Jasmine Medina #5 "MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS"

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS  CH 1 


Eighteen-year-old Jasmine Medina watched out the window of her mother's house.
The Latina teen had been anxiously waiting on something ... and that something
soon drove up in the presence of blue Chevy suburban truck.

"He's here!" she shouted as she ran in her bare feet outside. The person in
the truck, mid thirties something man with a dark complexion and mustache,
jumped out of the truck.

"Daddy!" Jasmine beamed as she jumped into his waiting arms. "I can't believe
you're here!"

"How's my little girl huh?" he responded, hugging her tightly "You are
definitely mucho Bonita!"

"Oh stop it Manuel, you're embarrassing her!" a female voice said walking up.
"How are you doing?" Jane Medina asked her ex-husband as they gave each other
a small hug.

"I'm doing good Jane, but how about you huh?"

Mrs. Medina returned the greeting, as Jasmine knew there were still feelings
between them, but not enough to keep them married to each other. The teen had
thought of everything to bring them back together permanently, but realized
she had to be content on them being friends ... . besides, she knew most
divorces had the mother and father barely speaking, especially with a child in
the middle. For that, Jasmine was lucky.

"Jasmine Maria, you do have your mom's looks," he said to his daughter as
Jasmine rolled her eyes at the embarrassment of his statement. "Someday,
you're going to make somebody very happy."

"Manuel, will you stop it!" Jane playfully said, "You're going to spoil our
daughter rotten ... I mean a weekend of this will ... ."

"Daddy," Jasmine said, changing the subject and interrupting her mother. "Come
inside while I get my things, I'm almost ready ... Besides, mom will show you
around the place."

"Yes, let's do that" Jane shot back, taking her ex husband's hand and leading
him inside. Jasmine giggled as she followed behind them.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 2)

"I think were going to have a great time sweetheart" Manuel said as he drove
his vehicle back towards Santa Fe. Jasmine was fidgeting with her cell phone,
sending text messages to her best friend Lori Fielding.

"Jasmine?" he said looking at her.

"Sorry daddy. I'm just texting Lori."

"You kids with your texting and stuff. I didn't have this stuff growing up."

"You're only thirty-six papa, you're not that old."

Manuel looked at her and then started laughing. About an hour later, Mr.
Medina pulled the truck into his small driveway. Jasmine had been to his small
house once, but couldn't remember it being that small.

"Okay were here." he said getting out and unlocking the back door. The teen
grabbed her backpack and another small suitcase and trudged inside with her
father.

"I thought it was bigger than this" Jasmine said as she put down her things
and looked around. They're paintings and other things of value nearly
everywhere.

"Let me show you your room honey."

Manuel led Jasmine down a small hall and into a room with a small bed. There
was a closet and a mirror, but not much else.

"I'm sorry Jasmine, but this is it"

"It's fine daddy" she said as she sat down on the bed. Manuel then sat next to
her and out his arm around her.

"I know it's not much ... . not like you and your mother have ... "

Jasmine then sobbed and buried her head in her father's chest.

"Oh papa ... it's wonderful ... . you're wonderful!"

Manuel then kissed her gently on her forehead and sprung up.

"Oh I have something for you."

Manuel reached into his pocket and took out a small leather bag.

"What is it?" she asked as she took it from him.

"Open it."

Jasmine unzipped the small bag to reveal a set of rosary beads that were
seemingly hand made.

"I made them myself ... even the crucifix.."

Jasmine then tightly hugged her father as tears started in her eyes.

"They're beautiful papa, I love you so much."

"I love you too. Nothing's too good for my baby...I'll cook you some dinner
okay?"

Manuel left and Jasmine sat back down on the bed.

"Maybe I can still bring them back together" she thought, clutching her beads.

Jasmine awoke the next morning to the smell of coffee and eggs. Quickly
putting on her robe, she went out to see her father cooking breakfast.

"Morning papa" she said kissing him on the cheek.

"Good morning honey" he replied as he took up the breakfast which consisted of
the eggs, along with bacon and toast.

"Man this looks great. You are a great cook you know that?"

"Well you have to know how to cook when you're....errr sorry."

"It's okay. I know you meant well."

"By the way, I forgot to ask how the football is going?"

"Football? don't you mean soccer?"

"Yes. Soccer" he replied, rolling his eyes.

"We finished with eight wins."

"Great! and how many goals did my Jasmine score?"

"I haven't counted daddy....i think my friend Tiffany had the most."

"Is that one of the girls that got you into this spy business?"

The question stopped Jasmine in her tracks as she put down her fork.

"I thought we weren't going to talk about that."

"Sorry. But I worry about you so much"

"I know you do, but mom is taking training classes at the Academy, she wants
to watch over us she said."

"Well someone needs to" Manuel replied, sipping some coffee.

Jasmine just rolled her eyes and got up.

"I've got to get my morning run in. I think i will be safe around this
neighborhood at least"

After changing into a t-shirt and black sweat pants, Jasmine pulled on a pair
of white ankle socks and then a pair of sneakers. She took out her I-pod and
went outside to run. She was barely a hundred yards from her father's house,
when she was almost run over by a girl. Startled, Jasmine noticed that the
girl was Native American and was running from something. Calling out to her,
the scared girl then ran away, looking back in the direction she came from,
which was a wooded area. The pretty teen then looked in that direction, which
was less than fifty yards away. She then saw a menacing figure of a man
staring at her. After a few anxious moments, the man then turned and went back
into the woods.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 3)

Jasmine finished her run without further incident and returned to her father's
house. She kept thinking about the girl and that man seemingly chasing her.
"Maybe it was nothing," she thought ... "Maybe she was a thief and that man
was the victim?"

"So how was the neighborhood honey?" Manuel asked as he put on his shoes
"Anything interesting out there?"

"Nah, just houses" she said not telling him what she saw "I'm going to shower
now."

"Good" Manuel "I'm going to take you someplace when you get done."

"Where daddy?" the teen quizzed.

"It's a surprise."

Jasmine smiled and made her way to her room.

Jasmine and Mr. Medina made their way down the street, where Manuel pulled
into a parking lot, which had a lot of cars in it already.

"Why are we stopping here?" Jasmine asked, looking curiously out the window.

"This the youth rec center I told you about last night. I've got to go to the
office for a few hours."

"The office? But it's Saturday papa."

"I know baby, but I promise I'll show you around town later. Besides, you'll
love it here and they have adult supervision."

The Latina teen rolled her eyes at his comment, which meant the rec center
just became an upscale babysitter.

"I'll walk you in ... come on"

Both of them made their way inside the rec center. Jasmine's mood changed when
she saw how big it was. There were video games and what looked like wireless
areas, not to mention several people on them, young and old. Just then a dark
haired woman came up to them.

