Where Free Men Pray: Part Two...Under the Big Sky

By Diane W. Cardenas and S. Bryan Gonzales

Cash and Travis… it all began one warm October day back in 2003 on a forgotten levee of the mighty Yellowstone River.  They were high-school students—seniors, in fact. As champions within their own fields (Cash, a rodeo cowboy, and Travis, a football player) they come to the plate on their own terms, but eventually, they fall in love. And what happens after that brings the sleepy town of Miles City to life—challenging many paradigms. As they work through their differences and face outside challenges, their relationship grows stronger; or so it seems until it’s revealed to Cash he’s inherited a young girl—not just any girl, but Lee’s daughter. So, with concerns of completing their educations, taking on careers and child-raising, Cash and Travis struggle with issues many couples encounter today. And these events eventually bring unbearable strain, affronting the very elements keeping them together. The question is—will they survive and develop a stronger relationship, or will their love crack and crumble as it does so often today? Where Free Men Pray is the second in a series of four stories. It’s a tale of two passionate men who have committed to each other that… what Heaven hath joined t

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 27, 2008
• ISBN: 9781434396044

Diane W. Cardenas

Diane Cardenas has achieved several writing credits such as a journalism award from Bonaventure University.  She has also been noted for assisting in the writing of several medical textbooks such as the Handbook of Symptom Oriented Neurology and Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2002.    Diane is currently an assistant researcher at the University of Louisville in the School of Medicine.    Where Free Men Pray is her first novel.                Steven Bryan Gonzales assisted Diane in writing Where Free Men Pray.  In 2006, Steven completed the first novel of the Cash and Travis series named Under the Big Sky.       Born and raised in Montana, he grew up with a strong sense of commitment.  Just as he’s determined to do his best in working and studying, he strives to give 100% toward the relationships in his life.  He believes we should be open to all possibilites within the realm of human experience.    Steven’s mission, with this series, is to tell the reader the worth of people.  Bar-none, we need each other—through thick and thin.  In a day and age where people are treated as a cheap commodity, it’s his desire to challenge that attitude and encourage us to respect each other and never take them for granted. 

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© 2008 Diane W. Cardenas and S. Bryan Gonzales. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 10/28/2008

ISBN: 978-1-4343-9604-4 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4343-9603-7 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2008906974

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

To Heath

MISSOULA

ELENA

TRAVIS

CASH

About the Authors

To Heath

Special Thanks to Scot Hupp, Regan Pruneau, Brian Caywood, Lesley Brinn, Jonathan Stevens, Dennis Maxon and all the others who have contributed toward this project.

MISSOULA

He’d been looking forward to it all day—that moment, stepping into the tiny apartment, into the tiny bedroom. And there on the bed that was always big enough for the two of them lay what he had been anticipating—stretching and sprawling, legs flexed and spread, with rows of bulging muscles carefully defined by years of hard work and play. His boyfriend was truly a naked dream made real.

How long were you going to make me wait? Travis asked with a slow drawl, cigarette floating to and from full, pouting, lips. I’m on my second and you know I’m trying to cut back.

A warm breeze drifted through the cracked window. In the distance, thunder threatened. It would be a drenching evening, outside and in. Cash slowly unsnapped the pearly buttons of his shirt, pulling it up and out of the tight jeans that framed his lean, lanky form. Travis thought Cash looked as good dressed as he did un...

Cash threw his shirt on the floor, then stepped over to the bed.

Want me to keep anything on?

Travis sometimes liked the feel of silver-tipped boots against his thigh.

Mmm…no. Get rid of it all.

Laughing, Cash sat on the bed to remove his Tony Lamas and Wranglers, giving Travis’ stomach a little whip with his belt before tossing it, along with everything else, onto the pile.

We should be studying, he said as he leaned over for his hundredth kiss of the day. We need to keep our grades up, as his mouth slowly brushed against Travis’—softly at first, then with increasing intensity. He darted his tongue over lips he planned on bruising.

