“That’s exactly the kind of thing we would want to know about. Is there any chance that any part of these farms are on indigenous lands?” asked Bone.
“I suppose,” frowned Ernie. “I mean, hell, I’m sure our ancestors bought from the tribes or from the government that stole it from the tribes. But I can tell you no one from any of the local tribes has stepped forward and said anything.”
“That’s right,” nodded Pat. “Hell. The Mackenzie farm is owned by indigenous folks. Sue and Jim are both from the Ponca tribes. I can tell you they damn sure won’t sell. Something about it being illegal to even go near them. I think I heard they bought the farm with some grant or loan from the government specifically for indigenous tribes.”
The men all nodded at them, understanding exactly what he was saying. Either way, it was one more thing to check out.
“You said this agreement between us would ensure they couldn’t touch the property without your approval,” said Ernie.
“That’s right,” said Chief. “They can’t touch it without our approval and even better, if they’re harassing you, threatening you, causing you or your family harm and try to force you to sell, you cannot without our okay. And even better, we get to be your line of defense. Literally.”
“B-but what if they really are trying to hurt our families?” frowned Ernie.
“That’s why we’ll be there,” said Chief. “We’re sending nine men and can have a hundred more there if needed. You focus on your land, your crops and livestock, and we’ll focus on everything else.”
“I just don’t know how we’ll ever repay you,” said Pat.
“We don’t need repayment. We need more farmers to hold onto their lands and do what they do best,” said Sniff. “I’ll be bringing two of our dogs. Beast and Chaos. They’re massive but gentle giants to those that they know. If anyone comes near you or your families, we’ll literally sic the dogs on them.”
The whole room chuckled with nervous laughter, Pat and Ernie nodding at the men and women in the room.
“Did y’all get your fill at dinner?” asked Bone.
“Yes, sir. Best food I’ve had in a long time. It was delicious,” smiled Ernie.
“Well, that’s good to hear,” said Dylan walking into the room. She was wheeling a large cart with canvas tote bags and two coolers. “I’ve packed some treats for your families and the children. I hope they enjoy them.”
Pat sat down, his head lowered into his hands as he silently wept. Ernie gripped his shoulder, squeezing his friend in comfort. He was close to tears himself but was holding back, hoping he didn’t break down.
“Are you okay, Pat?” asked Chief. He could only nod but Ernie spoke up.
“You have no idea the stress we’ve been under. We know it’s not over yet, but you’ve made us feel some relief already. I hate to ask this but can we go get our truck now?”
“The boys from the shop went and picked it up for us,” said Chief. “They also noticed it needed some minor work. New tires, new starter and alternator, wiper blades, and they fixed a few cosmetic things.”
“Already? How? How is that possible?” gasped Pat. Major chuckled, grinning at the rest of the room.
“This is Belle Fleur. Miracles happen every day.”
By eight they were loaded onto the Osprey, the truck tucked safely in her belly, the food stored, and everyone packed and on their way. When they landed by eleven, the two men didn’t even question how it was done, they just smiled.
Waiting for them at the clearing were their families, thrilled to have them home.
“Everyone, this is my wife, Tara,” said Ernie. They all nodded, greeting the woman.
“The kids are at home asleep. We have a fourteen-year-old who is very responsible.”
“Any issues while I was gone?” asked Ernie.
“No. Eerily quiet.”
“This is my wife, Sheri,” said Pat. “We’ve got twin boys, fifteen. They’re at the house.”
“Hello. We’ve heard so much about you all,” she said nodding to them. “It’s been quiet here, like Tara said. The kids are off for spring break right now but one of them said they saw that man and woman snooping around the high school.”
“Why would they be snooping around the high school?” asked Chief.
“We don’t know. They’ve mentioned that they want to move the school as well, so maybe when we said we’d shoot if they were caught trespassing, they moved on to the school for now.”
