For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
After Friskie identified herself, then I could understand why I didn’t recognize her. People change a lot over the years and since she was only 10 years old back then when I used to babysit her and now she’s an adult, that’s a big change. It was 12 years ago and she was just 17 when her daughter was born. “What is your daughter’s name?” I asked. “You should know the answer to that,” said Friskie, “don’t you remember what I told my big superhero?” That is what she always called me. “That would mean her name is Steffie,” I said smiling.
“Yes!” she exclaimed, and gave me a kiss, “Now, you have all the information, you know where to find me and it’s time for you 3 to go back to sleep. Please don’t tell anyone I was here.” “I have to tell my team,” I said, “they will want to know how I got this information.” “Yes, guess that’s true,” she said, “but please don’t let Jazzy’s men know, they work for Mr. Schultz.” “That’s good to know,” I said, thank you, and don’t worry, we’ll get Steffie.”
“Please be careful Steve,” she said, “I want my daughter back, but I want my superhero to come back as well.” Then she opened the bedroom door and left. I still don’t understand how she got into Jazzy’s house, which is locked, and into our bedroom, which is also locked. And what about my bodyguards? They just slept through all of this? I looked over at them, it certainly looked like they were sleeping peacefully. I tried communicating with Jennifer, though I figured she would be sleeping too, after all, why not? I still don’t understand why our ghosts need to sleep, but, there are a lot of things I don’t understand.
Amazingly, she answered me right away and asked what was wrong. So I told her about my visitor and how she somehow managed to get in here undetected. Jennifer then told Kat who was staying with her tonight. Apparently Kat wasn’t too happy about my bodyguards sleeping through all of this, so she told me what to do about it. Oooo, so sneaky, but fun! I whispered to Snow and Sir Night and their little heads were bobbing up and down with delight. Snow has the loudest screech, so she led the way. SCREECH!!
That definitely worked! Celestine was awake and had her gun out remarkably fast! Sky and Angel were up and standing, looking around. “What happened?” asked Celestine, “Why did Snow screech like that?” Meowser= “To wake up sleepy guards of bodies.” Meowy= “Yep, everyone sleep through intruder time.” “What? What intruder?” said Sky, “Where did he go?” “He, I mean, she, left already,” I said, “but she was here for 20 minutes and no one woke up, except Snow and Sir Night.”
“And why didn’t you wake me my darling Sir Night?” asked Celestine. Meowser= “Intruder cemetery ghost not want us to wake up sleepyheads.” Meowy= “It cemetery waitress ghost now.” Meowser= “Oh, that right, me forget.” Meowy= “That okay, easy mistake.” “Um, may I say something?” Celestine asked the cats. They look at her nodding yes. “Thank you, now, since when do you listen to intruders?” she asked, “You wake us up, just like you did now or no more treats for a month!” “Now that’s not nice,” I said, “the intruder was the waitress, she had arranged to come and visit me.”
“And you expect us to believe you?” asked Sky, “How could anyone get in here with the bedroom door locked, and without waking Angel and I?” “Steve is right,” said Angel, “the waitress was here, I can smell her perfume.” “I don’t smell anything,” said Sky sniffing. “Neither do I,” said Celestine. I then told them what Friskie had said to me. “That Schultz better not hurt that little girl,” said Sky, “or he will certainly regret it and I will be the one to make sure he does!!” Then she suddenly disappeared, but she returned quickly with Kat and Jennifer.
“Where are those other two miserable guards?” asked Kat. “Kristina is on duty guarding Jazzy like I told her,” I said, “since Jazzy’s bodyguards are working for Schultz. And Kitty is guarding the other cats, plus her roommates, like I told her. I don’t want to lose anymore cats.” “Oh, okay,” said Kat, then looking at the others, “and Celestine is off the hook too since her role is being Steve’s wife, not his bodyguard. As for you two, what is your excuse?” “Um, we didn’t hear anything?” said Sky, trying to produce a weak smile.
