And We've Come Full Circle (A Graham Family Story Book 2) Page 16

  “Good morning, Petty Officer Graham, please have a seat.”

  The soft click of the door behind her resonated through her like a lighthouse foghorn. She made her way to the chair and sank onto the gray cushion.

  “Good morning, Dr. Samind.”

  He rolled his shoulders and laced his fingers, never once taking his eyes from hers. A heavy pit began to grow in her gut. The moisture in her throat dried up faster than a glass of water in the Serengeti.

  “It won’t heal.” The words out of her mouth weren’t a question, and they rolled out in an unstoppable way.

  His blue eyes were sympathetic and kind. “Not completely, no. With luck, a lot of luck, you’ll regain up to fifty percent.”

  Bile rushed up into her mouth and it wasn’t easy to swallow it back down. Fifty? Fifty percent, and that’s only if I’m really lucky? Shit!

  “I’m so sorry, Graham, I know you’ve worked so hard, but the damage done apparently didn’t heal like we would have wished.” He gestured to the desk before him. “Do you want me to show you on the films?”

  Blinking back the ever increasing threat of tears, she shook her head. “No point. I know what happened and what didn’t heal right.” She licked her lips and forced the question out from behind clenched teeth. “This mean my naval career is over?”

  Doctor Samind rose and moved to sit on the edge of the desk. He reached for her hand and gave her a gentle smile and squeeze. “You look exhausted. I know this isn’t the news you were hoping for at all. We can do this later if you want. Just call my office and set up a time to talk. It can even be done over the phone if you’d prefer.”

  I’d prefer to know my career wasn’t in jeopardy. The need to escape from walls which seemed to be closing in on her rapidly nearly overwhelmed her. With a shaky nod she pushed to her feet and stumbled toward the door.

  “Are you okay, Petty Officer?” the doctor’s voice stopped her at the door.

  “Don’t have a choice,” she muttered then slipped out without a glance back.

  The warm DC sun beat down on her the moment she left the building but she felt none of its heat. All she could see was the end of her career. She walked blindly, almost aimlessly until the familiar sight of her car entered her line of vision. Her steps faltered and she sagged against the dusty side of her Pathfinder. She struggled not to bend over and heave until there was nothing left within her.

  Noticing a few people moving through the parking lot watching her with a bit of concern, she managed to slide behind the wheel and close the door. Several deep breaths later and she started the engine and was on her way back to her hotel. The second the door closed behind her, she drooped against it and allowed the flood of tears to escape.

  She slid down the door to the floor, dropped her head onto her knees, and continued to cry. Time lost all meaning as the inundation of tears streamed down her cheeks. Her breaths came in deep ragged gasps. Throat hurting, nose running, and eyes unable to shed another tear, she pushed unsteadily to her feet and stumbled to her bed. Still in uniform, she crawled on and curled up into a ball as tiny as she could manage where she closed her eyes and headed for the one place she hoped to hide from her future. Her uncertain future.

  The sun shone down upon the wide prairie, a gentle wind moving the blades of grass in a slow, nigh endless hypnotic motion. Jasira looked around and sighed in contentment. While her first love was the ocean this place, wherever it was, definitely held some appeal. It called to her on a deeper level.

  I wonder what I’m doing here. And for what reason am I here.

  The ground began to thunder and shake. She closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them, a huge herd of buffalo streamed by her down each side. Fear flooded her but she didn’t move for there was no wish to get trampled. The air permeated with the smell of freshly torn up dirt and animals. Right on the heels of the massive and impressive beings were men.

  Indians! Her heart tripled in speed again. No, not Indians. Native Americans. They all sped by, bows and arrows ready and firing at the creatures. It was like being plunked down into an IMAX theatre, the sight, sounds, and smells made it so real. The dust became so thick she couldn’t see anything. When it settled the herd had vanished. As had the hunting party after it.

  Well, not the entire party.

  Directly before her was none other than the man she’d seen on the road that day. Like that day, his body was almost naked and he had his face painted. The same black marks as before. Even the horse appeared to be the same equine.

  Her heart pounded so hard she wondered if he couldn’t hear it. Maybe I’m hallucinating. That hope vanished the second he lifted the feathered lance in his hand and pointed it at her. Well, heck, he didn’t have that last time.

  He spoke and gestured with the spear. The sound of the language was familiar and recognizable to her ear. But so was the fact she still didn’t speak or understand Lakota. She held up her hands.

  “I don’t understand.” Odd but her hand was no longer in a sling. And yet she still retained a jagged scar from the incident.

  The man on horseback frowned and gesticulated again. Lowering her hands, she moved in the direction he’d indicated. Every so often she glanced behind her only to be met by his stern countenance. I thought dreams were supposed to be nice.

  They travelled along the wide swath in the ground she figured to be made by the gigantic herd. Her mind raced. It may be a dream, but Stone had mentioned she may need to accept it all before the message which would help her understand everything she’d experienced.

  The open landscape dropped down to a small valley and her heart caught in her throat at the sight before her. An entire village sat in the vale. Smoke drifted from fires outside the numerous teepees. Women, elderly people, and children seemed to be gathering items and heading up toward them.

