew replies. “Yes, my friend, I will surely do that.”

Chapter 2

It is a few minutes after 8:00 Saturday morning. Jolon leans his rifle against the

porch rail and knocks on the Crow’s front door. Becky’s parents have gone to work and

her brother Terry is in the shower. Becky answers the door and lets the teenager in.

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 “What did your parents say when you asked them if you could go?” Jolon asks.

He takes a seat on the couch in the front room while Becky puts on her boots.

“They said it’s ok to go with you. They think you’re kinda special I guess.”

Jolon grins at the thought of someone besides his mother referring to him as

special. “How come they think that?” he asks.

“They think you’re more like a man than a kid. They’re always saying how

mature you are. I think that too.”

“Well, I think you are,” he replies, watching her lace her boots.

“You think I’m what?” she asks, “mature or special?”

“Well both, I guess. The way you stood up to old Ernie and all. Everybody is

talking about it. It’s not just me that thinks that.”

“I know. That’s what people keep saying. I guess I am. More than I was before

anyhow.” Becky feels her face redden and she looks away to keep him from noticing.

“I’m just glad that it’s turning out okay. That man – Big Earl – he said Ernie wouldn’t

bother me anymore, and he sure won’t.

“Nope. When Earl threw him down the hill, he got his neck broke. He sure was an

ugly sucker, with all those scabs and stuff. Maska really gave him a working over. My

dad said we need a dog like that.”

Maska hears his name and trots over to Jolon for a head rub. Jolan lifts him onto

his lap, getting a few licks on the chin in the process.

“He’s sure growing,” the boy says. “He’s going to be a big old boy. Look how big

his feet are now.”

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 “I know. My dad said it makes him look like a hairy clown. I think they all look

funny when they’re his age.”

“He’s mature for his age, too,” Jolon observes, “and he’s special. I had a dog like

him once, but he got killed.”

“Yeah, people still talk about Old Ringer saving your life. I wish I could see him.

Do you have his picture?” She studies his dark eyes and the way his eyebrows furrowed

when he was in thought. His nose was straight and narrow and his cheeks dimpled when

he smiled.

“Not many, but I have some,” he replies. “Sometime when you’re at my house,

I’ll let you see them. But my dad says that the true beauty of a dog is in his heart, and you

can’t see that in just a picture.”

“I’m ready,” Becky announces. She returns to the hall and knocks on the

bathroom door saying, “Terry, I’ve got your cell phone, okay? We’re going now.”

“Okay. Don’t forget your lunch.”

“I remember. We’ll be back before dark.”

She has her lunch and phone in her backpack. They shut the door behind them and

begin their journey toward the woods with Maska leading the way.

Chapter 3

The first half mile of path is a steady climb, but they have both been this way

hundreds of times. Today they would venture farther than Becky has ever been before.

Like Jolon, she loves the woods and the animals and birds. Some people say that it’s the

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Indian blood in them that causes them to appreciate nature, but Becky thinks that

everyone would if they hiked more and tried to learn the ways of the forest.

Jolon lets Maska and Becky lead the way. Meanwhile, he watches for signs of the

animals that they are seeking. For the most part, there are only a few birds along the way

and an occasional deer. Most of the wildlife are used to humans and don’t run very far,

but are as curious about them as humans are about the wildlife.

In two or three months, the trees will be budding and wildflowers will begin to

spring up. But it is January and winter still holds back springs oblation. Today, the sun is

already fulfilling its pledge to warm the air.

They hike for an hour without a break and then come to a hilltop where they can

see a complete 360 degrees around them. They rest on a small cluster of sizable stones

and breathe in the fresh the mountain air.

Down below, a half dozen deer graze out in the open. At the edge of the forest, a

few gray squirrels romp in the trees, chattering merrily. Jolon wishes that the day would

last forever there on the mountain with the trees and the deer and the squirrels – and the

pretty little Becky. So many times in the past few weeks, he has counted the years ahead.

When he is sixteen, she will be almost fourteen, and when he is eighteen, she will be

almost sixteen. Becky will have a birthday in five more weeks.

He dares not tell anyone his thoughts. Becky is still only eleven, so his thoughts

will be his and his alone. After her incident with Ernie, it is not likely that she would even

want to know how he feels right now.

They talk about school. They talk about sports. They talk about their dreams, but

neither of them talks about how they really feel at that very moment.

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 Chapter 4

They have been sitting on the hilltop about fifteen minutes, and it is time to move

on. They stand and Maska jumps up and runs up the trail, looking back from time to time

to make sure they are following close behind.

The trail meanders down from the crest to a steep climb into the next section of

woods. For a quarter mile they climb, staying on the trail and winding deeper into the

trees. Their next goal is just ahead, at the top of the ridge. They hike without speaking,

drawing air deeply to give them the strength to reach the top.

When they finally top the ridge, the trees thin and more deer are grazing. They fall

to the ground, catch their breath, and drink water from their canteens. The view from this

point is even greater than the previous one.

