Reserved For Murder Page 6

  ‘Barry, I didn’t know Emma was dancing this year. I didn’t recognize her at all. She’s grown quite a bit since the last time I saw her.’

  ‘Growing like a weed,’ agreed Barry.

  ‘Barry, these are my friends, Millar and Penner. They’re from the force back in Ottawa,’ Grant said. “Guys, this is Barry. He’s one of the officers I work with here.’

  ‘Nice to meet you,’ Barry said as his daughter finished dancing. ‘Great job, baby girl!’ he yelled out. Emma smiled at him as she walked out of the circle, another young girl taking her place.

  ‘So, did you get me my bannock?’ Grant asked, smiling at Barry.

  ‘Oh, you were serious?

  ‘Of course I was!’ Grant said. ‘You think I’m going to work for free? Come on, you owe me a snack.’

  ‘Fine, fine,’ Barry said, turning to walk towards the food trucks. ‘You guys want anything?’

  ‘What’s bannock?’ asked Penner.

  ‘It’s a traditional fried flat bread. Really delicious when it’s fresh out of the pan, smothered with butter and strawberry jam,’ Barry said.

  ‘Sounds like my kind of snack,’ Penner said. ‘I’ll get one of those.’

  ‘Yeah, me too,’ Millar said. They followed Barry and joined him in the long line at the bannock truck.

  ‘So, I went and saw Jonny’s mom this morning,’ Barry said. ‘She didn’t take the news too well.’

  ‘Not surprised,’ said Grant. ‘No one would take it very well. Did she say if he’d been depressed recently or anything?’

  ‘Not a care in the world, like usual,’ Barry said as the line moved forward slightly. ‘I checked out his room, too. Didn’t find a suicide note or anything. Really seems so random. No idea why he would have done it.’

  ‘Well, I guess people are pretty good at hiding how they’re really feeling. Maybe he got in trouble at school or something. Was he into drugs or drinking?’ Grant asked, shuffling forward as the line moved again.

  ‘Not that I know of,’ said Barry. ‘Maybe he was. One of his friends might know better than me. Four bannocks, please,’ he said as they finally got to the front of the line. He turned back and asked, ‘Anything to drink?’

  ‘I’ll just get a coffee later. Thanks, though,’ said Penner.

  ‘I’m good,’ Grant said.

  ‘Same,’ Millar said.

  The young man in the truck handed them each a large piece of bannock wrapped in a piece of newspaper to soak up some of the oil. ‘Butter and jam are on the side of the truck. That’s ten bucks.’

  Barry paid and they walked to the side of the truck where there was a container of butter and five different types of jam.

  ‘Cheers, Barry,’ Penner said, spreading butter on her bannock and adding a large dollop of blueberry jam. She took a bite and nearly burned the roof of her mouth. ‘Wow!’ She chewed a bit until she could talk again. ‘That’s delicious.’

  ‘We’ve been making it the same way for hundreds of years,’ Barry said. ‘Well, we don’t grind the flour by hand any more, but some of the Elders still do.’

  ‘How did they used to cook it before having frying pans?’ Millar asked, taking a bite.

  ‘They would either heat up a rock in a fire and lay the dough over it,’ Barry said. ‘Or they would wrap the dough around a stick and cook it over an open fire. Kinda like cooking a marshmallow or a hot dog.’

  ‘Bet that would be good. It would give it a nice smoky flavour,’ said Grant, strawberry jam dripping down his chin.

  ‘My mom still cooks it that way. Definitely one of my favourite ways to do it, but it’s kind of hard to do at the powwow. Too big a risk of kids getting hurt,’ Barry said, taking his last bite. ‘How ‘bout we go find some coffee.’

  ‘Sounds good to me,’ Penner said. ‘I sure hope the coffee roaster brings our beans with her. Wonder if I should have got another pound.’

  ‘I can always bring you some more anytime you want. I’m out here quite regularly,’ Grant said. ‘Plus, Millar will be out here for a while, too. Oh, that reminds me. Barry, Millar’s going to be helping out for a couple of days a week.’

  ‘Really,? That’s perfect,’ said Barry. ‘We can definitely use the help. Welcome aboard. What about you, Detective Penner? Want to become a small town cop for a couple of days?’

