“I have to protect her though,” he muttered. “When I lived, I was a strong hunter and now, in this life, I must give that strength back to The Living Ones. It’s my duty, but she won’t listen,” whispered Kivgalo to the flames. “Her heart is shattered. I’ve been with her all her short life. Saw how smart she was. How quick her mind could be. I had hope for this one. You know, when they’re born and we see their turnik and we know they are different. Different from the others. But she’s too broken now. We can die from a broken heart. I know that.”

Kivgalo continued talking to the flames. “I loved someone once. Loved that white woman with all my soul. Waited and waited for her to love me back, but she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. And I had fun with her. Fishing and eating in restaurants and laughing. Our long talks about life and love and how to manage it all. But she couldn’t love a Native man. At least not out in public where her friends could see us. One time after a great romp in bed, I asked her, ‘Is this all we are?’ and she nodded her head. That nod yes was the beginning of my end.”

Riita sat down across from Kivgalo and leaned her head back, ran her hand over the red kerchief that wrapped her grey hair in tight. She smacked her toothless gums together and took a deep drag off her cigarette.

“Kivgalo, we both know her heart is broken and it’s a bigger break than yours or mine. When she gets here, we’ll welcome her. Wrap her up in a blanket. Take her with us. It’s best.”

Kivgalo stared into the fire. His eyes sad. He never argued with Riita. They had cared for the Living Ones together for decades now. She was always right. She always knew when their time was up. She always knew when hopelessness had locked in. He nodded.

Billy parked his car and crossed the road to the hotel overlooking the river. He had many memories of dropping troops here. There were so many of them during his military years. Polly was not wrong when she said she had taken care of their type. They had been regular customers to more than a few Ladies of the Night. The boys liked having them around. They knew what to do. How to get it done without commitment. No having to say words you would never mean after all of it. Never having to call them the next day. It was a cut and dried business transaction. It was perfect.

He strode up to the doorman and introduced himself. Extending his hand, he said in an authoritative voice, “Hello, I’m Major General Billy Townsend, and I’m hoping you can help me.”