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    Naked Crow 5: Shadow Dancer
    Naked Crow 5: Shadow Dancer
    Naked Crow 5: Shadow Dancer
    Ebook259 pages4 hours

    Naked Crow 5: Shadow Dancer

    By P.Z. Walker

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    About this ebook

    While Jeremy blossoms in his new job and finds new ways to express himself, Sheila suddenly finds herself in Mississippi where a friend is trying to save someone's life.
    A fellow Shaman wanted to be a Shadow Dancer and that did not turn out well.
    Follow Sheila to Mississippi and join her on her adventures!

    This is book 5 in the "Naked Crow" series.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherP.Z. Walker
    Release dateJul 8, 2016
    ISBN9781310907548
    Naked Crow 5: Shadow Dancer
    Author

    P.Z. Walker

    Naturist activist and author, luring people into naturism one story at a time, using many genres, from mystery through history to fantasy.

    Read more from P.Z. Walker

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      Book preview

      Naked Crow 5 - P.Z. Walker

      Chapter 1.

      Please, Sheila, one more won't hurt, will it?

      Sheila looked at her boss. They were at the Native American Center where she held up her hands. See these? Two hands. Ten fingers. I've been doing a bow-making workshop every two weeks for the last three months, Joe. There are enough people toting bows now to make the US Army wonder what the hell's happening here.

      They wouldn't. Bows aren't registered lethal weapons, Joe said. Sheila knew that he'd do that because he always did. Your workshops have become famous. Word is spreading, and through that our Center is gaining some kind of prestige. The Native community talks about us in a good way, Sheila, and mostly because of you. A young and beautiful, one quarter Crow woman who helps people tomake amazing bows in almost a Native tradition.

      That last bit is bull, Joe. I've really had it with those workshops for now. Sheila didn't like to disappoint him but today she was in a mood to stand up for herself. And no one believes I'm one quarter Crow anyway with my hair and the blue eyes. She shook her blond manes at him as if that made her point even stronger.

      Joe sighed. Okay. You win. I'll listen to you as you're the leader in this. He looked at her with his best version of sad puppy eyes. Let me know when you feel like doing another one. Until then I'll try to hold the hyenas off my back. He got up. And no funnies about hyenas not being able to hold a bow anyway. I know you, missy. He tried to sound threatening and failed, as usual. Sheila had never seen anything threatening about Joe.

      Thanks, Joe. I'll let you know about that, count on it.

      Cool, the man said and winked at her. How's Jeremy doing?

      He's doing super, thanks. He loves the new job and keeps talking about ancient masters and stuff. I almost feel as if my boyfriend's becoming an art expert. Sheila grinned at the thought because that was what really was happening. She'd never expected that from the former car mechanic. Have you heard from Brendan lately? Sheila really liked Brendan, the man who was a Shaman as she was.

      No. He got called away for something. I have no idea for what but apparently he's down south somewhere.

      Right. Sheila wondered why Brendan hadn't told her. They had such a good relationship based on their mutual trait. Perhaps he had run off in a hurry.

      But Mandy sent me a text saying she loves her three weeks of vacation.

      Sheila grinned and held up her phone. I think she sent the very same one to everyone she knows! Joe and she compared phones and saw that Sheila's hunch was right.

      Such a lack of creativity, Joe sighed. He joked of course. Mandy was a great person and she'd been doing a fabulous job setting up a schedule for the new archers who wanted to hone their skills after making their own bow under Sheila's and Acaraho's guidance. I hope you're not bored, taking care of the shop all day. He always asked that even when he knew Sheila was fine with that. The weather had changed a lot. There were many rain showers, and the Mighty Oaks had been closed for the season. Only the regulars, like Mike and his now wife Wendy, lived there, together with half a dozen others. I think you can close up early tonight, Joe then said. He was right. Because of the rain there hadn't been anyone in during the last hour that they'd been chatting, and more rain of the fierce kind had just started. I'm going home, so have a nice evening, squaw. He winked. Sheila wasn't his squaw but he had taken up teasing her with it. Sheila knew he'd keep that up until she didn't react to that any more.

      I'm not your squaw. I'm with another man, she therefore said, acting the offended party. And you know that.

      You don't wear his colours, Joe muttered, pointing at her hair and clothes. There were no feathers of course, because Jeremy wasn't exactly from a tribe that sported feathers in their hair.

      I'm not wearing yours either, Sheila countered, and if you claim I do then I'll lay them down immediately.

