The Glory of Honor

By JS Delaney

Honor of Glory is a continuation of The Spy in Me. Russell is blinded by Daniels DNA grandfather. His first love comes to save him and is caught up in a double adventure. Spirit Fawn was Russells first love, but alas, time and mistakes took them in different directions. Russell is sent home by Bear, his father, to work on the reservation. Russell has always been the soldier that just got the job done. Spirit Fawn is found to be part of the drug dealers plan. Russell shoots Paulo, the son of the most influential drug dealer in the region, and is now a hunted man along with Spirit Fawn. Margie and Bear know this is the beginning of the end one way or the other, and Margie, an attorney, decides she has no choice but to save the day. The Colonel and the family all have their hand in the answers, mistakes, and drugs, and the adventure takes twists you can only understand one page a time. Russell finds love and hope in Spirit Fawn, and Bears realizes he must learn to trust and have faith in his family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Apr 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490758145

JS Delaney

Born and raised in Chicago area, I have two children and one husband. I have a bachelor’s degree in design and computer science. I love to read, the outdoors, and playing with my two wonderful grandchildren.

Book preview

Prologue †

Russell was tired, not feeling great and he was not in the mood to discuss this.

Do you agree that I should have a nurse? Margie and Angelina both said they did agree, but they saw no reason why he couldn’t come back to Winter Village and have a nurse there.

Do you both agree that Spirit Fawn needs work, lives alone, and her house has her, just her, not Kathleen and Ambry, Julius, White Dove and Hawk and whoever else shows up? I love you all, but I need peace and quiet to readjust, if that is what it takes, to go on with my life. I am a grown man and no matter whether my sight comes back or not, I really need the quiet to figure out some things. I am going home with Spirit Fawn for now and it is fifteen minutes away. I am sure that you could visit whenever you choose, IF YOU CALL FIRST!

Margie, Daniel and Angelina were finally going to be able to get on with life and Russell’s sight was still not coming back.

Spirit Fawn may I see you in the hall please. Margie was really having a hard time letting go.

Spirit Fawn, are you sure you will be okay? He is pretty angry right now, and the doctor said that there could still be more side effects as he heals. Margie was wringing her hands. Bear, her husband and Russell’s father, was in Washington and she really needed his input. Daniel knew that Spirit Fawn had always loved Russell, whether as a friend or lover, there was always more to their relationship, but he didn’t think that Margie needed to hear that right now.

Daniel had gotten Spirit Fawn fired, but after what had happened with his family, they were sure that there was no reason she shouldn’t be reinstated to work at the hospital. Russell had been tied up, badly beaten, his nose was broken and he had multiple head lacerations from the beating that Daniel’s documented DNA grandfather had given him in an attempt to get to Daniel. Daniel was adopted and had special genetic changes that his grandfather felt he was entitled to. Russell was trying to save Daniel and Angelina when he was abducted, but the grandfather, a Russian Scientist, Nicolai Romanoff, still hurt Angelina, Daniel’s wife and Russell’s sister, Daniel had finally had enough and had to go to extremes to keep his family safe. They had determined that Russell still had swelling and they would be able to better understand what the damage to the optic nerves were in a few more weeks when the swelling went down.

Spirit Fawn wasn’t sure how she could tell them they were too close. The coddling and the constant attention might be a hindrance if his eyesight didn’t come back. He had to learn how to deal with it. She certainly couldn’t tell them that they were driving him crazy. She couldn’t tell them that she needed the money being his private nurse would bring her, and there was no way she was going to say she was going to make every effort to enjoy his company while he was there. Spirit Fawn had grown up with Russell Eagle Eye McAlister, they had been friends since they were five years old. He was beautiful, but even more he was someone she had shared her secrets with. She had to admit that she was going to enjoy not being alone for a while. She gathered up her courage and began, Margie, even though being at my house won’t be far, and he can of course come to Winter Village, the time he spends with me will be learning to be sufficient. It will allow him rest without too much interruption. He needs quiet for reflection and healing now. We both know that he won’t get it with everyone wanting to help him, be with him, keep him company and keep him safe. She hoped that she wasn’t too harsh. Margie knew that she was right, it was clear the girl had feelings for Russell, after all you’d have to be blind not to notice it.

