The Witness
Jeffry Rawlins saw the black van as it went slowly past his
door. He had
been in the witness protection program for more than a year now but
vehicles
that look like that one still made him nervous. He soon forgot about it
and decided
to go out for some breakfast. On his way to the diner on the next
corner he saw
it again. This time the driver of the van looked directly at him. This
time he
was sure that he recognized the driver as a soldier who worked for the
Don.
As he ran back to his apartment he could still see the New York
City
court room where he testified against one of the Don’s two sons,
landing him in
prison for life. The Don had let him know that he would be hunted down
and
executed gangland stile. He thought that he had seen the Don’s other
son,
Raymond, in the back seat of the van as it passed for a third time.
He lived on the third floor and was out of breath when reaching
the top
of the stair. The elevator was very slow. He quickly grabbed a small
hand gun
he had recently picked up then went to a closet taking out a large
overcoat in
which he had stashed twenty thousand US dollars, after which he threw
open a
window and climbed down the back fire escape.
With no particular reason in mind he had picked Toronto as a
place to
hide out. He had not thoroughly explored the city since he wanted to
keep a low
profile but he had checked out all of the avenues of escape. He ran
through
several back yards before coming out onto a dark side street. The rail
station
was now only a few blocks away so he headed for that.
A quick check of the train schedules revealed that a train was
leaving
in 10 minutes. Without checking where it was going he rushed to the
ticket
counter and asked where it was headed. The agent reeled off some names
of
places and he heard Winnipeg among them and bought a ticket to go there
and
having just time to board he rushed to the loading ramp. He didn’t
think he had
been followed but had trouble relaxing in a seat and optioned for the
club car
where he ordered a beer. It was late morning and he was not accustomed
to
drinking at this time of day but didn’t give it any thought on this
occasion.
Jeff was very nervous but with a few beers in him he finally
sought a
seat in a coach. He realized that he could have just as well bought a
ticket
for a sleeper but didn’t think of it in time. As soon as the train made
a stop
with enough time he went into the station and exchanged his ticket for
one to
Edmonton in a sleeping car giving him privacy behind a locked door. He
left the
compartment only at meal time and to calm his nerves with a few drinks.
Eventually he slept.
After sleeping most of the night he went to the dining car and
ordered a
good breakfast which was no sooner placed on the table when he saw four
men
come in and sit nearby. They wore dark suits and he could see bulges
where guns
were normally carried. Jeff panicked at the sight of them and got up
and left
before eating his meal. When he entered his private compartment he
turned to be
sure he wasn’t followed and there he stayed until late afternoon when
he began
to feel sick from hunger. He finally decided that he would not be
killed in
plain view here on the train so he went to dinner. This time he saw no
sinister
looking men and in fact he saw no more of them for the remainder of the
trip.
Once detrained in Edmonton he felt a little less paranoid but he
walked
around in circles until he was sure no one followed then he asked
directions to
the bus station. He planned to change his mode of travel just as a
precaution. At
the bus station he took the time to purchase and consult a map. There
was a
lunch counter in the station where he sat and studied some geography.
It
occurred to him that he may look out of place wearing big city clothes
in this
place and vowed to buy something more appropriate at his next stop. He
had
brought a heavy overcoat mainly to carry his gun and his money well
concealed.
He had put the coat on after getting off the train as it was quite cold
here.
Although April had arrived there was still snow on the ground.
It was early afternoon and he had eaten a substantial lunch so
he just
ordered coffee while trying to decide where, if anyplace, to go next.
He was
about to get up and check the bus schedules when another customer
entered and
sat next to him. The man looked to be middle aged, about the same as
Jeff and
looked to be Native American. Jeff said hello and the man answered with
a smile
and a hello right back. Jeff asked “where are you headed for?”
“Yellowknife.”
“Do you live there?”
“No, but I come from near there.”
After several introductory remarks Jeff decided that he trusted
the man,
who was called Tom so he suggested that they move to a booth where they
could
chat and that’s what they did. During the ensuing conversation he
learned that
Tom had just been released from jail and was given a bus ticket to
Yellowknife
but no money so Jeff bought the man some food. Tom was a member of a
group of
five tribes and thought himself a mixture but preferred to think of
himself as
a member of the Yellowknife Tribe. “Is Yellowknife a city?” Jeff asked.
“Yes.”
“Is it very remote, kind of isolated?”
