Page 41 of Twice Missing
Abigail paused at the door. "I work this evening at the casino. I'll have ten minutes before my shift which starts at six. I'll meet you outside."
As she turned to go back inside, Noah called out, "Abigail. I met a girl today over at the gas station. A runner."
Abigail's eyes lit with recognition. "That would be Sarah Littlewolf."
"I never described her."
"Only one person who runs in our community. That's her. You can find her at the Green Leaf cannabis store. Her parents own it."
As Abigail disappeared inside, Noah and McKenzie made their way back to their car, the weight of new information and more questions pressing down on them. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the snow-covered reservation. Christmas lights were beginning to twinkle on houses and businesses.
"What do you think?" McKenzie asked as they climbed into the car.
Noah sat for a moment, his hands on the steering wheel, staring at the Bravebird house. "I think we've barely scratched the surface, Mac. There's a lot more going on here than a missing bracelet maker."
16
The Green Leaf cannabis store’s neon sign flickered in the window, proclaiming "Open," while a large marijuana leaf logo adorned the front door.
As they stepped out of the car, the crisp air nipped at their faces. Noah pulled his coat tighter around him, his breath visible in small puffs. McKenzie stamped his feet, trying to ward off the cold seeping through his shoes.
"Ready for this?" Noah asked, his hand on the door handle.
McKenzie nodded, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Let's see what we can find out."
As they pushed through the door, a small bell chimed overhead. The warm interior was a welcome respite from the biting cold outside. The first thing that hit them was the smell — a pungent, earthy aroma that filled the air, mingling with hints of incense and something sweet.
The store was larger than it appeared from the outside.The walls were painted a deep forest green, adorned with posters showcasing various cannabis strains and their effects. Soft reggae music played in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
The centerpiece of the room was a long, glass-topped counter that ran the length of the far wall. Behind it, rows of mason jars filled with different marijuana strains were neatly arranged on shelves. Each jar was labeled with names like "Purple Haze," "Northern Lights," and "Sour Diesel." The glass counter itself displayed an array of edibles — gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, all infused with cannabis.
To their right, a display case housed various tinctures in small, amber bottles. Nearby, a rack held informational flyers about different strains and their medicinal properties. The left side of the store featured a selection of smoking accessories — pipes, bongs, and rolling papers in every color imaginable.
Two employees stood behind the counter, both wearing Green Leaf t-shirts. They were busy serving a handful of customers who were examining the products with interest.
Noah approached the counter, waiting for a moment when one of the employees was free. A young woman with dreadlocks and multiple piercings looked up at him expectantly.
"Hi, we're looking for Sarah Littlewolf," Noah said, keeping his voice low.
The woman's friendly expression immediately turned wary. "Who's asking?"
"Noah Sutherland," he replied, deciding honesty was the best approach.
The woman nodded curtly and disappeared into a back room. A few moments later, Sarah emerged, engaged in a hushed conversation with the other woman. "It's okay," Sarah was saying. "They're fine."
Sarah made her way around the counter, her eyes darting between Noah and McKenzie. "I see you're still here," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I guess the person at the cultural center gave my name."
"No, Abigail did," Noah corrected.
Sarah's eyebrows rose slightly. "Follow me," she said, glancing at her parents behind the counter. She led them out of the store and towards Noah's car.
Once outside, Noah wasted no time. "Why didn't you tell us that you knew Kayla?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory.
Sarah's response was quick and sharp. "You never asked," she shot back. "Besides, around here, it's better to keep your mouth closed. Most will say it's best to not get involved, and that's why tribal police can't get a witness statement. People talk. People watch. People know each other and fear backlash."
Noah nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "I got a sense of that from speaking with tribal police today."
Sarah's eyes narrowed. "That's because you're State. You have no place here. It's not your jurisdiction," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.