"Hello Ms Carrera" Manuel said.

"Mr. Medina, nice to see you again ... . and you must be Jasmine?"

"Yes ma'am" she said shaking Ms Carrera's hand.

"Call me Nancy. By the way, you are very bonita, just like your father said
you are!"

Jasmine gave her father a playful punch and then a small hug.

"Let me show you around the facilities."

"I'll be back by noon sweetie ... have fun!"

"Bye daddy" Jasmine said giving him a big hug goodbye. Nancy then led Jasmine
around the building, showing her around.

"Wow this place does have a lot of things to do!" Jasmine beamed as her mood
suddenly cheered up from the past several minutes. There was a basketball
court/gym, video game room, pool tables and not to mention the large pool that
was unfortunately closed for the time being.

"Sorry about the pool Jasmine, they're redoing the tiles in it."

"That's okay Nancy" the teen replied, "I didn't bring my bathing suit
anyway...besides, there's more than enough here to keep me occupied i think."

"My office is down the hallway if you have any questions okay?"

With that, Nancy returned to her office leaving Jasmine free to check out the
facilities. Jasmine got out her phone and dialed a number.

"Hey mom it's me ... . having fun up here ... . call me later, love you ... "

Jasmine then looked at a bulletin board that had messages posted all over it.
She was getting ready to call Lori when she froze. One of the signs on the
board was a picture of the Native American girl from earlier in the morning.
Underneath her picture, was a paragraph. Jasmine couldn't believe what she
reading:

REWARD FOR WANTED FUGITIVE: $ 10,000 ... TEENAGE NAVAJO GIRL, NAME IS CHEYENNE
WHITEFEATHER. REPORT FINDINGS TO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

"She was running from something ... . but what? Maybe I was right about theft,
or maybe something bigger ... . " Jasmine thought, "That man I saw might have
been a bounty hunter."

The teen then tried to keep busy knowing she might have stumbled onto an
unknown fugitive. Jasmine then made her way to Nancy's office. She knocked on
the door, even though it was open. Nancy looked up at her and smiled.

"Oh Jasmine, can i help you....not finding anything dear?"

"No it's not that....do you know who put that picture up of that Indian girl?"

"You mean Miss Whitefeather?"

"Yes ma'am"

"I have no idea. The public can post anything up there they see fit. But i've
heard that she's nothing but trouble...stealing stuff, among other things. Why
are you so interested in her?"

"Just curious i guess....she's so young."

"Well those Navajo's are trouble...maybe your father should explain things to
you."

Jasmine looked at her and was more curious than ever about the girl.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 4)

"So did you have fun honey?" Manuel said as he drove back to his house.
Jasmine just stared out the window.

"Yes papa ... it was fun"

"You don't sound like you had a good time?"

"It's not that" she added "It's just ... something's bothering me.

"You can tell your old man anything."

"Daddy, do you know anything about an Indian girl named Cheyenne
Whitefeather?"

Mr. Medina's face turned serious.

"How do you know about her ... . she's a fugitive."

"They had her picture on the wall at the rec center, like they do at the post
office."

"She's wanted for several thefts around the area I think."

"Do you think she's a criminal?"

"Why all the questions sweetie?" Manuel quizzed "Are you playing detective
again?"

Jasmine took a big gulp and looked at her father.

"No daddy, I know there's a lot of prejudice ... especially with the Native
Americans."

"Jasmine Maria, what I'm I to do with you." he said shaking his head at his
daughter's curiosity. Jasmine had a feeling that the girl was innocent ... .
why she knew that, was bugging her.

After promising his daughter he would show her around town and dine at the
best steakhouse in town later, Manuel Medina was taking a nap on the couch.
Jasmine kissed him on the forehead and then took out a piece of paper, saying
she was going out for another run around the neighborhood. The teen had on
what she had on in the morning. She then slid the back door open and slipped
outside. The mid day sun felt good as she made her way towards the wooded
area.

"I just hope I don't run into that man i saw earlier ... " she thought as she
started on a path into the woods. Several minutes later, Jasmine saw what
looked like several houses that were under construction. She then saw some men
in the back of one. She crouched down and looked. None of the men were the one
she saw earlier.

"I've got to get closer" she thought as she got up from her crouch position.
Suddenly, a hand clamped over her mouth and a voice whispered in her ear.

"Don't think of yelling" said the voice, a voice that belonged to a young
female. The girl held onto Jasmine as she released her hand. It was the same
Native girl from earlier; she wore a white shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots.
A blue bandana was tied around her long dark hair. She then showed Jasmine a
hunting knife that she had in her other hand.

"You're Cheyenne Whitefeather aren't you?" Jasmine asked, knowing that she
was.

"So you do know" Cheyenne answered back in a hard accent, "You are working for
them."

Jasmine was confused. Working for whom? The men after her?

"No I'm not, I swear"

"Then why are you here, are you following me?"

"I want to help you"

"Yes, and turn me in for the reward."

"No, no ... please believe me ... .i think you're innocent"

"I almost ran into you this morning, did I not?"

"You did, but I'm just visiting here ... my father lives here."

"Likely story" Cheyenne said turning Jasmine around and putting away the
knife. She crossed the Latina's hands behind her back and produced rope from
her back pocket.

"Look this isn't necessary" Jasmine pleaded as she felt herself being tied up.
"You're Navajo right?"

"Yes" Cheyenne said, tightening the knots on Jasmine's wrists.

"Why doesn't your mother and father help you?"

"They're all dead, killed by the same people that are setting me up for theft
... and you're helping them."

"No I'm not!" Jasmine shot back "I can help you ... please!"

"Come on, i'm going to find out what you know." Cheyenne said as she ordered
the teen to walk forward. "And no talking."

Jasmine was now her prisoner whether she liked it or not. Cheyenne was
innocent, but how was Jasmine going to convince her that she was on her side?
And more importantly, where was Cheyenne taking her to?

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 5)

Cheyenne forced the bound Jasmine to walk down a narrow dirt path. The area
was filled with houses that were under construction, a perfect hiding place
for somebody on the run.

"Where are you taking me?" the young Latina asked her captor.

"I told you to be quiet" Cheyenne replied back as she looked around for anyone
who might have saw them, she then pushed Jasmine inside one of the undone
buildings. A few moments later, Cheyenne had forced Jasmine into a small room
that had a old mattress on it.

"Is this where you sleep?" Jasmine asked, looking at the squalid living
quarters.

"For now" the Navajo girl replied as she forced Jasmine to sit. She took more
rope and tied Jasmine's ankles together.

"This isn't necessary Cheyenne" Jasmine pleaded, "I'm not going to turn you
in. I don't live here."

