It was a beautiful day and we were all outside enjoying the sunshine. Well, almost all of us. Baldwin was on a plane returning from business in New York. Rock, Annelie and John were in the city waiting for him to return. They had gone early so they could do some shopping. Well, Annelie wanted to do some shopping anyway. Benson was here, actually talking with Carine. Benson was slow getting started, but once he finally noticed Carine, things went quickly.

They are now engaged and planning out where they will go on their honeymoon. The wedding is just 2 weeks away. Mandar is here visiting. He had business to do in Paris, so he decided since he was in the neighborhood, he would stop by and visit. He must come from a very large neighborhood. The cats are busy running around chasing dragonflies and having lots of fun. I was sitting talking with Mandar. “You know Steve,” Mandar began, “I am still waiting for that invitation you promised me.”

I smiled. “Well, you did get an invitation to Benson and Carine’s wedding,” I said, “what else is there?” “Oh my good man,” he said, “you know what I mean. After all, Sky is a very beautiful woman and I hear she is a great cook. What more do you want?” “Well, it is not that easy,” I said, “I mean, she might not really be interested. I am older and…” “Such feeble excuses,” he said shaking his head, “it is quite obvious she loves you and 9 years is hardly being ‘older’. I am older, you are not.”

I smiled again. “Well, I will let you in on a secret,” I said, “we are engaged, but we just have not said anything yet.” “Well then, why are you waiting?” Mandar said with a huge smile, “get married tomorrow and I will not have to make another trip.” That got me laughing. I then called everyone to gather around, and I announced that Sky and I were engaged. There were loud squeals and cheers. “Hey Steve,” said Benson, “we could have a double wedding!”

It was hard to believe that Benson would actually be saying those words. I looked at Sky. “Not a bad idea,” she said to me, “but then Mandar would have to make another trip.” He laughed. “I will gladly make another trip,” he said. Then he called his men together and they left to head back to the city. Right as they left, someone else came through the gate while it was still open. “Now who is this?” I asked. The cars stopped, one of them was a police cruiser. I suddenly became rather concerned. A lady in this first car turned and looked out her window.

Poor Sky, I thought she was going to die on the spot. “That is Carole Ann,” said Sky, “she wants me! She will have Josh with her, he is a killer, he fights dirty and never loses.” I never heard Sky talk so fast or look so scared. “Angel, Galyna, take Sky into the library,” I told them, “take Storm with you. Muffin, MC, get your backpacks on and stay in the hallway and let no one come through the door except our own team.” They all ran in the back door and into the library. The cats got their backpacks and went into the hall, except for Storm who stayed in the library.

“Everyone is in,” said Carine. I speak into my phone, “Code A 1.1.” Suddenly steel doors closed on the library and steel shutters on the windows. “Time to see what they want,” I said to the others. Carole Ann came out of her car with Josh, and the police got out of their car. There were 3 of them, plus 3 other men in a third car. “Where is Sky!” demanded Carole, “I have a warrant for her arrest!” “Why do you have it?” I said, “the police should be serving the warrant, not you.”

“Look, I came here for Sky, and I want her now!” she yelled loudly. “Get back in your cars and leave now,” I said, “you will not get Sky, period. But I will look at that warrant.” She handed it to Josh. “Give it to him,” she said. He came over to me and handed me the warrant. I reached out to take it and he grabbed my arm pulling me toward him, putting his knee in my stomach. Then he picked me up and slammed me down with my back against his knee.

I fell to the ground screaming, then lay silent. Sigurbjorn jumped at Josh to kick him, but he grabbed her leg, picking her up and slamming her onto the ground. Crystal tried too and knocked Josh down, but he was up fast. She kicked him on his side, but he barely moved. He then grabbed her leg and flung her around crashing into the wall of the chateau. Tracy pressed Code A and Code A1. That got through to Mandar as well. “Get this car turned around and head back to the chateau,” he yelled. They did so, but…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.