Chapter 1

She frantically looked around the tipi. “Johnny?!” She quickly climbed
through the small opening and began looking around the encampment.
“JOHNNY?!” She ran from tipi to tipi.

Suddenly someone grabbed her arm. Looking back she looked into the
strong face of her father. “OH father Johnny is missing.”

“Perhaps it is a good thing. He might have gone back to his own
people.” His deep voice was etched with concern. “You had grown to
attached to the outsider.”

She rolled her lower lip then bit it. “Father, I love him.” She pulled
her arm from his grasp. “I can’t let him go.” She ran off in search of
the stranger.

Her father looked down at the ground and shook his head. Two weeks ago
she had found the stranger now she said she loved him. “Oh, Great
Spirits, help her.”


**********

“Johnny, open your eyes,” Dixie had been begging him to do this since
he’d been brought in two days earlier. Dixie watched his eyes
flutter. “Come on Johnny. Open your eyes.”

Johnny’s head rolled from side to side. He heard someone calling his
name. It was distant and different from the lovely voice he’d gotten use
to. “WW-what?” Opening his eyes he couldn’t make out the face that
was inches from his. “NO, want go back.”

“NO, Johnny stay with us,” Dixie pleaded pressing the nurse call button.

“No, want her,” Johnny moaned as his eyes closed.

Dixie took hold of the sides of his face and talked louder, “Johnny,
come on now--you need to stay awake till Kel gets here.”

“Hiya.”

Dixie narrowed her eyes. The word didn’t sound right, almost foreign.
“What was that Johnny? Come on,” Dixie urged. Then she heard the door
open. Turning she saw Dr. Brackett enter. “He’s awake, sorta.”

Brackett went to the other side of Johnny’s bed. “Johnny, I’m going to
shine a light in your eyes. Try to stay still it’ll only take a
moment.” Kel gently lifted Johnny’s right eyelid and shined in the
light.

“Nata mayazan,” Johnny uttered sleepily turning his head away from
Brackett’s touch.

Brackett clicked off the pen light and looked at Dixie. Dixie shrugged
her shoulders. Brackett turned his attentions back to Johnny, “John
what did you say?”

“Nata mayazan....my head hurts.” Johnny eyes remained closed. “Tuktel
Angeni?” His words slurred as he once again succumbed to the darkness.

“Dam he’s out again. Did you...understand any of what he was saying?”
Brackett asked Dix while making notes on the chart.

“Some..but as strange as this sounds. I don’t think he was speaking
English.”

“Nonsense sounds probably. Head wounds can reek havoc on speech.” Kel
closed the chart and handed it back to Dixie. “Watch his BP. If it
starts to go up page me. I don’t like it that he’s not more coherent.
The skull fracture isn’t that severe, he should be coming around more.”

Dixie took the chart. “Kel, I don’t think it was nonsense, or a speech
problem. I think he was speaking in another language.”

“What? Johnny doesn’t...”

“Kel, he grew up on a reservation. Maybe he does but never told us.”

Kel Brackett’s lip twitched, “Call Roy see if he knows anything about
Johnny’s Indian background.” Kel looked at Johnny. “Leave it to him
to throw us like this.”


As Brackett and Dixie left the room neither noticed the slight upturn of
Johnny’s lip.

**********

Roy was home nursing his injured shoulder. Sitting on the back deck of
his home he couldn’t help to think about how Johnny ended up lingering
between life and death.

TWO DAYS EARLIER

“Hello, hello, hello,” Johnny leaped over the bench by his locker.

“Well, you’re in a good mood,” Roy commented about his partner.

“It’s a gorgeous day, and I think I’ve got a lead on great piece of
property with a barn and everything,” Johnny had shed his shirt and
pants and was putting on his uniform.

“Uh, can you afford something like that?” Roy was finishing tucking in
his shirt. “I mean, I know what my little house cost and I don’t have a
barn.”

Johnny was getting his shoes on as he continued, “It’s a foreclosure. I
can do most of the repairs myself.” Johnny stopped and stared into his
locker. “It reminds me of home.” Johnny shook his head and looked at
Roy and shrugged his shoulders.

Roy smiled. Johnny had only given him the impression that “home” had
been someplace unpleasant. Roy sat down next to Johnny. “I thought you
.that where you grew up...it wasn’t too nice.”

Johnny looked down at the floor. His fingers enter twined. “Well, home
was nice. An escape. Away from the gawkers and the .....Never mind.”
Johnny was quiet and still staring at the floor.

Roy could feel the sadness. “Hey, so tell me some more about this
property.”

Johnny looked up at Roy and nodded. “Thanks. It’s about......”

Roy listened as Johnny explained the acreage and house. His plans to get
horses. Roy was reduced to just nodding as he couldn’t get a word in
edgewise.

The tones went off and everything changed.

“Roy, I need some help over here,” Johnny was using the pike pole to
pull down a piece of loose ceiling. The fire had gutted the offices in
the old building. Since no one was injured Roy and Johnny were helping
with clean up.

“Yeah, hang on Johnny I’m.....” Roy had started to turn to answer
Johnny. His eyes went wide. From his angle he could see the beam
coming loose. Roy could tell that if it fell it would swing directly in
Johnny’s direction. “JOHNNY DON'T!”

Johnny gave another tug on the pike pole as he looked over Roy hearing
him yell.

Roy watched the beam fall. It swung in an arc. It impacted against
John’s chest sending him flying back and into a cinder block wall. The
rim on the back of his helmet hit the wall and caused Johnny’s head to
snap back and hit the wall. For a millisecond Johnny stood there then he
slid to the floor as if boneless.

Roy watched it. It took only seconds. A second after Johnny’s body hit
the floor Roy was at his side, “HT 51 to Engine 51. I need help.
Backboard, the equipment, hurry.” Not exactly proper protocol. But Roy
was already seeing the condition of his partner and was shaken.

Johnny had fluid coming out of his left ear. Roy carefully held
Johnny’s head while he waited for help.

With Chet and Marco’s help they got Johnny on the backboard and had
applied the C-collar. Johnny hadn’t made a sound. Roy could feel ribs
moving as he checked Johnny’s chest. “Dam.” Roy noted the rapid heart
rate, the fluid coming from the ear and the decreased pupil response of
the left eye.

Rampart ordered an IV and to transport immediately. Roy jumped into the
ambulance with Johnny. The ride seemed to take forever. Roy kept
checking vitals trying to avoid looking at the still lifeless face of
his best friend. When he allows himself to be a friend for a moment he
can’t help but to notice the peaceful look on Johnny’s face.