"I want answers...what is your name?"

"Jasmine, Jasmine Medina."

"That's a pretty name."

"Thank you...and so is yours."

"Who is the man your working for? Edwards? Martinez?"

"I'm not working for anybody...I swear, I don't even know who you're talking
about."

"Likely story. You said you were staying with your father?"

"It's the truth...i don't live here, I live with my mother in Thunder Ridge."

"Thunder Ridge? Very pretty area."

Jasmine just nodded as Cheyenne went over to her backpack and took out a piece
of folded paper. The Native girl then showed it to Jasmine. It was the same
wanted poster that was hung up in the rec area.

"Do you know anything about this?"

"Yes" Jasmine replied.

"See, you are working for someone!"

"No it's not that!"

"Then what?" Cheyenne snapped, her voice getting more louder.

Jasmine gulped and looked at her. For the first time, the Latina had her
doubts about the girl. She tested her bonds, but Cheyenne had done an expert
job on her tying her hands.

"I saw the picture at the rec center this morning. I knew it was the same girl
that almost ran me over this earlier this morning."

"Those men were chasing me...Edwards."

"I saw a man when I looked back towards the woods, he looked so menacing."

Just then voices were heard outside the house. Cheyenne quickly covered her
hand over Jasmine's mouth. The teen made no attempt to even mumble as she
looked up at the Navajo girl. A few minutes later, the voices disappeared.
Cheyenne removed her hand.

"You see" Jasmine added, "I'm on your side"

"Perhaps I was wrong....I thought I could use you as a hostage to lure out
Edwards, or Martinez....I'm sorry Jasmine Medina."

"It's okay Cheyenne, I know you can't trust anybody, but believe me, you can
trust me."

"Now what?"

"You can untie me."

Cheyenne nodded and made Jasmine scoot up and in a few minutes, had freed her
hands. Jasmine rubbed her wrists and then untied her ankles.

"Sorry about all this Jasmine, but I hope you understand."

"It's okay Cheyenne, I do understand." Jasmine responded as she got to her
feet.

"We need a plan then."

"Cheyenne, I'm only in town for a few days, so you have to tell me everything
you know about these two men that set you up."

"I just don't know why you want to help me?"

"To do the right thing, I know about the Navajo and the prejudices that you go
through ... . I'm Hisapnic, so I can relate."

Cheyenne smiled and then gave Jasmine a hug.

"Thank you Jasmine. I will fill you in on what I know about why I'm being set
up."

On that note, The girls sat down to talk.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 6)

"Okay, what can you tell me?" Jasmine asked Cheyenne about the men who set her
up.

"First there's Lawrence Edwards, that man you saw this morning. The other is a
man named Martinez. I'm not sure what his first name is, all I know is he
works for Edwards."

"And who is Edwards? A bounty hunter?"

"Hardly" Cheyenne answered Jasmine. "He's a contractor, sort of a big wig
around town you might say."

"Wow. So he has connections."

"Yes here at Navajo pass and most of Santa Fe."

"Is this Navajo Pass?" the young Latina asked.

"It's about a mile from here....It's where I'm from...the reservation."

"And you can't go back?"

"I'm not sure who to trust Jasmine, I think my own people would turn me in."

Jasmine just shook her head in hearing that.

"Didn't you say before that those men killed your parents?"

"About a year ago, there was an accident....my parents were killed in a hit
and run."

"I'm so sorry" Jasmine replied, tears welling in her eyes.

"The sheriff and everybody said it was an accident at the time....but I know
differently."

"And this Edwards is setting you up for theft?"

"Yes, about two weeks ago....stolen goods were found in my things at the
reservation....Edwards has a good relationship with the tribal elders...it
would be easy to frame me. I just know he did it."

"But we need proof, you know that?"

"Yes. You can help me Jasmine Medina."

Jasmine nodded and folded her arms and paced.

"But why was he chasing you this morning?"

"To collect the reward money. You see that would be easy as well."

"What were some of the stolen goods Cheyenne?"

"Old antiques, some small paintings, other things of value."

"Wow! So he set you up to take the fall, while the whole time HE was the one
actually stealing this stuff and on top of all that, he was trying to collect
the reward money!"

"And the unsolved murder of my parents also"

"Wow Cheyenne" Jasmine gasped "He needs to go away for a long long time. I
mean you've been on the run for two whole weeks?"

"Yes. I ran away before they took me in to juvenile court."

"I need to know more about this Edwards."

"He's a contractor, built alot of things around here...that is all i know."

"Okay" the Latina responded "That's a start i guess. My father thinks I'm out
running again, so i have to get back."

"Understood, but now what?"

"I can ask my father about him tonight and see if he might know something,
there's always the library too."

"The library?"

"Old newspapers, any article on him would help me out."

Cheyenne nodded and then hugged Jasmine.

"Thank you."

"Maybe I can bring you food?" Jasmine asked

"I would like that"

With that Jasmine carefully left the undone house and left back on the path to
home.

"You are so quiet sweetie" Manuel said as he drove down the street. Jasmine,
dressed in blue skirt, was just thinking of her conversation with Cheyenne.
Jasmine had snuck back earlier to the Native girl's hiding place with some
food. She felt better about Cheyenne's condition, but had to find a way to
prove her innocence.

"Daddy, who was building those houses behind your place?"

"That's a weird question Jasmine, why do you ask?"

"They're pretty that's all."

"I don't know...Lawrence Edwards probably."

That name struck Jasmine like a brick on the head.

"I bet that guy has alot of money."

"Yes, he's pretty powerful...Jasmine dear, why all the questions? Are you
playing miss detective again?"

"No papa! I just like to know certain things." she said boldly as Manuel shook
his head. She was uncomfortable lying to her father, but had to find out for
Cheyenne's sake. Manuel stopped the vehicle in front of Max's steakhouse. She
had heard her father talking about this place like it was the best place on
earth.

"Okay, were here" he said as he put his arm around his daughter. "And you are
the most Bonita girl here!"

"Daddy!" she gushed as they walked inside the restaurant. Her mood immediately
turned sour as she saw another "Cheyenne Wanted" poster on the wall.

"How can I dine on steak, when poor Cheyenne is living like a scared animal?"

She tried to not think about it as the duo was seated for dinner.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 7)

The next morning broke bright and sunny as Jasmine made her way towards the
housing area where Cheyenne had been staying. She had to make sure her father
was still sleeping as she also took food to the young native girl. The pretty
latina walked down the path and came to the unbuilt house. She quietly called
out Cheyenne's name and the native girl then peeked her head out from her
hidden room.

"Good morning Cheyenne," Jasmine said "I brought you some food."

