The girls were looking at each other once they found out I could not see at all. Then I felt something by my legs. “Muffin, what are you doing here?” I asked. Kat picked her up and gave her to me. Meow,meow.=I jump out window to be with my human. I say before, we start together, we stop together. “Okay,” said Kat, “this is what we will do.

We will move ahead as much as possible, then you 3 will jump over the wall and head back to where we began our hike. You can be picked up there. Give me that fancy gun Catalina, I will take out those machine guns if I can. And if they only see me, they will not be looking for you.” “Then you will be killed,” I said, “not a good plan, I need you.”

“You need Sky,” smiled Kat, “this is my part now, besides, I keep saying, they cannot kill a ghost.” “That is a long jump,” said Catalina, “and with Steve not being able to see…” “Hold onto him,” said Kat, “Muffin, you hold onto Catalina’s backpack, and when they land, jump off quick so they do not roll on top of you. You can be good ears for them, and help protect your human too.

Catalina will need the help looking after Steve, she has never done that before.” “Thanks Kat,” I said, “is it that difficult?” “That is not what I meant,” she said smiling. Meow,meow.=You need to say bye bye to my human, proper like, or we not go. “I will turn around,” said Catalina. Meow,meow.=There, that better now, I help lots, you see.

“I know you will,” said Kat, then she took Muffin and hugged her, whispering in her ear. They walked along the wall as far as they dared, then climbing on top…they jumped! The aim was to hit a certain bush below that would break their fall without hurting them. It was a perfect hit, but… “My leg, I think it is broken,” I said. Poor Catalina, she was not sure what to do about this new development.

Meow,meow.=Not safe to stay here, must move on quick. We could here gunshots and two explosions, then more gunshots, but not from Kat’s gun. “She got two of the machine guns,” said Catalina, “good for you Kate.” Meanwhile, the car with Sky and Kristina was racing toward the front gate. One of the guards turned and spotted them and called out.

The machine guns were quickly turned around. The car was now close enough and Kristina shot from her window, leaning out a bit for better aim. A direct hit on that machine gun, but the other began shooting at them. Kristina just barely made it back inside in time as the bullets hit the car. They continued to the gate and Kristina pushed a button which shot out two small bombs toward the gate.

A big explosion and the car rammed through the damaged gate. John, on the inside, just coming out of the fortress home shot up at the machine gunners and got both of them, but a bullet from behind hit him. The car swirled around in front of the team, coming to a complete stop aimed toward the gate. The trunk lid opened, as did the car doors.

Some got in the car, others jumped in the trunk and down came the lid, the doors closed and off they sped. But two trucks followed close behind them from the fortress. Kristina pushed another button and several items dropped from under the car which exploded, one right under one of the trucks, several others all over the road causing the other truck to head off the road, hitting a large rock.

Sky and Kristina did not even ask if everyone was in, they just assumed that the whole team made it. They kept up top speed until they got to the hotel, then Sky came to a screeching stop. Before anyone could say anything, two people came out, the waitress and the Colonel.

The waitress opened the door, “Please, he is my father,” she said, “they will kill him for helping you.” Mac opened the back door and the Colonel got in, while the waitress got in the front. The doors barely closed and Sky had that car speeding away.

“I sent all the police to help block the border crossing,” said the Colonel, “so it will be safe for us using the alternate route. It is coming up quickly…right there!” Sky turned abruptly, tires squealing and they headed down a side road, then turned again down a gravel road just a short distance away. But plans do not always go according to plan…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.