  ‘Sorry—don’t think the Captain will let me,’ Penner said. ‘Mind you, I could get used to working somewhere where I could get bannock and that great coffee everyday. Beats the stuff we get back home.’

  ‘Maybe something to consider for the future then,’ Barry said as they spotted the tent where the coffee was being sold. The young girl from the coffee roast house sat behind a table.

  ‘Kwey,’ the young girl said, seeing them walk up to the tent. ‘That’s hello in Algonquin. I have your beans. I figured you would be stopping by for a coffee.’

  ‘You’re a good judge of character,’ said Penner. ‘Do you have any of this morning’s coffee brewed?’

  ‘I do,’ the young girl said, grabbing a cup. ‘We also have a nice dark roast and a medium bodied one too.’

  ‘I’ll go for the dark roast, if I could,’ Millar said.

  ‘Me, too. Thanks,’ said Grant. ‘Barry?’

  ‘I’ll go for the medium. I’ve already had a cup this morning,’ Barry said.

  ‘Only one? Amateur,’ Penner said, smiling. ‘I’ll pay for all four.’

  ‘Six dollars, plus the beans,’ the young girl said, handing out the coffees.

  ‘They can pay for their own beans,’ Penner said, giving the young girl some money. ‘Keep the change—put it towards the business.’

  ‘Thank you so much!’

  ‘No problem. You should really set up an online shop, or set up a subscription service with a different type of coffee every couple of weeks,’ Penner suggested, sipping her coffee. ‘I’d definitely be a customer.’

  ‘It’s actually something we’re looking into. We just have a few logistics to figure out.’

  ‘Well, when you do, be sure to let me know,’ Penner said, digging through her wallet and pulling out a business card for the girl.

  ‘Make sure you do,’ Millar said paying for his beans. ‘She’ll buy enough on her own to keep you in business.’

  ‘I’ll remember that,’ said the young girl, passing a bag of beans to Grant, who also gave her some money.

  ‘Thanks,’ Grant said. ‘Did you know Jonny Two Bears by chance.’

  ‘Not really—seen him around all the time, but I didn’t really know him,’ the young girl said. ‘Pretty sad news.’

  ‘That it was,’ Grant said. ‘We’re going to bring a counsellor in sometime in the next couple of days, so if you feel like you need to talk to someone, make sure you come down to the youth centre. Thanks again for the coffee.’

  ‘I’ll keep that in mind, thanks. Enjoy the rest of the powwow,’ she said, turning to serve another customer.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Sarah was just entering the circle when they got back with their coffees in hand. As the drumming started, she began to dance, turning in such a way that the bottom of her dress flared to the beat, the jingling cones playing a complementary tune. After a couple of turns, she danced to the edge of the circle and picked up half a dozen white plastic hoops, each the size of a small hula hoop. As her stomping feet kept the rhythm going, she started manipulating the hoops across her back, outstretching her arms to simulate the wings of an eagle.

  ‘That was cool,’ Penner said to Millar as they both clapped along with the rest of the crowd. Sarah continued to dance, picking up more hoops as she went. She made several more shapes with the hoops, telling a story as she danced along. By the time she was done, she had gathered more than two dozen hoops in her hands. When her turn was over, she took a bow, exiting the circle as the next girl entered.

  ‘Never seen a hoop dance before. That was really neat,’ said Millar. ‘Must take quite the coordination to keep dancing while trying not to drop
the hoops.’

  ‘You can probably give it a try down at the drop-in centre during the week, if you want,’ Barry said.

  ‘If he does, make sure to film it. I’m sure the guys back in Ottawa would love to see that!’ Penner said, chuckling.

  ‘Fat chance that’s going to happen,’ Millar said.

  ‘You really should give it a try while you’re here—see what our culture is really about,’ a deep voice boomed from behind them. Millar turned to see Chief Ravenclaw standing just a few paces away.

  ‘Chief Ravenclaw, I would like to introduce you to my friends from back in Ottawa. Detectives Sue Penner and Terry Millar,’ Grant said.

  ‘Pleasure to meet you,’ Penner said, with a smile. ‘I’m so glad we made the drive to see the powwow. It’s such an experience.’