You will call everyday just to let me know you’re okay and you don’t need anything? You will come to dinner once a week? Spirit Fawn smiled and nodded. Margie went back in by Russell and brushed his long hair back over his shoulder, I love you, seeing you this way and not scooping you up and taking you home to keep you safe is very hard. Please be careful and call. I will see you in a couple of days. Margie started to walk away and Russell grabbed her back and hugged her to him.

Everything in Great Spirit’s time, everything in God’s time, I will be fine, and I love you too. I will call. What was that number again? He smiled and let her go.

Always the prankster, she kissed his cheek and walked out the door. When Margie walked past Angelina and Daniel, she just put her finger up and kept walking stating she would see them in the car. She was going to start crying and she wasn’t going to discuss it now.

Angelina and Daniel went into the room to say their goodbyes. There were hugs and warm wishes and they asked if they could come see them before they went back to Ireland.

Angie, you’re going to be a mom now, try keeping it down to a mild roar will you? Daniel smiled, I couldn’t agree more. I love you Russell and if you need anything please call. Daniel looked at Spirit Fawn and she nodded.

I’m blind but you conspirators are easy to read, so watch it. Russell gave a final hug to both of them before they left saying, You guys had better go. If you give Mom much more time to cry you are going to have to clean the carpet.

When quiet finally came Russell could only hear the shuffle of Spirit Fawn’s feet, her faint scent told him she was near. They can be overwhelming can’t they? Spirit Fawn just laughed. I live alone, so are you referring for you or me? Spirit Fawn didn’t want to give him too much time to think about it because she had seen the depression set in with these patients; she wasn’t sure he would get his sight back at all, but even if he did it would be a longer recovery time and she knew from experience that Russell wasn’t a patient man.

Here is a cane. When you tap it in front of you listen to the sound so that you can feel and hear if something is in front of you. It will help with dips in the floor and doorways, stuff that is in your way. Practice because you will be at my house and everything will be new. This will help you get confidence so that you can be somewhat independent. She held his hand and placed the handle in his palm. She showed him how to collapse it so that when he was sitting he wouldn’t get tangled in it. She put on his shoes and she asked him if he needed to use the rest room. He said he was fine.

Are you ready? Russell took a deep breath and he looked resigned to his current situation. He was scared and the idea of being around his family feeling their pity was more than he could bear but he was already wishing he hadn’t sent them away.

Eagle Eye, it will be okay. At first, you will hate me. When your sight comes back, if it comes back, you’ll have a better understanding of self. I have seen it before. You will appreciate all the love your crazy relatives give to you more and more because their support will be crucial. I know that you don’t want their pity but you won’t need it. Keep your hand on my shoulder for now and let’s get home. Russell just took a big gulp of air and nodded. He put his hand out and she grabbed his wrist and placed his hand on her shoulder.

Russell went to check out with the nurse. All Spirit Fawn’s friends wished her well and hoped to see her soon. They all told Russell they hoped things went well for him and they hoped to see him again under better circumstances. Spirit Fawn was helping Russell get used to feeling his way around with the guide cane. They made it to the car without incident, all though there were a couple narrow escapes. Russell being well over six foot, two hundred and fifty pounds and Spirit Fawn was slight at five foot three and hundred and thirty pounds. He had the most trouble with heights tumbling forward a few times almost knocking Spirit Fawn off her feet.

Sitting in the car now was even more ridiculous. Poor Russell was a tight squeeze in her new electric economic two-seater.

His knees hit the dashboard, his head hit the roof, and he was having a hard time staying over on his side and out of the way of the shift.

Spirit Fawn, would it be okay if you drove my truck from now on? I’ll have Dad drop it off. Russell didn’t know if he would hurt her feelings but this was terribly uncomfortable. Spirit Fawn smiled at how gingerly he was trying to ask. She took a picture with her cell phone so that she could send it to Margie and Bear with the request in a text message. They wouldn’t need any further explanation.