You study, Travis replied, grabbing the short hair on the back of Cash’s head and urging him forward. You keep your grades up… running his large rough hand up and down Cash’s dampening back, I’ve got other things I like to keep up.

He lifted his head slightly from the pillow to bring his mouth hard alongside Cash’s throat.

Cash reached over to take the still-lit cigarette from the tray on the bedside table. Pulling in a long drag, he slowly let it out, saying, "Oh baby, what I’m gonna do’ll make you burn…"

The telephone rang.

"Shit! Ignore it," Travis whispered.

I can’t, Cash replied, as he got up to answer. Hello? Annoyance covered his tone.

A small voice replied.

It was Elena.

ELENA

It was the first of many moves—that one from Great Falls… funny how your entire world can be changed and yet on the surface it can look more or less the same.

When did it happen? Cash wondered, as he found Elena sitting in her room rearranging her dolls. How did we get to where we are now?

Time…and the transformations that come with it can creep up on you while you aren’t paying attention and hit you over the head with barely concealed spite.

Elena sat looking at her little doll family. She remembered a time long ago when she had accidentally torn off one of her doll’s arms while playing Wrestlemania. Since the doll was ruined, she had surrendered it to the trash—knowing there was no repairing the thing. And as she couldn’t bear looking at a doll mishap, she knew there was nothing else to do.

She’s no good anymore, Elena had told her grandmother—dropping it into the can and letting go of the lid. She can’t be fixed.

Just like today, she thought.

Cash knew it too.

The world and the way it was for both of them would never be the same. They’d never see this apartment again; and the shuffle of Altiar’s slippers across the linoleum floor or the heavy, defiant thud of Lee’s boots—these sounds would never be heard of again from these rooms. At certain times in life there seemed to be events or points that can never be revisited—not even if you wished really, really hard.

Cash let out a sigh.

Who can know the mind of a child and what she can truly understand? He reflected while sitting on the bed alongside the little girl.

But the fact was that Elena had been aware for a long time that something was wrong with her grandmother although she couldn’t figure the time—good as she was at figuring. She would watch carefully as Altiar would make her way slowly around their little apartment—walking while holding onto walls or furniture along her path. On her pale, dry lips there would invariably be a smile, but behind the mask, there was the silent wince from each footstep. And while there was never a complaint and her grandmother never told her to turn anything down, keep still, or stop making such a racket, she could tell beyond a shadow of any doubt that something very bad was going to happen.

Am I going to have to go to school now? Elena asked without looking at him.

Odd question to bring up at a moment like this, Cash thought as he shifted uneasily. Since he didn’t really know the answer, Let’s not worry about it, he replied. His mother would have some input on that issue, he knew. Elena had never been to school although Cash and her grandmother had taught her the alphabet and numbers—even some simple arithmetic.

Elena’s bedroom once belonged to her father but she was allowed to move in after he died. Cash tried not to remember the first time he had ever been in that room—with Lee. Some of Lee’s old things remained although Altiar had tossed out most of them in fits of anger—never to be seen again.

Where’s Hello Kitty? Cash asked, settling himself. It was obvious that something was weighing heavily on Elena’s mind and Cash wanted to reconnect with his distant daughter. Elena only shrugged and pointing vaguely in the direction of the closet.

For Cash, it was almost beyond belief—these two deaths. It seemed he had barely come to grips concerning Lee, then Altiar was likewise stricken. The difference, of course, was that Altiar had had time to prepare and had spent that time well. Lee was gone like a telephone abruptly hung up without even the benefit of being able to say goodbye. Hell, Cash didn’t know if Lee would have said goodbye even if he could have. The boy had been so contrary and sometimes so unlovable—which naturally was one of the reasons Cash had come to love him.

