Page 17 of Proof

“Not without a fight.” Ellie sighed. “The venue has insurance. They can recoup what they’ll lose. There’s no reason they should withhold any of the money.”

“True.” Luna nodded.

“If it comes down to a legal battle, I am sure George will get their refund after one phone call,” Ellie scoffed.

Luna laughed lightly. “He is such a mild-mannered, eloquent gentleman. It’s hard to imagine him being intimidating.”

“You should see him in court.” Ellie gave her a devilish smile. “He can cut you into shreds, and you’d never know you were bleeding to death.”

“Now that’s kinda gruesome, Ellie.” Luna wrinkled her nose.

“Sorry, but lawyers must be surgeons in the courtroom. Cut away the B.S. and get to the truth.”

“That’s a much better description!” Luna laughed.

“So have you found anything interesting in your dresser?”

“A bunch of stuff that I can barely remember collecting. Isn’t it funny how everything is of the utmost importance until you look back on it and wonder why you even worried about it? Or even remember it?”

“Especially when you are a teenager.”

“You’re right about that. A pimple could mean the end of the world!” Luna laughed out loud. “Well, I’m glad we’re able to help these kids with their soiree.” She chuckled again. “Kids. It wasn’t that long ago that I was nineteen.” She halted. “Whoa. Wait. That was almost half my lifetime ago. Yikes! I guess I can officially call them kids.”

Ellie was smiling. “Honey, you are a kid compared to me.”

“Oh geez, Ellie. I didn’t mean anything by that.” Luna thought she had shoved her size-seven foot in her mouth.

“I know you didn’t.”

“I don’t think of you as being older than me. Just more mature.”

“It’s okay, Luna. I understand where you’re coming from. I think even though we’re from different generations, we were raised with the same values. The same ethics. I think anyone under twenty-five struggles to find their own compass.”

“Too much social media!” they said in unison.

As they began to gather the paperwork that was strewn all over Ellie’s desk, Ellie brought up a new subject. “Luna, I’ve been thinking about adding an indigenous display to the center for Christmas. There are a few Lumbee artists who make beautiful ornaments from pinecones.”

Luna stopped in her tracks. “That is an excellent idea. I know there’s been a lot of controversy as to whether or not they are a real tribe.”

“I’ve been reading up on it. It’s because they are descendants of Sioux, Iroquois, and Algonquins. Many sought refuge from the fighting and colonization and retreated to the swamps along the Lumbee River for protection. As a result, there were intertribal marriages among the different groups. In 1885, the state of North Carolina recognized them, but it took another seventy-plus years for the federal government to acknowledge them with the Lumbee Act. Unfortunately, they do not receive the full benefits of federal recognition as other tribes do.”

“Well, that stinks,” Luna said. “Can’t they open a casino?”

“That’s part of the problem. The Cherokee have lobbied against them for fear it would threaten their gaming business.”

Luna scrunched up her nose. “Wow. There’s politics inside of politics.”

“You are correct, my dear,” Ellie replied. “That’s why I want to showcase some of their art. Give them a little visibility. They’ll get some press, and maybe it will help them with their cause to get full recognition. Nothing like embarrassing politicians in the press.”

Luna laughed. “Is that even possible? Politicians, embarrassed? They have no shame.”

Ellie chuckled. “Let’s not get too cynical, dear. It doesn’t align with your aura.” She gave Luna a wink.

“Ha. You’re right. I have to stop watching the news.” Luna looked over at the three dogs, casually lying across each other’s legs, Wylie’s head on Ziggy’s stomach. “Why can’t we get along like them?” She smiled at the happy dogpile.

“And that is why I prefer to associate with few people but many dogs.”

At the word dogs, all three raised their heads.

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