Banks Blackhorse Complete Series: The Night the Sky Fell, The Day the Sky Shattered and The Day of 'Nevermore'

By Stephen G. Levy

Book 1, The Night the Sky Fell

When a young man breaks a pact with the Great Spirit, he unleashes a wrath on a small town where women are compelled to destroy the men.

Book 2, The Day the Sky Shattered

Banks and his young friends are held captive as romance heats up while a new villain threatens the group.

Book 3, The Day of 'Nevermore'

Riddle me this:
--You awaken to discover someone uninvited besides you.
--You and your young friends don't remember yesterday.
--You discover that the streets are covered with 86 dead bodies.
--You hear that one of your friends is next to die.
--You learn that one of your friends is responsible for mass murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen G. Levy
• Release date: Sep 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386307693

Book preview

PART I, THE PROMISE

Happy Birthday, Banks

The eyes of eighteen -year-old Banks Blackhorse were unsettling.  Some sort of a dilemma needed to be resolved until his eyes would find comfort.  One could notice this because his eyes were magnified by thick lenses.  His good looks were somewhat hidden by his long hair.  His attention focused to the sounds of his uncle, Chief Dan, who chanted in Tlingit near a campfire in the wilderness of Juneau, Alaska.  It was night and it was cold, and The Monarch Raven watched from a branch of a shimmering evergreen.

Banks thought of the promise he made to himself exactly one year ago while he was getting a tattoo.  It was a small tattoo on the top of his arm.  It was simply a small stickman all in white.  This symbolized to him what he wanted out of life.  His maternal grandmother was white with violent eyes.  He knew through his teens that this was a white man’s world with white man’s privileges.  The obstacle was his uncle Chief Dan who raised him after the death of his parents.  Banks was simply told that his parents died in an auto accident when he was a baby.

Banks wanted a white man’s lifestyle more than anything.  He wanted a white man’s high paying job.  Also, in time, he wanted a white man’s wife.  He rubbed his arm as his uncle continued to chant.  He would change his name to simply Banks Black.  He smiled at the thought of his new name.  He considered it an inside joke.

His uncle had a different idea for Banks’ future.  First and foremost, he was setting the stage in his tribe that Banks would succeed him as Chief.  He was content that Banks was working at a school for the blind and helping blind kids.  But once his eyesight improved this evening, the Chief wanted him to become more aware of Tlingit history.  He wanted him to fish, hunt and learn from the Shaman and eventually embark on his rite of passage known as a vision quest.  He wanted Banks to become more involved in nature and have respect for the Spirit Above his Head.

Banks knew how to solicit help to achieve his ‘white’ goal.  But, he must take time and nurture the characters that could help him.  No help would come from his tribe.  At the Juneau School for the Blind was one of the wealthiest kids in Juneau.  Banks and the white kid had a strong relationship.  Somehow, if he could become the kid’s trusted tutor, perhaps his family would see his value and help him to attain his secret wishes.

The Arctic winds have not been kind to the face of Chief Dan.  As he chanted he was aware of his nephew’s desire to disconnect from his Indian heritage.  It was Dan’s earnest hope that tonight’s birthday gift for Banks would solidify his Indian future.  As he continued to chant, his fingers moved over his Braille book.  Chief Dan was not blind, but Banks had little vision and today the book would be given to him.

Hurry, Banks.  They’re coming.  They’re coming, warned Chief Dan.  Banks switched from white dreams to Indian commands.  Banks picked up a large vat from the old pickup and ran to his uncle.  Banks is it the royal honey?  After Banks nodded, the Chief continued, Open it...now make your wish.  The Spirit Above My Head will hear it better in Tlingit.  Take the book and feel your way through it to the Great Spirit.

As Banks chanted, meteorites fired up in the night sky and disintegrated to pea sized pebbles as they landed in the vat.  When they splat, a gas emitted from the vat.  Make your wish quickly, Banks.  Now cover the vat.  Banks carried the mixture of honey and meteorites to the pickup.  Chief handed the book to Banks, Happy Birthday, nephew.  Remember, we the Indian way is not a dead-end street.  Banks hid his grimace and hopped into the truck.  Normally, Banks would have smirked at Indian lore, legend and magic.  But, a year ago, right after he was tattooed with a white stickman, he went into his bathroom and shut the door.  He admired his new tattoo.  And while doing so, he heard a flapping from his bathroom window.  Suddenly, behind him, he saw the tribe’s Shaman: We are not pleased.  And then he heard flapping again and Shaman was gone.  Later, when he approached the Shaman, the Shaman had no recollection of this event.  But he told Banks that it was probably a shape shifting raven.  For the past year, Banks had a choice of either doubting lore or doubting his sanity.  He finally opted for the former with the thought that, Weird shit happens to Indians.