There was no point in trying to think what his life would have been like without the Birunis in it. No point at all because they were there up front and center. When one fell away, another one would seem to come along to take their place. Now, there was Elena and the idea of turning from her never even crossed his mind.

You know, Elena, Cash said, …we have to talk about some plans—and not just about school. He allowed silence to mediate for a moment before continuing. Do you understand what I mean? He glanced in her direction.

She wasn’t going to say anything because she was used to being passive in the face of unthinkable events.

The thing is, Elena, he went on, …your grandmother made some plans for the both of us. Do you want to hear what they are?

She only stayed quiet—studying her dolls.

Cash believed Elena understood what he was talking about—even if her level of understanding was not that of an adult. Months before Altiar’s death, they had gathered in this very apartment to look over the documents that Mr. Safir, Altiar’s attorney, had drawn up…

Cash could still see Altiar’s beaming face as she declared, I got done! Thees best idea I haf ever. All done! She insisted that Cash look them over carefully—same as the young Mr. Safir had advised her.

Cash, insecure as ever, had dragged Travis to the Biruni apartment on that weekend long ago to get his take on the legalities that were being fomented. Not inclined to make a commitment, the sandy-haired cowboy instead shifted in his boots with his thumbs hooked into his pockets… Tell me what you think of this.

Mr. Safir’s paperwork lay spread across the kitchen table ready for Travis’ inspection.

I don’t know what I’m looking at here, Travis mumbled—rummaging through the densely typed pages.

Well, you know more than I do. Your father was a lawyer, after all.

That doesn’t make me one.

Soon, however, they got it pretty well figured out. Altiar gratefully smiled—shifting her gaze between the two boys. You theenk, goot, no?

Altiar, are you sure?

Shur I shur! You not shur, now? Altiar’s tone carried just the right amount of guilt-inducing disapproval. Eet’s only theeng I know to do. Eet’s her grandfather, you know. I mean, he… Making sure Elena was nowhere in sight to overhear, she continued, Durty bastard! The words shot from her lips like bullets. You know about what happen’t? Want me tell you what happen’t long time ago?

I know, Altiar. Lee told me. Cash had been in no mood to re-hash the sordid story

Theen you know about thee coort order? You ever see thee coort order?

There was a silence.

Bet not, she continued—walking to her dresser to pull open a high drawer. Heer. Read Cash. No problem from that bastard…

Well, that had been wishful thinking, Cash now knew. Nonetheless, it was all water under the bridge—right?

Your grandmother gave me legal grounds to adopt you. Do you know what that means? Without waiting for Elena to answer, Cash continued. It means… His eyes looked off into some distance that only he could see. It means you don’t have to worry about anything. I’m going to be taking care of you, and we’re going to be together. You’re going to be my little girl from now on.

I thought I already was your little girl, Elena mumbled, unsure where her new father was taking this.

Cash wasn’t sure of himself so he gave a small laugh. Yes, you have been and will continue to be. But this will be something even more…something that no one can take away for all time. This will make your grandfather not able to…

To kidnap me? By the sparkle in her eyes, the memory obviously still excited Elena, who had regarded the entire episode as something of an adventure.

The kidnapping, as Elena referred to it, had happened just a week before Altiar’s death. Cash had no idea that a problem was brewing with the Biruni clan—until he came home early that afternoon and noticed the two messages from Elena blinking on his answering machine. Cashie, come! Elena’s little voice had pleaded.

Tarek Biruni had shown up unexpectedly at the Great Falls apartment—pounding the door into a rupture…

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The pounding at the door was so hard it made Elena jump up in her chair. All the china in the cabinet rattled.

What thee hell? her grandmother called from her sickbed. "Elena, ask who eet ees, but no open the door!"

It’s Call Me Grandpa, Elena hesitantly announced.

