Wing of The Eagle PART TWO

Katheryn piled into Walker's Dodge RAM eagerly as she ended her short wait alongside the road by the Falcons' driveway. While waiting, she had almost contemplated returning back inside and shedding her jacket. It was much too warm for the item. She also heard the jovial voices of Trent and Carlos carrying on inside and questioned her decision to leave them so soon. But try as she may, she couldn't stop feeling eager to help out on the reservation while they all were staying there. And just as she firmly turned her attention back to the road, a light cloud of dust heralded Ranger Walker's arrival.

Walker shot Katheryn a smile as she opened the door to the passenger side of the burly truck and climbed aboard, barely giving him enough time to come to a stop. "I see someone's eager to get her morning started."

"Yeah," Katheryn suppressed a chuckled glancing down at her book bag. "I'm sorry if I seem so eager."

"Don't apologize," Walker insisted as he accelerated forward and down the road, making a turn right at the first stop sign. "I think you'll really like David Little Eagle."

"You think?"

"Yep. He's a cousin of mine. He's had his share of troubles, but he always loved his people and knew he would come back one day and serve them as a doctor."

"Share of troubles," Katheryn reflected. "What happened?" Then she smiled and lifted her hand. "Sorry again. I'm getting nosy now."

"No, that's alright," Walker smiled. "David was framed by some men claiming to be FBI several years back before he became a doctor. Accused him of murder. Even some of the tribe didn't want him around. We managed to find out that David had the key to the evidence that would incriminate those FBI men. We were able to stop them from killing him and getting away with it."

"Wow," Katheryn exclaimed. "He definitely has a reason to be thankful he's alive."

"That's very true. He and is wife Mary are expecting a child sometime in the fall."

"And you said he's a doctor now?"

"Yes, ma'am. He has his own practice just about a mile down this road." Walker made a sharp left turn onto an open driveway that led to a white-washed cottage surrounded by fields of open prairie all around it. There was only one tree to be seen about ten yards from the house. And it held a rope-swing just fit for a child or even a child at heart with its sturdy wooden plank and eternity of braided rope secured high above it.

Coming to a stop by another vehicle, Walker turned off the engine and made his way out to the driveway, Katheryn quickly joining him at his side as they walked up to the rather inviting porch and climbed the few steps up to the door.

After a brief trio of gentle knocks, a young woman opened the door, scanned over her visitors and quickly threw her flour-coated arms around Ranger Walker. "Walker! I'm so glad to see you!"

"Likewise," Walker chuckled, embracing the young woman. "It's good to see you again, Mary." He slowly pulled away and gestured to Katheryn. "Mary, I'd like you to meet Katheryn Beaumont. She's a private investigator who works with us on occasion back in Dallas."

"Oh, yes," Mary smiled and offered Katheryn a handshake. "David briefly told me about you. He said you were wanting to volunteer your time around the reservation."

"That I am," Katheryn smiled.

"Well, I want you to know that we truly appreciate it, Katheryn. Too many folks just want to be tourists or something. I can already tell that you're different."

"Well, thank you, Mary. It's an honor to meet you all."

"Well, don't just stand there, Walker," a voice from behind Mary echoed as it neared the little group. The person to whom it belonged eased up beside Mary and reached towards Walker for a firm handshake. "Hi, Walker."

"Hello, David," Walker shared his smiles. "It's good to see you again."

"Now come on in you two," Mary insisted, waving them both inside. "I just made pie fresh this morning that has your names written all over it. You two make yourselves at home. I'll get some of that pie."

Once left to the silence of the living room after the threesome found seats, David directed his gaze to Katheryn. "So hear you want to pay it forward?"

Katheryn nodded. "Yes. I don't know where to start. But Walker tells me you might be able to help me."

The youthful man of thirty smiled. "Walker is correct. You see, I'm not only the doctor around here. I also help with charity work on occasion. The Cherokee are a proud people. But I try to do my best to help the less fortunate. We hold a soup kitchen at the school every Tuesday. We keep collections for clothes and other necessities open twenty-four seven. Folks drop whatever they don't need there, and we come along about once a week and gather them all for gifts for the children or however they are needed at that time. Even Walker's Uncle Ray helps out. About once per month, we take a group of the school children out on a trail ride and aid in teaching them more about their ancestors and their way of life so that it doesn't die with the elders. There have even been a few kids taking interest in law enforcement. Officer Coyote has been taking them under his wing lately and teaching little things about the law to get them started. Anna Bright Dove has proudly proclaimed she wants to be the first lady sheriff on the Reservation when she grows up."