"Thank you Jasmine Medina" She replied, taking and then eating a piece of
bread. "You've been very kind to me."

"I just hope that i can help you clear your name....but i have an idea to
probably help us out."

"What is it?"

"My best friend back home, Lori, her dad works for the State Police
Academy....I'm sure he can help us."

"Oh great! The Police Academy? Are you sure about this Jasmine?" Cheyenne
responded hestintantly.

"I know he can help us Cheyenne, just let me find out some things about this
Edwards guy okay?"

"Okay then"

The duo hugged and Jasmine made her way back to her father's house.

"Well I know you will have fun honey, and it least i will know you won't get
into any trouble."

"Oh papa" Jasmine replied, rolling her eyes as she put her long dark hair into
a ponytail. She had on a white blouse and blue jeans. Mr. Medina then pulled
into the rec center and stopped the car.

"I'll be back in a few hours sweetie." he said as he kissed her on the cheek.
Jasmine then made her way inside and saw Nancy Carrera who recognized her.

"Hello Jasmine" she said, greeting her. "You dad called and said you would be
back. Now if you need anything, I'm right down the hall."

"Thank you Miss C, sorry....Nancy."

The young Latina made her way over towards the computers and sat down, putting
her hand bag next to her. She then took out a small notepad and and pen. There
weren't as many people there as there was yesterday, but it still was busy.
Jasmine signed on to one of the terminals and brought up the name of LAWRENCE
EDWARDS in the search box. She looked around and went back to looking at the
screeen. There were several articles with his name as she clicked on one of
the links. The link took her to an article in the Santa Fe paper that told
about his contracting work. She read on but then shook her head.

"If this guy is guilty, he sure covers his tracks, this makes him out to be a
great citizen." she thought as she kept reading. A few more articles talked
about a warehouse he owned in town. She then pulled up a map search and it
told her that it was about a half mile from where Cheyenne had been staying.

"A perfect place to keep stolen goods...very convenient....but I need proof."

Jasmine's jaw dropped as he read that Edwards had help built the rec center,
the very building she was in! She wrote down a couple of things, logged off
and then grabbed her hand bag. She then made her way to Nancy's office. She
softly knocked on the door.

"Oh Jasmine dear, come in....what can i help you with?"

"Nancy, how long have you've been working here?"

"Oh about a year. Why do you ask?"

"That's about the time this place was built?"

"Why all the questions dear?"

Jasmine had to think fast and come up with an answer that sounded good.

"I just love this place, I wish we had one of these places back at Thunder
Ridge. I wish i could talk to that guy that built it and put in a request."

"That's a little unusual request, but I'm sure Mr. Edwards is sure of
branching out his so called empire."

Little did Jasmine know, but outside the door a Hispanic man had been hearing
her conversation with Ms. Carrera. He walked away from the door and down a
hallway. He pulled out a phone and dialed it.

"Yeah, it's me....listen we might have trouble....some nosy teenager is asking
some strange questions....Well I know she was on one of the terminals...not
sure what she was looking at, but she was asking Ms Carrera about you....just
sounded strange.....do you want me to keep an eye on the chica or
not?.....okay then."

As the man hung up, Jasmine had left Nancy's office and returned to the rec
area. She sat down and pulled out her phone. She dialed it and then sat back
in the comfortable chair.

"Hey you!"

On the other end was Jasmine's best friend Lori Fielding.

"Jasmine! Are you home yet?"

"Not for a couple more days. Lori is your dad going to be there later?"

"Yes, why."

The sudden silence told Lori that Jasmine was up to her neck in snooping
again.

"Not again Jas!" Lori moaned as she rubbed her bare foot.

"Something is going on, but not to worry."

"Not to worry! Jasmine!"

"I hate lying to my father. I just need to talk to your father."

"I can have him call you later I guess....what's this all about?"

"Great! Talk to ya soon then!"

Lori threw down her phone and shook her head as Jasmine tried to figure out
what to do for another hour or so. Little did she know that she was being
watched by the Hispanic man from a distance.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH
[http://static.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/cool02.gif]

After getting back on the terminal, Jasmine pulled up the map search and
brought up the address for the warehouse again. She had to pinpoint the exact
location so she could let Michael Fielding know later.

"I just hope he believes me.....for Cheyenne's sake..."

She then noticed a greenway path that was near the area. It was very close to
where Cheyenne had been staying and ended right by the warehouse.

"Perfect!...I can run along that path and blend in with everybody that's using
it..."

Jasmine logged off the terminal and went about to do other things, for she had
another half an hour before her father would be there to pick her up.
Meanwhile, the man kept an inconspicuous watch on the teen.

"So what do you have planned for this afternoon daddy?" Jasmine asked as the
Medina's returned home from the rec area.

"I have to do a project in the basement honey, another shelf for work"

"My father the craftsman!"

Jasmine's quote put a smile on her father's face. The vehicle then pulled into
the driveway and they got out.

"I think I'm going to go for another run" she announced.

"Oh okay....oh by the way, did I ever tell you about the greenway near here?"

Jasmine was floored at what he said, but quickly regained her composure.

"A greeway? Really?" she replied, playing dumb.

"I'm sorry I forgot to tell you about it yesterday....it might be better for
you, at least more area. You can access it from the back here...about a
quarter mile or so down the path."

Jasmine smiled and nodded.

"Whew...I thought he knew, that was close....I'm so sorry about lying daddy,
but Cheyenne needs me..."

Father and Daughter went inside the house. Manuel went to the basement and
Jasmine to her room. She quickly changed into a blue t-shirt, running shorts
and once again white ankle socks and her best running shoes. She then checked
her phone.

"Nothing yet from Mr. Fielding...."

She then yelled down to her father and told him she would be back in an hour
or so. She then went to the kitchen, got some food and then let herself out
the back door. The pretty Latina made her way to the path and then came across
the house where Cheyenne was staying. She entered the small area and then let
out a shocked look. Cheyenne was gone! Her pack, everything had been cleared
out.

"Where is she?....was she caught?...."

Jasmine's heart sank as she looked around the small room. She then saw bread
scraps that had been there and were starting to get moldy. She exited the room
and made her way down to the greenway. She started to tear up as she entered
the greenway trail. A few people were running passed her as Jasmine then
started running down the path, hoping to remember where Edward's warehouse was
located.

"Perhaps she's at that warehouse, if so...."

Jasmine tried not to think about it as she jogged down the path. A few minutes
later she spotted what she thought was a warehouse beyond the trees. She
looked around her and then made her way into the small patch of trees which
was behind the warehouse. She crouched down and looked at the place. There
were a few trucks parked there, but not much else going on.

"Should I get closer?....is this even the place?...."

