Black Eagle Dream

Black Eagle Dream

April 17th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 44

Officer Bob placed his cruiser in park and exited his vehicle. Bob had followed the older truck for about a mile. The ‘Frybread Power’ sticker had caught his attention while sitting at the red light. Officer Bob grunted as he adjusted his black patent leather utility belt. His swollen belly lead the way, as he approached his next potential scalp.

“Let me see your driver’s license and vehicle registration jackass,” officer Bob said, not bothering to even look at the driver.

Without a word, the driver handed Officer Bob his credentials. After running his plates he approached the drivers side of the vehicle. Officer Bob had yet to make eye contact with the driver.

The portly officer flipped open his minority ticket dispenser, and began writing. As Bob stood there, pen blazing, exacting the letter of the law; a medium size black feather slipped out of the driver’s window, and began a short descent, floating gently to the ground. It landed right in front of officer Bob’s boots. The officer glanced down at the feather. He slowly raised his head up and turned his attention to the driver for the first time.
The large predator using it’s aquiline beak, knocked the ticket book from officer Bob’s hands. The immense head of the black eagle screeched a mandate; snapping furiously at the startled police officer.

A look of confusion crossed the officers face. The black eagle head sat upon the body of a man who held the steering wheel tightly in his grasp.

The black eagle man continued to screech retribution with its mandible.

Using it’s dark eyes, the black eagle man pierced the spirit of the startled officer, causing the contempt that Bob held inside himself to bleed out of his eyes, and ears, like tears of blood.

Officer Bob opened his mouth but no words would come forth from his stricken mind.
He sat up in his bed slowly, like a second rate vampire in the old sixties daytime drama, Dark Shadows. He began to scream; like he did at the age of sixteen, when he accidentally ran over and crippled his cousin Bubba with a tractor, in a cornfield, somewhere in America.
“Bob honey, it’s okay you just had a bad dream, that’s all. It’s fine,”
Shane said, rubbing his shoulder.
Bob was trying to gather himself, he was sweating profusely, his face flush. After brushing Shane’s hand away, he swung his tubby legs out of the bed. He rose quickly and walked into the bathroom.
He turned on the cold water, splashing his face and neck. He returned to the bedroom and laid back down.

After only a short time, Bob fell fast asleep. Shane sat up, putting his pillow against the headboard. He wondered what could have frightened Bob. Shane poured a glass of water and took his blood pressure medication.

He turned off his lamp, and decided to lay back down for a bit. With his head on his pillow for a scant thirty seconds or so; the phone began to ring.

The day of wine and roses was over.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 16th, 2022
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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Black Eagle Dream

April 16th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 46

“Ladies, that was Sonny Ray, he is on his way so I am going to wait out here until he arrives.” “Okay Dwayne,” Nadia and Natalia replied in a sassy sing song way. “Be careful Dwayne,” Nadia said suddenly solemn. Dwayne smiled as he shut the front door. He placed his two tripods and other gear on the porch. He sat at the top of the steps and waited.

Lights began to shine in his direction from off the freeway. He stood up from the porch as Sonny Ray rolled into the driveway. Both men exchanged broad smiles.

“Look at you Sonny Ray. Clear glasses, hair slicked back, you got the black t-shirt on,” Dwayne said enthusiastically. Dwayne was all red road, and psyched to go as well. He quickly loaded up the equipment and started to walk to the door of the truck. “Okay, I guess that means we have no time for some cold pizza eh?” Sonny Ray asked pointing in the direction of the house, disappointed. Dwayne laughed.

“No my friend, I have something much better to offer you than that. The girls hooked us up with some frybread, with the works, plus my grandmother made us some mutton stew, and yes Sonny Ray she made some extra frybread for you.” “Small kine chee hoo, I don’t want to frighten the neighbors,” Sonny Ray said playfully. “Sonny Ray I got you,” Dwayne said lifting up a big lunchbox. “Whew, that’s what’s up, because I’m starving bruh,” Sonny Ray said. “Sonny Ray you say that about every forty five minutes, you know that right?” Dwayne said smiling, eyebrows extended upward.

“Big engines require more fuel Dwayne, why you wanna harsh my flow bro?” Sonny Ray asked, feigning to be offended. Dwayne jumped in, and they were off. They made the short drive across Antelope Springs. As they neared the border of the Trailer Nation, Dwayne pointed out the fire break, and Sonny Ray slowed, turning off his head lights. Sonny Ray drove a fair distance on the firebreak so the truck would be not be detected from either direction of the highway.

The two men quietly closed the truck doors. Without a word the two men donned their backpacks, and headed down the darkened fire break. Soon they could hear the incidental stir of people in the small trailer park.

The two men slipped into the woods, walking cautiously for a hundred and fifty yards or so. They walked up the short farmers dike, and surveilled the park. The field of alfalfa had been recently harvested, so it would offer no challenge in crossing it.

However, it didn’t offer much in the way of cover. It was the logical approach though, with the minimal risk of being detected. The two men had decided Sonny Ray would make the incursion when the time was right.