  Jasira stood frozen the closer they came. All but one old man passed the spot where she felt like she’d grown roots. The face of the white-haired man struck her as extremely familiar. Red Eagle.

  His wise eyes stared at her, and she fought the urge to stir. He flicked his gaze briefly behind her and spoke to the one who loomed over her from his mount. The moment he returned his gaze to her, he reached for her face, stopping just shy of making actual contact.

  “I have been waiting for you, Jasira.” His voice soothed her rattled nerves.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. I understand you are seeking some answers. I am Spotted Horse.”

  “How did…do you know that?” I’m not even sure I know it’s true. “It’s nice to meet you.” I can’t believe I’m holding a conversation with a man in my dream.

  “Get down, Dark Wolf. She’s not our enemy.”

  In her peripheral vision she noticed the powerful silhouette of the man called Dark Wolf. Imposing really would be a much more apt word. With more than a slight bit of apprehension, she rotated to face the man who was environed by the sun’s golden glow. He stepped closer and she swallowed her dread, doing her best to convince herself it was only a dream and therefore she was not in any danger.

  It remained a hard sell, especially when he strode closer still and it seemed blotted out the sun. When took another step and she could finally see his face, her heart jumped into her throat.

  Stone!

  There were obvious similarities between them. Height, build, and the powerful presence. And she couldn’t account for why when he had been on horseback she didn’t pick up on it. But there it was. Dark eyes stared harshly at her and she lifted her chin, refusing to show fear. While no smile crossed his face it softened slightly.

  “Tell me, Jasira, what it is I can help you find the answers to?”

  She took her gaze from the man beside her and focused back on the man who called himself Spotted Horse. “I don’t know.”

  He gestured to the prairie and said, “Let’s walk a bit.”

  She fell into step with him on one side and Dark Wolf on the other leading his horse. The
winds were mild and flowed over her skin and through her hair. Silence reigned between all of them until a while later, Spotted Horse spoke.

  “You know the voices don’t mean you any harm, Jasira. They’re just trying to get someone to recognize how much pain they are in.”

  She was so startled she tripped over her feet. Dark Horse’s strong hand clasped her arm and kept her from falling on her face.

  “Thank you,” she muttered. After he released her, she glanced at Spotted Horse. “What did you say? Is this after Wounded Knee?”

  “No. And yes.”

  She frowned. “I don’t understand. If it hasn’t happened yet, why are you not doing something to change what happens? Especially if you know.”

  “This is a vision, Jasira. Our souls can no longer be hurt. You are seeing the land as we viewed it before we were overrun by the white man. How it was when we were at our happiest. You, however, are lost and confused and need to rediscover what it is that makes you happy.”

  She couldn’t argue that point for she most certainly was. “So I’ve been told,” she mumbled.

  He trailed his hand along the tops of the prairie grass. “You know they’re proud of you.”

  “Who?”

  “Your ancestors. All of them. Look at all you’ve done with your life, Jasira. Let that fear go. Stop wondering if they are proud, for they are. But they wish you would do something for you.”

  She worried her bottom lip. “The screams and cries I heard? Why? And why did I feel their pain?”

  “You were needed to understand the depth and pain of those truly losing something. You have so much left in your life, Jasira. Do you want to throw it all away because of an injury?” He stopped, and she followed suit. “What do you see?”

  “What do I see?”

  “Yes.” He gestured with his hand. “Look across this land. What do you see?”

  “Openness.” A furrow appeared between her eyes. “What am I looking for?”

  “It’s more what you don’t see.”

  Tilting her head to the side she scanned the area. “Cities, buildings. I don’t know.”

  “Look,” he insisted.

  She did, shoving down her frustration and opening her eyes. All she saw was the wide open space before her. Disappointment welled up within her and she shook her head. “I can’t see anything. I’m done, I’m ready to wake up.”

  “Let me talk to her, Spotted Horse.” Dark Wolf’s voice flowed over her skin in a manner similar to how Stone’s did.

  Meeting Spotted Horse’s eyes briefly, she watched him nod and walk away without a word. She thrust her hands into the pockets of her pants and cut her gaze to the man who stood with a horse on the other side of her. There was no way around it, she couldn’t help but appreciate the view. Wide shoulders, chiseled chest, and defined abdominals covered in hairless bronze skin. He wore only a pair of buckskin breeches and moccasins. They didn’t hide the power in his legs and she, for a brief moment in time, wondered how Stone would stack up beside him dressed the same way.

  Dark Wolf’s hair fell past his shoulders and was just as inky black as Stone’s. Their faces were extremely similar. Once she looked past the paint on his she could see the resemblance. His eyes were focused directly upon her, and she realized once she saw beyond the intimidation of them they were really kind eyes.

  He turned and walked off, leaving her to follow. She did and when she was even with him, he looked up when the cry of an eagle pierced the air.

  “I can see why my great-grandson is taken by you, Jasira.”

  “Your great-grandson?”

  “Stone Black Hawk.” He stared at her and arched a brow. “You know him, don’t you?”

  She blushed. “I do.”

