Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

80. Chapter 80

Chapter 80

"He did what?" Kevin asked Embry while they were eating dinner together at his house.

"Apparently he used a fake name to get life insurance and stiffed his accomplices when he collected the pay-out."

"So he committed insurance fraud," Kevin stated rather than asked.

"Looks like it," Embry chuckled again. "The way he told it, this brother/sister team tried robbing Nathan, he caught the sister and what followed was basically a game of cat and mouse with…Mercedes I think her name was. She and her brother came up with the idea to have Mercedes and Nathan pose as husband and wife, they used the alias and a few months later, she and her brother set fire to the apartment Nathan and Scarlet were using-"

"Hold on a second! They what?" Kevin stopped Embry abruptly.

"While Scarlet and Nathan were out," Embry clarified and Kevin calmed down. "Thankfully, Nathan had obtained a cadaver from the hospital that was about his height and he claimed the corpse as his brother under a different alias and collected the money and kept it to himself."

"Mom's going to find out about all this eventually," Kevin said. "She always does."

"Sounds to me like that's Nathan's problem, wouldn't you say?" Embry chuckled.

"No," Kevin shook his head. "No, that's all our problems. She'll find out and then she'll find out we kept not telling her things. We'll be guilty by association."

"Oh, relax," Embry laughed a little more. "I'm sure your dad will get the brunt of her rage anyway."

"I don't think so," Kevin said. "These are no longer the days when one of us kids swears in front of mom and she slaps dad."

Embry burst into laughter, "Ah yes, I remember that. Who was it that said 'fuck' again? It was either Nathan or Natalie."

"It was Natalie," Kevin said. "She swore and mom slapped dad because he's the only one she would have heard that word from."

"Your dad stared at Aunt Nessie slack-jawed for two minutes trying to figure out what he did," Embry snickered.

"Remember not to call mom that in front of her," Kevin chuckled. "You know she hates that."

"Our parents have come to hate a lot of things in their grouchy old age," Embry chuckled.

"No, your parents just went soft," Kevin said. "Couldn't get away with shit when we were kids. Now Grae can talk back to Aunt Caevia and its left to us to hit him over the head for the offense."

"I don't know if it's mom and dad going soft so much as they know we'll deal with it," Embry laughed.

"Lazy, then," Kevin grumbled. "So Nathan and Scarlet are going to El Paso?"

"Oh, no, they already arrived," Embry said. "They got there about a week ago I think. Although, they found something on their way there."

"What?"

"The Tistilal," Embry said.

"Did he speak to them?" Kevin asked.

"No," Embry said. "They just passed through. Nathan said he'd wanted to investigate but apparently they aren't too keen on outsiders."

"They attack him or something?" Kevin asked nervously.

"You bet your ass they did," Embry said. "Apparently he approached the village and before he knew it he was being chased down by giant fucking birds. He said he had to change to a vampire to get away from them. They didn't leave him be until the tribe was out of sight."

"Shit," Kevin said. "Definitely not keen on visitors."

"I asked mom if she remembered them always being that way with visitors."

"What did she say?"

"She didn't remember," Embry shrugged. "She said all she remembered was….well..you know."

"Yeah," Kevin nodded. "Probably for the best Nathan didn't stay with them."

"I'd say so," Embry said. "Nathan said there was a Hacienda near the border and he obtained a job there working in the stables."

"He got a job?" Kevin asked curiously. "Why bother? He just cheated an insurance company out of $10,000."

"He said he wanted to have something to do during the day and more practice with his Spanish. The master of the house is as white as they come and doesn't speak a word of Spanish. Neither does his wife apparently, but they have employees that speak Spanish and Nathan wants more practice before he and Scarlet took the plunge and go into Mexico."

"Makes sense I guess," Kevin said. "How's Scarlet doing?"

"She's doing good," Embry said. "According to Nathan, she's starting to get tall. She's starting to go through a bit of a growth spurt."

"It was bound to happen," Kevin chuckled. "How long have they been away?"

"About 8 months? Somewhere in there. It'll be a year by summer I know."

"Hm," Kevin sighed. "At this rate, he won't be home for at least another 3 years."

"Longer if he has his way by the sound of it," Embry said. "He's enjoying himself too much."

"That was the point of this whole thing," Kevin shrugged. "Scarlet will be 14 or 15 by the time they come back then."

"No kidding," Embry said. "So have you heard anything new from the Immigration officer?"

"Not yet," Kevin said. "I'm pretty sure Levi's meeting with the Embassy was this month, so I sent him a letter asking him for details. I probably won't hear back from him for a while."

"Fuck," Embry muttered. "How long have you two been engaged by now?"

"Since I gave her the bracelet, it's been…shit," Kevin said.

"You can't remember can you?"

"No, I will. Give me a second," Kevin said. "It was 1928 I think. No. It was 1929. That's when we officially got engaged after her father gave his approval. So 7 years."

"Holy shit," Embry grumbled alongside Kevin's. "When you say it out loud like that, it sounds-"

"Too fucking long," Kevin answered. "Too fucking long," he repeated and rubbed his face. "We should have been married by now. Shit, we should have had our first kid by now and expecting our second or third."

"So long as you two get married eventually," Embry said reassuringly. "Don't worry, Kevin. This'll work itself out."

"I know," Kevin said as he rubbed his face. "I'm just tired of this shit."

"I'm sure the Dymeks are more so," Embry said, then smiled. "So what is the likelihood that you're dragging poor Amber to a courthouse the moment she's off the boat?"

"The likelihood grows with each passing day," Kevin answered and earned another laugh from Embry.

"You'll at least get her to Washington beforehand right?"

"No promises," Kevin answered bluntly and Embry laughed again.

Later that month, Kevin finally received his reply from Levi as well as a letter from Amber. Normally he'd start with Amber's, but Kevin read Levi's letter first eager for any update. Levi informed Kevin in his letter that he'd gone to see the officers at the embassy and had undergone what he could only describe as an interview so grueling he'd felt as though he were on trial for murder. Since this move would also include Anna and Amber, they too were scheduled for detailed interviews, but only after Levi was given a mountain of paperwork that he would need to fill out, some of which requiring him to reach out to friends from Germany that, according to Levi, he wasn't even positive remained. There was also an investigation process that he and all the others were undergoing. According to his letter, Levi asked when would be the soonest he and his family would get to America and, apparently, the officer had told him 'best case scenario, you'll be in America fall of 1938, but I reiterate that's best case scenario.' Kevin almost tore the paper when he read that, prepared to get on a boat and give that immigration officer a piece of his mind. Unfortunately, Amber's letter wasn't much of the breath of fresh air he'd needed. She expressed her love and how she missed him but also told him just about everything Levi had and about how she and Anna would be undergoing interviews, but those weren't until August at earliest. Since this was hardly the news Kevin was hoping for, he called the immigration officer the following morning and got Gabriella.

"Good morning, Mr. Lockley's office, how may I assist you?" Gabriella answered when Kevin called.

"Hey, Gabriella, it's Kevin Black," he answered.

"Good morning, Mr. Black," Gabriella answered. "How can I help you?"

"Well, I just got a letter yesterday from Levi Dymek and he said he'd gotten that interview with the American Embassy but they're telling him, best case scenario, he and his family will enter the U.S. as late as 1938."

"Given when they started their applications that sounds about right," Gabriella answered knowingly.

"I'll be honest with you, Gabriella; I don't like that time frame."

"I know," Gabriella said. "That's about when my father is expected to be allowed into the U.S. but he's been doing this a lot longer."

"Listen, Gabriella, I know I've asked, but you know me: I'm stubborn."

"Like a bull," Gabriella teased.

"Worse," Kevin managed to smile. "Is there anything I can do on my end to expedite this? Legally speaking I mean?"

"If you're alright with them coming one at a time, you can bring Miss Dymek here and marry her. She'll be a citizen automatically."

"What about Levi and Anna?"

"Well, unfortunately, they would still have to go through due process," Gabriella explained. "The reason I ask if you are alright with them coming one at a time is it might help for them to apply separately rather than as a family."

"But Levi already started the application as a family of three," Kevin said.

"They can cancel that if they wish," Gabriella said. "Mr. Dymek would just need to make the request. If there's anything that does get done quickly with matters of immigration, it's an application cancelation."

"And that might speed things up?" Kevin asked.

"It'll help, yes," Gabriella said.

"Okay," Kevin smiled, finally feeling better. "I'll write to Levi and see what we can work out. Thank you for your help Gabriella."

"My pleasure, Mr. Black," Gabriella answered and the two ended their call. After getting off the phone, Anastasia walked into his office in her Sunday best as usual. She'd grown so much since they'd come to Washington. She was still fair skinned and dark haired, but she'd grown rather tall, though not so tall as Scarlet was becoming despite the year age difference.

"Uncle Kevin, have you seen daddy?" she asked.

"He's finishing up a meeting right now," Kevin said and then raised an eyebrow. "I think the more appropriate question is what are you doing here at this hour? You should be with your tutor right now young lady."

Anastasia waved her hands dismissively, "I gave her the day off."

"Do you have the authority to do that?" Kevin chuckled.

"I do if I word my request just right," Anastasia said with a wink. Truly the young woman was as spoiled as her parents, though she was always an angel around him and Alphonse.

"Well, since your tutor took the day off, how about I reach out to my mother and she'll give you a lesson for the day? No sense in you losing a day of learning, now is there?" Kevin said and started chuckling when Anastasia pouted.