Dwayne had brought along two radios that he had borrowed from his twelve year old nephews,

Victor and Thomas.

Dwayne set up his tripod, and began the surveillance on officer Bob. Sonny Ray decided to hold off on the frybread until he got back. He was pumped now, ready to go. Dwayne could see into Bob’s trailer. The tv was on, and at least one lamp as well. Dwayne went to one knee, and placed an old towel on the ground. He then opened his backpack, and pulled out a slender but long box.

As he removed the top of the box Sonny Ray took a knee. “That’s the real deal yeah?” Sonny Ray exclaimed. Dwayne nodded as he worked the pistol out of its styrofoam packaging. “It looks and feels exactly like the one officer Bob has over in his rat hole over there; Dwayne said as he pursed his lips in the direction of the trailer park.

Dwayne handed him the new pistol. Sonny Ray took a lightly oiled rag and wrapped the pistol in it. He placed it in a small plastic grocery bag, and finally into his backpack. The two men stood quietly in the dark. Waiting, and watching.
“You ready?” Sonny Ray nodded casually, nonchalant. “Okay, be ready because I believe officer Bob is preparing to head out for the evening,” Dwayne said excitedly as he continued looking through his camera lens. Sonny Ray hooked a radio onto his belt.

The two men could hear the slamming of the trailer door, and stood side by side as the red tail lights of the old car faded from sight. After exchanging some fist dap Sonny Ray walked cautiously down the short dike. He could feel his adrenaline flowing but he was focused, under control.

A light left on by Bob would help make for a quick assessment of the trailer layout. Sonny Ray approached the back of the trailer. He was looking into a window that Bob had left unsecured. The smell of stale beer wafed out the tiny window. It reminded him of his father’s apartment. Pushing that thought from his mind, he eased around the side of the trailer. He looked in both directions of the road leading in and out of the park. He could hear a couple of older men laughing, but nothing close by caused him any alarm.

He rounded the side of the trailer, and was about to approach the front door when a pair of headlights flashed up near the trailer. Sonny Ray turned quickly making a short sprint back to the back of Bob’s abode. He was now in horse mode.

In the next ten seconds, depending on what he heard, or didn’t hear; he would go into his fight or flight response. “Shit,” Sonny Ray thought. The brakes squeaked loudly as the car abruptly stopped. It was officer Bob. The portly policeman slammed the door of his car. He left the car running, so evidently he had not planned on staying very long. Sonny Ray hunched down and waited.

He could hear Bob grumbling as he slammed a drawer. Sonny Ray concentrated on controlling his breathing as he waited. The tiny aluminum door of the trailer flung open, only to be slammed shut. Sonny Ray stood up slowly, and as he did, he accidentally keyed the button of his radio. Bob, who had his hand on his car door handle quickly turned back, drawing his small pistol.

Sonny Ray had heard the sound of the pistol clearing the leather holster, which was immediately followed by the sound of the metallic click of a hammer being cocked. Officer Bob was sweating profusely as he advanced slowly around to the side of the trailer. “Who’s there damnit?” Officer Bob called out.

The sound of field crickets could be heard conversing in some over grown grass near the skirting of the travel trailer. Sonny Ray heard them chirping, and hoped they were cheering for him.

The unannounced yelping of a coyote passing through the alfalfa field behind them, startled both men. “Damn varmints,” Bob said as he uncocked his pistol. After nervously returning his pistol to its holster, he turned back toward his vehicle. After slamming the car door, he was gone.

The primal sounds of a coyote celebrating its kill began to fade in the early twlight of the evening.

Sonny Ray took a deep breath. Sweat poured off his forehead. He returned his knife to its sheath. Sonny Ray quickly glanced around and then slid quietly into the small trailer. He closed the door, and stood quiet. He could hear a tv blaring, and a small dog barking. Other than that he was good to go. He walked down the small hallway and entered the bedroom. He quickly pulled open the two drawers of a chincy white oak night stand. Finding nothing but an old phone book and a dusty box of condoms, Sonny Ray closed them carefully. He opened the sliding closet door.

He bent down and slid the olive drab foot locker out. He placed his backpack on the floor, and opened the Army footlocker. Lifting out the wooden compartment that was used for underwear, and socks, he placed it on the small unmade bed. Peering into the bottom of the footlocker he found the large pistol wrapped in a rag. He took a picture of the pistol, and carefully removed it realizing in all likelihood it was loaded. Sonny Ray unwrapped Bob’s pistol, so he could use his oily rag.

After wrapping the new replacement pistol in Bob’s oily rag, Sonny Ray placed the replacement weapon in the footlocker. Sonny Ray unloaded officer Bob’s cannon, putting the rounds in his pocket.

He placed Bob’s pistol into his backpack. He closed the top of the olive green footlocker, and slid it back in the closet. He closed the closet door, and scanned the room one last time. He was satisfied that everything looked right. He quickly walked to the front door, and slowly opened it, leaving with the minimal amount of noise.

After turning the corner of the trailer Sonny Ray began a slow roll in the direction he had last seen Dwayne. “Hey Sonny Ray over here,” Dwayne called out.