**********

“Nituwehe?” She called out seeing the stranger climb out from the tall
grass by the pond. She picked up a rock and held it up to strike the
stranger. Again she yelled, “Nituwe he?”

“Please need help,” Johnny uttered and fell to the ground.

The woman cautiously stepped closer, and then closer still. She noticed
the blood on his head. She gently kicked at his shoulder. He moaned.
She bent down and took a closer look at his face. She brushes Johnny’s
hair from his face.

Johnny feels a cool cloth being placed on his head. When he opens his
eyes he sees her. Obviously, an Indian woman. Her jet black hair hung
in a loose pony tail over her shoulder. Her eyes are blacker than he’s
ever seen before. His head is resting on her leg.

“Nituwe he?”

To Johnny her voice sounds like music. He’s not sure what she’s asking.

“What?” Johnny tries to move but the pain in his head intensifies. ”Oh
God,” Johnny mutters closing his eyes.

She gently brushes her hand over his head, “Nata?”

Johnny opens his eyes. He sees her pointing to his head and again she
says, “Nata?”

“Yeah, my head. Hurts.” Johnny watches as shrugs and shakes her head.
Johnny struggles to try to remember a forgotten language from his
childhood. “Head hurts--ah--Nata mayazan.”

She smiles and nods, “Ohan.”

“What-where am I?” Johnny starting to realize he is not in the burnt
out building but rather outside in a field.

“Ta’ku?” She sighed.

Johnny squeezed his eyes shut,” Okay, how----” Johnny opened his eyes
and looked at her, “Tuktel?” Johnny then waved his arm, “Where am I?”

“Dakota,” She then points to herself, “Angeni-” Points to herself
again, “Angeni”

Johnny then points to her, “Angeni.” She smiles at him and nods.

Then she touches his chest, Nituwe he?”

“John Gage,” Johnny points to himself. “Johnny.”

Angeni slowly says, “Johnny?”

“Yes, hau,” Johnny remembers his Lakota language. “What am I doing
here? Where’s Roy?” Johnny ignores the pain in his head and sits up.
There’s nothing around as far as the eye could see. “Oh my God.”

“To’kha?” Angeni asks.

“What’s wrong?” Johnny struggles to his feet. Waving his arm in all
directions. “Where is everything?” Johnny turns and grabs Angeni’s
arms. “What is this? Who are you?”

Angeni begins talking so fast Johnny can’t understand her. Johnny lets
her go and begins stumbling and running away.

Angeni runs after him. “To’khiya la he?”

That stopped Johnny in his tracks. Johnny looked in all directions. “I
don’t know where I’m going.”

Angeni puts her hand on his shoulder. The caring in her eyes draws out
Johnny’s fears. “Where am I? How’d did I get here? How do I get back?
Help me.” Angina doesn’t understand a word but does recognize his
despair. Though he is a stranger she wraps her arms around him and he
around her. Johnny cries onto her shoulder.

Johnny takes a few minutes to gather himself. The pain in his head is
making it hard to stay on his feet. He needs to rest.

“Tipi? Where’s your home? Tipi?” Johnny is finding it harder to stay
standing.

Angeni takes Johnny’s arm and wraps it around her shoulder. She points
to where the sun is setting and they begin walking. Johnny notices
she’s wearing a buckskin dress and boots. Not the fake stuff in the
stores. This was hand made, no sewing machine did those seams.

Johnny knows he is getting weaker but Angeni is not letting go or
slowing down. Soon he sees a an encampment. Many tipis and Indian
people working and playing.

Angeni yells for help and soon Johnny feels strong hands picking him
up. Angeni directs them to a tipi on the outskirts of the encampment.

A tall imposing Indian brave stops the others from bringing Johnny into
the tipi.

“Daughter who is this? Why do you bring him to our home?”

“He’s hurt and needs my help. I will help him.” Then Angeni steps
around her father and directs the others to follow.

Johnny is barely able to move on his own as he is helped into the tipi.
Angeni steps around and unrolls a bearskin rug. She instructs the braves
to lay him on it. Angeni lays another blanket on top of him. Johnny
listens as she tells the men what she needs and they leave.

Johnny sees the large brave who stood at the entrance of the tipi
standing and watching him with arms crossed over his chest.

Angeni and the man are arguing. Johnny feels himself slipping into
unconsciousness.

Angeni glanced back and saw Johnny closing his eyes. “Hiya!” She called
out dropping to the floor by his side. What she said, Johnny didn’t
know. But she kept talking, keeping him awake.

**********

Chapter 2


“Damn, I thought he was waking up,” Kel Brackett once again checked
Johnny’s pupil’s. “Dix get Joe. I think Johnny’s really done it this
time.” Brackett looked closely at the x-ray, “There it is. Skull
fracture. Dam” Kel went over and looked at Johnny. “I’d better go talk
to Roy.”

Kel Brackett walked to the lounge where Roy was waiting. Johnny’s
condition hadn’t changed. No worse or better than when he was brought
in. Pushing open the door, Brackett saw Roy sitting at the table
sipping coffee.

“How is he?” Roy asked as he rose from his chair and went to the doctor.

“Still not conscious. X-ray shows a skull fracture.” Kel saw the color
drain from Roy’s face. “Easy, sit down.” Kel took Roy’s arm and led
him back to the chair by the table. “Johnny stable Roy. We’re not
seeing any indications that there is swelling of the brain. Right now
we just wait.”

“Doc can I sit with him?” Roy’s voice still was a bit shaky.

“Roy, are you all right?”

Roy scratched at his head. “Doc I watched it happen. The look of pain
on his face, then how he fell to the floor.” Roy closed his eyes. “I
thought ...he was already.....gone.”

“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen
Roy. Now give us a few minutes to move him up to ICU.” Brackett rose
and placed his hand on Roy’s shoulder. “Hang on Roy. We’ll get him
through this.”

“Thanks Doc,” Roy looked up and smiled.

Brackett left Roy alone. Roy knew shortly he’d be joined by the engine
crew.

Roy crossed his arms on the table and laid his head down. “Please God
let him be all right.”


**********

Angeni never left Johnny’s side. Her father never moved from his spot.

“He’s a white man. They mean trouble for us,” Her father admonished.

Angeni kept wiping Johnny’s brow and then dripped water into his
mouth. “He knows some of our language. He was alone. He needs me-us.”

“Like your mother stubborn. Fine but I will not trust him.” Her father
stormed from the tipi.

Angeni closed her eyes and sighed. “Johnny?”

Johnny heard voices but couldn’t make them out so he called out, “Roy.”


**********

It had been hours since Johnny had been moved to ICU. Roy sat in the
hard plastic chair. He leaned to the right. His arm on the arm rest,
his head resting on his hand. The doctors kept assuring him Johnny
should be coming around, but so far nothing.

