Love's Magic Collection - Books 11-15

Chapter 3

The next day followed the pattern of the first day. The children were all up and ready for school when the bus came for them. Daisy, Mark, and Doris enjoyed a leisurely breakfast after the bus left.

While the women were clearing away after breakfast, Mark went outside to call the station and see if there were any updates about Derrick. The officer in charge said they had not located Derrick. The police had issued a city-wide alert for him and were getting a lot of calls. The calls had not produced any results as of yet.

“We’ll get him. He can’t hide forever. He’ll get cocky and show himself, and then we will grab him,” reassured the officer. Mark hung up the phone very dissatisfied with the lack of results.

One of his mother’s friends came by to visit with her, so after saying hello, Mark decided to take Doris on a ride around the reservation to show her around. He drove her by the school and the sports complex, built by the Black Foundation. He pointed out a line of stores. The grocer was the busiest. It seemed to be shopping day for many of the ladies. They all waved at Mark and looked curiously at Doris.

They passed several security patrols. They also waved at Mark. Mark took her by a plot of land close to his brother, Logan. Another brother, Marcel, lived on the other side of Logan. Mark pointed out the undeveloped land to her; it was two acres. “When I decide to build, this is where I will build a home,” said Mark.

Doris looked around at the vacant land. “It’s a lovely spot,” she said. “It’s nice and close to Logan and Willow.” She turned and smiled at Mark.

“Yes, it will be nice for our children to be close to each other,” agreed Mark.

“How many children are we talking about?” asked Doris.

“I will leave it up to the Holy Spirit to decide,” said Mark seriously.

“Uh-huh,” said Doris. “I think the Holy Spirit can use a little guidance.”

Mark laughed. “I was only teasing. I think three is a nice group, but I will be satisfied with however many I am blessed with.”

“I guess you will,” agreed Doris. “Especially if you are planning on me having anything to do with it.”

“Oh, you are most definitely involved in my plans,” agreed Mark with a smile. “After all, the magic mirror agrees we are each other’s true loves. There will never be another for me.”

Doris leaned over and offered him a kiss. He wasted no time taking her up on her offer. When he finally drew back, they were both breathing hard. Mark rested his forehead on Doris’s forehead while catching his breath.

Mark sighed, “I guess we need to head back to Mom’s and see if she needs anything.”

“Yes,” agreed Doris.

When they stopped in front of the house and got out of the car, Mark’s phone rang. Doris went on inside, and Mark stayed outside to answer his phone. “Hello,” said Mark.

“Hello, this is James Michaels.”

“Hello, Captain, what can I do for you? Do you have any news?” asked Mark.

“Yes, we picked up Derrick Bolin,” said James.

“Great,” said Mark.

“Yes, but Miss Tims is still in danger. Derrick’s g**g has been harassing the people at the coffee shop where she worked trying to find her. She and her family need to stay hidden until we can stop them,” James said.

“I will make sure she stays safe,” agreed Mark. “How much time can I take off?”

“You have plenty of vacation time built up. I let it out you are dealing with a family emergency and would be out for awhile. I will let you know when you have to appear at Derrick’s trial. I stood in for you at his arraignment.”

“Thanks, James. I owe you,” said Mark.

“Yes, you do. I’ll blame you when Cindy thinks I need more time off,” James laughed.

“How is Cindy?” Mark asked.

“She’s doing fine. She is just anxious to deliver and hold our daughter,” said James.

“You’re having a daughter,” said Mark. “Congratulations. Give Cindy my love and you take care of her.”

“I will to both suggestions,” agreed James. “Keep in touch and be alert.”

They both hung up, and Mark went inside to let Doris know what was going on. “I just talked to Captain Michaels. He said they picked up Derrick Bolin,” said Mark.

“Great,” said Doris.

“The Captain said he would let me know when I have to testify against him,” said Mark.

“How long before we can go home?” Doris asked.

“I don’t know. The Captain said Derrick’s g**g has been harassing the people at the coffee shop trying to find you,” explained Mark.

“Are you going to have to go back to work?” Daisy asked Mark.

“No, the captain told me to stay and take care of Doris and her family. He led the people at the station to believe I was dealing with a family emergency,” said Mark.

“Good,” said Daisy.

“Yes, very good,” agreed Doris.

Mark smiled at her. “I am not going to let anything happen to you or your sister and brother.”

Doris went over and hugged him. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Daisy watched them with satisfaction.

They heard the bus coming outside. They went outside to talk to Orin, Sarah, and Joey.

“Hi, everyone,” said Mark as the children came onto the front porch. “Could we talk for a minute before you get changed?” Mark asked. All three stopped and looked at Mark with smiling faces. “You know why we brought Orin and Sarah here for a while?” he asked.

“So we would be safe from the bad men,” said Sarah.

Mark smiled and hugged Sarah. “Yes, Sarah, so we could keep you, your sister and brother safe from the bad men. We have one of the bad men in jail now, but his partners, other bad men, are still looking for you. We need you to let us know if you see any strangers around. Stay in groups and don’t go off by yourself. If you have any problems, yell and ask for help. The teachers at the school will look after you. If anyone else tries to take you, call for help. We will take care of you. You are safe with us. Can you do this for me?” All three children nodded their heads.

“Okay, go get changed and get your snack so you can play,” said Mark. All three children hurried inside. “I don’t think they really understand,” said Mark with a sigh.

Doris came over and gave him a hug. “Maybe some of it got through. They had to be warned.”

Daisy patted his shoulder. “We will keep a close eye on them,” she promised.

The next morning, Mark received a call about Derrick’s trial. It was set for two weeks. He told Doris about the date, and they were both nervous about the outcome of the coming trial.

