Free Kiamichi Refuge by C. A. Henry Page A

around town, and lately there’ve been a few break-ins. That one, the jerk, has been hanging around here quite a lot the last several days. He makes me nervous.”
    “Then you be careful, too. I wonder…someone, really two someones, prowled around my lodge recently. Two different times, I’ve found muddy shoeprints. You think maybe it’s that bunch?”
    “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit. They’re trouble.”
    “Who’s that boy over there? He came out of the mechanic’s shop, but when he saw the jerk, he turned and went the other way.”
    Lydia looked where Erin was pointing. “That’s Micah. He’s a good kid who has had a rough life. His parents are druggies, and right now they’re both in jail. He’s been in foster care for quite a while, maybe two or three years. The mechanic’s name is Gus Jenkins. He seems like an old grouch, but watch his eyes. The twinkle gives him away.”
    He has taken Micah under his wing and is teaching him how things work. Gus is good at working on cars, but he also knows how to do electrical and plumbing. He’s kind of a substitute grandpa to Micah. That poor kid needs Gus almost as much as Gus needs him.”
    Pull your SUV around back, and I’ll help you load those boxes.”
     
    ***
     
    Pinning her curls back with barrettes, Erin gave her reflection a final glance. The image staring back at her had fair skin and large brown eyes in a heart-shaped face. Full lips parted to show straight white teeth. She applied some peach-colored lipstick, then moved through the lodge to check that the windows and doors were securely locked. She had already fed Blitz and let him out for a few minutes, so she was ready.
    Tanner pulled in a few minutes later. When Erin answered the door, he gave her an appreciative once-over and grinned, “You look fantastic. Are you ready?”
    “Yes. A bit nervous, but ready. You said casual. Is this okay?” She gestured toward her black jeans and turquoise tee. Turquoise earrings dangled from her ears.
    “It’s perfect. We’re going to be grilling outside. Nothing fancy tonight, just us and my family.”
    Erin peered up at him. “Just how much ‘family’ are we talking about?”
    “Well, there’s my dad’s parents, my two sisters and their husbands, and a whole herd of nieces and nephews. Don’t let the numbers scare you. They’re all down-to-earth folks and nobody bites. They all want to meet you and are excited about tonight.”
    “Do they get excited every time you bring a date to a cookout?”
    “I’ve never brought a date before. You’re the only one. I want them to know you, and I want you to understand that they’ll welcome you. I just hope my ornery nephews don’t scare you off.”
    “Tanner, what about your parents?”
    “My dad passed away seven years ago. Mom remarried and moved to Florida. We don’t see her nearly often enough.”
    Tanner’s grandparents’ land bordered Erin’s on the north, and was only about a mile away as the crow flies, but going around by road made it a little further. When they arrived, Tanner hurried around to open Erin’s door and help her out of his truck. The front door of the house opened, and a woman who was obviously Tanner’s grandmother stepped out to greet them. Her gray hair was in a thick braid down her back, and her dark eyes sparkled as she grasped Erin’s hand in both of hers.
    “Welcome, Erin. I’m Julia. We are so happy to have you visit our home. Tanner has told us that you are the niece of Tali isht holissochi . He was our friend and we share in your loss.”  Julia’s soft, pleasant voice was full of sincerity.
    “Thank you. What did you call him? Tali what?”
    “ Tali isht holissochi , his Choctaw name. It means ‘silver pen’. His writings are well known in the area, and he was an honorary citizen of the Choctaw nation. He was also very generous in giving to programs that help Choctaw youth. Come in, We’ll go through to the back yard and join the others.”
    Julia