Sonny Ray honed in on his voice, and soon stood next to Dwayne, bent over trying to catch his breath. After gathering their gear they headed down the fire break. “Hey uh,” Sonny Ray offered. “Let me guess your hungry,” Dwayne said laughing.

Sonny Ray smiled, but then said, “Hey by the way how did you know I was in trouble? That was perfect timing with the coyote barking, because when he started to turn that corner I thought I was in some serious trouble.”

“What are you talking about?” Dwayne asked, mildly confused.

He went on to relate to him when he accidentally keyed the radio, and then Bob pulling his weapon. “Sonny Ray I saw his shadow coming towards the side of the trailer that you were on, but as far as a coyote, that wasn’t me man,” Dwayne replied. “That coyote, scared the crap out of me bruh,” Sonny Ray said sheepishly. “Hey let’s go eat,” Dwayne said smirking.

“Whatever man, okay let’s go then cause I’m hungry for real,” Sonny Ray said shot back.

The two men drove a short distance on the fire break, and once reaching the hardtop they headed back to Nadia’s office.
The black eagle sat atop a centuries old ponderosa pine, looking down on the two young men as they drove by;

both unaware of the watchful eye of this celestial creature upon them.

The two men had no idea that the black eagle and the coyote were old friends.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 10th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 47

It was just a few ticks past midnight. Bob had spent the afternoon drinking, and had put a real dent in this newest bottle of whiskey.

Empty beer cans, and a shot glass were his only companions.
Bob had thrown his army footlocker, and a few medium sized boxes into the trunk of his car earlier in the day. Bob now sat at the little dinette table engaged in a full on pity party.

He had placed his service revolver on the table next to his badge. Bob had put his big hog in its holster and placed it on the front seat.

Bob sat lamenting the one constant in this equation, and that was the fact that he should have listened.
Shane had warned him many times about wearing the bracelet on duty.

More importantly Shane had pleaded with him to leave the indigenous community alone.

Right now though, Bob could give a shit about all that.

He flipped his cigarette butt out the wide open door of the travel trailer. He drank another shot.

The whiskey burned as it went down, causing what little reasonableness he possessed, to flee the scene.
The local police had dialed down the search.

To a man they all knew where he was.

They had no intention of arresting him, but they played the role to pacify their community constituents, and to remain committed to the continuous nationwide facade of transparency.

Bob would only be apprehended if he stayed in town much longer. He knew he had to make a move. He had to sober up and get his mind right.

This was war.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 9th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 48

Shane had taken down his remaining awards from the paneled walls of his spacious office. The dusty shadows left by the many framed certificates reminded him of Hiroshima, Japan for some reason.

He recalled having seen a book filled with the images of destruction that had been thrust upon the civilian population of Japan during World War II.

The blast delivered was so powerful that it captured the shadows of inanimate objects, and cast them upon the ground for the world to see.

Shane felt downcast himself.

An atomic bomb had landed on his world, and his life, and career had been laid bare for the entire country to see.

He finished packing his boxes, and began to load them up in his vehicle. Shane locked his car and was returning to his office when Bob stepped out of the shadows of the now quiet parking lot. “Shane, it’s me Bob.” Shane stood at the rear of his vehicle waiting for Bob. Shane initially was startled, but as Bob came closer Shane could feel his blood pressure rising.

Shane could smell the whiskey on his breath as Bob stood in the parking lot.

“Shane, I, I fucked up, I can’t believe this is happening.” Bob was at a loss for words. Shane looked down, shaking his head slowly. “Bob I have been telling you for sometime now to leave the natives alone, but hell now your own people want your head on a platter, and I don’t blame them,” Shane said bitterly. Bob nodded, silently acknowledging the rightfulness of his words.

An awkward pause ensued. “So where are you headed?” Bob finally asked. “I have a sister in Oregon, and she has a spare room so I think I’ll go there for awhile until I get things straightened out,” Shane said, his words trailing away. “So what about you Bob, what are your plans?” Sadness was laced in his voice.

“I don’t rightly know at the moment. I hear Virginia or Missouri are always looking for experienced cops, but I haven’t made up my mind,” Bob said.

“Well whatever you decide I would appreciate that you not cause anymore problems for me. I agreed with Mayor Meekham, and the City council to resign immediately, in exchange for a more lenient outcome, so don’t screw this up for me Bob,” Shane said bluntly.

Bob was sobering up to the moment.

“Well, by god if that’s how you feel, I’ll just head home, and be on my way first thing in the morning. Before I go though I want to give you something.” Bob pulled out his service revolver.

Shane turned two shades whiter than he already was.

Bob saw the fear in his eyes. “Relax Shane,” Bob said as he held back from smirking.

Bob handed him the pistol. Bob fumbled in his jacket pocket. He pulled out his badge and handed it to Shane. “Oh, before I forget, I have some of your things from the house.” Shane opened the passenger door of his vehicle. He produced a medium size box and handed it to Bob.

“Well I guess this is it then,” Bob said, holding the box.

“I guess so,” Shane said curtly.