"Sounds like a determined young lady," Katheryn smiled, reflecting on her own childhood aspirations.

"She is," Walker chimed in. "Almost too much for her own good."

The threesome shared a laugh just as Mary reentered with three small plates of pie on a tray. "Here we are," Mary smiled, setting the tray low where David could take a piece.

David shot his wife an approving smile before standing and helping her distribute the food to their guests. "I hope you like rhubarb. Mary was bound and determined to get this recipe right."

Katheryn chuckled. "I really can't say yes or no. I haven't tried it before."

"Well, then you'll be the perfect candidate to tell me how you like it," Mary grinned and took a seat on the sofa by her husband. "Go ahead."

Katheryn slowly gathered a bite of the sweet-smelling goodness onto her fork and carefully put it in her mouth, chewing slowly to examine each flavorful aspect of the dish. She grinned after swallowing. "That is delicious, Mary. Now you'll have to give me your recipe."

"I sure will," Mary assured.

Once most of the pie had been eliminated and several stories had been exchanged, David helped his wife gather the dishes onto the tray. "Katheryn, would you like to go out to the school with me right now? You can meet some of the children and perhaps decide where you think you'd like to help."

"I'd love to," Katheryn replied as she stood. "May I borrow your phone? I'd like to call the Falcons and let Trent, Molly, and Carlos know where I'll be for a little while before they start missing me."

Mary nodded and smiled, turning towards the kitchen. "Right this way."

##

Katheryn arrived back at the Falcons' home later that afternoon in very high spirits. The morning and afternoon hours had been very productive, and she finally felt like she was doing something worth noting while visiting these beautiful people on their land. Once Walker had let her out by the driveway of the little home, he said his goodbyes and was on his way. Apparently Uncle Ray had a few genius dinner ideas that Walker felt the need to oversee just in case it went a bit too far for the Ranger's liking. Katheryn already liked Uncle Ray greatly and she promised to grace his dinner table at least once before they left the Reservation next week.

Katheryn was almost to the porch steps when the front door opened. Carlos was rather pleased with himself as he crossed the threshold, sporting a broad grin as he shouted something over his shoulder to Trent.

Almost not seeing Kath as he suddenly looked up, he nervously cleared his throat. "Hey," Carlos grinned. "How was your morning?"

"It was great," Katheryn reported, landing on the porch and stepping to the side next to Carlos. "And how was your morning?"

Carlos winked, cocking a grin. "I won't tell unless you agree to go horseback riding with me."

Katheryn chuckled and crossed her arms. "Hmm, you drive a hard bargain, mister."

"What can I say? Walker says Officer Sam Coyote has some horses out at his place we could borrow. I did ask Trent first but he has other plans." Carlos shrugged his shoulders accompanied by a lift of an eyebrow. "So? What do you say?"

Katheryn reached up and gently pecked a kiss on Carlos' cheek before slowly backing away and whispering, "I'd love to." Trent and Molly then filed out onto the porch, their smiles broadening as they noticed how close Katheryn and Carlos were in that moment.

Molly cleared her throat, glancing at Trent before stepping up nearer to the two lovebirds. "We, um, were headed out to the fields to watch Brian test out his race car. You two want to come?"

Katheryn, although slightly startled, turned calmly to her best friend, stifling a smile. "I'd love to. But we've made other plans."

"Yeah," Trent whispered to Molly. "Horseback riding to be exact."

"Oh, I see." Molly stepped back next to Trent. "Well, I guess we'll leave you both to it."

Katheryn suddenly had an idea and snapped her fingers in front of herself, a smile widening on her face. "Hey, I got an idea! What if we have a campout tonight so that we can do something together?"

Carlos wrinkled his nose. "Camp out? With bugs and stuff?"

"Yeah!" Katheryn grinned, resisting the urge to openly celebrate her rather novel idea. "Just the four of us for one night. What do you say?" Katheryn looked to each of their little group individually before settling her gaze on Carlos.

"Sounds fun," Trent shrugged, turning his head to see Molly's reaction.

"I'm all for it," Molly smiled her approval.

Then all eyes turned to Carlos. He lifted his hands in surrender, knowing he was outnumbered already. "Alright. Alright. I'll go. Just don't forget to pack the bug spray."