The Tlingit compound looked like a Motel 6 except for the totem pole:  It had two stories with twenty rooms on each of the two floors.  The women lived on the first floor. The exception was for Dan and a few older men who could not climb stairs.  As Chief Dan parked the truck, he expressed his thought which was at the heart of Banks’ dilemma:

When your eyes improve, you will see the evils of the white man’s world. 

Banks argued, But, it’s their world and it is better! 

The Chief retorted, Banks, that’s strange talk from one who will be Chief one day. 

Banks questioned, Who says I want to be Chief? 

The Chief clutched his necklace of deer hooves which symbolized his position in the tribe.  The Chief conveyed disapproval through his silence and his grimace.

As they got out of the truck they stared at one another.  The Chief smiled and opened his arms.  Banks gravitated to him and he was instantly wrapped with love and understanding from his Chief.

I’m sorry, Uncle.  Banks’ magnified eyes were watery.  Dan pointed to the vat and Banks lifted it up.

The Chief reminded Banks, Now, this is most important, Banks.  Tell no one of this evening.  Break this pact with the Spirit Above and he’ll respond with a vengeance.

Banks nodded with understanding but mentally he answered, Whatever!  As Chief walked to unit one, Banks ascended the stairs to room twenty-four.  Banks paused a moment and placed the vat down.  He clutched the Braille book, then he approached the railing.  Directly below him, Marilyn White Owl, hefty and thirty, opened her door.  She lit a cigarette and inhaled the evening air with nicotine.  Neither Banks nor Marilyn knew the other was there.  Banks chanted with arms outstretched...then he said, Today I am a man. 

Marilyn chuckled and yelled, No boy, you are still a virgin.

Banks warned, Forget you heard that, Marilyn. 

Marilyn whooped, It will cost you, Banks.  Goodnight.  Happy Birthday. 

Banks placed the vat on his kitchen table.  He parked the Braille book next to The Great Gatsby.  He glanced at the Gatsby book and placed the Braille book on top of it.  Mockingly, he mumbled, Not tonight, Sport.  I need to forget white, rich folk.  Too many Indian things to do.

Night turned to day at the Tlingit Compound.  Banks had been going at it all night:  On the table were twenty vials attached to eyedroppers.  Banks squeezed the last of the vat solution into a vial.  He placed one vial into his pocket and returned the rest to the refrigerator where there were one hundred vials. 

He ran down the stairs.  Marilyn exhaled smoke from her cigarette: Chief is in a foul mood this morning. 

Nothing new, late for work, Marilyn.  And about last night...you didn’t hear anything.  She laughed heartily.

Banks hopped into his pickup.  Juneau is inaccessible by car.  One must fly or come by boat.  All roads in Alaska’s state capital are dead ends.  As Banks left the compound, he saw the ‘Dead End’ sign in his rear-view mirror.  Banks thought, Today I am a man. Today I become white.  He rubbed his arm where his tattoo was.

White People

Peyton Powers sat on the eye-examination chair.  His feet dangled.  He seemed aware of his setting by sounds and smells.  This was a gifted seven-year-old boy.  Mom, I can hear you sniffling.  I’m fine. 

Dr. Murray Abrams placed his hand on Peyton’s head to steady it and examined Peyton’s laughing eyes.  Dr. Abrams, you had bagel and lox for breakfast.... with coffee and juice...orange I think.

Julie Powers’ sniffles turned into an embarrassing chuckle.  Peyton localized the sound and turned his head.  Was I right, Mom?

Dr. Murray Abrams said, Peyton, try to sit still.  I need to look, and you were right about everything I ate for breakfast. 

Dr. Abrams shined a light into Peyton’s eye: I can see the light, Dr. Abrams.  I can see it with my mind’s eye.  Banks taught me that Tlingits have a mind’s eye. 