"I wouldn't want to inconvenience your mother, Uncle Kevin," Anastasia said with a sudden smile and batting her eyes. It worked on Alphonse each and every time. Thankfully for Alphonse however, Kevin was a little better at resisting Anastasia's baby face and cutesy tone.

"Oh, it's no inconvenience, Anastasia," Kevin smiled and she pouted again and crossed her arms in defeat.

"You're no fun, Uncle Kevin," Anastasia said.

"Now, Anastasia, why did you have to go and hurt my feelings like that?" Kevin chuckled. Just then, Alphonse came into Kevin's office about to talk to him about a case when he saw Anastasia.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be with your tutor," Alphonse asked.

"Why, Anastasia was gracious enough to give the poor woman a day off, but no need to worry. I'm calling my mother now to come and take over the task."

"Do I have to, daddy?" Anastasia said as she turned to look at Alphonse and gave him her best puppy dog eyes. When he seemed like he might say no, she hugged him and gave him that same look. "Please, daddy, can I have a day to myself today?"

Alphonse sighed, "Fine, but only today."

"Thank you, daddy!" Anastasia cheered and hugged Alphonse tightly, then left Kevin's office to go bug Olga. Kevin laughed when Alphonse had a brief moment where he'd wondered what happened.

"Wiped like the family pig," Kevin teased.

"Oh shut up," Alphonse grumbled. "I'll remember that when you have a daughter and she's able to bring you down like a straw house against a wolf."

"Given that my children's educations will likely be spearheaded by my relatives, I've a hard time imagining them getting away with the shenanigans Anastasia does."

"Again, we'll see what happens when you have a daughter," Alphonse said and made them change the subject to the case Alphonse had come to Kevin's office to discuss.

Kevin made sure to give Alphonse his attention, but he kept thinking about the prospect of a daughter. At first it was a pleasant thought, but it soured when he thought again about how things would be different if this happened or that happened or if he'd done this that or the other differently. It was a frame of mind fit to make him worry himself to death. He wrote to Levi and Amber when he returned from work expressing what he'd been told by Gabriella at the immigration agency and sent them the following morning. Waiting for that reply was the hardest wait he'd ever experienced.

On the tribe and in Forks, like continued as normal. JJ and Salem were now of the age where they were joining the other children in school lessons, but as had been the case for Jae, he brought them and Natalie to Hailey's and Leah's house frequently to get them accustomed to German. Much to everyone's relief, JJ and Salem were far more open to French and were learning, though they had a preference for German if only for the fact that it was the second language their father spoke. Kyle was getting closer to establishing a hospital within the tribal lands. He was saving up from it, doing jobs for people in Forks, acting as one of their doctors, working at a hospital In Port Angeles and so forth. While Carlisle had offered to help, Kyle insisted he wanted it to be as equal partners rather than Carlisle making a gift of something like a business. He also wanted Renesmee involved seeing as she was the tribe's medicine woman and, in all frankness, the woman that taught him everything he knew. Alongside Sokajili of course. In the meantime, Kyle was always busy, barely having time to be with relatives though he made sure he made time.

A number of women in the tribe with daughters would frequently come to Renesmee reminding her they had lovely daughters that would love nothing more than to marry the remaining unwed son of the chief's son. Granted there was Nathan but, for obvious reasons, he was decidedly not available. While Renesmee would thank the ladies for their kindness and promise to bring it up to Kyle, the answer was always the same. "Mom," Kyle would say, "I barely have time to be with all of you between all the work I do. I don't have time for a wife."

"It still wouldn't hurt for you to at least look," Renesmee would argue. "It would do you some good to have a wife."

"I'm sure it would once I'm able to have proper free time. But for the time being, I don't and I'm not interested in having a women just stand there and be my wife in name only."

"At least meet some of the young women, Kyle," Renesmee would argue.

"Mom, I already know them," Kyle would say. "There's not a woman on the tribe I've not met and don't already know. Rather intimately in some cases. If you're thinking I'll imprint on one of them, if it hasn't happened yet, it won't happen at all."

By that point, Renesmee would just sigh and say, "I just want what's best for you, Kyle."

"I know mom, and I appreciate that, but I want what's best for everyone and that means getting a hospital on tribal grounds is a little more important than me getting married."

And that's where the conversation would end. There would be times when Renesmee would ask Jacob to maybe talk to Kyle but he never got much further and, unlike Renesmee, Jacob wouldn't push too much. Frankly, it put Renesmee in an awkward position and she didn't much care for it. She would tell these young women and their mothers to take the matter up with Kyle directly, but he wasn't always the easiest to broach the subject with.

"Is he waiting for his imprint?" Renesmee asked Jacob suddenly one night as they were lying in bed and Jacob was beginning to kiss Renesmee's neck.

"What?" Jacob asked, not sure what she was talking about.

"Kyle," Renesmee clarified. "Is he waiting for his imprint?"

"Honestly, it's the last thing on his mind," Jacob said almost nervously. "Look, Renesmee, I know you're worried about him, but he's alright. While I understand you're annoyed with his answer, given that no one among the tribe is his imprint anyway, he's got more important things to worry about than getting married." Renesmee's only response was a sigh. "Do you want me to talk to him?"

"No," Renesmee said. "There's no reason to."

"I'll tell you what," Jacob said. "If it'll make you feel better, as soon as he's finished bringing that hospital to fruition, I will tell him to at least try finding a wife."

"No," Renesmee mumbled. "I don't want him running out and getting married to the first woman he fancies just because I'm getting on his case."

"Good. I agree," Jacob said. "You don't want to turn into one of those women that parades her son around like a prized goose trying to get him married. I know you didn't much care for it when people were trying to set you up when you were pretending to be 18." Renesmee groaned and rubbed her face. "Exactly."

"Don't 'exactly' me," Renesmee mumbled. "You were still young when we met. I doubt your mother got the chance to start getting on your case about getting married."

"True, but she did have to beat the girls away with sticks," Jacob said rather proudly and with a chuckle.

"I'm sure she did," Renesmee said both genuinely and an exasperated tone. "I'm sure all the young women of the tribe were just delighted when you fell in love with me," Renesmee said with full sarcasm.

"They were beside themselves," Jacob played along with a chuckle and Renesmee finally giggled. Jacob gave her a kiss and hovered above her. "He probably is waiting for his imprint. It might be the last thing on his mind right now, but I'm willing to bet he won't settle for less. Sokajili certainly didn't."

"Yes, and he never married," Renesmee said.

Jacob shrugged, "Why marry if the right woman hasn't come along?"

"I suppose," Renesmee said. "Good thing he abdicated to your father then."

"Sokajili never wanted to be chief," Jacob said. "It wasn't his calling."

"I suppose it helps to have a brother to abdicate to."

"I guarantee you if my father were born a woman and had me, Sokajili would have abdicated to me. He never wanted to be chief."

Renesmee was silent a moment when a question came to mind. "When Taha Aki was chief, you said he was chief for at least three lifetimes, right?"

"Yes," Jacob said.

"I imagine you would do much the same," Renesmee said.

"I'll not be chief that long," Jacob said. "At most, I'd have Kevin rule alongside me."

"That worked so well for King Henry and Henry the Young," Renesmee teased.

"Well, Renesmee, I'm willing to wager that I have a far better relationship with my sons," Jacob smiled. "In fact, I know I do. I'm in their heads most every night aren't I?"

"Indeed you are," Renesmee said. "So one day you'd just abdicate to Kevin?"

"Yes," Jacob said. "But we'll worry about that later. I'm not even chief yet and I don't want to be yet."

"I'm sure William still has a few years in him," Renesmee smiled, but it was solemnly. "How old is your father now?"

"Shit," Jacob muttered and went to his back to think. "I was 19 when we met, right?"

"About there," Renesmee nodded.

"I know my father became chief when I was about 13 then," Jacob said. "My sisters are about 5 years older than me. Dad and mom married young and had Rachael and Rebecca young."

"Still in their teens?"

"Not quite that young," Jacob said thoughtfully. "Actually, no, it would have had to have been. He and my mom got married about a year after he awoke to his wolf. So about 18 or so." Jacob thought, trying to do the math in his head. "It's 1936 right?"

"Right," Renesmee nodded. "That would make your father about 80."

"Yeah," Jacob groaned. "About there." Renesmee placed her hand on Jacob's chest and he took her hand in his. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Okay," Renesmee said and rested her head on Jacob's chest.

"You realize you'll be the first healer to crown themselves chief's wife?"

"Sokajili taught me the crowning ceremony. I'll just have to improvise when we get to the part about crowning the chief's wife. I'm allowed to remain the healer after you're chief correct?"

"I'll say you are," Jacob said. "There is a law we have forbidding chief from being a medicine man, but that's with the understanding that doing both would be too much for one man to bear. I don't know if the same could be said about the chief's wife."

"If I need to step down to Kyle, then I will," Renesmee said. "He's been a fine apprentice."

Jacob smiled, "You and Sokajili taught him well."

Renesmee smiled and kissed Jacob's chest, whispering I love you against his skin. Jacob turned Renesmee onto her back and whispered the words back before claiming her lips in his and making love to her as he'd wanted to before they'd had their talk. Even though Renesmee had told Jacob he didn't need to bother, Jacob did pull Kyle aside one day to talk. Kyle finished examining a pregnant young woman before giving her instruction to take it easy, gave her herbs for her nausea and sent her on her way before Jacob spoke.