I just sent them a text message Russell. I am usually alone so the car is fine but it really isn’t a good fit for anyone larger. Spirit Fawn tried to keep the smile out of her voice. She didn’t want to embarrass him when he was so vulnerable. Later would be soon enough.

When they finally were at Spirit Fawn’s house, she had him wait in the car until she unlocked the door and turned on the porch light. When she came to his side of the car, she saw he had the door to the car opened and was prying his feet out of the small car so he could stretch his legs out before standing.

I am going to get your few things into the house before you get out and I want to make sure that the throw rugs are picked up so you don’t trip. Just a few more minutes and I’ll come back outside. Russell was finally stretched out sitting sideways and he just smiled. He was looking forward to being settled for the night because he was becoming too tired to deal with new things, tomorrow would be soon enough.

Chapter 1 †

Spirit Fawn was back in a few minutes and she could see the wear on his face, Almost Eagle, if you are ready stand up, let’s get the car locked and start toward the house. He held the top of the door until he had to let it go and Spirit was right there.

Two more steps, she was reaching around him to shut and lock the door. He heard the door lock and then heard her putting the keys somewhere and then nothing.

That’s not funny, are you there. He went to reach up and he placed his hand directly on her breast. He was clearly contrite and embarrassed.

Sorry, I am really tired Spirit Fawn, can we go in now. She turned around and placed his hand on her shoulder. She had no plans to say what she was thinking, they were both tired and it would stir up too many old feelings that would not be helpful right now.

Just use your guide because the ground isn’t always even here and you really need to learn to handle this on your own. Step, one more, stop. She opened the screen door and then pushed open the exterior wood door. She placed his hand on the doorknob.

Slide your foot forward until you feel the solid landing, I am going to stand behind you, just in case you lose balance. She went behind him touching the center of his back and as he rose, she let her hands slide to the top of his belt. Following him up as they entered the kitchen. The kitchen chair is one step in front of you, feel for the back of it. As he did, he felt for the seat and sat down. She came in and closed the door.

Well, we made it. Now your choice, tour tonight or bathroom and bed room? Russell was tired but he wanted to talk for a few minutes.

Fawn can I have a beer and then decide? She felt that since they were going to be sharing a space for a while she wanted to start out on the right foot.

Why don’t we get our shoes off and I will get you a beer in the living room and turn on the TV. I can wash up and change, then I’ll come get you? Russell wanted to talk but he figured that could happen later.

Sure, thanks. He took off his boots and slid them to the side of the chair. She slid her hand down his arm and once again took his hand and put it on her shoulder.

Use your guide so that you can learn to move around the house by yourself. She waited until he had it out and at the ready.

Here we go, around the table to the fridge, the door opens from left to right, stop and get your beer. She took his hand and reached it across her to the handle, stepping back into his body so the door could open. As the door came around she was pressed to his front and he couldn’t help thinking how good she felt. He was tired and nervous and the comfort she was giving him made him want to hold her tight to him all night long. When the door opened, she was still concentrating on teaching him the task.

Let go of the handle and take my hand again and I will show you how to find the beer. He let go of the handle of the refrigerator and was bringing his hand back around the front of the door, but he couldn’t find her hand. She was standing in front of him and she couldn’t seem to grab his flaying hand before it came down too close to the shelf making the beers tumble right off the shelf. She bent over grabbing the beers and put her bottom almost into his thigh hitting her head on the shelf of the refrigerator instead.

Stop, just stay still please! She started to bend down and picking up the beers and rubbing her head. She grabbed his hand and placed a beer in it folding his arm in toward her while she closed the refrigerator.

Everything is fine, now take a breath and we can start again. She said it and took a breath, but Russell still didn’t move. The guide cane in his other hand was still extended, but he waited for her to take his arm instead of him placing it anywhere. She took his wrist in her left hand and his other wrist in her right hand.

Turn to your left half a step. As she instructed, he turned bumping into her backside. Spirit Fawn closed her eyes and took a breath, Eagle, keep your mind on the task damn it, or we will never make it to the couch, let alone through this evening. He nodded his agreement and tried to stay still.