Peyton was born completely blind.  His perception of life came from his Mother Julie and lately from books and especially Banks Blackhorse.  Banks told Peyton he had an Indian soul.  He also called Peyton ‘Sport’ most of the time and explained that was what the Great Gatsby called his past love’s cousin.  But the real reason that Banks called Peyton Sport was because Peyton was rich and white.  Sometimes Banks introduced new ideas to Peyton.  If they were a bit advanced for the young boy, the conversation would turn into a grueling grill from Peyton...each question yielded an answer which began another question.  Peyton was a happy kid with a mind like sponge.  He loved his mom, his dad and Banks; but, he detested his teenage sister.  Dr. Abrams’ assistant ushered Peyton to the waiting room and got him a lollipop. What color is the sucker, ma’am?  The assistant answered, It’s blue.

What’s blue?  And so, Peyton commenced with his drill and grill.  Meanwhile, Peyton’s mom, Julie, had her own grill which came to an abrupt halt.  Dr. Abrams was more than an ophthalmologist.  He was the only retina specialist in Juneau.  He also was Julie’s next-door neighbor and best friend to her husband Stan.  Quite simply, there was no hope for Peyton.  There was only hope for Julie’s acceptance of this fact.  Peyton will never see.  He explained that Peyton’s eyes are fine but the nerves to the brain just don’t work.  It’s like having a perfectly good landline whose cord was cut. 

Julie’s sniffles turned to weeps.  This emotion was compounded by her guilt.  Yes, the concept was horrific for any parent to take in, but her genetic defect added to the mix.  Julie felt that it was her fault.  When Stan and Julie had Tricia, she was a healthy girl and Julie wanted to try again despite the genome testing that indicated the possibility that Peyton would have no vision...ever.  And her fear of fears came true with the birth of Peyton.  Guilt and horror led to gin and tonic.  Sobriety was an unacceptable state for Julie Powers. 

The Juneau Glacier burst aquamarine.  After the glacier calved, blocks of ice floated towards the mouth which was known as the Gastineau Channel.  The channel bridge connected Juneau to Douglas Island.  The island was part of Juneau.  Nearby, Tlingit Indians anchored their fishing boats.  Further down, a cruise ship entered the channel.  A small aircraft landed at Juneau Airport.  It must be May.

Banks’ pickup passed the Alaskan Capitol Complex.  Further down, Banks parked at the Juneau School for the Blind.  He removed his glasses and brushed his hair back.  He yanked out the homemade eye drops from his pocket.  He inserted the gooey substance into his eyes.  There was a knock at the window.  His eyes were shut tight and he fought to open his lids against the honey-based stickiness.  Success.  His eyes slowly flicked open.  As he placed his glasses on, he noted Peyton and Julie at his window.

Peyton cheered, Banks, we beat you.  We beat you.  Peyton knocked at the window with his cane. 

Banks exited the truck and tousled Peyton’s hair.  Yes, you did, Sport.  Good morning, Mrs. Powers.  

Julie responded curiously, Do you have an eye infection?

Banks said, Just eye drops, Mrs. Powers.  No problems. 

Peyton intervened, Banks, I saw the shooting stars last night!  Julie looked towards the pavement as Banks smiled and acknowledged Peyton.

Banks learned Braille at the school and the teacher and staff offered him a position as a teacher’s aide.  Most of the current students were patients of Dr. Abrams.  Banks greeted all students with comments accompanied with touches on the shoulder.  Julie spoke with another student’s mother as Peyton made his way to his seat.  Before he sat, the seeing teacher spoke with a sighted mother and her infant.  The baby made a gurgling sound.  Peyton perked up, Mom, is that a baby I hear? 

Julie answered, Yes, Peyton. 

Peyton added, That’s what I want for Christmas.  Peyton made his way to the baby as Julie followed in protest.  The seeing mother guided Peyton to feel his way to the baby.  Peyton’s finger neared the baby’s lips. 

The baby’s mother assured, It’s okay, Peyton.  Peyton inserted a finger through the baby’s lips as the baby bit Peyton. 

Peyton complained, Ow!  Sharp!  Banks guided Peyton back to his seat.    Banks tell me Indian legends at lunch." 