After they rest a few minutes, Jolon says, “Let’s go on up to the saddleback.

That’s a great place. I’ve been there lots of times before. You can see all the way to town

from there.”

They are almost to the spot Jolon had indicated when Becky stops and points

down the hill to the left of them. When Jolon catches up with her, he looks to where she

is pointing. There, about two or three hundred yards ahead, three dogs are lying in the

warmth of the sun. The animals are looking up the hill toward them but they do not seem

to mind that the kids are there.

“Look,” Becky says. “They see us but they’re not afraid of us. Let’s go down

there.”

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 “No, wait!” Jolon responds. “We don’t know that they’re friendly. Maybe we

should wait and see what they do.”

Becky grins at him, thinking how scary it must have been for him when that big

monster moondog chased him. She claps her hands and loudly calls, “Here doggies!

Come up here!” The dogs look up at her, their tails wagging. She puts her fingers to her

lips and whistles as loudly as she can. They jump to their feet and bound up the hill in a

fast run.

“Becky!” Jolon shouts. “Run for a tree. Get up a tree – fast!”

He starts to run for the nearest tree when Becky cries, “No, Jolon. Remember

when the mountain lion jumped on you. The dogs were nice then because Maska was

there. They won’t hurt us. You’ll see.”

Jolon is not so sure, but when he sees the bravery of Becky, he stops and returns

back at her side. His senses tell him to get her away from there before the dogs arrive, but

he thinks, too, that perhaps she is right. They watch as the dogs draw closer, and then

slow down to a trot, their tails wagging merrily behind them. They gather around Maska,

and the pup wants to frolic and play.

Becky is delighted, but Jolon is still uneasy. He has his rifle ready, but he does not

aim it at them. Soon the sociable dogs approach Jolon and Becky, expecting and getting

attention from them. Once Jolon sees that the dogs are friendly, he runs his hands over the

animals, examining their coats and muscular bodies.

“They’re sure in good shape for strays,” he observes. “They’re getting fed

somewhere, that’s for sure!”

“Maybe somebody lives up here,” Becky opines. “Maybe they’re feeding them.”

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 “They’re being fed, alright,” Jolon replies, “But there sure hasn’t been any sign of

a house up here. Andrew Darkcloud’s place is the only one. It’s probably four miles

southeast of here.”

“What if we keep following this trail?” the girl suggests. “It’s not 11:00 yet, we

still have time.” The dogs are crowding close, wanting to be petted.

“That’s ok with me,” he replies. “It’s worth a try and you’ve been right so far.”

They pick up their packs and start back up the trail. When the dogs see the direction Jolon

and Becky are going, they run ahead, looking back from time to time, leading the kids yet

farther into the forest.

It is close to noon when they see tire tracks on the ridge. Jolon studies them for a

while, worried that whoever had been there might return. They talk it over, and Becky

again persuades him to continue their search. With the dogs leading the way, they tramp

over the ridge and down to a clearing below.

The kids are hurrying to keep up with the dogs. As they near the far side of the

meadow, the dogs lead them away from the trail and then disappear into the bushes in the

side of a low hill. Jolon and Becky look at each other, as if to say, “What do we do now?”

They have lost the dogs, but Maska keeps leading them toward the bushes.

Running to catch up, they find Maska working his way around the brush and to

the embankment. Then the pup disappears.

Jolon notices tire tracks that are the same as they saw previously. They lead

directly to the area where they lost sight of Maska. The ground has been disturbed and

deep ruts are cut into the clear space close to the bushes. It appears that a vehicle has

been turning around in that area.

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 “I don’t like this at all,” Jolon exclaims. I promised your parents that I would keep

you safe, Becky, but now I’m a worried. What if they’ve led us into a trap? I’m pretty

sure that they’re trained, so we don’t know what they’ll do.”

“I know, Jolon,” she whispers. “I’m a little scared too, but I can’t just let Maska

stay out here. I’ve got to find him.” She approaches the place where they last saw Maska.

She stops, whispering, “Jolon! Here it is!”

“What is it?” he whispers back. Then he saw it too.

Partially hidden by the thicket of brush was a cave entrance, five or six feet high,

cut into the side of the hill. Heavy timbers supported the entry.

“Maska,” Becky called. “Maska! Come, Maska.” The pup scampers playfully out

of the shaft and runs to Becky. They are both relieved to see the pup, and to know that he

is safe.

Their courage renewed, they approach the cave’s entrance and peer inside. To the

far right, Jolon spots a battery-powered lantern. He goes inside and turns on the light. Its

bright beam lights the cavernous cave, causing dozen’s of pairs of eyes to glow pale

green.

Chapter 5

“Let’s go in,” Becky suggests. “I think they’re friendly.” Without waiting for

Jolon to reply, she takes the light from him and walks on in. Jolon has to bend down to

get through the opening, but once inside he stands erect with plenty of headroom. They

are only a few feet from the dogs when one of them begins to growl. All of the dogs jump

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up and begin barking, creating a roar in the cavernous cave. The kids start backing slowly

out, but when they turn around, they see that three dogs stand guarding the entry.

