In early Spring, their postman walked to the door to find Trevor and Mitch, shirtless, enjoying the morning sun and drinking coffee.
“Good morning, fellas. I have a certified letter for you, Trevor. I’ll need your signature.”
While Trevor signed for the letter, Ralph, the postman, looked at their garden. The dark, rich soil was tilled, and the rows already distinguishable.
“You already planted?”
Mitch nodded, “Everything’s in the ground as of two days ago. Now it’s hurry up and wait.”
Ralph smiled and said, “I gotta tell you, that corn you gave me last year was the best my wife and I ever had.”
Trevor returned Ralph's pen and said, “That was Silver Queen, and it was so good that’s all I planted this year. There should be enough to give you a few more ears when it matures.”
“Molly wants to get some laying hens, so I’m building a coup right now. I’ll be happy to share some fresh eggs once they start laying. I don’t know how long it takes. This is new territory for me.”
Trevor said, “Good luck with that! We thought about getting some chickens, but we don’t have the room. If that lot behind us ever comes up for sale, I want to buy it and expand some.”
“I heard the dock sold. There are a few older properties around here with “Sold” signs on them, but I never saw “For Sale” signs. You should check with the County Clerk’s office in Afton and see.”
“I’ll do that. Thanks, Ralph.”
“See you boys later.”
When Ralph was gone, Mitch started to chuckle, which quickly turned into full-blown laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“We should have told Ralph we don’t have chickens because we only like cocks.”
Trevor almost spat his coffee out of his nose.
<><>
It was time for breakfast, so they went inside. Mitch said, “I’ll get everything started. Why don’t you see what’s in that envelope.”
Trevor sat by the window at the kitchen table, using the morning sun to see by. The envelope was large and heavy, and it was from a law firm. Opening it, he pulled out the document and unfolded it. Quickly, his stomach clenched in a knot of mixed emotions, mostly anger and fear.
Mitch noted his reaction and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Trevor took a moment to carefully read the letter, and his hands trembled as he dropped it on the table.
“The people who bought the dock want to use the government to force me to sell. They’re using “eminent domain” as the reason. They want to build a new resort to rejuvenate the area and create a larger tax base.”
Trevor didn’t know what to think. Tears formed, and everything he worked so hard to build, everything he put his life into, was being taken away.
Mitch knelt and pulled Trevor against him. For a change, there was nothing sexual about his embrace. He hugged Trevor tightly, pulling their heads together, and said, “There has to be something we can do. Some way to fight this. When is this supposed to happen?”
“The letter says I’ll be offered 'Fair Market Value' for the property and the house. Because the area is so devalued, they’re offering me eighty thousand for everything. We have to be out in three months.”
Mitch, like Trevor, didn’t know what to think. Trevor was too stunned and upset to think straight and had to be Mitch’s primary focus. Firmly gripping Trevor’s shoulders, he forced Trevor to look at him.
“We’ll figure this out, Trev. We need to find a good lawyer. Maybe Sheriff Barklay knows one. We won’t take this sitting down. We both fought for this country, and we’ll fight this. I’ll call the Tulsa newspapers and TV stations and get our story out.”
Trevor pulled Mitch back by his shoulders into a hug. Years ago, Trevor pulled Mitch out of a dark place. Mitch had found himself again with Trevor’s help, and it was his turn to help Trevor. He’d do whatever was necessary to make sure this didn’t happen. He knew losing their house and land would destroy Trevor, and he couldn’t let that happen.
<><>
The news outlets published their story, and the headlines went viral – “Veterans Forced to Sell Property for Corporate Greed.” Someone started a GoFundMe, and donations flooded in to cover their legal expenses.
The additional funds enabled them to hire one of Oklahoma's top lawyers, but the prospects looked bleak. Despite public opinion and the seeming unfairness of the situation, eminent domain remained lawful. Their only influence was public opinion, which strongly supported the idea that no one would patronize the resort.