The first time she had ever met him, at her real father’s funeral, he had extended a big, cold hand toward her saying, Call me Grandpa, Elena. And from that moment forward, those words would remain as his name—exclusively. Before that, she had had no idea that there was an actual grandfather in her life. In her mind, he was just something talked about by her grandmother in a harsh and hissing voice. Even after the funeral, he never came to their home—at lease not until Altiar got seriously sick. To be honest, Elena had no feelings about him so she didn’t much care if he came or not. He was, as far as she was concerned, like part of a dream which sometimes stuck around after waking up.

Shit, Altiar cussed under her breath. What he want? No calling either.

Elena had no choice but to let him in although she had a bad feeling about it.

Call Me Grandpa didn’t say hello to Elena as he passed. Instead, he went straight into grandmother’s room. What’s this all about with the lawyer and Elena? His voice made the air quake throughout the apartment.

With her heart racing, Elena instinctively retreated to her room—placing herself next to her telephone.

The talk quickly changed to Turkish which meant they wanted to keep secrets from her. The thing was, Elena was beginning to understand Turkish. Her grandmother had been speaking it a lot lately.

I forget, she had once apologized. It come out before I stop. I no mean.

It was okay, however, because like magic, while Elena would sleep, the strange talk would suddenly become clear. And as she’d lie there in that half-awake, half-asleep place, the words would form inside her head and she could understand them perfectly! She could even dream in Turkish which was a very exciting thing to be happening!

So, it didn’t much matter, the Turkish talk, as long as she pretended stupidity. Her grandparents could talk away as loud and long as they pleased.

How did you find out about the lawyers? her grandmother yelled, unaware of Elena’s newfound ability. Who have you been talking to?

How do you think I found out? Call Me Grandpa confidently countered. My own lawyer tells me everything!

That son of a bitch! was probably what grandmother said. Elena had to guess at that one, but knowing her grandmother—and the tone, she knew it was one of the several bad Turkish words that routinely got tossed about.

Besides, it doesn’t matter how I found out. What matters is—is that you did it! And I want to know why!

Things were going to get bad, Elena knew, so she picked up the phone and dialed Cashie’s number.

It’s none of your business! You get outta here! Altiar’s voice was strong and harsh. You get out of my life!

Cashie’s voice mail picked up.

You’re in no position to order me to do anything! You explain yourself—woman!

Out—out—OUT!

Cashie, Elena whispered, …come here now. Call Me Grandpa’s here…

Before she was aware, her grandpa stood in the bedroom doorway. His face wore a snarl as he crossed over to her and yanked the phone from her hand. You’re coming with me. He said it in Turkish and Elena understood.

No, she screamed, You can’t make me!

When she answered in English, Call Me Grandpa stopped and stood completely still—looking surprised at her. Then he said a word she’d never heard before and laughed as Altiar appeared from behind—white faced and arms high. Giving a little cry, she fell to the floor.

"Oh, God… Call Me Grandpa gasped and grabbed for Elena’s phone. He called for an ambulance and then the hospital—yelling nonsense. …Yeah, in about five minutes? Then turning to his granddaughter, he barked out more words. Get some clothes! You have a suitcase?"

Placing herself on the bed, Elena pretended utter ignorance.

Oh, for God’s sake, her grandfather mumbled as he leaned over her grandmother who lay gasping on the hallway carpet.

The second he was distracted, Elena picked the phone back up and punched Cashie’s number one more time.

Again—no answer. Now, however, her grandfather did nothing while she placed another message on Cashie’s voice mail. We’re going to the hospital with grandmother. Keeping her voice calm, she didn’t want Cashie to get too upset. But she wanted him to realize the seriousness of it all. Cashie, come.

The sirens screamed into the parking lot and Elena went to her window to look out. She felt surprisingly unconcerned now that the hollering and yelling was over. Things must be better, she told herself. Beside, we’re going to the hospital and grandmother always gets better at that place.

As the ambulance people marched in and put Altiar on a moving bed, Call Me Grandpa scooped up his granddaughter and they followed doggedly behind the boxy-looking vehicle.

