It has been 2 weeks since I received the antidote for the ‘nowhere drug’. So far, everything appears to be quite normal, I feel good and there have been no side effects. “Hey Steve,” said Kat and Jennifer, “looks like you are back to normal again, so I guess this means you can take over the leader 1 position again.” They were both smiling as they said this at the same time. I turned to Sky who was sitting beside me.

“When did they start talking like that?” I asked her. “Talking like what?” asked Kat and Jennifer together. “Like that,” I said, “talking at the same time.” “I have no idea Steve,” said Sky, “this is something new.” “Anyway, you will be taking over again now, right?” they both asked. “Oh no he won’t!” exclaimed Samantha as she just came into the library to join us. “He will be on recovery for at least another 2 or 3 weeks,” she said.

“Actually, he should wait another 10 to 12 weeks,” said Carolyn, “just to make sure the antidote will last and not have any side effects.” “What?!” exclaimed Kat and Jennifer, “But that is 3 months!” “When did they start talking like that?” asked Carolyn. “That is what I have tried to find out,” I said, “without success.” “What is everyone talking about?” they both asked. “You two,” said Carolyn, “you talk at the same time.”

“That’s because we’re excited,” they both said, “it does that to us.” Just then Dawn entered the library. “Why are you two excited?” she asked, smiling. “We’re not excited,” they both said, “we’re just excited in the worried sort of sense. Samantha just said that Steve will be on recovery for another 12 weeks!” “12 weeks?!” responded Dawn, “but, but, that’s 3 months!” “Yes, and it might be longer if he doesn’t behave,” said Samantha. She then did some basic daily checks for temperature and blood pressure.

A little later Kat and Jennifer showed me a list they made up of things that need to be done for TJ. We have to give her a whole new identity for her protection. She has very long hair, down past the back of her knees, which is a real giveaway for Danielle. So it will have to be cut shorter, like the long hair on the other girls, that way she won’t stand out. She wears glasses and hates contact lenses, but we want her to wear contacts so we can change her eye color from green to blue.

Once she found out that several of our girls wear contacts, she was more open to trying it. At 5 foot one inch, she is our shortest team member, but there are a couple other girls that are only an inch or two taller, so that is not so bad. She is busy going through our testing and is doing amazingly well. Her mother had made sure to have the twins taught how to use a gun, just in case. It didn’t help them in the end, but it is helping TJ now. Kat and Jennifer have compiled a list of names for TJ to pick her new name.

If she doesn’t like any of them, we will try again. Once the name is chosen, then Annelie will give her a new life, going back to when she was born. We have done this for others on our team as well, even for Jennifer. “Looks like a good list,” I said, “now you just need to do what you think is best. And talk it over with TJ of course.” “And do it quickly, please,” said Annelie, “I need a name so I can give her the new identity she needs.” “Are you trying to order the leaders around?” they asked together.

“I really like how you do that,” I said. “How we do what?” they asked again. “Talking at the same time,” I said, “it will be a good addition to the Wildcats.” “But we’re not on the same team,” they said. “Hmm, good point,” I said, “well, maybe you could find a Wildcat that would work good with you.” They both sighed together too. They called TJ in to the library and she quickly picked out her name, which would be Jacquelyn. I told her to make sure, because that is the name she will have from now on.

She loved it apparently, so now Annelie could make up her life history. She was already wearing the colored contact lenses and she looked very nice with blue eyes, they look great with her blond hair. And she has had a haircut already too. “Steve, trouble is coming, I sense it clearly,” said Jennifer. “Against who?” I asked. “Not you this time,” she said, then she frowned, “it is for Cynthia.” “Where is she?” asked Dawn. “Playing with the cats,” said Aasta, “I just came from there, it is just wild in that room! I am worn out.”

“She needs protection girls,” I said. “Right, uh, who should I send?” asked Dawn. “It is danger coming now,” said Jennifer, “send Angel to guard her, and Astrid. Put backpacks on the cats.” “Just some of the cats would be good,” I suggested. “Oh, right, uh, which cats?” she asked, looking at me. “I’m sure you can make that decision Jennifer,” I said, smiling. “Fine, Storm, Tiia, Ginger, Bandit and Midnight,” said Jennifer. “Sounds perfect,” I told her.

Right then a limousine and two other cars arrived at our chateau. “Vlora, around to the front please, Red Alert,” said Kat. As men began to get out of the two smaller cars, Vlora and her team arrived, with guns ready. “Please remain by your cars and state your business,” said Dawn through a loudspeaker. Cynthia was able to hear everything too, that way she might be able to help us understand what is happening.

“Mr. Peter Adamson is here to retrieve his property,” said the man, “if you return his property now, there will be no trouble.” “How nice of him,” said Jennifer. Back in the cat playroom. “NO! No!!” exclaimed Cynthia, “Please Steve!! Don’t let him take me! Don’t let him take me!” We could hear Cynthia in the library so I sent Sky down to help her. “Cynthia doesn’t scare easily,” I said, “so this man must have done something terrible to her. What does her medical profile say?”

“Her initial medical was done by Dr. Kerstina,” said Annelie, “Samantha or Dr. Jorgenson would have to give permission to view it.” “Then get permission,” said Kat and she went outside to see this Peter Adamson. “What property are you talking about?” asked Kat. “Mr. Adamson wishes to talk with the leader of the Investigators,” said the man. “I am the leader, along with my sister,” said Kat, “now, answer my question, or leave.”

“I have her profile Jennifer, may I transfer it to Steve’s laptop?” asked Annelie. “Yes, do that,” she answered. “What is that up by her neck?” asked Jennifer. “That, my dear wife, is a brand,” I said. She looked at me. “Tell Kat, privately though,” I suggested. She did so right away. Kat was by the limousine now. Peter Adamson gave her a copy of his ownership papers. Kat tore them up and tossed them into the car.

“Get out of here now,” she said, “or you will be shot!” The man standing with Kat grabbed her arm. “Listen here lady,” he said, “you need a lesson in manners.” Kat flipped him onto his back and as he was getting up she gave him a hard kick to his head. “Take this body with you Adamson,” she said angrily, “now, be smart, leave and don’t come back.”

“You have made a big mistake young lady,” he said, “a very big mistake.” “I want to know everything about that man,” said Jennifer to Annelie. “On it already Jennifer,” she said. “We have had to deal with this before,” I said, “you can handle it again.” “That was a quick change from ‘we’ to ‘you’,” said Jennifer…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.