“Roy,” Johnny said barely a whisper.

Roy’s head popped up. “Johnny?” Roy got up and went by the bed. He
leaned over and spoke directly into Johnny ‘s ear. “John, come on
buddy. Wake up.”

“Tuktel yaunhan he?” Johnny let the words stumble out.

Dixie had mentioned to Roy that it seemed like Johnny was speaking
another language. “John, in English. I don’t understand.” Roy never
knew Johnny spoke anything other than English.

“Tuktel--Where’ve been?” Johnny barely got the words out.

Roy smiled slightly, “Right here John. The whole time. Now open your
eyes.”

“Angeni, Tuktel?” Johnny’s head moved as if he were looking for her.

“Johnny who’s Angeni?” Roy tugged at his memory. Was Angeni a new
girlfriend.

“Lakota wichincala.”

Roy closed his eyes. “Johnny English please.”

“Girl.....Indian,” Johnny’s voice faded.

Roy tried to rouse Johnny again and again but couldn’t. Roy pulled the
chair closer to the bed and sat down. Roy carefully picked up Johnny’s
hand and began to massage it. “Johnny fight. Come back to us.” Roy
looked at Johnny’s still face. Carefully, he brushed the hair from
Johnny’s forehead. “Where are you Johnny? Who is Angeni?” Roy saw no
movement no acknowledgment of his pleadings.

**********

“Angeni?” Johnny muttered slowly opening his eyes. He saw the smoke
rising and escaping through the opening in the top of the tipi. Johnny
felt movement against his body. Turning and lowering his head he saw
Angeni tucked in against his body under the blanket. Angeni smelled of
sweet grass.

Angeni felt him move and sat up quickly, “Tonikhetu he?” She touched
his forehead and smiled.

“Uh, I’m feeling better...uh I mean....” Johnny couldn’t remember how
to say he felt better so he smiled and nodded.

Angeni nodded back then added, “Loyachin hwo?” She brought her fingers
to her mouth and pretended to chew.

“Yes, han.” Johnny watched her get up and walk away. He carefully sat
up. His head felt better but he was not too steady. “Angeni--I’mapuza.”

Angeni turned and smiled. She brought back a drinking gourd and dried
meat. “Pa’pa?”

Johnny took the dried meat and worked hard at biting off a piece. Angeni
laughed at his struggling.

“Sure laugh at me.” Finally after chewing off a piece, “Hey this isn’t
too bad.” Johnny smiled and winked at her.

Angeni got back up and brought him a tunic and buckskin pants. Johnny
hadn’t realized what he had on was torn and pretty dirty. “Okay, but
turn around.” Angeni shook her head. Johnny took his hand and made a
circle. “Turn around.” Angeni took the hint and turned.

The rest of the morning Johnny and Angeni explored just how much of her
language he understood. Angeni pointed to objects and named them, he’d
then say their English names. Johnny figured she couldn’t be more than
eighteen or nineteen.

Angeni helped him up and out of the tipi. Johnny leaned heavily on her.

“Oh my God. Where the hell am I?” Johnny eyes scanned the whole area.
Nothing but trees and grass and tipis. Indians of all ages going about
their business. Some nodded and smiled other watched him warily.

Johnny was struck by the absence of modern sounds. No cars in the
distance. No sound of airplanes. Only nature and her people.

“Where the hell am I?” He asked again.

Angeni squeezed him at the waist, “Taku’?”

“Just wondering how I’d get to see the Wizard. I don’t think clicking
my heels is going to work.”

“Taku’?”

Johnny could see she was getting annoyed at not understanding him. He
smiled.

Suddenly in front of both of stood her father. Johnny could hear the
anger in his voice. He looked back and forth between Angeni and her
father. Johnny could tell he was the topic of discussion. Then when
Angeni stood in front of him, Johnny knew the father might want to hurt
him. Angeni argued with her father. Never backing down. This was not
the norm for a young girl and her father.

Johnny understood some of what was being said so he answered for
himself, “I both--Nilakhota and wanishicu--Lakota and white.”

Both Angeni and her father looked at him.

Then mixing English with Lakota he tried to explain his situation. “I
come from far away. I don’t know how I got here.” The with sadness, “I
don’t know how to get back to where I came from.”

Angeni placed his arm around her shoulder again and spoke to her father.
Then she urged Johnny to walk away. Johnny couldn’t be sure. Maybe the
translation was week. But he thought Angeni told her father that he was
her other self and that she’d known it from the moment she looked into
his eyes. Her father had argued that he did not belong. Angeni had
answered, “Then neither do I.”

Johnny was confused, weak, and feeling lost to his world. Angeni kept
an eye on him as she went about her chores. Johnny soon was the center
of attention of the children of the tribe.

Angeni watched Johnny with the children. When her father approached she
turned to him and said, “Father, look at him with the children. There
is nothing bad about this man. He is a good man Father.”

“Daughter don’t get......He will leave.”

“If he does and he asks me to go with him I will.”

“Ah, but what if he doesn’t ask you to go with him? That is the real
worry isn’t it.”

Angeni looked down at the ground, “Yes.”

**********

Chapter 3

“What are you going to tell them?’’ Dixie sat across from Kel’s desk
looking a little older than she did a week ago. “They’ve been here
anytime they’ve been off duty. Roy’s ....I don’t know how much more he
can take?” The last part brought tears to her eyes.

Kel kept flipping through Johnny’s file. “Nothing. There’s no reason
at all that he hasn’t woken up.” Kel smashed his hand on the desk.
“Dammit all to hell.”

Once Dixie was assured she and Kel had their own emotions under control
she and the doctor went to the lounge to speak with Johnny’s shift mates.

In the lounge the five men waited--impatiently. Marco was sitting with
head down and fingering a small rosary. Chet paced and kicked at the
floor. Mike was quiet but his knee bounced. Hank Stanley tried to
square his shoulders. After all he was the Captain, the one his men
should be able to turn too. But he couldn’t. Roy sat at the table, a
cup of coffee between his hands. He just stared at the liquid. To
afraid to think.

When the door to the lounge opened each man looked up and over.
Brackett’s face was very telling.

“Gentlemen,” The Doctor knew each man and how much Johnny was being
missed. Brackett walked into the room and let the door shut before he
spoke.

“I’m sorry the tests have all come back normal. We have no answers as
to why Johnny hasn’t woken up yet.”

Chet stepped up to the Doctor. “Seven days Doc. Johnny hasn’t moved or
spoken in seven days. And you stand there and tell us everything is
normal. Not moving or talking for seven seconds isn’t normally for
Johnny. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOCTORS MISSING?” Chet moved in closer.

