Blood of the Rainbow (43 page)

Tom laughed as he passed Jared 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. Sara knew she wouldn’t be able to eat over one.  

Jared poured Sara a cup of coffee; while she suspiciously eyed her breakfast, unsure of what it was or how to eat it. She started picking bits off the edge. It tasted a lot like an elephant ear she’d had once or twice at the local fair, but it had been dusted with cinnamon, and had a hint of lemon juice.

Everyone, including Jared was watching her. Sara looked up and blushed. Myra laughed.

“Are you going to eat that or just pick it to death?”

Jared sighed and rolled his eyes at his sister. “It’s fry bread, Sara. Do you like it?”

“It’s nice. It tastes kind of like a flat cinnamon roll, but I’m afraid I will only be able to eat one, if that.”

Tom laughed. A strong, loud belly laugh. “Now that you’re all here, there’s something we need to discuss,
as
a family,” he said, deliberately glancing at Sara. All eyes turned to the head of the table. Jared flashed Sara a knowing glance.

“I’ve decided to challenge the Council,” Tom continued. “Now, as all of you know, this is not going to be easy, especially, since our best defense is simply out of the question,” he said, directly looking from Jared to Sara, his mind already made up, leaving no room for debate. Jared looked at Sara and shrugged. “We will simply have to find other ways than raising my Mother’s ashes from her final resting place.”

Sara opened her mouth to protest. Jared laid his hand over hers, forestalling her. It felt weird, but it was almost as if he’d spoken to her mind. “No.” It was a request Sara couldn’t challenge. She relaxed in her seat. Tom went on.

“Now that Jared and I have had a chance to go over some things from a medical point of view, I agree with what Sara has suggested. I believe it’s possible that Mikah’s death was deliberate. Whether by his own hand or by
his
orders, I believe Seth might have been responsible.”

“Jared,” Myra said dubiously, glaring at him. “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 his hand. Myra cowered and held her tongue. “I know, Myra. I felt the same way, until I heard Jared’s argument. As strange as it may sound, it makes
some
sense. I’ll let Jared tell you,” he said, motioning to Jared.

Jared squeezed Sara’s hand. “Ok, I know this sounds bizarre, but it makes sense when you connect the dots. I can’t take credit for this, it was really Sara’s idea and her suggestion,” he said smiling at her.

Great!Thanks Jared. Now, if the family doesn’t agree to this, guess who’s left holding the bag
. Sara’s palms got sweaty.

“Here’s what we know. Before Granddad married Grandmother, both he and Uncle Seth were courting her. Granddad because he loved her, and Uncle Seth because he wanted her inheritance. Seth never cared about Grandmother, Granddad had told me as much. Once Grandmother 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 - by only a few minutes - of the twins, he felt the birthright should have automatically gone to him, as well as Grandmother, but it didn’t. So, he waited, patiently for an opportunity to present itself, and….”

“Dad!” Myra interjected. “I know it’s important to reclaim your place on the Council, but do you think it’s necessary to disturb Grandmother after all this time? It’s been ten years, besides, her remains were burned.”

Again, Tom held up his hand. “Myra let him finish. We’re not disturbing Grandmother.”

Myra 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 knew who, because that’s the way the Council works. He convinced them that Granddad was flaunting our ceremonies and traditions. It didn’t matter to him that Granddad had done everything possible to prevent the publication of that book. He conveniently failed to mention that part 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, that Grandmother’s illness was a result of his book. Seth convinced the Council, that Granddad had brought a curse upon our people, and that, therefore, restitution had to be made. Removing Granddad as head of the Council would be that restitution.”

Jared paused and glanced at Sara, then back at Tom, and continued.

“Uncle Seth has always wanted what Granddad had. So badly, that I believe, and Sara believes this too, that he was willing to kill to get it. We know Grandmother died of a respiratory disease of some kind, but, because no autopsy was performed, we don’t know what, and I don’t know if we would ever be able to prove this, without samples from Grandmother.” Jared glanced at Tom.

Tom started to rise from his seat.

Jared held up his hand. “I’m not suggesting we have her exhumed.”

Exasperated, Tom sighed and sat back in his chair.

Jared continued. “I believe the only way we can prove this, is with a little, or perhaps even a
lot
of investigation. I can get a copy of Grandmother’s medical records, or at least I should be able to. I know you could get them Dad. Anyways... by her doctor’s notes, and the course of treatment she was given, I might be able to prove she was in good health
before
she took ill. David Whitefeather should be able to help. Between him and me, we may be able to figure out just what happened to her. After all this time, it won’t be easy, but I think we should try.”

Jared hesitated as he glanced at Sara, approaching the next part of his argument with caution, attempting to read Tom’s eyes. “I – ah - I also, think we should consider something else. I know you don’t want Grandmother 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 going to 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 very good at what he does Dad, and if we don’t act fast, we might miss this opportunity.”

Tom sighed deeply again. “Why? What’s the rush?”

“For some reason, Triplet International in the UK is very interested in getting their hands on Gary’s research. They’re offering him a ‘to die for’ salary with fringe benefits too. All the funding he can use to do with as he pleases. Gary hasn’t given them an answer yet, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to take it. I know if I had his choice, Sara and I would be packed and ready to go tomorrow. It’s that good of an offer. So that’s why we’ve
got
to act fast.”

