Judgment at Alcatraz by Dave Edlund (carter reed .txt) 📕

“He invested his money to get results. It doesn’t matter what the target is, so long as it’s significant. One that will impact the populace psychologically, and have a huge financial cost to the government.”

“Sure. That’s why we selected the Bay Area. But that target is now off the list. It’ll be well-protected, and we won’t be able to get within striking distance. What city do you have in mind?”

She wore a wicked smile. “How about Sin City?”

Leonard grinned. “See, that’s why I love you. You are so smart.”

“Bullshit. You love me for my other attributes.”

Still grinning, he reached around Sacheen and placed a hand on her derrière. He squeezed and drew her closer until their lips joined in a passionate kiss.

After a lingering moment, she pushed him away.

“Later, my love. Right now, we have work to do.”

Leonard frowned, but his eyes were bright.

It was widely known by those working within the IPM that he and Sacheen were lovers. Not surprising—both were attractive and around the same age. Both had aggressive, take-charge personalities. But it was more than just a physical attraction. Leonard looked forward to the time when he and Sacheen could step away from the Movement and start a family. He believed that once they succeeded in their struggle against the federal government, money would flow to all Native Americans, relieving the crushing poverty and substance abuse on the reservations.

Once his people were given equal access to the nation’s resources, the opportunities to earn an honest living, enough to support a family, would multiply many times.

But more than anything, he was weary of the struggle. It seemed that was all he lived for, day in and day out. He wanted to have a normal life—a steady job, a loving wife, and a family.

Soon. He released Sacheen. Soon, we will begin our lives anew, together.

Chapter 28

Duck Valley Reservation, Nevada

May 23

After a couple hours’ time, during which she didn’t stir once, Danya awoke refreshed and ready to drive. The eastern horizon was a shade of gray, signaling that sunrise was not long off. She had less than sixty miles to cover. Her destination was the small town of Owyhee on the Duck Valley Reservation. With a population of about one thousand residents, it was the largest community on the Paiute-Shoshone Reservation. She figured that someone there must know Leonard Cloud. Maybe Sacheen Crow Dog as well.

As small towns go, Owyhee wasn’t much to write home about. Many of the commercial buildings were vacant and in need of repair. The town was also emblematic of reservation life, with a third of the population at or below the poverty level.

She cruised along the main street, which was a continuation of State Route 225. Her stomach rumbled. The chili corn chips and jerky she’d consumed the prior night had long since been exhausted. She passed a few other vehicles on the road, mostly old pickups in need of body work. The sun had risen, and she’d expected more traffic. Maybe most people are late risers.

After passing through what appeared to be the epicenter of Owyhee, and thinking the view of the town was about to be relegated to her rearview mirror, she spotted a diner. The sign fixed to the cement block building said, Taste of Heaven Kountry Kitchen. She didn’t understand why the owners chose to spell country with a K. The parking lot was only half-full, and finding a spot where she could keep an eye on her truck wasn’t a problem.

A bell rang as she pushed to door open.

From behind the counter, a waitress said, “Take a seat anywhere you like.”

Danya scanned the medium-sized room. Vinyl-covered pedestal stools were fastened to the floor in a row along the counter, behind which was the kitchen. Several booths—the bench seats sporting the same red vinyl as the stools—wrapped around the front and side wall of the diner.

She selected a booth at a window overlooking the parking lot and the main street. Without saying a word, the waitress turned over a mug and filled it with steaming coffee. Then she stood there, pen and pad in hand, as if she had no other chore at that time. She was wearing a white shirt and apron, and her nametag said Alice.

“Thank you,” Danya replied.

She had just opened the menu. The breakfast options were limited, but promised to be the best food in Owyhee. At least, that’s what it said in bold italics across the top of the menu. Probably true, given this is the only restaurant I’ve seen.

Alice stood at the end of the booth, pen gripped tight, shifting her weight from side to side.

Danya made a quick decision. “I’ll try the south-of-the-border omelet with bacon on the side.”

Alice scratched something on her pad and retreated to the kitchen.

While Danya sipped her coffee, she gazed surreptitiously across the other faces and realized she was the only white face in the diner. Everyone else appeared to be either American Indian or Hispanic. Most of the patrons were middle-aged men. There were no children present, and only a few women. Flannel shirts and blue jeans with cowboy boots seemed to be the dress code, making her feel even more conspicuous wearing athletic sneakers and a sweatshirt.

The cafe was filled with the murmur of many voices, but no one was boisterous. To the extent that she could make out what was being said, conversation seemed to be centered on ranching, leaving her with the distinct impression these people had important local issues to focus on, rather than international affairs or national politics.

Even though she stood out from the locals, no one paid her much attention.

Her meal arrived and lived up to the boast on the menu. She cleaned her plate, expecting it might be the last hot meal for the foreseeable future.

Which brought her back to the business at hand.

When Alice brought the check, Danya said, “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know where Leonard Cloud lives, would you? He was with a client on