out the wallet that held the photograph of the tintype. If the postal clerk didn’t realize it was an antique, these ladies probably wouldn’t either. “Here he is.”
“Oh, he is nice looking.” Jewel stared at the photo, then looked back at Journey. “Very nice.”
Skye looked closely too. “Cute. Was this photo made at one of those places where you dress up like someone from the past?”
“Uh…I don’t know.” Journey stammered. “Maybe. But he just dresses that way sometimes.”
“Reno knew Ela, hmmm.” Skye held Journey’s gaze for a long moment. “She was very much a mystic. From the tales I’ve been told, she had some wild abilities. Very sensitive, able to sense and see things others couldn’t. They say she just knew stuff without being told. Not only what happened in the past, but also what would happen in the future. Plus, she could talk with those who inhabit the gray space between life, death, and beyond.”
All the girls were very quiet and solemn until Jewel giggled. “Been there. Done that.”
“Oh, quit bragging.” Apple poked her sister-in-law.
Skye rolled her eyes. “Of course, some of that natural talent could’ve come about because of where she lived. Noah and I have spent a great deal of time at Enchanted Rock and that place is powerful. It sits on a ley line, you know.”
“Really?” Jewel folded her hands together. “How about a field trip? I’d love to see what I can sense out there.”
Apple nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
All Journey could think of was that they might run into Reno while he was trying to reenact his miraculous arrival. “Are you going today?”
Journey had no idea what they were talking about. She wondered if she might ought to slip away. That idea was nixed by the sudden appearance of the waiter. She didn’t want to appear rude, so she placed an order after the others. “I’ll have what Apple’s having, the small fajita platter.”
Once they were alone again, Journey couldn’t help but ask. “Speaking of Ela, there’s one thing Reno hasn’t been able to determine from his research. How did she die?”
A cloud came over Skye’s face. “We’re fairly certain she was killed in 1869. Everyone assumes she died in the massacre. Of course, there’s no way to be sure. Records were non-existent for our people. We do know the massacre took a great toll, almost a thousand lives were lost. Villages were burned. Women and children were killed. Babies scalped. Wounded Knee had nothing on the Leaf Moon Massacre.”
Journey felt sick. This would hurt Reno so much. He’d be raving to go back when he learned he possibly could’ve prevented his friend’s death had he been there to stop the massacre. “That’s so terrible.”
“I agree.” Skye’s mouth tightened, her voice becoming a little loud. “Especially since the Native Americans were blamed for things they didn’t do. They tried to tell someone, but no one would listen.”
“Here comes our food,” Apple announced. “Let’s try to smile. People are staring at us.” She grinned and waved at a nosy woman to their left. “Hi, there. She’s a bit intense today. Hasn’t eaten.”
“So, what’s the mission?” Journey asked, doing her part to get things on an even keel. She understood Skye’s reaction. Reno’s would be even worse she feared. “Or is it a secret?”
“No, not a secret.” Apple looked from one woman to the next. “It’s a fund-raising idea for Angel House, the food kitchen that supports the homeless population in Austin.”
“That’s right.” Skye cleared her throat and pushed her hair over her shoulder. “The charity is our group’s pet project.” She made a circular motion with her finger. “There’s been a great deal of upheaval in the Austin homeless community and the funds are dangerously low. So…we’ve come up with an idea that we hope will raise a lot of money. Fast.”
“What kind of idea?” Journey asked. “You three look strange. Is your idea illegal?”
“No!” Jewel busted out laughing. “We’re just all working together to convince our husbands and their friends to go along with it.”
Journey waited for the big reveal, becoming amused at their reaction. “And?”
“It’s a beauty pageant. For guys.” Apple slapped the table. “Just like an old-fashioned beauty pageant. Swimsuit. Formal wear. Talent competition. We’re calling it The Ultimate Hill Country Cowboy. Isn’t that a hoot?”
“For sure.” Journey couldn’t imagine how that would go over. With a big bang, she imagined.