Start with your right foot and let’s do this together. When they finally made it to the couch, she just leaned back and told him to sit. She opened his beer for him and moved the coffee table to make it easy for him. As rattled as she was, she wanted their first night together to be calm for both their sakes.

There! That wasn’t so bad. Well, enjoy your beer and I will be back within the hour. Anything else you need before I leave? She couldn’t think of anything and she waited to see him nod.

The remote and the direction to point it. She smiled, she was obviously making more of the incident than it was and that was a good thing. She grabbed the remote and his wrist once again placing the remote in it, turned his hand until he was masterfully clicking like a pro. As she turned to leave, he pulled her to him and kissed her cheek.

Thanks for everything Fawn, I really appreciate this. Then he let go quickly shoving the bottle in his mouth. She quickly said, It will be fine Eagle, you’ll see, give it time. She left the room as quickly as she could get out of it. She wasn’t going to make it. She wasn’t seventeen anymore. The man had his own zip code of women to choose from. He didn’t give her a second glance when he left. No letter, no phone calls, she cried herself to sleep and she wasn’t going to be fool enough to become a mess like that again. She was going to do her best for him and hopefully, get her job back.

She would always have a soft spot for Russell Eagle Eye McAlister, it was a character flaw she would have to live with, but she couldn’t let him get to her heart. She sat on her bed giving herself this pep talk wondering why she kept talking because he was already there, right in her heart, broken and waiting to be stepped on one more time. She was doomed and she knew it. She grabbed her nightgown, robe, and headed for the bathroom.

Fawn, are you there? He stood, trying to come around the couch and remembering where everything was so he didn’t wreck the place. He heard the shower and followed the sound. Sliding his feet with his hands out in front, tripping over a chair was the worst of it, and finally he made it to the sound of the bathroom shower. He knocked on the door then entered.

Fawn, I need to use the bathroom. She apparently didn’t hear him because she opened the shower and saw him sitting on the toilet with his pants around his ankles. Why? She sounded frustrated. Russell just grinned at the absurd situation.

Look, you can see me and if you don’t want to you can shut the shower curtain. I can’t see you so what harm have I done? That beer went right through me. I couldn’t wait. He sounded like a child, she had to laugh at the way he was sitting on the toilet. At least he didn’t try to aim and miss.

Whatever, you might as well stay. I’ll dry off and be out of here in a minute and then I will set it up for you. Russell sat there. He didn’t smile, just nodded and said thanks.

She closed the shower curtain after grabbing her towel and dried off. When she reopened the shower curtain, she saw he had taken off his shirt and slipped his pants off the rest of the way. She was stopped by the beauty of him, even in this silly situation he was a mass of muscle, tanned and his long hair draped his beautiful face with his soulful eyes and his soft full lips made her appreciate the image all the more. She just smiled she knew why women were constantly throwing themselves at him, but the problem was she knew more than that. He was smart and fun and he had a great sense of humor. She needed to get her nightgown and robe and think of something else immediately.

Russell could hear her, but worse he could smell her and feel her.

You smell really good Fawn. She could see in his face where his mind had gone and she didn’t want to join him. You don’t move, let me pick up your clothes so you aren’t tripping over them and I’ll be right back. She was out of there so fast, she hadn’t realized that she was crying.

Russell, let me help you get into the tub. She lifted his foot after she placed his hands on the shower wall. She placed the left foot into the tub turned his shoulders and then grabbed his hands. Hot, cold, right is soap and call out and I will help you with the shampoo and cream rinse. Do you have it? He said he did and she left the door open so she would hear him. She opened a beer for herself and sat in the kitchen waiting to hear him call her. When he finally called her, she went in and put the shampoo in his hand so he could wash his hair.

This is the cream rinse and it is open. The towel will be to the left right here. She took his hand and let him feel where she meant. Thanks Fawn, I got it. She still didn’t trust him to be okay so she stayed in the kitchen with the door opened so he could be heard if something else was needed.

Spirit Fawn, are you there? She was there in a minute and he had place the towel around his waist. Help me get out of the tub will you, and could you comb my hair? She helped him out of the bathtub and sat him back on the toilet while she dried his hair and combed it. She noticed his beard was getting too long but that would have to wait for another day, because she was not going to mention it now. Spirit Fawn wanted him to go to bed now.