Robert Goldsmith, their lawyer, told them, “Boys, I’m sorry to say, but that’s not going to have any long-term effect, at least not enough to change the outcome. People have short memories, and their clientele won’t be from around here. With the type of clients they’re targeting, it will be millionaires or even billionaires from other countries. I’m sorry, but short of a miracle, I don’t see us winning this. I’m not giving up, but it’s going to be a tough fight.”
When Trevor and Mitch arrived home after meeting with Robert, Mitch had never seen Trevor so despondent. He looked beaten. His posture and expression were so sorrowful that it broke Mitch’s heart to see him. All he could do was love him, stay with him, and hold him.
“We still have time, Trev. Things are moving. We have to stay positive that something will happen in our favor. Sometimes all we can do is pray.”
“Pray to who? God?”
“Whatever higher power you believe in. Something or someone brought us together. With the life we share, I don’t think it was just chance that you found me. Call it whatever you want—God, fate, or the universe—but something guided us.”
“I don’t have any faith left, Mitch. I’m sorry.”
“Then I’ll have enough for both of us. I love you too much to watch everything be taken from you over some damned resort.”
Unsure of what else to do, Mitch took Trevor's hand and led him out to the cinderblock house. It was the place where their relationship began. He set up a few kerosene heaters and turned them on. The room quickly warmed up and became hot. He took off Trevor’s shirt and sat behind him on the bed.
Tenderly, Mitch began rubbing Trevor’s back and shoulders. Trevor silently cried but let his lover soothe him. Mitch removed his own shirt and pressed his chest against Trevor’s back, hugging him from behind. He did that every so often while caressing his lover’s upper body. After a while, he started playing with Trevor’s nipples, and when he felt Trevor’s crotch, he noticed he was hard.
Whispering hotly into Trevor’s ear, Mitch said, “If I can’t do anything else, I can drain your balls until you don’t care about any of this other shit. Let me take your mind off your troubles.”
Trevor turned his head to look into Mitch’s eyes. Both of their eyes were bright, and the deep love between them stared back. One corner of Trevor’s mouth turned up in a grin, and he mouthed “I love you.”
Mitch proceeded with his mission and set a new personal record for the number of loads Trevor had so close together. Mitch often couldn’t hold back and came with his partner, which made the experience even deeper and more intimate. Mitch knew what Trevor needed as a man — physically and emotionally — and took him there. He found his own fulfillment in taking care of Trevor, and if not in stopping his pain, at least in pushing it back for a while.
<><>
A month passed, and their lawyer made little progress. Trevor’s mood worsened each day as he struggled to accept the fact that he was going to lose everything. Mitch felt tears brewing, but maintained a strong front for his partner, doing his best to keep Trevor’s spirits up.
After waking early, Trevor started a pot of coffee while Mitch went out to check the mail and pick up the morning paper. They received very little junk mail, but two envelopes caught his attention that morning. One was addressed to him, and the other one to Trevor. Trevor’s was from the law firm initiating the forced sale of his property. Mitch’s envelope was from the DNA testing company. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of both letters.
When he went back inside, he leaned over and kissed the top of Trevor’s head as he set his letter on the table in front of him. Trevor stared at it, knowing any news was going to be bad. Mitch opened his own. The cover letter was a standard-form response, so he immediately reviewed the results. His first shock was that fifty percent of his heritage was Native American Indian. His second shock was the list of over eighty percent matches with thirteen living relatives, and a lower percentage match with dozens of others.
Trevor still hadn’t opened his letter, and heard Mitch’s intake of breath and saw his eyes watering.
“Mitch? What is it? Is everything alright?”
Looking at Trevor with wide eyes, he handed him the results.
“I have family, Trev—more than I imagined. I’m half Native American Indian. It has to be from my mom.”
Trevor’s smile lit up his face, but his happiness also danced in his eyes. Seeing Mitch’s reaction and sharing it, he felt happy for the first time in a month.
“This is amazing! How can you get in touch with them?”
Looking over the details, he had to send contact requests through the DNA company due to privacy issues.
Mitch trembled with anxiety over the news and asked, “What if they don’t respond?”
“Don’t think that! This is the best news we’ve gotten since all this shit started. Stay positive. They’ll love you as soon as they meet you, just like I did.”
“You loved me that quick?”
