Downwinders: Blood Oath, Blood River Part 38

"Still working on it," Awan said. He'd brought his wine gla.s.s with him, and was sipping from it. "But they've skipped town, so even if it were ready, we've got to wait until they come back."

"Something scare them off?" Deem asked.

"Don't know yet," Awan said. "They're not at their home, and they haven't been seen in town the last two days. So I'm in a holding pattern."

"Well, let us know if they come back," Winn said. He dug into his pants pocket, and pulled out the mindwall. "I suppose we should return these to you."

"Nah," Awan said. "Keep them. I have several, and my grandfather's book shows how to make more."

"Thanks, Awan!" Winn said, replacing the beaded emblem back into his pocket. "I find they come in very handy, in all kinds of circ.u.mstances." He looked over at Deem, and smiled. She rolled her eyes.

"Carma told me about the excommunication," Awan said to Deem. "Are you going to fight it?"

"No," Deem said. "There's no point. The fix is in. I'll just have to help my mom through it. She's the one I'm worried about."

"You know," Carma said, "you could confront Brother Dayton about it. You may have some incriminating information you could hold over him, force him to drop the proceedings."

"Nah," Deem said. "I'm OK with it. I'm more worried about what else he might do, or instruct others to do."

"If he's the one who had Claude killed," Winn said, "he needs to pay. Somehow."

Deem sat in her chair, contemplating. She agreed with Winn, she just didn't know how to approach it.

"I have something for you," Carma said, walking out of the room. She returned with a manila folder, which she handed to Deem. "A gift from Lyman. He wanted me to use it in another manner, but after meeting you he asked me to give it to you, so you could use it."

Deem opened the folder. It contained a single picture of a teen boy. His sleeve was rolled up, and a needle hung from the skin around the inside of his elbow. His head was leaning back, a wide smile on his face.

"This looks like Johnny Dayton," Deem said. "He's shooting up?"

"Taken by a friend of his while they were high," Carma said. "Lyman lifted the photo from the boy's iPhone when he conveniently lost it at the county rodeo."

"Lyman can do that?" Deem asked.

"Well, I say Lyman," Carma answered, "but I really mean one of the people in Lyman's network. They're always looking for trash on the higher-ups. And it usually isn't too hard to find."

Deem knew exposing Dayton's son as a drug addict wouldn't cause him to lose his position in the church. But it would cause people to talk, and Dayton would be viewed as a bad father, the same way her mother would be viewed as a failure for having an excommunicated daughter. It might make it hard for him to receive another position of power when he was released from the stake presidency. Might be fair play for the damage Dayton was about to do to Deem's mother.

Carma saw the thoughts swirling around in Deem's mind. "You don't have to use it, my dear. Only if it comes in handy. You might have far more powerful leverage in those boxes in the other room, once you get a chance to go through them."

"Thank you," Deem said to Carma. "Thanks for looking out for me. And please thank Lyman, too."

"You can thank him yourself," Carma said. "He's sitting right over there. He can hear you."

"Thanks, Lyman," Deem said, turning to the empty chair Carma had pointed at. It felt a little weird. She dropped into the River.

Lyman was faintly visible in the chair. It gave Deem a shiver, just as it did whenever she realized ghosts were in the room that she hadn't been aware of. She smiled, hoping Lyman might see it.

"Sister Hinton," Dayton said, opening the door. "I hope this will be a cordial visit, unlike last time."

"It will," Deem said, taking a deep breath and walking into Dayton's home. She was determined to keep a calm composure. "Is your wife home? The kids?"

"No one's home," Dayton said, leading her into the living room and sitting down. "And I see you're alone this time, too. Please, sit down. What can I do for you?"

"Did you kill Claude? Or have him killed?"

"Yes," Dayton said.

Deem was shocked. She was expecting him to act in stake president-mode, pretending he didn't know what she was talking about. It took her by surprise to see him admit it.

"He violated his oaths," Dayton said. "So his life was taken."

"It looked to me like whoever you sent to kill him was also supposed to retrieve some of Claude's things, too. Some doc.u.ments."

"Yes. That's correct."

"Then you know he didn't succeed at that."

"Yes."

"And you know who has the doc.u.ments now?"

"Who? You?"

"Yes."

Dayton laughed. "I don't think so."