"I had a talk with your mother yesterday," Jacob said.

"About my marital status you mean?" Kyle asked.

"Yes," Jacob said.

"Dad, we've been over this. I've been over this with mom too. I'm not interested in getting married right now. Besides, you said so yourself: I've not imprinted on anyone in the tribe so it's not worth getting into a stink over anyway."

"All I'm saying is, if nothing else for your mother's sake, start thinking about settling down once you've opened the hospital. I agree that is far more important right now, but still."

"Are you suggesting I go on a pilgrimage for my one true love?" Kyle asked sarcastically. "Perhaps I'll find her locked away in a tower guarded by a dragon I need to defeat."

Jacob laughed, "You never know until you look."

"Alright dad, when that hospital has opened and I have a little more free time, I will happily put in the effort to find my Brunhilda to my Siegfried. Until then, I have more important things to do."

Jacob smiled. "She's annoyed, but your mother really is proud of you. I don't think I've ever properly thanked you for starting this project."

"I'm one of the sons to the chief apparent," Kyle finally smiled. "It's the least I can do with my skills and resources. Tell mom not to worry. I will get married eventually and I'll contribute to the desired grandchildren quota, but until then, I need to build us a hospital."

"We have a quota?" Jacob asked with a chuckle.

"An unspoken one," Kyle said. "I believe mom expects at least one grandchild from each of us. Nathan's given you Scarlet and the way he's been going at it, I guarantee you it'll be more before you know it, bastards or otherwise. And Natalie's given you two. More to come if Jae has his way."

"Don't wish for Nathan to have bastards," Jacob sighed. "We have enough things we don't tell your mother about. That we can't and, frankly, will not keep from her. I'm tired of having to-"

"Mom is approaching the house, so I suggesting shutting up now," Kyle interrupted and moments later Renesmee walked into the back room of the house oblivious to Kyle's and Jacob's previous conversation.

A few weeks later, Kevin finally received a response from Levi to his previous letter. Upon reading it, Levi started with stating some updates they'd experienced with the process. Levi was still working on the paperwork he'd been given and, unfortunately, finding the sources the embassy demanded was becoming a nightmare. A few people of his old synagogue, Levi was finding out, had joined the Zionist movement and were fleeing Europe for Jerusalem. Eventually, the letter reached the point that Kevin had brought up regarding the Dymeks applying separately in an effort to speed up the process. His response was long winded, but abundantly clear.

"While I understand and appreciate the recommendation that was made to you by the immigration officer," Levi had written, "under no circumstance will I tolerate us being separated in such a manner. I'll not risk one of us being stuck in Europe without one another especially if it's the unacceptable circumstance where Amber and/or Anna are forced to remain in France without me. Also, we have already had this discussion about you marrying Amber in order to make her an American citizen. She loves you and I know she would gladly marry you regardless of the circumstance, but please understand that, even under good intentions, I'll not tolerate my daughter's wedding day being cheapened to a mere business transaction. While I realize that is not your intent, the fact remains that is what it would be. I ask that you continue to do everything within your power on your end to help us become citizens and I want it to be understood that we are all immensely grateful for all you are doing. When the time finally comes, I will hand Amber over to you in her mother's wedding dress in a traditional Jewish ceremony and do so the proudest, happiest man on this earth. However, I will hand her to you and no less as she is my only daughter and only child."

Kevin released a breath he'd held the entire time he'd read the letter. What remained was one last update before ending the letter and Kevin plopped into the couch next to Embry.

"News from France?" Embry asked. Kevin only nodded. "Bad?"

"You could say that," Kevin said. Embry took the letter to try and read it, but returned it once he realized the letter was in German.

"What did he say?"

"I'd told him what Gabriella had told me about applying separately to speed up the process or at least attempt to and I reintroduced the possibility of Amber coming and becoming a citizen through marriage. Both suggestions were fervently denied."

"No wonder you're so upset," Embry sighed. "They're still safe in France at the very least aren't they?"

"For how long?" Kevin said. "I got the papers not long ago. The one I'll get from Germany from time to time? All young men are now required to join an organization called 'The Hitler Youth' to translate it."

"What does that mean?"

"It means the man is continuing to disregard the Treaty of Versailles and is forming an army. That bastard's dangerous, I know it. I just don't know what he'll do and that's what I'm worried about. I don't like not knowing."

"You think he'd invade France?"

"I'm positive he would," Kevin said.

"It's not as though France wouldn't fight," Embry said.

"I don't care what France does so long as Amber and her parents are long out by then," Kevin said. "Something's coming and I'm running out of time."

"Does Alice know anything by chance?"

"No," Kevin said. "I've asked her to do what she can and watch Hitler, but given he's only human, seeing his plans has proven to be rather difficult. According to her, sometimes he'll change his mind in the course of a day and it makes him even harder to follow."

"Have you told Levi any of this? He might be a little more open if he knew the seriousness of the situation."

"I assure you he's just as aware as I am," Kevin sighed. "He fled with Amber and Anna as soon as Hitler was in a position of power. Besides, I can't advise him of danger when I don't even know what that danger is. In truth, regardless of whether or not they apply separately, apparently a few of his friends from Germany have fled to the Middle East."

"What?"

"To Jerusalem," Kevin clarified. "It's a movement known as Zionism that's been around for a while. It argues that Judaism isn't a religion, rather a nationality, and the Jews should have a land to call their own. That comes in the form of Jerusalem. You can imagine that makes tracking these people down virtually impossible. His best hope is to obtain good references from people in Paris. Hopefully, that will be substantially easier."

"I would say so," Embry said. "I guess it doesn't help that postage in Germany is near impossible."

"Not 'near'. 'Is'," Kevin corrected. "Germany's a police state now. Has been for years. Of course, all the papers I get from Germany speak glowingly of Adolf Hitler."

"Can't very well speak critically of the Chancellor of Germany, now can we?" Embry said.

"He's called 'Die Fuhrer'," Kevin said.

"Charming nickname," Embry scoffed. "So what are you going to do now?"

"I don't know," Kevin admitted reluctantly. "I don't know what else I can do. I've breathed down the Immigration Officer's neck, I've provided references, I've offered solutions and had them shot down and this continues to move at a snail's pace that I can't afford." Kevin laid his head back on the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. "I'm scared, Embry. I can't think of anything else to call it."

"Don't be ashamed of that," Embry said.

"I'm not ashamed of being scared; I'm ashamed of being able to do nothing about it," Kevin clarified.

"What about bringing them here illegally?"

"Already broached the subject with Levi. He told me I was no use to his daughter in prison," Kevin said. "I'm inclined to agree."

"Prison does tend to be problematic I hear," Embry tried to joke, but Kevin remained unnerved. "Just keep fighting for them, Kevin. That's all you can do. If the situation gets too dire, then we'll deal with it."

"By the time the situation is 'too dire', it'll be too late," Kevin said. "If I'd known President Roosevelt was going to make immigration such a nightmare, I'd have sucked it up and voted Hoover again."

"Don't even joke it," Embry said. "Would sooner vote for the devil himself," he said bitterly. "He should know better than to write a measly check to send his soldiers back home with nothing; ungrateful bastard."

"Yeah," Kevin reluctantly agreed. "All the same, I need them out of there before it can get too dire."

"I know, and we will. Don't worry. We will."

Reluctantly, Kevin nodded lightly and smiled at Embry with a thank you. Back at the tribe, while family were well aware of Kevin's plait and unnerve, their lives continued happily. Since finding out she and Marcus would be moving to Hawaii, Aidetzi had Naevia at the tribe nearly every day, sometimes spending upwards of days at a time with them. She found out in April that she was pregnant again and Marcus was elated with the news. He was already a proud father to Naevia and Aidetzi knew he'd be the same to the new baby. Word had spread around the base rather quickly and during her time that she'd spent there when she wasn't with her family, she would receive encouragement, praise, and well wishes from ladies on the base and a few that would stop her to rub her belly and wish for either another girl or a boy depending who it was.

"Do you think the baby will be born before we leave?" Marcus asked Aidetzi one night after she'd put Naevia to bed.

"If Kyle's calculations prove true, I should give birth by September or October," Aidetzi said.

"Okay, good," Marcus said. "I don't want you traveling while pregnant and I don't want to be forced to leave you behind and not be here for the birth."

"I'd never tolerate it," Aidetzi smiled and got into bed beside Marcus. "Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"I love the baby either way," Marcus smiled. "Although, as we previously agreed, if it's a boy: Marcus Embry."

"Of course," Aidetzi smiled. "What about a girl?"

"Well…let's see. We have a Naevia Ruth. Perhaps we should name her after one of your sisters."

"No," Aidetzi smiled. "I love my sisters, but no."

Marcus laughed, "Alright. How about you? Maybe we can craft a name from yours."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know," Marcus said but started to ponder. "Midetzi?"

She scrunched her nose, "No."

"Okay," Marcus chuckled and thought again. "Aida?"

"Acceptable," Aidetzi smiled. "Aida is cute."

"What's her middle name? What was your grandma's name?"

"My mom's mom I don't know and I'm named after daddy's mother," Aidetzi said. "And we aren't naming her Aida Didi."

"Why not? That's cute."

"No," Aidetzi said. "It sounds silly on the tongue. Maybe we can give her a middle name we like instead of naming her after someone."