  He nodded with understanding. “Circles, Jasira. Circles are what you are to see.”

  With a deep breath she glanced around again. It was wide open. No nothing to obstruct the view. “Circles. Why?” Red Eagle had mentioned something about circles, how they were unbroken and important in many cultures.

  “Everything we do is in a circle and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles. Everything tries to be round. Even the circle of life.” He leaned against his horse and smiled, an act which exposed a dimple in his right chin. “You’re a special woman, Jasira. You have helped those of our people who felt like their cries have been ignored for years. They mean you no harm.”

  “Why me?”

  “You complete the circle. Your great-great grandfather who lost his arm saving another began this. And you, Jasira, who injured yours saving another is the final link in this circle and yet with you another begins as well.”

  For some odd reason those words didn’t frighten her, instead they seemed to comfort her. “So you’re telling me that although my naval career is over, I am not done. There is much for me to do.”

  “No one said that career is over. It may change, but you have jumped to conclusions about your future, Jasira.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  They began walking again and she realized things within her were calm. There were no more tumultuous emotions. Somehow there existed a strength she hadn’t know she’d had before.

  “How do you say ‘yes’ in Lakota?”

  “Tói. As a woman speaking to a man, you would say ‘tói’ when he asks the question which requires that response.”

  Another blush scurried up her cheeks and she ducked her head as if it would chase away her embarrassment. Dark Wolf was nice enough not to comment on her action. He did chuckle lightly while they continued to move through the tall stalks of grass.

  “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you, Jasira, for helping Stone to find happiness.” He stopped and looked at her. “The time has come for me to leave, we are forever connected, all of us. Welcome to the family, Jasira. Don’t forget,” he said as he swung up effortlessly on the back of his big black stallion.

  “Don’t forget what?”

  With a touch of his heels to the mount’s sides they headed off, leaving her alone. “To listen to the wind.” His words drifted along that very thing before he vanished from view and she was completely on her own.

  Ring. Ring. Ring.

  Her cell phone brought her back from slumber. Blinking rapidly, she sat up and reached into her pocket for her cell.

  “Hello?”

  Senior Chief Parkson. It wasn’t who she wished to speak to, however she remained respectful. Sliding off the bed after the end of the call, she made notes on her desk pad of her appointment tomorrow then she stripped. She took a hot shower and once dressed in civilian clothing, went to grab a bite to eat.

  Back in her hotel, she pulled out the item that Red Eagle had given her and looked at the side with the writing on it.

  “I wish I could translate this.”

  Her phone rang again and this time it was her mother. Holding the rose as tight as she could in her left hand, she settled back against the headboard of the double bed and told her mom what the prognosis was.

  She slept pretty well that night, considering what she had gone through at the doctor and the uncertain outcome of her future. The next morning, her body draped by her uniform, she stood at attention before her commanding officer. Her heart skipped a few beats when he gestured her to a chair then lowered himself to the large leather one behind his desk.

  This is it. This is going to decide my future.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Stone stood on the front porch of his house and stared out over the landscape that he called home. For the moment he was alone, the rest of his family off visiting other people. Which was not a bad thing for him, he preferred it that way.

  The sound of the horses thundering up and down in their paddocks brought a wistful smile to his face. He’d tried a few times to get in touch with Jasira, but none of it had been successful.

  “What’s wrong, my son?”

  He jumped. “Ina. I thought
you had gone with the others.”

  “Hmm, I figured that. What troubles you?” She leaned against the railing beside him. “This has to do with your woman.”

  It wasn’t a question. With his mother, it never was.

  “I just am unsure of what to do now.”

  Her hand settled upon his shoulder. “It seems to me that all you can do is follow your heart. I know you take pride in what you do for the tribe, and we are so proud of you but, Stone, listen to me.” She turned his face so they were eye to eye. “I want you to be happy. That is all your father and I have ever wanted. So if this woman makes you happy, go to her and be happy.” She brushed a quick kiss along his cheek and walked down the stairs, holding up the keys to his truck. “I’m taking your truck.”

  His fingers moved down his cheek where her lips had touched him and watched her drive away with a wave. A final glance out to his horses and he headed in the house. He tried Jasira again and bit back a curse when again, he came up empty, but left a message asking her to give him a call.

  Turning on some music, he sighed and sank down onto the couch stretching out his legs before him. Resting his head along the back he closed his eyes. What am I going to do about you, Jasira?

  No answer was forthcoming. After a while of just sitting and listening to music, he heard a vehicle approaching. Opening his eyes, he pushed up grudgingly from the sofa. He’d been enjoying his solitude.

  Going out onto the porch he stared as a dark titanium Chrysler 300 with tinted windows pull up beside his Jeep. Resting a shoulder against the pillar, he waited for whomever was driving to get out. The air seemed to still when the door opened and out came a pair of long gorgeous chocolate-hued legs followed by a body that had the power to strike him dumb. The most amazing coke bottle shape he’d ever seen on a person.

  Jasira Breeze Graham.

  She wore a medium blue jean skirt, a mauve shirt, and black boots on her feet. Her hair hung freely down past her shoulders and her arm was still in a sling.