“Becky, I think we may be in trouble,” Jolon whispers. “There is only one way

out.” He reaches out for her, but she is on her knees, talking softly to Maska. The boy

thinks of his rifle, but he has left it outside the cave.

Slowly, the large growling male stalks toward the girl. Becky is afraid, yet she

does not move. Without taking her eyes off the animal, she reaches back for Jolan.

Touching his arm makes her feels safer.

Instead of retreating, she calls softly to him. “Here boy, Come here and let me see

you.” The dog limps warily toward her.

Becky holds her hand outstretched for him to examine. He touches her hand with

his nose, and then licks her fingers. The other dogs gather around them, their tails

wagging cheerfully. Jolon and Becky feel safer now.

Soon, Becky is stroking the crippled dog’s neck and body, talking to him all the

while. “Let’s see what’s wrong with you, Doggie. Will you let me see your foot?” She

runs her hand up and down his limp legs and carefully lifts his paw.

“Can you shine the light here, Jolon,” she requests. “I think there’s something the

matter with his foot. Jolon kneels down beside her and focuses the light on the paw she

has lifted.

“I don’t see anything,” he says. “Maybe he has a problem with his hip. I know

that’s pretty common.”

Becky is examining its paw and toes. “I feel something,” she says. “There’s

something stuck in his foot. I’ll try to pull it out.”

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 “Just be careful not to hurt him,” Jolon warns, “or he might bite you.’

“I’ll be careful,” She replies, turning its paw so that the light can focus directly on

it. The dog is whimpering, but seems to know that she is trying to help him.

“I got it,” she reports, holding the object in the light for them to see. “It’s a

splinter. See, it’s sharp on the end. It was stuck between his toes.”

Jolon takes the small fragment and studies it. “Manzanita,” he announces, “a

sliver of old manzanita. Is that all of it? Can you feel any more?”

“No. That’s all I can find. Do you think he needs a doctor?”

“Probably not,” Jolan said, examining the paw himself. “If he will follow us back

home, we can clean it and put something on it so it doesn’t get infected.”

All the while, Maska is having the time of his life romping with the other playful

dogs. Jolan shines the light all around the cave and sees another section toward the back.

As he explores it, Becky walks back out of the cave, calling for the dogs to follow

her. She had counted 21 of them, all of different breeds and sizes. Outside, they crowd

around her, all vying for her attention.

When Jolon exits the cave, he announces, “Someone has been feeding them.

There are four of those automatic feeders in there and a water tank. That’s why they look

so well fed. They could hole up here forever if somebody kept bringing food for them.”

“It was those guys we saw when we found Maska,” Becky said. “They’re

probably the ones that took care of the pack. I’m just glad that we found Maska, though.

He needs someone to love him. I wouldn’t want him to grow up in a cave.”

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 “Well, we still have a problem with what to do with all of these dogs,” Jolon adds,

“we can’t just leave them here. They’ll finally turn wild. If that happens, it will be a lot

worse than before.”

The sun was already dipping below the treetops to the west. “It’s getting late,”

Becky observes as she is turning up the collar of her coat to keep the chilly air off her

neck. “I think that we had better start back home.”

Jolon picks up his rifle. With Maska leading the way, they begin their trek home.

The odd pack of dogs follows willingly and then fall into single file behind them when

they reach the trees. With renewed haste, the irregular travelers make their way through

the deep forest, across the high ridge and back toward the reservation. Two more of the

animals emerge from the forest and join them, making 23 dogs in the pack.

It was a long trek back to the Rez. Most of the hiking however, was downhill,

suspicious dogs lurking beneath the trees. Instead of joining the hikers, they slipped

deeper into the forest. Jolon was troubled, uncertain how many more there were, and

whether or not they posed a threat. Only time would tell.

Chapter 6

A steady flow of traffic headlights light up the highway that runs through the little

town of Hopland when Shine and Sarah arrive. There are no parking spaces available in

front of the restaurant, so Shine finds a space behind the market. They lock the doors of

Sarah’s little Honda and cross the street.

It is Valentine’s Day and the trendy restaurant is only serving reserved guests.

Their entry has caused a minor stir. As Sarah and Shine follow the maître d' between the

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tables, earlier diners pause to watch, each questioning if the two late diners are

celebrities. Yellow roses overflow a small vase and half a dozen of their pastel pedals lay

on their table. Soft dinner music is drifting through the fashionable old restaurant like a

warm welcome breeze. It is 7:30 P. M., and most of the tables are occupied.

Since making the date with Sarah about a week prior to this night, Shine has been

shopping. His black hair lies upon the shoulders of a new gray jacket. His shirt is

burgundy with black buttons and is open at the collar. The black slacks have a razor

crease and his burgundy shoes waxed and shined.