"No, we have to name her after someone," Marcus smiled. "My father's mother's name was Louise. So Aida Louise."

"Aida Louise," Aidetzi said. "I love it."

"That's what I like to hear," Marcus smiled and gave her a kiss.

"I actually want a girl now so we can name her that," Aidetzi said.

"Me too," Marcus said and the two of them laughed. "Of course, if we have a boy, we'll just try for a girl again."

"How many kids do you think we're having?" Aidetzi asked.

"I remember agreeing to 2 I think but in retrospect that number might be a little small," Marcus joked and Aidetzi smacked his chest playfully.

"Easy for you to say. You're not carrying them," Aidetzi said. "Or giving birth to them for that matter."

"I suppose you have a point," Marcus smiled. Then he brought his hand to her stomach to feel the small bump that was beginning to form. He moved so he was on his elbow hovering above her and pulled up her dress so he could get a better look at the baby bump. "You're so tall, it's hard to see the bump."

"Everyone keeps saying that," Aidetzi sighed. "I know they mean well, but I wish people wouldn't touch my belly without asking. Remember when I was pregnant with Naevia? No one would leave me be."

Marcus chuckled, "I remember. And of course, there's no polite way to tell them to stop touching you."

"Unfortunately not," Aidetzi said. "Do you think we'll like Hawaii?"

"I've heard nothing but great things about it," Marcus said. "It's been called an island paradise where the sun always shines, the fruit is sweet and the beaches beautiful. I'm actually really excited. I think Naevia will love it there."

"She's a little young to appreciate it don't you think?" Aidetzi smiled.

"Maybe," Marcus smiled and kissed the baby bump and then crawled back up to kiss her.

Of course, upon finding out Aidetzi was pregnant, the thought popped into Jae's mind as well. After hearing the news, he'd offered to take the boys with him to work on a Saturday and the two played with their toys up front as patrons came and gone. Sometimes one of the ladies would buy the boys some candy and one lady in particular would always pinch JJ's cheeks and call him the spitting image of his daddy. When he came home with the boys, he played with them the remainder of the night until it was time to put them down for bed. Once they were in their rooms, Jae returned downstairs to the living room where Natalie was reading and sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her and staring into the fire.

"JJ and Salem asleep?" Natalie asked.

"Yeah, I put them to bed," Jae said. "I promised them we'd all go to the hot springs together tomorrow. What do you say?"

"It sounds relaxing," Natalie smiled. A moment of silence passed before Jae brought his lips to Natalie's ear and started nipping her. Natalie smiled and breathed a sharp breath but kept her eyes on her book. "I've been thinking."

"Have you?"

"Yeah," Jae said. "Why don't we have another baby?"

"Already?" Natalie said.

"Sure," Jae said.

"Jealous of Aidetzi and Marcus I see," Natalie teased.

"A little," Jae smiled and kissed her ear. "Maybe we'll have a girl this time. Our little Nesia Dauer."

"Perhaps," Natalie said breathlessly as Jae kept kissing her neck.

"I think the boys would love having a little sister," Jae whispered.

"It might be another boy," Natalie said.

"Well, we have a Jay Jacob and a Salem. Maybe have a boy named after my dad."

"There's too many Embrys in the family already," Natalie protested weakly. Jae's left hand went onto Natalie's neck, his fingers delicately combing their way through her long hair, while his right hand had moved to her knee, delicately lifting her dress little by little.

"A different relative then?" Jae asked as he pressed his lips to Natalie's collarbone and continued trailing his right hand further up her leg. "Maybe we could name him Hailey."

"Maybe," Natalie agreed, although halfheartedly. "Perhaps a town that Nathan visited. Like Vegas or Phoenix."

Jae chuckled, "Phoenix Dauer has a better ring to it." Jae's hand finally moved between Natalie's legs and he touched her intimately while kissing just above the collar of her dress. Natalie's dropped her book and brought her hands up to thread her fingers through Jae's hair. "Maybe we'll get lucky and have twins."

"Don't even joke," Natalie said breathlessly and Jae chuckled against her chest.

"You don't want twins?"

"I really don't," Natalie answered but was forced to sigh when Jae's finger slipped inside her.

"I suppose it would be more work," Jae smiled and put a second finger inside her, earning a moan. "Just one at a time then."

Natalie thought to protest the number further, but finally Jae brought his lips to hers and gently pushed her down onto the couch to cover her body with his. Since they were still downstairs, they remained clothed for the time being. So Jae continued to pleasure Natalie with his fingers while the two kissed passionately. Jae continued until he brought Natalie to climax, swallowing her moans as they continued to kiss. He only removed his fingers when the last tremors of her pleasure subsided and pulled his lips away so he could take Natalie into his arms and carry her upstairs to their bedroom. They kept quite as Jae walked through the hallway and gently closed the door to the bedroom once they were inside.

Jae brought Natalie to their bed and they finally proceeded to remove one another's clothes, all the while placing kisses where they could. When they were naked in each other's arms, they moved further up on the bed and kept kissing one another. Natalie pushed on Jae's chest so he was on his back and came on top of him, slipping him inside her as soon as she'd mounted him. They had a moment in which they both sighed and savored the feeling of one another before Natalie started to move on top of him. Jae gripped Natalie at her hips as she moved and then moved his hands to her breasts to give them similar attention only to move his hands to her hips and to her core to pleasure her more. He touched her there until he brought her to another climax as she moved up and down, causing her to release a moan softened with a sigh. After which, Jae turned to put Natalie on her back to thrust inside her, prolonging the pulses of her orgasm, until he brought himself to his peak. When they were both spent, Jae and Natalie held each other close as Jae got them under the covers.

"I just realized I'm supposed to be on patrol tonight," Jae said and Natalie giggled.

"Should I let you go?" Natalie asked.

"Nah," Jae said and made Natalie laugh again before bringing his lips to hers again in a tender kiss. "I can't wait."

"For what?"

"For another baby," Jae said.

"Oh, right," Natalie said. "I suppose if I'm not pregnant after tonight, we can keep trying."

"I intend to," Jae said and Natalie giggled again. "Even after you're pregnant, we can keep 'trying'."

"We can," Natalie smiled and kissed Jae's chest. "I love you."

"I love you too," Jae whispered back and they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

As was usual, Hailey had his two cents when Jae told him that he and Natalie were going to try for another baby. He called it silly and complained that Jae had enough children that endlessly pestered their begrudgingly named Uncle Hailey. Hailey was loathe to admit it, but he did love JJ and Salem as though they were his own grandchildren, though he'd never admit it. Jae didn't need him to and just chuckled as Hailey complained about the impending new rugrat that would be pestering him. He had a similar rant about Aidetzi being pregnant, but then, he could count the number of times he'd seen Naevia on one hand, so he didn't complain near so much.

Unfortunately, most news was lost on Nathan and Scarlet for the time being. They'd arrived in El Paso and found a horse ranch/hacienda that was looking to employ stable hands. Given the recent occurrences in Phoenix, just to be safe, he gave the new employers a false identity. Until they left, Nathan was to be known as Michael Grey (perhaps unoriginal to put it mildly but he came up with it on the fly) and Scarlet decided she'd be Katherine Louise Grey. A far more creative name than what Nathan had come up with. Everyone called Nathan Mike and Scarlet was referred to as Kate or Katie depending. When first coming to the hacienda, Nathan largely kept to himself save for interacting with the other ranch hands in order to brush up on his Spanish and Scarlet's. They became quick friends with a young man named Carlos De Silva and his young wife Antonia. They'd recently had a baby girl they had named Carla and Antonia ran their small home while taking care of the new baby. Carlos and Antonia were kind enough to allow Nathan and Scarlet to live with them for the time being, so Scarlet spent most of her time with Antonia helping take care of Carla.

However, there was another development to occur since Nathan and Scarlet arrived at the Ranch. It came in the form of one Dolores Carmichael, wife to the owner of the ranch. She was a tall brunette with skin lightly tanned but still very pale. She was a pretty woman in her thirties or so, but that was as far as her endearing qualities stretched as far as Nathan was concerned. They'd met on his first day of work and she'd demanded her horse for a ride. He'd given it to her and she'd ridden off without a thank you or other words in his direction. When she returned to the stables about an hour later, she simply waited while on her horse while Nathan just ignored her and kept working.

"Excuse me," she'd said condescendingly. "You," she said in Nathan's direction. "Help me off the horse." Nathan continued to ignore her, not because he'd not heard her, but because he didn't much like her tone. "I said help me off my horse," she repeated herself more sternly. "I can't very well get down myself."

"Lady, if that's your attitude, I recommend you learn," Nathan finally answered without even looking at her. Carlos was in the stables with him and just gawked at Nathan for his outburst. Mrs. Carmichael had much the same reaction.

"I beg your pardon?" she hissed. "I will have you know my husband owns this ranch and therefore pays you. So I suggest you correct yourself this instant and help me off this horse."

"I beg your pardon, lady," Nathan said finally turning to look at her. "Ask politely and perhaps I shall help you off the horse. Until then, you have two legs, so swing on over the beast and get off yourself." Mrs. Carmichael and Carlos gawked at Nathan for a moment, both speechless. Eventually, she composed herself and turned her attention to Carlos.

"So shall you do your job and help me off this horse or shall I risk breaking my leg and have yet more unacceptable news to relay to my husband?" Mrs. Carmichael said and Carlos rushed over and helped her off her horse. "What is that worthless thing's name?" she asked Carlos once she was off the horse.