Bob turned without a word, walking away into the darkness,

leaving Shane to stand there alone in the cool evening of night.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 8th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 49

Sonny Ray was headed home tomorrow.
It would of course be a short drive from Antelope Springs to Las Vegas, especially the way
Sonny Ray was known for driving.
Their house in Las Vegas began to reflect a small family in full on moving mode. Nikko had been a busy lady. Sonny Ray was excited to get home.

Dwayne had left earlier to deliver some firewood to his grandmother. Dwayne returned a couple of hours later and headed for the shower. Sonny Ray had been watching the local news when he began to hear Dwayne singing loudly in the shower. He was happy for Dwayne. You could see it in the way he carried himself when Nadia was around.

The following morning the two men sat drinking coffee at the kitchen table when they heard a knock at the door. It was rare for anyone to come to Dwayne’s home this early in the morning.

“Hello in there,” a familiar voice called out through the screen door. Dwayne walked toward the back door. “Oh hey, what are, uh, oh come in, come in,” Dwayne said, completely surprised. He held open the screen door, as Nadia and Natalia walked in, each with a bag of groceries in tow.

“Good morning boys,” Natalia said with a smile. After putting the bags on the kitchen counter Nadia made an announcement. “We wanted to express our appreciation for you two in helping us to remove these individuals from our community, besides neither one of you cook very well so.” The four friends looked at each other smiling, and with the help of Sonny Ray, and a couple of well timed chee hoos, the crowd turned raucous and the celebration was on. The ladies cooked up some omelets, turkey bacon, toast, orange juice, hashbrowns, and freshly cut fruit. Soon they all sat stuffed, and satisfied. Dwayne and Nadia poured another cup of coffee, and decided to go out on the back deck to talk.

Natalia looked at Sonny Ray.

First on one side of his head, and then on the other.

“What? what’s wrong, what you got to say smarty pants?” Sonny Ray fired off the first volley of the banter war.

Natalia smiled slowly.

“You know you’re going to be on tv today right?” Natalia asked, preparing to cap on Sonny Ray. “Yeah I know, and?” He was playfully goading her now.
“Bro you need to do something with them hawaiian curls of yours cause right now you look a hot mess, for real,” Natalia concluded.

“Oh is that right?” Sonny Ray asked, defiant now.

Natalia nodded in the affirmative, smiling sweetly.

“What you like do?” he asked with some thick hawaiian pidgin.

“Siéntate,” she commanded. Natalia walked to the bathroom to get a brush and some light hair oil. Natalia brushed his hair into a thick ponytail. They had a few hours before the press conference would begin.
After they cleaned up the kitchen, they would go hang out at Nadia’s office before going to City Hall. Wes had called Nadia earlier from nearby Williams to tell her that someone had fire bombed his barn last night.

He lost a horse, and several other farm animals, Wes was concerned for them. Nadia assured him that they were prepared for whatever and that passivity was no longer an option. The tide had finally begun to turn in favor of the home team.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 7th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 50

Bob stood staring at himself in the bathroom mirror. He had not shaved in several days. His eyes were beyond bloodshot. Bob had perhaps three hours of sleep in the last day and a half. A cigarette hung from his mouth. He had to close one eye as smoke was stinging the other one shut. He grabbed it from his mouth, and tossed it in the toilet.

He stumbled down the diminutive hallway and now sat at his shabby dinette table. He poured another shot of whiskey but did not drink it. His whole world had collapsed, taken down and away, just like that.
He reached for the shot of whisky and threw it back nonchalantly. However, as he sat in his tiny travel trailer his anger had continued to toss and roll.

Like a man atop an over turned boat in a dark storm, Bob remained captive to his foamy seething; a servant to his unrelenting animosity.

He had no intention of attending the press conference. Moreover, Bob had told Shane he would not. He had promised Shane he would leave town,

but this feeling;

this desperate feeling of being powerless, overwhelmed him.

Between Notah, and that Sonny Ray what’s his name, he simply could not accept the fact that he had been done in by a couple of minorities.

It was a feeling he was neither familiar with, nor comfortable to have to acknowledge to himself.

After all, he was an American, this was his country, there was an order of things; a predetermined course that had been plotted out centuries ago by his forefathers.

This was a way of life designed for men like him. To thrive, to succeed. And by god, this was as far as it was going to go.

He had been pushed around long enough.

Bob was going to that damn press conference.

He was going to shoot that big harwaiian, and that damn Notah too. And if he could kill that Apache trouble maker Nadia, and her smart ass Puerto Rican friend, he’d get them too.
As he slammed the door of his trailer palace for the last time,
Bob vowed never
to watch
another seventies
rerun of
Harwaii 5-0,
as long as he lived.

The Mayor sat at his desk reading over his speech for the impending press conference. However, like any good politician worth his salt, he would have to get some mirror time. He had a luxurious private bathroom to practice for the next fifteen minutes or so. The media had finished setting up their cameras.

More of the local citizenry began to filter in, merging with the growing crowd. In a half hour the Mayor would deliver perhaps one of the most crucial speeches of his political career. The Mayor wanted this controversy to go away as quickly as possible.

