Page 39 of Believe

“G-ghosts,” she whispered. “God, they’ll scare Gideon.”

“No, no,” said Gaspar. “They’re not those kinds of ghosts. They’re here to help us, guide us, protect us. My mother and father had tremendous gifts that we didn’t understand. Finding men and women that should be a part of this family was their biggest.”

“Are you saying they found me and Gideon?” she asked.

“My father told us to be at the flea market the day we found Gideon,” said Miller. “He said we’d know why when we got there. They just know things, Tara.”

“Knock, knock,” smiled Hawke.

“Well, speak of the devil,” grinned Alec. “We were just talking about you.”

“Good things, I hope,” he smirked looking at Tara.

“Very good things,” she smiled. “I’d like to take you up on the offer of dinner.”

“Good. But first, may I show you something? In fact, perhaps everyone would like to join us.”

Tara nodded as they walked outside to see Sniff holding a massive bald eagle. His leg was wrapped and he was tethered to his arm.

“Oh, wow!” said Tara. “He’s magnificent.”

“He is,” smiled Sniff. “He was also shot by someone who obviously didn’t realize it was illegal to shoot eagles. They also must not have realized that eagles have great memories. They see all and remember it.”

“What does that mean?” asked Tara.

“Tara, I have the ability to place myself in the eagles head. Sort of. I mean, I see what he sees. Damn, this is harder to explain that I thought.”

“Let’s just show her,” said Sniff. “I’m going to release our friend and he’ll return because he knows we’re here to help. But he’s going to search for the man that shot him and Hawke will be able to see that.”

“You’re joking,” she said in disbelief.

“Afraid not.”

Sniff released the massive bird and they watched as he spread his majestic wings, flying above them. He took off over the bayou and Hawke seemed to follow him with his head. His eyes were dark, almost black and the others were mesmerized watching him.

“He’s headed out toward the big river,” said Hawke. “No. He turned. There are a bunch of hunters.”

“It’s not hunting season,” frowned Gaspar.

“I think we found our man. He just took a massive shit on his boat. A small bateau, green, the man is young, brown jacket, dark brown hair with white waders on. He’s near Poirrier’s Bait.”

“We got him,” said Tailor running toward the docks with Alec.

A few moments later the massive bird returned, settling on Sniff’s arm. But as he did, he turned and stared at Hawke who reached out to stroke his head.

“That’s it boy. You know I won’t hurt you.” The others held their breath, knowing that the bird could take a finger or two if he wanted.

“You really can see what the bird sees. Is that why your name is Hawke?”

“Ironically, no. My parents named me Hawke. In fact,” he smirked, “my full name is Hawke Gideon Butler.”

“No, shit?” smirked Nine.

“No, shit,” he laughed.

“Well, now I have to go to dinner with you,” she smiled. Hawke took her hand, leading her toward the cafeteria and then she turned. “Thank you. All of you.”

“No, thank you, Tara. We’re going to have a conversation with Corporal Jaguari.”