      Hey, ho, no need to go that far. Joe waved his hands. He knew she was a nudist and also that she wouldn't hesitate to take off the somewhat fake native dress she wore for work to prove her point. He grinned. Have a nice evening, Sheila. He picked up his raincoat, cursed for having forgotten an umbrella and then left. Sheila locked the door, turned the 'open' sign around and retreated to the loft. After getting comfortable she called Jeremy as she had no idea what time he'd get home.

      Hey, toots, Jeremy greeted her, I'm on my way already. Are you cooking yet or should I pick something up on the way? Sheila told him where she was and that she had no intention of leaving that spot on the couch so they decided on take-away Chinese.

      Half an hour later Jeremy came in with their dinner. As they sat down to eat Sheila told her boyfriend about the mostly boring day and how she'd told Joe off about another bow-making workshop. And what have you been up to? she then asked.

      Why did you tell him off about that workshop? If things at the Center are so boring lately, a workshop would give you something to do, Jeremy pondered as he finished up the last bits of his chicken. But since you really want to know, he continued, leaving her no time to respond, I had a nice idea for an exhibition at SplendArt. A display of Inuit art.

      Inna-what? Sheila grinned. Ever since he'd started working at the art gallery he came up with more and more stuff she'd never heard of.

      Eskimos. They call themselves Inuit since Eskimo apparently is an offensive word for them, he explained. They make amazing stuff from wood and whale bones that they find. Charlie thought it interesting enough to make some calls and it looks as if things are taking shape.

      Sheila was truly happy for him. You're making a name for yourself, Mr Weber! She laughed and said he'd have to start making art himself, which was something he claimed he wasn't ready for.

      And I got a call from my parents. They asked us over for dinner someday soon, he then shared with her.

      Sheila liked that. Jeremy's parents were kind people who loved her as the daughter they never had, and they weren't making a fuss about Jeremy and her being naturists. Any special occasion?

      Not that I know of. Mom said it had been too long since she saw us. When would be a good day for you? Sheila said that any day would work for her so he called and they then had a dinner appointment for in two days' time.

      ***

      Dinner at the Webers was wonderful as usual. Mrs Weber was a part-time cook at a good restaurant and her food was always amazing. Mr Weber's belly was too, and he knew that. He was always the first one to make jokes about it. They were very curious to learn about Jeremy's latest exploits in the art world. That change had been as much a surprise for them as it had been for Sheila. So you gave your boss-lady an idea for an exhibition. Well done, son, said Mr Weber. The Webers were almost as ignorant about Inuit art as Sheila had been so Jeremy had plenty to talk about for a while. After that the talk shifted to Sheila's work.

      Are you working full-time at the Indian center now? asked Jeremy's mother.

      We call it the Native American Center, Sheila corrected her with a smile, and yes, I do. The resort is all but closed with the weather being as awful as it is. They don't need me there, and my colleague Mandy is on vacation now. She should be back next week though.

      I'm still surprised that you can mix both jobs like that, said Mr Weber. I propose a toast to flexible employers.

      And she's giving lessons in making bows, Jeremy then said, after which the conversation was set on that for a while. Sheila didn't mind talking about it; it was different from telling people how to make them.

      Fabulous. Where did you learn how to make bows? asked Mr Weber. It was a question Sheila had worried about for a while but together with Jeremy and her spirit guide Acaraho she'd crafted an answer that was credible and true.

      As you may recall I am part Native, she said. Crow Native. I met someone from 'my tribe' who taught me, and it seems I have a knack for it.

      Amazing how that works. Coffee anyone? And Mark, don't forget to tell them about the letter we got.

      Oh, right. Mr Weber hoisted himself from the chair and went to get an envelope. He handed it to Jeremy. Look where that came from. Jeremy and Sheila examined the envelope.

      Wow, that's from Europe! Jeremy ripped the letter out and started reading. That's from cousin Dan!

      Danielle, his mother said.

      Dan? Danielle? How does that work? Sheila had never heard of him or her or both of them.

      Danielle used to be Dan, Jeremy explained. He, ehm, she was always miserable when she was a boy and so my uncle and aunt agreed to a sex change. Trust me, I'm still getting used to it. I used to hang out with Dan a lot. He was a cool guy, although always very locked up inside himself. Of course no one knew why at the time.

      "Well, your mother and I are also still getting used to Danielle, and that's because we hardly see her. And now she's in France so we'll see even less of her. Mr Weber nodded. Nice girl, Danielle. So happy now."

