I called Rock to see how things were where they were staying. He said only light snow at their location, but where the girls were they could get up to 3 feet of snow. That is a lot, they would be stuck out there for a long time. The mountain road is not a high priority road, so it can take days sometimes to get plowed. 

The man from town does not plow the main road, but would come out as soon as possible to plow out the road on the property to the house. I tried calling Sky, but there was no service available. Perhaps the storm is affecting things. ”Hey Mr. B, I thought our phones would work most anywhere now,” I said. ”Most anywhere is the key,” he replied, “there are still a few dead areas around.” 

“Naturally, and the girls are in one such area,” I said. They are well equipped though, so they should not have any problems, and since the cats have not called, then everything must be okay. It is a large 3 story house, but only half of the top floor has any furniture, all covered in white sheets. The other half of the top floor is locked and Dawn had no key for the door. 

Unfortunately they did forget to bring lockpicking tools for Storm, or he could have unlocked it easily. The girls had a nice fire going in the fireplace and heater, plus the stove in the kitchen, so they were quite cozy and not really concerned. That is, except for one thing, why did their vehicles not work? Kristina did not say anything, but her and the cats took turns that night keeping watch, just in case they had visitors. 

Meanwhile, back home it was an easy, relaxing day for us all. Most of the girls were enjoying some swim time in our large pool, the remainder were inside reading upstairs in the small library. Mac and Matt were out back with Tiger and Rusty. Annelie, Aasta, Kat and myself were in the main library talking. Muffin and Snow were with us too. 

Baldwin was away on a business trip. We heard someone drive up to the house, so Kat went to check. ”Aasta’s brothers are here to talk with her,” she said. Aasta looked at me and I could tell she was afraid. ”Do I have to talk with them Steve?” she asked. ”No, you certainly do not,” I said, “I will go talk with them and tell them to leave.” 

“No, wait, I, I will go with you,” she said, still looking scared. ”Snow, go find Mac and Matt, tell them there is trouble,” I told her. Off she went as fast as her little legs would run. Muffin came with us, as did Kat. I told Annelie to just watch from inside. ”Hold my hand?” asked Aasta. ”Of course, my sweet,” I said smiling. She relaxed when I said that. 

Her brothers were standing by their car like Kat had told them. We went onto the steps. ”What do you want?” I asked. ”We just want to take Macie (Aasta’s old name) out for lunch in town and talk,” one said. ”I do not want to go anywhere with you two,” she said firmly, “I do not trust either of you.” ”There is your answer,” I said, “so you can leave now.” ”Hey, we have something here for dad,” they said, holding up an envelope. 

“He is not here right now,” I said, “but I can give it to him when he returns.” Kat went down to get it. Aasta just looked at me shaking her head “no”. ”They are great pics of Macie that she gives to all her boyfriends,” said one of them, “she has had lots of boyfriends before you. Has she told you about them? She has been running around with guys for years.” 

“That is a LIE!” she yelled back, squeezing my hand. ”You should look at those pics too boyfriend,” they said, “then you can see what that thing really is like. That thing is just a good for nothing…” ”SHUT UP!” I yelled, then turned to Aasta, “stay here my sweet, while I get a little closer to your brothers.” ”No, Steve, don’t,” she said with a very worried look. 

But I was already going down the stairs. When I got to them I reminded them that I had told them to leave. ”I do not like to repeat myself,” I said, “so leave, now.” ”Kat,” said Aasta, “they will kill Steve, they are both tops in martial arts.” ”Muffin,” said Kat, “stay with Aasta.” ”Make me boyfriend,” said the one brother. 

Before Kat got down the second brother kicked me hard in my lower back. I yelled loudly and fell. Kat was there quickly then and second brother was kicked hard, twice, falling against the car. My yell alerted the girls at the pool and they came running into the house and to the front door. 

Three other men were hiding behind the car and jumped up to shoot. Kat had the first brother down in two kicks as well. Aasta got one man, Muffin tried but missed, then Mac and Matt each got one. Five of the girls quickly took me to the clinic. Mac followed behind in another car…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.