“It’s quite far from anyplace but there’s a lot of mining in the
area so
a lot of workers and businessmen travel there abouts. But I’m heading
right out
for a remote spot on the west side of the Mackenzie River.”
Jeff very quickly took a liking to this man, Tom, and decided to
put his
complete trust in him. Something he seldom did with anyone. He had few
friends.
His wife had left him about 20 years ago when she found out that he was
involved with criminals. So he asked “what if someone wanted a place
where he
could never be found would you recommend this place?”
“I would Jeff. I’d say it’s the least likely spot on earth that
anyone
would look for you.” Tom answered, and Jeff noticed that he spoke
perfect
English. He had been raised in Yellowknife where he attended school and
worked
in the mines. He had just spent two years behind bars for seriously
injuring a
couple men in a bar room fight. When he told of this he revealed a dry
sense of
humor.
“Would someone like me be accepted in this place?”
“If you mind your own business and don’t cause trouble you’d
find my
people to be very friendly and very loyal especially if that someone is
traveling with me. The place I’m going to isn’t on the tribal lands but
the
inhabitants are a small group of about 50 people who’re mostly
relatives of
mine. My wife and children are among them. If you decide to come along
you’ll
be able to establish a home as close or as far away as you choose.
You’d be
left alone as much as you choose. My people would offer to help you as
much or
as little as you may wish.”
“I’d like to accompany you, Tom, at least to the city of
Yellowknife.
How long will it take to get there?”
“We’ll be leaving before dark and will be on the road all night,
maybe
longer depending on the road condition. It can be very slippery this
time of
year.”
“OK Tom you’ve got a travelling companion. Before we leave I’d
like to
treat you to a good dinner. Do you know of a good steak place?”
“Do you like caribou?”
“I’ve never had it but I’m sure if it’s good to eat I’ll like
it.”
So Jeff bought a bus ticket before walking with Tom to a nearby
steak
house. On the way Tom asked Jeff if he didn’t have a bag or something.
Jeff
explained that he had abandoned his home in a bit of a rush and at
dinner he
unloaded a large portion of the story leading up to his rapid
departure. He
only left out the names of people and places involved.
The steaks were enormous and served with all of the trimmings
including
home made bread and followed up with apple pie.
The bus ride was kind of bumpy and slow and the road was icy.
During the
ride Jeff found out that Tom planned on walking a few days from
Yellowknife and
he intended to leave immediately since, as he said, the Mackenzie River
would
still be frozen and much easier to cross than after it thaws. He said
it would
be impossible to cross for at least two weeks during the transition. He
also
learned that the place that Tom called home could be quite warm for the
summer
averaging between 60 and 70 degrees F and very cold in winter with lows
up to
-50 degrees. The summer days were long with three months of only 3
hours of
darkness which was actually more like twilight and the winter was the
exact
opposite but the skies were generally brightened by the northern
lights. They
had a summer growing season of around 100 days.
Before entering the city Jeff asked if walking was the only way
to
travel and Tom replied “it’s the only way if you’ve got no money.”
“What if you had money?”
“My people would use dog sleds but the more modern mode would be
by snowmobile.”
“I have some money, Tom, if I go with you can we buy a
snowmobile and
tow along some supplies. I’d like to purchase everything I’d need to
stay a
while. Would that be possible?”
“Sure Jeff, but for a second hand ski doo, a trailer, camping
gear and
food would take maybe three or four thousand bucks at least.”
“If I put up the money would you help me make the purchases
without
forgetting anything? I’m not much of a hunter.”
“You’d still want a good rifle and plenty of ammunition.”
“OK, lets spend a day or two in Yellowknife getting prepared and
I’ll go
with you. How’s that sound Tom?”
“Great Jeff, I’d love to have you with me. But are you sure
you’ve got
the bucks?”
“I’m sure Tom. Let’s do it.”
In Yellowknife Jeff rented a double room in a cheap motel while
the two
men spent two days gathering together all that they had discussed and
more. A
good second hand ski doo and a good sized trailer were loaded up with
supplies
enough for several months and they even thought to get seeds for
planting corn,
tomatoes, cucumbers and other fast growing vegetables. They loaded up
on dried
fruits and many dehydrated foods. Tom assured Jeff that meat and fish
would be
plentiful year round although his people would spend a good deal of
there time
in doors for the winter months.