      When did you see her last? Sheila asked.

      Jeremy looked at his parents as he thought. I think that's over two years ago now, right?

      Yes, that's about right, Mrs Weber confirmed. She was here last when you and Sheila were in Mexico, so there was little point in calling you. Jeremy nodded and said he remembered, also that his parents had sent Danielle's best to him.

      And you never mentioned that to me, Sheila said with a bit of a frown.

      I did, Jeremy reminded her, but after everything in Mexico and the stuff that was going on with Josy I guess you forgot. Sheila kissed him on the cheek. If he said he'd told her, he'd done that. Jeremy was reliable like that. As Jeremy mentioned Josy, the talk moved to naturism and the Mighty Oaks. Jeremy's parents wanted to know lots of things about it and they were surprised to hear about people getting married there. Not only the older people who renewed their vows, but also younger ones like Mike and Wendy.

      I can't imagine doing something like that, said Mr Weber, but it's fabulous that people can opt for it. Mrs Weber agreed with a nod and offered another round of coffee, or perhaps something else. Jeremy just asked for a beer as he was driving. Sheila was tempted to try a glass of port, something Mr Weber appreciated as he was a lover of that particular drink.

      On the way home Sheila rubbed her belly. Either I don't have to eat for a week or your mom's kitchen got me pregnant this evening. That woman can cook someone to death. Jeremy laughed at the funny way she sometimes expressed her feelings.

      Yeah, I always wonder why I never got as round and chubby as many people I know, he agreed. Sheila was convinced that the problem wasn't so much the amount of food as what went into it. Jeremy's mother cooked very healthy things. Just as he pulled the car into their street, Sheila's phone rang.

      Hey, little sister! A familiar voice sounded in her ear.

      Mike! How are you and Wendy? Sheila switched her phone to speaker so Jeremy could hear the whole call.

      We're great. Just got back from our honeymoon; we were away for a whole week.

      Sheila said she wanted to hear everything about that. Mike suggested that she and Jeremy should come over to the Mighty Oaks and visit him and his wife (it still sounded so weird to Sheila and Jeremy) so they could get the whole story over dinner. And we think tomorrow would be a good evening for that. That would make two evenings in a row for Jeremy and Sheila, but they didn't mind at all.

      Chapter 2.

      The next day surprised everyone with a nice break from the perpetual rain. The sky even was in the mood to display a little sunshine. Sheila walked around in the Center to rearrange several things, and as she saw the bright light she had an incredible urge to throw off her clothes, run outside and let the rays touch her. Common sense however kicked in immediately. It was far too cold, and most people in the street wouldn't appreciate her doing so, or at least frown at her action.

      Summer, can't you hurry back? she sighed as she stood in front of the large window.

      Summer has just left, Shíile Isshiiá, Acaraho said to her. The cycle of the year can't and shouldn't be rushed. You know that. This is a time for calming down and inner reflection.

      Then time has a problem with me because I don't want to calm down, and you do most of my inner reflecting for me anyway, Sheila commented as she turned away from the window and surveyed what she'd done to the Center. Looks good, doesn't it?

      Believe me, Shíile Isshiiá, this is also inner reflection. And yes, you did well. Acaraho sounded content. Sheila took that as praise and treated herself to fresh coffee and some chocolate chip cookies she and Jeremy had baked themselves a few days earlier. Then the wait was on for the day to end, as most people preferred to stay inside with this weather.

      Luckily it didn't take long for Jeremy to come home and they talked about the events of the days they'd had. Sheila was done talking quickly. The Center had been as slow as usual. Jeremy was full of stories again, about different ways to look at art, and about meeting a painter who was going to do a show at SplendArt for which he was doing the lighting.

      You and your exciting life, Sheila said as she winked. How can you stand someone as boring as I am? His answer consisted of two strong arms almost crushing her into him and a long kiss on her lips.

      Because you're you and I love you, Sheila. What time do we have to show up at Mike and Wendy's? Since they hadn't set a specific time they decided to simply dress for the weather and hope for the best.

      ***

      Inside the cabin where Mike and now also Wendy lived it was boiling hot compared to the cold winds outside. Sheila and Jeremy were ever so glad to throw off their clothing and then hug their friends. Naked hugs always counted double. As they were sitting and talking, they heard more pounding on the door. Wendy quickly let in another visitor.

