Read Online Untraceable by S. R. Johannes - Free Book Online

itself out. You’ll see.” He squints at me. “Maybe this will make you feel better.” He reaches behind the counter and pulls out a long wooden box.
    I trace my finger over the three intricate carvings decorating the lid—a bear, a wolf, and an eagle. I look up at him in surprise. “You made this?”
    He nods and smiles proudly. “With my own two hands and a load of love. I know you’re into animal totems, so I did some research.” He points to the pictures. “The bear, or yona , tells you to be aware of your limits. The wa-ya , or wolf, will help you develop strength in your decisions. And the eagle, we-ha-li , says that you can soar to great heights.”
    I gawk at him. “This is awesome, but I thought you didn’t believe in that stuff.”
    He shrugs. “This gift isn’t about me. It’s about you. Are you going to open it?”
    I slide back the lid to reveal a knife set resting atop soft, purple-velvet padding. Tiny turquoise and red beads line up in perfect rows, decorating the deerskin sheath. I ease the knife out of its pouch and hold it up to the light, admiring the craftwork. Tommy even carved “Elu” into the shiny blade. “It’s beautiful.”
    He lightly runs his finger along the ridge. “Hand cut from steel. Strong, like you.”
    I throw my arms around his neck. “I love it … and you.”
    Tommy half bows. “ Gv-ge-yu-hi too, Elu.” Then he eyes me. “Well? What are you waiting for? Get back to work. I’m not paying you to stand around and chitchat.”
    I salute. “Right away, Chief.”
    Tommy shuffles off to the back office as I tuck the present into the side pocket of my backpack and assume my position behind the counter. As I wait for customers, the soft music, a blend of beating drums and sorrowful chants, sways around me. The end of summer is so slow in this town. My eyelids grow heavy from a lack of sleep. I flip through my notebook, reread my notes, and doodle little flowers in the corners. My tummy protests. Only one more hour until my break: sugar, caffeine, and a catnap.
    Someone whistling a song breaks my trance.
    At first, I think it’s the music. Until a big burly man with a pockmarked face steps in front of me. I recognize him from Mr. Fields’ store. He’s decked out in a Cabela shooting shirt with suede patches on both shoulders and expensive-looking pants. Dude screams hunter from a mile away. Rich one, too.
    He speaks with a thick country drawl that even I find hard to understand. “Yew work here?” Before I can answer, the man frowns and, for some reason, speaks slower and louder. “I … SAID … DO YEW … WORK … HERE?”
    Obviously, he’s confused because I’m not deaf or stupid.
    I suppress a deep sarcastic urge to answer, Noooo, I’m hanging out behind the counter wearing a store apron and a name badge . Instead, I simply reply, “May I help you?”
    He places both hands on the counter and leans in a little too close for my comfort. “You got any guns?”  
     
     

Survival Skill #10
     
     

If lost, do not be impulsive. Patience can be the difference between life and death.
     

     
    I smother my sarcasm and motion toward the back wall where rods are obviously on display. “Sorry, sir, this is a fishing shop.”
    He removes his hat and glances around the store until his muddy-brown eyes fixate on a glass case. “Let me see them knives.” Without waiting, he moves around the counter and eyes the locked display. “How about that one?”
    “Sir, that’s a limited edition. What kind of knife are you looking for?”
    He leans in and reads the sales tag of the weapon he’s admiring. “A Browning Russ Kommer Custom Limited Edition Knife.”
    He chuckles as I unlock the case and take out the box. “This is custom made. Hand carved with a black ash burl handle.”
    “Yeah, I can read.” The man gives me a nod without even looking at the knife. “I’ll take it.”
    I hesitate at the thought of someone dropping this much money on a knife. Must be