We left our story with a shot being fired downstairs in the cabin, which directed all the men to go take a look. Prior to this Steve, Aasta, Kat and 3 cats, had been kidnapped by Lauren. Plus finally, the girls, while watching the fireplace with the secret door, suddenly hear a man’s voice behind them. Now we take up our story. 

“I mean what I say,” said the man, “with this gun I can take down all of you, either killing you, or at least stopping you, within about 2 seconds. Now, you must come with me, or your friends in the other room will be killed, as will your precious Steve.” That is when Dawn called out, “Storm!” Storm came out from under the stove, growling. 

Then he began his terrifying scream! Ginger came out of the other room, growling as well, and Tiger was on the counter next to the man, also growling. None of the cats had their backpacks on, something the girls regretted. The scream from Storm really got the man’s attention though, so Ginger jumped onto the man’s arm and Tiger jumped on the man’s face. 

The man screamed now and Storm wrapped himself around the man’s leg, clawing and biting. As the man grabbed Tiger, Dawn turned quickly and kicked the man in the stomach, twice, saying, “You will not hurt my Steve!” Then a kick to the side of his head and he was knocked against the wall, and out. 

Ginger had jumped off just in time. The guys had heard the screaming and came running back up, fast as they could, but they were getting kind of tired now after doing this a few times. The girls were standing looking at Dawn, Aari had heard her as well. 

Dawn just went quietly to her mattress and lay down on her stomach. Aari followed her and sat on the floor, talking with Dawn. Whatever he said to her sure perked her up in a hurry and she soon came out to the others. ”Well, it looks like we have 2 prisoners,” said Rock, “this man and the one we found downstairs that had shot Clarence. This one might be our best chance however.” 

“Sorry I kicked him so hard Rock,” said Dawn, “but he wanted to hurt Steve by killing Sky.” ”You did the right thing Dawn,” said Rock, “now, I need to go outside and call Mr. B.” Rock came back inside after a while and told the others what Mr. B had told him. Two helicopters will soon arrive and take the wounded back to safety. Plus two others will be taken back as well, Dawn and Aari. 

They will be the team leaders to track down Lauren, wherever she might be. ”I think Dawn should be in charge completely Rock,” Aari said, “I do not mind taking orders from her, and if she needs help then I will be close by to help her. And between Annelie and myself, we should have enough contacts to track down Lauren.” ”Okay,” said Rock, “that is the way it will be done then.” 

Just as promised the cats soon called out that the choppers were coming. The large helicopters hovered overhead while stretchers were lowered and then raised again with the injured. Bridgette had come along to replace Chantelle, so she could have a break, and Penny and Roxette also came along to help replace two of the injured girls. The choppers also dropped more supplies in for the team. 

After the injured were aboard the choppers, then the others went aboard the next chopper to head back to a nearby city where a jet was waiting to bring them all back home. Rock stayed upstairs with the girls, while the rest of the guys went back down to that big safe door. Clarence had found out 2 of the numbers, so they just needed 2 more. 

They brought Tiger with them this time after finding out Mac had been teaching him the fine art of opening locks. ”Why did you not tell us before?” asked John. Meow.=You not ask. ”Sounds like Clarence all over again!” said Miles laughing. ”Very funny,” said John rolling his eyes. 

John held Tiger next to the big door to listen while Miles tried finding the remaining numbers. It only took 4 tries and they had the combination and opened the big door. They called to Rock and the others that the door was open. They shone their flashlights into the small, dark room. They were quite shocked by what they saw…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.