“It’s not their fault either,” I said. “Hey, you’re not supposed to help them,” said Kat, “they messed up big time, that waitress could just as easily killed you as talk with you.” “But somehow she was able to get in here, through locked doors,” I said, “and make sure that no one heard her or heard us talking together. How did she do that? Unless she is also a ghost.” “Right,” said Angel, “that must be it, she’s a ghost, and that’s one of her abilities!” “Makes sense to me,” I said. “Me too,” said Celestine.
“But if she’s a ghost, and can go wherever she wants,” said Jennifer, “then why does she need us to get her daughter back?” “Well, it’s possible that she can’t pass on her abilities to her daughter like you ghosts can,” said Celestine, “like Sky here can take anyone flying all over, but the rest of you can’t do that.” Kat and Jennifer were silent for a few minutes. “What was the little girl’s name?” asked Jennifer quietly. “Steffie,” I said, “and I think we need to get her quickly before Schultz hurts that little girl, if he hasn’t already.” “If he has hurt Steffie,” said Jennifer, “then he will die, and I will personally take care of that!”
“I’m first in line for that duty,” said Sky. Then Jennifer stared at her, or is it glared at her? “Right after you, I meant,” said Sky. Since Sky had not been to Mr. Schultz’ place of residence before, they needed Sherry to drive them, and they were soon on their way. “They” referring to Sherry, Kat, Jennifer and Sky. Oddly enough, Mr. Schultz actually lived here in Bremen even though his main business was in Berlin. Well, that was his legitimate business anyway, although in this instance I don’t think any business of his could be rightly called legitimate.
It still took them about half an hour to get there. Arriving, they discovered a high stone wall around his house with a big, iron gate blocking the driveway. They decided to leave the car on the street with Sherry, while the three ghosts jumped over the wall. Jennifer took the others through the door and upstairs they went, invisible so they wouldn’t set off any alarms. They went to the room that Steffie should have been in, but she wasn’t there, so they went to Friskie’s room and she, likewise, was not in her room.
So, they just went from room to room finding most empty, but some had people though not who they wanted. Back downstairs they went thinking they had been sent on some wild chase, but why do that? Then they heard a scream which sounded like it came from the cellar, but where is the cellar door? Sky suggested it was likely in the kitchen, so they went to look and the cellar door was open, so down they went. They couldn’t believe what they saw!
Schultz was there with an old fashioned, and very hot, branding iron, which he was about to use on the little girl! Two men were holding Friskie who was pleading with Schultz not to do it. Suddenly Schultz couldn’t move his arm, Jennifer was holding it. Then Kat took the branding iron from him while Sky appeared behind the two men holding Friskie and electrocuted them. “Little boys shouldn’t be playing with such dangerous things,” said Kat, “you might get burned.”
Jennifer turned him around and bent him over while Kat used the branding iron on him. It burned right through his pants easily and he yelled loudly! “That’s where you planned to brand this little girl,” said Kat, “now you know what it feels like.” Sky then grabbed Friskie and Steffie and disappeared while Kat and Jennifer ran back to the car and off they drove, fast!
To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.
It is a mystery how Friskie got into your room. She either has special keys or knows how to disappear. she did exit through your bedroom door and kissed you on the cheek many times. She may be in another dimension.but she is definitely your mystery woman. Why didn’t your ghostly bodyguards wake up? Maybe they felt she was friendly and there was no need to awaken. However, her information that she gave will save lives.Schultz and Koffman have a way of involving themselves in situation that endanger Steve and many others. There is a need to be aware and awake, if this war is to be won.
Friskie is rightfully concerned about her young daughter. The Investigators have no time to spend on accusations towards the guards, they need to do a rescue. Love that Schultz got branded with his own brand.. Glad Sky took Friskie and Steffie away from the tormentors.
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We will soon find out how Friskie did get in, it seems like she might be a ghost, but then why open the door to leave? And how did she open it without unlocking it? Strange things indeed. Yes, she is the mystery woman, the cats knew her right away. Friskie did give me some important information so now we know who we are up against and we do definitely need to stop Schultz and Koffman.
