Poor Baldwin, he was quite upset that we hired Candace and then refused to punish her properly for what she did. I thought that cleaning the kitchen for two weeks is quite fitting punishment though, one week for each time she called me a stupid fool. And cleaning our big kitchen each day is not exactly an easy task. 

Candace was so happy that she would be allowed to join our team that she began her other punishment that Sky gave her, right away. She even gave me a kiss on the cheek, which I thought was quite nice. But Sky whispered something to her after that and her eyes got quite big and she said, “Really? Like for real?” ”Yes, for real,” said Sky smiling. 

I then told her to get going so they could be back by lunch time. Off they all ran and went back to her base to get her belongings. Then I saw Tracy come back inside. ”Tracy, you were supposed to go along too,” I said. ”I hope you do not mind,” she said, holding her stomach, “but I suddenly started feeling sick, so I asked Aasta to take my place.” 

“Kerstina, Astrid, Sapphire and Cinnamon,” I said, “take Tracy to the clinic right away.” Off they went in a hurry. ”I do not like that sudden sickness,” I said. I called Li Jing to let her know what happened and to check her for poison first. Just then the guys arrived. ”Where have you been?!” she yelled again, “Did you forget the meaning of Code Red Attack? You should have been here at 6am!!” 

“We got no warning call,” said Mac. ”Matt, you and Bouncer put that system in place so check it out and fix it,” I said, “I want to know why it is not working.” They went to check it right away. ”The rest of you are on guard duty until Team 8 arrives at 4,” I said, “tell Team 7 they are off duty and can come in for breakfast.” ”Um, we have not had breakfast either,” said Sten. Sky frowned at him. 

“Um, we can eat later,” he said and they all went outside. ”Some of you girls take coffee and donuts out to those guys,” I said. Right then Felina fell to the floor groaning, then Annelie did too. I called Cinnamon to come back right away after dropping off Tracy to pick up these two. She said Sapphire fell sick on the way to the clinic as well. 

“I do not like this,” I said, “what did they eat that the rest of us did not eat?” ”Mushrooms,” said Annelie groaning. ”Where is Rock?” asked Sky. ”Bedroom,” said Annelie. ”ROCK!!” yelled Sky. There was a loud crash. ”What was that?” asked Baldwin. ”He was in the shower and broke the glass doors,” said Annelie. ”Again?” asked Baldwin, “that is 4 times in 2 months!” 

“Sky, call Alfred to get a car ready,” I said. ”ALFRED!” she called out, “Get a car ready right away, 2 more patients for the clinic!” Alfred arrived inside quickly after getting the car. He carried Felina out while Rock carried Annelie, then off they went. ”Storm,” I said, “come here.” 

He came sliding into the library landing against my leg. ”Who checked the food this morning?” I asked, “You are in charge.” Meowr.=Me check food, all okay. ”Did you check the mushrooms too?” I asked. Meowr?=What is much brooms? Sky brought him into the kitchen. EEEK!! All the other cats came sliding into the library when they heard Storm scream… 

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.