The Medicine Man, Book 2

The Medicine Man

Book 2

Author Beverly Cialone

This book is dedicated to all of my fellow Cherokee and other Native American brothers and sisters in spirit…

Special Recognition and Acknowledgments

A very special and sincere thanks to Mr. Gerald Auger, celebrity and CEO of Black Eagle Entertainment, for his ongoing blessings, friendship, support, and permission for the usage of his image on this book cover. Creator bless!

My sincerest and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Robert Hampton for his excellent and thought-provoking contributions to this book. I would have been lost without him.

Cover Credits

Model/Celebrity: Gerald Auger

Photographer: Dafyyd Thomas

Designer: Robert Hampton

This e-book is licensed for your enjoyment only and may not be given away to other people EXCEPT as a gift at the discretion of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re selling this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to company from which it was obtained and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

COPYRIGHT 2014 by BEVERLY CIALONE

CHAPTER 1

The last thing Ashwin expected to see was Silver Moon. Yet there she was, calmly sitting in the hallway just outside his apartment, nursing her newborn son as if this was something she did every day—blatantly nursing her newborn son in a public hallway while she waited for her ex-fiance to come home. Ashwin didn't know whether to be irritated or alarmed as he stopped at his front door and inquired, How long have you been sitting there?

Silver Moon shrugged, not looking up from her task of nursing as she replied, I don't know. A few hours, maybe.

What are you doing here?

Silver Moon finally raised her head to look at him. I just needed to get away for a little while.

Ashwin sighed as he glanced at his two newest, unwelcome visitors. Silver Moon looked a bit disheveled and tired, but her son seemed content and on the verge of falling asleep as his mouth slackened around Silver Moon's nipple. He leaned against the wall and inquired, How did you know where to find me?

Silver Moon gave a nonchalant shrug. I have my ways.

Ashwin shook his head and added, How long are you planning to stay?

Silver Moon shrugged again. I don't know.

Do you have a place to stay?

No. I just got in this evening.

From the opposite end of the hallway, Ashwin heard the distinct sound of a drink tumbling down through the vending machine, then running footsteps. Moments later a young boy appeared, a young boy who looked like a mirror image of himself at that age. Ashwin watched as the boy approached Silver Moon and said, They didn't have Pepsi, so I got you a Coke. Is that OK?

Silver Moon nodded and took the soda from the boy, then glanced at Ashwin as she twisted the cap off the bottle of Coke. Ashwin, this is my son, Sani.

Ashwin nodded to the boy and extended his hand for a handshake, and he was surprised that the child had such a firm grip. By now Silver Moon was on her feet, her newborn son cradled in her arms as she slowly walked over to Ashwin. She glanced down at Sani and smiled, then turned her attention to Ashwin before she said, Ashwin, this is your son.

Ashwin's face darkened as a frown creased his brow. What do you mean, this is my son?

Silver Moon gave an exasperated sigh before she said, Can we discuss this inside? I've had a very rough day and I'm tired.

Ashwin's frown deepened at her terse words and snappish manner, but he said nothing more as he unlocked his apartment and wearily walked inside. By now it was getting close to one a.m., and he yearned for the comfort of his bed as he tossed his keys on the counter and turned to face Silver Moon. She sat down at his kitchen table and said, Thank you for letting us stay here tonight.

I think you have some explaining to do, Silver. Now is as good a time as any.

Silver Moon nodded and said, Remember when you left the reservation ten years ago to come here?

Ashwin nodded.

I found out I was pregnant two months after you left.

So, why didn't you contact me then?

I didn't know where you were.

Ashwin frowned again as he desperately massaged the bridge of his nose with his fingers in an attempt to ward off the massive headache he felt building. My mother knew where I was, Silver. So did you. You saw the letter I received from the hospital here, welcoming me aboard.

Silver Moon was unfazed by his response. Instead she leaned against the counter and said, I figured you wouldn't be willing to give up your important, big-city job to come running back home to me and your unborn son, so I just kept my mouth shut and dealt with it.