“Well, after a shower. You were pretty rank.”
They both smiled, but Trevor’s words warmed Mitch’s heart, and he leaned in closer. Cupping the back of Trevor’s head, he pulled their faces together for a kiss.
“Thank you, Trev, for pushing me to do this.”
Trevor didn’t verbalize the words, but his “you’re welcome” came in his physical response. Putting an arm around Mitch’s waist, he pressed his face against Mitch’s ribs and said, “I’m happy for you, bud.”
With a grin, he added, “Maybe you have some hot cousins I can ogle.”
Mitch burst out laughing, “Fucker. Don’t even go there.”
Turning serious, Trevor said, “You’re the hottest man on the planet to me. I don’t need to look anywhere else.”
“That earned you a morning blowjob. Get in bed.”
<><>
Like good soldiers, Trevor and Mitch persevered, maintaining the garden and chores as if everything would be alright. There was no fresh news from their lawyer, but they were due to have a conference call with him in a few days.
While weeding the garden, Mitch’s phone dinged with an email notification. Not being active on social media, he had little to no internet presence and didn’t often receive emails. Looking at his phone, the sender was [email protected].
His chest tightened as he opened it.
<>
Hello, Mr. Evans, this is Sara Strong Bear. DNA Ancestry contacted me at your request. It looks like we are related! This comes as a surprise to all of us, and we’re anxious to meet you, especially my father, Geoffrey Strong Bear, who would be your grandfather. I’m your great aunt! Please email or call me so we can arrange to meet.
<>
Sarah’s contact info was in her signature.
Mitch didn’t know how to react. He received confirmation that he had family, and he was elated yet terrified at the same time.
Why am I scared?
“Trev!”
Trevor was in the basement rearranging shelf space for the upcoming crop. The doors to the outside were open, and he heard Mitch call his name. The timbre in Mitch's voice immediately caught his attention, and he ran up the steps to see Mitch standing in the middle of the tomato plants. He appeared frozen in place.
“Mitch! What’s wrong?”
Rushing over, he placed a hand on Mitch’s bare shoulder, which felt like concrete from tension. Mitch took a deep breath and looked panicked.
“Talk to me. What’s going on?”
"I... I’m sorry, Trev. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Look.”
He handed Trevor his phone, and Trevor quickly read the email. Without hesitation, he pulled Mitch into a bear hug so tight it lifted his feet off the ground. He guided them out of the garden onto the grass, still holding Mitch firmly.
Whispering into Mitch’s ear, Trevor asked, “This is great news, right? Isn’t this what you wanted?”
“It is. I don’t know why I’m reacting this way. I’m sorry.”
Trevor guided him to the chairs by the fire pit. Sitting Mitch down, Trevor knelt to get on his eye level. He cupped Mitch’s handsome face, making sure they maintained eye contact. Concern flickered through him when he realized Mitch was having a PTSD reaction. He was happy, but the shock of the news triggered something in him.
“It’s okay, Mitch. I’m here.”
Mitch grabbed Trevor with desperate strength as tears rolled down his face. He couldn't handle the rush of unexpected emotions.
Trevor had an idea of what was wrong and asked, “Are you mad?”
He realized Mitch’s reaction was anger rather than surprise, and Trevor suspected it was directed at his parents. But he felt guilty for his anger because they gave him life and raised him. However, they never told him about his heritage. For some reason, they kept it from him, and he felt alone, especially after they unexpectedly died while he was deployed. They left him adrift, even though they knew he had relatives. It was more complicated than that, but Trevor knew Mitch intimately and was sure he had figured out the root of the issue.
“It’s okay if you are, Mitch. I get it, but don’t second-guess your parents. They must have had a reason to keep it from you. Maybe they were going to tell you when you got older. Who knows… but don’t love them any less, and don’t judge them.”
Trevor’s words seemed to make it through, and some of the tension in Mitch lessened. Trevor clearly saw and felt the tension leave Mitch’s body. He sweated from the intensity of his reaction and emotions and was hot to the touch. Pulling Trevor forward, he pressed their foreheads together and quietly said, “Thanks.”
