A Certain Kind of Hero Read Free Page B

smarts and all his talents, had been the Chippewa who was not a Chippewa. That was his chosen alternative. If he’d lived a little longer, Jared would have helped his son learn the ins and outs of avoiding mirrors. And, Gideon had to admit, nobody did it better. It had once been one of the many accomplishments Gideon had envied his brother.
    Gideon shoved his hands into his back pockets and banished all negative thinking about his brother with a quick shake of his head. A dead brother could do no wrong. Respect was due his memory. Respect and then some.
    â€œSo where’s Peter now? You brought him with you, didn’t you?”
    â€œHe’s up in the room, playing video games.” She glanced at the wide staircase with its dark, rustic banister. “He insisted on bringing them along.”
    â€œHe doesn’t want to rough it too hard?”
    She shook her head and gave him an indulgent, just-between-adults look.
    He let it pass. The boy could have his video games and his hiking in the woods both, no problem. He could have a little taste of life on the rez, maybe use it in a school essay in the fall, and tell his friends all about how his uncle, the chairmanof the Pine Lake Band of Chippewa, had taken him fishing. The boy was welcome to take all that back with him. And then some.
    Respect, and then some.
    No, Gideon didn’t really give a damn about the boy bringing his video games. But he did give a damn about being ignored.
    â€œIt’s been over two years, Raina. I haven’t seen either of you since the funeral.”
    â€œYou know where we live,” she said breezily.
    Too breezily. His flat stare was intended to remind her that he’d never been there. He was never invited.
    He wasn’t sure she got the point.
    â€œYou do get down to the Cities once in a while, don’t you?” she asked. “I saw you on TV recently. You were in St. Paul, I believe.”
    â€œMeeting with some people from the Department of Natural Resources about this treaty issue.”
    Okay, maybe he was being a little stubborn. Going back to the Cities was never easy. The best way to avoid old haunts was to stick to a business agenda. He never looked anybody up. Never tried any of the restaurants people suggested, never even stayed overnight unless he had to. But when he did, there were times when… “I thought about calling you.”
    â€œI’ve thought about that, too. About coming back, about establishing some sort of ties.” Too quickly, she added, “For Peter’s sake.”
    â€œOf course. For Peter’s sake.” Too quickly, he smiled and gave an open-handed gesture. “So, for Pete’s sake, here you are. And you look great, as always.”
    â€œYou do, too. Your job seems to agree with you, Gideon.”
    â€œIt agreed with me better when I was a hunting and fishing guide, working for a good outfitter. Back when I first metyou, I think that might have been the best job I’ll ever have.” With a look, he told her that he didn’t expect anyone else to be impressed.
    â€œNow, here I am, bucking tradition. Too young to be a tribal leader. But they voted me in, so what the hell.” He caught himself patting his breast pocket for the cigarettes he’d given up, and he nodded toward the restaurant. “Let’s go get some coffee.”
    She tipped her head in assent, and he gestured for her to lead the way.
    â€œRumor has it that you’re a refreshing change,” she said as the hostess seated them near a sunny window. “Quite progressive, in fact.” She declined the proffered menu. “Just coffee for me, please.”
    â€œYeah, well…” He spared the waitress a two-finger sign and a nod. He was suddenly more interested in telling Raina what he was about these days, since she’d brought it up. If she hadn’t been impressed back then, maybe she would be now.
    Not that it mattered anymore. But