##

Side by side they road for a half hour from Sam Coyote's pasture gate that led into a broad field. Nothing could be seen for miles except the tall, grassy plains that shimmered and bounced off the rays of the late afternoon sunlight. Only the relieving summer breeze could dare rival the beauty of the display before them. Several outposts and homes could be seen in the far distance. But none were so close as to hinder them from feeling as if they were the only ones on the world. In truth, they were. At least they were…in their own little world. Carlos and Katheryn were content at riding at a slow trot through the open field. Neither were concerned about the time or what was going on around them as they glanced hopefully at each other unmoved by any heartache from the past.

Katheryn couldn't help but smile as she watched Carlos in the saddle, his attention split evenly between her and the steed he occupied so well. Silently she wondered just how a city boy who became a police officer had managed to become such a skilled horseman. "So, you never told me where you learned how to ride."

"I didn't?" Carlos cocked his head to the side, squinting gently against the sunshine. "Hmm."

"Well?" Katheryn urged.

Carlos thought back for a minute before he finally spoke. "Let see…I think I was fifteen. I had just decided not to stay in with the Rollers. I remember I was hanging around outside a pool hall one day not really sure if I should go in or not. My brother was on my mind a lot that day. Then this man walks up out of nowhere and asks if I'd like to go have some fun. Well, being the stupid teenager that I was, I said yes. Apparently the whole 'talking to strangers' thing didn't stick with me very well. I hopped on the back of his pickup truck with some other kids, and he drove for miles. I spent an entire weekend at his ranch. He turned out to be quite the guy. He probably saved me from making another wrong choice. To this day I haven't seen him again."

"So he taught you how to ride?" Katheryn was enjoying the story of Carlos' past more than she dared admit with that small little smile that made its way onto her face. She briefly turned her attention back to her own horse, loosening her grip on the reins in one hand as she listened.

"Yep. He sure did." Carlos shot her back a smile and shook his head. "He also taught me how to rope. But I dare say I have long forgotten that skill. I wasn't very good at it that's for sure. But I caught on to riding very well. When I realized I was good at something, I guess that's what began helping me to make some right choices."

"That's great," Katheryn nodded and patted her horse's mane, gently pulling up on the reins. "Do I dare be selfish and say how thankful I am for that stranger?"

Carlos also came to a stop and paused, turning in the saddle to face Kath. "Go right ahead. I'm rather thankful myself."

With a twinkle in her eye, Katheryn searched for Carlos' eyes and shouted, "Race ya!" before she tapped the sides of horse firmly, causing it to run into a full gallop across the grassy plain in front of her.

"Hey!" Carlos called after her, struggling to get his horse to follow suit as a soft laugh echoed from him. But he didn't struggle long and was soon side-by-side with Katheryn, the wind blaring against both of them as they sped across the open field with smiles from ear to ear.

By the time they came to a stop, surrendering the urge to continue, they called it a tie and dismounted. Both Katheryn and Carlos were busy catching their breaths and laughing subtly at the little adventurous notion. It felt rather invigorating but at the same time exhausting to Katheryn as she let her weight collapse onto the grass, leaving her horse to munch on a yummy, green snack nearby while she laid outstretched for a much-needed rest. Carlos made his way up next to her and also laid down in the grass, reaching his hands up and interlocking his fingers behind his head.

Katheryn turned her head, still stretching out against the soft surface with no regret. "You really can ride well, Mr. Sandoval."

Carlos grinned, staring up into the cloud-dotted skies above. "Why thank you, Miss Beaumont. You're not so bad yourself." He then waited in silence, enjoying the moment before turning his head back to look at Katheryn's face. A subtle smile highlighted her sun-bathed features as she kept her eyes shut. He almost wanted to kiss her but decided not to, instantly feeling as if they were being watched. They weren't being watched whatsoever of course. But just to be sure, Carlos sat upright, hanging his arm limply over his bent knee as he scanned the horizon and ridded himself of that instinctive feeling with a quiet exhale.

Katheryn finally opened her eyes and sat up too but not all the way. She propped herself on her arms, her hands extended behind her to support her weight against the grasses beneath her. She took in a deep, refreshing breath and listened to their horses before she settled her gaze on Carlos.

Carlos then reached low for a piece of abandoned straw and began breaking it piece by piece to occupy himself as he spoke. "So what all did you do today?"

Katheryn hesitated to take her attention off of her rather pleasant reverie to remember her morning excursion but did so anyway, feeling somewhat eager to share it with Carlos. "Well, David Little Eagle Jackson isn't only the doctor around the reservation. He also helps out with a lot of young people in these parts. Along with other community leaders, he tries to give them some hope through various activities and even training programs. He even has Sheriff Coyote conducting a law enforcement class for children interesting in learning more about his line of work."