Mayor Meekham was peeved when he got wind that local enforcement had loosed the net on their former colleague. He knew many of his cops liked Bob, but Bob was now officially a fugitive.

The Mayor promoted the long tenured Captain William Logan, to be the new Chief of Police of Antelope Springs.

The Mayor was understanding about the whole thin blue line thing, but he wanted extra uniforms at the press conference in the event Bob was ignorant enough to show his face.

Truthfully the Mayor didn’t believe Bob would show, but he wanted a show of force for all the media to see.
He anticipated many of the respected members of the various indigenous nations of this region to be present. He knew that these tribal nations all had members who had been brutalized by former officer, Bob Fritz.

Mayor Meekham was concerned that things could get ugly.

He thought it prudent to ask the various tribal nations to send members of their respective police force, to assist with crowd control, and to provide a show of force.

It also gave the citizenry of Antelope illusion that he cared.

It was almost time for the press conference. The Mayor looked down at his cell phone. He tossed his phone on his desk. A buzz came from his secretary. “Yes?”
“Chief Edwards is here Mr. Mayor,” his secretary replied.

“Send him in Rachel,” Mayor Meekham replied.

It was the last time he would be called Chief of anything

in the small town of Antelope Springs, Arizona.
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Black Eagle Dream

April 6th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 51

The indigenous foursome stood among the throngs of people who had gathered at the bottom of the stairs. The media was as thick as thieves, as they stood at the ready; waiting for the show to begin. The police had set up barricades, and posted up officers at all exits. The Mayor posted two officers on the roof with long rifles to ensure they would not get caught unawares. The Mayor was due to speak anytime now. Many in the crowd looked around nervously.

Sonny Ray overheard an older white gentleman claiming to be part Cherokee. If he heard that one more time today, he swore he would ram his finger down his throat, and throw up on somebody’s shoes.

Nadia had just gotten off the phone with her cousin Greg, who worked in the records division of the Antelope Springs police department. Greg soon appeared, standing at the top of the stairs. He waved the party of four to join him. Greg had found a spot behind the podium, out of the view of the Mayor and Police Chief Edwards.

They did however, receive several nasty looks from City Council members, who were sitting down in comfortable chairs under a large white gazebo. After settling in, Sonny Ray and Dwayne began to scan the crowd in the event Bob might make an unannounced appearance. The two large wood doors from the back of City Hall suddenly swung open. Several burly cops lead the way. Mayor Meekham with Chief Edwards in tow, made their way to the podium. The Mayor, speech in hand stood quietly in front of the large crowd. He waited for the crowd to settle down a bit. He pointed at several people in acknowledgment.

With a nod, he gave recognition to the City Council as well. In his peripheral vision he spotted Nadia, and her group.
He ignored them, and turned back toward the large crowd. “I would like to ask the members of the media to reserve their questions until the conclusion of this press conference, thank you,” Mayor Meekham said with a strained tone of civility. He had no intention of fielding their damn idiotic questions. He paused for a moment. “Good morning.”
A smattering of greetings could be heard in return from the crowd. “Today is an inauspicious day for the city of Antelope Springs, and for Arizona as well. As most of you have heard a great controversy has come to our community. Much like the recent forest fires, everyone is being affected by this unfortunate turn of events.” The Mayor looked involuntarily at Nadia. She returned his gaze, firm. “I have agreed to speak in behalf of Mr. Edwards. If by chance he decides to expound on anything later, that will be at his discretion. However, today’s announcement will be final, and without prejudice.

First I want to state that the personal relationship of Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Fritz are not the issue here.” Shane stood quietly, displaying as much contrition as humanly possible. He knew he had dodged some major charges. “The actions taken by my office are as a result of police misconduct, namely assault under the color of office; namely to carry out unlawful and willful acts of violence and coercion against several citizens of the various Native American communities, and others. Many other charges are pending, as my office is waiting on the City Attorney’s office to finalize its assessment of the several new potential charges to be leveled against these former police officers.”

“Spoken like a man selling ocean front property in Nevada,” Natalia whispered in Nadia’s ear.

An incidental smile crossed Nadia’s face as she listened intently to each word the Mayor spoke. The Mayor continued, “I wish to announce that in addition to terminating the employment of officer Bob Fritz, I have today issued a warrant for his arrest.”

Mayor Meekham had issued the warrant late last week, but didn’t want this PR opportunity to pass him by.

The large crowd erupted with clapping and cheering; mostly by those in the indigenous community. The Mayor raised his hand in an attempt to regain control of the crowd. The Mayor continued, “I would also like to announce that I have accepted the resignation of Shane Edwards.” The large crowd didn’t want to hear that, and immediately started up with the bullshit chant. “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit,” as the collective voice of the people began to rise. This went on for several minutes.

The Mayor attempted to get their attention by raising his hand once again, but the crowd wasn’t having it. “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit,” they chanted, over and over again.

Non native folks in the crowd started looking around for the exits, as did many of those in the indigenous community with their older ones, and children.