Her answer came in the form of a white van which pulled up. Her heart started
to pound as she saw the man who was chasing Cheyenne from yesterday get out.

"Edwards! It must be him..."

But what happened next shocked her even more: Edwards had gone to the back of
the van and carried something over his shoulder.....a large sack and it was
moving wildly. Someone was inside it....Cheyenne!

"Now what do i do?....."

Jasmine crouched down even more as a hispanic man joined Edwards. "That might
be Martinez..." They seemed to be laughing about the situation. Suddenly
Jasmine's phone rang. She looked down to see the name MICHAEL FIELDING calling
in.

"Oh no, not now!...."

The teen quickly cut it off, but it was too late....the hispanic man had
spotted her.

"That's her!" he shouted "Hey!"

Jasmine made a run for the greenway as Martinez was hot on her trail. She then
dove into a pile of bushes, her heart pounding terribly. She could hear him
walking near the area, as the leaves and broken branches gave it away. Jasmine
then noticed her right knee was scraped from the fall, but that was the least
of her worries.

"Oh my God....I'm trapped!...." Jasmine lamented as she closed her eyes and
prayed that Martinez would not discover her.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 9)

The minutes seemed like hours as Jasmine waited behind the thick bushes. She
could still hear Edwards' partner, Martinez still looking for her. Then she
heard Edwards call out to his partner.

"Ahh forget it ... . help me with this!"

Jasmine let out a sigh of relief as Edwards ordered him to return to the van.
Jasmine made sure she stayed put until the coast was clear. She looked at her
scraped knee on her right leg, it wasn't too bad, but her father would
definitely notice it though.

"Sorry daddy, now I have to lie about this as well ... "

Luckily, that excuse would be a whole lot easier to tell him about. The main
problem now was Cheyenne, seemingly kidnapped by the two men.

"Was that her though ... ?" she thought, "I have to know for certain, but at
the risk of getting caught ... ? Who knows what they would do then ... "

She looked at her phone and saw the missed call of Michael Fielding. She then
peeked through the bushes and saw nobody. The teen then snuck away from the
area and down to the greenway. There were a few people on it, but not enough
to notice her coming out of the wooded area. Thoughts kept going through her
head as she made her way back to her father's.

"Mr. Fielding might be my last hope ... . for Cheyenne's sake ... "

"I know it was the same girl that was at the rec area" Martinez said "She's up
to something, but what?"

"But who is she?" Edwards shot back as he looked at the large duffel bag that
was sitting in a chair. "Maybe the little squaw can tell us."

Edwards reached over and pulled the top down from the bag. Cheyenne shook her
head as she looked at her captors.

"Okay talk," he ordered "Who's the little chica?"

"I'm not telling you anything!" Cheyenne yelled defiantly as she looked at
both of them.

"She won't talk" Martinez interjected "She's covering for her though, I just
know it."

"Sounds like it, tie her up for now ... there's more than one way of catching
a little rat."

Cheyenne looked at both of them and hoped that Jasmine would get help in time.

Jasmine sat on her bed and called her phone again. The phone went to voice
mail, as Michael must have stepped out.

"Oh great ... . now we're playing phone tag ... ."

The teen quickly explained that she had to cut him off before and to call her
back as ASAP. Jasmine then left her room and went to the living room. Her
father had returned from the basement and she ran and gave him a big hug.

"I love you papa" she said, tears starting to well in her eyes.

"Whoa whoa" he responded "I love you too dear, anything wrong?"

She pulled away from him and wiped her eyes. He then noticed the scrape on her
knee.

"Sweetie, what happened?"

"Oh that's nothing ... I got clumsy and tripped on the path." She said, making
up a story.

"I better put something on that."

Just then Jasmine's phone rang. It was Michael Fielding.

"I'm sorry, I'm expecting this call."

Manuel just shook his head at his daughter's actions as Jasmine returned to
her room and closed the door.

"Mr. Fielding, thank you for returning my call."

>>From his work desk, Lori's father had a puzzled look on his face.

"You're welcome Jasmine, but I'm curious ... . why did you hang up on me
before?"

"It's a long story Mr. Fielding ... . the bottom line is I have a friend
that's in trouble, and maybe more ways than one."

"Who is it?"

"A young native girl named Cheyenne, she's been framed for theft and now she's
being hunted like a common criminal."

Mr. Fielding then picked up a copy of Cheyenne's poster that had been lying on
his desk.

"Jasmine, what have you got yourself into this time, this girl is a thief."

"No she's not!, " The Latina responded, her voice raising. "She's innocent ...
. I know it and now ... "

"Now, what ... . Jasmine? Jasmine?"

"She's missing ... I think she's been kidnapped Mr. Fielding!"

"That's quite a theory you have, any proof?"

"No. I just know this guy Edwards is behind this."

"Whoa whoa ... . Lawrence Edwards?"

"Yes, the contractor."

"That's quite an accusation about him, he's very respected there in Santa Fe."

"Please Mr. Fielding, you have to believe me ... please ... ."

Jasmine continued to tell him some things for a few more minutes and then hung
up. She dried her eyes as she got up from the bed. She opened the door to her
father standing there!

"Daddy!"

"Jasmine, I should have known ... . you can't stay out of trouble."

The teen gulped as her father shook his head as seemingly he heard every word
of her conversation ...

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 10)

"I can't believe you sometimes sweetie" Manuel said as he tended to Jasmine's
scraped knee. "I mean, one of these days you're going to take this detective
business too far and really get hurt."

"I'm doing the right thing daddy" she responded, "You know deep down I am."

"Jasmine, you have a great heart.... but sometimes things are not meant to
be."

"Like Cheyenne's freedom?"

"Look. Maybe Lori's father will help you out, but you have to leave it in his
hands okay?"

Jasmine just stared and quivered her lip.

"Jasmine? Promise?"

"Okay" she said.

Manuel then got up from tending to her knee and kissed her on her forehead.

"You are too special to me...I love you dearly."

"Love you too papa."

"I can take you back down to the rec center later if you want."

Jasmine smiled and nodded. With that, Mr. Medina got up and headed back
downstairs.

"Please Mr. Fielding.... you have to come through..."

"Got any ideas on that little Chica?" Martinez asked Edwards.

"No. But knowing her, she'll probably be back...keep an eye on the squaw, I've
got an errand to run. Maybe we'll get lucky and that kid will come back
snoopin' around."

With that, Edwards put a gun in his jacket and headed out the door. Martinez
then went to a back room. Sitting on the floor was Cheyenne, bound hand and
foot. Her lips closed on a tight gag also.

"Not sure who your friend is, but she's pokin' her pretty nose in our
business.... we'll find out who she is, even without your help."