Yes, the rescue was more important than fighting over what my guards did wrong and fortunately the rescue went smoothly and quickly. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be more problems coming our way from Schultz and the Dog Dragons. It was right that Schultz should be branded the same way that he was going to brand little Steffie. 🤔👩👻😼🕵️♂️
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Wow! That didn’t take them very long! Now I wonder what ol’ Schultzy will do now? (Not sit down for awhile!🤭)
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Yep, we got them quickly, well, the ghosts did. Mr. Schultz didn’t have a chance against Kat and Jennifer. Yes, I imagine he will need a soft cushion to sit on for a while! However, this is not finished yet.🤔👩👻😼🕵️♂️
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Now he wants to kill everybody! 🙄 What bone head! I don’t think his elevator quite makes the top floor if ya know what I mean??🤭
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Well, these guys don’t like to be pushed around and they don’t like to lose, so, they do the only thing they can do, kill or hurt.
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Very true..
Do you ever wonder how people get your phone number or email address? It freaks me out sometimes. Makes wonder if I’m actually texting or chatting with the person I’m expecting on the other end.🤔
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Oftentimes they get it from others because a lot of apps require access to a person’s contacts or you can’t use the app. And, an individual can pay to get a person’s phone number, landline or mobile number.
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Well, I get texts from women ( Asian mostly) saying they are a friend of someone I know but who I don’t have their contact info in my contacts list. So how does that work? And then they send pictures of themselves. Why? It makes no sense.
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I had that problem once too, only it was emails with photos and I finally had to get a new email because of it. Gmail said that someone likely used my email to access some sites. I started getting phone calls too and had to get my phone number changed because it got so bad.
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Yeah, eell it makes me concerned for my friend who’s rather a private person. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to just put up with it for now. Thankfully it doesn’t happen often as it was anymore.
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This just came through, at least I was just notified of it. Sigh. Yeah, if it’s not that bad just ignore it, sometimes these things just stop after a while if they don’t get any attention.
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Okay, you convinced me. So what’s going on with you this weekend?
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Not much, I’m still sorting through stuff and getting rid of things, nearly done though.
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That’s good to hear. I’ll bet that’ll be a relief when you’re finished.😀 I’m not looking forward to having to move all my stuff from up north, although much of it has already been gone through so it’s just loading it up and transporting it.
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That’s the way to do it, get it transplanted.
Well, time for me to sign off again, but I’ll be back on the morrow! Have a good night! 😴
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Good Night 😴 🥱 🌃 🌙 ✨️
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Good morning Dusty! How’s things today?
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Howdy pardner! Hey, what’s going on?? Sorry I’m tardy on my reply. I kinda ate supper and then took a shower 🚿 so I can be around people tomorrow morning at the air field.
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How do you kinda eat supper? Seems like you either eat or don’t eat kind of situation. It was sunny and 12 degrees today again, nice weather.
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Well, I had an apple and some corn chips with Frito Lay cheese dip!😋 oh yeah, i had a popsicle!
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Hmm, apple is fruit, corn chips is vegetable, cheese is dairy and a popsicle is water. Sounds healthy to me.
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I like your thinking!!🤭
So, what did you do today?
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Did I do something today? I did my exercises. Put up a couple of pictures on the wall. Rearranged some of my plants. Did the church bulletin. Did some writing. Tried having a nap, didn’t work. Other than that I didn’t do anything today.
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Did you ever! Wow I wish I could be so efficient! Nice day. We’re you bored?🤔
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Yeah, a little, that’s the problem with not having much to do some days.🙃
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Yeah, I remember those days. They’re not fun. But, they do allow one sometime to clear your mind, meditate 🧘♂️ although I’m sure you’ve been doing some of that already. How are you getting along without Muffin?
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I’m still finding it hard without Muffin around. Sigh. Eventually I will get used to it.
Well, the boredom only lasted about 15 minutes, so that’s not so bad. But it helped to get a number of little things done today.😊
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I’m happy to hear the boredom passed quickly.
Have you considered another cat? It won’t be the same, but it could still be a companion.