"That's great," Carlos inserted, his brows lifting with a dose of pleasant surprise. "So what did he have you doing?"

"We went to the reservation school first thing. The same one we saw when we were driving to the Falcons' home. Today was donation day. David and a few other volunteers were boxing up clothes and other donations to distribute to needy families on the reservation. He's asked me to go with him tomorrow when he visits a few of the families and gives them some of the boxes we organized today."

"That's great," Carlos echoed. Despite the fact that his own repetition was beginning to annoy himself, he truly was proud of Katheryn and her drive to make a difference.

"Thanks. But David also said that the efforts haven't been as well received as he wishes," Katheryn shrugged.

"Oh? How's that?"

"Pride," Katheryn sighed. "A lot of the families are proud of supporting their families on their own. They have a strong pride in their heritage that won't let them take charity."

"But David's only trying to help," Carlos reasoned.

"Exactly. They still see him as a threat though. As if he's trying to blot the heritage of their ancestors by not letting each family take care of themselves. But I disagree. From what I've seen, he's simply equipping them to get back on their own two feet so that they can support themselves. And David's worked tirelessly to help them understand this. Some still aren't listening."

"Well," Carlos groaned as he worked his way to his feet and extended his hand to Katheryn. "If anybody can help change things, I'm sure you will."

Katheryn accepted Carlos' strong arm as she gathered herself to her feet only to chuckle, brushing aside Carlos' endearing comment. "Thanks for the confidence. But I don't think I could do it all on my own."

"True. I guess that's why you have me, huh?" Carlos grinned and awaited her answer.

Katheryn's only response was a subtly-growing smile as she turned around and walked away back towards their horses. In the distance, they both could tell that sunset would be coming quickly. Hints of reddening skies filled one side of their view with an increasing majesty while clouds separated the day from the night sky. It wouldn't be long now before darkness blanketed the countryside.

"Well," Carlos sighed with a glance towards the pink-lit distant sky as he mounted his horse. "Looks like we better get back if we don't want Trent and Molly leaving without us."

"Oh, I don't think they'd mind," Katheryn smirked.

Confused, Carlos cocked a glance her way. "What do you mean?"

Katheryn was tempted to tell her little secret but chose not to. Her thoughts transitioned from her memory of seeing Trent and Molly kiss to her own first kiss with Carlos. She shook it away softly with a brief smile and tapped the sides of the horse she rode, going ahead of Carlos and leaving him in rather confused state of mind.

##

Carlos' jet black Durango sat idle in Sam Coyote's driveway, the lift gate lifted leaving the back open wide as Trent and Carlos took turns retrieving their camping gear from the back of the vehicle. This rather impromptu excursion had called upon the help of Walker to supply them with a few necessary camping requirements. But for the most part, they had everything they needed. That is, except sleeping bags. But somehow someone had convinced someone else leading to someone drawing the conclusion that they would be roughing it. After all, how would it be really camping if you wasn't at least uncomfortable just a little bit?

As soon as Trent set the last camping item on the ground by the porch steps nearby, he returned to the vehicle and closed the lift gate tightly, the firm sound echoing a bit as he returned to meet the others by their gear. He took a satisfied look around the property, clapped his hands together, and smiled. "So, is everyone ready?"

"Yep," Katheryn reached for her share of the camping gear, the evening cicadas setting the tone in the background for the coming night. "Mr. Coyote, will there be an extra horse for our gear?"

The man in uniform surveyed his darkened pasture ahead as he descended his porch steps, stopping next to Katheryn. "I think so, Miss Beaumont. I sent out my nephew on my bay about an hour ago to deliver something to an elderly neighbor. But he should be back any minute now. Say, would you young folks care to join me for a cup of coffee before you head out?"

"That sounds good." Trent knew they'd have a rather long ride but also realized that they needed to be on their way while there was still daylight. "But it's going to be getting dark soon. We should probably take a rain check."

"I understand," the sheriff smiled his understanding. He then raised his finger, pointing it playfully at the group. "I'll hold you folks to the rain check though." He then looked up suddenly, the sound of a whinnying horse drawing all their attentions. "There he is now. Just be sure not to ride him too hard since he won't have time to rest."

"We won't." Katheryn met Sheriff Coyote's nephew and took ahold of the reins as the young man dismounted the handsome bay. "This horse is beautiful."