Ashwin sighed and opened his fridge, then grabbed a bottle of water and downed it in a few gulps. After wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he pinned Silver Moon with a look that was none too friendly and harshly inquired, So why did you wait ten years to bring this little surprise up? What is it you want from me, Silver? A hefty child support payment? A declaration of my undying love? Do you want me to say how heartbroken I was over the fact that our relationship ended, when YOU were the one who refused to leave the reservation?

Silver Moon appeared to be surprised and hurt by his sudden outburst, and her voice faltered a bit as she replied, Ashwin, no...you've got it all wrong.

Ashwin folded his arms across his chest and pinned her with that scathing look again.

Do I, Silver?

Silver Moon gave an uncertain nod. Yes, you do.

OK, then, explain it to me...tomorrow. It's late and I have to be at work early. He threw the empty water bottle into the trash and turned to Silver Moon. You can sleep on the couch, but it's for tonight only. Goodnight.

Silver Moon watched as he stormed off to his bedroom and slammed the door, but fortunately the noise didn't wake the baby. She sighed as she glanced down at his sleeping, angelic face, then settled Sani and the baby on the living room floor before she sank, exhausted, onto the sofa. Moments later she was fast asleep.

Ashwin sighed as he lay in bed, his body weary but his mind too busy to allow him to sleep. Why was Silver Moon here? What did she want from him? And was that boy really his child? He sighed again and shook his head, frustrated over the lack of answers and his desperate need for sleep. He was sorely tempted to call his mother, then thought better of it as he glanced at the clock on his nightstand. Whatever Silver Moon wanted would soon be revealed, he thought as he punched his pillow and tried to find a comfortable position. With a deep, weary sigh he forced the troubled thoughts from his mind and closed his eyes, and moments later he was fast asleep.

Ashwin groaned when his alarm clock sounded at five a.m., and after a few minutes of dreading the upcoming day, he reluctantly got out of bed and took a quick shower before he appeared in the living room. Silver Moon was already awake, quietly tending to the baby as Ashwin made a bee-line for the coffee pot. She said nothing as she covertly watched him from her vantage point on the sofa, but after five minutes of silence, she finally sighed and said, I'm really sorry for imposing on you like this, Ashwin. I promise we'll all be gone today.

Ashwin sighed as he glanced at her. No. I'm sorry for the way I acted last night. I was tired and frustrated, and that was no reason to take it out on you. We obviously have some things to discuss. We'll do that tonight when I get home.

Silver Moon gave a hesitant nod. Are you sure?

Ashwin nodded as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Yes, I'm sure. I should be home around seven-thirty. You're welcome to stay here until then.

Silver Moon nodded again as she watched him down the coffee in a few gulps. Thank you.

Ashwin set his cup down and waved away her expression of gratitude. Don't worry about it. He glanced at the clock and added, I have to get going. If you need me for anything, just call the hospital and have me paged. I'll be home around seven-thirty.

Silver Moon watched as he quickly strode out of the apartment, and as soon as the door had shut behind him, a slow smile spread across her face. So far her plan seemed to be working perfectly.

CHAPTER 2

Ashwin's day went just as badly as he'd figured it would, and at seven p.m. he wearily walked out to his car and climbed in. The last thing he wanted was to have a serious, drawn-out discussion with Silver Moon, but that's what he'd promised her that morning before he'd left. Since he was a man who kept his word, he knew that there was no getting out of it as he started the car and carefully maneuvered through the early evening traffic. He desperately wanted to see Kasey, but one look in his rear view mirror told him that maybe he should wait until he'd had a chance to shave and get a decent night's sleep. He would deal with Silver Moon, kindly but firmly explain to her why their relationship was a permanent thing of the past, and send her on her way. With strengthened resolve, he carefully parked the car and got out, then slowly made his way to the elevator and rode up in silence. As soon as he opened his apartment door, though, he had to fight hard to control his temper when he saw what was waiting for him in his living room. Toys were strewn everywhere, as were crayons, coloring books, diapers, and baby clothes. The baby was safely tucked away in the playpen while Silver Moon cooked dinner, and as soon as he shut the door she gave him a smile and said, Welcome home. I figured it would be a nice touch if you were able to come home to a hot, home-cooked meal.