Hank Stanley put a restraining hand on Chet, “No Chet. this isn’t his
fault.” The Cap then asked the Doctor, “Doc if nothing has changed why
did you want to see us?”

“Johnny seems to have slid deeper into the coma. We may have to put him
on a respirator soon.”

“Oh God,” Chet stalked off to the window.

“Doc, what else?” Roy still stared at his coffee. He was no Doctor but
knew that Johnny’s condition was worsening.

“Right now we’re feeding him through the nasal gastric tube. But as you
all have seen he’s still loosing ground.”

“Doc, please?” Roy closed his eyes.

“I need to know how far we are to go with his care.”

Chet spun around and angrily yelled, “WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? YOU TAKE CARE OF HIM 'TIL HE COMES OUT OF IT!”

Roy finally pulled himself away from the coffee cup. He stood and walked
over to the doctor. “Do you think he’ll come out of this?”

Brackett’s cheek twitched. “Roy I just don’t know. Every test says he
should be awake and driving my staff crazy. But he’s just not waking
up.”

“But there have been times when he seems...”

“I know Roy,” Brackett put a hand on Roy’s shoulder. “Like he might be
waking up. But then nothing comes of it.” Brackett then looked to the
other men. “I just need you to understand we are doing everything
possible for Johnny. But if he keeps deteriorating,” For the rest he
looked back to Roy, “You being listed as next of kin will have some
very difficult choices. I’m sorry Roy.” Brackett squeezed Roy’s
shoulder and then left the room.

Roy stood staring at the door. Captain Stanley watched the play of
emotions flow over Roy’s face.

“Roy,” Stanley moved in front of Roy. “We are here for you. Neither
Johnny or you will face this alone.” Stanley watched tears pooling in
Roy’s eyes and then his chin quivering.

“How do I let him go? Dammit, I may have to ......I’m gonna go sit
with Johnny for a while.” Roy quickly exited the room.

“ROY?” Chet called trying to follow.

Captain Stanley grabbed Chet’s arm, “NO, leave him alone. As bad as
you feel Kelly..... Roy DeSoto feels a hundred times worse.”

Chet looked down to the floor then slowly nodded.

The waiting continued.

Meanwhile upstairs in ICU Roy once again took up the position of sitting
by Johnny’s bed. “Well, you look good Junior. One of the nurses musta
brushed your hair. But you’d hate how perfect it looks.” Roy sighed.
“Jenny wants to come see you. I told her to give you some more time.
JoAnne says she’s going to have to have you over every night to fatten
you up once you get out of here.” Roy stood. The absolute stillness of
Johnny’s body was disturbing. “Dammit where are you Johnny? Who is
Angeni?” Roy bent over and talked directly into Johnny’s ear. “Johnny
it’s Roy. Don’t you dare leave us.”

**********

Johnny sat bolt upright knocking off the bearskin blanket. “Roy!”

Angeni had gotten use to Johnny’s nocturnal shouts over the last few
days. She quickly crossed the tipi to be next to him. “Roy?”

“Yes,” Johnny’s breathing was slowing down. He watched as Angeni got
him the water gourd. Pouring some into his hand he wiped his face then
drank the rest.

“He tu’we he?” Angeni stared into his eyes.

Johnny laughed slightly, “Who’s Roy? That my darling is a huge
question.” Johnny saw Angeni shake her head and roll her eyes. He
gently touched the side of her face and said, “Khola’--friend--well
more like a brother--chiye’----” Johnny watched Angeni. He could see
her starting to understand.

Johnny realized quickly that he and Angeni though separated by language
still could understand each other. The bond was growing stronger by the
day. Then in broken Lakota he explained who Roy was, “Very good
friend.....like a brother.....saved my life.....his family was/is my
family.” Johnny’s head fell.

Angeni touched his cheek. Johnny looked up at the dark eyes that held
tears. “What? Ta’ku?”

“Tohan yagnin kta he?” Then struggling Angeni said, “Home you?”

“I don’t know if I can go home,” Johnny muttered then narrowing his
eyes while looking at Angeni, “Or if I want too.”

Angeni spoke more firmly, “To’han?”

“When?” Johnny shook his head then laid back down. He patted the spot
next to him. Angeni hesitated a moment then curled up next to him. “I
don’t think I can leave you.” Johnny kissed the top of her head.

The days after that night were filled with learning a new language for
both Angeni and Johnny. Her father though still guarded allowed Johnny
to be involved with hunting and caring for the needs of the tribe.

Johnny was hearing less and less of Roy’s voice crying out to him in the
night.

**********

“Gentleman, JoAnne,” Brackett said entering his office. Today was the
day of reckoning. Brackett went around his desk and sat down. He saw
each man watching him. Each still clinging to hope that he was going to
rip away. “I’ve got the latest results of the test we ran yesterday and
today.”

“He’s worse isn’t he?” Roy asked speaking slowly and with great despair.

“Roy....” Brackett cleared his throat. This was harder than anything
he ever had to do. “Johnny’s oxygen saturation rates are still
dropping. We need to decide about putting him on a respirator.”

“What about the other tests?” Captain Stanley asked seeing that Roy was
not able to bring himself to ask.

“The coma is a grade four. The deepest. Another reason the respirator
is needed.”

“Doc,” Roy sounded so exhausted. “He use to ...Johnny use to mumble or
squeeze me hand....now nothing. I know you did an EEG.”

Brackett leaned forward and put his arms on his desk. “Yes, we did.
The brain wave activity has continued to decrease. We don’t know why.”

“Doc, are you saying Gage....John isn’t really here. That he’s.....”
Chet swallowed hard.’’

“To a certain extent yes. I’m sorry.”

“What if he starts to come out of the coma? It’s possible isn’t it.”
Mike asked.

“In the beginning we thought he would. But now.....I’m sorry to much
damage is done.”

“Roy, JoAnne and all of us.” Stanley waved his hand towards the
group. “Have discussed this.” Stanley then went and put a hand on
Roy’s shoulder.”

Roy took JoAnne’s hand in his. Looking into her tear filled eyes, “No
extreme measures Dr. Brackett. No respirator.” Roy’s head fell against
Jo’s should. She put her face next to his and cried.

An hour later Roy was alone at Johnny’s bedside. His eyes scanned every
inch of his best friend. The anger at over what was happening finally
was going to be vented.

**********

Johnny’s dreams were suddenly invaded. Roy yelling at him demanding
that he answer him. Johnny’s breathing increased. With a start he sat
up. He could still here Roy pleading with him not to give up to come
back. Johnny looked over and saw that this time he hadn’t woken up
Angeni. Quietly he slipped from the tipi.

