Fortunately Mandar recognized the device, he had seen it before. He quickly asked Chung if he had a specific substance in his box of herbs. Chung quickly found what was needed and applied it the area where the device had been fixed onto my heart. Mandar waited for a bit to let things work, then… Meanwhile in the clinic everyone was waiting anxiously.

Suddenly an alarm sounded with the message, “Code A1 Down, Code A1 Down”. Jennifer fainted at the message while Carine, Sigurbjorn and Kristina fell to their knees with their heads down. John just stared straight ahead. “Steve is dead,” he said quietly. Then Rock got an urgent call from Chung to come out there immediately. Then another alarm with the message, “Code B2 Ready, Code B2 Ready”. “Benson, go!” yelled Baldwin.

Rock, John and Stanley also went out. Two cars were waiting and men jumped out and began shooting. The 4 of them returned fire as some of the girls also came out to join the fight. Rock and Benson kept going out to the operation tent. Three other men were out there shooting through the tent, but Rock and Benson, helped by Tuva and Sovia, took care of them quickly. Rock ran into the tent.

“Take Steve inside to the operating room!” said Chung, in unusual panic. Rock did so, going through the back door with Benson, Chung and Mandar. When Rock, and the others went in the operating room, Muffin jumped up and down at the door and Chung let her inside. Everyone waited. Some of the other attackers escaped in one of the cars. John, Stanley and Benson remained on guard.

Rock soon joined them. Mandar came out of the room and smiled. “Steve will live after all,” he said, “now if one of you would care to show me to Baldwin, I would be very grateful. Oh yes, I do know your Mr. B is Baldwin, we do know each other.” Angel stood up and took him to Baldwin. “I am sorry Baldwin, to step into your anonymity,” said Mandar, “but it really is not too hard to find out who you were, something you do need to remedy.”

Baldwin laughed. “I guess I do,” he said, “now, about Steve, you say he will live?” “Oh yes, Mr. Rock was very quick and efficient in transporting Steve to the regular operating room where we could get his heart beating once again,” said Mandar, “I could use a man like him in my organization.” “Sorry Mandar,” said Baldwin, “he is staying here, the cats would never forgive me if I let him go somewhere else.” Now it was Mandar’s turn to laugh.

“Those cats of yours, they are something else,” said Mandar, “especially that Muffin, a talking cat, who would ever think so?” Baldwin realized Mandar obviously did not know about the other two cats, so he was careful not to mention anything. “Chung can manage things on his own now,” said Mandar, “would it be possible to order some food?” “I could use some food myself,” said Baldwin and he called to the kitchen staff to see if dinner was ready yet.

“Oh, you have a kitchen here as well?”, asked Mandar, “wonderful! Oh, this device is not real, I noticed the mark in the corner, but it was attached to the heart with some sort of substance. Fortunately, that amazing Dr. Chung had just what was needed in his box of herbs. My wife was amused with Toledo’s work with these cruel devices, she called them beautiful, and she showed them all to me one time.

That is how I recognized this one. But just ripping it off would have caused irreparable damage to his heart.” “I am so happy you remembered that little detail Mandar,” said Baldwin. “I do tend to remember the strangest things,” he said. “Now, we just need to find this Toledo,” said Baldwin. “That may not be so easy, my good man,” said Mandar, “he is a kind of slippery fish, very hard to hold onto, even once caught. But, I will be happy to help you locate him.”

“We would all appreciate that,” said Baldwin. A light then flashes. “Ah, our meal is ready, shall we go?” said Baldwin. “A very good idea indeed,” agreed Mandar. Some of the team joined them, but others stood guard for now. Chung came out of the room.

“He is still not awake, miss Jenny,” he said, “now, as your doctor, I must insist that you eat something. You will be no good to Steve if you starve yourself.” He looked at her as sternly as he could. “Chung is right Jenny,” said Galyna, “time to eat, all is well now.” “Yes, you are right,” said Jennifer. Off they went to the dining room…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.