Ashwin nodded but said nothing as he carefully walked into the kitchen, and as he grabbed a beer he grumbled, Do you think you could get Sani to clean that mess up in the living room?

Sure. She glanced at his disheveled appearance and casually inquired, Rough day?

Yeah, something like that. Ashwin tipped his head back and chugged half the can of beer before he wiped the foam off his mouth and set the can on the counter. He glanced into the living room and frowned, then added, Where IS Sani?

I think he said he had to use the bathroom. I'll go check on him.

Ashwin nodded and glanced at the mess in the living room again before he sighed and finished off his beer. He loosened his tie and slowly rubbed the back of his neck in an attempt to undo the monstrous knot of tension that was threatening to give him a migraine, then glanced up when Silver Moon returned with Sani in tow. He picked up his toys, then politely inquired, May I please watch TV?

Ashwin sighed. Sure, kid. What do you want to watch?

Sani shrugged. Cartoons.

Ashwin clicked the TV on and found a suitable program for the boy to watch, then turned his attention to Silver Moon as she finished cooking dinner. So what are you making?

Silver Moon shrugged as she stirred some sauce. Nothing fancy, just spaghetti.

Ashwin nodded and said, How long before dinner's ready?

Half an hour or less.

I'm going to go take a shower. We'll talk after dinner.

Silver Moon nodded and watched him disappear into his bedroom, then sighed as she covered the sauce and turned the oven on to cook the garlic toast. So far so good.

Ashwin sighed in relief as the hot water coursed over his body, and as he leisurely soaped himself he wondered how Kasey was doing. Probably no different, or someone would've let him know. He sighed again as he thought of her, and he had to fight the lump that formed in his throat as he thought about the last time they'd shared his shower. Try as he might, though, he could think of no other ways to pull her out of her catatonic state, but he still refused to admit defeat where she was concerned. There had to be something, he just hadn't thought of it yet. Now that Silver Moon was here, he knew that his mind was going to be occupied with whatever it was she wanted, and even though he hated to leave Kasey dangling, so to speak, first things first. He reluctantly turned the water off and got out of the shower, and after shaving and dressing in jeans and a T-shirt, he walked into the kitchen for some much-needed dinner and answers.

Ashwin pushed his plate away and smiled at Silver Moon, then said, Thank you. That was delicious.

Silver Moon beamed at his compliment. You're more than welcome.

Ashwin picked up his glass of tea and swirled the ice in it as he carefully formed his next sentence. I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell me exactly why you're here.

Silver Moon sighed and leaned back in her chair, then crossed her arms across her chest before she replied, There's nothing for me there, Ashwin. I have no job, my mother spends all her time tending to my grandmother, and--

Ashwin sighed. You knew there was nothing there ten years ago, Silver. Why the sudden change of heart?

My sudden change of heart is currently asleep in the playpen in your living room.

With two kids, no money, and no place to stay, what makes you think you'd have any better luck here?

It's a bigger place. More opportunity, more money.

You have to consider things like getting a job, a place to live, getting a babysitter, putting Sani in school...

You think I haven't thought of all that?

Ashwin shrugged as he swirled the ice in his glass again. I don't know what's going on in that head of yours, Silver. Your actions last night just seemed a bit...impulsive.

Well, maybe they were. Maybe they were also a sign of desperation.

Why are you desperate? I know that your own mother would never turn her back on you. Have you not asked her for help?

Silver Moon shook her head as tears welled in her eyes. She's so busy caring for my grandmother that I hate to burden her with anything more.

She's your mother, Silver. I'm sure she wouldn't view it as a burden.