"Michael Grey, Señora," Carlos answered nervously and then looked at Nathan.

"Well, Mr. Grey, you can look forward to a chat with my husband. Perhaps if you're lucky, you'll only be fired," she said before storming out of the stables. After she was gone, Carlos rushed to Nathan's side, eyes near bugging out.

—¡que estabas pensando!—(what were you thinking?) Carlos whispered harshly.

—Solo que la puta necesita aprender….Shit, what's 'manners' in Spanish?"

"Modales," Carlos answered with a heavy sigh.

—Sí. Solo que la puta necesita aprender modales.— (Only that the bitch needs to learn some manners). Carlos seemed as though he'd say more but eventually opted not to and returned to his work grumbling something under his breath.

Nathan anticipated a consequence of some sort and warned Scarlet as much, but by the following day, nothing had happened. Then another day passed and still nothing. The anticipation now irritating him, Nathan pulled aside one of the ladies that worked in the house and asked if she knew anything. According to her, Mrs. Carmichael had brought the incident to her husband's attention who had vowed he would do something about it. Though as soon as his wife had left the room, the man began laughing the whole thing off and went no further with it. With that reassurance that Mr. Carmichael evidently had a similar opinion of his wife as Nathan did, he returned to his work as normal and didn't see Mrs. Carmichael again for several days. When she came to the stables again to ride her horse, she saw Nathan and was none too happy to see him.

"What are you still doing here?"

"Good morning to you too, Mrs. Carmichael," Nathan answered with much the same tone.

"Don't mock me," she said. "I spoke with my husband and he assured me you would be dealt with."

"Perhaps he's been delayed," Nathan said sarcastically.

"What was your name?" Mrs. Carmichael asked again.

"Michael Grey," Nathan said. "I see a poor memory accompanies your rudeness."

"How dare you?!" Mrs. Carmichael responded and placed her hands on her hips angrily. "I'm sure I do not know what could possibly have delayed my husband, but I assure you he'll be 'delayed' no further. And if he doesn't fire you, I will."

"With all undue respect, lady, you don't pay me," Nathan said. "You flounce around doing nothing all day while the rest of us keep that hacienda from falling apart on top of you. Now I'm sure I don't know the reason you've not already, but I suggest you learn some manners or keep out of my way." She didn't answer. She couldn't think of anything to say from being unused to being spoken to this way and also from seeing red. She just spun around leaving the stables to run right back to the hacienda to voice her latest complaint to her husband.

—Necesitas detener enfadarla,— (You need to stop angering her) Carlos said to Nathan when they were all at his house sitting down for dinner. —A pesar de un actitud mal, es la esposa de su empleador.— (Regardless of a bad attitude, she is the wife of your employer) Carlos argued. Nathan shrugged and took a big of the rice and beans Antonia made.

—La cena es delicious, Antonia. Gracias.— Nathan smiled and Antonia smiled back.

—No me ignores.— (Don't ignore me) Carlos said firmly. —Me prometes que nunca más molestarla por favor.— (Please promise me you won't upset her anymore).

"Fine, fine, I'll be more respectful," Nathan answered with a groan and took another bite of his rice. —Seré más respetuoso.— he repeated in Spanish.

Carlos thanked Nathan for his reassurance and everyone went to bed that night after Nathan played them all the guitar that he was growing fonder of each day. Sadly, the songs he knew remained rather limited for the moment, but he was happy just to practice. He was the last to go to bed that night and he slept in the rocking chair beside the window as he always did. It was spring, but the weather still felt more like summer although at night there was always a wonderful breeze. This was his favorite part of the day after he and Scarlet had arrived in El Paso. Much like the last time Mrs. Carmichael entered a complaint with her husband regarding what happened, nothing came to fruition of it. Nathan found out her husband had laughed it off and ignored it again. The man left the hacienda the following day for a trip to Austin and he'd be gone for several weeks. Mrs. Carmichael wasn't too happy about that either. She ended up effectively boycotting her weakly horse rides for the majority of her husband's time away. It was roughly a week before Mr. Carmichael was set to return. Nathan had gone into the meadows to be alone for a while. He'd hardly had any time to himself since arriving in El Paso and he was in desperate need of some quiet. He'd laid in the meadow enjoying the sunshine and laying in the grass dozing off until he'd heard horse hooves. Upon hearing them, he sat up again preparing an excuse for his being out there when he realized it was Mrs. Carmichael.

"And what in God's name do you think you're doing?" she asked when she caught Nathan in the grass.

"Nothing that concerns you, Mrs. Carmichael," Nathan answered flippantly and started walking away, but she turned the horse so she was facing him again.

"I'll tell you what, I'm just about sick of you," she said.

"Likewise, lady," Nathan answered, momentarily forgetting he'd promised Carlos he'd be more respectful to the woman. Though even when he remembered, it seemed a task unworthy of his efforts.

"Now you just stop right there!" she said sternly. Seeing no reason not to, Nathan turned around to face her and crossed his arms.

"Yes, Mrs. Carmichael?" Nathan asked rather sarcastically.

"What exactly are you doing out here when you're supposed to be working? I know my husband doesn't pay you to sleep during the day."

"I'll admit that is an accurate statement," Nathan said. "Of course, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, wouldn't you say?"

"It certainly will if he finds out," Mrs. Carmichael said.

"Given how he's responded to your last few complaints about me, I don't imagine it'll be a problem," Nathan said and Mrs. Carmichael lost her patience.

"You get yourself back to work this instant," Mrs. Carmichael ordered.

"Say 'please' and I will," Nathan said humorously, unable to resist making fun of the woman.

"I don't need to. You're my employee."

"Well then, Mrs. Carmichael, I will just get back to work when I see fit to," Nathan said and started walking back to where he'd been, getting ready to sit and go back to sleep. She sounded as though she might speak, but she didn't. Rather, she hesitantly swung her leg over the saddle of her horse and barely managed to land without hurting herself. Nathan saw and started clapping. "I see the mistress learned a trick. Perhaps I shall fetch her a treat."

"You shall start treating me with the respect I deserve as wife to the owner of this hacienda."

"Yes ma'am," Nathan said and once again started leaving the meadow to return to the stables.

"And just where do you think you're going?" she asked.

"Back to work," Nathan said, now irritated. "I'm returning to work as you've asked me to. Have you changed your mind already?"

"No, but I need to get back on the horse. I can't just walk back."

"I walked from the stables to here. It's not so unreasonable," Nathan said.

"Well, I'm not you!" Mrs. Carmichael said. "Now help me get back on the horse."

"You can do it yourself, Mrs. Carmichael."

"I'm too short!" she yelled.

"Sounds to me like that's your problem," Nathan said and started walking back only for her to start following him.

"Don't you ignore me," she said. "I need help getting back on the horse."

"Then ask me nicely for my help," Nathan said. She appeared really annoyed but, given she'd rather be done arguing, she placed her hands on her hips and returned his gaze.

"Please help me back onto my horse," she said.

"Actually ask me," Nathan taunted.

Gritting her teeth she said, "Please help me back onto my horse."

"Still a little cold there, Mrs. Carmichael," Nathan said, starting to have some amusement again.

"Please help me back onto my horse," she repeated again. It wasn't perfect, but he suspected it was the best he was going to get.

"Fine," he said and walked back to the horse with her and lifted her by the waist so she could put her foot into the foot rest and swing her leg over so she was sitting on the horse. "Now what do we say, Mrs. Carmichael?"

"Go to hell," she said before getting the horse into a gallop riding back to the hacienda.

Seeing as she was returning, Nathan returned to his spot in the meadow and went down for a nap again. He finally returned an hour later and when he did, Carlos didn't say anything. He was preoccupied with applying new shoes to one of the horses. Nathan helped him with the remaining shoes and when the day was over, they returned to the house for dinner. Scarlet was, thankfully, unconcerned with Mrs. Carmichael or, really, any of the employees at the stables and hacienda since she spent her day entirely with Antonia. It helped her Spanish progress quite a bit too seeing as the woman's English was poor at best. One day, Nathan and Scarlet snuck off to find a place to hang another red tree ornament and found a national park with a beautiful cave. Scarlet tucked the little tree in one of the rocks where it would be safe and they stayed out there together for a while.

"I feel like I haven't talked to you since we got here," Nathan said when they were on their way back from placing the tree.

"You're always working these days," Scarlet said. "But we'll be leaving soon anyway won't we?"

"Once I'm confident with our Spanish," Nathan said. "How are you coming along in that by the way?"

—Hablo español por todo el día quando estoy con Antonia. ¿Qué piensas?— (I speak Spanish all day when I'm with Antonia. What do you think?) Scarlet answered and Nathan laughed.

"That's my girl," Nathan praised.

"On our way through Mexico, let's stick to the coastline," Scarlet said. "I'm growing tired of the desert."

"Sure," Nathan smiled. "We'll cross over to Monterey and get to the coast from there. I want to make sure we see some ancient Mayan settlements and I want to say they're more so towards the east. But no matter what, we need to make sure we go to Mexico City. I know for a fact there are temples there that we need to visit."

"Ah, yes," Scarlet agreed eagerly. "I can't wait. So when do we leave?"

"I say let's give ourselves a few more weeks. Regardless, we need to make sure we're prepared. It'll be summer soon and from what I hear, summers in Mexico are nothing short of being inside an oven."