Banks offered, I’ll let you read my grandfather’s secret legend book.  I translated it from Tlingit to English Braille.  Peyton was seated as Banks waved goodbye to Julie who stood out in the hallway. This was a depressing day for Julie Powers.  She waved back to Banks and yanked out her flask.  It was time for Julie to feel better.  She took a swig. 

The only time that Julie moved up a notch on her happiness scale was when she saw Banks and Peyton together.  She saw a powerful connection between the two.  This led to a momentary elation.  She asked herself wouldn’t it be great to always have Banks around?  She could think about other things like her daughter Tricia or even Stan whom she had not had sex with since Peyton’s birth.  She considered Banks more than a school aide to Peyton.  She considered him a friend.

Banks believed that friendship was based on two people’s agreement to use one another.  He got the notion from white people while going to high school.  He overheard implied bargains between students.  If favors were not returned, then friendships would be broken.  He never wanted that to happen with Peyton.  Sure, Peyton could become annoying at times but that was part of the bargain.  Banks would wait for the right time and cleverly strike for what he wanted.   He knew Julie Powers approved of him.  He wasn’t sure about Mr. Powers, but white mothers usually ruled the roost.   

The tourist season was aflutter.  All the cruise ships were in Juneau and the mosquitoes of July welcomed the tourists.  At Juneau’s highest points were emerald trees rising to the heavens and the area was impassable.  The road ended at Skyline Boulevard where the wealthiest of the wealthy lived.  The Powers and the Abrams lived next door to each other.  Each lived in a posh two-story house with a circular drive way. The Governor could not afford to live here.  No Indians lived here. This was white wealth and privilege.  This was Banks’ coveted dream.  Sometimes he would drive up in his pickup truck and park where no one could see him.  He would peer out from the trees and looked at the Powers’ house and pined quietly.  He felt like this was Gatsby territory.

Inside the Powers’ house, one would conclude correctly by the conspicuously Catholic adornments that the residents belonged to a Catholic Church.  The Abrams’ house was not conspicuously Jewish.  Both houses had a teenage daughter.

In the Powers’ house, Peyton read the Indian Legends book in Braille.  He took a few nuts from a bowl directly in front of him.  His hand reached for a glass of soda near the nuts.  After licking his fingers and wiping them clean on his shorts, he continued to read. 

Tricia studied Peyton from the second floor.  She removed her gum and shoes and slinked down the stairs.  She was almost sixteen with bosom overflowing.  She was the leader of the ‘A’ crowd at Juneau-Douglas High School.  At the core of her soul was Tricia’s charm which resembled a flesh-eating virus. 

At this moment, Tricia silently switched the nut bowl with the glass of soda.  Many privileged teenage girls in Juneau were suffering from ennui in July and sought relief from boredom by engaging in malicious acts with their younger siblings. Tricia sat on the staircase and waited with gleeful anticipation.  Meanwhile, Julie was in the study playing a somber classical piece on her piano. The downbeat piece seemed to punctuate her mood.  Julie wore her night mask and played the piano in the blind.  She understood the meaning of empathy.  She paused, and like Peyton, she hunted for her glass of gin and tonic in almost the same manner that Peyton previously hunted for his soda.  She found the glass, took a drink and continued with her music.  At that instant Peyton went for his soda. When placing the glass in his mouth, the nuts poured all over him. 

Peyton knew immediately what his sister had done, Tricia, you bitch!  I can smell your evil. 

Tricia laughed, Spazz!  Smell my evil!  Huh! 

Peyton yelled, Mom!  Tricia did the bitch-switch. 

Julie entered without her mask: Don’t say bitch, Peyton.  She snarled at Tricia, Say witch.  Tricia scampered up the staircase as Julie retreated to her piano, mask and alcohol.

On top of the grand piano was a family portrait.  The man seated next to Julie was Stan Powers.  Stan was Juneau’s most prominent attorney specializing in tax law.  He was a great family provider and sweet Tricia had always been the apple of his eye.  Everything was great in Stan’s world except for the lack of sex.  Stan compensated quite well.  He rarely hungered for sex and could attain it in the most surprising situations.  A good counselor would tell Julie to join an anonymous alcohol addiction program and for Stan to join an anonymous sexual addiction organization.  What the counselor would not know was that Stan already was an active member of such an organization and quite popular with the women members to the point that it had exacerbated his addiction.  Weekly, he confided in his church’s confessional and the priest generally said, I see, my son, now tell me more. 