The Mayor made several attempts to quiet the crowd but he could not placate them until they had had their say; as they continued to make known their displeasure. Nadia had not planned to, but she stepped forward and urged the crowd to let the Mayor conclude.

Mayor Meekham who despised Nadia, turned to her with a disingenuous nod of appreciation. “The trust of our community is at stake here.

It is my hope that we can put to rest this whole sordid affair, and move forward in our separate but equal communities,” the Mayor declared, like a man who knew he was up for reelection soon.

The volume of the crowd continued to grow louder.

The police encircled the Mayor who decided it would be best to take his leave. The majority of the Antelope Springs Police Department along with several officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety flanked the Mayor, as well as the various police departments throughout Indian Country.

These officers acted as dog soldiers, creating a rear buffer for the retreating Mayor. The remaining police officers of the Antelope Springs Department escorted the City Council back to their chambers. The major news outlets were furious. Reporters scrambled in protest, screaming foul. Nadia smiled. Dwayne put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Separate but equal my ass,” Natalia said to no one in particular.

With Mayor Meekham, and the former Police Chief out of the picture, many folks began to trickle out of the large courtyard. Small groups began to form. Conversations continued as several custodians appeared, stacking chairs, and a doing a general clean up. A custodian pushing a large grey garbage cart, approached the podium. After unplugging the microphone he stood up and began rolling up the black microphone cable.
He slowly looked in the direction of Nadia and her three friends who were engaged in a celebratory conversation. Sonny Ray felt eyes on him. He looked around instinctively, finally turning in the direction of the podium, his eyes locking in on the hate filled gaze of officer Bob.

The former cop quickly lowered his hand into the large garbage can finding the pistol grip of the large hand held cannon.

He shoved the garbage can aside, and stumbled forward. Twelve to fifteen feet separated Bob from doing what he came here to do. Without looking around Sonny Ray grabbed Dwayne’s arm. “Dwayne move, go,” Sonny Ray said, nudging his friend.

Dwayne looked up and saw Bob. He turned toward Nadia and Natalia. “We gotta go, we gotta go now!” as Dwayne quickly urged the women to escape. Sonny Ray put his hands up, facing Officer Bob as he stood as calmly as humanly possible.

Bob had every intention of killing the two men, and the women; but for whatever reason he had become fixated on Sonny Ray. As Dwayne took his two friends to safety, the crowd saw Bob and his large pistol, and people began to scatter in a panic.

The former cop suddenly raised his pistol and pointed it at Sonny Ray, center mass. “You cost me my job you son of a bitch,” Bob screamed. His words were slurred; but his bitter intent came through loud and clear. “Do you hear me?! I’m going to kill your sorry coconut ass,” Bob bellowed, struggling to string a few words together.

Sonny Ray knew what the plan was, but he was very much afraid.

“What if Bob discovered what we had done?” the large Hawaiian thought to himself.

He could see Bob and his unhinged gaze glaring keenly in his direction.

Bob blinked once, and pulled the trigger.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 5th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 52

Sonny Ray had heard the metallic click of the large and ominous firearm. Everyone to be sure, must have expected a loud explosion, and flames from the end of the long barrel of death.
Instead, a small pop was distinctly heard as a small white flag extended slowly from the end of the barrel. The word ‘bang’ was printed on both sides of the flag; along with large exclamation points. Everyone who witnessed it was momentarily stunned. Especially Bob. He stood there, with the pistol still extended out away from his body. He slowly lowered the weapon.

Sonny Ray boyishly began to smile.

Dwayne approached Sonny Ray with a melange of anxiety, and relief on his face.
They had pulled it off.
It was over.
The media, having been left high and dry by the Mayor of Antelope Springs, ended up being at the right place at the right time. The flash of many cameras continued, blinding Bob momentarily.
All the major networks had filmed the entire incident.
Several Navajo Policeman approached Bob, weapons drawn, as Bob who stood swaying in a drunken haze, offered little resistance as the rookie cop removed the fraudulent .357 handgun from Bob’s grasp. Bob continued to stare at Sonny Ray.

Bob though was not quite ready to quit. In a MacGyver like moment, Bob slipped a coin from his pocket, and threw it down in the general direction of Dwayne and his three friends. It began to roll in their direction, and arrested the attention of everyone.

Bob bent down slightly pulling his pant leg up over his right cowboy boot. His smallish hand found the .38 caliber pistol.

After shoving the rookie cop, Bob stood erect with renewed vigor. He charged the foursome, hell bent on killing them all.

He lurched forward pulling the trigger. The sound of the weapon in this setting, stunned the onlookers.

Bob continued to pull the trigger. Six times he pulled the trigger. Small flames from the end of the barrel could be seen, the smell of gunpowder heavy in the air.

Nothing.

Sonny Ray and his friends had instinctively crouched, and scattered when they saw the second pistol. The commotion was unsettling.

Bob stood in shocked silence. “How, did you, you,” was all the former cop could manage.