Deem resisted every urge in her body to argue with Dayton. It irritated her that he was so c.o.c.ky, so sure that she didn't have them. She wanted to rub it in his face, but she knew it was better to let it drop, to let him think she didn't have them.

"I see you've started excommunication proceedings on me," Deem said.

"That wasn't me," Dayton said. "That was your Bishop."

"Influenced by you," Deem said. "I know how these things work."

"I don't think you do," Dayton said.

"My father was part of your council," Deem said calmly, keeping control of her tone. "We both know that. You won't confirm it because membership is part of your secret oaths, but I know he was. I'll never be part of your council, I know that. I'm a woman, for one. Plus you're a little angry at me right now. I'm angry at you, too. Killing Claude was unnecessary."

"The Lord works in mysterious ways, Sister Hinton."

"I don't understand how you can say that, when you don't believe it. It's phony."

"That's where you're wrong, Sister Hinton. It's not phony to us. Not to any of us. We're all true believers, through and through. So was your father."

"You know I'm gifted," Deem said. "And I know what I'm doing. I don't sit at home, waiting for a returned missionary. I'm out there, doing things. I see things. I'm in touch with this area, all the strange places and people. I already know all about your council, and I'm learning more, every day."

"What's your point, Sister Hinton?"

"I know you won't take me on the council because I'm a woman and because I'm not active. But I am my father's daughter, and I know he was a good man. I know if he was on your council, there was a reason, a good reason. So I'm here to offer you a deal. Detente."

Dayton looked at her. He stayed silent.

"I don't care about the excommunication, personally. I'm a jack Mormon, I admit it. I know you're only doing it to hurt my mom. But you knew her, too. She's my father's wife. So I'd like you to drop it, for her sake."

Dayton continued to stare at her.

"In exchange, I'll be your ally. I can't be on your council, like my father, but I can do what I can to help your causes. I know you have people who work for you, that do the things the council can't or won't do directly. I would be a good candidate for that. And I come across information all the time. Things you might find useful. I was thinking, if we work together, we'd both get further."

"Frankly, Sister Hinton, your actions of late would suggest otherwise. Tailing me to a meeting. Causing Brother Peterson to violate his oaths. Threatening me in my home. It would seem we're on opposites sides of the fence."

Deem put on her best poker face and played her best card, the one she knew befuddled old men the most. She lowered her head and started to cry. "I miss him so much!" she squeaked out between sobs. She grabbed the sides of the chair she was sitting in, steadying herself. She forced herself to cry even more, thinking of her father's face in his casket at the viewing. "I want to honor his name. He was my father, and I owe him that. I didn't mean to get Claude killed. I was only trying to find my father's journals. You have to believe me. That's all. That's all it was, nothing more. That's something a child should want to do, right? Read their parent's journals? I'm so sorry, President Dayton. I hope you'll forgive me." She sobbed some more, letting the tears flow down her cheeks.

Dayton stood and handed her a box of Kleenex from the table next to his chair. It's not the first time he's had someone crying in his living room, Deem thought. She took one. He sat back down.

"I'd like to believe you, Sister Hinton," Dayton said. "Your father and I were great friends. He would want us to get along. I watched you grow up from an infant. I was in your blessing circle, you know that? I remember all those great barbeques your father invited us to, every summer. We used to really enjoy each other's company, being around each other's family. It's just that now well, I question your sincerity."

"I understand," Deem said, hurling words out though the tears. "I was rude to you the other night. Things I said completely uncalled for. I apologize, from the bottom of my heart. I was wrapped up in an obsession. I know you're on his side my side. I know my father considered you a great man and a friend. I was hoping we could start over. I was hoping you'd give me a chance."

"But how, Sister Hinton? How can I know you mean what you say?"

Deem pulled the picture from her satchel, and handed it to Dayton. He looked it over, and his face slowly washed from concern to horror as he saw the picture of his son.

"Where did you get this?"

"A friend of mine had it," Deem said. "She was going to scan it and post it on Facebook. I didn't want any harm to come to you or your family, so I stole it from her before she could do any damage. I wanted to give it to you personally. It's the only copy that I know of. I'm sure this comes as a surprise to you. I'm so sorry to bring you this news! I thought, if I brought it to you, you might forgive me, and begin to trust me." She burst into a fresh round of tears.