“You never have to thank me for loving you, bud, but you’re welcome. Why don’t you call her? It’s okay if you want to be alone.”
“Stay. I want you here.”
His phone hyperlinked the phone number in the email, and he clicked on it. He put the phone on speaker, and after three rings, a woman’s voice answered, “Hello?”
“Is this Susan Strong Bear?”
“Yes, it is. Is this Mitch?” She sounded excited.
“Yes. I’m here with my partner, Trevor.”
“It’s so good to hear your voice! We were shocked when you popped up out of nowhere. There’s a bit of a story behind all of this. Uncle Geoffry is as excited to meet you as I am. We’re in Sapulpa, do you know where that is?”
“It’s outside Tulsa, right? I live at Duck Creek Landing. The mailing address says Afton, but Ketchum is the closest town, about five miles away. We live on Grand Lake.”
“That’s wonderful! We’re anxious to meet you. Uncle Geoff is a bit busy, but will clear his schedule. I’m sorry to ask, but it would be much easier if you could come here. Once you meet Uncle Geoff, you’ll understand.”
“We can come anytime. It’s a bit late to drive over today, but we can be there tomorrow anytime that suits you and my… grandfather? I’m sorry, I’m going to have to get used to saying that. This is new to me, too.”
“Why don’t you come for lunch, and we can visit while we eat. I’ll text you the address. Trevor is more than welcome to come with you. If he’s your partner, we want to meet him too.”
Trevor smiled and winked with an “I told you so” look on his face.
“That sounds great. Should I call you Susan? Or Aunt Susan?”
“Susan is fine, but whatever you’re most comfortable with.”
Trevor spoke for the first time and asked, “Do we need to bring anything?”
“Just yourselves and your appetites.”
Mitch still seemed flushed but happy and said, “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
The call ended, and Mitch stared at his phone, as if he didn’t believe what was happening. It was so much so quickly. Trevor didn’t want him overthinking anything and said, “Let’s go inside. We can have a drink and get dinner started.”
<><>
Trevor broke out the expensive whiskey and poured them both a drink. He had memories of his dad drinking bourbon over ice when he was young, especially when he was outside grilling. Neither Trevor nor Mitch drank often, but Trevor felt it would help Mitch relax.
“Go sit on the couch, and I’ll be there in a sec.”
Mitch did as he asked, and Trevor quickly joined him with two glasses. After handing Mitch his, Trevor sat down, put his arm around Mitch, and pulled him closer. Since Mitch was still shirtless, Trevor set down his drink, pulled off his own shirt, and resumed the hug. They both craved skin contact, particularly when one of them was unsettled.
Mitch rested his head on Trevor’s shoulder and exhaled heavily. Now that he was more settled, Trevor read his body language and demeanor as contented.
“I’m happy for you, Mitch. This is so unexpected, but it’s a real bright spot among all the shit going on. No matter what, this is something that can’t be taken away from you.”
Mitch sipped his bourbon and set it down. Unlocking his phone, he pulled up Google.
“I’m curious.”
He typed in Geoffrey Strong Bear, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, into the search window, and his eyes widened.
“Fuck, me, Trev! Look!”
Holding his phone up, Trevor whistled when he saw the results.
Governor Geoffrey Strong Bear was the elected leader of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma.
“Damn, Mitch, looks like your family is important. How cool is that?”
“Now I’m nervous again.”
Trevor did feel him tense up, and he cupped Mitch’s face.
“This doesn’t change anything! It makes it even more badass. If he’s your grandfather, I bet you have a huge extended family. You probably have more cousins than you can shake a stick at.”
“I want to know what the deal is with my parents. Why would they keep this a secret?”
“I already told you, don’t second-guess their motives. You’ll find out everything tomorrow, and I promise it will all make sense. Even if it's sad, it’s in your past, and you need to focus on your future.”
Mitch looked directly into Trevor’s eyes and said, “Our future.”
Mitch snuggled against his lover, enjoying the touch of their bare skin. He set his drink down and lifted one leg over Trevor’s and tightened his arms.
“I love you, Trev. You keep me grounded. I’m sorry for how I reacted. When I’m with you, I feel solid and whole, but when something rocks me, I realize how fragile things still are in some ways.”