When they got to the hospital Elena was, as normal, deposited close by the nurse’s station while being handed a children’s picture book. Now just stay here and wait, Elena, a nurse spoke kindly, …and someone will be here soon to get you.

Of course they would. Cashie always came when he was needed. So she was content to wait with the eyes of some of the other people there in the room fixed upon her. One nice-looking woman smiled and shook her head. Poor thing.

It wasn’t too long before a thin, tired-eyed woman appeared who spoke her name. Elena? Are you Elena?

As the lady sat in a chair beside her, Elena could tell that she was young and sort of pretty—with blonde hair that brushed around her shoulders. She also wore makeup. This was fascinating because Elena never knew anyone who wore makeup.

I’m Catherine…Cathy, the woman’s voice was quiet and a bit sharp. I’m your grandfather’s wife. She paused, apparently waiting for Elena to make some sort of connection.

Well, what about it? was all Elena could think.

The woman continued after a spell. I guess you could say I’m your step-grandmother.

Now that’s plain crazy. You can only have one grandmother…just like you can only have one mother. Elena remained silent and unmoving.

Well, Catherine coughed, … it doesn’t matter. I just need to get you home.

Elena hopped from her seat—more than ready to leave.

They made their way to the parking lot and got into a large, red van that was bigger than Cashie’s new truck. It was almost as big as the pick-up her father had owned. In this vehicle, however, she found that she didn’t have to step up so high to get in. Nor did she have to climb around the front seat to get into the back. Instead, a side door opened and all Elena had to do was jump up.

It was fun and interesting until Elena realized she wasn’t going to her apartment. Instead, they drove to a house that was pretty enough—made of wood and bricks. Christmas trees from the mountains surrounded it. She wanted to cry, but she knew deep in her heart that this odd woman who claimed to be a type of grandmother would then see her weakness and pounce on her like a cat.

The strange woman with her ridiculous claim of grandmothership helped Elena from her seat. You’re a very brave girl, she said, directing Elena into the house which was like something out of a picture book. Elena stopped suddenly. The woman touched her back.

Come on, she prompted. You’ll be staying in Nora’s room.

They walked for what seemed be forever up stairs and across carpeted halls. It was so confusing that Elena stuck close to Call Me Grandpa’s wife. Nothing made any sense right now.

Nora, Call Me Grandpa’s wife explained, was her own daughter. It hurt Elena’s head to think what that must mean to her, but she decided not to worry about it. Nora was just a little kid like her, she realized, as soon as Call Me Grandpa’s wife led her through the bedroom door. Nora had dolls and a bed and a dresser where she kept all her stuff.

Elena looked about as Call Me Grandpa’s wife talked on. She didn’t much listen since this woman wasn’t Cashie or her grandmother. Nothing that Catherine said mattered. So in short, she wasn’t to be taken seriously. Elena felt very grown-up for having made this distinction.

She didn’t think to ask where Nora was—abandoning her room like that. But Elena didn’t care. She had a feeling Call Me Grandpa’s wife would explain it. It seemed to be her way. Within a few moments, Elena discovered that she would not be disappointed.

Nora is outside in the yard with her brother, Catherine said. He helps watch her after he gets out of school. Justin’s six. She paused, as Elena continued not speaking. How old are you, Elena?

Recalling movies on television when anyone would be questioned like this, it usually meant nothing good. So Elena decided that it was better to just go along with the questions and try to fool her than to resist answering and get her angry. Five, Elena lied. So what if she shorted herself two years?

"Oh, I thought you were older. The woman crossed the room to the door. Stay here a minute," she called as she left.

Where am I going to go? Elena thought—fighting the sudden urge to run. She leaned against the pink and white bed trying not to mess the ruffles that covered the pillows. There was a large-screen television and entertainment center nested within the customized shelves built against the walls. This Nora kid even has her own TV?!

