Page 13 of The Last Warrior

“But why?”

Irena fiddled with a button on her dress. “Because, the show is due to go back to America as soon as their performance here is done. And there is something I need to find…in America.”

Suzette gulped. “In America?”

“Yes.”

“You startle me, Irena. Why is this the first time I am hearing of this? What is it you need to find?”

Irena shrugged but was silent.

“Would you not agree,” said Suzette, “that this is awfully strange…and sudden?”

“Perhaps it does seem this way to you, for I am only now mentioning it. But there is a reason for me going there. You see, something is pulling me there and has been doing so for quite a long time.”

“And what exactly is this which is pulling you there?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Could I not simply be looking for a little adventure?”

“Irena, this is me, your granddaughter. I know you. I am not fooled by your attempts to disconcert me.”

Irena frowned and slanted Suzette a glance. “Oh, very well. If you must know, I am looking for a particular person—someone I met when I was in America many years ago. I have never forgotten him.”

“Him? Are you trying to tell me…? Him? You are speaking as if you might be in love with…this man?”

Silence. Then, “Yes, I think I am.”

“Think? You do realize that if you go with this show, you would be changing your entire life?”

“Yes, I realize it.”

“And you are willing to do this? To change your life?”

“I am. They leave tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? But I am to be married in less than a month’s time. Could you not wait until after my marriage?”

“You have your mother and father to help you, darling. They will see you through the difficult time.”

“A marriage is not a difficult time. It is an enlightening and happy time. One I had hoped to share with you.”

“I know you did, dear. I know. I am sorry to tell it to you like this, but I have to go with the show. There are other reasons why this is so.”

“Other reasons?” Suzette rose to her feet, pacing toward one of the room’s corners. “Other reasons? You must realize I cannot let you go without knowing exactly what these reasons are.”

Irena sighed yet again. “Can a person not have a secret?”

“Not with her granddaughter, she can’t.”

“Oh, very well. But you must give me your promise you will not relate this to a soul, not even to your mother or father.”

“I cannot in all honesty give you a⁠—”

“Suzie…”

Reluctantly, Suzette nodded. After all, it wasn’t terribly difficult to give her word. She had always been closer to Irena than to her own parents. “All right. I promise.”

“Good. If you must know, the man I seek is an American Indian.”