Sarah is wearing a stylish red A-line dress with a matching jacket, a string of

pearls graces the neckline and she seems to glow from the reflection of the red dress. Her

waist length, shiny black hair is newly cut, and styled in layered soft curls.

They peruse the menus and discuss their options for two or three minutes. When

the waiter takes their orders, Shine orders their dinner.

Shine finds himself somewhat uncomfortable seated across from the lovely Sarah.

All he can think about are her eyes, her hair and her remarkable hands. Just as he is

handing the menus back to the waiter, he knocks over his water glass and it spills its

contents on the table, soaking the tablecloth and napkins.

He apologizes, laughing self-consciously at his boyish clumsiness. As the waiter

comes and clears the table for a new tablecloth, Sarah tries to initiate a conversation to

draw attention away from the accident. Shine, however, feels like a schoolboy tripping

over his own shoelaces. He tries to justify his awkwardness, but the more he rationalizes,

the more inadequate he feels.

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 Sarah, on the other hand, cannot suppress her amusement. She has not been on a

date for so long that she is giddy with excitement. The handsome Shine has a boyish

charm about him that she has never seen before. She thinks it ironic that she has endured

over three years of forced isolation to emerge in such a beautifully romantic way.

Finally Shine says, “Sarah, this is the most helpless I have felt in my life. I

apologize for trying too hard to impress you. All I’ve done so far is let you see what a

hopeless dweeb I really am.”

“But why would you want to impress me? You could be sitting here with any girl

you wanted. I’m just so pleased that you asked me.”

“But you’re not a normal girl, Sarah,” he says. Then realizing how lame that

sounded, he says, “What I mean is that you’re more than that to me. What I really mean

is….”

She reaches for his hand. Holding it she says, “I feel the same way about you too,

Shine. Don’t try to explain now. We have plenty of time. If this is meant to be, we will

get to know one another, and talking will be a lot easier. Just think of me as your friend

tonight. We can do the boyfriend, girlfriend thing next time. What do you say we just get

acquainted tonight?”

Chapter 7

“Friend sounds nice,” he smiles, daring to look into her eyes, “but I sure don’t

have any other friends that affect me anything like you do.”

Her hand is warm and soft on his dark, calloused hand. Her touch and the scent of

her perfume are making him dizzy. “When I invited you to go out with me, I said it would

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be a good time to discuss how you were taken to the lab, and the work you had to do for

them. I’ll have to write up a report, but it’s just hard for me to stay focused.”

“Surely you have a girlfriend, don’t you?”

He leaned back from the table as the waiter places their salads before them. When

they were alone again, he said, “Sarah, I think I’ve had about five dates in the past three

years. My grandfather says that I’m too serious – that I need to get a life of my own. I

know that he’s right, but my whole life has been like that. I get so centered on

assignments that I’ve put my personal life on hold. Letting go isn’t as easy as it seems.”

“But you want to let go tonight?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“Why, why is tonight different?”

“I guess because you’re different.”

“Oh, so now I’m different, huh?” she smiles.

“Yes, you are, but in a good way.”

“Tell me. I love to hear about myself.”

“How does charming sound?”

“Charming is nice.” She places her hand on his again.

“And beautiful?”

“Yes, that’s nice too. It’s a little bit of a stretch, but I like it.”

“No stretch at all. You’re every bit that, and more.”

“Well, those years in the cellar have cured me of any impressions that I might

have had about myself. I think freedom is of far greater value than looks.”

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 “Well,” he says, “now you have both, so maybe it’s time for you to let go too. I

like to dream, how about you?” Shine is more at ease now. He picks up his fork and tries

the salad. “Umm, pretty good. I think I will let myself go and pig out tonight!”

“Un-huh, like a pig in a slop bucket!”

“Hey, watch it, this ain’t slop! Besides, we’ve seen how ugly a pig can be.”

“But it turned out pretty good, didn’t it, Shine?”

“Strangely, yes. But isn’t it ironic that the reservation that Farley tried to steal was

what saved him in the end? I think we’ve all learned something from that.”

“So you believe in God?”

“Yes, do you?”

“Yes.” Sarah puts her fork down and watches him for a moment. “There is so

much in my field of study that has to do with life. I just can’t imagine that the delicate

nature of living things could ever be without something bigger and wiser guiding things

along. The whole of it amazes me. I think that’s why I studied genetic science. If I had it

to do all over, I’d still follow the same path.”

“I’d love to see your work sometime,” Shine says, “although I doubt that I would

be able to understand much of it.”

“It’s both simple and complex,” she responded. “Science has made great progress

in genetics, and I was privileged to have use of some of the best equipment available. It

impressed me that I had my own living quarters provided right there in the basement. I

loved it, because I could monitor my projects so well that way.”

“Was there a point at which you knew that you were being used for something

clandestine?”