Despite Stan’s shortcomings, he considered himself a good father, great lawyer and a mediocre Catholic which came with a modicum of guilt.  So, Stan provided handsomely, allowed Julie to make family decisions for Peyton and assuaged his guilt by over favoring Tricia.  Tricia loved the role of ‘daddy’s little girl’ and milked it for all it was worth.  Tricia saw her household as a family of two alliances.  That would be her mother and her brother against her dad and herself.  Stan would concur.

Banks’ New Look

Banks sat in a barber’s chair.  He pointed to a picture of a white movie star in a people magazine.  His barber looked at the hairstyle.  I want it cut like this.  The barber took a long look at the picture. 

The barber nodded as he said, A lot of hair is coming off.  Banks removed his trim glasses as the barber asked, What happened to your thick glasses? 

Banks smiled, Don’t need them anymore.  The barber began his magic. 

Meanwhile, across the street, inside Judge Evelyn Sands’ chambers, a pair of lovers climaxed at the same time.  On top was Evelyn and on the bottom was Stan Powers.  Evelyn groped for her glasses.  She resembled a past governor of Alaska.  The couple dressed quietly.  As Evelyn put on her judge’s robe, Stan attempted to embrace her.  She reacted quickly with a back-pedal, My best to the kids, Stan. 

Stan responded, Tricia’s going on sixteen and—

Evelyn interrupted, It was rhetorical, Stan.  I don’t like my weekly lube and oil complex.   Trying at a moment of intimacy, Stan went for her arm for a goodbye embrace but once again she countered by retreating to her desk.  There was a long pause between the couple.  Evelyn perused her legal instruments.  Then she glanced at her watch and puffed a sound announcing her discontent.  He was still there with a hurt, boyish countenance.  Finally, she sarcastically queried, Did you want your parking validated? 

Stan made one final move towards her, but she picked up her gavel and slammed it on the table, Court is adjourned.

As the barber shook talcum powder, Banks grabbed his trim glasses.  He stared in the mirror in front of him.  He took a bit of the powder and rubbed it on his cheeks.  The barber was amazed, Wow you look just like the guy in the magazine...Zac something or other.  But Banks was not thinking about Zac, he was thinking, White!  Yes, Banks Blackhorse was transforming.  Banks looked at his wristwatch as if he had a prearranged appointment.  The other party had no idea that his moves had been studied by Banks and Banks put his calculated plan into effect.   

Stan walked to his car adjusting his tie as a waving Banks ran after him.  Mr. Powers! 

Stan turned around, Is that you Banks?  Why of course it is...something is different...something is better.  How is summer going? 

Banks responded what he had rehearsed, I miss the kids, especially Peyton, Mr. Powers.  Banks worked this opportunity well.  

Stan smiled and said, Yep, he always mentions you...say, come over for dinner tonight.  I’ll call Julie...let’s shoot for six.  Banks thought that this was perfect. He manipulated this moment including dinner with the family.  Finally, Banks Blackhorse was granted audience to the top of the world.

In a state of ecstasy, Banks was proud of this ‘chance meeting.’  All that time he had followed Stan Powers to the Judge’s office had paid off.  Banks smiled and felt proud jubilation for his successful plan execution as the Monarch Raven looked on.

At the Tlingit compound, in Marilyn White Owl’s apartment, Banks looked on as Marilyn chopped off the head of a wiggling fish.  Marilyn, it’s my first white dinner...what should I bring? 

She picked up the dead fish, You can never go wrong with halibut.  She laughed at him. 

Not appreciating her sense of humor, he added, Marilyn, I’m serious. I want to do everything—  

Everything white. Marilyn interrupted, I know.  I know.  Okay, I’ll tell you, but Chief will be pissed.  Banks angered, and Marilyn gave in: Wine, flowers or chocolate. The rich white people like to imbibe amongst the scent of lovely flowers. Then, once finished with dinner, they eat sweets to prepare for a smooth bowel movement. This is the essence of fine white dining.  She laughed as she removed the head of another halibut.