With that sneer, Martinez left and Cheyenne went back to work in trying to
free herself.

A little later on, Jasmine's father had dropped her off at the rec center.

"Maybe I can relax and have Mr. Fielding come through for me..." She thought
as she walked in and spotted only a few people who seemed to be in their own
little world. She put down her bag and logged onto one of the terminals. A few
minutes later, Nancy had spotted her and came over.

"Hello Jasmine" she said cheeringly.

"Hi...Nancy" Jasmine responded, remembering not to be so formal.

"I've got to run to the back, if you need anything I'll be back in a minute."

"Okay"

A few minutes later, something caught the teen's eye. It was something in the
office adjacent to Nancy's. She logged off and got up and walked closer to it.
Then she recognized the object: it was Cheyenne's pack!

"Oh my God...what is that doing here?"

She looked around and walked up to it. It was definitely Cheyenne's!

"Was Edwards here?"

To her horror, she heard a man's voice coming near there. She quickly went
into the closet and hid, keeping as quiet as could be. Her heart started to
pound as Edwards showed himself! He was talking on a cell phone

"Yeah, we'll get her eventually.... nothing's going to go wrong."

She could see him though a crack in the door. But what she saw next was as
shocking as could be. Nancy! The rec director came in and kissed him.

"Was she in on it?... Please God no.."

"Well you're in luck" she told Edwards "Because guess who showed up"

Edwards peeked out.

"Where?"

"Oh my God!... They're working together!. I've got to get out of here..."

Jasmine shifted herself to listen more closely, but accidentally walked into
some empty boxes, knocking them over. Suddenly, the door swung open and
Edwards grabbed the scared teen.

"Well if isn't little Miss troublemaker, should have known. Fell right into my
lap sort of speak." Edwards sneered as he clamped a hand over the Latina's
mouth. Jasmine's heart was pounding as she tried to struggle. Edwards then
produced a handgun. Nancy then shut the door.

"Put that away" Nancy ordered. "Don't need to attract attention."

Edwards removed his hand and warned her not to scream.

"Where's Cheyenne? Where is she?"

"You'll find out soon enough Miss Medina" Nancy said, "Your snooping days are
over young lady."

"I can't believe you would be behind this! Why? Wasn't framing her bad enough?
That you had to go collect the reward money on top of your burglary?"

"It was easy my dear, framing the Indian girl was simple enough, but you had
to come along and help her, which complicated things...but not anymore. You
are smart, but not smart enough"

"You two are in so much trouble!" Jasmine yelled defiantly, knowing it would
fall on deaf ears.

"We need to get her gagged and tied Larry."

"Close this place up Nancy.... make up an excuse. I'll keep her company."
Edwards sneered, pulling on her hair. Jasmine just winced as she closed her
eyes and started to tear up.

Soon after, Nancy walked back into her office.

"Secure her in the back room, until we're ready to leave."

"Soon you'll be joining your Indian friend, then to get rid of the both of
you."

Nancy's words were chilling as Edwards jerked Jasmine out of the office.

"Why didn't I listen to papa for once...now I'll never see him again, or
anyone I love..."

She was also wondering how Nancy could be so cruel and how she fell right into
a deadly trap...

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 11)

Lori Fielding could hear her father on the phone in his den. From what she
could hear, it sounded pretty serious....and of course her best friend Jasmine
Medina was involved. Soon after, Michael Fielding emerged from the room.

"Jasmine's in trouble, isn't she daddy?" the teen brunette asked.

"Sweetie" he answered, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Don't worry about
anything...i'm just following up some things. I've got to go."

Michael then kissed his daughter and left. Lori rolled her eyes and could only
wonder what was going on, and the bigger question: was Jasmine okay? Little
did she know it was anything but that.

Nancy Carrera was busy shuffling some paper work when Edwards walked in.

"Tell me that kid won't be causing any more trouble?" she asked.

"Don't worry about it dear, got her tied up in a back room."

"Good" Nancy responded as she hugged Edwards "I just don't want anything else
to go wrong."

>>From her prison room, Jasmine struggled with the ropes that binded her. She
was lying on an old couch, her wrists tightly tied behind her back with
clothesline. Her ankles were bound as well. A wad of cloth was stuffed into
her mouth and another white rag was tied over it, making a crude gag.

"I've got to get out of here..." she thought as she struggled to find the
knots on her wrist ropes. "But, I might never find Cheyenne..."

She squirmed and twisted her wrists in all directions, but the ropes remained
tight, cutting into her tanned skin.

"Mr Fielding has got to come through...he has to....I just pray that Cheyenne
is still okay...."

As the gag dried out her mouth, Jasmine realized the only way she was going to
escape was to find something to cut her bonds. She looked around and soon
spotted a shiny object sticking out of the wall, a hook of some kind. It was
all the way across the room but the Latina teen rolled over and hopped to her
feet. She then hopped over to the object and made a mental image of what it
looked like. She then backed up carefully and pushed the knots next to it. She
was hoping she could pry the tight knots open.

"Come on....I need this to work...."

"What about the girl's father?" Edwards asked Nancy "You said he was going to
pick her up."

"I'll handle that, you just get that stuff in the van.....With any luck, we'll
be out of here before he gets here." Nancy then looked at him with a serious
face. "What are we going to do with them?....you know the Police won't believe
the Indian....Miss Medina on the other hand..."

"Let me handle that part." he shot back.

"That's what I'm afraid of Larry....hurting them."

"They know too much...that's why we're going to bury them in the quarry."

She then kissed him.

"I guess there's no other choice, There's too much at stake."

"That's the Nancy I love."

Jasmine kept trying to pry the knots open against the hook. It was hard work
as she kept slipping. She had to keep trying, but then realized that Edwards
could come in at anytime and catch her. The teen's mood brightened as she felt
the hook wiggle out of the wall, making sure she didn't drop it. She then
hopped back over to the couch and flopped herself down. Jasmine rolled on her
side and maneuvered the hook against her wrists and began the tedious task of
trying to get free.

"That's the last of it" Edwards announced as he secured the cargo in the back
of the van. Nancy looked on as she looked out at the quiet street.

"It's too quiet Larry.....way too quiet"

"Would you relax dear." he scolded as he made a space on the floor of the van.
"Everything is under control...now go up front and watch out for the kid's
father...i'll meet you later at the warehouse."

He then kissed her as they both went back inside the building. As Edwards
headed for where Jasmine was, Nancy had returned to her office, first stopping
at the closed front door. Just then a car pulled up...a SUV. She then
recognized the driver...Manuel Medina!