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 “Yes I was led to believe that the project had to do with aging and longevity of

life, but it wasn’t long before that changed. When I started asking why the jellyfish

experiments, I was told that we had to first demonstrate something immediate and

tangible. It didn’t make sense to me at the time, but I was accustomed to following

orders.”

She paused to take a drink from her water glass and then she continued, “We still

have a long way to go to truly identify and understand genes that may somehow be

connected to aging, but there are many of us who are committed to this particular field of

research.”

“So you do this alone, or do you have anybody working with you?”

“Dirk Powers was helping me. He had experimented with different types of

mutations, but was unsuccessful.”

“So it was Powers who engineered that big Diweda-hayu,” Shine guessed.

“I don’t know, Shine. I’ve never actually seen that animal, but it’s possible that he

did, I suppose. He worked for Farley for four years before I was brought in, but I’m not

aware of any real contributions he made. The main problem I had with Dirk was that he

liked to push things too far. Frankly, none of his test subjects that I saw survived. Mr.

Farley threatened to fire him, but I asked him not to. I said that I need an assistant, so

Farley agreed.”

“It’s not likely that Farley would have let him go anyhow, Sarah,” Shine said

gravely. “From what I have heard, nobody would have gotten out alive.”

“I thought he was being kept against his will as I was. He acted strange

sometimes, but that’s common among scientists. We become so focused on our work that

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any interruption is a distraction. I only learned the truth about Dirk the day that you

showed up. That’s when I found out that he was a part of the crazy plot. He sure played

me for a fool, but thankfully he’s out of the picture for good now.”

“That’s for sure. Your dad sure came through for you on that one!”

“My dad acts tough, but he really isn’t. That was scary to see him with just a bow

and arrows. And then when he shot the arrow, I closed my eyes when I saw it coming,

because I didn’t realize how accurate one could be.”

“Like I told you before,” Shine says, “it just came naturally for him. He was just

as surprised as we were the first time he ever picked one up and out shot everyone else.”

“So,” he continues, “Do you plan to be here very long?”

“Yes, I think so. Since your grandfather is Mr. Farley’s executor, he is letting me

continue to use the lab until after probate, and that could take awhile. With the grant that

he was able to get for my research because of my Indian heritage, I’ll be able to hire an

assistant. I’m hoping that some day I can have my own research center and continue with

the projects that I’ve been working on.”

“If you need any money, I can help you with that,” Shine interjects. “It would be a

shame to not be able to follow through with your research.”

“Oh, so you’re rich too? Do tell! Do you know what it costs to maintain that

equipment and keep the lab open?”

“No, and I don’t know about rich either, but I’ve got some money. For years, I’ve

been sending Grandfather my earnings to invest for me. I don’t know what it amounts to

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now, but he’s been trying to get me to take enough out of my accounts to buy a house, so

it must be quite a bit.”

“I’ll keep it in mind,” she says, “but that’s what Federal grants are for. Your

grandfather thinks that there is a good chance of setting up my own lab in the interest of

science. He seems to have something in mind, but he’s being coy about it. In a sense, I

would be making it on my own without asking for anything extra. We’re going to pursue

that and see where it leads.”

“Whatever you do, Sarah, I have confidence that you will succeed. But now you

know that you have a friend ready to help.”

“Oh yes, that’s where we started, isn’t it?”

“What? Where we started what?”

“That tonight we’re friends, and not girlfriend, boyfriend.”

“Oh, that’s where we came in, isn’t it. I’ll settle for that for now, but later on I

think I’d like the more than friends idea.”

“See how much alike we are,” She smiled. “Those are my feelings too.”

Chapter 8

It was nearly dark when the mismatched pack arrived back on the reservation.

With Maska in the lead, the boy and girl followed by 23 dogs of every description.

People stopped to stare at the unusual procession as the boy and girl jogged across the

field and along the road to Becky’s house.

With the intrusion of the dogs upon the reservation came renewed alarm. Some of

the people ran back inside their homes; others gave in to their curiosity and followed at a

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good distance. The news spread across the reservation and to the tribal police

headquarters. Soon, thirty to forty people stood along the streets, watching. Three

security vehicles hurried to the Crow’s home and parked nearby.

Becky ran in through the front door of her home while Jolon waited on the porch

amid their tail-wagging followers. Sitting on the stoop, they gathered around him, vying

for his attention. The children approached the dogs first - hesitantly, and then drawing

closer.

“They won’t hurt you,” Jolon assured them. “See, they like for you to pet them.”

He drew one close and hugged it, demonstrating how safe they were. The children

ganged around him, choosing the ones they liked the best and romping with them. More

people came, and the Crow’s front yard became populated with dogs and kids.

“No, James,” Elliot was speaking into his cell phone, “they seem pretty harmless.

It’s caused a ruckus here though, mainly with the Rez dogs. They don’t know what to

make of the moondog pack. I know it sounds like a madhouse with so much barking, but

right now there’s no problem yet that I can see.”