Tom and Jared eyed each other for a while. Finally, Jared sighed. Tom looked into the eyes of each member of his family, including Sara’s. “I know you all think I’m being old fashioned and stubborn about this. And, maybe I am. Go ahead. Talk to this friend of yours, but I still get to make the final decision. I may not be head of the Council, but, I am head of this family, and I would ask you to respect my wishes. It is my mother we’re talking about.”

Jared smiled and squeezed Sara’s hand. “Fair enough.”

“The first step, which is one of the hardest,” Tom said. “Is approaching the Council about this
without
Seth knowing. If he gets wind that we’re attempting to undermine him behind his back, he will use his power and quash any plans we might have set into motion. Since this is something that is going to affect all of us, including you, Sara,” he said, looking at her again. “It’s something we
all
must decide. There will be whisperings, and possibly a certain amount of danger involved and,” He paused briefly, “we could lose. If we do….”

“I believe your father is right,” Nadine said. “I for one believe it’s worth trying, for our children, and grandchildren,” she said, smiling at Sara.

Jared smiled, 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 the hospital, we’re coming back for the convention. I want all of you to think on this while we’re gone.”

Nadine smiled. “We’re looking forward to seeing you perform Sara.”

Myra grinned. “Especially me.”

“Ok, anyway,” Jared said. “Whatever you decide, Sara and I will abide by it, Dad. I would like for my
children
and my grandchildren to be able to hold their heads up high. I think this family has been under the raven’s wing too long, but I don’t live around him anymore. You all have to live with Uncle Seth. Regardless of how this turns out, we all know, without Council intervention, Seth is not going anywhere, but then again, neither is Dad.”

Nadine looked anxious. “When will you be leaving for Shreveport?”

“Today. I’ve arranged for us to leave Phoenix on the latest possible flight. Our flight leaves at four this evening.” Jared said. “I’ve already talked to Steve. He and Carl are going to pick up my car, and meet us in Dallas. That way, we won’t have to change flights so many times. I could rent a car and drive us, but I thought it would be better, since we’re both tired, to let somebody else do the driving.” Jared winked at Sara.

Sara raised an eyebrow at him. “You trust Steve to drive your car?”

Jared laughed. “I have a good insurance policy Sara. Besides, he knows if he wrecks my car, I’ll scalp him,” he joked.

Myra frowned. “So sudden?”

“I’m afraid we have to. I know this is important to the family, but it’s also very 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 how talented our Sara is. 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 can’t come. I’ve got final exams that week. I’ll be shut up like a hermit. Make a DVD for me.”

Tom sighed, disappointed. “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 will still be performing, won’t you, Jared?”

Jared smiled. “Sure we will. It’s what Granddad would have wanted. You know how much he used to love these conventions. It gave him a chance to show off his musical skills.”  His voice choked.”

Sara eyed Jared. “You never told me your Grandfather
performed
at the convention.”

“I never got the chance. Granddad played the flute.”

Sara was incredulous. “He played flute?”

Tom laughed. “Not the flute you’re familiar with.” He left the room, and came back carrying what looked like a bamboo stick with holes in it, and handed it to Sara. “That was his flute. I guess it’s mine now.”

Sara took the instrument, admiring it. “Do you play?”

Tom reached for the flute. “I try.” He placed it in his mouth and started playing it. It sounded so soothing, relaxing but also immensely sad and lonely. It made Sara feel inadequate. In her mind, she pictured the horrible things Jared’s ancestors had to endure to get where they were today. To Sara, it was appalling, the way the white people,
her people
, had treated them. Exploiting them, or any indigenous race for that matter, was uncalled for.

Jared watched Sara with curious eyes. Tears filled Sara’s eyes. Although she had no reason to be, Sara felt ashamed, Tom’s playing made it all seem too real. Being here, among them, Sara could see there were so many things her people could have learned from them instead of taking their lands, and forcing them from their homes.

------------

First thing the next morning, Jared phoned his friend, Gary Browne at D’Netics in Shreveport, and explained a little about the situation with his grandmother. Gary told Jared he would be happy to meet with him when he got back to Wisteria Hall. All he had to do was give him a ring.

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 up the rest. Jared loaded their suitcases and things in the trunk of Myra’s Audi.

While Jared was saying his goodbyes to his parents, Sara waited by the car. She’d said her tearful goodbyes. It wasn’t only the area she’d fallen in love with. They had accepted Sara as a member of the family, and that felt good. It was essential for her to fit in.

Jared and Sara sat in the airport, waiting for their plane. Myra had gone to the bookstore for a quick wander. Sara was sad, and already feeling homesick for her new family. Not for Shreveport, but for this place, the one they were leaving behind. Jared turned her face toward his. “We’ll be back in no time Angel.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

Sara smiled and nodded. “I know, but I’m going to miss them, especially your mother and Myra.”

Jared smiled. “They’ll miss you too. As far as we’re concerned, you’re part of this family
already
. You always have been.” Sara smiled.

The speaker announced their flight, and they stood. Jared glanced around for Myra. “She’d better get back, or we’re going to miss her,” he said as they walked over to the boarding gate.

“I ran all the way back when I heard them announce your plane.” Myra was out of breath as she hugged Sara. “Now you take good care of my new sister!”

“With my life, little sister,” he said, hugging her and kissing her cheek. He looked down at Sara and took her hand. “With my life….”

Jared and Sara stood at the gate. Myra waved. “I’ll miss you! Hurry back!”

“I’ll miss you too,” Sara replied, fighting tears as they walked down the connecting tunnel to the plane.