Dayton let the picture drop and stood up. He sat next to her on the couch. He placed his arm around her and held her.

"There, there," he said rea.s.suringly as she heaved heavy sobs. "You've done a good thing, and I want you to know I appreciate it. There's a special bond between those of us who have the gift. Your father was so proud of you. I know he thought you were a strong, powerful daughter of Zion. He wouldn't want this for you, all of this running around, fighting against authority. He believed in the church, in the council. If you're willing to meet me halfway, I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement. If I can count on your discretion, and you're willing to do exactly as I tell you, I'll talk to your Bishop about the excommunication. Are you willing to do that?"

"Anything!" Deem cried, sucking in air and using it to sob some more. "You name it. I want to help the council, not be against it. I'm on your side. I want to make my father proud."

"Here, stand up," Dayton said, standing next to her. Deem rose from her seat, wiping tears from her face with the Kleenex.

"Let's shake on it," he said, extending his hand. "I'll talk to your Bishop. You agree to help me out, when I need it."

"Deal!" Deem said, letting a smile break through her tears. "I so appreciate this, President Dayton. You can count on me."

"I hope I can," he said, leading her to the front door. "We're serious about deals, as you know."

"Yes, I know," Deem said, letting him escort her to the door. She opened it and walked out. She turned back to him.

"Thanks for giving me another chance," she said, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. "I really appreciate it."

"Of course," Dayton said, smiling at her as he prepared to close the door. "Everyone deserves a second chance, especially a sister with gifts such as yourself."

As Deem turned to walk away from him, he closed the door, and the performance was over. Deem walked to her car, wiping the remaining tears from her face. She got inside, closed the door, and began to drive. She drove until she reached a bluff overlooking Mesquite. It was a hot evening, and the stars were just beginning to come out. She turned off the car and opened the windows. It was hot, but she wanted to feel real air on her face.

A slight breeze came through the windows, and gently rocked the orange handcuffs she'd attached to the rear view mirror. Why'd I buy those things? she wondered. Some deep-seated bondage desire I don't realize I have? Or maybe some psychological thing, like a symbol a symbol of being free, or a symbol of being trapped?

She reached for her Big Gulp and took a long sip. It tasted good, really good. She thought about her father's journals, and realized she may never get them, if they even existed. They had propelled her into a confrontation with powerful forces that manipulated and controlled life in the area where she lived. She was playing with the big boys now. If I never find them, she thought, at least they brought me here. Exposed this all to me. So I could open my eyes, and stop being a little nave kid.

When I was a child, I did childish things, she remembered from Sunday School. But when I became an adult, I put away childish things.

She thought about Carma and Lyman, and all they'd done to help her. She thought about Claude, and a pang of guilt hit her. Then she thought about Awan and Winn, and their promise to help take down Dayton.

"Keep your friends close," she said to herself, taking another sip of her Big Gulp. "But keep your enemies closer."

Glossary/Bibliography

Blood Oath, Blood River is a work of fiction, set in a real place and culture. Local Mormon vernacular is used in the story to keep the characters authentic. People not familiar with the local and cultural terms might find some of them unusual and confusing. While the novel itself defines most of the important and relevant terms within the context of the story, this glossary is offered for those who would like to have the terms better defined. The type of definitions offered below (along with references to outside sources and more information) would have been too disruptive to include in the narrative.

Use of Wikipedia information is released by CC-BY-SA, and attributions to various contributors can be found using the links provided in each glossary item. I have made adjustments to some of the Wikipedia information in each entry to bring it into harmony with the focus and tone of the novel. Note that links can sometimes change. If you find a broken link, feel free to drop me a note at www.michaelrichan.com.

ADIT An entrance to or pa.s.sageway through a tunnel that is horizontal or nearly horizontal.

APOSTATE someone who leaves a particular group or religion because their beliefs have changed.

BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD A proxy ordinance performed by the LDS Church in temples. It is based on the belief that baptism is a necessary ordinance to enter heaven, and that the deceased person can choose to accept or reject the baptism performed by the living person in their name. Children twelve and older are allowed to perform these baptisms, often in organized youth group outings. Each person typically performs ten to forty baptisms by immersion during their visit. See Wikipedia, "Baptism for the Dead" page.