“What are we going to do with so many of them, Elliot?” the Tribal Chairman was

saying. “We can’t have them loose once the moon rises tonight. There’s no telling what

they might do then, after all, they’re called moondogs for a good reason.”

“Yes, I agree with you, Boss, better to be safe than sorry. But don’t worry, we’ll

think of something. I’m just relieved to have them rounded up. This is the most of them

that we’ve seen together at one time, so I doubt if there are more out there; not many,

anyhow.”

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 “It almost seems too good to be true, doesn’t it?” James said.

“Yep, this is the best chance we’ve had to end this mess. But if anybody has in

mind to kill all of them, I think we might have some repercussions on that.”

“What do you mean, Elliot?

“I mean that right now we’ve got a crowd of people here, mostly children who are

laying claim to them. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. I think this is their opportunity

to have genuine glow-in-the-dark pets, and if they turn out to be harmless, I’d like to see

them have homes. Besides, if we try to get them away from these people, we’re going to

have a fight on our hands.”

“Well, Elliot…what do you have in mind?”

“Give me a bit more time, James. I have a good feeling about this.”

“Just keep me informed, Elliot. You’re right. This is like a gift out of the blue if it

works out.”

“You bet I will, Boss.”

Chapter 9

“Mom! Dad! Come and look!” Becky exclaimed as she ran into the front door.

“We found the moondogs! They came back with us, and they’re not dangerous at all!

Come and look!”

Vern jumped up from his chair and hurried to the door. Outside were the dogs,

gathered around Jolon. “Well I’ll be hanged! Would you look at that! How on earth did

you get those animals here?” he said. “It looks like an escape from the animal shelter.”

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 “They followed us,” she said proudly. “I think they didn’t like living in the woods.

We found them in a cave where they had food and everything, but now there’s not anyone

to take care of them.”

Becky’s mother joined them at the front door. “Are you alright, Becky?” she

asked. “You could have been killed. Those are vicious animals. They’ve killed before,

you know!”

“I know, Mom, but it’s because somebody made them do it. They won’t anymore,

you’ll see.” Becky went out onto the porch beside Jolon to show Vern and Tammy how

harmless the pack was.

Elliot got out of the SUV and worked his way through the dogs and kids to the

porch. After greeting the Crows, he turned to watch the crowd of people that had gathered

there. It was obvious that there were some attachments developing already.

“How many of you want one of these dogs if they’re safe to keep?” he shouted to

the crowd. Most of the hands went up. “Then I’ll tell you what. We have to find out how

they’ll behave once the moon is up.”

“They’re not mean,” one little girl piped up. She had her arms around a scruffy

looking dog whose tail could not keep still. “This one’s mine! I named her Honey,

because she’s so nice and she’s sweet.”

“I named mine Spike, because he’s a boxer,” a boy of twelve said. “We used to

have a boxer but he got hit by a car. I already asked my dad. He said I can keep him.”

Elliot held up his hand for silence. “Those of you that want to take one home with

you will have to have a rope for it. I have a rope in my car that we can make leashes out

of. Here’s what I want you to do. I want you to put a rope on the dog that you’ve picked

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out, and when you get home, tie him outside when the moon rises and see how he acts. I

think they’re all going to be okay, but we can’t take any chances. If they turn mean when

they’re in the moonlight, then they’ll have to be brought back to me. Can everyone agree

to that?”

Satisfied that they all understood, Elliot began cutting lengths of rope and

attaching them to the excited pets. As each was leashed, its new master took it home. By

the time the last one had its rope tied to its neck, the moon was up, and a fourth grade girl

led her dog down the road. Elliot watched the little girl and her father, as they

disappeared into the shadows. The dog, heeling obediently beside the child, shined soft

green in the distance.

There were still a few children hanging around after the others had left, wishing

for pets for themselves. Elliot spoke once more, saying, “I know it’s disappointing for

you, because you wanted a moondog too, but don’t worry. I’m pretty sure that in a few

months there will be plenty of moondog puppies that are going to need homes. I know

that I’m going to want one, so let’s just wait, and then we can pick out exactly what we

want.”

Vern was standing on the front porch beside Elliot. “Thanks, Elliot,” he said. “I

know that the last six months have been hard, but I know that you really used good

judgment in the way you’ve handled things.”

“No better than you or anybody else would have done,” Elliot replied.

“Maybe, but you had a big responsibility and you really came through for us. I

just want you to know it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

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 “Vern, I just have one thing to say in regards to that. If you want to see some real

heroes, take a look at who’s sitting on your porch.”

Vern felt himself flush with pride as he looked at the two youngsters sitting on the

step. Becky had her arm around Maska, and Jolon was talking to a shepherd looking dog

with a short rope tied around its neck, saying, “You get to come home with me, Ringer. Is

that okay with you? I’ll get you a good dinner, and then tomorrow me and my dad can

start your training. Don’t look at me like that, Ringer! You know I’m right. If I have to go

to school, it seems to me that you need come schooling too!”

