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Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Seven: A New Friend

 

Scazzarda opened her eyes to bright moonlight streaming in through the window. She was sleeping on the parlor couch in Cloudy’s home. Meredith and Leo, Springtime and Showerstorm, and Cloudy’s siblings were asleep upstairs. Everything was quiet as a tomb and completely peaceful. So why had she woken up?

Then a soft scraping sound reached her ears. Her eyes traveled to the window next to the parlor’s window, and she saw a silhouette slip past the pane and melt away into the darkness. A tight grip of fear seized her heart as she realized the house was being watched!

Scazzarda slowly stood to her feet and crept over to the window, drawing back the pink translucent curtains a tad. At first she saw no one. Gradually, as the minutes ticked by, she saw the shadowed figure of a man standing on the porch steps, a gun in hand, looking out over the pasture, his back stiff. He furtively scanned the area with his eyes, his face a mask of enigma. After a while, he gave a low whistle and two more men appeared on the outskirts of the pasture, rifles in hand, brown felt caps pulled low over their foreheads. On the front of the cap, carved into the felt, was carved the insignia of a one-eyed serpent.

Scazzarda really started to panic then. The house was being guarded by three armed men! She wondered if she should wake the others but then discarded the idea. No use—it would probably put them in more danger than they already were. Then what to do?

Scazzarda could hear the men talking outside, and she tiptoed closer to the door to hear them better. At first all she heard were faint murmurings, but then began to detect full sentences.

“I don’t like this,” the first man said nervously. “If we wake these folks up to ask where Tilry is, we might raise suspicion.”

“Oh, cut your yakkin’, Derek,” the third man scoffed. “It ain’t that big o’ a deal. If they get too nosy in our affairs, we’ll club ’em over the heads with our guns.”

“Yeah, Joe,” said Man Two. “And besides, Derek, who says they’ll suspect anything? We’ll jest pretend to be hunters who’ve lost out way, and we’ll fake that we live near the hospital Tilry’s in. Once we find out which hospital he’s is, we’ll kill ‘im. Short, simple, and to the point!”

“Well said, Sam,” said Joe. “And you know the deal, Derek. Boss’s orders.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know!” Derek said. “It seems too risky! What if they call the police or something?”

“No need to worry ’bout that,” Joe laughed. “I just turned off all the electricity.” He frowned and fingered his rifle. “Don’t be chicken, Derek. You’re not gettin’ paid to be a wimp. Now get up to the door and knock.”

Derek obeyed, banging lightly on the door. Scazzarda knew now she had no choice. She had to wake the others. Turning, she stumbled up the stairs, almost tripping on one of the steps, and ran into Springtime and Showerstorm’s bedroom. “Springtime! Showerstorm!” she hissed. “Wake up! There’s trouble!”

Springtime stirred and opened her eyes. “Scazzarda?” she asked in bleak surprise. “What time is it?” Her gaze went to the alarm clock, which was blank. “Why is the clock turned off?”

“Please listen!” pleaded Scazzarda. “There’s three armed men at our door who are pretending to be hunters in order to know where Tilry is so they can kill him! They turned off the electricity to prevent us from calling the police!”

“What?” Showerstorm was alarmed. “They’re armed? With what weapon?”

“Rifles,” answered Scazzarda briefly.

“Oh, no!” whispered Springtime. “What shall we do?”

Then came the knock again, louder this time.

Showerstorm slowly let his breath out. “The panel that houses the switches for the circuits is at the side of the house. If I can sneak out the back door and manage to flip the switches back on. . .”

Springtime gasped, terrified for her husband’s safety. “No! They’ll see you and shoot you! it’s too dangerous!”

“Hon, I have to,” Showerstorm firmly replied. One look at this face told his wife he was serious about this deal. There was no changing his mind. “I want you to turn all the light and appliances off and answer the door. Play along with any story the men tell you and don’t act suspicious.”

Scazzarda and Springtime obeyed to the letter. They switched off all the upstairs devices and lights while Showerstorm slipped out the back door. Then they raced downstairs and did the same to the rest of the appliances.

Just then, the knock came on the door once more.