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I have thought about it, but I’m not sure it would be a good idea considering my health.
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I understand that. Are you going out to Church tomorrow or watching from home?
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I’m hoping to make it out though right now my back is sure bothering me a lot. But I’m usually feeling better mornings so will have to wait and see. It is supposed to be milder tomorrow so that should help too.
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Good, it’s important to keep as active a schedule as you can. It gives you something to look forward to. I hope the weather turns for the warmer soon. I mean it’s almost getting to be mid February for Steve’s sake!🙄 It gotta start soon!
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Yep, next week is supposed to be very nice, then it’s supposed to turn cold for a couple of weeks again, though not as cold as before. Only another 2 and a half months to go! Yip Yip Yahoooo!
Well, got to sign off and get to bed early, I was up at 4:30 this morning, much too early. Have a good night Dusty, talk tomorrow!😴
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Alrighty 😁
Have a good night’s sleep 😴 💤 Itll probably be later in the day when I’m online.
TTYS
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Howdy Dusty, how went the flying today?
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Hi Dusty! You around this evening? Did you go flying yesterday?🤔
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Yes, I went to go flying. Unfortunately I didn’t get to fly though. I had an issue with the wheels and it caused the plane to nose over on the runway as I began to taxi out and it destroyed the wooden propeller and I didn’t have a spare. Oh well…🙄 I still had fun visiting with the other Fliers. How about you? Did you make it to church?
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That’s too bad about your plane, hope it’s an easy fix. Yep, made it to church yesterday and went shopping this morning. It rained overnight though so everything was coated with ice. It was treacherous walking around. I had to be super careful out there.
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No doubt! Ice? That’s dangerous stuff, but I’m glad you made it safely to and from and grocery shopping. You’ve been very active lately.
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I’ve been active? Really? I must be sleeping through it. Maybe those massages are helping.
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As far as the plane goes I spent the afternoon at a club members shop attempting to resolve the issue. I think it will. Although props aren’t cheap to replace.
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Hey two at once, how’d you manage that?
Call the company, complain about a broken prop! Spending an afternoon fixing it doesn’t seem like an easy fix to me.🤔
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I know they’d help me!😅 But yes! You are active considering the weather this past month. I know it would have kept me pretty sedentary.
So, what’s up for this week? Are you gonna be doing any projects or day trips out and about?
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I was sort of planning on a walk to the river this week but it’s supposed to be cloudy all week, I want a sunny day. Plus it’s actually a bit too warm so the path would be hard to walk on, my feet would keep sinking and slipping. Sigh.
Yeah, I had a terrible sore neck for a couple of days, then one of the girls massaged it so nicely and I neck has been fine since.
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Well, all I can do is replace the prop. The wheel and landing gear are the two things that were worked on.
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That’s great! I could sure use a nice neck massage. After having had it fused it can get really sore some days when the weather is changing mostly in the cold.
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Yeah, that changing weather can be real bad for that. My nurse was just here, just a quick visit tonight, only needed to check my blood pressure and massage my feet for a bit.😊
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Nice!! Where do I sign up?? You guys up there get all the good stuff!😒
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Perhaps, but I do have to pay for it though. Well, part of it anyway. It is nice though, it’s a program available only to seniors, 55+.😊
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It is a nice offering you though. Even if it costs. I think I would pay.🤔
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Beside the nurse there is someone to come in and clean, wash dishes, take out the garbage and make breakfast and lunch. The whole package costs $125 per month.
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What??😲 That’s a great deal!
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Yeah, I thought so too. Just one massage at our clinic costs $80.
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Yeah no kidding. I’ve never been to a massage place I’m guessing they’re very relaxing.
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I have only been to one place, we have four in town. I’m not sure I would call it relaxing though, it’s more relaxing here at home.
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I can understand that. And you don’t have to go out in the cold! That’s the best part!
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Yes indeedy oh! Well, guess it’s time to sign off again. Have a good night Dusty, talk again tomorrow!😴❄️
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Pleasant Dreams 😴
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