While Sky was outside screaming, very loudly, Snow had come and told them what was happening. They both ran to the library and talked to Baldwin. “We need permission to try our trial antidote on Sky,” said Patrick. “What guarantee comes with it?” asked Baldwin. “Zero guarantee,” said Patrick. “But without it, Sky will be dead in about 5 or 6 hours at most,” said Carolyn, through tears. “Then don’t stand there, get at it!” exclaimed Baldwin. He followed to the door so he could watch what happened.

Kristina called one of the guys from Team 4 over to help Patrick hold Sky down. He was a big man, which was good, because he could just hold Sky in place so Carolyn could give her the needle. Patrick was sitting on Sky’s legs. “If nothing else, this should calm her down quickly,” said Carolyn. Sky did calm right down, but was completely dazed, staring straight ahead and not talking. They led her back to her room and locked her up, but Crystal and Honey insisted on staying with her, as did Tiia.

They would call immediately if there was trouble. Carolyn also wanted to stay, but Kristina said no, she was needed to work on the antidote if this one did not work. So her and Patrick went back to the chateau and into the library just as Baldwin was mumbling. “General,” he said, “General what?” “Do you know a General?” asked Patrick. “We are trying to find out who this General is that seems to be running this town where our teams are at right now,” said Baldwin. Patrick frowned. “Try General Bess Henderson,” he said.

“Who is she?” asked Baldwin. “She used to be a General in the army, but she decided to retire at 45 to follow a personal enterprise she had been thinking about for a long time,” said Patrick, “it was an illegal enterprise and she took over some smaller players to grow big faster. She and Mr. B. do not exactly like each other. He could give you more information.” “Annelie, get me through to Mr. B.,” said Baldwin. “Yes Mr. B,” she said, “I will get you Mr. B. right away Mr. B.” “Will you please stop that?” he sighed. “But it is so much fun,” she said chuckling.

Meanwhile, back with Kat and the Wildcats. “Hmm, so this General is actually a woman, and a real General,” said Kat, “that is certainly interesting.” Just then Jennifer and her team arrived at the house. “Mr. Tucker,” said Jim, “some more of those Wildcats have arrived, 13 of them this time.” “Great, just what we need,” said Tucker, “that gives them Kat and with her 40 Wildcats, that is way too many of them. They probably could tear this town apart now.”

Unknown to Tucker, Mandar had sent 8 more men to Matt so that he now has 20 Knight Riders, plus himself. And he is coming back to visit with Tucker tonight. It is time for Tucker to make another “insurance” payment. It was a nice busy evening at Tucker’s place, even the Sheriff and two of his officers were there, not in a working capacity though. It was about 8pm when Matt and his Riders showed up and came walking in and over to Tucker’s table. “Good evening Tucker,” said Matt, “nice busy night I see, always nice to see that business is good. Who are your friends?”

“This is the Sheriff, and two of his officers, plus Weller whom I’m sure you remember.” “Well, let’s see, we need a couple more chairs here,” said Matt. Rock grabbed the two officers and threw them aside. “Nice of them to leave,” said Matt, “you can stay Sheriff.” The two officers were about to argue but the Sheriff shook his head. “What do you guys want?” said the Sheriff gruffly. “Oh, this does not concern you Sheriff,” said Matt, “I am just here to collect some insurance money from my good friend Tucker.” “Oh, you are the Knight Riders,” said Sheriff Stan, “well, you can just get up and ride out and never come back.”

“You know Sheriff,” said Matt, “you are getting a bit annoying. I said this does not concern you, that means in polite terms, keep your mouth shut. Now, what are you doing about the disappearance of Mr. and Mrs. Taber?” “Who are they?” grumbled Sheriff Stan. “Citizens of your not so fine town Sheriff,” said Matt, “and they also happen to be my grandparents.” Tucker’s eyes grew wide when Matt said that, knowing it was the old couple next to Sunrise’s house. He filled in that news to Sheriff Stan.

“Well, no one told me they had disappeared,” said Sheriff Stan, sounding more concerned now, “we have had a number of people disappear the last couple of days and I only have 10 officers after several retired, and I haven’t been able to fill their positions yet.” “Well, me and my boys are going to help you out with that,” said Matt, “because we are going to stay until we find them, and the people who kidnapped them and possibly killed them. And perhaps if you and your officers would work more and drink less, you might be able to find these people that have disappeared.”

Matt just stared at the Sheriff. “Well, yes, perhaps we should be on our way,” said Sheriff Stan, and he got up and left with the two officers. “Better be careful,” said Tucker, “you only have 2 more men than he does.” “I have 20 men now, plus myself,” said Matt, “and I can bring in more if necessary.” Tucker was not overjoyed by that news, now they have two new gangs in town, getting larger all the time, plus some other group or gang that has come along and stirring up trouble which is what has brought these gangs to town in the first place. What is going on here, he wondered?

“Now, about some insurance money,” said Matt. “Well, I never keep much money on the premises,” said Tucker, “since I only have that old safe in the basement.” “Well, let’s go see just what you might have down there,” said Matt. So, down they went, Matt, Tucker and Weller. Shortly after they went downstairs there were shots fired, so Rock and some of the others went running downstairs!

Meanwhile, back at the chateau. It was about an hour after Sky was given the antidote that she woke up, lying on her bed. “Where am I?” she asked as she looked around, “Crystal, Honey, what is going on?” “Do you remember me mom?” asked Honey as she sat beside Sky, who was also sitting now. “Well, of course I do Honey,” she said, “why would you ask me that?”

So Crystal and Honey explained what had happened, then they took her back to the chateau and into the library. After talking for a bit Carolyn and Patrick came in and joined them. Carolyn told Sky who she was and what had happened and she begged Sky to forgive her. Sky was very happy to do so. Now it was time to give the antidote to the others too and hope that it works well on all of them.

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.