This way, if you go to the bed room and remember to count your steps you can get there from the bed. He said that was fine but he wanted to have another beer to calm down, and would she mind rubbing his head because his eyes were hurting. She was overtired and shaken by their closeness.

Do you want to take a pain pill? Spirit Fawn was hoping that would make him feel better. Russell hated pills and refused to give in.

I would rather the head rub and the beer if you don’t mind. I don’t like the way those things make me feel. You know I don’t like drugs if I can avoid them. She did remember that.

One thing at a time, let’s go to the bedroom, are you ready? He nodded and waited for her. She grabbed his hand and put it on her shoulder. He could feel the silk of her robe.

Nice, is that for me? She rolled her eyes and was trying with all her might to keep her voice steady, I live alone remember, so I guess it’s for me Eagle, put your ego away. I am not in your zip code as the rumor goes. Russell felt like she slapped him in the face. He was so angry when she left, he made damn sure she knew he didn’t need her with every girl he could bed. He knew he had hurt her, but he had no idea just how much until she saw him five years ago and ran the other way. She wouldn’t even say hello. His mother and White Dove couldn’t believe he didn’t get it, so they explained that when he left her and never wrote, expecting she would wait there until he returned, was mean and cruel. It wasn’t like he could take it back. He left and went to school, then boot camp, and when he came back and she was gone. He was angry and he wanted her to know that. He apparently made it clear enough when he never called and never wrote. He came back and played around with every girl in town, and they were happy to oblige and very happy to tell Spirit Fawn all about it. He knew women liked him, he knew they thought of him as a hunk, a great catch. He was their toy and they were his, nothing more. The girls said that Russell had tried every girl in this zip code, and still was just having fun. They were right. He knew what he was missing, but what was he going to do about it? He had his chance and was too blind to see what he was throwing away. He might be blind, and she deserved more, but he was going to be here and he was going to do what he could to make her see he had changed.

Your nightgown still feels nice. What color is it? She didn’t want to think about that. She wanted to be civil and it was becoming hard, blue, Eagle, blue like your eyes. She heard him swallow, and she saw his face and hoped it cost him.

Here is the edge of the bed. Did you remember to count the steps back to the bathroom in case you have to go in the night? He said he did but of course, he had no clue. He would punt before he asked her to do it again. Let me get the beers, I think I’ll join you.

He was up on the bed with his back to the headboard and the covers were over his lap. She cracked open a beer and handed it over to him making sure that he had a grip on it and then helping him find the night stand to set it on. She opened hers and told him to scoot forward so she could rub his head. He moved forward enough for her to fit behind. She put one leg on either side of him, took a sip of her beer, Move forward more Eagle, I can’t reach your head. He took another big drink of his beer.

Give me the pillow Fawn and I’ll try to lie down in your lap and see if that works. She handed him the pillow and he put the pillow down over her legs and lay down on his back. After another sip of her beer, she set it down and started to rub little circles above his eyes. He grabbed her hands and moved them to the sides of his head where it hurt. She continued to rub his head in little circles. She could feel him start to relax. After about fifteen minutes, she stopped and took another sip of her beer and Russell flipped over on to his stomach. He couldn’t figure out what to do with his arms so he wrapped them around Spirit Fawn. He looked up and gave a slight sleepy smile, Sorry, would you mind rubbing the back of my head too? It really is helping. She was becoming wary, but said that she would. After taking another sip of the beer, she set it down and started to rub his head. He once again tried to move her hands so they were where his head hurt. She rubbed his head in little circles and then his neck. She noticed his shoulders relax and when he touched her bottom, she didn’t feel offended. When she touched his shoulders and he just moved to one side. She smiled because she knew he was asleep. The problem was she was trapped. With the pillow his head on her lap and his arms wrapped around her she couldn’t move. His hair was draped over his face and she didn’t see his smile. He liked this way too much, and her hands felt so good. Even more he was enjoying smelling her and touching her, and not being alone in his dark. She shook his shoulder Eagle, I am going to bed now, please let me up. He barely heard what she was saying, he was drifting in and out. His hands went up her back and then it registered in his mind what she said. He moved the pillow and lifted himself up. He was half awake and not thinking things through. He reached up and kissed her quickly.