A few hours later Angeni woke to see Johnny’s bedroll empty.
She frantically looked around the tipi. “Johnny?!” She quickly climbed
through the small opening and began looking around the encampment.
“JOHNNY?!” She ran from tipi to tipi.

Suddenly someone grabbed her arm. Looking back she looked into the
strong face of her father. “OH father Johnny is missing.”

“Perhaps it is a good thing. He might have gone back to his own
people.” His deep voice was etched with concern. “You had grown to
attached to the outsider.”

She rolled her lower lip then bit it. “Father, I love him.” She pulled
her arm from his grasp. “I can’t let him go.” She ran off in search of
the injured stranger.

Her father looked down at the ground and shook his head. Two weeks ago
she had found the stranger now she said she loved him. “Oh, Great
Spirits, help her.”


**********

“Dammit Johnny you’re not fighting. Do you think I’m just going to let
you go. Wherever you are it’s wrong. You should be here with us. Come
back.” Roy watched the heart monitor and saw an increase in the
rhythm. “Good, now fight dammit.”

**********

Johnny kneeled by the small stream splashing water on his face. His
head pounded with images of Roy standing over him yelling at him. His
heart felt like it would burst from his chest.

Johnny could here Angeni calling his name in the distance. She sounded
scared. Johnny put his hands to the sides of his head hoping to ease
the pain. It didn’t help.

Angeni saw Johnny sitting and rocking while holding his head.
“JOHNNY?!” Angeni kneeled next to him and ran her hand through his hair.
Johnny looked into her deep dark eyes and saw concern and love.

Angeni saw the pain in his eyes. “Are you hurt?”

Johnny didn’t answer but kept staring. ~ ~Is this what I want? Or do I
try to get back to Roy? God she’s so beautiful and good.~~ Johnny took
Angeni’s face in his hands. Then pulled her face to his.

Angeni pulled back at first startled by the forcefulness. Then both
closed their eyes as their mouths touched. A moment then mouths opened
and their tongues began to explore the recesses of each others mouths.

Johnny no longer heard Roy’s voice only the soft moans of desire both he
and Angeni were making.

**********

Chapter 4

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPP

Roy stared at the flat illuminated line on the heart monitor. Then
looked back at Johnny’s still form. “My God you look so peaceful!”

Then the door burst open. Nurses began to prepare to do cpr while
another charged the defibrillator.

“NO, he’s at peace now.” Roy grabbed the head nurses arm. “No extreme
measures.”

“Mr. DeSoto are you sure?”

Roy took another look at Johnny’s face. Sighing deeply with tears in
his eyes. “Yes, leave him alone.”

The nurse nodded and instructed the other to leave the room.

Roy stood and just looked at the friend he’d come to love so much. The
man who with great enthusiasm could draw him into doing almost
anything. “What am I going to do without you? I hope wherever you
are--you are happy. God knows you deserve it. “ Roy lowered his head
and gave into to the tears that shook his whole body.

**********

Angeni felt the tension leave Johnny’s body as they continued to kiss.
Then Johnny pulled away slightly. “Ta’ku-What?”

“It’s gone-the pain--the voice,” Johnny said confused.

Then Angeni’s sweat voice broke into his thoughts, “You go?”

Johnny wrapped his arm around her and laid her down. Then laying on top
of her he brushed the hair from her face. “I stay-” Johnny kissed her
deeply again. “Mitha’wichu ki?”

A smile exploded across Angeni’s face, “HAN, HAN-YES--mihigna ki.”

“Always- husband and wife,” Johnny kissed her again.

That morning in the bright sunshine and high grass Angeni and Johnny
starting making a new life together.

**********

The engine rolled slowly down the street being led by the squad. On the
hose bed of the engine a flag draped coffin. Roy knew Johnny didn’t
practice a religion and hoped Johnny didn’t mind that he’d decided to
use his church for the services. Now on the way to the cemetery Roy
cradle Jenny in his arms. She was crushed by the loss of Uncle Johnny
and hadn’t stopped crying. Chris sat next to him Mom quietly sniffling
along with JoAnne. Neither child cared that this was their first ride
in a limousine.

To say that hundreds had showed up for the service would be a gross
understatement. Roy had smiled at how many people respected and loved
his partner. Amongst the crowd he even recognized former patients. A
woman even came over and introduced her little boy to Roy. Reminding
him how Johnny had delivered the child.

All day long that seemed to be the case. People sharing stories of
Johnny’s good humor, sensitive nature, and incredible kindness.

At the end of the day it was obvious that Johnny had touched many
lives. Roy just wished Johnny had had an opportunity to touch many more
over many more years.

It was a month later when Roy got a letter at the station.

“Roy there’s a letter for you here?” Stanley said looking at the return
address. “Who do you know in North Dakota?”

Roy took the letter from his Captain. “No one.” Roy then grabbed his
cup of coffee and went over to sit on the couch.

Mr. DeSoto,
You don’t know me. I’m writing at the insistence of my Great
Grandfather. He is very elderly and cannot write in English. He wants
to know if it would be acceptable for you to come and see him. I know
you don’t know him but he insists.

He says to tell you it concerns John Gage.

I will enclose my address . Mr. DeSoto I know this is asking a lot but
my Great Grandfather is extremely ill at this time and demands that I
ask you to come soon.

Angeni

“Angeni-dear God,” Roy kept looking at the name. “It’s her.”

“Roy who’s her?’’ Chet asked beginning to set the table.

Roy didn’t realize he’d spoken out loud. “Uh nothing.” Roy folded the
letter and put in his pocket. ~Home, I’ll call when I get home.~ Roy
thought.

As the day wore on Roy’s mind worked overtime. By lights out he had
made up his mind. He was going to North Dakota.

In the morning Roy asked Captain Stanley for an emergency leave. The
Captain figured Roy still needed time to deal with Johnny’s death.

JoAnne might not be so understanding.

Later that morning he found out he wasn’t to far off.

“Roy you don’t know these people. Or what they might be up to. You
could get there and find out they’re some crazies trying to take
advantage of you.”

“How Jo? How do they know Angeni? That was the name Johnny kept
saying. The last thing he ever said.” Roy paced the small kitchen. “I
got to know who she is. What she meant to Johnny.” Roy went and took
his wife’s arm. “Jo I need this. Please understand.”

JoAnne shook then lowered her head. “Oh Roy I do understand.” Looking
back up at her husband, “I know you’ve been hurting. I’m just
worried.”

“Jo I have a feeling this is important. So, important it can’t wait for
letters to be exchanged or phone calls. I took a leave of absence,”
They Roy explained his plans. “I already booked a flight out for this
afternoon.”