Tricia’s glee of teasing Peyton had worn off.  She needed something new to battle the summer of boredom.  Tricia noted that Julie was sound asleep on the study sofa.  The window of opportunity was wide open.  She skipped upstairs to her mother’s purse and grabbed the car keys.  In case her dad found out, she would tell him that she only wanted to surprise the family with a full tank of gas.  Her alibi was intact, and she bit her lip gleefully.  Tricia was almost sixteen and had a driver’s permit, so she needed an adult to accompany her on her journey.  An adult, in Tricia’s opinion, was sixteen.  She picked up her cell.  After completing her call, she made herself attractive with her mom’s lipstick and exposed more cleavage while dabbing her chest with Julie’s expensive perfume.

As she skipped down the stairs, Peyton perked up, Bitch. You’re up to something and your wearing mom’s perfume!  Tricia retorted with whispering, Spazz, freak, scumbag, mental...Indian lover!

Ann Abrams was the only child of Dr. Murray Abrams and his wife Hadassah, commonly referred to as Dassi.  Murray hoped that Ann would find a branch in medicine that she enjoyed and keep up with the Abrams’ doctoring tradition.  Dassi agreed with Murray for different reasons.  Dassi wanted her only daughter to find a ‘nice Jewish guy’ in medical school to keep up with her family traditions. 

The neighbors referred to Ann as the Doctor’s daughter, or the Jewish girl or the plain girl-what’s-her-name.  When Ann was seven, she took a school gifted test.  When the gifts & talent’s teachers decided that she scored very high, they had her IQ tested.  The result was in the 140s.  Ann was placed in advanced classes for third, fourth and fifth grade.  Ann determined, when she was in sixth grade, that there was an indirect correlation between giftedness and popularity.  The higher the IQ, the lower the popularity.  And popularity was the name of the game, especially in high school.   So, Ann did the right thing.  She dumbed it down.  She tried to become invisible.  She watched Tricia from a distance.  Tricia was the most popular girl in middle school.  Ann decided that Tricia was to become a role model and, perhaps, some of her station and status would rub off on her.  She studied Tricia’s dress, her mean talk and her flirtation with boys.  Ann was an apt pupil and wanted to be liked for what she wasn’t instead of what she was.  Tricia found her to be a necessary friend.  

About a year ago, Stan was uncomfortable with the silence at the dinner table.  He decided to have the Abrams’ over for dinner.  Tricia complained, Oh Dad, do we have to have the Abrams over for dinner again?  Their daughter is a total bore and decreases my social standing.

But Stan’s best friend was Murray and he’d never invite the Abrams over without their daughter.  So, Stan would say, A great daughter would be tolerant to her father’s wishes.  Also, the Abrams’ girl what’s-her-name had many good qualities.  Stan noted the disgust on Tricia’s face and pulled out his credit card.  I think you need a new outfit.  This resulted in a smile and the continuation of a great friendship.  After all, as Banks would think, friends are simply two people who agree to use one another. 

At the instant that Tricia exited the house, the girl next door popped out with ear to her cell.  Tricia’s friendship with Ann sheltered Ann from the jeers of the high school elite.  But Tricia elicited a price and the one thing that Tricia needed from Ann was the fact that she was sixteen with a driver’s license.  Tricia might lie and scheme with her mother Julie and might taunt and tease her brother Peyton, but she’d never disappoint her father Stan...never.  Also, her father secretly promised her a car on her sixteenth birthday.  She had better not screw that up.

Moments later, Tricia and Ann were in Julie’s SUV and Tricia sped to Douglas Island via the Juneau-Douglas Bridge.  Ann was delighted to be sitting next to the most popular girl in high school.  She was so happy that their parents were best friends.  Ann studied Tricia’s sense of style:  the lipstick, the revealing blouse and her sexy sashay in public.  Ann could never carry it off.  She would like to share her thoughts of the world and local politics with a friend; however, this would be a turnoff and Tricia would just give her one of those looks and crack her gum in response.  Ann was quite aware of Tricia’s faults but somehow Ann believed that her own thoughts were flaws in her character and therefore were unseemly to others.  But now she was with her friend on a private adventure.  Being with Tricia was an escape from her conservative Jewish upbringing and, therefore, a journey into normalcy.  Life was good.

