THE HARVEST

CHAPTER THREE: TWO GHOSTS, THE GATHERING STORM       p. 18 

Steve said, "Kittie, if we torture him, you could still get your spa time. Do you still have the second 38 on you?"

"Yep, sure do. I could shoot off his pecker before he has a chance to cross his legs. Then what will his poor nieces have to worship?"

"I don't know, Kittie? I bet he'd have to resign from the Mounties. Once they find out he is a follower and doesn't have a dick, who would want him?"

The inspector walked up to them, and said, "I can see that perhaps leaving the sergeant major to his druthers may have been a mistake, but I can't talk with him around, but believe me, I know nothing. Hell, I don't even know what you want. I'm just here to fund you and give you access to the chief. Now, do you want that or not?"

Kittie pulled the snub-nosed from her ankle holster. This inspector is my backup; now take us to your car. "We are going to the chief." She continued to wave the gun.

Trembley said, "You know all that dramatics was not necessary."

"We had to make it look good for the cameras. This is our way of getting out from under the nose of our boss. We don't like being under anybody's thumb. When you introduce us to the chief, then your job is done. Make sure you report back to the chief that you have delivered the package."

"But what about your stay at the motel..."

Kittie didn't let him finish, "We don't need you, your money, or your whores. Go home! You've done enough lubricating for my concern." 

The drive to the reservation was tense, the silence between them thick with unspoken calculations. When they finally arrived, Trembley motioned for them to stay back. "Let me do the talking," he muttered. "These people may seem peaceful, but I assure you—they'd just as soon scalp you as look at you. They don't blend in with the white folks, and they still see us as invaders."

Steve exchanged a glance with Kittie but said nothing. Trembley knocked on the cabin door and waited. Inside, Kuzih turned to Chief Nuknuk.

"The two ghosts have arrived," he said.

Nuknuk sniffed the air, his expression unreadable. "They stink," he muttered, disappearing into an interior room.

Kuzih continued to the door, opening it slowly.

Steve shifted uneasily. "They're taking a long time."

Trembley exhaled. "This is a ritual. They have to determine if we are acceptable to their senses. That means they smell the air. They have a heightened sense of smell and can sense your vibrations. If you have evil intentions, they will know, and we will be shown off their land."

He paused and lowered his voice. "They have taken in the belief system of the Sons and Daughters of Levi, like most of us, and believe he is the representative of the Great Spirit. It will not be easy for them to accept you. Hell, they hardly let anyone in, including me. If they do, it is an honored privilege, and you are their guests—so behave."

The door opened fully and revealed Kuzih. The medicine man studied them; he sniffed the air again before he reached out his hands and felt their auras. He looked at Trembley, "You must leave," and ushered him toward the door. "The chief will be here soon to listen to you."

Trembley hesitated but nodded. 

Steve said to the inspector as he left, "If you'd be so kind as to return our rental car at the parking lot and close out our account at the motel, we'd much appreciate it. Please, give our thanks for the help."

Without another word, Trembley departed.

Chief Nuknuk waited a few minutes as he watched Inspector Trembley leave, and his warriors escorted him away. He stepped out of the interior room to welcome them. Kuzih rose, circled the visitors, sniffed the air, and said to the chief, "Chief, they stink. Their spirits are impure. It will take days to cleanse before they are ready to listen to what I must say. If I told them now, they would not understand."

The chief replied, "Then take them to the guest lodge. Tonight, we will celebrate. Tomorrow we will purify them."

After Steve and Kittie had settled into the lodge, a young woman entered without knocking. "I am Kuzih's daughter, Kunai." She giggled. "I am to bathe you both."

Steve said, "Whoa, I thought the ritual cleansing would be tomorrow."

Kunai replied, "Yes, but that is a spiritual purification in the sweat lodge. You're lucky; my father seldom purifies our guests; you must be special. Proceed with the bath preparation and remove your clothes. Hang them in the closet. I will turn my back until you are both in the spa." Kuanai couldn't bear their stench. It was the distinct scent of rotten eggs and sulfur. She couldn't imagine how they could stand it.

Steve said, "See, Kit, didn't I say you would get your spa in by tonight?" They both smiled and undressed.

As the naked Kittie stepped into the spa, she asked Kunai, "Your name is so pretty; what does it mean?"

"It means 'swift death from the Lord,' and in Japanese it means dagger."

The prepared water was hot, but Kittie shivered upon hearing her words.

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