Tracy and Engla said they did not have much information, that was not quite true. There is a small airport near that town, long closed down and it only has one short, dirt landing strip. Too short for our jet, but the pilots managed to land that jet. Apparently they told the girls it was like a large magnet stopped the jet at the end of the dirt runway.

Then a huge door opened up in the ground before them and the ground the jet was sitting on tilted upward and the jet was brought underground to a huge room. That is why no wreckage was found by that search plane. The pilots had been taken off one way and the girls, with the cats, went the opposite direction down a large corridor.

Tracy said there must have been a hundred people working down there, but what they were doing she had no idea. That phrase, “when we were kids” still kept going through my mind. What was it all about? I just could not remember. Just then Kat and Catalina came to the door and Jennifer let them in. “All done Steve,” said Catalina, “all you have to do is say the word.”

“If I do happen to say that word,” I said, “please do not hesitate.” “I can do it Steve,” she said quietly, “I just hope we do not have to go that way.” “I do not like the idea myself,” I said, “but we do need to stop Carmen, no matter what.” Meanwhile back to how we ended the last chapter. “I think we found something Mr. B,” said Cal, “that PI made a trip out to that little town where we think Carmen lives.”

“Well, well,” said Mr. B, “that is interesting news, especially since we know that Carmen abducted some of his team.” “Yeah, and he retrieved two of those team members too,” said Cal, “so he must be paying ransom.” “I would say that is exactly correct,” said Mr. B, “though I cannot imagine he has enough money to pay what she has demanded for their release. But perhaps the PI business is more profitable than I thought.”

He then gave a hearty laugh. “Keep watching and see if that PI comes again,” said Mr. B, “does anyone come with him?” “Yeah, just his wife,” said Cal, “looks like he needs some help getting around right now.” “Hmm, interesting,” said Mr. B, “what did you find out at the park?” “Mel has not come back yet,” said Cal, “but he should be here soon.” “Send him to me when he gets in,” said Mr. B.

Meanwhile, back at the park. “Hi Harvey,” said Kitty, “not going swimming with your friends?” Kitty worked at the park, this was her first summer and she was not too happy with how things are run. I do not know how to swim,” he said sheepishly. “Well, this is a good place to learn,” she said smiling. “Not with all these people around watching me make a fool of myself,” he said. She laughed.

“Are you and your friends brave?” she asked seriously. “Sure we are,” he said, noting how serious she looked, “why do you ask?” “I want to get out of this prison,” she said, “and I was wondering if you could take me out of here when you leave. I came with my friend, but she did not like the rules and said so. Burk took her away 2 weeks ago and I have not seen or heard from her since.

I’m scared Harvey, really scared. I came to work here for the summer but a woman named Carmen said I was going to stay until she said I could leave. And that may be never. If I get caught even talking to you I will be punished. But I just had to ask, I want to get away from here.” Harvey could tell she was genuinely scared and said that they would help her.

She then told him that Carmen lives close by in some underground house, but she did not know exactly where it was, but it was not far from the town anyway. She said it was a large bomb shelter of some kind. There was a large net over the place, lying on the ground, that somehow kept the place protected so that no one could find it with radar or anything else, but she did not know how it worked.

Everyone in the area knew about it, but no one would talk or they would get a visit from Carmen and disappear. “Will you help me Harvey?” she pleaded, “Please?” “Yes, we will gladly help you,” he said, “but it will be a few days before we leave.” “Oh,” she said and began to walk away. “Wait,” said Harvey, “do you mind joining me in my tent?” She looked at him, then smiled and went into the tent.

Harvey put something on his phone and then called me and told me what he had learned, and about Kitty. “It will be dark soon Harvey,” I said, “get out of there as soon as it gets dark and bring Kitty with you. Go through town, but fast, stop for nothing until you meet up with Rock.” “Got it Steve,” said Harvey. He then went to get his friends. “We will leave the tents behind,” he said, “just take our gear.” “I do not have anything,” said Kitty, “Burk took everything I had…”

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.