“Open it!” Scazzarda commanded her friend.

Springtime hestantly cracked open the door a little, blinking sleepily. Scazzarda hung back out of sight. “Yes?”

“Oh, hello, miss,” Joe said politely, doffing his cap. “We were hunting in the woods a little ways from here, but we lost our way home. We were wondering if you knew Tilry Stellarum.”

“Do you have a permit?” Springtime asked.

Joe blinked, taken aback. “I beg your pardon?”

“Do you have permission to hunt in the woods?”

“Well, of course,” Joe said, frowning.

“May I see the permits?” Springtime requested.

Joe scowled darkly at her. “Look, lady, I don’t have time to show you our measly permits. I just need to know which hospital Tilry is in. We live near him.”

“If you live near him, you should know where he is,” Springtime said bluntly.

Joe raised an eyebrow. “We, uh, forgot the name of the hospital. It had an odd name, I know that.”

Springtime smiled mysteriously. “Sorry I can’t help you. You could try the nearest house from here.”

While the men and Springtime were talking, Showerstorm had sneaked around to the side of the house and had quietly opened the panel door. He carefully pilled several levers to activate the power, keeping an eye on the men all the while. He was in direct eyesight of them, yet they never so much as glanced over in his direction.

“Lady, I would think you would know which hospital we’re talking about,” Joe said. “Tilry Stellarum’s there.” He shot her a searching look. “Surely you know Tilry.”

“I can’t say if I’ve ever heard of him,” Springtime said, still smiling in her cryptic way. “But I might have.”

Showerstorm figured his wife needed some help, so he turned to go back inside. But as he did, he stepped on a twig. The twig gave a loud crack which resounded throughout the night.

Joe stopped speaking. “What was that?”

Springtime’s heart was pounding wildly, but she tried not to show her fear. “What was what?”

“I heard something snap.”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

Showerstorm remained motionless. Joe and his cronies listened closely, but heard nothing more.

“Probably just some animal,” Springtime suggested, but she couldn’t help smiling at her pun.

Joe glanced at her. “What are you smiling about?” he demanded.

“Me?” Springtime questioned. quickly rearranging her facial expression to look serious.

“Yeah. you, lady. I’m not talkin’ to the door,” said Joe.

“I thought so,” Springtime said. “You don’t really strike me as the kind to talk to doors.”

“Just hurry up and answer the question,” Joe said sternly.

“Oh, okay. What was the question again?”

“Why were you smiling?”

“I don’t know. Why were you smiling?” asked Springtime, pretending to get mixed up.

Joe rolled his eyes. “Ma’am, I’m not standing around here all night playing games with you. Just answer my question and get on with it.”

“Did you know where Tilry is or why I was smiling?” Springtime inquired, stalling for time.

“Both.”

Showerstorm quickly hurried through the back door and softly shut it, then padded upstairs into his room. He picked up the telephone, dialed the number of the nearest police department, and waited. After a few dial tones, a woman picked up and said, “Hello?”

In a hushed voice, Showerstorm hurriedly related the situation to her. When he finished, the woman said, “Okay, we’ll send out a few officers to apprehend those men. Be careful and stall as long as you can.” There was a slight pause. “I’ll be praying for you.”

“Thank you.” Showerstorm felt his heart warm as he put down the phone. No one in the police department had ever said such a thing to him before. He crept down the stairs and behind the front door with Scazzarda. Springtime was still speaking to the “hunters.”

“Do you know the name of the hospital or not?” Joe impatiently asked.

Springtime was not about to endanger the life of Tilry. “I don’t know if I do or not,” she answered. “It’s hard to say. There are probably several hospitals around here. I can never keep them straight.”

“Then answer the second question. Why were you smiling?” Joe asked.

Springtime thought fast. “Oh, I just thought of a joke, was all. Want to hear it?”

“No,” Joe said firmly. “Look, we need to get going. We’ve wasted enough time.” He began to edge away.

“Oh, you have to hear this one,” Springtime insisted. “It’s hilarious.”

Joe sighed irritably. “Fine. Hurry up and tell it.”

“Okay. How do you stay warm in a cold room?” asked Springtime.