The men exchanged grins, and then Elliot got back in the SUV and drove back to

his office. He is pleased with the success of the kids in rounding up 23 moondogs, yet he

is troubled that there are still five more of the dogs and possibly more, still loose in the

woods.

Chapter 10

Shine keeps pace with the other vehicles as he rides north on Highway 101. The

big red Indian Chief handles the hills and curves with the power and grace of a finely

tuned touring coupe. It is now early spring, and the eye-catching landscape, with its green

open hills, aged trees and timeless rock formations, beckon him back to his boyhood

home.

Just north of Cloverdale where the highway parallels the Russian River, the twists

and turns provide an environment for motorcycle touring at its best. He is comfortable

with the big machine under him humming along effortlessly, ever asking for more

throttle.

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 He hears the throbbing of tuned exhausts behind him before he sees them in his

mirrors. First one and then more motorcycles join him in the smooth wide lane. Abe

Chambers matches pace with him and nods his greeting as he pulls alongside.

Other bikers roar on by, racing through the curves and on to Hopland. Leon and

Warren appear and join Shine’s small cluster. Abe and Leon are wearing their Roadwreck

colors and Warren wears a worn leather flight jacket. As they approach Squaw Rock,

more weekend bikers rumble by, appearing disingenuously tough and dangerous, and

waving as they pass.

Leaving the North Bay, with its traffic and construction and smog, the travelers

revel in this intoxication of the mountains’ incomparable freshness. Leaving behind their

stores, their factories, their offices and desks – they ride, they dream, they break away

from the weight of obligation, and they become, if only for one week, free men.

Sarah Chambers will be at the Shotgun Café at noon. A glance at his watch lets

Shine know that in twenty more minutes he will see her again. He holds onto his

excitement and lets it build. He touches his pocket with his gloved hand to reassure

himself that the little box is still in there and he smiles. Having made one of life’s greatest

decisions, the only remaining question is whether the ring that he will offer her will be

accepted.

“Don’t let that little Indian Princess get away from you,” Grandfather had

counseled him. “You won’t ever find another girl like that.”

The butterflies keep returning. Every time he thinks about her, he is both elated

and terrified. Stay cool, he tells himself. Be confident, because you will never know if you

don’t ask.

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 Shine feels his heart leap as he rides across the steel girded bridge that crosses the

river on the south side of the Hopland. Just twelve more minutes! But what if she got

there early? What if I look like a jerk. What if she has met someone else?

They reduce their speed to 35 as they approach the Feliz Creek Bridge. The other

bikers had already parked their Harleys beside the gas station. The four that are riding

together pull up in front of the Shotgun Café and crawl off their bikes. Shine hangs his

helmet on one of his handlebars and checks to make sure his pack and guitar case are still

secure.

About twenty men of the biker’s club had walked across the road to the Crushed

Grape for lunch. Leon and Warren go over to join them and Abe stays with Shine so that

he will be there to greet his daughter as soon as she arrives.

They enter the café and ask for a table by the window in order to keep an eye on

their bikes. Shine finds the restroom and washes his hands and face. He runs a comb

through his hair and goes back into the lobby to wait beside Abe.

Chapter 11

Shine jumps up and hurries to the door when Sarah comes in. He hugs her and

kisses her on the cheek. Abe is right behind him with a big grin, waiting his turn. As he

embraces his daughter he says, “Well, I guess I’ll probably be playing second fiddle to

that crazy Shine from now on, so I’ll get my hugs now.”

“No, Daddy,” she says, “you’ll never be second to anybody, and both of you are

crazy for the way you ride those motorcycles. Daddy, you should buy yourself a nice

car.”

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 “Just like your mother,” Abe replies. “She is, Shine. She’s just like her mother,

always worried about something.”

“Well, she can worry about me all she wants to,” Shine laughs, “so long as I’m

part of the picture.”

“I love you both so much, and I do worry about you. I was hoping that Mom

could come too, though. I haven’t seen her in three weeks.”

“She planned to,” Abe says, “but she had to do inventory. I told her to plan for a

few days off before the end of the month. I want us to all get together then.”

The host arrives with menus and shows them to their table. “I can bring another

chair,” he says, “if the three of you want to share a table.”

“Nope, I’ve got to go baby sit the guys across the street. I’ll leave you two here,

but if you need any protection from this little scientist girl, just give me a call.”

“Well, what if it’s me who needs protecting,” Sarah quips, “may I call you too,

Daddy?”

“Baby girl, you can call on your old dad anytime, anywhere. If I had my own way,

I’d never let you out of my sight!” Abe kisses her forehead and then walks across the

street to join the others.

Finally alone, Sarah and Shine sit for a moment, and then just as he starts to

speak, she does too. They laugh and try again.

“You are beautiful,” he says, taking her hand. “It has been hard for me to

concentrate on anything else since the first time I met you.”