My grandmother requires round-the-clock care, Ash. On the one hand, I hate to see both of them like that—my grandmother so sick, and my mother so stressed out over it. On the other hand, though, I feel as if I just can't ask my mother for any more of her time or effort regarding me and the kids.

Your mother might actually appreciate the extra set of hands, Silver. Have you thought of that? You could move in with your mother and help tend to your grandmother. I'm sure that would take a load of stress off your mother's shoulders.

Silver Moon bit her lip as she mulled over what Ashwin had said. In all honesty, she had too much pride to ask her mother for anything, even though she realized how lame it all sounded now. Lame or not, though, she'd come here to accomplish one thing, and giving in to Ashwin's logic would not help her achieve her goal. She sat up a little straighter in her chair and slowly shook her head. You just don't understand, Ash. I just can't ask my mother for anything at the moment.

Why not?

Silver Moon sighed in exasperation. I just explained everything to you! I can't burden her with my problems.

Ashwin sighed as he studied her distraught expression. Did your late husband have an insurance policy?

Yes, but he named his lover as the beneficiary.

Ashwin set his mouth in a grim line at her answer, but he said nothing as he stared at the watery, amber liquid in the bottom of his glass. After several moments of nerve-wracking silence on his part, Silver Moon got up and began clearing the dishes from the table. Finally Ashwin said, I don't know what to tell you, Silver, except what I've already said. You need to have a serious discussion with your mother and bring up the issues I mentioned. I'm sure she'll be willing to help you. It'll be a mutual kind of deal—she helps you, you help her. That's all I can think of.

Silver Moon whipped around so fast that her dress sleeve dragged through the spaghetti sauce on Ashwin's dirty plate before she exclaimed, In the perfect world, that would be the perfect solution! But that's hardly what I want!

Ashwin raised his eyebrows at her outburst as he leaned back in his chair. He clasped his hands behind his head and stretched his legs underneath the table before he replied, Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do, Silver. Surely you know that by now.

Of course I know that! I've spent my entire life on that reservation, Ashwin, and the last thing I want to do is go back!

Is this a case of what you want, Silver, or what you need?

Silver Moon sighed as she tried to wipe the spaghetti sauce off her sleeve. Both.

Well, in case no one told you, sweetheart, this isn't a perfect world. You can't always have both.

Silver Moon glared at him as she threw the paper towel onto the dirty plate. Why not, Ashwin? Seems you managed to have both.

Only because I was determined to make a better life for myself. I worked my ass off in school, Silver, just as I work it off now. Nothing is ever handed to you.

So you're saying you live in the perfect world, huh?

Ashwin shook his head. I'd hardly say that, Silver.

And why's that? She stopped her rant long enough to glance around his spacious apartment before she added, You have a nice home, a well paying job, a damn nice car...

Those are just things, Silver. Life is about more than just acquiring things.

Silver Moon suddenly sat down hard in the chair and hung her head, and moments later she slowly looked at Ashwin and said, People require things in life in order to live, to survive. My baby is going to require lots of things in order to live and have a happy, normal life. How am I going to supply everything he needs, Ash? Can you answer that one for me?

Ashwin leaned across the table and replied, You'll figure out a way, Silver. Most people do.

Well, I'm not most people.

I never said you were.

Silver Moon blinked as two solitary tears rolled down her cheeks, effectively smearing the mascara she'd carefully applied before he'd come home from work. Ashwin grimaced at the anguish he saw in her eyes as she desperately whispered, Please take me back, Ashwin. We could be so happy together! Don't you remember?

For the first time since her arrival, Ashwin definitely felt uncomfortable as he tried to figure out a way to answer her plea with diplomacy. It suddenly occurred to him that perhaps she was suffering from a major case of postpartum depression, which would explain her impulsive actions and wild mood swings. He knew better than to ask if she'd seen a doctor, though, because for the most part, he was the only doctor the people on the reservation had a chance to see. He sighed and finished the last bit of his watered-down tea, then set the glass on the table and carefully said, How long has it been since you had the baby? Two weeks?