"Time to go kid" Edwards sneered as he pulled Jasmine from the couch. She made
sure she held onto the small metal object, as she felt she was making progress
in freeing herself. Edwards then pulled another rag and blindfolded the young
Latina. She squealed as he lifted her over his shoulder. Jasmine felt herself
being carried outside and then felt her self hit the cold bottom of something.

"I must be in a trunk or something...." She thought as she squirmed around,
hitting some boxes of some kind. "Maybe a van...?" A few minutes later, she
heard somebody get into the front of it and start it up. Then she heard and
felt the vehicle start to move! "Oh my God, I'm being kidnapped!.."

"What do you mean she left?" Manuel Medina said as he looked at Nancy as she
had let him in the small lobby of the building. "Why didn't she call?"

"Maybe she tried Mr. Medina."

Just then Manuel spotted something near the computer terminals. It was
Jasmine's backpack! Nancy noticed his expression change.

"What is it?"

"My daughter's backpack....it's over there next to the terminals."

Nancy then noticed it as well and her heart sank. She was careless as she
hadn't noticed it there.

"Where is she Nancy?" Manuel asked, his voice raising ever slow slightly. "She
wouldn't leave without her pack, it's not like her....where is she?"

Nancy froze as Manuel had got in her face, half yelling. She had to come up
with a story and fast.

Jasmine felt the vehicle stop as the ride had been short, but a little bumpy.
A few minutes later, she heard the back doors open and two men talking about
what they were going to do with the girls. "They must have Cheyenne..." The
next thing she felt herself being lifted out of the vehicle. She squealed as
she felt herself being carried again. A few minutes later, she heard another
girl in the room. She too was gagged... "Cheyenne!" She was made to sit on the
floor as her blindfold was soon removed. Jasmine adjusted her eyes and soon
enough she saw Cheyenne sitting next to her, bound hand and foot and gagged
also.

"Join your time together girls" Edwards sneered. "Soon, we'll be taking you to
a place where you'll never squeal."

As Edwards left the small room, he shut and locked the door. Jasmine and
Cheyenne squirmed in their bonds. Jasmine, behind her gag, tried to tell
Cheyenne to turn around as the Latina teen moved to push her back against
Cheyenne's, hoping to loosen her wrist knots with the metal object she still
had.

"We have to get out of here....who knows what Edwards has in store for us..."
Jasmine thought as her tightly bound hands held the object toward's Cheyenne's
knots. Jasmine also was praying that Mr. Fielding was making progress in
finding evidence to link Edwards to the thefts.

"If only i hadn't been caught..." The teen thought as she continued to try and
free Cheyenne.

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 12)

"Well I'm waiting Ms Carrera?" Manuel Medina scolded as he looked at the Rec
center director.

"Mr. Medina please, I don't know any..."

Just then Mr. Medina's phone rang. The incoming call was from Michael
Fielding. Jasmine's father had a most curious look on his face as he answered
the call all the while, keeping an eye on Nancy, who had taken a seat near
him.

"Hello?"

>>From the other end, Michael Fielding was in a car driving.

"Mr. Medina, my name is Michael Fielding ... . have you heard from Jasmine?"

"You're Lori's father right?"

"Yes I am ... . Do you know where your daughter is? I lost contact with her."

Manuel closed his eyes as he heard that. Jasmine was definitely involved with
something ... something bad ... something that could possibly cost her life.

"Where are you right now?" Michael asked.

"At the Rec center, it's about a ... "

"I know where it is, I'll meet you there."

With that Michael had hung up. Manuel had a curious look on his face as he
returned to stare at Nancy.

"I think it's time to call the sheriff don't you think? Maybe then we can get
some answers."

Nancy's worried look took on a new meaning as she saw Manuel dial the phone
once again. He turned his back and Nancy took the opportunity to sneak over to
a piece of two-by-four had had been conveniently leaning against a wall. With
one swing, she struck the back of Manuel's head. Jasmine's father fell over
forwards, hitting the floor, his phone flying across the room. Nancy then took
the plywood weapon and smashed his phone into a few broken pieces. Breathing
hard, she stepped back and dropped the piece of wood. She then covered her
mouth, but then collected herself as she ran into her office.

"She should be up here soon" Edwards said to his partner Martinez, who was
reloading his gun.

"What about the two chickies?"

"As soon as Nancy gets here, we go up to the quarry ... . they won't be found
for months, perhaps never."

Martinez then let out a chuckle as he had finished loading the weapon.

Jasmine was making progress, slowly but surely as Cheyenne wiggled closer to
the Latina teen. Jasmine's throat was now extremely dry from the gag; the
thought of water haunted her. "Cheyenne's probably been tied up for days ...
." She thought glumly "Those men can't be put away soon enough ... "

"Mmmmphhh" Cheyenne squealed as Jasmine accidentally stabbed her hand with the
object. Jasmine returned her groan as she tried in vain to work the knot.

"Come on ... just a little more ... ."

"Mmmmphhh!" Jasmine said behind the gag as she felt the knot loosen. Cheyenne
was more than willing as she twisted and pulled and was soon free! The Native
girl then untied the gag, spat out the sodden cloth and took a welcome breath.

"I'll have you free in a moment" she told Jasmine with a hoarse whisper, for
she tried not to be too loud. Soon the Latina was free from the ropes and gag.
Soothing the feeling back into her wrists, Jasmine watched as Cheyenne eased
the door open. She then motioned Jasmine to follow her.

"Can you hear me?" a voice called out as Manuel Medina opened his eyes and
started to focus on the surroundings around him.The back of his head hurt
terribly as he grabbed for it.

"What happened?" he asked as he saw Police standing over him as well as
Medical personnel. "Ms. Carrera?"

"Don't try and talk" said another man kneeling over him "We need to get you to
the hospital."

Manuel sat up with the help of the man and then realized that Nancy had
knocked him out and escaped.

"She must have knocked me out.....Jasmine!"

"Please, Mr. Medina don't try and talk."

"Who are you?"

"Michael Fielding. Sorry we had to meet in such difficult circumstances."

"Do you know where they took my daughter?"

"Yes, we have a pretty good idea....but you need medical treatment now."

"No!" Manuel shouted "I'm fine!"

"What would Jasmine think if you got more hurt?"

Manuel then looked at Michael and then shook his hand.

"Then please, find my baby."

"We will, I promise." Michael responded, shaking his hand firmly.

"Down here! Hurry!" Cheyenne said to Jasmine as she pulled the Latina teen
down a corridor.

"We need to get out of here Cheyenne!"

"There's a way over......"

Just then a shot rang out from behind them and the girls let out screams.
Another shot bounced off the wall."

"Get them!" shouted a voice "Edwards...! Oh my God, he's going to shoot us
dead...!"

"There's no way out girls, give it up....now!"