Jo glared at him a moment but melted. “Okay, but call, several times so
I know you’re okay.”

“God I love you,” Roy pulled her into a tight hug.

“Just be careful okay,” JoAnne said hugging him back.

Together they packed his bag. JoAnne drove him to the airport that
afternoon.

“Roy just be careful,” JoAnne kissed his cheek then added. “I hope you
find the answers you need.”

Roy smiled and nodded, “I love you.”

“I love you too, now go,” JoAnne pushed him towards the gate.

**********

Roy arrived in North Dakota, rented a car and made his way to the
address listed on Angeni’s letter. After hours of little or no signs of
people or civilization he began to see homes scattered around. Finally,
a sign indicated the way to the tribal house. It proved to be the
address Angeni had given.

Roy walked into the building, he stood out like a sore thumb. He could
feel the people coming and going looking him over. Roy went to a desk
that was located in the corner of the front room.

“Uh, I’m Roy DeSoto. I’m trying to find Angeni. She sent me this
letter.”

The man stared at Roy for a moment then took the letter. “She’s not
here. This is where we forward the mail for our members who live too
far out for normal mail delivery. You want her address? Though I doubt
you’d find it.”

Roy could sense the disdain this man had for him. “Yes, I really need
to speak to her.”

“Okay, but if you get lost stay with your car.” The man gave Roy the
address and detailed directions. As the man handed Roy the sheet with
the directions he said, “Roy huh?”

Roy didn’t understand the strange look on the man’s face. “Yeah, Roy.”

“Sorry, man. Just kinda funny. Roy going to see Angeni about her Great
Grandfather Johnny.” The man snickered got up and left.

Roy stood transfixed. None of this made sense. Johnny had never spoken
to him of family. Until Johnny lay on his death bed Roy had never heard
the name Angeni before. He need answers. He turned and left to go get
those answers.

After another two hours of driving over so-called roads he came to a
small grouping of homes. Each very neat and well kept. Roy noted the
larger home in the center. He pulled up in front of that one. Roy was
beset upon by several small children. He asked one about Angeni. A
small girl stepped forward.

“No, she’d be an grown-up. Is there an Angeni that’s all grown up?”
Roy asked the children.

“That would be me.” A young woman came out of the home being led by a
child. “And who might you be?”

Roy stepped up to her. Something in her features seemed familiar. She
had incredibly dark eyes. Her black hair was long and wavy-a turquoise
and silver hair comb held her hair off her face.

“I’m Roy DeSoto, I got...”

“OH MY GOD--YOUR REAL? AND HERE!” Angeni got closer to him. “Great
Grandfather said you’d come. I just wrote the letter to make him
happy. I never thought.” Angeni grabbed his hand. “Come on, I’ll take
you to him.”

Roy was yanked and pulled into the house. He was taken to the back of
the home. There was a back deck. Sitting in an old rocker was a man, a
very old man. Roy looked at the man then to Angeni. The old man’s
features were distorted with age but Roy felt a chill run down his back.
The angular nose and high cheekbones. The thin straight lips. Roy
swallowed hard.

“Great Grandfather, I’ve got someone here who you wanted to see.”
Angeni had kneeled in front of the old man.

The old man tapped her cheek, “Who?”

Angeni waved Roy over. “This Roy DeSoto.”

“Leave us Angeni and see we are not disturbed.”

Angeni nodded and left.

“Sit, Mr. DeSoto. In front of me.” Roy pulled a chair up and infront
of the ancient man.

“Johnny?”

The old man laughed. “Ah, you see the resemblance even through the
wrinkles.” The old man leaned forward slightly, “I am known as
Johnny,” The old man then stuck a shaky finger in Roy’s face. “But I
am not your Johnny.” The old man leaned back against his chair. “Your
Johnny was my Great Grandfather.”

Roy instantly thought the old man senile or ....

“Don’t think me crazy.” The old man then pulled a leather bound satchel
from the side of the chair. “ I was the only one who could write in
English. Great Grandfather told me he’d forgotten long ago. So, when I
was a young man and he very old he told me a story. Not the one that
was told around the campfires. The one every child till this day is
told like some old fairy tale. The story of a great love and man who
came from nowhere. “ The old man ran his hand reverently over the
book. I’ve guarded this with my life.” The old man held the book out
to Roy. “Now it is yours--as Great Grandfather intended.”

“I don’t understand,” Roy took the book.

The old man smiled. The smile seemed to be higher on one side than the
other. “Don’t try to understand. It will hurt to much. Just read and
rejoice in a great life.” The old man closed his eyes and was soon
asleep.

**********

Chapter 5

Roy sat back and opened the cover.

I am writing this for my Great Grandfather. The words will be his
from this point on.

Hi, Pally
Are you still standing? I know you must have a million questions and
a million more doubts. As do I. I remember the fire and the clean up.
Then I was here. Laying in tall grass and not knowing how or where I
was. My head ached. Then there was a vision of beauty -Angeni. For
days I thought I heard you call to me. But after a time I didn’t hear
you anymore. I hope in my leaving , you didn’t suffer much. I’ve had a
wonderful life here. But can feel my end is near. My Great Grandson
tells me not to talk that way. My Angeni past on a month ago and I
can’t wait to be reunited with her. Angeni and I shared over 60 years
together. Roy she gave me life when I was scared. But I almost blew
it when only a week after our “wedding” .

**********

“What is wrong?” Angeni sat up and looked at her husband.

Johnny saw her sitting with nothing covering her breasts as she was in
bed. “I’m going to sleep over there tonight.” Johnny indicated the
other side of the tipi.

“Why? What have I done?”

Johnny hated himself from what he’d done. “I need to.” With that he
climbed under the blankets without removing the buckskin pants.

He listened as Angeni started to cry.

Today, merely a week after being joined, while talking to another member
of the tribe Johnny realized his horrible mistake. He remembered the
Lakota words for numbers in the wrong order. Angeni wasn’t 18 or 19 but
only sixteen. A young sixteen according to Angeni’s grandmother. Johnny
felt like a pervert. He’d never have allowed anything to happen between
them if he’d known.

**********

I wouldn’t touch her. God, Roy I felt like some child molester. Angeni
told no one what was happening. I didn’t realize till later she thought
she had displeased me. Then one day two white trappers showed up. And
everything changed.

**********

“Hey, where'd you learn to speak English?” The older white trapped
asked Johnny.

Johnny knew the history of his people. He wasn’t going to trust any
white men. “Somewhere far from here.”

“Well, it’ll make tradin’ easier.”

Later that night the traders were asleep in a tipi lent to them by an
older member of the tribe.