"He is," the young man agreed. "He's still young. Only five years old. About the best horse I've ever ridden. I have been trying to find a home for him for my uncle ever since we rescued him from a few ranchers who were abusing him. But no one seems to need a horse around the reservation these days."

"Have you asked Ranger Walker?" Katheryn offered.

The young native shook his head. "I have. He wants to take him. He just doesn't know if he has the time for an extra horse."

"True." Katheryn knew Walker was right. He already owned a few other horses besides Amigo and another was sure to add to his already full workload. Kath inhaled sharply and continued to stroke the white-striped forehead of the horse with her free hand while facing the steed. "Well, I hope you find a good home for him. He's beautiful. It's hard not to fall in love with him right here on the spot." She then turned around to face Carlos with a smile. "You think I found the right horse to ride this evening?"

"Oh?" Carlos neared her with a curious glance also reaching a hand to pet the creature. "He is a great horse."

"Say," Sheriff Coyote's nephew inserted, "You wouldn't be interested in taking him off our hands. Would you? I haven't seen anyone as taken with the horse as you, miss."

Katheryn turned a shocked expression to Carlos, her eyes widening and a smile slipping in and out on her face as she turned back to the young man. "That would be wonderful. Except I don't think my landlord would agree."

"Oh, I see. You live in an apartment?"

Katheryn nodded, frowning just slightly as they notion to take the horse home became more attractive to her by the second.

"Well, if you ever change your mind…"

"Thanks." Katheryn really did appreciate it. She loved the horse. And he seemed to love her right back, rubbing up against her face with no shame and much tender loving care.

"All right," Trent directed, an adventurous fervor edging his voice as he mounting his horse. "Let's go."

Molly was right behind him, climbing up and onto her designated horse as if she had been born there. Then marshalling her horse, she rode side by side with Trent, glancing back only once to see if Katheryn and Carlos were following them. She called out an anxious earning, casting a warry glance to the dimming skies before turning back to catch up with Trent. She knew Katheryn and Carlos would be following. They might be a few paces slower. But they'd not miss out on their little adventure for sure.

Once they had set up camp about ten or twelve miles out just by a grove of trees, the four of them huddled around the campfire, the light of the moon and starlit sky the backdrop to a peaceful evening filled with the evening song of the cicadas and the laughter of friends.

"So how did the testing with Brian's race car go this afternoon?" Katheryn queried her close friends after she had recovered from a heavy dose of laughter. Carlos' story of how he had once nearly become victim to a prank when he first became on officer on the Dallas force.

"It was great," Carlos answered while remembering mentally that he truly didn't know much about the sport. He then frowned a bit, squinting as he turned to Trent. "It was great. Right?"

"Yes." Trent nodded, quelling a light laugh. "Brian's looking forward to getting out to the racetrack in a couple of weeks for the races." Trent paused, turning to Katheryn with a widening smile he couldn't suppress. "He's even gotten tickets for us and everything. He wants us to be his guests at the track."

"Wow! That's awesome!" Katheryn beamed. "I'm looking forward to it already."

"How about next week?" Carlos playfully nudged Katheryn in the side.

Katheryn squinted as she looked to Carlos. "What about next week?"

"I do believe a certain favorite singer of yours is coming to town…."

"Oh!" Katheryn was embarrassed slightly, feeling a warmth throughout her cheeks as she tried to deny she hadn't forgotten that she would be Collin Raye's special guest in a mere amount of days. "Sorry. I totally forgot."

"If you forgot that," Molly spoke up with a twinkle in her eye, "then something must be distracting you these days."

"I've no idea what you mean, Molly Mason," Katheryn responded with an solid expression, sarcasm lacing the very intonation of her voice as she tried not making eye contact with her best friend. It was all playful banter of course. For she knew exactly what Molly meant.

A silence hadn't settled among them for more than ten…maybe twenty seconds when a loud explosion-like sound echoed through the woods and into their ears, causing them all to be startled and half lift off of their log seats. Both Trent and Carlos jumped nearly clear to their feet at the same time as a second sound reverberated louder, their trained defenses kicking into gear as they heard what reminded them of shattering glass and falling debris.

"What was that?" Katheryn questioned, her voice lowered as she stood up close to Carlos. Even though the question was already out of her mouth, she was afraid to admit that her instincts could be right.

"That's a very good question," Trent stated firmly before he made a beeline for his horse.

Carlos, Katheryn, and Molly did the same thing in that order, knowing that danger could very possibly be near. Whatever had caused the ground to shake so distinctly, its source startling even the bravest…whatever it was, it could not have been good by any means.