Cheyenne pulled Jasmine down behind some large boxes and crouched silently.
The footsteps got closer as the girls were trapped. Suddenly Jasmine was
pulled out from behind the box by Martinez, as she screamed.

"Let me go! Hey!"

"Calm down Chica!" he sneered as he held a gun to her head. Jasmine closed her
eyes and tears flowed down her face.

"Okay squaw, show yourself, or your friend here dies."

"Oh my God.....we're going to die.....!" Jasmine dreadfully thought as she saw
Cheyenne crawl out from behind the box, the girls fate seemed sealed.....

MYSTERY AT NAVAJO PASS (CH 13)

Cheyenne crawled out from behind the box as Jasmine was being held at gunpoint
by Martinez. Just then Edwards showed up.

"I don't know how you two got loose, but it doesn't matter, we're going to end
this now."

As tears rolled down Jasmine's cheeks, Edwards roughly pulled Cheyenne to her
feet and held her in a tight grip.

"Please let us go....!" Jasmine pleaded as she was roughly pushed by Martinez.

"Shut up Chica!"

As the captors and captives reached the front of the warehouse, Nancy suddenly
appeared.

"Well it's about time!" Edwards said to her, not pleased that she was late
"What in hell took so long?"

"Her father" Nancy responded, looking at Jasmine and then returning her stare
at Edwards. Jasmine's eyes lit up at the glimmer of hope: at least her father
knew she was in trouble.

"What happened?" Edwards quizzed "Where is he now?"

"He pressed me for answers to his daughter's whereabouts....I didn't know what
to do...."

"You didn't tell him anything did you?" Edwards asked, his voice getting
angry.

"Of course not, but he then got a phone call....the only thing i got out of it
was he asked if he was Lori's father, whoever that is...."

Jasmine's mood brightened. "Thank God.....Michael Fielding talked to
papa!...."

"Well after that," Nancy continued "He wanted to call the Police....but i hit
him over the head with a two by four, knocked him out.....not sure if I killed
him or not.....Damnit Larry, I panicked.....this is gone terribly wrong."

Edwards and Martinez started chuckling. Jasmine covered her mouth as tears
started flowing from her eyes.

"Oh my God....Papa!"

"You did great my dear, I'm sure "daddy" won't be interfering anymore"

"You'll pay for this!" Jasmine screamed "All of you!"

Martinez grabbed the teen roughly and yanked on her ponytail.

"You best shut your mouth...now!" he ordered

"Okay, time to get rid of you two" Edwards interjected "Move it!"

Jasmine and Cheyenne were forced to walk to a back door. Once outside,
Martinez opened the van's doors. The two girls were roughly tossed inside.

"Tie them up again and I mean tight" Edwards ordered as he gave rope to
Martinez. Suddenly Police sirens filled the air.

"The cops!" Nancy yelled. Martinez pulled his gun and exited the van. One shot
took Martinez down as the Police had the warehouse surrounded. Nancy hid
behind a dumpster and covered her ears.

"Freeze Edwards!" a officer shouted. Edwards took a shot as he shut the van's
doors. He then jumped into the van and started it. Taking off quickly, Jasmine
and Cheyenne were thrown against the walls of the vehicle.

"I'm sorry i got you into this Jasmine" Cheyenne said as she re-gained her
senses.

"Don't worry about that....i can only pray that my father is okay."

The girls could hear Police cars chasing the van as it sped towards an unknown
destination. Just then they heard shots being fired towards it. Suddenly, the
girls felt the van moving in an awkward way, then starting to tip over!

"Hang on!" Jasmine screamed to Cheyenne as she covered her. Jasmine thought
back to her experience at soccer camp when she was in the van and it sped down
an embankment. Thankfully, the van came to rest easier than that experience.

"The Police must have shot the tires out." Cheyenne said as she heard voices
outside. Jasmine crawled over and banged on the door.

"Hey! In here! Help!"

The girls then heard somebody prying open the door.

"Oh my God," the officer said "Are you two alright?"

Jasmine nodded as she was helped from the van. Cheyenne was then helped out.
The girls then heard something that Edwards was killed by the Police trying to
flee. Jasmine's eyes lit up as she saw the familiar face of Michael Fielding
approaching. She ran and hugged him tightly.

"Mr. Fielding, thank God you believed me!"

"You were right Jasmine, everything we looked into came back to Edwards. I'm
sure we have enough evidence in that warehouse to clear your native friend and
put Ms Carrera away for a very long time."

Jasmine could see Nancy being escorted away from her hiding place. Jasmine
then got teary eyed.

"She said...that she...might...have..killed...." her voice trailing off as she
broke down.

"Your father is fine, but he's in the hospital with a knock on his head."

"Oh my God!" the Latina shouted as she hugged Michael. "Thank you!"

"I'm sure you want to see him?"

"Oh I'm sorry" Jasmine added "This is Cheyenne Whitefeather"

"Nice to meet you young lady." Lori's father replied "I'm sure we'll have you
cleared of all this mess."

"I don't know how to thank you Mr Fielding....and especially you Jasmine
Medina."

Cheyenne then hugged both of them.

"I'm sure my father would want to meet you."

"I would like that." Cheyenne replied.

Jasmine and Cheyenne arrived at the hospital accompanied by Mr. Fielding and a
few other officers. Michael led the girls up to Manuel's room. Jasmine cried
tears of joy as she saw her father laying in bed, his head bandaged up.
Michael nodded for her to go in. She wiped her tears and then their faces met.
Smiles then filled the room as the teen rushed to his bedside.

"Daddy!" she shouted as she leaned down and hugged him. "I thought i would
never see you again! And you got hurt because of it...."

"My baby...Jasmine, thank the good lord that you're okay, that's all that
matters. As for me, I have a hard head, you know that." he said smiling as he
gave her a kiss on the forehead. Jasmine could only laugh at his statement.

"Thanks to Michael Fielding, everything is fine."

Just then Michael brought Cheyenne into the room.

"Daddy, this is Cheyenne Whitefeather...Cheyenne this is my father, Manuel
Medina."

Cheyenne reached over and shook his hand.

"I am so sorry about all this Mr. Medina, but if it hadn't been for your
daughter, i would still be running. I am eternally grateful."

Cheyenne then turned and gave Jasmine a great big hug.

"Thank you for everything, but I think the Police want to talk to me, clear up
some things."

"Stop it, you're making me cry again!"

"I have an idea" Manuel announced "Why don't we all get together tomorrow for
lunch....i will cook out."

"But papa, you're here...in the hospital"

"They're releasing me later"

"It's a date then!"

Jasmine and Cheyenne smiled as they both felt fortunate to be alive, and not
only that, Cheyenne was a free girl once again.

THE END