Johnny entered his tent to see Angeni preparing his dinner. It had been
two months since he touched her. Their conversations were cold and
unimportant.

“You don’t like the white men?” Angeni asked never looking up at Johnny.

“No, don’t trust them. Neither should anyone else.”

“Father said ....”

“No Angeni. Trust me. Don’t trust them.” Then Johnny sat down cross
legged next to her. “Angeni never be alone with them.”

“Why?”

“Don’t question me. You will do as I say.” Johnny voice was commanding
and angry.

Angeni nodded. “I am your wife, I will do as you say.” Then she
sniffled.

Johnny’s heart just about broke. “I just want to keep you safe.”

Angeni nodded again and gave the food she prepared to Johnny.

When Angeni moved away from him he asked, “Are you going to eat?”

“Not hungry,” Angeni said climbing under the blanket of her bed.

**********

Roy the next morning I couldn’t find her anywhere. I saw her father and
asked if he’d seen her. After what he told me I grabbed a knife and
went looking for them.

***********

“Father have you seen Angeni?” Johnny asked seeing her father by the
fire.

“Yes, one of the trappers, the younger one, asked to be shown the best
place to catch fish. I sent Angeni to show him.”

“WHAT?” Johnny bolted from his father in law. He knew exactly where
the best fishing spot was. It was secluded and far enough away that
screams wouldn’t be heard.

Johnny took only a moment to duck into his tipi to get a knife then he
ran faster than he’d ever had in his life.

As he approached the small pond he looked around frantically. “ANGENI?”
He screamed. Looking around he saw some tall grass moving, but there
was no wind. “NO!”

Then he heard Angeni scream his name. Johnny dived on the trapper
knocking him off Angeni.

***********

I never felt so much rage in my life Roy. He had his hand over her
mouth. Angeni was struggling and clawing at his face. I tackled him,
knocking him of Angeni. And I killed him. I drove my knife into the
center of his chest, right into his heart. And I was glad to do it.

**********

Johnny saw the knife embedded in the chest of the trapper and didn’t
care. He quickly turned his attention to Angeni who lay curled up and
sobbing.
Johnny picked her up and rocked her in his lap.

“Angeni, I’m so sorry. Let me see if you are hurt.”

‘No, he didn’t,” She said in little gasps. “I still am only yours.”

**********

I felt like a real bastard at that moment. Here I basically ignored her
for two months but she still loved me.

**********

“Angeni we got to hide the body,” Johnny said still rocking Angeni.

Angeni tried to get up but fell back into Johnny’s arms holding her
head.

“What’s wrong? He did hurt you,” Johnny’s old training kicked in and
he checked her pulse and respirations.

“No, women said normal.”

“Angeni what’s normal?”

Angeni wiped her face and took Johnny’s hand. Placing his hand on her
stomach, “I’m going to give you a son.”

Johnny pulled his hand away. “What?”

“I know you no longer want me but please do want your child.” Angeni
lowered her head.

**********

That day I thought about you. Roy I so needed someone to truly confide
in. I cradled her in my arms. I made my decision. Roy I tried to bury
the love I had for her but couldn’t. I realized that in the time I
found myself, marrying that young was normal. In our time I would’ve
been, well anyway. This beautiful woman who I loved more than my own
life was now pregnant with my child. How I wanted to share this with
you.

Angeni and I buried the body. Then , knowing what would happen if it
was discovered what I’d done we made a difficult choice that we only
shared with her father.

**********

“Leave the tribe? No, we will not let you.” Angeni’s father was angry.

“We must,” Johnny reasoned. “If they realize what I’ve done they will
hunt us all down. Angeni and I will make our way north and start a new
life.”

Angeni just sat quietly.

“You did nothing wrong Johnny. They had no right to touch her.”

Johnny sighed, “That won’t make a difference. I know what they will
think and how they will act.”

“Angeni? You agree to this.” Her father sat down next her. “We may
never see each other again. I will not see my grandchildren.”

Angeni started crying. “I know father, but I trust my husband. If he
feels this is necessary then I will do as he says. But I will miss you.”

**********

Chapter 6

Angeni’s father helped us gather things we would need. We left the camp
saying we were going hunting. Angeni’s father met up with us miles from
camp with two additional horses loaded with everything we’d need for our
journey.

Roy , Angeni was a rock. Here I was ripping her from everything she
knew and loved. Remember I knew how that felt. Angeni never
complained. We traveled for months. Angeni’s pregnancy was
uneventful. We made a home deep in the mountains. I was busy laying
in the winter supplies. With no doctors or a real accurate way of
knowing Angeni’s due date I guessed she was coming due at any time.
I’d only travel a half days walk from our home to hunt. Wanting to
make sure I’d be near by if she needed me. Well, as you know Pally
babies don’t listen to the plans of their parents.

**********

Johnny put his horse into the makeshift shelter and made his way to his
small half cave half wood structure he’d made for his home.

Pushing open the door he got the scare of his life. There lay Angeni,
naked on a bearskin blanket. Her face and hair soaked with sweat. In
her mouth she bit down on a handle of a spoon. Her arms were pulling
back on her legs. Angeni grunted and bent herself forward pushing hard.

Johnny threw off his pack and quickly went to her side and helped her
through the contraction. When it was over Angeni fell back and released
the spoon from her mouth. Her whole body shook.

“How long have you been like this?” Johnny asked getting water for
Angeni.

“Midday,” Angeni panted out. Suddenly her breathing increased,
“Another one.” Angeni put the spoon in her mouth and once again gripped
her legs and pushed.

“Oh what I’d give for the OB kit,” Johnny muttered. Then he positioned
himself to deliver his child. “Angeni stop, breath, don’t push.” He
could see the head and the fact that Angeni was beginning to tear
because she was pushing to hard.

Johnny carefully directed Angeni in her pushing while he carefully
manipulated the opening so as to cause little or no damage to Angeni.

**********

Roy at that moment I would have gladly welcomed even Dr. Morton. I
delivered my own son. Angeni was fine, thank God. We named our first
boy after Angeni’s father.

Yes I said first boy. Angeni gave me seven children Roy. Wouldn’t Chet
have a field day with that. Four boys and three girls. We moved several
times as the white man moved closer to us. I desperately wanted my
family to have a good life. I’m pretty sure we were in Canada--but
since I kept my family away from towns or settlements I don’t know
exactly where we were. I didn’t care.

Angeni and I were happy. Our children were happy. I’d tell them
stories about my life before coming here. Of course I had to change a
few things. But my children knew of my friend and brother Roy. Every
time Angeni gave me another child I wished I could share it with you.

I taught my children English. No white man was going to take advantage
of them. Angeni and I enjoyed watching the children marry and choose to
stay with us. I kinda created my own little village or tribe.