Quick as she had left, Catherine returned—carrying blue sweats in her hands. These belong to Justin. You look like you’re almost as big so you can change into them and take off those dirty things.

It took Elena some seconds before she understood that she was being put into boy’s clothes. Well, somehow that didn’t really surprise her. She held out her arms as the clothes were handed over.

Are you hungry?

She was starving but shook her head no. She didn’t want to risk being drugged or poisoned. After all, she was already being asked to disguise herself as a boy.

This whole thing is a kidnapping, she told herself warily. That’s what this is all about. The realization came to her like a fever and she felt ill. Figuring it all out now, she knew she had to plot her next move. As long as she kept figuring, the urge to scream or cry would be kept away. She had to…

Sure you’re not hungry?

Elena wasn’t sure of anything except that this woman was a fake. There were no other children and where was her Call Me Grandpa? Her stomach began to hurt and she wished she could have a drink of water.

Well, if you’re sure, the ‘fake’ woman replied. Let me get Nora’s things and then when you’re changed, you can come downstairs and watch TV if you want.

I want to stay here. The sound of her voice shocked her, realizing she had barely spoken since the call to Cashie. Cashie! She had temporarily forgotten about him. Where is he?

The stranger broke into her thoughts. Are you sure?

Elena clamped her mouth tight.

If you’re sure…

Elena then watched Catherine, or whoever she really was, leave the room. Soon, Elena knew she would make her break.

There was the sound of children in the hall and a brief conversation. She knew they were talking about her.

Elena closed the door and changed her clothes—trying not to think about what had happened to her grandmother. She knew that she needed to keep her head busy with thinking about other things like what shows would be on this time of day. Finding the remote and making herself a place on the bed, she switched the television on but kept the sound off. In a minute, everyone will go away. And after that minute…

A noise awakened her. Her eyes popped open and except for the glowing TV screen, the room was now dark.

I’ve gone to sleep!—she realized with horror. How did it happened? And for how long?

She’s where? It was Call Me Grandpa’s voice. Elena closed her eyes and pretended she had never woken up.

The door opened quietly. Elena knew her pounding heart would betray her. Then the door shut.

She had fooled them! When the sound of the voices finally disappeared, she hopped up—cursing herself with a Turkish word that she hoped was very bad.

Carefully leaving her room, she wandered slowly down the long hallway—following her nose to the kitchen. That’s where the phone will be. Reason spoke within her mind. Everyone keeps a phone in the kitchen.

She’d forgotten the place was so big. She’d been in hospitals and stores. And those were about the only big places as far as she could recall. She crept down the stairs—keeping a lookout. Passing by a glass jar in the living room where colorful marbles glimmered and shined, she stopped and stared, mesmerized. She couldn’t help herself. Stealing several glances about, she reached in and pulled up a handful.

Oh, you’re awake!

The lady’s voice came over Elena so quickly she dropped the round jewels all over the floor.

Catherine laughed. I’ll bet you’re hungry after all.

They made hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches which she had never had before. And try as she might to not enjoy them, she did, however—eating one after another. And after three, she even asked for one more—suddenly not caring if she was being poisoned.

If Cashie or grandmother isn’t going to come, things don’t matter anyway.

The lady asked countless questions the entire time. Do you go to school, Elena? Who’s this Cash person? Is your grandmother doing ok?

Elena only shook, or nodded, her head, managing to keep her mouth full the entire time. Act stupid, she reminded herself. They won’t know any better.

By the time Catherine exhausted herself with questions and Elena with eating, it was getting late and she could feel her eyes become heavy.

At separate points, both Nora and Justin shyly appeared in the room. They both stared dumbly at Elena. At one point, Nora even started to cry.

Call Me Grandpa’s wife talked soothingly to them—pulling Nora up onto her lap and stroking her hair. Elena will think you’re a big baby, Nora, if you act like this, and she flashed Elena a large smile which wasn’t returned. Elena only swallowed her hot chocolate—staring back defiantly.

