All the men were visibly surprised when Kat and Rusty disappeared before their very eyes. We had all come out onto the porch, I did not want to stay hidden in the bedroom, especially after Annelie played back to me what Hope had been telling Alfred and Clarence in the van. I must admit, that bothered me. A lot. Hope was wrong though, and I wanted to prove that to her, somehow.

“Whoa!” said another man, “She has to be a ghost!” “I do not believe in ghosts!” shouted Les. “Well, people do not disappear like that Les,” said the third man. They were all looking around them to see where she went. “You men are in over your heads now,” I said, “you cannot kill a ghost, she is already dead. And so is her twin sister.” I then told Jennifer to go help Kat, so she went down to the men.

Les aimed his shotgun at Jennifer and pulled the trigger, but nothing happened. Then one of the other men did the same. “Didn’t you hear him?” she asked, “He said you cannot kill a ghost. I am already dead, and soon you will be too.” “Hi guys,” said a voice behind the men. They turned and there was Kat. “Okay,” she said, “enough playing, now you die!”

And she pointed at one of the men. He fell to the ground, dead. The other two backed up but Jennifer yelled at them and they turned around. She went into action, kicking one of those big guys 3 times, then a final kick to his head and he also fell to the ground, dead. “Drop your gun and get on your knees,” said Kat to the third man.

It looked like he was going to put his shotgun down, but instead he landed on one knee and aimed at Kat. But nothing happened. He then dropped his gun but Kat kicked him hard and he was dead. While this went on Les suddenly jumped into his truck and was off very quickly. Aari and a couple of the girls shot but he had bullet proof windows.

Aari shot one of the back tires, but he had dual wheels, so he just kept on going. I called Rock to let him know that Les was coming back, but he was alone so he may not stop. Rock said they would be ready just in case.

Meanwhile, in town, a large black limousine drove up and parked in front of the restaurant. A couple of other cars drove up as well. Alfred took Hope further back in the van and told her to lie down on the seat. Poor Hope, she was so scared she started crying again.

“I know you probably think I am just being a stupid little girl,” she said to the guys, “you big tough guys do not know what it is like being scared, but I am not big and tough, I’m just plain scared. I do not know what is going to happen with me…all I wanted to be was a little girl, not a little boy. Now I want to be a young woman, not a toy doll, not again, I won’t let it happen…” Her voice trailed off quietly.

Suddenly Alfred’s big hand clamped around her wrist as she lay on the seat with a large knife to her stomach. He took hold of the knife and she let it go. “Now you are being bad,” said Alfred, “and after I rescued you too.” He then started talking to her about his family, sharing how his daughter used to sit on his lap, put her head on his shoulder and cry.

She did that up until she was 15, that was when the gang Alfred had left, killed his wife and two kids. He had wanted to give them a better life away from gangs. She soon had her head on his shoulder, crying. Meanwhile, inside the restaurant. A large, older gentleman with a cane came walking in with 5 other men and sat down with Uncle Matt, Bear and Buck. Penny brought him a cup of coffee.

“Thank you my dear,” he said, “she knew just what I needed.” “Who are you old man?” snarled Bear, trying to sound tough. “It seems to me, my man,” he said, “considering the position you are in, that you would be much nicer. One word from me and someone would have to carry you two out of here.” “Mr. M, this is Bear, and that is Buck,” said Uncle Matt.

“Very unusual names,” said Mr. M, “now, let’s get down to business. You two and your gang of Creepers are presently looking for a treasure, whether it exists or not is pure speculation. Nearly one hundred years ago a large shipment of gold and silver bars, plus silver coins, was stolen and the shipment never recovered, so far as we know.

Although a large amount of gold and silver bars was found in the possession of a gang of thieves much further south in this province back in 1946, some 15 years after the robbery. However, since the bars were not marked and were a different size, it could not be determined if they were from the same theft.

Local legend says it was brought up here and hidden in an underground mine which no one has located, until now. But, obviously the treasure was not found, or you would not be here. Now, in order for you to leave here alive, we want 40% of this treasure, if it exists.” “That is a lot of money,” said Bear, still growling a bit. “And how much is your life worth?” asked Mr. M…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.