“When he thought no one was looking, he seemed to be watching you quite a bit today.”
Scout froze for half a second, then continued rummaging in the cabinet. She didn’t want her mother’s opinion on Naki. She knew her mother would pick him apart—too tall, too intimidating, too everything. But deep down, Scout knew the real issue. Her mother was prejudiced but would never admit it, preferring to cloak it with superficial critiques.
“He’s a shipwreck consultant who works for Dad ... or maybewithDad,” Scout said evenly, keeping her back turned. Normally any mention of her father would abruptly end the conversation.
Her mother made a noncommittal noise. “What nationality is he?”
“American.”
“Sweetheart, you know what I mean.”
Scout whipped around. “He’s Penobscot, Mother. A NativeAmerican. More American than you and I ever will be. His people have been here long before our ancestors ever set foot on these shores. And he knows Acadia National Park like it’s his backyard. Actually, itishis backyard.” She lifted the bottle. “More sweet tea?”
Her mother gave an exaggerated sigh, leaning back against the couch. “No need to snap. I was just curious.”
Right.Scout refilled her mother’s glass, flicking her eyes at her wristwatch to see the time. Naki had asked Scout to meet him at Ranger Rivers’s office after supper tonight. She wasn’t sure why, but she wasn’t about to let her mother in on it.
Her mother took a sip, watching Scout over the rim of her glass. “So, how well do you know this giant?”
Scout set the bottle down with a soft thud. “Well enough.”
Her mother arched a brow.
Scout met her gaze evenly. “Why?”
“I was just wonderin’ how you introduce a man like that.”
“As Wabanaki Dana, Harvard Law School graduate who is a policy advisor for the Penobscot Nation.”
Her mother tightened her lips.
“And as the business partner to your absentee husband.”
Thatended the conversation.
Text between Maisie and her mother, Thea Mitchell:
Maisie
Have you figured out your flights yet?
Mom
Surprise! We’re in Portland and on our way to BarHarbor!
Wait. You mean,now? Today? When are you duein?
Waze says we have a few hours to go. I’ll text as we get closer.
Might take awhile to get into the park. Super crowded. Can’twait to have you meet Scout and Chase and Nakiand tell you what’s been happening around here!
Whatabout Frankie?
What about him?
Have you seen much ofhim? Any word about when his father arrives in Acadia?
Gotta go. Text when you get closer.