Momma… Justin whispered alongside his mother’s chair, tugging at her elbow. There was a familiarity about him that made Elena forget about the adults for a second. Instead, her mind was suddenly filled with images of riding bicycles and playing sports games. Her confused feelings threatened to overwhelm her so she blinked Justin away. The woman leaned her head over while Justin spoke softly into her ear and once she even laughed.

Elena hated whispering; in spite of as often as she was guilty of it. Grandmother always said it was rude and uncivilized in others. She shot the little boy a harsh look and he immediately took a step backward.

If you want to… Justin’s mother told him. They stopped talking and Catherine looked over at Elena, …but I think Elena is very tired right now.

Suddenly, Elena knew she had been spared some terrible playtime commitment.

I think you need to get to bed.

Elena knew how to tell time, but she kept it a secret from these people…like all the other secrets she was managing. She stood up and the children scattered.

Back in the room that they said belonged to Nora, Elena lay down with the lights on. Sometime during the night, however, they got turned off and her blankets were pulled up. It doesn’t matter, she reminded herself. This is just what happens in a real live kidnapping…

And so, while Altiar was in the hospital and Elena was with the Birunis, Cash made a decision that he hoped he wouldn’t come to regret. With Travis at his side, he drove all the way from Missoula to Great Falls to fetch Elena away from the Birunis—assuming that it was perfectly within his rights to do so.

Tarek, however, saw things quite differently...

Since when do you care so much about her?!

Angry voices echoed throughout the lovely house.

You’ve got no business coming here like this!

Instantly, Elena raced down from the upper level to the sound of a familiar voice deep within the alien environment.

Like hell I don’t!

Cashie!

Come on, Elena.

Darting toward Cash like a bullet while Travis waited quietly outside, Elena flew into his arms. Quickly, they made their escape like two spooked colts.

Cashie, I wanna go home!

We’re going home, he said reassuringly. We’re going home.

They could hear Tarek shout at their backs menacingly, I tell you, you’ve got no business!

But they hurried away—quickly as possible.

At the time, Cash had wondered if he was making a mistake. He still did…

Later, they went to the hospital to visit Altiar. The entire medical staff was generous in allowing Elena to see her grandmother. It was obvious that everyone was becoming fond of the little, stoic, Turkish grandmother.

The minute Elena saw Altiar lying in the messy white bed, she abandoned all restraint and ran wildly to her.

Oooh Elena, Altiar cried out, …that hoorts! Be careful!

As Elena snuggled close to her grandmother—trying not to shove her, Altiar listened about the incident with Tarek.

He ees an ass. An idiot. Just like heem to pull somethink like that.

It’s no big deal, Cash forced a lie.

Cash always wondered what he would have done without Travis having been there. Surely, Travis’ size and demeanor had much to do with Tarek backing down and allowing Elena to leave without too much of an incident.

Moreover, Elena’s grandfather’s interest in his granddaughter puzzled Cash. There were times when he seemed interested about her well-being…then there were times when he seemed to care less. Cash could only be reminded of what Lee had told him so long ago.

Then Altiar startled Cash with a mention of Lee’s name.

Seldom did she ever bring up the topic of her son. It was as if she knew more than what she wanted to let on…or what Cash was comfortable with hearing. Sometimes, it was almost like he had never been alive.

He… not much of son…and even less, father. Yet I loved heem, my Abdul. She paused. You loved heem too, Cash?

It had been something between a question and a statement. Blushing, Cash made it into a statement. I loved him.

Closing her eyes, Altiar leaned back heavily. Yeah, I know. You love my Elena as well.

I love her as well.

For a second, Altiar seemed to go to sleep, but then her voice ushered up words from deep inside—clear and strong. I know you, Cash McCollum. I know you. You more’n goot boy. You lot more’n that.

Then, silence fell over the room.