Silver Moon nodded. Yes, why?

Ashwin cleared his throat. I think you might be suffering from postpartum depression, sweetheart. I mean, you HAVE been through an awful lot. I could prescribe something for you to see if it helps.

Silver Moon's mouth dropped open in surprise at his statement, and her voice was indignant as she replied, Is that your answer, Ash? Just stick everyone who doesn't agree with you on drugs, to shut them up and keep them happy?

No, Silver, I--

The baby woke then, but before Silver Moon tended to his ever-increasing cries, she got up from her chair and slowly walked over to Ashwin before she leaned down and spat, I'm not your goddamned guinea pig, Ashwin. You'd be wise to remember that.

Ashwin frowned as he watched her walk into the living room, more confused than ever as he watched her go from angry, indignant woman to loving mother in a matter of seconds. He knew that something was terribly wrong with this picture, he just couldn't figure out what. Something told him that the sooner he figured it out, the better.

CHAPTER 3

Ashwin slowly walked through the forest, fully expecting to find Kasey perched on her rock, but that wasn't the case today. He frowned and put his hands on his hips as he tried to figure out why she wasn't there, but the answer became obvious when a rather large, wise-looking old owl suddenly swooped down and perched on the rock. Ashwin's frown deepened when he remembered what the owl signified—sickness and death. Before he had a chance to say anything, though, the owl spoke. I mean you no harm. There is no reason to fear me.

Ashwin was far from surprised at the owl's ability to speak. This was, after all, a normal part of being a Shaman. Ashwin stared right into the ancient creature's eyes and inquired, Why are you here?

The owl ruffled its feathers and took a small step closer to Ashwin. I am your spirit guide, Strong Horse. Do you not remember me from twenty-two years ago?

Ashwin's eyes widened as his mouth dropped open in surprise, but he said nothing as the owl continued to speak. I am aware of your troubled thoughts, just as I am aware of things that you are not.

Ashwin simply nodded. Go on.

I am aware that you have a rather unwelcome visitor. Is that correct?

Ashwin nodded. That's correct, O Wise One.

The owl nodded. She is not to be trusted, as she is out to use her womanly wiles to trick you.

I fear she suffers from horrible sadness, O Wise One, but she refuses to let me help her.

Alas, she does not need your help.

Then how do I resolve this situation?

The answer will be forthcoming soon.

Ashwin set his mouth in a straight line as he clenched his hands into fists, his frustration evident as he inquired, What do I need to do?

Do not give in to her false claims and womanly temptations, Strong Horse. To do so will not bode well for you or the woman you truly love.

Ashwin immediately unclenched his fists as he shakily inquired, Kasey? What do you know about Kasey?

The owl ruffled its feathers again and took yet another step closer to Ashwin before it replied, This woman you speak of, the one you truly love, needs you. All hope has not been lost for her...yet.

Ashwin dropped to his knees and bowed his head in front of the mighty creature that sat before him. Please, O Wise One, tell me what I need to do.

Only you can help her to overcome the tragedy that has befallen her. You, and only you, hold the key to unlocking her mind. Once she has been set free, take her to your people for complete healing. Once again, you are the only one who possesses the power to do this.

Ashwin raised his head, tears flowing freely down his cheeks as he cried, But how?

The owl enfolded Ashwin in its wings, allowing him to see just what he needed to do in order to help Kasey heal. Considering the magnitude of the situation, the answer was surprisingly simple. Confident that what the owl had shared with him would work, he slowly got to his feet and bowed his head in a gesture of respect as he said, Thank you, O Wise One. When should I administer this method of healing to the woman I truly love?

How soon do you want her back?

As soon as possible.

That's your answer, then. But you must act swiftly. The mind is a fragile thing, Strong Horse. The longer a person teeters on the brink, the greater the risk they will fall.

Ashwin slowly nodded in understanding, grateful that the owl had decided to pay him a visit. Now that he knew what he needed to do, there would be absolutely no stopping him, by anyone or anything. And that included Silver Moon.