In the early morning of day three in the city they set out
sitting in
tandem on the snowmobile seat keeping a close eye on things strapped to
the
trailer. Tom was very adept at camping although Jeff knew very little
of the
art. He learned fast however and helped out. After seeing it done once
he could
set up the small tent they had bought and light the camp stove and
lantern.
Jeff did not smoke but he had purchased lighters. Tom smoked a pipe
occasionally.
They had beaten the thaw and crossed the rivers with ease
including the
great Mackenzie, after which they climbed some foothills and one fairly
good
sized mountain range before entering a broad valley where they could
see smoke
curling up from several fires and Jeff was surprised to see cabins with
chimneys. They had finally reached the settlement where Tom was greeted
by many
happy faces of men, women and children. These were Tom’s people.
Once Jeffry was introduced to the tribal family the travelers
got a long
night of sleep and in the morning after eating a substantial meal Tom
led Jeff
to a cabin about 2 miles from the village. As they stood looking at the
log
house Tom explained that a white man had lived there and had died
inside in his
bed and his bones were still there. The Natives would not enter because
they
were afraid that the man’s spirit still dwelled inside. Tom went on to
explain
that Jeff could have the cabin as long as he disposed of the skeleton
and once
those remains were buried he would help make the place livable.
So Jeff hauled his supplies, which included a shovel, to the
cabin. It
took the rest of that day to complete the grave digging since the
ground was
frozen solid. The only way he accomplished the task was to start fires
on the
ground allowing him to move a few inches of dirt with each blaze. It
was in the
dark of night that he finally was able to cover the bones with dirt.
It was the next morning that he and his new friend got started
with the
cleaning up of the cabin which was a two room affair with an open
doorway
between to allow heat from the fireplace to enter the bedroom. By
nightfall
Jeff at least had the bedroom clean enough to sleep in. Tom brought him
some
furs to make for comfortable sleeping. A few days later he constructed
a
makeshift bed after which he decided to slow down a little. Everything
didn’t
have to be done at once and he needed rest. He was now able to rest
since he
felt quite safe here.
Soon the snow melted and the forest began to blossom as summer
approached. From Tom Jeff was learning to hunt for his meat and the
creeks were
laden with several varieties of fish. He began to feel comfortable
alone in the
forest and in fact he kind of liked the quiet solitude. He always
carried a
rifle and soon acquired skill in shooting while rapidly becoming able
to fend
for him self. He was able to get by until the snow fell again before
returning
to Yellowknife for supplies and he waited until the rivers froze to
venture
out. He had just enough fuel saved for the snowmobile to make the trip
and he
was accompanied by Tom when he did so. The trip went off without a
hitch and
they returned with enough to get through another winter. The natives
didn’t
require anything from the city but Jeff still wanted some of the
luxuries that
only civilization could provide.
The winter was very cold and Jeff remained indoors when the
temperature got
down near -50 degrees F. But there were times that it warmed up close
to zero
and at those times he wrapped up in his warmest clothes and went for a
hunt.
It was late winter and it got daylight for just a few hours each
day.
But Jeff found an occasion when the temperature had warmed to about -10
and went
for a walk with his rifle thinking that he might see a rabbit. He had
been
collecting rabbit skins as they made the softest bed for sleeping.
Suddenly he
heard what sounded like a growl. The first thing that crossed his mind
was that
it must be a bear but when he looked up he saw on top of a large rock
the
biggest cat he had ever seen. Then he realized that he was looking at a
mountain lion. He wanted the hide with which he could make a very warm
blanket
so he raised his gun and fired. The cat fell to the ground quite dead.
The
animal was too big to carry and he was about to go find Tom or one of
the
natives to help when he heard what sounded like a little squeal.
On the other side of the rock he found a cave underneath and two
small
cats. He quickly discovered that they were not old enough to fear him
so he
picked them up and carried them back to his cabin taking them inside.
He had
obviously shot their mother which he never would have done had he known
about
the youngsters.
When he went for Tom it was dark but the Aurora Borealis was
quite
bright. Tom employed the help of two young men in dragging, what he
said was a
Cougar, to the village where some women set to work skinning the
animal. Tom
said that he would take care of the scraping and tanning. Tom said
“it’s
extremely rare to see a Cougar this far north. A hundred miles to the
south
they’re quite plentiful especially in the mountains.”
Back at the cabin Jeff fed the cats. First he gave them bread
and water
with a little powdered milk but he soon learned that they preferred
meat and
were quite capable of chewing it. He enjoyed watching them play and
wrestle
each other. He wasn’t sure what to do with them so for the time being
he kept
them. It wasn’t long before the newcomers started messing up the cabin
but he
kept close watch of them and slowly trained them to be better house
guests and
to go outside for bathroom duties.