Angeni had one more surprise for me though.

**********

“Angeni you’re scaring me. I’m too old to be scared of my wife.” Johnny
said.

“You are not old, my love,” Angeni said cuddling closer in the bed with
her husband.

“Closing in on sixty you know,” Johnny kissed her and pulled her closer.

“You still have life in you.” Then Angeni touched his face. “And you
have given it to me once again.”

“What?”

“There will be another child come spring.”

Johnny looked at Angeni. She was now in her forties and had given him
there last child ten years ago. “Angeni it may not be ....”

Angeni took his hand and laid it on her belly. “I thought it was the
end of the babies too. But then he moved in me.” Johnny waited then
felt the kick.

“Oh my God.” Johnny’s mind wanted to be happy but he knew all to well
the dangers of a woman Angeni’s age having a child. “You need to be
careful. Take it easy. I will make sure the children take care of the
chores.”

Angeni laughed, “I am as strong as ever.”

Johnny’s voice became very serious, “No, Angeni I want you to rest and
someone will be with you all the time.” Johnny then smiled. “Humor
your old husband.”

“You are not old. I do not understand why you are worrying so, but I
will do as you say.”

************

Roy I spent the next several months watching here like a hawk. I
thought about the complications older woman could have. I thought
Angeni was going to kill me. I never let her carry anything. Made her
nap or at least rest every afternoon Come spring it was obvious to our
family she was having a hard time. Angeni no longer argued about
resting. I could tell her blood pressure was high and she showed signs
of gestational diabetes. I started watching what she ate and when. I
made sure she stayed in bed. So, early one spring morning .....

***********

“Johnny, wake up, Johnny,” Angeni finally hit him.

“What?” Johnny opened his eyes and saw Angeni holding her belly. “The
baby’s coming?”

“Yes, but it’s coming fast. There’s blood.” Then Angeni cried, “Blood.”
She showed him her hand. “Scared.”

Johnny laid her down and examined her. “Easy, breath, don’t push.”
Johnny yelled for his youngest and told him to get his older sisters.

***********

Roy I was terrified. The birth didn’t take long at all. Angeni bled
quite a bit. I think the placenta separated too soon. Angeni lapsed
into a coma and didn’t come out of it for two days. I woulda killed for
an IV. But Angeni came out of it weak but fine. She was laid up for
almost a month. Roy my children gathered around me and gave me such
strength during that time.

I didn’t name the child till Angeni was able to give her consent to the
name. Unlike our other children this name wasn’t going to be Lakota.

My last child, my youngest child, my last son was named Roy. When I was
asked what the name meant I told them it meant best friend,
brother,medicine man. Angeni was the only one who truly understood my
reasons.

I’m tired. I’m pretty sure I’m in my nineties. My beloved Angeni died
in her sleep and in my arms. I’m eager to see her again. My Great
Grandson doesn’t like it that I said that.

I will leave instructions that this be sent to you. I hope my death or
disappearance didn’t hurt you too much. But I know how I felt so I
guess it did.

So, now I will simply say the same words I spoke to Angeni as her
funeral fires took her.

Dok-sh ah-kay

I’ll see you again.

**********

Chapter 7

Roy closed the book with the same reverence as he would a bible. He ran
his hands over the cover. He closed his eyes a felt a few tears running
down his face.

“Mr. DeSoto are you all right?”

Roy felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up he saw Angeni. “Did you
read this?”

Angeni smiled, “No Mr. DeSoto. Great Grandfather said only if he
passed on before you came was I to read it. Seeing as I was the oldest
of his Great Grandchildren. But I’ve grown up listening to the stories
of Angeni and Johnny and their children. Not sure what parts were real
or legend, or myth.”

“They had a good life,” Roy took her hand.

“Yes, Mr. DeSoto. From all I know it was a great life and love story.”
Angeni kneeled in front of Roy. “It inspires us to this day. Our
family held true to the old values of our people. We are still able to
speak Lakota when others have forgotten.”

“Johnny loved his heritage. It doesn’t surprise me he’d see to it that
his children would love it too.” Roy could see the confusion on Angeni’s
face. “Don’t worry, I’m not nuts.”

“You finished it Roy?”

“Great Grandfather you had a good nap,” Angeni said swiveling to turn
to face him. “And yes Roy has finished with the book.”

“Roy look inside the back cover,” The old man waved his hand.

Roy carefully opened the book again. This time he noticed the extra fold
in the leather of the back cover.

“Oh my God,” Roy looked at the three black and white pictures.

The handwriting was Johnny’s.

The first picture was the oldest. Faded and stained. The image of an
long haired Johnny with a petite woman and four children.

A traveling photographer came by. I traded him meat and skins for this
picture.

The second picture showed a much older Johnny and Angeni sitting
surrounded by young adults and smaller children.

My family. Children and grandchildren.

The last picture showed Johnny who must have been in his eighties and
Angeni. Roy noticed the brightness in both their eyes. They were again
surrounded by their family.

Could a man ask for anything more. My beloved Angeni is still the light
of my life. Our children are strong and happy. My Grandchildren and
Great grandchildren are happy. I am happy.

“My Great Grandfather was a great man Roy.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” Roy had one question. “I wonder, what does
the name Angeni mean?”

“Ah, Angeni means spirit angel. She was certainly that to your
Johnny.” The old man then spoke to his great granddaughter, “Angeni go
get my other Great Grand children. They should meet Mr. DeSoto.”

Angeni nodded and hurried off.

Great Grandfather Johnny watched Roy caressing the book. “Don’t try to
understand how it happened. It hurts to much if you think about it.
Your Johnny told me after he finished telling me the story that to think
about the how diminished the story.”

“Yeah, but ....”

Angeni returned with her two younger siblings.

“Angeni introduce them to Mr. DeSoto.”

Roy saw the lopsided grin come to Angeni’s face as she nodded.

“Mr. DeSoto this is my brother Johnny and my other brother Roy.”

“You see Mr. DeSoto the legend lives on,” Great Grandfather
Johnny smiled and laughed.


EPILOGUE
It had been only a month since his trip to North Dakota.

Roy was sitting alone in his living room holding the telegram.

Joanne came home from shopping and saw Roy sitting on the couch. “Roy
what’s wrong?”

“He’s dead.”

“Roy who’s dead?” Joanne sat down next to Roy and began to rub his back.

“Great Grandfather Johnny.”

“Oh Roy. I’m so sorry. From what you’ve told me he made quite an impression on you.”

“Yeah he did.”

Later that night Roy sat on the floor of his living room with his two
small children seated in front of him.

“I’ve got a new bedtime story to share with you........”

The End