“Where is my family Bear?” he asked roughly. “Les! Well, good to see you again,” said Bear, “uh, we have actually been waiting for you to come back.” Uncle Matt knew there was a problem right away. “We are sorry to have to tell you this,” continued Bear, “but your house burned down just over a year ago, and your whole family died in the fire.”

Les grabbed Bear and picked him up. “You killed them!” he growled. “No, no, it was an accident, honest,” he said nervously, “the autopsy showed they died from smoke inhalation!” “You are a liar Bear,” said Uncle Matt, “they were shot first.” He did not want to mention that Hope was still alive. “And who are you?” growled Les.

“Your daughter Hope had a friend named Patty,” he said, “I am Patty’s Uncle Matt trying to find out who killed Patty and now her family too.” “Well, I can tell you who did it,” he growled, “it will be these two and that gang of Creepers they have.” Just then Hope and our four crazy girls came walking into the restaurant, not knowing what was going on.

There was a slight lapse in communication with us which turned out to be big trouble. The girls wanted to take Hope out for lunch since she was feeling so bad and I told them that would be okay. I did not know Uncle Matt was using the restaurant for his meeting with Buck and Bear. And now this new guy, Les and his three friends, really complicated things, even more than I could imagine.

When the girls came in Les turned around and Hope stopped and turned very pale. “D, dad!” she exclaimed. Les moved quick and grabbed Hope. “You little wretched brat!” he began, “Your hair touches your ears! What did I tell you about that you no good female?” Then he picked her up and tossed her hard against the corner of the wall! Rascal growled, but Matt held him back.

Tracy jumped into action and kicked Les in the stomach but he did not flinch. He grabbed her leg, picked her up and slammed her on the floor. Then Candace ran at him and almost pushed him over, but he picked her up too and slammed her onto one of the tables. “Rock, you guys get over here quick,” said Uncle Matt quietly.

Meanwhile, back at the old house. “There is trouble,” said Jennifer, “I can sense it, but not close by.” Right then I got a phone call. “Steve, big trouble,” said Penny, who was acting as the new waitress, “Hope’s dad and 3 friends came in with shotguns. Her dad slammed her hard against the wall, then Tracy and Candace got involved and he slammed them hard too.”

“Stay out of it girl and tell the others too,” I said, “where is Rock?” “Rock, Alfred and Clarence are at the police station.” I called Rock right away. “I know Steve, we are on the way,” he said. “No, do not get involved unless it looks like someone might be killed on our side,” I told him, “those shotguns can blow a hole in you too.” “Okay Steve, it is your call,” he said reluctantly.

Penny signaled the others to stay out too. There was John and Miles, but they were already looking after Grizzly and Vulture, so that just left Mac and Matt, meaning they were badly outnumbered. There was still Penny, Cassie and Amber, but only Amber had any real experience. And against shotguns it was just too dangerous. I then made another phone call.

“We are in big trouble and getting spread too thin,” I said, and then explained things. “Okay Steve, I understand,” and he hung up. Back at the restaurant Les picked up Hope and put a knife to her throat. “Anyone gets in our way and she dies,” he said, “let’s go boys, I got you some fun for tonight.” Out they went with Rock and Clarence standing there watching.

Alfred was hiding on the opposite side of their truck so he could not be seen. Les tossed Hope into the back of the truck and she hit the side where Alfred was hiding. The guys all got in the truck from the one side so Alfred quickly reached over the side and grabbed Hope and ran with her to their van, locking them inside. Les and his boys drove off, not noticing what happened.

Hope was terrified, not knowing what was going on. “Please, please sir, do not hurt me!” she pleaded. “Hope, you are safe now,” said Alfred, “I have no intention of hurting you, none of us will. This van is a tank, bullet proof and bomb proof, you are completely safe in here. Clarence jumped in too and smiled at Hope. “No need to worry,” he said, “you are Patty’s friend, we will not hurt you.”

Meanwhile Rock had called to let me know we would likely have company soon, so we prepared. Sure enough, they came driving up to the old house. Kat and some of the girls, plus Storm, Rusty and Ginger, were outside waiting. “Well, well, more girls for fun!” exclaimed Les. “You’re the coward who likes punching little girls,” said Kat, “let’s see how well you do with a ghost.” The men all laughed. “Hey, her and that cat just disappeared!” said one man…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.