Greg, Nadia’s cousin had crossed paths with Bob earlier in the day. With the assistance of a couple of police officers, Bob had slipped into the service elevator of City Hall in order to go undetected. He descended to the basement and was not challenged as he obtained access to the Antelope Springs Records Department. Bob was looking for police files he had been named in.

Greg was the Records Clerk, and had received a call thirty minutes prior, with instructions by the desk Sargeant that he was going to have a visitor to the Records Department.

He was instructed to fully cooperate, and keep quiet about the visitor.

When he saw Bob, Greg figured he was there to remove incriminating evidence. Greg insisted though that before he would allow Bob to look at any files he would first have to check his weapons at the door.

Bob thought nothing of it as he wanted to get what he wanted, and get the hell out of there.

“Hold this chief,” Bob said sarcastically as he brushed by Greg.

While Bob was hurriedly looking for files, Greg had taken the pistol to his desk. Greg sat down at his desk, and continued to watch Bob as he quietly unloaded the hollow point rounds of the .38 police revolver. He replaced them with blanks. He then put the pistol on top of his desk, and waited. After ten minutes or so Bob walked the narrow hall where Greg sat waiting. Bob had a stack of files in hand. “I’ll need you to sign for those,” Greg stated, ignoring his standing orders.

Without a word Bob approached Greg. He reached for his pistol. After opening the cylinder Bob glanced at the weapon to ensure all six rounds were there. After closing the cylinder Bob pointed the pistol at Greg.

Greg didn’t move an inch as Bob had placed the barrel of the weapon against his forehead. “Where did you want me to sign you filthy native scum?” Greg said nothing as Bob lowered his pistol. After putting it back in the holster he adjusted his pant leg. He glared murderously at Greg before turning to leave.

Greg now stood at the press conference next to his cousin Nadia. Dwayne looked at Greg. “How did you know about the .38 in his boot?” Dwayne asked Greg. “I overheard through the thin blue line network that Bob was going to try and hijack the files of those he had assaulted over the past several years,” Greg exclaimed.

“Everyone in the Antelope Springs Police Department knew Bob carried an unregistered pistol, including me,” Greg said with a smile. Bob stood a short distance away with his head lowered, silent and alone.

The young indigenous rookie policeman, though not accustomed to the Jack Ruby like performance, regained his composure placing Bob under arrest.

The media continued to encircle Bob, microphones poking at his face like phallic symbols. Bob was guaranteed atleast a half hour of short lived fame, opposed to the standard fifteen minutes. He had earned it with that performance.

As the native cops escorted him to their cruiser, an informal gauntlet of his indigenous neighbors stood quietly, looking curiously at him.

Sonny Ray and Dwayne stood across from eachother as the cops escorted Bob down the middle of the small crowd.

Both men slowly reached out and touched the shoulder of Bob, counting an intertribal coup upon their enemy.

Bob naturally flinched, thinking them to do him harm. All the people from various nations followed suit. He was not harmed because he was not worthy of such a memorable end.

Bob was no warrior.

He was a coward and just a sad human being who lived in a diminutive world of his own making. Bob sat in the back seat of the police cruiser, his sweaty forehead against the window, staring out into the mostly indigenous crowd.

He was confused, stunned. Bob had expected to be possibly killed, and at the very least beaten badly for his attempts to murder four people. They had every right to get after him, but they didn’t. Bob for the life of him, could not understand why.

His humiliation was complete.

As Bob continued to look out the window, the lights of the cruiser, and siren were turned on, as he began the short journey to jail. After an hour and a half of being interviewed, the foursome along with Greg, and some other friends, caravanned to Dwayne’s house to celebrate.

Tomorrow Sonny Ray would hit the road, bound for Las Vegas.

The following morning Sonny Ray and Dwayne shared a cup of coffee.
After gathering his two bags the two men headed downstairs. Sonny Ray closed the trunk of his rental car.
“Here you go,” Dwayne said handing his friend a brown paper bag. “What’s this?” “My grandmother made you some lunch, you know for the road,” Dwayne said. “Mahalo nui my friend please be sure to thank your grandmother for me,” Sonny Ray said quietly. The two men shook hands.

It was time to go.

“Call me when you get to Vegas. Nadia made me promise her that. We all want to know you got home safe,” Dwayne said, tapping the top of the car. “I will.” Sonny Ray began to slowly roll away. “Hey Sonny Ray, ” Dwayne called out. Sonny Ray braked, and looked back at Dwayne. “You better hurry, your friend there might arrive before you do,” Dwayne said pointing at the westerly skies.
Sonny Ray looked up. “It more than likely will,” Sonny Ray said. “You think so?” Dwayne replied. “Hey man, it has no stop signs, and no cops,” Sonny Ray replied.
“Get home safe Sonny Ray.” Sonny Ray waved, and slowly drove away.

The Black Eagle Dream pressed on.

Cyrus would have been proud of his son.

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Black Eagle Dream

April 4th, 2022
A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 53

Three weeks had passed.