Scarlet sighed eagerly, "I can't wait."

They laughed and continued back to the stables. Nathan dropped Scarlet off at the house to help Antonia and returned to the stables alone. However, when he returned to the stables, he saw a rather undesirable face. Mrs. Carmichael was in the stables brushing her horse when Nathan returned and when she saw him, she looked none too happy.

"Where were you?"

"Working," Nathan lied. "My job doesn't necessarily mean I'm in this stable all day every day."

"Perhaps you should review your job description," she said.

"I see your manners have still not improved," Nathan said and went to work on something.

"No manners are required when addressing the hired help," Mrs. Carmichael retorted.

"Just as no respect is deserved of a retched harpy," Nathan said with an amused smile though Mrs. Carmichael was most certainly not laughing.

"Vile thing," she muttered back and continued to brush her horse while Nathan ignored her. Apparently she had hoped he would respond and when he didn't, she stopped brushing her horse and put down the brush. "What have I told you about ignoring me?" Nathan continued to ignore her, making her blood boil more. "I said don't ignore me," she said.

"I shall ignore you as I please, Mrs. Carmichael," Nathan said and went to one of the horses to brush it. She followed after him and stood right beside him.

"Now listen here. I have suffered your indignations long enough. Now you will learn to behave yourself or-"

"Or what, Mrs. Carmichael? Shall it be hot oil or the rack?"

"Don't be so flippant with me," she said. She was turning red and the sight made Nathan laugh.

"You'd best watch your blood pressure, Mrs. Carmichael. By the looks of you, you'll be red as me by end of day."

She was stunned to silence a moment before losing patience and leaving the stables altogether. That was how they interacted for several weeks. They would speak rudely to one another until one of them, or more appropriately when Mrs. Carmichael, gave up, they'd part ways. And seeing as complaining to her husband had done her no good, she did not bother complaining to him anymore. Rather, she tormented Nathan and spoke ill of him every chance she got. It was weighing on Nathan's patience to say the least. Then, one day when her husband had left for another venture to Austin, Mrs. Carmichael came to the stables while Nathan was working. Carlos was in the stables but she told him he was needed elsewhere in the hacienda and he wandered away.

"So eager to spare again Mrs. Carmichael?" Nathan asked sarcastically.

"Not today," she said calmly and rather uncharacteristically. "I admit I'm bored and I thought I'd come speak to you."

"About?" Nathan asked while continuing to focus on cleaning one of the saddles.

"Nothing in particular," Mrs. Carmichael said.

"If that's the case, then I'm afraid I'm busy," Nathan said, never taking his eyes off the saddle.

"Then I'll just talk," she said and proceeded to go on about her day. Nathan largely ignored her. He heard something about her husband being out of town and something about riding her horse and so one. He just ignored her and once the saddle was polished, he brought it back to the mantel where all the saddles were. "Are you listening to me?" she asked.

"No ma'am," Nathan answered rather bluntly.

"You're impossible," She sighed.

"Listen, lady, I'm really in no mood to listen to you twitter on and on about nothing, so if you have a point, just get to it," Nathan said.

"Alright, fine," Mrs. Carmichael said. "Though at bare minimum I would far prefer you address me as Dolores."

"Why?" Nathan asked her, raising a brow.

"Well," she said, "I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but you've started to grow on me a bit. And given that my husband is currently out of town, I thought perhaps we could get to know each other a little better."

"Are you hitting on me?" Nathan almost laughed.

"I suppose you could word it that way," she shrugged, "Like I said: you're starting to grow on me."

"While I'm flattered, Mrs. Carmichael, I'm not interested. You're not really my type," Nathan answered bluntly. Now she was stunned again as was typical for her when they talked.

"And what is your type exactly?" she said rather offended.

"Not you," Nathan said and walked out of the stables to go back to the house for dinner.

Nathan didn't tell Carlos, Antonia or Scarlet what happened that day. Mostly because he just didn't want to talk about it as it wasn't worth talking about. They ate dinner together, he played the guitar until Scarlet fell asleep and he sat in the rocking chair and fell asleep near the window enjoying the breeze and smell of the meadow. The following day, he worked as usual, but he secreted away later in the afternoon and went to the meadow where he'd taken a nap before. He fell asleep the smell of grass and flowers with the sun beating down on him. He heard some rushing water from either a creek or from rushing water at the hacienda. He heard a poorly played violin in the distance; it was Mr. Carmichael's daughter practicing. She needed more of it. As he slept, he dreamed of their ultimate destination. Yet all he knew of it was in black and white from the pictures in his atlas. He missed that atlas, but it was where it belonged. He remembered the imagine of a huge tree covered with flowers and a small monkey eating fruit. As the image remained in Nathan's head, he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and a soft nose against his cheek. It felt warm and welcoming.

"Nathan," the voice whispered. He remembered the voice from his last dream. A thickly accented, smooth voice of a woman he longed to see. He turned only to wake himself and when he did, the bunny that had been on his shoulder ran away.

Nathan sighed heavily and looked up at the sky realizing it was nearly dark, so he went back to the house for the evening. Back in Washington, as Natalie had said, she and Jae kept trying until she realized she was late for a period and it was confirmed she was pregnant again. It was, of course, all anyone in town was talking about for several days, bringing Jae, gifts and loads and loads of girl clothes in the desperate hope that this time they would have a girl. Jae brought it all home and Natalie looked at everything he'd been given.

"I suppose we'd best hope we're having a girl otherwise our son will look really silly," she said and the two laughed.

The boys were really excited about the baby, touching Natalie's belly whenever they could hoping they might feel the baby kick. Natalie would fell it sometimes, but this baby was a gentle kicker. She moved, but it was always gracefully for lack of a better word. By summer, Nathan had finally found out about Natalie and Jae having another baby and he hoped for Natalie's sake that this baby was a girl. He wasn't sure if Natalie could handle any more men in her house. They would find out come November when the baby was expected. Nathan told Scarlet the following day while playing the guitar for her about Natalie being pregnant.

"Do you think it's a boy or a girl?" Scarlet asked.

"For her sake, I hope it's a girl," Nathan joked.

"Me too," Scarlet smiled. "I'd love a girl cousin. All I have are boy cousins."

"I guess that's true," Nathan chuckled. "You have Naevia."

"She's not technically my cousin," Scarlet pointed out.

"Not by blood," Nathan said.

"So do you think she'll look like Uncle Jae or Aunt Natalie?" Scarlet asked.

"I think she'll look like Natalie," Nathan said. "JJ already looks exactly like his dad. Salem looks more like Natalie, so I think this baby will look like Natalie."

"I hope so. Aunt Natalie's really pretty," Scarlet said.

"Indeed," Nathan shrugged. "She's not so handsome as I am, though," he joked.

"Well that goes without saying," Scarlet played along and the two laughed.

While the news of Natalie's pregnancy was a good thing, it was unfortunately soured with the continuation of Mrs. Carmichael's advances. Certainly offended by Nathan's lack of interest, she shifted focus to trying to woo him in the weeks her husband was gone. Sadly for her, Nathan wasn't interested and kept rejecting her. Even if she were his type, he wasn't interested in being a plaything to a bored housewife. Save for Meg. Even then, he'd always preferred Tamara anyway, though he'd never say that to Meg. He didn't want to hurt her feelings. Mrs. Carmichael's feelings, on the other hand, were of no consequence to Nathan and he wasn't concerned with being nice about his refusal. He simply remained uninterested at the best of times and rude at the worst of times. All the same, Nathan continued to keep this to himself, save for the pack of course, but that couldn't be helped.

After a few more weeks of working in the stables for the hacienda and living with Carlos and his wife, Nathan felt confident enough in his fluency, and especially Scarlet's, that it was time for them to move on to Mexico once and for all. Nathan informed Carlos and Antonia of his plans to leave roughly a week in advance, though he did not make his departure known to anyone else. On their last day, Nathan planned to collect his pay and he and Scarlet would leave. He knew she was eager to get out of El Paso. It was a beautiful and diverse town and it was a shame they'd not been able to really experience it like they had with other places they had stayed, but given he and Scarlet were focused with learning Spanish and were occupied virtually all of every day, Scarlet especially was eager to leave and return to their adventures. Although she would miss Antonia. She was a very nice lady. It was finally their last day in El Paso before they were set to enter Mexico. Nathan was alone in the stables getting a horse into a new set of shoes. The horses never particularly cared for the task but they usually took it well depending on the horse and who was applying the shoes. Thankfully, Nathan had gotten really good at being gentle. The horses seemed rather fond of him.

"How is my Dixie?" Nathan heard the voice that had become the equivalent to nails on a chalkboard for him as Mrs. Carmichael stepped into the stables and watched Nathan putting shoes on her horse.

"Getting new shoes," Nathan answered flatly as he focused.

"I love getting new shoes too," the woman cooed to Dixie and the horse swung her head just a bit before Mrs. Carmichael started putting the horse's large nose. "My husband bought me Dixie when we got married." Nathan didn't answer, so she continued. "I can't believe that was 7 years ago. He's a good enough man, but I always feel so lonely when he's gone." Nathan stayed quiet, not taking her bait and she appeared rather annoyed, but continued. "I hear around the hacienda you came here with a little girl. Is that your daughter?"

"Yes," Nathan said.

"What was her name?"

"S-" Nathan almost answered truthfully, but caught himself. "Katherine Louis," he said.