Tom came for a visit more often now that he had the kittens and
he loved
to play with them even though their claws and teeth were getting sharp.
The
next time Tom came he brought his two young sons along to play with the
cats
and after several more visits they managed to train the animals to not
scratch
or bite hard when they played. Instead they chewed on left over meat
and bones.
“What’re their names?” Tom asked.
“I thought I’d call them Gerry Garcia and Mick Jagger.” Jeff
quickly
replied.
After the snow melted Jeff put together a small shed and moved
his pets
outside. It was quite a necessary move. Every time he had left the
cabin for a
while they had gotten into something usually food. One time they chewed
up his
collection of rabbit skins completely destroying them. Jeff thought
that
eventually the animals would leave and find a nice cave to live in but
they
didn’t. They did however begin to venture into the forest for several
hours at
a time since their instinct demanded that they hunt for food so Jeff
did not have
to feed them so much. He did always give them scraps of meat and bones.
He never
had to throw any food away.
As the cats got larger they would follow Jeff when he went for
walks in
the forest and when he was at home they would lay on the roof of the
cabin
which became an easy jump for them. By the time the snow fell again the
pets
were about full grown.
It was about that time that
Jeff
became interested in a Native American woman. He had met her during the
summer
while on walks with his cats. She had become infatuated with his pets
before
she got interested in him and she would come to the cabin to play with
them. It
took several weeks before she came into the cabin. She was shy and Jeff
couldn’t
help noticing her natural beauty. She had long black hair and wore deer
skin
clothes. She was named White Rabbit and Jeff began calling her Bunny.
After the rivers froze over Jeff decided to make another trip to
the
city. Bunny wanted to go with him and he asked Tom if it would anger
any of the
natives if he took her. Tom’s answer was “Rabbit loves you Jeff didn’t
you know
that.”
“Well I guess I didn’t know.”
“You haven’t paid enough attention my friend. The whole village
is
wondering when you’ll marry her.”
“How does one marry around here, Tom?”
“You just ask the holy man to give his blessing, so to speak.”
“Can that be done tonight?”
“Certainly it can.”
“Tomorrow I plan to make a trip to the city and Bunny wants to
go along.
I’m sure I know the way.”
“Well Rabbit knows the way if you don’t.”
The marriage took place that night and Bunny moved her meager
possessions
to the cabin and the next morning Jeff gassed up the ski doo, attached
the
trailer and departed.
In Yellowknife the couple settled into a comfortable hotel and
had a
meal in their room. The next morning Jeff bought her some city clothes.
He had
plenty of money left. For the most part he had no way to spend it. So
once
Bunny was properly dressed for the street they toured the city and
enjoyed the
sights. Jeff bought what supplies he would need for the winter
including plenty
of gas for the snowmobile and parked the thing in storage temporarily.
He had
an idea for a honeymoon. They went to the airport and bought tickets to
Edmonton where there would be more things to do like more movies and
restaurants in a place where Bunny had never been and she surely had
never
flown in a plane. Jeff had thought of taking her to New York or at
least
Toronto or Niagara Falls but he didn’t dare.
Edmonton was quite different from Yellowknife and after a few
days of
fun and relaxation they decided to head back home. They were seated on
a jet
and even though Bunny sat by the window Jeff could see past her. He
could see
people inside the terminal looking out of the very large windows as the
plane
was being pushed from the gate. Suddenly he drew a deep breath as he
filled
with fear. In the terminal he saw three men. One was the Don himself
and with
him were two hit men who Jeff had seen before. He wondered how they
could have
known he was there. He was relieved when he realized that the plane
they were
on had the door closed and was moving toward the runway and the next
flight to
Yellowknife would not take off for several hours. They would have time
to get
their things together and head for home. If he was found there he was
not going
to run this time. He would fight.
About four hours later they were riding the ski doo to the
westward. There
were not many hours of daylight but the Aurora Borealis was very bright
so they
kept riding into the night. It got very cold so Jeff put Bunny in the
trailer
and covered her up until she was snug then he put on more clothes and
kept
going. It hadn’t snowed during the entire week they were gone and Jeff
could
see the tracks they had made. It was that bright. Jeff had never
experienced
such a display in the sky. After about 20 hours of continuous riding
Jeff
stopped and built a fire to warm some food. He was famished and could
go no
further. Once he had cooked bacon and eggs along with some powdered
potatoes he
awoke Bunny. She was delighted to smell the food. After they ate they
put more
logs on the fire and bundled up as close to it as they could and went
right to
sleep. Jeff awoke a couple of hours later and decided that he must push
on.