“We’re both fragile, Mitch. The same thing can happen to me. Our pasts are still there. We don’t consciously think of them, but they’re still in us. We watch out for each other.”
Mitch grinned and asked, “You want to know what I want to watch right now?”
Trevor knew where his question was leading, but to play coy, he asked, “Is it time for Wheel of Fortune?”
Mitch laughingly said, “Asshole. You know what I mean.”
“Let me help you.”
Trevor unbuckled Mitch’s belt, unsnapped his shorts, and pulled his zipper down. His bulge was already clearly visible. Mitch placed a hand over Trevor’s growing member, massaging it through his shorts, while kissing Trevor’s neck. He inhaled, taking in the scent of his man, and when he exhaled, Mitch’s hot breath on his neck sent a tingle through Trevor that made his nipples harden and his cock flex.
Before things went any further, Trevor said, “Let’s get naked. I want to feel all of you against me.”
They spent the next few hours pleasuring and enjoying each other. Staying naked had become their favorite activity during downtime or when one of them needed relief. They kept a blanket on the floor under the end table in case they got cold, but usually their body heat kept them comfortable. Holding each other and being held, often expressing their love in quiet affirmation, were central to both their physical and emotional connection.
<><>
At 10:00 AM the following morning, Trevor pulled into the parking lot of the Osage Nation Government building in Sapulpa. The building was larger than they expected, and of modern design. A beautiful bronze statue of an Osage warrior sat on the lawn leading up to the main doors.
Upon entering, portraits of previous Osage Governors and leaders lined the walls, going back many generations. Behind a reception desk sat a pleasant elderly woman. The lobby was empty except for Mitch, Trevor, and the receptionist.
She smiled and said, “Welcome! Are you Mitch and Trevor?”
Mitch seemed a little overwhelmed, but smiled and said, “Yes, Ma’am. We’re here to see Geoffrey Strong Bear.”
“He’s expecting you. Let me call Susan to escort you to his office.”
In a few minutes, a stunning woman walked down a hallway, and a smile lit up her face when she saw them. Mitch was shocked at how much Susan looked like his mother. Trevor remembered the Polaroid in Mitch’s cigar box, and even from that brief glance, he saw the resemblance. Seeing Susan and Mitch together, there was no doubt of the family likeness.
Trevor and Mitch wore khaki pants with button-down long-sleeved shirts, leather vests, and cowboy boots. Trevor had laughed when Mitch hesitated about what to wear. They went shirtless so often they didn’t have many clothes, but they did own a few nice outfits that Trevor jokingly called their ‘Sunday go ‘ta meetin’ clothes.’ They didn’t go to church, but he remembered the line from “The Blues Brothers” and always thought it was funny.
Mitch proffered his hand and said, “I’m Mitch. It’s nice to meet you.”
To his surprise, Susan teared up. She shook his hand but quickly cupped his face, “You look so much like Rebecca. Look at you!”
Her emotion surprised him, but also deeply affected him. He already felt a sense of belonging from her reaction and her words. Her touch on his face spoke volumes and brought forth a few childhood memories of his mother’s touch. A shudder ran through him as a part of his past resurfaced.
“I’m sorry. You don’t realize how happy we are that you’re here. Trevor, it’s a pleasure to meet you, too. My, you two are handsome.”
Trevor blushed but shook her hand with a smile, saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Susan.”
Swiping her eyes, she said, “Come this way.”
Using a keycard to open the hallway doors, they followed her. Her clothing and jewelry clearly showed her heritage, brightly colored with bold designs. She knocked on a large wooden door as she pushed it open.
An older, handsome version of Mitch spoke on the phone and sat behind his desk. Making eye contact with Mitch, he quickly but politely ended the call. The corners of his eyes crinkled, and his smile was as wide as Susan’s as he hurried around his desk. Without hesitation, his arms went around Mitch, holding him tightly. Fresh tears flowed from Mitch’s eyes as his grandfather embraced him. Geoffrey radiated an inner peace, and his calm washed over Mitch, quieting his mind and heart as profound inner peace settled within him.