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 Sarah squeezes his hand and replies, “Thank you, Shine. It seems like everything

I’ve missed the last few years has been worth it just to be where I am today. I hope that

this is not just a dream. If it is, I don’t want to awaken. Tell me its not.”

“That it’s not a dream?”

“Yes.”

“Sarah, for me this is a dream come true. There’s just one more thing that you can

do for me to make it real.”

“And what is that, Shine?”

He takes the little box out of his jacket, opens it, and holds it for her to see.

“Please say that you will marry me.”

Her hand is unsteady as she withdraws the ring from the box. She cannot help but

let a tear fall as she hands the ring to him and says, “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” She holds

her hand out for him to slip the ring on her finger. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” she breathes and leans

toward him for a kiss.

Shine wants to shout and sing and dance and clap his hands and stamp his feet, all

at the same time, but he pulls her as close as the little table between them will allow and

prolongs the kiss. “I love you so, so much!” he whispers, “now and forever!”

Chapter 12

The parking lot is full when they arrive at the casino. Abe and his wife Bonnie are

waiting beside the long row of motorcycles. Bonnie, who had no desire to ride a hundred

miles on the back of a motorcycle, had driven up from the Bay Area earlier that day.

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 A banner across the entry reads, Star Search, Contestants Welcome. They pass the

busy slots and table areas to a set of double-doors on the east wall. A tall man on crutches

is waiting by the door. Beside him is an attractive dark-haired woman with a fresh

hibiscus in her hair. Shine introduces Dave and Leilani Simmons, and they enter the

bustling room together.

“I’m so happy to finally meet you, Leilani,” Sarah says. “Shine has told me about

you. He said that you are from Hawaii.” Hand in hand, they follow the men who are

looking for seating.

“Well, you should hear how he goes on and on about you, Sarah,” Leilani replied.

“Evidently he has something special in mind. He said we had to come. We’ve never even

been in a casino before.”

“Don’t worry about it, Leilani, none of us gamble either, but this is where most of

the social activities happen – here and at the Tribal Center. Now, ever since the story was

in the news, people have come from everywhere. Things have calmed down a lot, but it

sure put this place on the map.”

Leilani pulled Sarah and her mother away from the men. “So, Sarah,” she smiled,

“what is this special event of the evening? I can’t wait any longer, so tell me!”

“Shine asked me to marry him!” She held out her hand for Leilani to see her

engagement ring.

“I knew it! I knew he would!” The two women were jumping and giggling like

teenagers. Shine, was watching and smiling. He could not hear them over the hubbub of

the crowd, but he could guess what they were talking about.

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 The chairs that have been set up inside the extensive bingo room are nearly full,

and contestants are performing up front on the stage. At the foot of the stage, a panel of

judges takes notes of each performance. Abe spots some vacant chairs near the back of

the room.

The audience is animated; applauding wildly after each of their favorites

performs. As they near the end of the contest, Shine has excused himself. Abe and Sarah

sit together. The other bikers have scattered to wherever there were vacant chairs.

As a youth from Covelo is singing, the audience is on its feet, dancing in place to

the rhythm. The talent seems to get better with each contestant.

The music and the applause subside, and there is no one left on the stage. Just as

Sarah thinks it is time to leave, she looks around for Shine. “I think he went to the men’s

room,” Abe is saying. “He can’t hold his coffee worth a dime.”

There is a call for silence in the crowded building, suggesting that something

more is about to take place. The strings of a big acoustic guitar break the hush. A young

man in Levis and a black jacket has stepped to the microphone. As he begins to sing, the

building fills with harmony.

I can only imagine

What it will be like

The audience buzzes with curiosity about the singer. His voice is clear and strong,

reaching for and hitting every note with ease. Those who recognize him are jumping with

excitement.

When I walk by your side

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 The room again comes alive as the people stand to their feet for a better view. Abe

helps Sarah stand on her chair so she can see the performance.

I can only imagine what my eyes will see

When your face is before me

I can only imagine

“Daddy, its Shine! That’s him singing!”

“I know, Baby, I can see for myself.”

“Did you know about this? Did you know that he was entering the talent show?”

“No, I’m just as surprised as you are. But listen to him. He ain’t bad at all.” Hand

in hand, father and daughter watch and listen.

There is a commotion in the front row. A slender man in a worn flight jacket

climbs onto the stage and begins to sing harmony with Shine.

“Daddy, isn’t that Warren up there?”

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it for myself,” Abe replies. The Roadwreck

Bikers are in the aisles, waving their hands overhead and singing along. “Look at the

other guys! Come on!” he says to Bonnie and Sarah. Let’s go down there where they’re

at!”

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 “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!” one of the judges shouts into a

microphone. “Give it up for Shine! Shine Darkcloud!” The audience responds with an

enthusiastic applause, and then everyone joins in…

I can only imagine when that day comes

And I find myself standing in the Son

I can only imagine when all I will do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine

(End)

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