Before unwrapping themselves they hugged each other for a few
minutes.
Jeff felt really good in spite of being chased. He loved her so much.
He again
made a resolve to fight.
When they were finally back at the cabin they were greeted
warmly by the
great cats. Tom was sleeping in the cabin keeping an eye on things
especially
the cougars. Jeff related their experience to Tom. He explained that
the fight
was his and his alone. He wanted Bunny to go to the village for a while
until
it was over. Tom left with Bunny heading toward the village but within
the hour
he returned with 5 other men all with guns and plenty of ammunition.
Jeff
remarked that it hadn’t snowed and the tracks left by the ski doo would
be easy
to follow. “Yes,” Tom replied “we’re on the eastern side of the
mountains and
the clouds are drained of their water by the time they reach us. We
don’t get
much snow and not enough rain in summer.”
Jeff made coffee and the men made small talk to settle their
nerves. Of
a sudden a runner came in the door reporting that a small plane had
landed on
skis on the frozen Mackenzie about 10 miles away. “Three men got out
and the
pilot stayed behind,” he said.
All was quiet for what seemed like days to the men but it was
actually
about an hour. Then Jeff broke the silence by saying “there they come
and they’ve
got automatics, machine guns, I don’t think we can out gun them.” He
wasn’t
sure who fired the shot but one of the three men fell to the ground and
didn’t
move again. That was followed by a spray of machine gun bullets.
Fortunately no one in the cabin was hurt by the initial blasts
but they
all moved away from the windows. Jeff spoke “the door doesn’t lock.
Let’s wait
until they open it then let them have it.” The gangsters kept coming
and firing
a few rounds to keep those inside away from the windows. They had no
doubt that
they out gunned them although they had no idea how many were inside.
Within several seconds the Don and his remaining body guard
stood just
outside of the door as he shouted “Come out Jeffery with your hands
over your
head if you want to save some lives.” All was quiet again for several
more
seconds when suddenly the silence was broken by a primal scream that
split the
air. It sounded like a woman’s scream but no human being had a voice
that loud.
The startled gangsters looked up just in time to see two huge cats
leaping from
the roof. They were immediately knocked to the ground dropping their
guns in
the snow.
Knowing what had just occurred, Jeff threw open the door and
grabbed the
guns. Then he called for Mick and Gerry to release their captives which
they
did. Jeff patted their heads assuring them that they were not in
trouble for
what they had done. The two gangsters did not get up. They were badly
hurt and
the third was severely injured by the gun fire but not dead. As soon as
the men
gathered their wits together they loaded the Don and his men into the
trailer
and hauled them back to the airplane.
Jeff instructed the pilot to take them back to the city since
there was
no medical help in this village. “If they survive, tell them it would
be very
dangerous for them to return to this place without an army. It’ll be
well
fortified and guarded.” He noticed that the Don was conscious and had
his eyes
open so he spoke directly to him. “I guess you heard what I said. I’m
sorry for
giving testimony against your son. He’s a murderer but I’m not and I
wasn’t
about to do time for something I didn’t do. I intend to live out my
life here
and will never be captured by you so give it up. Next time we’ll be
ready for
you.”
The Don just groaned as the pilot slammed the door shut and Jeff
stood
with his new family watching the plane skid over the ice and leave the
ground
in a whirl of snow. Jeff felt secure that the gangsters would never
come back
and they didn’t. Then Tom and two of his friends got into the trailer
as Jeff
mounted the ski doo and they returned to the village where the men
jumped out
as Jeff and Bunny went home.
After saying goodnight to the cats on the roof Jeff picked up
his new
bride and carried her inside. When he put her down she threw some wood
on the
fire and went to work making supper while Jeff tossed a couple large
caribou
steaks to Gerry and Mick as a reward for a job well done.
Supper was fixed superbly and after eating they were both very
tired so
Jeff tossed one more large log into the fire place and led Bunny to
their newly
made double bed where they snuggled into the furs. He looked into
Bunny’s round
face and big dark brown eyes and once again marveled at her natural
beauty. He
wanted to stay this way forever. He loved her so much.
The End