"A beautiful name," Mrs. Carmichael said. "And where is her mother?"

"I'm widowed," Nathan answered absently as he continued to work.

"My apologies," Mrs. Carmichael said. "You seem so young to be widowed already."

"Shit happens," Nathan mumbled.

"Goodness you're heartless," Mrs. Carmichael accused and Nathan said nothing. She wasn't worth explaining himself to. "So you're raising that little girl all by yourself?"

"Pretty much," Nathan said.

"I can't say I've heard of a man raising a child on his own," Mrs. Carmichael said. "I would think you'd want to get yourself remarried if only so you can have some help."

"I can't afford a nanny I'm afraid," Nathan said.

"I didn't say a nanny, I said a wife," Mrs. Carmichael said.

"You said wife, but what you just described was a nanny. Besides, my daughter's a little old for that as far as I'm concerned."

"I take it Katie's pretty self-sufficient?"

"She gets it from her daddy," Nathan said with an admitted hint of pride but otherwise remained rather passive. "I'll be done in a minute if you're waiting for Dixie."

"Actually, I just came here to talk to you," Mrs. Carmichael said with a hint of humor.

"You're certainly persistent," Nathan mumbled mostly to himself though her brand of persistence wasn't quite to his liking. "I reiterate: I'm flattered but I'm not interested."

"That's a shame. I am," Mrs. Carmichael said.

"You don't say," Nathan said sarcastically and she laughed.

"What can I say? Even if you're a little dark for what's proper, you're handsome I must say," she said. "Could be worse I suppose."

"I'd argue you're a little pale for what's proper," Nathan said. "Granted my mother is very pale, but she wears it well."

"Your mother was white?" Mrs. Carmichael said as though it were blasphemous. "How does an Indian manage to have a child with a white woman?"

"Well, you see, Mrs. Carmichael, when a man and a woman love each other very much, they do something called 'have sex'-"

"Oh, that's not what I meant," Mrs. Carmichael huffed. "I meant how did they meet?"

"My dad saw her on a caravan to a town out west, he was instantly in love and it just went from there," Nathan said.

"So your mother was kidnapped by Indians?"

"In so many words," Nathan said. "Worked out for the best, though. For everyone involved."

"Well for you people perhaps," Mrs. Carmichael. "Your poor mother on the other hand was certainly shamed."

"Well, luckily, she doesn't see it that way," Nathan said though it wasn't defensively. More 'matter-of-fact' than defensive.

"I assume your mother loves your father than?"

"Yeah," Nathan said.

"How? If she was kidnapped, I would think she'd be scared out of her mind."

"She probably was at first, but my dad's a charming guy," Nathan said.

"He must have been," Mrs. Carmichael mumbled. "You certainly look like your dad."

"I am my father's son so I'm told," Nathan said.

"So what tribe are you from?"

"I'm Quileute," Nathan said.

"Can't say I've heard of them," Mrs. Carmichael said.

"It's a tribe from up north in the mountains near Canada," Nathan said.

"What on earth are you doing here?" Mrs. Carmichael asked after it sank in just how far from home Nathan was.

"Traveling," Nathan said.

"So you're a drifter?" Mrs. Carmichael said.

"More or less," Nathan said.

"So how long are you here for?"

"Until I decide to leave," Nathan said.

"And when will that be?"

"When I decide," Nathan answered again.

"You're certainly not being very helpful," Mrs. Carmichael pouted.

"Why should you be concerned with my travel plans?"

"I'm just curious," Mrs. Carmichael said. "Anyway, my husband is in town until tomorrow. Perhaps you might keep me company for the night?"

"I'm afraid I'm not up for it," Nathan said.

"Oh come now," Mrs. Carmichael. "There's only so much you can hurt my poor feelings before I start to cry."

"An empty threat, Mrs. Carmichael."

"Hardly," she retorted. "I admit I'm quite sensitive." Nathan finished the last of Dixie's shoes and stood without answering her. "It really does infuriate me when you ignore me."

"You'll get over it," Nathan said.

"I fear I might not," Mrs. Carmichael said. "So when you do inevitably leave, where are you going?"

"Mexico," Nathan said.

"Where in Mexico?"

"Wherever we want," Nathan said.

"You simply refuse to hold a pleasant conversation with me do you?"

"Aren't you a clever girl?" Nathan said sarcastically and Mrs. Carmichael nearly growled.

"You are simply infuriating," she complained.

"No doubt one of my many flaws."

With an exasperated sigh, Mrs. Carmichael gave up and left the stable without another word. He started cleaning a few of the tools when he heard footsteps in the stable again, but they were lighter and he knew them immediately.

"What're you doing here?" Nathan asked with a smile.

"I got bored and wandered the grounds," Scarlet said.

"How much of that did you hear?"

"All of it," Scarlet answered. "I don't like her."

"Me either," Nathan said. "I didn't want to bother you with this, but she's been hitting on me for weeks."

"Why?"

"I guess I'm a challenge?" Nathan answered and questioned at the same time. "I really don't know. Regardless, I made clear I wasn't interested, but she hasn't relented."

"Oh well," Scarlet said. "We're leaving tomorrow anyway."

"Indeed," Nathan sighed.

"Also," Scarlet said as she walked over to Nathan and hopped onto the counter to sit and look at him. "Guess what Antonia told me."

"What did she tell you?"

"She told me about a place called El Dorado," she smiled. "She said it was a legendary city made of gold."

"I've heard that," Nathan smiled. "It's a myth made up by Spaniards seeking treasure in the new world I'm afraid."

"We could always check," Scarlet giggled. "We're going to South America anyway. She said that's where legend claims it lies."

"The myth stems from a small statue made of gold depicting the legendary Chief Zipa of a tribe in Columbia. The Muisca they were called," Nathan chuckled. "El dorado changed over time from depicting a man until it grew to represent an empire. Some claim it was in Columbia, some say Venezuela, Guyana, and Northern Brazil. No one's ever found El Dorado." Nathan looked at Scarlet and turned his expression to that which he had when telling a scary story. "Many have lost their lives in the fruitless endeavor to find El Dorado. Many went insane and one found his neck beneath the executioner's axe over that city."

"Wouldn't it be neat if we found it?" Scarlet giggled.

"Scarlet, if you and I manage to find El Dorado, we'll have every museum and treasure hunter in the world eating out of the palm of our hands," Nathan joked.

"Then I say we look for it," Scarlet joked.

"Alright, we'll check," Nathan chuckled. "But if we don't find it by the time we've seen the Amazonian Jungle then we're giving up, okay?"

"Deal," Scarlet smiled. "So where are we going after this?"

"I was actually thinking of gunning it straight for Mexico City," Nathan said. "What's that in Spanish?"

"Ciudad de México," Scarlet answered confidently.

"That's my girl," Nathan smiled. "I'll collect my pay and we'll leave first thing in the morning."

"Okay," Scarlet said eagerly and hopped off the counter onto the ground to run back to the house.

As promised, once he was finished with his work, Nathan went up to the hacienda ready to collect his pay for the week of work. A few employees went ahead and collected their pay before walking away. Nathan went up to the foreman to claim his check but when he gave his name, the man looked through the envelopes but didn't find anything.

"What's wrong?" Nathan asked.

"Michael Grey, right?" the foreman asked.

"Yeah," Nathan said.

"Well, shit fire, yours isn't in here," he said.

"I assure you I've worked my time this week," Nathan said.

"I know, I've seen you," the man said. "Might have just been missed. Drew," the foreman looked at a kid off in the corner that stood to attention. "Go inside and find out where Grey's pay is." Drew nodded his head and ran inside to check if perhaps the pay was misplaced or hadn't been put in the bin. However, several minutes of searching and looking into passed by before the young man returned. "Did you find it?" the foreman asked.

"No, sir," Drew answered. "I couldn't find it so I asked Bill and he said that Mrs. Carmichael said that Mr. Grey is being docked this week's pay because he was caught sleeping out in the meadow during his shift." Nathan went wide eyed and was suddenly furious. He's done that several times and she'd only caught him once and that was weeks ago!

"You were sleeping on the job?" the foreman asked, suddenly less sympathetic.

"No, sir," Nathan lied.

"According to Bill, Mrs. Carmichael caught him herself," Drew said to the foreman. "He said it would only be this week though assuming he doesn't sleep in the meadows when he's on duty again."

"It was after my shift," Nathan insisted. "I have slept in that meadow several times, but it was always when I was off shift."

"If it was off shift, then we'll see if this can be corrected," the foreman sighed, still not believing Nathan. "We'll look into this and you can return tomorrow. If you're cleared, we'll give you your week's pay, otherwise, you'll have to wait until next week. Though for the record, you may want to refrain from sleeping in that meadow again, period."

Nathan remained composed, but he was furious. He couldn't believe Mrs. Carmichael would go so low. Rather than make a scene, he thanked the foreman for his time and went back to Carlos's and Antonia's house but said nothing of what transpired, not even to Scarlet. He'd tell her later that night. He waited until the moon was high indicating it was the middle of the night before he gently woke Scarlet from her sleep as she rubbed her eyes.

"Daddy, what time is it?" Scarlet asked.

"According to the clock, it's one in the morning," Nathan whispered. "We're going to do a little shopping before we leave and we need to do it in the dead of night."

"Shopping?" Scarlet asked, confused.

