“You think you’re so smart, don’t you?”
“Well, I have my moments. Does this mean I’m still coming up in a couple of weeks?”
“Well, that might be difficult. I think I lost my rental property. The landlord doesn’t want to extend the lease again because I gave him thirty-day notice, and he already has a renter.”
“Oh, no, what does that mean for you?”
“It means I might have to sleep in the Suburban for a while or the police department.”
“You’ll freeze in the Suburban.”
“Summer’s coming.”
“Didn’t you tell me, summer happens one day a year, usually when you’re not looking?”
“Yes, it’s true.” Meghan didn’t argue with the weather. It was a losing battle.
“So, you’re staying because of that little girl?”
“How do you know about that?”
“You act like you’re on another planet, Mom. I subscribe to Calvin’s blog and the Northern Lights Sounder. I know you made the Associated Press again. That’s awesome.”
“I didn’t read the articles yet.”
“Well, I can tell you they are badass, and I know my friends want a mom as cool as you.”
“That makes me feel a lot better, Brittany.”
“I will call you later. I got to get on the bus. We’re going over our rotations.”
“Okay, I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom. I’m glad you’re staying.”
***
Meghan’s next two stops had to do with business. She made up her mind. Since it meant she took the job to do it right, Meghan wasn’t backing down again. After all they went through, Meghan felt there were a few loose ends. It started with getting back her team.
“Want to come in for dinner?” Silvia asked when she answered the door.
Meghan stepped into the warm house. She smelled the aroma of baked bread and casserole. Silvia Graves made some of the best-smoked salmon dip Meghan ever tasted. She didn’t see any on the table over the woman’s shoulder.
“I don’t want to interrupt.”
“You’re being silly, come in.”
Meghan closed the door and stepped out of her boots. The three of them sat at the dining room table. Lester said very little and sipped at sweet tea in his tall glass.
“I’m not here to apologize,” Meghan said. “I think you and I have some unfinished business.”
“You mean between us, or the police department.”
“I meant the police department. Do you think we have something between us we haven’t addressed?”
“I’m concerned about you kicking a suspect.”
“You and I both know Eugene deserved a lot more than that.”
“I agree, but that doesn’t condone your behavior. And you know he’s not going anywhere for a while.” Lester shook his head at something and felt Silvia’s hand around his on the tabletop. “I have to say that you seriously impressed me with bringing Chrissy home again.”
“It wasn’t me who saved Chrissy. After what I experienced, I feel like we’re all part of Cecil Tuktu’s world. He is incredibly intelligent.”
“I wish he came to us with what he knew instead of turning the whole town on its ear.”
“I don’t know. I think if I faced what he did if I found out about the business with Eugene, I would have killed the guy.”
“Meghan, we don’t like that kind of talk in this house.”
“I’m sorry, Silvia. It’s true.”
“I know, but we’ll save that for somewhere else.” She waited a second before adding, “Do you think Chrissy will be okay?”
“I’ll follow up with her school counselor. I’ll talk to Joane about getting someone involved from the court system. I know the FBI has a great program for missing and exploited children. I think with Chrissy’s artistic outlet, she’ll do well. I know Cecil will have a lot to do with how she handles the future.”
“They are moving into the house within the week,” Lester said. “I suggested to Earl to get Eugene’s PO Box key and have the mortgage company change the box address to his and Joane’s address to ensure they get the bill. I’m not getting involved with the details of how they pay the mortgage.” Lester chewed some of his dinner. “So, what do you want to do now?” Lester asked.
“You know I’m back, right?”
“I didn’t think you ever left. I know you had some things to work out.”
“What about you? Are you ready to come back?”
“I got a new contract from Duane. He called me as soon as you had your conference call. I know he wasn’t happy about the FBI chief from Anchorage sitting in on the call with the Council. He sent an email to Oliver too.”
“Are you coming back?”
“I don’t have much choice. Someone has to keep an eye on you.”
“We need to do something about getting a clothing drive started for the Tuktu kids. Cecil grew out of his jacket. Maybe we can use some of this momentum to rally around them and get the family better settled with some community help,” Meghan said.
She ate some of the food and savored the taste. She made up her mind that things had to change. Meghan knew she had to get back into shape. It wasn’t about self-image; it was about how she felt about her circumstances and why she allowed someone else to make her feel bad with their words. Silvia and Lester’s dinner table was a place to make amends, but she had lots more to do.
“Are you up for an adventure tonight?” she asked.
“Don’t you think we should try to make the rest of Kinguyakkii feel like they’re under police protection again?” Lester asked.
“Well, actually, for at least one more day, I want to allow some people to think they are living in the Wild West.”
“Why do you want people to think that?” Silvia asked with a grin.
“If I can borrow your husband
