Buffalo Mesa Mummy

Chapter 25

The next morning the Suburban was loaded with both families and all the stuff they had brought with them. The twins and Peter sat in the third seat all the way in the back of the truck and talked about everything that had happened during their trip to the reservation.

Maria still had on the moccasins she had worn during the Kinaalda and a plain shift gathered at the waist by a turquoise studded belt. Her hair was in braids. Aunt Kachina had made the clothes and belt for her and she looked every bit the young Indian maiden. The weekend had been almost overwhelming, but at the same time wonderful. Maria had made many new friends and best of all she felt even closer to her Navajo heritage. 

When Charlie told her about the trip out into the desert and the climb up the rock tower Maria said the next time they went back to the reservation she wanted to go climb it.

Peter said he would set up a race with Joe and Bidzill and grinned as he imagined the local boys being beaten to the top by “Spider Woman”.

The adults talked softly in the front seat and Peter sensed that there was something going on they were keeping from them. Probably, he figured, they were planning a special party for Maria upon their return home.

The sun coming through the windows of the Suburban was warm; the road straight and smooth. Soon Charlie was leaning against the driver’s side rear window sleeping. Peter was doing likewise against the other window and Maria was leaning against Peter with a content little smile on her face as she dreamed happy dreams.

“Ok! Here we are.” Mr. Shantos announced as they turned on the road leading to their house.

Charlie snapped wide awake as usual and Peter began to stretch as he came back to the world. His elbow hit the still sleeping Maria on the side of the head and she jerked awake, punching Peter in the chest in return for the head shot.

“Hey! What was that for?” Peter asked.

“Pillows are not allowed to hit people.” Maria answered, tucking loose strands of hair back into place.

“And girls are?” Peter asked as he rubbed his chest and winced.

“If they want to. Isn’t that right, Mother?” Maria asked.

Rachel turned to referee the melee in the back seat. “Well, actually it isn’t really very nice…”

“Unless they deserve it.” Maria interrupted, and then looked at Peter and smiled. “See, I told you so. Don’t be such a baby.”

Peter crossed his arms to protect himself and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling of the truck. Mrs. Shantos shook her head and turned back around to watch their home come into view as they rounded the last curve.

A shiny black limousine was parked right in front of the house and a long flatbed truck was parked behind it. Whatever was on back of the truck lay under a large tarpaulin.

When the Suburban pulled to a stop in front of the limo a man dressed in a fancy black suit got out. He walked to the back of the car and opened the door. A slim, grey haired lady, dressed in very expensive clothes was helped out of the vehicle by the chauffeur.

By the time she was out of the car Dr. Ramsey and Mr. and Mrs. Shantos were there to greet her. The three teens stayed in the car watching.

Their parents shook hands with the woman, who smiled and greeted them warmly. Peter’s father left the group and returned to the Suburban and said, “There is someone here to meet you.”

“Meet us?” Maria questioned, trying to figure out who this person might be. She was sure it wasn’t someone from school and the lady didn’t look like one of the reporter types they had met before.