BEARING YOUR TESTIMONY One Sunday church service per month in each LDS ward is designated as a "fast and testimony meeting." Instead of scheduled speakers as part of the sacrament service, which is the norm, a block of time is allocated for members to stand and speak, similar to a Quaker service, and address the rest of the ward. When they speak, the expectation is that they will "bear their testimony," which means to tell the other members what they believe. Typical elements of a testimony bearing are phrases such as "I know the church is true," "I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of G.o.d," "I believe [insert name of current church president] is a prophet of G.o.d," etc. Sometimes the bearing of the testimony drifts into storytelling and travelogues, and there are usually one or two people in each ward who will use the time to spout crazy theories or supernatural stories, which is frowned upon. While there is no time limit for each speaker, five minutes is considered the maximum, so that others will have time to speak. See Wikipedia, "Worship Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," page, "Fast and Testimony Meeting" section.

BISHOP The leader of a local congregation of LDS church members, who holds responsibility for all of the temporal and spiritual aspects of the ward, much like a pastor or priest in other religions. They serve without pay and are selected from the ranks of the ward to serve for a period of three to five years. In the LDS hierarchy, they report to a Stake President. See Wikipedia, "Bishop (Latter-Day Saints)" page.

BLESSING CIRCLE Newborn infants are presented at ward fast and testimony meetings to undergo a non-saving ceremony called "the naming and blessing of children." Provided the father is a holder of the priesthood, he conducts the blessing, and invites as many priesthood holders as he chooses to partic.i.p.ate, which usually includes relatives, close family friends, and any visiting church dignitaries. They form a circle around the infant, each reaching in to support the child as it is held in its father's arms, while the father performs the ceremony by formally giving the child a name and p.r.o.nouncing an extemporaneous blessing. Similar to the baptism of infants in other faiths, it is an important social event, usually drawing relatives from other wards. See Wikipedia, "Naming and Blessing of Children" page.

BLOOD ATONEMENT The theological concept, popularized by Brigham Young in the 19th century, that there are sins so grievous, they cannot be forgiven through the atonement of Jesus Christ. To atone for these sins, a person must die in a manner that sheds their blood (such as firing squad or by a knife wound.) See Wikipedia, "Blood Atonement" page.

BLUE STAR PROPHECY A Hopi legend describing the destruction of the world via a cataclysmic event, ushered in by a series of nine signs. The appearance of the blue star Kachina is the ninth and final sign, signifying the coming of a "Day of Purification" and a new world. Some consider eight of the nine signs to have already occurred, and that the ninth sign is imminent. See Wikipedia, "Blue Star Kachina" page.

CELESTIAL KINGDOM The LDS believe that after death, the spirits of all people will wait in a "spirit world" until the second coming of Jesus Christ. At that time, all people will be resurrected. Thereafter, a judgment will occur, and people will be sorted into one of four places to reside for eternity: the worst is the LDS version of h.e.l.l, called "Outer Darkness." The other three are considered "kingdoms of glory," of which the Celestial Kingdom is the highest, and best. The Celestial Kingdom itself is divided into three parts, the highest of which is reserved for people who have been sealed (which is why the LDS perform proxy sealings for the dead). In this highest section of the Celestial Kingdom, resurrected beings will live as G.o.ds. See Wikipedia "Degrees of Glory" page.

COUNSELOR (IN A STAKE PRESIDENCY) When a man is selected to become a stake president, he is allowed to pick two men from within the geographical boundaries of the stake to serve as his counselors. The counselors are also given the t.i.tle "president." The three men, together, are known as the "stake presidency." See Wikipedia "Stake (Latter-Day Saints)" page.

D.I. (DESERET INDUSTRIES) A chain of retail thrift stores operated by the LDS Church. Locals often abbreviate the name, calling it "the D.I." It operates similarly to Goodwill Industries. The name Deseret is taken from the Book of Mormon, and is the name given to the provisional state that was essentially a theocracy created by the LDS when they emigrated to the American west. See Wikipedia, "Deseret Industries" page and Wikipedia, "State of Deseret" page.

DANITES A vigilante group of LDS church members in the 19th century dedicated "to put to right physically that which is not right, and to cleanse the Church of every great evil" (- Joseph Smith). Their name was taken from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. The group operated in secret, supposedly executing the will of church leaders. There were rumors that the group persisted after the LDS Church moved to Utah, and that it existed into the 20th century. See Wikipedia, "Danite" page.