Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
They couldn’t understand why the tribal chief, who from their understanding was the head man of a tribe, would allow his daughter to be in a home such as this. It caused so many questions to be unanswered and not sure how to ask without offending anyone.
“Jace, if Iyei’s family has money, like your grandfather, why would he have, or allow your mom and stepdad to live in something this rundown?” Diesel bluntly asked as they looked around the area.
While the home looked to be modernized, they could tell it was at least twenty plus years old. The roof was in need of repairs, as were the sidings.
There was miscellaneous debris around the yard which was mostly dirt and weeds. A garage was in the backyard, waiting for one good gust of wind to blow it down.
“I’m probably going to offend you two with my question, only because I”m not sure how to ask it, but if the casino’s give you a percentage of their profits, why do so many homes look like you are all living in poverty? It’s a forty-billion-dollar industry, especially for the Native Americans.” Pratt asked in confusion as she looked around the yard.
“My question is if Iyei comes from money and works at the casino, especially working for his dad, why is he living like this? He comes off as the kind who would like to lord his connections and money over those he deems beneath him. Especially his hate for you, Warcloud,” York followed up as she looked over at Warcloud himself.
“Honestly, Iyei is a disgrace to his family. His father barely tolerates him on a good day. Half the time he doesn’t show up for his shifts at the casino. If he does, he’s either drunk, getting drunk or with one of his many bed partners. He got arrested several years ago while on a business trip for my grandfather, for DUI. The cops got wind of possible illegal activities. So, he was removed from a large part of the dealings. Since then, he’s only gotten worse.” Jace huffed as he rubbed his face.
“As for your other question, most of the reservation land is not owned by an individual like off of the reservations can be. Seventy-five to eighty percent of the land on the reservation is own by the B.I.A. which is the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Once they own the land, because of the way the treaty was signed, they can’t sell the land to an individual. Hence why most areas are living in poverty type houses. Think of the BIA as slumlords. We pay the rent on our homes just have to a roof over their heads. If we want better, in many cases, we have to go off of the reservation.” Warcloud admitted shaking his head.
“Can your grandfather have sway over the BIA or anyone in there to try to confiscate land or change things in his favor where the casino is concerned?” Diesel asked Jace, tilting her head slightly.
“Over the BIA as a whole, no. An individual or two, yes. Why?” Jace asked hesitantly, looking at the four women who were looking at each other in silent communication.
When neither woman said anything for a few minutes, it was notable how uncomfortable Jace and Warcloud were getting. The men who knew how the women worked could only stand back and watch in amusement.
“Let me ask this…” Raso broke the silence, making Jace slightly jump since neither woman ever looked their way. “Who, if your grandfather passes away or gets booted out as tribal chief, takes over as leader of the tribe? My understanding is that women can’t take over as leaders. They are allowed to be spiritual leaders and elders only.”
When the women turned to look at Jace and Warcloud, they could see the confusion in their expressions at the questions. They waited for either one of the two men to answer.
“Technically my mother’s husband, since my grandfather has no living son. But Iyei fell out of favor with the elders years ago and would not be considered eligible. It would fall onto me unless I refuse the post.”
“Wait, I thought women could serve as a tribal leader now?” Hank asked, looking over at Warcloud as he scratched the back of his head.
“How would a new chieftain be chosen if you refuse?” Pratt followed up on Raso’s question as she held up a finger to Hank, acknowledging his question.
“Since Aiyanneai is the oldest daughter, her husband. The elders would rule until she is of the age to marry.”
“What is the tribal age to marry?” York asked as a thought came to her.
“Eighteen, unless she finished high school at seventeen. Then the elders consider her eligible for marriage since she would be considered an adult.” Warcloud answered looking at the women in confusion.
“How old was Aiyannei at the time of her abduction?” Pratt asked, looking between Jace and Warcloud.
“She was sixteen. She had just turned sixteen. She was advanced in her classes. She was smart as hell and skipped her junior year with talks to take community college classes since she’s already got all but one credit to graduate early.” Jace answered with pride in his voice.
“What age was Enola?” Raso asked, looking at Pratt for a second.
“She just turned fifteen.” Jace answered slowly.
“Is she academically gifted like your sister?” Diesel asked, biting her lower lip.
“All three of my children were academically gifted. Jace graduated high school a year early with his associates degree. They inherited their father’s smarts.” Catori answered for the two men with a smile.
“What are you thinking to ask those questions?” Jace asked, looking between the four women in front of him.
“There are roughly five hundred and seventy-four verified Native American Tribes in the US. There are roughly three hundred and twenty-six reservations across the US as well. Now, I’m not saying this is the case with all of the reservations, but I think it is with this one. Catori, your father has ruled this tribe for a long time. His father before him, too, I assume.” Pratt started as she looked to Catori for confirmation.
“Yes. My family has ruled since the seventeen hundreds. My father was the first in his family to not have a son that survived to rule.” Catori answered slowly, nibbling her lower lip.
“You had a brother?” Raso, Warcloud and Jace asked at the same time.
“Y-yes. Onan was the first born. He was killed when he was seven.”
“Killed? How?” Diesel asked, going to attention at the news.
The team and the men watched as Catori shuffled around afraid to look at those around her. They knew the answer would not be good by her actions.
“Iyei’s older brother killed Onan when he called Citali a liar about killing the neighbor’s dog and dumping the body on someone else’s steps.”