In a quiet, determined voice, Geoffrey said, “Welcome home, Mitch.”
Susan took Trevor’s hand and squeezed it, keeping him involved. Trevor was surprised when Geoffrey held out an arm and included Trevor in his hug.
“Susan tells me you are partnered. If you hold my grandson’s heart, you hold mine as well.”
When Geoffrey broke his embrace, he gestured for Mitch and Trevor to take a seat. Before she sat, Susan asked, “We’re having food brought in today, and we’ll eat at noon. Would you like anything to drink?”
Mitch said, “Maybe some water.”
Geoffrey said, “We all have questions. Mitch, why don’t you start by telling me about yourself? Tell me of your childhood and how you came to be who you are. I’ll answer any questions you have after.”
Before he started, Mitch pulled out the Polaroid of his mother and father that he had kept in his cigar box. He handed it to Geoffrey and said, “This is the only picture I have of my parents. You’re welcome to make a copy if you haven’t seen it before.”
Geoffrey teared up and showed the picture to Susan, who also got emotional.
Geoffrey said, “That would have been soon after she left. I’ve never seen this one. Susan, could you arrange to have a few copies made for us?”
Geoffrey looked at Mitch, inviting him to continue. No one except Trevor knew Mitch’s entire story, but Geoffrey made it easy for him to share. This time, he wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed. Geoffrey’s eyes shone with pride at his military accomplishments, but he also shed tears at the news of his homelessness. When Mitch finished, Geoffrey smiled at Trevor in thanks for saving him. Trevor had held Mitch’s hand, supporting him through everything. When he finished speaking, Mitch fell silent and looked to Geoffrey to continue.
Holding the Polaroid, Geoffrey looked at the picture of his daughter and said, “You want to learn about your mother, Rebecca Strong Bear, my daughter. She was beautiful and determined. Rebecca fell in love with your father after meeting him. Darren Evans was not of our people, and my father disapproved. I loved my father, but he held onto some of our older traditions. I don’t love him any less for that, but I believe that to survive, we need to accept some changes. He forbade Rebecca from marrying your father, so she ran away with him, disappearing without a word, closing her heart against him and the family.
“It was a sad time, and even sadder years later when we learned of her death. She kept you a secret, knowing my father would want to share our history and the ways of our people. When my father died, I wanted to reconcile with Rebecca, but she remained stubborn and died before that could happen.”
Geoffrey’s eyes shone with unshed tears as he recounted Rebecca’s story.
“She broke my heart by staying away. She brought you into the world and kept you from us, but now my heart is healed. You have your life with Trevor. Your partner has helped you connect with the land and learn the quiet of living a calm, peaceful life. I will be forever grateful to you, Trevor, for saving my grandson.
“If you are interested, we will teach you your heritage. You have Trevor, but now you also have us, and you are not far away. I’d like to visit your home and have you visit mine, so we can build a life together.”
Everything Geoffrey said filled Mitch with a sense of purpose and contentment he had never expected.
“Are you alright with all of this, Trev?”
Before Trevor could reply, Geoffrey said, “Trevor is welcome in our family as you are. If your spirits are joined, you won’t be complete if he is excluded.”
Trevor asked, “This is what you want, right? What you dreamed of?”
Mitch was so full of emotion that his breath caught. Unable to speak, he nodded his head as he lifted Trevor’s hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it.
Smiling, Trevor said, “I’ll take that as a yes.”
His comment broke the ice, and they all smiled.
“I’m happy for you, bud.”
The next few hours went by quickly. They ate lunch in a conference room where the caterers had set up, and continued sharing and learning about each other. Susan’s two daughters and her oldest son joined them, and Mitch met his first cousins.
Geoffrey seemed very interested in Trevor’s life as well, and how he returned to Duck Creek Landing. The fact that he honored his grandparents by rebuilding and improving on their land impressed him. Trevor hadn’t intended to bring up the issues he faced, but Mitch did, explaining to Geoffrey that the eminent domain suit would soon force them to sell their property.
