Billy leaned in a bit closer. “I was one of their customers, and I need to spend some time with them, if you know what I mean.” The doorman felt the familiar squeeze on his left shoulder. Something all these military guys did. Always a physical reaction from men who killed others, men who were put on a pedestal, men who led the dirtiest of lives when they were out of uniform.

He leaned his head close to Billy’s right ear. “Listen, you fucking Has-Been, I don’t know them. Get the hell outta here before I call security.”

Billy stepped back and shook his head. “All right,” he said, placing both arms in the air. “No problem, but don’t think I won’t be back.”

Billy got back into his Jeep. Asking people on the streets wasn’t getting him anywhere worthwhile. He drove to the police station on 103A Avenue, where the officers who’d come to the golf course had been stationed.

“Mama! Mama! Naniitpit?” Bunny knew she was getting weaker. She felt as though her feet were no longer attached to her ankles. She felt like she was floating around in the air. She felt like a bird. Able to move around without touching the ground. Able to fly.

“Over here! Come sit with us by the fire, my girl.” Riita opened her arms to her.

“Where’s Mama? I thought I heard her call me.” Words tumbled out Bunny’s mouth without her controlling them. “Who are you?”

“Here now. You know who I am. I’ve been with you since you were born. I’m the ancestor who has had the privilege to walk with you over these few years.”

“You’re a ghost?” Bunny asked but felt herself smile at the same time. Funny to have a ghost walk around the world with you. “Did you see—everything?”

Riita grinned. “You mean the sex parts of your life? I do know when to leave a room.” Riita chuckled and offered Bunny a cigarette. Bunny took the cigarette, hoping the glow of the tobacco would hide the redness of embarrassment that seeped up her high cheekbones.

She lit her smoke and felt the warmth of the blanket spread across her shoulders. She felt at ease. She felt something she had not felt in years. She felt safe.

“Where’s Mama?” she asked Riita.

“Oh, now we aren’t gonna worry about her. We have to take you home.”

“We? Who is we?”

Riita pointed across the flames. “Me and him. We’re gonna take you somewhere where you’ll never be cold again. Where there are blueberries that grow on trees above our heads and where there is always meat to eat. You’ll see what a beautiful land it is.”

Bunny looked over and saw Kivgalo sitting across from her. He looked calm but sad. He looked like a man she could trust. The first one.