Two Different Men

Sam actually grinned at Marley’s good nature. It seemed nothing brought her down, even the threat of being leered at and put down by his people.

He carefully watched her as they rode upon the reservation and straight toward the Chief’s home and office. Men stared at the blonde hair and blue eyes of the girl riding down the main stretch. She got a few whistles from the men. Curses from the women. One woman actually slapped her man across the head.

Still, it seemed Marley was happy. It didn’t dampen her spirits. Riding up to Mukwooru’s home and office, the two noticed two men sitting upon the porch. Sam got off Pale Moon and looked up at Marley.

“Thank you for lifting my spirits during the ride Miss King,” he spoke, as he handed the reigns of Pale Moon to Marley. “Please load your’s and my horses upon the trailer hooked to that Jeep over there,” he pointed to a 1983 forest green Jeep CJ-5, “while I go inside and get my belongings.”

He gazed up on the porch. She would be fine, away from the confrontation. Sam approached the older man, head held high.

“Pahayoko!” the Chief shouted. “What is the meaning of this. You bring the daughter of the one who holds our land onto our reservation?”

Sam stood his ground. “Grandfather, it is time we accept others. She has done you no harm.”

The man who sat on the porch with the Chief stood up and struck Sam with a forceful backhand, knocking Sam to his knees. Sam stood back up, anger in his eyes. He looked toward his grandfather, who crossed his arms and turned his back to Sam.

Sam shook his head and walked into the house. He returned a few minutes later with his clothing. He had a tent and tools in the back of his Jeep. This was all he needed.

“I wish you well, grandfather,” Sam spoke. “If you need me, you can find me at the King’s ranch.”

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Embry pursed his lips at Kate’s request for information. He took another sip of bourbon.

“Here is not the place to discuss plans,” Jack calmly stated to Kate. Yep! He was right. Definitely a take charge kind of gal. She wanted to get straight to business. “There’s no tellin’ who might want to hear. If you’d like to discuss our plans, perhaps a quieter place would do.”