"Yes, as a means of compensation. Mrs. Carmichael stiffed me my pay for the week," Nathan said and that revelation got Scarlet's full attention.

"She what?" she said a little louder than she should have and Nathan instructed her to remain quiet.

"Yes, she stiffed me," Nathan repeated. "So what we need to go is gather our things and I'll make sure it's okay for us to enter the house. Once I know, we'll sneak in and just grab a few things. Might grab some food while we're at it. It's a long trip to Mexico City."

"Okay," Scarlet said as she nodded enthusiastically. She got out of bed and got dressed while Nathan quietly gathered their things getting ready to leave. Out of courtesy, Nathan wrote a little note to Carlos.

Lo siento per dejar en medio de la noche, pero tenemos circunstancias que requerirlo. Gracias para su hospitalidad y Dios te bendiga. - Michael y Katherine Louis Grey (Sorry to leave in the middle of the night but we have circumstances that require it. Thank you for your hospitality and God Bless you).

After Nathan finished writing his note to Carlos and Antonia, he and Scarlet snuck out of the tiny house in the dead of night with the moon their only source of light until they reached the grounds of the Hacienda. There were a few guards scattered around the premises that were armed. One slept in the corner with his cowboy hat covering his eyes, two were near the front keeping guard while smoking a cigarette, and the others were walking around at a leisurely pace making sure nothing was amiss. In total, there were about 10 guards. Nothing that couldn't be managed.

"Okay, Scarlet," Nathan whispered. "We're going to sneak in where there's a safe spot that we won't be seen. Once we're inside, I need you to stay near me and keep watch."

"I will," Scarlet affirmed.

Keeping a reasonable distance for the time being, they started circling the hacienda looking for a safe spot to sneak in through. They found an unguarded balcony with doors wide open. However, just below, there was a guard. However, he looked as though he were about to fall asleep. They waited a minute hoping the guard might nod off, however, his slumber was interrupted.

"Anything going on, Jared?" a voice came and Nathan looked in its direction. The guard's head shot up and looked at the voice.

"No," the guard answered nervously. "Silent as the grave, sir."

"Enough for you to fall asleep apparently," the man said.

"No, sir, I wasn't asleep," the guard insisted. There was a moment of silence before the man answered.

"I'll talk to you in the morning," he said before walking away to do his own rounds.

"Damn it," Nathan muttered to himself.

"What if we threw something?" Scarlet asked and already looking for a rock.

"Hand me a rock," Nathan said just as Scarlet found a sizable rock. Nathan made sure they were both low to the ground before tossing the rock to one side. It ended up hitting another rock and made a loud cracking sound.

"Jared!" the man from before yelled and the guard left his post to follow after the man in the direction Nathan had thrown the rock.

Once it was clear, Nathan tossed Scarlet onto his back and made a run for it. As quietly and gracefully as possible, Nathan climbed the pillar and hopped onto the balcony making sure he was still low to the ground. Scarlet got off Nathan's back and followed his lead, crouching to avoid detection and Nathan glanced into the open door. It was what appeared to be the master bedroom. A suspicion that was affirmed with the sight of Mrs. Carmichael asleep in the bed. Nathan took a quick look around to make sure there was no one else in the room and crept inside with Scarlet close behind. Once inside, they both stood.

"I can't see," Scarlet whispered.

"Don't worry," Nathan whispered back. "I can."

Indeed he could. Even with the darkness of the room, Nathan saw the large vanity right across from the large bed. She had a few jewelry boxes that were wide open with a wide assortment of jewelry to choose from ranging from pearls or rubies and a sapphire as well as a few diamonds and gold. Nathan glanced around and found a little purse, but it wasn't enough to carry all the jewelry. He looked around again and found one of Mrs. Carmichael's dresses on a hanger, so he took that, tied up the bodice, and started quietly putting all her jewelry into the tied up dress.

"I'd say that'll make up for your lost pay," Scarlet whispered.

"She's making up for a lot more than that," Nathan replied and gently and quietly looked through the drawers until he found one wad of cash. That he handed to Scarlet. "I'll carry the jewelry; you carry the money."

Scarlet nodded and took the money and then placed it in the pocket of her dress. Just to be sure, Nathan went to the dresser and the nightstands making sure not to wake Mrs. Carmichael and found a few more dollars. Figuring there was more money elsewhere, Nathan went to the door and opened it gently, stepping out after glancing through the hallways. As quietly as possible, Nathan searched the whole house for money and even found an envelope in a desk with Michael Grey written on it that contained his pay for the week. Nathan filled the tied up dress with every valuable thing it could carry and when he was satisfied and they'd taken all the money they could find, they went back upstairs to one of the spare bedrooms.

"Wait here," Nathan whispered to Scarlet once they were in the spare room. Nathan placed down the makeshift sake of valuables and returned to the study where he'd found his pay. It appeared to be Mr. Carmichael's study. He found some stationary and a pencil and wrote at the desk. He simply couldn't resist. Summoning his memory of letters Kevin had written to Amber, Nathan wrote as follows:

Dearest Dolores,

It is with great sorrow that I leave you tonight. My daughter and I have a world to see, but always know that I will remember the feel of your soft milky skin, the smell of your perfume, the taste of your lips and your breasts. Dare I recount the sensuous taste of your most intimate core? I say I do! For it was like dinking from a honey pot, sweet and rewarding. Oh, how I'll miss it's taste already, even having tasted it as early as before you went to sleep tonight. But since I must leave, I shall hold on to the memories of us together.

Surely you recall when we made love in the meadow. You rode atop me as though I were Dixie and you moaned all the while. My fair Dolores, just to think of you behaving in such a brazen and sensuous manner makes my blood flow and long to relive the experience. Or perhaps when we made love in the study. I thought you mad when you suggested it, but seeing you naked before me on the desk as I ravaged you viciously, just how you like it, it will stay with me forever.

I could go on forever of the many places I have marked you as my own. Your bedroom, your daughter's room (what a vicious delight I saw in your eyes!), the study, the kitchen, the stables, the meadow and so on. Truly you were an adventurous vixen and will be missed. But sadly, I run into the sunset and I fear we will not meet again. However, Dolores, remember you will always be in my heart as I hope I will remain in yours. Remember the smell and taste of me as I will for you. I hope you recall the sinful taste of me rock hard in your mouth. What a sight that was, made all the more breathtaking when you brought me to climax and swallowed all I gave you. It will forever remain embedded in my mind.

I will miss you my darling Dolores.

Your Eager Lover,

Michael Grey

After completing the letter, Nathan couldn't fight a small chuckle. 'See her charm her way out of this one,' Nathan thought and put the letter in an envelope that he wrote her name on and placed on the desk of the study for her husband to find. Nathan silently hurried back upstairs to the room where Scarlet was patiently waiting for him and got the sack dress on his back.

"What were you doing?" Scarlet whispered.

"Just poetic justice, Scarlet," Nathan smiled. "I'm going to kneel down so you can climb on my back. Once you're on, hold on tight, okay?"

Scarlet nodded and Nathan kneeled down so Scarlet could crawl between the large travel bag and Nathan's back. Once she was snug, she wrapped her arms around Nathan's neck tight and Nathan got up to approach the window. He looked down to see the guard count and get an idea where they all were. Were it not for the fact that they had guns, he'd kick up enough noise in the hopes they'd see what Nathan had done, but unfortunately, given they were all armed, that wasn't an option. There was a tree across from the window and when there were no guards, Nathan jumped from the window to the tree and carefully climbed down and started running. He pulled out the compass to verify what direction was south and made sure they were going in that direction.

"Add that to the list of things we're not allowed to tell Grandma?" Scarlet asked once the hacienda was out of view and Nathan laughed.

"Yes, Scarlet, add that to the list," he said.

It took no time for them to make it over the border into Mexico and they took a rest until morning when they could start thinking about getting rid of all the jewelry they carried. Nathan looked for a more appropriate travel bag to put all the jewelry in and untied the dress one he had. It was a rather simple dress, so Nathan asked Scarlet if she'd like to keep it so she could grow into it. It was a simple floral pattern, so Scarlet agreed and they tucked the dress away in their own travel back. They returned to the town near the border to begin selling off all the jewelry and valuables so they could get pesos and maybe exchange the money they had for pesos. It was a task that took all day. They needed to go to a few different places to ensure they didn't rouse suspicion, but there was on necklace Nathan kept. It was a simple piece that he thought Renesmee would like: a delicate gold chain with a pendant of onyx and an ivory outline of a woman's face. He purchased a box to keep the piece in and they spent the night at an inn so they could relax. Unencumbered by unwanted jewelry but well-endowed with Pesos, they left the inn preparing to leave when they saw the news stand. When Nathan saw the front page, he laughed out loud. Scarlet looked at it and she did too.

"Can we keep that?" Scarlet asked through her laugh.

"Give the vendor the money for the paper," Nathan said through his own laugh. Scarlet paid the newsstand operator and took the newspaper that features a very poorly constructed drawing of what they assumed was supposed to be Nathan but a few features were wrong.

Family Robbed Blind in the Dead of Night! the headline read. Below the concept picture was the name Michael Grey and a description of the robbery.

"I do believe you're a wanted man, daddy," Scarlet teased after they left the newsstand.

"Good thing we're leaving then," Nathan laughed. They came across another newsstand with all the same papers and, upon seeing it, Nathan decided to buy just two more, knowing a few who might get a good kick out of this.