Sonny Ray sat on the couch watching an animated movie with his now sleeping daughter. The phone rang. Nikko, who was upstairs packing a few boxes, answered the phone. She looked over the railing and signaled to her husband that he had a call. Sonny Ray gently laid his daughter on the couch. After placing pillows strategically next to his little girl, he quietly slipped upstairs to take the call. “Who is it?” Sonny Ray whispered. Nikko smiled at her husband. “Dwayne.” Sonny Ray’s eyes lit up. “Dwayne how are you?” “Hey Sonny Ray, I’m fine, how are you doing?”

“Everything is coming along. We received an amazing offer for the house. Some couple from California paying cash, so we’ve been packing. “I’m glad to hear that,” Dwayne replied.
“So how is everything in Antelope Springs?” Sonny Ray asked quietly. “Things are settling down. The Mayor is going to begin recruiting, I hear he is looking for a new Police Chief and perhaps another officer. Oh, and by the way, Bob is still sitting in jail at the moment,” Dwayne said.
“Really? How did he manage that?” Sonny Ray asked. “Well if he had kept his big mouth shut the judge would have allowed him to post bail. But he kept getting louder, and belligerent so the judge held him in contempt.”
“Wow, well good for him,”
Sonny Ray said sarcastically. “So how is the black eagle doing in sin city?” Dwayne asked. “Well it has all the birds in my area shook up, that’s for sure. Not to mention all the cats and dogs in my neighborhood.”
“Well please keep me posted Sonny Ray, and say hello to your family for me,” Dwayne said.
“No worries bruh, I will. Likewise Dwayne. Give my best to Nadia, and Natalia okay? And your cousin Greg too; if not for him we might not have made it out of there.

Oh, and I cannot forget about your grandmother.”
“I will,” Dwayne replied.
“Take care my friend.” Sonny Ray hung up the phone. He was happy to be leaving Las Vegas. He felt a twinge of regret in regards his new friend Dwayne. Sonny Ray was friendly with most everyone, but he didn’t make friends easily. The fact of the matter is, his wife was his only friend.

It was a trust factor, one that had been seared from his psychological profile.

In his heart however, he knew he had found a friend in Dwayne. And that was the hard part. He had to go, wanted to go, dreamed about returning home to the big island for many years.

This was the story of his life.

Sonny Ray headed down the stairs to check on little Raye. He sat down to resume the movie. As he reached for the remote, the phone rang.

Sonny Ray stopped short, as he looked upward waiting for his wife to appear. She smiled down at him. He sighed but quickly headed upstairs. “It’s not my mom is it?” Sonny Ray asked, whispering. Nikko had placed her hand over the receiver.

“It’s a Dr. Campbell, from Tucson. He needs to speak with you about, well I’ll let him tell you,” Nikko said, handing him the phone.

He took the phone from her hand, and sat quietly at the top of the stairs. He paused for a moment to gather himself. “Hi, this is Sonny Ray.”

“Hello young man, I imagine you remember who I am.”
“Yes sir, I do,” Sonny Ray replied.
“The reason I called Sonny Ray was to let you know something that your father had whispered to me before he slipped into a coma.
I apologize for not telling you sooner. I only remembered because i was finalizing your Dad’s medical report, and I came across it in my notes.”

“Dr. Campbell it’s okay, please, there’s no need to apologize really,” Sonny Ray said, reassurance in his tone.

Sonny Ray leaned back against the wall. “I have it written down somewhere here in your Dad’s file.” There was a long pause of silence. Sonny Ray could hear the sound of papers being shuffled.
“Oh yes, here it is. Your father said, and I quote, he said,

“‘Tell my son, tell Sonny Ray, I have seen the black eagle dream,’”

end of quote,” Dr. Campbell said firmly.
Sonny Ray was speechless.

“Does that ring a bell, or make any kind of sense to you?” Dr. Campbell asked.

Sonny Ray was too stunned to reply.

“Young man are you there?”
“Uh yeah doc I’m right here,” Sonny Ray was reeling.

“You know I have no idea what he meant by that,” Sonny Ray said,

telling a little cream colored lie.

“Well, I wanted you to know his last words,” Dr. Campbell said gently.
“I appreciate you for taking the time to call me doc, thank you. Take care Doctor Campbell.”
Sonny Ray hung up. He sat there quietly for several moments with his eyes closed.

He said his father’s last words aloud, in the hope that it might provide a spontaneous epiphany. He thought about his Dad. He thought of Cyrus. Sonny Ray wondered if his mom had told his father about Cyrus. He was doubtful.
Sonny Ray began to recall what Cyrus had asked him, that night in the hogan. Cyrus had asked him if he had seen the black eagle.

The old man had asked him twice. He had given Cyrus the correct answer when he had finally understood the question; and acknowledged seeing the black eagle in his dreams.

“Tell my son, tell Sonny Ray I have seen the black eagle dream.”

His father’s last words reverberated in his mind.

Sonny Ray’s eyes began to well up. He blinked, as warm tears rolled slowly down his face. Sonny Ray whispered his father’s last words again,

“‘Tell my son, tell Sonny Ray; I have seen the Black Eagle Dream.’”

“I Love you Dad,” said Kawika.

END

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