Daisy was excited and rushed around cleaning and cooking while she waited for her husband to return home.

Doris and Mark smiled to see her so excited. When they heard a car stop out front, they all went out to see who it was. It turned out to be Jamie and Silas Long Feather. They greeted everyone and then asked to speak to Mark. Doris and Daisy went back inside, leaving Mark to talk to his cousins.

“The head of security has asked us to man the gate and make people we don’t know show ID before they come on the reservation. We have had some motorcyclists trying to enter. They were turned back, but our guards are spread thin, and the head of security is afraid they will try to find another way in,” said Silas.

“Why are they coming here before the trial?” wondered Mark.

“It may be you they are after. You signed the complaint against their friend,” said Jamie.

“You may be right,” said Mark. “They may not know Doris and her family are on the reservation.”

“Just in case you are wrong, the chief of security has sent two men to keep an eye on your home until this matter is settled,” said Jamie.

“Thanks for letting me know. My dad is expected home today. If we have any problems, both he and I are excellent shots. If they come snooping around here, they may cease to be a problem.”

“We will see you later,” said Jamie. “Be safe.” The brothers left, and Mark went inside.

The next car they heard was Mark’s dad, Glen Black Feather. They all stayed inside so Daisy could greet him alone. When they entered after a time, both were slightly flushed. Mark rose and shook his dad’s hand.

“Dad, this is Doris Tims. Doris, my dad Glen Black Feather,” said Mark.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Black Feather,” said Doris, holding out her hand to shake.

“Call me Glen, please,” said Glen. “Welcome to our home. We are glad you are safe with us, and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to.” He took Doris’s hand and, instead of shaking it, he gave it a squeeze.

“Thank you,” said Doris, flushing slightly and glancing at Mark. Mark smiled at her encouragingly and put his arm around her shoulders. Glen smiled at this obvious sign of affection.

While Daisy and Doris put supper on the table, Mark took his dad out to the porch and filled him in on everything happening. When he finished explaining, Glen patted him on his shoulder.

“Do not worry,” he said. “We will keep your lady and her family safe,” he said.

“Thanks, Dad,” said Mark.

Daisy called, and they went inside to eat. They all joined hands and Glen said a prayer of thanks before eating.

“So, Dad, how did things go in the capital?” asked Mark.

Glen sighed. “I think we may have accomplished some of our goals. Time will tell,” he said.

“Joey, I hear you have a new sister. After supper, you will have to take me to see her,” said Glen.

“Sure, Paw Paw, I want to see her, too,” said Joey.

“You haven’t seen her yet?” Glen asked.

“No, Sir., said Joey shaking his head.

Glen shook his head. “It’s high time you did.”

Joey smiled big and went back to eating. Joey thought for a minute and then looked at Orin and Sarah. “It’s not far to my house,” he said. “We will still be able to play together.”

“Of course you will,” agreed Mark. “You will still see each other in school, too.”

Orin and Sarah looked like they didn’t know whether to believe in the assurances. They had been through so much. They were programmed to expect the worst.

After the meal was finished, Glen looked at the sad faces of Orin and Sarah and sighed. “Would you two like two like to go with us to see the new baby?” Both children brightened and nodded their heads.

Doris took Daisy’s hand and told her to go with Glen. “Mark and I will clear the table and clean up,” she urged.

Daisy smiled and took off her apron. “Thanks,” said Daisy, following Glen and the children out to the car. The children were in awe of the baby. They did not remember being this close to a newborn before.

“She’s beautiful,” said Glen to Willow and Logan.

Logan picked Joey up and held him so he could get a better look.

“You are going to help us look after your sister,” said Logan. “Moon Walking said we were going to have our hands full with her.”

“Oh, my,” said Daisy. Glen started laughing.

“You have a big family to help,” said Glen.

“I know,” agreed Logan.

“Moon Walking always manages to get the last say,” said Glen.

“Well, she may have the last word, but I have found it pays to listen to her,” said Daisy.

Glen put his arm around Daisy’s shoulder. “I know, Love, so have I,” said Glen.

“We have to go. These children have to get to bed. They have school tomorrow. Joey, thank you for visiting with me,” said Daisy.

Joey came over and gave her a hug. “I love visiting with you, Maw Maw,” he said.

Everyone said goodnight, and Glen and Daisy headed home with Orin and Sarah.

When they arrived home, Doris and Mark took the children up to bed and left Daisy and Glen outside to enjoy some quiet time together.

“Doris?” asked Sarah.

“What, dear?” Doris asked.

“Are we going to live here now?” asked Sarah.

“I don’t know. Do you like living on the reservation?’ Doris asked.

“Yes, I do. The boys and girls here are much nicer than the ones at my old school. They used to pick on me and Orin and make fun of us,” said Sarah.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Doris, visibly upset.

“You had so much to do with work and taking care of us, I didn’t want to cause any trouble. Besides, some of the boys and girls said we should be taken away and put in a home. We were afraid to say anything. We thought someone would come and take us away,” said Sarah.

“Oh baby,” said Doris, hugging Sarah tight, “nobody is going to take you away. I won’t let them. Get some sleep. I’ll be up in a little while.”

She tucked Sarah in and kissed her good night.

When she went out of the room, Mark was waiting. She turned into his arm, shedding the tears she had held back in front of Sarah. Mark held her close and made soothing sounds.

When she could control her tears, she looked up at Mark. “Those children got their information from their parents. It makes me furious they were trying to get Orin and Sarah taken away from me. Those meddling busybodies.”

“It’s not going to happen. I won’t let it happen. I will take care of it. I love you, and I love those kids. We are going to raise them together.”