A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 45

Sonny Ray’s image dominated the front page of the newspaper. Standing somber, he held his faded Wrangler blue jean shirt open, exposing the side of his rib cage which was swollen, with a large area of purple and black bruising.

He also had received a gash on his left eyebrow. Sonny Ray had been cognizant enough to ask an emergency room nurse to take a few pictures of him holding the bloody bracelet as he lie on a gurney in blood soaked clothing.

Nadia knew that this second story of her exposé would be more than enough to convince local authorities that these two police officers would soon be down the road, kicking rocks.

As the morning wore on, the second exposé had gained momentum, and continued to filter out to the shell shocked community of Antelope Springs. Once it hit the wire, the story would go nationwide. The executioners axe was reluctantly ordered to be sharpened. The Mayor, and the City Council had met in a special early morning session. This was generally only done during an emergency session, as it pertained to deciding upon the route for an evacuation plan during fire season.

Naturally people in the community began to gather at City Hall, wanting answers. Someone in City Hall had leaked to the media of the special morning session, so the media began setting up, jostling with their competition for the best spot to film, and hopefully be noticed for a question or two.

Though an official announcement would be given the following day, no one wanted to be caught slipping, so the vigil was on.

“Cheers to you Dwayne, and to you Sonny Ray, thank you for everything,” Nadia said quietly, clinking plastic cups with the two men. Before Dwayne could respond Nadia stepped forward, and slowly gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Oh, thank you,” Dwayne said stammering. Natalia and Sonny Ray stood smiling.
Nadia and Dwayne became involved in a hush of a conversation, so naturally Sonny Ray slipped out the back door to partake of some herbal refreshment.

In less than three minutes Dwayne sat on the porch with Sonny Ray.

The two men sat quietly practicing the long standing intertribal tradition of puff, puff, pass.

“Hell of a day my friend,” Dwayne said finally. Sonny Ray blew out a really long stream of smoky colored cream, and then passed it to Dwayne. “Yeah it was kind of cool right, but it ain’t over bruh, we gotta be careful,” Sonny Ray in a quiet but firm tone. Dwayne passed the dwindling dub back.

“So are we still on for tonight?” Sonny Ray asked in an undertone. Dwayne nodded in the affirmative, saying nothing. “Okay good. I am going to head back to your house and pick up that equipment you had mentioned earlier, and then I’ll swing back and pick you up.”

Sonny Ray passed the cannabis back to Dwayne.

Dwayne inhaled a little more than usual, and broke out into an impromptu cough fest. Sonny Ray stood up, preparing to leave and glanced down at Dwayne. “Dwayne, I haven’t known you very long but I do know one thing; you my friend are in love,” Sonny Ray said quietly as he turned the door knob to go inside. “Sonny Ray where are you going?” Sonny Ray looked back at him, smiled and said, “Bro, I’m kind of hungry.” Dwayne gave Sonny Ray an incredulous look. He was about to cap on his friend when Sonny Ray quickly closed the door, and gave him a two handed hook ’em horns, along with a complimentary Māori tongue display through the French door windows.

Dwayne smiled as he inhaled slowly, and sat quietly for a few moments. He knew it was true, he was falling in love. But his mind had not as of yet been able to fully process this exhilarating feeling.

He stood up and headed inside, anxious to see Nadia for some reason.

Unbeknownst to them, the black eagle sat stationed on high; observing the four humans.

The Black Eagle Dream instinctually knew its assignment.

It had rested for millennia upon the arm of a mighty spirit messenger in heavenly places.

As a long tenured emissary of a Watcher, its newest assignment would now be to remain as constant companion to Sonny Ray.

For it was to be disclosed, a new decree; a message to be imparted

through the Black Eagle Dream.

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