  ‘I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,’ said the Chief. ‘And that the weather held out. It rained pretty good yesterday.’

  ‘So, if it had rained today, what would have happened?’ asked Millar.

  ‘You would have gotten wet,’ the Chief said, letting out a booming laugh and slapping Millar on the shoulder. ‘No, we would have set up a couple of other tents and tried to stay as dry as possible, but the show would have gone on. We don’t let the weather dampen what we have planned, no pun intended. We try to teach our youth that the weather is a part of life that you can’t change, and you respect it but still go on with your plans. When our ancestors were living in shelters off the land, they didn’t have a choice to sit around inside when it was raining. They still had to hunt and gather food. Life went on. You just got a little wet while living it.’

  ‘Are the kids here receptive to learning about the ways of their ancestors?’ Penner asked, looking around. ‘I can see some of them are, based on the number of dancers today, but are all of them?’

  ‘For the most part,’ the Chief replied. ‘Some of them more than others. During school, the young kids all take part in various forms of dance and, one day a week, they have a history lesson, learning what it was like before the Europeans came to Canada. The older kids can choose to study dance, learn basket weaving or take a tracking course. That one seems like it’s one of the most popular. They also study history, too, but we try to have a more balanced curriculum—one that’s not just focussed on the European view of past events. For instance,’ the Chief continued, ‘we study the impact of the Indian Act and we include more recent history, like when our children were taken and put into Residential Schools. We think that’s really important because it affected a lot of our kids’ grandparents, and some of their parents, too.’

  ‘That should really be taught to every kid, not just the Indigenous kids. I don’t think enough people know exactly what happened and the repercussions that still linger,’ added Grant.

  ‘Well, thankfully, the Canadian government is starting to make it mandatory to teach about the Residential School system in every school. And federal employees have to take mandatory training on Indigenous issues, so it’s a start.’ The Chief paused before continuing thoughtfully, ‘Could they do more? Probably, but anything is better than nothing, right?’

  ‘So, what’s the tracking course all about?’ asked Penner.

  ‘Well, the hunt is still really important for us—to make sure we connect with the land on a regular basis. So, we teach the youth how to identify different animal tracks and how to follow them in all kinds of conditions,’ the Chief explained. ‘It’s important that they can identify the difference between a moose track and a deer track. You don’t want to be tracking a bull moose for a day just to find out you’ve been following a young deer.’

  ‘Makes sense,’ Penner said. ‘I would love to try my hand at something like that.’

  ‘Well, you should stick around for another day—you could join up with one of the classes tomorrow,’ the Chief said. ‘Not sure when you were planning on heading back to Ottawa.’

  ‘I was planning on heading back tonight, but I don’t report back to the office for another couple of days. I could always come back tomorrow,’ Penner said, warming to the idea. ‘If you wouldn’t mind, that is.’

  ‘Not at all,’ said the Chief. ‘If you want, we can set you up for the night, so you don’t have to drive back and forth. There’s an extra room in the band house, next to where Constable Grant’s staying. You’re more than welcome to spend the night there, if you want. We can get you a change of clothes and some toiletries. Bedding’s already there.’

  ‘That would be fantastic. I would really like to stick around and learn some more about your culture,’ Penner said. ‘Oh, but where will you stay?’ she asked, turning to Millar.

  ‘I have a sofa bed in my place,’ Grant offered. ‘He can stay there for the night, then he can move into the other room when you head back. Well, I assume he can move in there—if it’s okay with you,’ he quickly deferred to the Chief.

  ‘Sounds good to me. We don’t have anyone looking for a room right now, so it’s better to use the space than to let it sit empty.’ The Chief grinned and rubbed his hands together. ‘So it’s set. This evening, we’re having a moose roast and I’d like you all to be my guests. I’ll send over a change of clothes to your room and we’ll see you all in the Great Hall around six o’clock. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should go mingle with the crowd.’

  ‘We’ll see you later. Thanks for the invite,’ Grant said.

  ‘My pleasure,’ the Chief said as he was walking off into the crowd.