Turning to Elena, her eyes searched carefully for something unseen. You be goot girl now for Cashie. There was seriousness to her manner causing Elena to keep all protests to herself.

She was always Cashie’s good girl—couldn’t they all see it? A little flash of anger flared from her eyes.

Cause he take care of you. I no can. You unnerstand what I say, child? He take care you, her grandmother rambled on.

Altiar’s movements were ever so slight, but unquestionably deliberate. Cash, she looked directly at him, …you see up against what? I no being unfair, now? I mean this theeng with her grandpa…

Cash gently took Altiar’s hand. We’ll be fine, Altiar. Elena and I will be fine. I’m not concerned about her grandfather.

"He trouble! Elena’s grandmother hissed. Always! Even with my Abdul. You watch heem! Watch all of time. No mean to scare, but I warn you."

They could hear the wind blowing against the windows. Winter was fast approaching.

Thees Travis, Altiar gathered more strength. He like to you like my Lee? You know what I mean?

I know what you mean, Altiar. And yes, he’s like that to me. Has been for a long time.

Thought so. Some need within her obviously settled. It be okay. I no exactly unnerstand all this kind a theeng, but I feel it okay because I know Abdul, my Lee, and now I know you and I know Travis. So, yeah, it be okay. No more talk please. Briefly, she rested her eyes—not moving a muscle.

And your place, your apartment... Beek? Not like ours, I mean.

You want to know if there’s enough room? Cash threw a big, wide grin. Is that what you’re concerned about?

Altiar nodded, so Cash continued. There’s plenty, but we’re gonna have a house of our own in the mountains. Travis’ mother is helping with the arrangements. We have big plans. He made large waving gestures with his arms.

And they chuckled.

Truth be told, Cash no longer concerned himself with the house Travis was having built. It seemed like something too remote—a future that they would never arrive at. Their downtown apartment was their home…the place where they belonged. Cash hated the thought of leaving it so he didn’t think on it.

But you taking so much time from school…. Altiar’s voice was firm with disapproval.

Don’t worry about it, Altiar. I can make up classes later on. There’s no problem in that.

Then you not graduate right, she protested.

A couple of months won’t matter since Travis will still be in school getting his master’s.

Cash once told Elena that Travis can be so stupid at times that he will probably retire from school instead of graduating. Elena didn’t understand the joke but Cash had enjoyed a good laugh over it.

You know Elena not your reelijun.

I know. Cash spoke softly and humbly.

Religion was something people took seriously, Elena was aware. While she had seen Cash pray, she had never bothered him with asking about it. Somehow it didn’t seem right.

This will be your decision, Altiar.

No, my son, her grandmother looked highly pleased with herself. "You make. You and Elena. I trust you. I trust you…everytheenk!"

And not long after that, she was gone.

****

The several days following Altiar’s death passed as something of a dream for Cash and he found it hard to believe that this part of their lives had ended—the hospitals, the weekend trips to the mountains, the stops at Lee’s hideaway. They had watched TV together, ate lunch together, and went out for rides around twisting roads that Elena had never seen before except in the distance from her bedroom window.

The furniture was to be taken by members of the little Great Falls Islamic community to be sold with the money going towards the building of a new mosque. It wouldn’t bring much, Cash thought as he looked about, but Altiar wanted to make a last gesture of reconciliation to a community that had largely rejected her.

In the living room, Travis and Janice McCollum worked on cataloging what needed to be kept or given away. Cash knew that Elena had no feelings about much of what the apartment contained although he also knew that Altiar had kept many objects hidden from view. He supposed it was her way of dealing with the difficult things—out of sight, out of mind. After all, Mrs. Biruni had been a pragmatic woman—the harshness of her life had hardened her to the practicalities of living.

The disposition of her possessions and other intimate subjects they had hashed out while Altiar lay dying. Fortunately, Tarek never once came to the hospital—or at least not while Cash was there. He suspected that