Ashwin woke shortly before his alarm went off, and as he lay in bed thinking about the dream he'd had, he sighed when Silver Moon's baby began to cry. He pushed the covers back and got out of bed to face the day, and half an hour later he walked into the living room to see Silver calmly breastfeeding the infant. Sani was fast asleep on a blanket on the floor, and he wondered just how long Silver Moon expected him to let them stay there. She looked up and gave him a warm smile when he walked by, and as he started a pot of coffee he inquired, So how long are you planning to stay here, Silver?

Silver Moon sighed as she glanced down at her newborn. I don't know, Ash. How long are you willing to let us stay?

Ashwin shrugged and retrieved his cup from the cabinet before he replied, Well, you can't get anything done without a babysitter, and I sure can't fill that position because I'm working all the time. Have you made any phone calls?

No.

Why don't you start there and see what you can find out?

Silver Moon nodded. OK, I'll do that today.

Ashwin smiled. Good.

Silver Moon got up and placed the baby back into the playpen, and after covering him with a blanket she straightened and inquired, What would you like for dinner tonight?

I have an important meeting after work, Silver. I probably won't be home until late.

Silver Moon slowly walked into the kitchen and reached into the cabinet for a coffee cup. I didn't know doctors had to go to meetings.

Yes, I'm afraid we do. He watched as she carefully poured coffee into his cup and hers, but he said nothing more as she sat down at the table and took a tentative sip of the strong, hot brew. His attention was suddenly drawn to the living room when Sani sat up and cried out, Pa pa!

Ashwin frowned and inquired, Is he alright?

Silver Moon shrugged as she took a sip of coffee. He has bad dreams sometimes. Most kids do.

Ashwin watched as the little boy fell back onto the blanket and resumed sleeping peacefully, but something told him that the child's actions went far deeper than a simple bad dream. He sighed and glanced at the clock, then finished his coffee and said, I don't know what time I'll be home. Call the hospital and have me paged if you need anything.

Silver Moon nodded as she watched him walk out of the apartment, pleased that her plan was working. She waited a full ten minutes to make sure he wasn't coming back for anything he might have forgotten, then walked over to Sani and roughly shook the child awake. He groggily sat up and rubbed his eyes, then sleepily said, What'd you wake me up for?

Silver Moon gave the child a sudden, vicious slap across the face as she snarled, Don't you fuck up again and do what you did a few minutes ago! You'll ruin everything for sure!

Sani frowned in anger and bit his lip in an effort not to cry at the stinging pain on the right side of his face, and his voice trembled as he hesitantly asked, What did I do?

You cried out for your Pa Pa in your sleep, you little shit!

Tears welled in Sani's eyes at the mention of his beloved grandfather, and the sight of his tears only angered Silver Moon even more. Stop crying! Crying is for sissies!

I want my Pa Pa!

You'll get to see your Pa Pa soon enough! I just need you to play along for a little while longer, OK?

Too terrified to disobey, Sani nodded in reluctant agreement. He wished he could talk to the nice man they were staying with and explain what was really going on, but Silver Moon had already told him that the man wouldn't believe him and would likely have him sent away, far away from his family and his beloved Pa Pa. That alone was enough to make him remain silent where Ashwin was concerned, and the child could only hope that Silver Moon would keep her word and return him home soon.

Ashwin walked up to the nurse's desk at the entrance to the psychiatric ward and politely cleared his throat, then said, I'm here to see Kasey Marshall, please.

The nurse nodded and immediately allowed him access into the ward, and as he slowly walked toward Kasey's room he wondered how she was doing. He walked into her room and was surprised to see Dr. Hall standing there, looking contemplative as he studied Kasey's chart from the past few days. He glanced up when Ashwin approached and said, Hello, Dr. Ross. I was just getting ready to call you.

Alarm flared in Ashwin at the doctor's words, but he managed to keep his voice neutral as he inquired, Is something wrong?

"No, it's just...well, I don't know what to