  Millar looked thoughtful. ‘You know, he really reminds me of someone. You know, that wrestler that became an actor? Can’t think of what his name is now.’

  ‘I think I know who you mean,’ said Penner. ‘He seems nice.’

  ‘He really is,’ Barry said. ‘He’s done a lot of good for the community since he became Chief five years ago. He’s really trying to improve life here for everyone. To be honest, Jonny’s death has probably affected him more than he let on. We had a couple of teen suicides last year, including someone really close to the Chief, and we thought we had turned a corner—feels like a setback for the whole community.’ He pulled out his phone and checked the time. ‘I should probably head home for a bit. I’ve gotta man the phones again tonight, so I should get some sleep before the feast starts.’ Barry put his phone back in his pocket and reached out to shake first Penner’s hand and then Millar’s. ‘It was really nice meeting you two. Looking forward to working with you, Detective Millar.’

  ‘Likewise. Thanks for the bannock,’ Millar said.

  ‘So,’ Grant asked, ‘what do you guys feel like doing? We’ve got a bit of time to kill before tonight’s feast.’

  ‘Can we check out the drop-in centre where you work?’ asked Penner.

  ‘Sure,’ Grant said. ‘Probably be a good idea to open up for a bit, just in case anyone wants to talk about Jonny.’

  ‘Perfect,’ Penner said. ‘And…maybe we can get another coffee for the walk over.’

  ‘Good to see you haven’t changed while I was gone,’ Millar said, smiling. ‘I’ll get this round.’

  ***

  ‘Back again?’ the young girl from the roast house asked when she saw Penner, Millar and Grant.

  ‘Thought we’d get another couple of cups for the road, if you still have any left,’ Penner said.

  ‘I just put on a new pot, if you don’t mind waiting a minute.’

  ‘For that coffee, I’d wait as long as needed,’ Penner assured the teenager, picking up a pamphlet from the table and reading it. She turned when a phone suddenly rang beside her.

  ‘Excuse me a sec,’ Grant said, taking his phone out of his pocket and walking a few steps away before answering.

  ‘So, how was business today?’ Millar asked the young girl, turning his attention back from Grant. ‘Make many sales?’

  ‘Almost sold out of fresh beans—only have one pound left. And I got several orders for some blends that I didn’t bring with me. All in all, I really don’t think it could have been any bette
r,’ she said, picking up some disposable cups and lids. ‘All three of you having one?’

  ‘I think Grant’s having one,’ Millar said to Penner.

  ‘If not, I’ll have his,’ Penner said. ‘And I might as well take the last pound of beans you have—I’d hate for it to go to waste.’

  ‘You might just be my best customer!’ the young girl said. ‘I really appreciate it. You’re helping lots of people.’

  ‘My pleasure,’ said Penner, taking out her wallet. ‘I’ll pay for the beans—he’s getting the coffees,’ she said, pointing to Millar.

  ‘You never forget when someone offers to pay for something, eh?’ Millar said.

  ‘Free is free,’ said Penner as Grant joined them.

  ‘Sorry ‘bout that,’ Grant said, grabbing one of the cups the girl had poured. ‘Thanks for this.’ He nodded at Millar.

  ‘Enjoy the rest of the day!’ the girl said, putting the money in her lock-box. She couldn’t believe she had sold out of beans as early as she had.

  ‘So, which way to the drop-in centre?’ Millar asked as they started walking back through the crowd. Grant didn’t respond. ‘Grant, you okay?’

  ‘What? Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’m fine,’ Grant said. ‘Just got a call from the coroner who took Jonny last night.’

  ‘Did they find something?’ Penner asked, sipping her coffee. ‘Did you ever find a note?’

  ‘Yeah, apparently he had one in his back pocket. The coroner is going to courier it to the band office—should probably get it later today or tomorrow,’ Grant said.

  ‘What’d it say?’ Penner asked.

  ‘In a nutshell, it said he couldn’t face living on the reserve anymore. That he hated the fact that they didn’t have the basics, like fresh water, to live a decent life. And that he’d had enough,’ Grant said. ‘He said he was sorry and that’s about it.’

  ‘Such a shame that living conditions would be so bad that someone would do that. Especially someone so young,’ Millar said, shaking his head.