Thank you baby, grabbing up his pillow and waited for her to slide out from behind him. Spirit was not exactly angry, just irritated that he would treat her like one of his quickies. Boundaries would have to be set, but she would address that in the morning.

She grabbed their beers and left the room, leaving the door open so she could hear him if he needed something. She set the beers down in the kitchen and went back to turn off the bedroom light. She just stood in the doorway looking back at what was in her bed and wishing that she could join him. He was beautiful that was for sure. He wasn’t stupid, so she couldn’t use that as his excuse. She would have to say that he just wasn’t for her. She shut off the light and went into the living room and quietly turned on the TV and finished their beers.

Morning, Spirit Fawn must have been wound up tight because the beers finally relaxed her and she fell sound asleep on the couch. She didn’t hear Russell as he groped his way through the house to the bathroom. He splashed some water on his face taking a quick drink of water and stood there a minute trying to wake up. At least he didn’t mind how he looked in the morning he thought. He was in a terrible mood. He was tired of being blind and there was simply nothing he could do about it. Fawn! He bellowed and heard nothing. He wanted a cup of coffee and, well, she knew he couldn’t do anything, where the hell could she have gone. He started through the house to see if she just didn’t hear him or if she went somewhere. Fawn? There was someone talking in the other room. He followed the sound, realizing it was the television. He found the arm of the couch and decided he would sit there a few minutes before going in search of her again. As he felt for the cushions, following the back of the couch to the middle and went to feel how low the cushions were, he found Spirit Fawn, either that or the Great Spirit was giving him another consolation prize. He started to feel her softly looking for something he could shake like a shoulder. Should he yell or keep up his search? He softly used his hands to identify which way to go. Thigh, hip, waist, side and shoulder, he touched her hair and her face was wet. She had been crying and she made a sound. He put his head closer to her and decided to sit on the side of the couch and softly he wiped her tears.

I am so sorry, baby. He knew she didn’t hear him, and that was okay, but even a blind man could be sorry for the past. The real question was how to proceed? She reached out and put her hands on his bare thigh. He didn’t know how long she had been sleeping there, but he decided that he could feel around in the kitchen and see what he could find for himself. Maybe the noise would wake her, and if not, she needed the sleep.

He was hoping she could make coffee and tell him where she put his clothes. He went back to the bedroom and felt around for where his clothes might have gone and found nothing, so he grabbed a towel out of the bathroom putting it around his waist and called it all good. He went back into the kitchen, felt around for cabinets, and for where the refrigerator might be. He thought coffee might be too hard so he felt around for a box of cereal. Spirit heard all the noise, stood in the doorway, and watched.

Do you want some help? Spirit spoke softly so that she wouldn’t startle him. He stopped and waited until she spoke again.

I said do you want help? Russell stood there, sorry that he woke her. I was trying to help myself so I would learn. I didn’t want to wake you. She came to his side, Nice towel, do you want coffee? Russell said he did, but still didn’t move.

I couldn’t find my clothes. She didn’t seem to care. We will work this out today so you can find things and help yourself. You know it will be okay, right? He still didn’t move, just kept looking straight ahead.

Could you help me find something to put on after you make the coffee? She reached out and rubbed his back. His skin was cool to the touch and it was wonderful. She wanted him to understand that her feelings were not his burden to deal with, especially not right now.

I am sorry, I don’t usually drink, and I guess I have been wound up. The beer hit me hard. I fell asleep on the couch. I keep it here for guest mostly, but I bought it because I know you like to have it in the evenings. Russell didn’t know how to respond, he just said it was fine. He went to turn around because her touch made him desperate to hold her, if not for any other reason than his need for her. He felt useless and vulnerable, and he didn’t like it. He gathered her to him and just held on.

Coffee, clothes and maybe I can deal with this. She wasn’t going to allow him to feel useless or inadequate. "Think of a clock face. Put it in your mind and your arms are