      Josy! Sheila's smile reached both her ears as she saw her friend, and more hugs had to be exchanged. Josy's hair was dripping wet, silent proof that the rains had started again. Mike got her a towel. Wendy poured her a glass of wine and the talking resumed until dinnertime. Wendy and Mike had prepared a far less elaborate dinner than Jeremy's mother had served up, but it tasted great.

      So what was this talk of honeymoon? Sheila asked. Enquiring minds need to know and our minds are the worst in that department. Josy agreed. She too wanted to hear all about it and more.

      Oh, you guys, you won't believe it but we flew to Florida and spent a week at Haulover Beach, said Wendy. And it was gorgeous and lavish, and we got pampered like you wouldn't believe. Mike said nothing. He just sat there, staring at his wife who was talking and talking. Sheila noticed how much he was in love with Wendy as she allowed a few of his emotions to come through her defenses. Sheila reached over and squeezed Mike's hand for a moment. It seemed to startle him for a moment but then his beard shaped into his big, happy smile. He winked and blinked, and Sheila winked back. Amazing how life could go on. Wendy had been her friend, and she'd come to the Mighty Oaks with Sheila to look for Josy after her friend had disappeared here. That was how Wendy had met Mike, and amazingly they'd connected immediately. And now they were married.

      We have to see that wedding video, Josy demanded after hearing everything and a bit more about Florida. I can't go to Florida but I do want to see that video and be ashamed of how much of a fool I made of myself. That comment brought up a storm of objections; Josy had been Wendy's bride's maid and nothing had gone wrong. Mike put the DVD in the player and soon the friends were glued to the screen. Sheila, having been the maid of honour for Wendy, had been painted up like a Native American at Wendy's request. She was surprised to see how well the colours looked on her, and also the colourful ribbons that had been tied to her upper arms somehow worked great.

      Mike, look! Wendy pointed at the television screen. Look at your cousin! She screamed for laughter as Mike's cousin Bernard, who had shown up in a nice suit, was wedged in between two naked wedding guests. The man looked shocked but he'd been unable to move away because most of the other guests had taken off their clothes as well. And there's Alice, and Victor! Wendy sounded as surprised as if she was seeing the video for the first time, which could hardly be true.

      Oh no, Josy groaned as the camera zoomed in on her. She held a small bouquet of flowers and had a small, pink veil pinned into her hair. Don't I just look adorkable. She hid her face behind her hands but kept watching through her fingers.

      At the part where Wendy and Mike spoke their carefully crafted vows (Josy had helped them with those), everyone in the room was silent while Mike held Wendy's hand. At the I do's several cheeks had tears rolling down, cheers rose up (on video as well as in the cabin) at the first married kiss, and then the video became a jumble of people congratulating them, singing and dancing.

      Wow, that was great to relive, said Jeremy, who'd been Mike's best man. It was a splendid day and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Everyone agreed. Josy confessed that she still had the pink hair-thingy as a memory, which earned her more hugs. The evening flew by and all too soon the visitors had to say good-night to the couple. They all promised to come back soon because these kinds of evenings were just too good.

      I feel kind of sad for Josy, said Jeremy as they drove back home. She's still alone. Never talks about boyfriends or such.

      That's how she is. Sheila had known Josy for many years already; she'd met her at the dental practice where Josy still worked. She's a real loner who loves to be with friends, but for some reason she can't have someone around for long. Sheila knew Josy had tried a few times and it had always ended up in a flow of tears and heartache. Things will work out for her somehow. Things always work out.

      ***

      The next morning Joe showed up again at the Center. He looked worried. As Sheila asked him what the matter was he sat down and sighed. I had a call from Hurit. Brendan, remember? He's in Mississippi and he's facing a challenge. Have you ever heard of Shadow Dancers?

      Never. What are they? Sheila noticed Acaraho's attention though; clearly he had heard of Shadow Dancers.

      They're people, usually medicine men, shamans and such, who follow a Native ritual to enter the Shadow World where many ancestors live. That's according to many Native myths. Someone down in Mississippi attempted such a ritual and it didn't work out the way it was supposed to.

      So what's the problem? Sheila suspected something bad had happened.

      The ritual worked, but only halfway. The man went into what Brendan called a Shadow Trance but he never came out of it. He's in hospital now where doctors are feeding his body. He's been in that vegetative state since almost a week now and he's getting worse.

      Sheila shivered. That was very bad. And Brendan's there to try and get him out of it, she understood.

      Yes. The man's wife, Poloma, is helping him but so far they haven't found Nashoba yet. Nashoba is the man who got trapped inside the trance

      "Those are names I don't know.

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