Before she could explain, an actor in full Native American dress demanded, “Did someone put some kind of evil spell on Marisala?”
A member of the crew added, “I heard someone is trying to drive the movie company away because this is sacred land.” Directing this at Ella, he added, “And someone pointed a finger at you!”
Ella gasped and Tiernan placed an arm around her shoulders and came to her immediate defense. “Ella hasn’t done anything, so cool down.”
The voice of reason, Bear Heart spoke up. “Marisala has always been a wild girl. Perhaps she went too far this time.”
Another Lakota said, “If you’re wrong and the movie and all our jobs are at risk, then it’s Ella Thunder’s fault.”
“Whatever happened to her, I had nothing to do with it,” Ella said. “The clinic doctor is keeping her for observation.”
She didn’t add that he was testing her blood for unusual substances. Whatever Marisala had been into—or not into if some kind of magic was at work here—she deserved her privacy.
“We can’t wait for her,” Max said. “We’ll have to recast.” The director then suddenly gave Ella an intense once-over. “You! You can do it—you can be the new Little Fawn.”
Horrified at the thought of getting in front of a camera, Ella protested, “I’m not an actress.”
“There’s not a lot of acting to the part. Besides, you have the looks for a romantic lead, and you’re at least part Native American, so you’ll do.”
Tiernan tightened his grip on her shoulder, bolstering her decision.
“I’m sorry,” Ella said, as pleasantly as she could, “but I won’t be available.”
“Then make yourself available.”
Not liking the way the director was speaking to her, she held herself back from telling him so. “I’m simply here for a couple weeks as a consultant.” Her pulse raced through her and she had a difficult time catching her breath. “That’s all I’m willing to do.”
A disgruntled Max seared her with a look, and Ella felt his anger like a tangible thing, but to her relief, he didn’t continue to insist. What he did insist on was the crowd breaking up and getting back to work. Obviously not wanting to be the object of the director’s anger, actors and crew members alike scattered.
“Gather the young Lakota women together,” Max told Jane.
“We could shoot around Little Fawn,” Jane suggested. “Marisala might be okay in the morning.”
“We need a new Little Fawn. Now!” Max gave her his back and walked off.
Jane’s spine went straight but she didn’t say another thing as she followed him toward the set.
Ella found herself alone with Tiernan. “Shouldn’t you be getting back to work, as well?”
“In a minute. When you are calm.”
“I’m just fine.”
“I can feel otherwise,” Tiernan countered. “You are worried about the rumors.”
A cold knot settled in the pit of Ella’s stomach, but she argued, “It’s not the first time I’ve faced them today, and it won’t be the last.”
She told him about the incident with Ami Badeau in front of the clinic, and about how Jimmy Iron Horse had spooked her once again. Then she told him about finding the raven’s track outside Marisala’s home.
“Perhaps you should stay away from the reservation,” Tiernan suggested. “At least for now.”
“How can I? We need to get to the bottom of this, Tiernan, before things get out of hand.”
“The trouble seems to be spiraling already.”
He was correct, of course. “All the more reason to get to the truth.”
Tiernan didn’t say anything at first. He stared at her, though, pinned her with his gaze. “Are you ready, then? Will you do what you must, even if it means using your powers?”
“I’ve told you before—”
“Aye, you have no powers. So you say. But I read you, Ella Thunder. I can taste your fear. I have offered this before, and I will do so again. Together, we can—”
“No! I can’t! I tried and I couldn’t do it.”
Tiernan nodded and his concerned expression softened into something more neutral. “That is it, then, is it not? Ella, did you ever think about leaving? Going back to Sioux Falls?”
She started. “You mean now?”
“Perhaps ’twould be for the best.”
Ella’s breath caught in her throat. What was going on with him? He’d been distant with her since they’d shared that kiss at the ranch. And now he wanted her to leave? For a while she’d thought she didn’t have to be alone in this, but obviously she’d been mistaken.
“I’m not ready to go anywhere,” she said stiffly. “Not until I get some answers.”
“What if you never get them? How will you feel then?”
She couldn’t believe Tiernan was changing his tune, not when he’d been so positive about the need to investigate in the first place. Not when he had his own ghosts to dispel. She’d thought they were on the same page. Was he really concerned that she couldn’t do anything unless she used her nonexistent powers? Perhaps he hadn’t told her everything about his.
The very idea sent a chill through her—a chill dispelled by the memory of flames….
Still, she couldn’t help asking, “What about justice for Harold Walks Tall?” And for her father.
“Perhaps ’tis not for you to do.”
Nodding, she backed off. “You regret getting involved in something that doesn’t concern you.”
Perhaps he’d rethought his position on getting himself involved, at least not without her admitting to the powers he insisted she had.
“Ella, you misunderstand.”
“Don’t worry about it.” These deaths didn’t concern him personally, wouldn’t drive away the guilt he held over Megan McKenna’s unresolved murder. She turned away from him, saying, “I do understand.”
“No, you do not. Wait!”
Ella was already heading for the parking lot, hoping to get away before her emotions got the best of her. She’d thought that she and Tiernan had a true connection, that they were on the same page.
Instead, he wanted her to leave it alone.
He wanted her to leave.
Now she had to face facts: if she wanted the truth, she was going to have to find it for herself.
Chapter Thirteen
Ella had totally misunderstood him, Tiernan thought as he watched her drive off. Her emotions had nearly spilled from her—hurt, betrayal, determination. All he’d wanted was to see her safe. With her gone, he would find some way to learn the truth without putting her in danger. But apparently the only thing she was leaving was his presence.
Realizing that Bear Heart was still there and watching him, he nodded to the old man. “Would you have a moment to talk?”
“What do you need?”
“Do you know Ella Thunder?”
Bear Heart nodded. “Her grandfather, Samuel, and I are friends. I knew her father, as well. Sad thing, what happened to Joseph.”