Ann knew that Tricia’s lipstick, perfume and cleavage and the fact that they were on Douglas Island, only meant one thing...the hunk.  Johnny was seventeen muscular and Alaskan rugged.  His shirt was tied around his waist.  His pecs and abs swayed like tropical waves as he sanded the hull of his boat.  Tricia left Ann in the SUV as she approached Johnny seductively. 

Tricia greeted, Hey, Johnny.  As he continued to sand, Johnny scrutinized Tricia...he liked what he saw, and the tempo of his sanding increased in rhythm.

Johnny’s eyeballs were shamelessly fixed on Tricia’s boobs as he asked, Driving already, Tricia? 

As Johnny’s eyes rose to her face, Tricia licked her lips and said, You know I’ve always liked you.  He grinned as he hoped that she had in mind what he did. 

Tricia added, Johnny, do you like me for who I am, or for what I got?  He laughed nodding yes apparently to both.  I’ve got to get home.  Peyton’s student teacher is coming for dinner and I have to help my mom. 

Johnny asked, Your brother still blind?  

Tricia answered, Always was and always will be. 

Johnny exclaimed, You’re a good sister, Tricia!

Tricia batted her eyelashes, That’s what my mom and brother say...call me sometime, Johnny.  Tricia runway-walked to the SUV.  She turned before entering and blew Johnny a kiss.  His sanding went into hyper gear.

As soon as the SUV was out of Johnny’s sight, Tricia chewed and cracked gum.  Ann explained to Tricia the importance of wiping off the lipstick, hiding the scent of perfume and buttoning her blouse.  Additionally, they must have an alibi for the impending grill and drill, and it would be wise for Ann to drive into the Powers’ house. 

In response to all this, Tricia cracked gum.  She appeared to think about Ann’s suggestion and in between cracks she asked, So do you think Johnny likes me? 

Ann passed her a Kleenex.  Let’s stop at Safeway.  They’ve got turkeys and they are always out in late October...that will be our alibi. 

Ann mimicked Julie, Thinking ahead for Thanksgiving.  What a thoughtful daughter you are! 

Tricia completed the imaginary discourse, Yes, Mom, yes I am. 

Banks parked his truck on the Powers’ driveway.  He inserted drops into his eyes.  His eyelids fluttered, indicating that with much practice, he could unstick the gooey residue from his lids.  In the mirror, he rubbed his face, as if to whiten it with talcum powder that he used before the trip.  Unknown to him, Julie watched from the living room window.  Banks grabbed the chocolate, flowers and wine and exited the car.  He paused for a moment and scrutinized the entire neighborhood.  He was at the top of the world as he looked down on the cruise ships, glaciers, airport and the Juneau-Douglas Bridge.  Banks thought to himself that this was life at the top.  And this grand world was rich, beautiful and white.  This was the land of Gatsby.  He smiled as he took in the July air.  Julie seemed to understand all.  She felt the she had Banks’ number.

Tricia placed the turkey in the freezer.  From the living room, Julie yelled, Banks Blackhorse— But Tricia interrupted, That Indian is so old, and his hair is skanky mangy.  His glasses make his eyeballs look like a Martian.  As she turned Banks entered with Peyton. 

Banks smiled, At least I have good hearing.  Awkward. 

Peyton broke the silence, See, Banks, I told you she’s a witch! 

Julie walked in juggling wine, chocolate and flowers.  Banks, you really went all out.  Banks was not sure whether Julie’s comment was a good thing or bad thing.  Marilyn had mentioned that one would have to listen closely to what they say as if one were deciphering code.  It might be a bad thing.  Marilyn repeated that white folk often said what they didn’t mean.  Banks reacted by placing has hand on Peyton’s shoulder.  At that exact moment, there were chirping sounds from birds.  The sun shined directly on Banks.  The others looked at him as if someone turned on a spotlight.  Was this some sort of synchronicity?  Tricia studied Banks’ great looks.  She had never seen him in this ‘light.’  Banks glanced at Julie. 

Simultaneously, Tricia to Banks and Banks to Julie: I didn’t mean to insult you. 

This extraordinary moment ended as Stan Powers entered and kissed Tricia, Hello, Sweet Pea. 

