Jennifer had brought something new that Kat had invented, a new lightweight type of saddle that fits on our lion. That way one of the girls could ride the lion much like a horse, after all, it is big enough. This lion is about the size of a liger, which is a cross between a lion and a tiger and the offspring of such a union can get up around 1,000 pounds.

We weighed our lion and that is exactly what he weighs, plenty large enough to act as a horse in a pinch, like right now. The saddle weighs only 20 pounds and is soft and comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. Natasha is riding the lion since she is the healthiest of the 3 girls. Jennifer also brought some extra strong fabric and the guys cut some poles so they could make nice stretchers for the other 2 girls.

That makes it a lot easier for the guys to carry those girls and they can then walk much faster and stop less to rest. Around noon they did stop, however, and Rock was dreaming of some nice steaks, which of course they didn’t have with them. “Hey, there’s an old farmhouse down the road just a bit,” said Alizea, “maybe we can get some real food from them.” “Doesn’t hurt to ask,” said Kat.

So she, Sapphire and Carine went to see what they could find out. The rest followed along among the trees after crossing the road to the side with the farmhouse. Rock spotted an big, old truck in front of the barn and thought maybe they could borrow, or perhaps buy it, though it doesn’t look like it has moved for a long time.

The girls arrived at the back of the house where an older man and woman were working outside. Sapphire began to speak to them in fluent Russian and the older couple looked across the yard and saw the others among the trees. “You are the people who helped those young girls escape from the penal colony?” asked the woman.

“Yes, we are the ones,” said Sapphire, “but we are not here to hurt you, we were just wondering if you had some food that we could buy.” The woman looked at her husband. “If the police find out we helped,” said the man, “they will arrest us instead.” “So what, old man,” his wife answered him, “those young girls have done nothing and you know it, yet they end up in a penal colony. They are young, they need a chance at a decent life.”

“Okay, we help,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. The woman, plus our three girls, began making sandwiches from fresh baked bread and, real meat! She also gave the girls some cheese and two fresh pies. “I have to keep one for my man,” she said, “or he will grumble all week.” The girls laughed. While this was going on, Rock and Bear were helping the old man outside doing some chores that he was struggling with.

He could barely believe the strength of the two young men and he was so happy and thankful for the help they gave him. Unfortunately, that big truck didn’t have an engine, so that idea was shot down quickly. They were told a town was not too far away down the road and that they should stay away from it or risk getting caught.

Meanwhile, back at home. It was now evening and I haven’t heard yet from our team of rescuers since their noon visit with the older couple. It’s almost completely dark now so they should be stopping for the night soon. I was getting my evening massage but was exceptionally tired this evening. Perhaps too much worrying and not enough sleeping.

“I think we will have to stop so I can get to bed early Beryan,” I said, “I can just barely stay awake.” “Must admit, I’m nearly falling asleep myself Steve,” she replied, “so an early night is a good i..de..a.” She then fell over on top of me, however, I was already asleep and didn’t notice. Everyone in the room was now asleep actually, and that is not good.

“Take everyone, except this one,” said the head man, “I will leave her behind as a warning not to try anything stupid.” He then proceeded to beat her somewhat and left her on the floor. Then they all left with their prize and were long gone when Storm came to the door and meowed. But there was no answer. He then pressed his alarm button and the girls were at the bedroom quickly…but too late.

They found Beryan on the floor and yelled for others to go outside saying that I was gone, plus my bodyguards! Then they called for Samantha to come take a look at Beryan. Bridgette was there too and she came to check on the cats. Only Muffin, Azura and Ginger were in the room at the time this happened. Carolyn came up too and said the kidnappers used some type of gas to put us to sleep.

It didn’t take her long to identify it, something that could be helpful. A little later that evening several vans pulled up to a loading area at the airport, close to where a private jet was waiting. A man got out of the lead van, and others got out of the rest of the vans. “Hello Raven,” said a woman’s voice, “you have been busy tonight.”

“Well, look at this, Jazzy herself,” said Raven, “I heard you were running around again. How did you manage that one?” “I had nothing to do with it,” said Jazzy, “but someone with a lot of influence got all charges dropped, so they let me go. I wasn’t going to argue.” “Maybe the cops just wanted you out so they could follow you around and discover all your other enterprises,” joked Raven.

“If that’s the case, they will be very bored,” she replied, “now Raven, show me what you have there.” “Sorry Jazzy, this is my trip,” he said, and he went over to the back of the lead van. “Don’t move Raven, or you are a dead man,” said Jazzy calmly, “this is my territory and you know it. Now, what is inside?” Just then Raven and his men found themselves being surrounded by Jazzy’s men.

Raven looked around, then nodded to Jazzy. “Well done Jazzy,” he said, “you obviously know what I have in here, but how?” “When I found out you were here Raven,” she said, “I had you followed. I knew you must have something big planned. But I am a little surprised that you got away with it, considering that Steve is so well guarded these days.”

“I was a bit surprised myself that it went so easy,” said Raven, “but I used to own that house and lived in it for a few years before selling it to some guy named Mandar. I had some secret passages built into the place, and that helped out a lot. Plus my very own brand of sleeping gas. Unlike you Jazzy, I see big money in this guy, you just want him dead.”

“You don’t realize something Raven,” said Jazzy, “they don’t pay ransom for any team member, not even for Steve.” “That’s what they say,” said Raven, “but I bet they would pay and pay big to get Steve back.” “Well Raven, you are not going to find out,” she said, “now, since you did help me out before, I will let you go, this time. But don’t come back.

You chose to work for Lauren and she is now dead. If you come back then you will join her.” Raven said nothing in response to this, he and his men left quietly, boarded his jet and left for parts unknown. Before they left, however, Jazzy had her men check to make sure we were actually alive. Jazzy’s men had already loaded the coffins onto their truck and after Raven was gone Jazzy and her men left the airport…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.