Susan suddenly asked, “Wait a minute. You live at Duck Creek Landing. Do you know Dr. Degataka? He said he spoke with some men who discovered human remains and artifacts when the lake bed was exposed.”
Trevor and Mitch looked at one another, and Mitch nodded, “Yes. He came to meet with us about that. We’re the ones that uncovered the bones and jewelry.”
Susan looked at Geoffrey with wide eyes, “Dad… this can’t be a coincidence.”
Geoffrey said, “Dr. Degataka will be here shortly. He requested a meeting and is on my schedule this afternoon. I’m not sure what to make of this.”
Trevor said, “We don’t have any reason to head back, but I don’t understand what us being there will do. Sheriff Barkley said the Army Corps of Engineers and the Water Authority denied the University’s request to lower the water levels for further excavation.”
Geoffrey said, “Dr. Degataka is coming to request my intervention about the excavation. The situation is delicate. Much money has already been invested behind the scenes in preparation for the new resort. It’s not public knowledge, but they plan to build a casino along with other amenities, which will generate significant income. It will be the first resort of its kind on Grand Lake. The people behind the project have the support of the state legislature.”
Trevor sounded bitter when he said, “You mean they’ve bribed them through their lobbyists.”
Geoffrey nodded and said, “Please stay. Dr. Degataka may have more information. Something else is at work here. The Spirits brought you back to us, Mitch. You and Trevor were guided to those bones.”
Trevor said, “Mitch noticed a catfish burrowed in the mud. That’s how we found them.”
Geoffrey said, “Perhaps the fish is your Spirit Totem, Mitch. It called you.”
Mitch seemed skeptical and said sheepishly, “We kept it and ate it for dinner that night.”
Susan laughed at the look on his face and said, “That means you ate its wisdom. Fish run throughout our legends and many stories. They are a good spirit totem.”
<><>
When Dr. Degataka arrived, Geoffrey stood and said, “Bill, come in. You already know Mitch and Trevor.”
Susan said, “Hello, Professor, it’s nice to see you again.”
Surprised to see Trevor and Mitch, he said, “Hello, again, Mr. McCain and Mr. Evans. I’m surprised to see you here.”
Geoffrey said, “Bill, it turns out that Mitch is my grandson! He’s Rebecca’s son.”
“Oh, my. I had no idea! How wonderful!”
Trevor said, “It’s great to see you again, too, Professor. Please call us Trevor and Mitch.”
“Then you have to call me Bill.”
Geoffrey sat behind his desk, and everyone took a seat.
“So, Bill, have you discovered anything new?”
“Yes, and no. I’ve spoken with the eldest member of your tribe, Geoffrey, and pieced together some interesting facts. I’m convinced the bones and jewelry are part of a much larger burial site. By the white man’s laws, my proof is hearsay and not considered legitimate. The state officials, because of the money, will not lower the water, and plan to proceed on schedule with their plans.”
Trevor, in a low voice, said, “Then we only have a few weeks before we’ll be forced out of our place.”
Dr. Degataka continued, “I am sorry. The University is bowing to pressure and has withdrawn any financial or political support, and I’ve been told I must cease my efforts. I don’t know what to do.”
Mitch’s head shot up. An idea came to him, and he said, “You might not be able to do anything, but that doesn’t mean Trevor and I can’t. I’m a Recon Marine, a trained diver. Trev and I can go back to that spot and search for more evidence. There’s no law against diving in the lake.”
A surge of hope tightened in Trevor’s chest at Mitch’s words. He had come to terms with losing everything, and the sudden appearance of a chance unsettled him.
Trevor’s voice shook when he said, “Mitch….”
The moment seemed intensely private between the two men when Mitch said, “You saved me, Trev. Now it’s my turn to save you. We can do this, together.”
Excited, Dr. Degataka exclaimed, “I’m convinced you will find more bodies and artifacts, but they will be buried deeper, and probably close by but separate from what you already uncovered. Our only hope is that enough evidence survived to prove my theory.”
Geoffrey said, “If you can bring enough proof for Bill to verify the authenticity, I can declare the area as sacred to the Osage Nation, and they will not be able to build.”
To get in touch with the author, send them an email.