Julie ended Banks’ suspense with, No, Banks, you didn’t insult me, I just hope dinner warrants these lovely gifts.  Peyton show Banks around the house.

In the study, Peyton led Banks to the grand piano, This is Mom’s special place.  Banks touched the piano top.  He caressed the ivory keys and thought about the elephants’ tusks that produced the keys just for rich white folk.  They walked through another door which was Stan’s private study.  It was filled with the latest technological devices.  After giving Banks a moment to take it all in, Peyton said, I’m going to learn this stuff once we get the assistive technology.  

Banks ogled, This is the best, Sport.

They climbed the steps to the gym.  Peyton assured, No one uses this stuff...I never hear gym noises.  Over here is a guest bedroom, but we don’t ever have guests.  Banks eyed the guest bedroom with interest.  He thought, This will do nicely.  Instantly, a stopped clock began to tick.   Peyton asked, Hear the clock?  It has been broken for some time.  I guess it is working now since we are together.  Come, Banks.  I’ll show you our safe room in case the terrorists come.

Later, Stan, Julie, Banks, Peyton and Tricia finished dessert.  Banks eyed the crucifix on the wall.  He then studied the crucifix necklaces around Julie and Tricia.  Julie noted this as she had been watching Banks during previous experiences.  Julie asked, Are you religious, Banks?  Before he answered, Peyton piped in about the Great Spirit. Banks was saved from answering.  He simply didn’t know how to answer.  The question came to him that required a skilled response.  Somehow Julie sensed this and quickly changed the subject, Okay, okay, Peyton it’s bath time.  Julie grabbed his hand.  Banks asked to use the downstairs bathroom as Stan pointed the way.  Banks left the door ajar as he inserted more drops into his eyes. 

Julie got a glimpse of this, By the way, Banks.  We all like your new look.  The eye drops seem to help. 

Banks exited the bathroom: The eye drops are nothing special, Mrs. Powers.  Thanks for the best dinner of my life.  Sport see you in September.  Enjoy summer vacation. 

Peyton giggled, Banks, I like your new look.  Julie frowned.  She closed the door behind Banks.  When Banks left, the birds ceased to chirp. The Monarch Raven followed Banks’ pickup truck.

Banks parked nearby the Powers’ house where he could see the neighborhood and look down.  He thought that dinner was perfect.  Perhaps he overdid it with the gifts and he could get angry with Marilyn’s advice; however, he thought the best way to unnerve Marilyn was to be appreciative of her advice when it was given incorrectly.  This would create a puzzlement in her apparent, overgenerous suggestion of gifts for the white family to make Banks look foolish.  He thought that she might think it backfired.

Banks now knew that the family had a guest room.  The closer he got to Peyton, the closer he would get to Gatsby land.  He thought that he would have to appear to be loyal to Indian tradition while working oh so cleverly to get away from it.  A precarious tight rope he would walk.  Hopefully he will not fall.

Party Plans

With the aid of his cane, Peyton guided out the front door.  It was a mild, fall day in Juneau.  The sun shined directly on Peyton’s face.  He felt the warmth on his face.  His eyes opened wide.  He stared directly into the sun.  I see the sun.  I see the sun. 

Tricia walked out holding school books and was stylishly dressed...she would never wear a backpack to school like the average students.  She cracked the gum to announce her presence: Fecal face.  You can’t see. 

Startled, Peyton turned as his cane brushed Tricia’s breast.  Sorry, Tricia.  It was an accident. 

You’re the accident, Peyton!  No one wanted you.  Tricia continued to crack the gum as Julie walked out.  Julie gave a hateful scowl to Tricia.  Peyton sobbed.  Those words hurt. 

Peyton howled, Mom?  Mom?

Yes, Peyton, I’m here. 

Mom.  Am I an accident?  Tricia said—

Of course, you are not an accident, Peyton.  We love you.  Julie eyeballed

Reviews for Banks Blackhorse Complete Series

[Gary Stevens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Suspend disbelief and enter the supernatural world of Banks Blackhorse.
Float in the Otherworld and meet the spirits that didn't pass through the ninth gate.
'Commingle' with a loved one and enjoy a state of pleasure beyond normal sex.
Find your soul mate and your love will be forever.
Avoid the Old Soul who wants to destroy all that you love.
Highly recommended reading...you'll love it.