Well, that should be the end of the tracking devices, but, we need to keep one in operation at least or they will know we are on to what they are doing. “For now we will keep this tracking device going that Mr. Cat just found on the truck,” I said, “since we don’t know which group is using that one. One, or both, could be tracking us with my phone, but we need a phone right now.” Lena just looked at me. I could tell what she was thinking, why did her phone have to be the one to get destroyed? “You still don’t trust me, do you?,” she asked. “Sorry Lena,” I said, “but right now everyone seems to know what we are doing before we do it. They may have been listening through your phone.” “They could listen through your phone too,” she said rather calmly. “No,” I said, “I have that taken care of so it can’t happen.” Lena just looked at me again. I don’t think she really believed me, but it is true.

She could also be passing on information deliberately, I just don’t know. Hmm, I wonder. “Mr. Cat, come over here for a minute,” I said to him. Both cats came running over so I asked Lena to watch out the window. “Is your collar working okay?”, I ask him. Meow.=Yep, everything work good, I check it out, no problems. “Good,” I said, “now Muffin, let me look at your collar.” She comes over and I take her collar off and check everything. Hmm, look at that, this little device has been tampered with which means anything we say within range of this will automatically go to someone. Does it go to Sabine, or does it go to the police? This would certainly explain why the police could find us so easily, and know what we are doing, so quickly. I go and put it outside and then let everyone know what I just found.

Meow,meow?=You need to give apology now? Sigh. “Yes Muffin,” I said, “I’m sorry Lena, but this case is a bit different than most and it’s starting to get me.” “That’s okay,” she said, “I’ll forgive you this time.” Meow?=You need wake up chomp? He looks at me with half closed eyes. I know what he’s getting at. Meow,meow.=There, that better, a hug and kiss make things okay again. Meow.=Yep, but he kind of slow sometimes. Meow,meow.=Sigh, yep, he is. Giggle, giggle. “Are they talking about me again?”, asked Lena. “No, I think they’re talking about me, and maybe us,” I said. Lena blushes again. “Okay,” I said to everyone, “I’m going to leave for a bit and you will all stay here, that way no one will know I’m gone. You can do everything normally, just don’t mention I have gone anywhere, except maybe outside.”

“Where are you going?”, asked Lena. “To find the nearest town,” I said, “do you know where the closest larger town might be?” “Yes, turn right at that intersection we were at before,” said Lena, “it’s only about half an hour down that highway.” “Good, then I won’t be gone long,” I told them, “you cats make sure you watch carefully and don’t let anyone harm Lena.” Meow,meow.=Don’t worry, we do good job, you be careful, not like you going by yourself. Meow.=Yes, maybe one of us go with you. “No, Mr. Cat,” I said, “I need to do this myself.” I put Muffin’s collar back on her and left the other tracking device behind, as well as my phone, that way they will think we haven’t gone anywhere, and I’ll be able to find out if they are actually watching us as well.

Off I went and quickly got to the intersection and so far no one is following me. But instead of turning right like Lena said, I kept going straight ahead. It took about 45 minutes to find another town and I stopped at a small restaurant to get some food to bring back with me. I also noticed a small car for sale. Fortunately I had enough cash on me to buy it and soon I was driving back to the others. I also picked up a road map of the area. Everyone was happy to get the food, and while we were eating I took Muffin’s collar and my phone and destroyed them with that big old hammer, the other tracking device I just left in the building. “Now they can’t track us,” I said, and off we went to a new location. And the beginning of our plan…

To Be Continued.

©2021 Steve McLeod.