Joe threw up his hands. “I give up.”

Springtime grinned. “Just find a corner—they’re always ninety degrees.”

Joe scoffed. “Ha, ha, ha. I’m dying from hysterical laughter. That was so funny.”

“Thank you,” Springtime said, ignoring his obvious sarcasm. At that point, the sound of a police siren broke the silence. Joe’s eyes grew wide.

“The police!” cried Sam.

“Is there a problem?” Springtime asked, faking concern.

Six police cars came into view, speeding as fast as they could down the road, their red and blue lights flashing wildly. Joe loaded his rifle and pointed it straight at Springtime’s face! “Did any of you call the police?” he shouted.

Springtime was so frightened she couldn’t answer. The police cars pulled up in front of the house and several officers emerged from the cars, each holding a flashlight and taser.

“Joe, we need to get out of here!” Sam shouted, tugging his buddy’s sleeve. Already the officers were running across the pasture.

Joe took the hint and darted away toward the woods, Sam and Derek in tow. But the officers were faster and reached them before they could hurdle the half-mark fence. Two officers pinned Joe’s arms behind him and a third grabbed Sam around the neck and threw a headlock on him. Only Derek managed to yank free from the fourth officer’s hands and run away into Whispy Woods He vanished into the black, shapeless mass of forbidding, crooked trees and shrubbery.

“Oh, no!” the second officer shouted.

“Get him!” yelled the first.

“No use,” Springtime panted, running out to meet them. “He got away.”

“Who are you?” the first officer interrogated.

“Springtime. My husband called you,” Springtime explained.

The first officer nodded and shone his light of Joe’s and Sam’s faces in turn as the second officer clicked handcuffs on the two prisoners. “Hm. These look like buddies of notorious killer Joseph Unswall’s dishonest gang.”

“Joseph Unswall!” Springtime cried out.

The officers looked at her in surprise. “You know him?” inquired the fourth officer.

“He kidnapped my two friends’ daughters,” said Springtime. “I believe these three were going to stage an attack on Tilry Stellarum at Oromo Thuli Hospital.”

Joe stared at her in surprise. “You mean you knew the name of the hospital all along?!”

“Of course,” Springtime answered dryly, “but I would never have told you.”

Sam turned pale as he listened. Springtime looked at him and asked, “Do you know where Joseph Unswall is?”

Sam nodded.

“Then where?” the third officer asked.

“He’s at the abandoned Finkins cottage,” Sam replied.

Springtime studied his face, but saw nothing dishonest in his eyes. “Hm, fine,” she said. “I’ll take your word for it.” She turned back to the officers. “Could you go out there and rescue my friends’ daughters?”

“We’ll try,” said the third officer in a calm manner. He lifted a radio to his lips and spoke into it, saying that several officers had arrested Joe and Sam but Derek had gotten away. Then he placed the radio down and told Springtime, “If you want, you and a few of your friends can come with us.” He handed Joe and Sam over to a few police sergeants, and the two men were hustled off in the direction of the waiting cars.

“I would like to,” Springtime answered gently. “And I’m sure my husband would like to go too.”

“Then get ready. The Finkins cottage is about twenty miles away,” the officer remarked gravely. “And if Derek gets back to his boss and reports what happened, Joseph might kill the girls. We’ll have to move fast.”

“Understood,” Springtime calmly replied.

 

* * * * *

 

“You mean you know where my daughter is?” Meredith cried out in joy.

“Sam said she and Liloy were at the Finkins cottage twenty miles away from here,” Springtime explained. “The police said they would bring a few of us with them to aid in the rescue.”

“I’m going,” Leo said quietly. Meredith gasped.

Showerstorm’s expression was one of doubt. “Are you sure, Leo? This is going to be very dangerous. . .and you just got out of the hospital too. . .”

Leo shut his eyes. “I’ve got to. My daughter is in danger, and it would be so unlike a good father to not help rescue his child from a serial killer.”

“I’m going too,” Scazzarda added.

Springtime cast a nervous glance at her husband, then at Meredith. “Meredith, can you take care of the children all by yourself or do I have to call my sister or Mrs. Ivy to stay with you?” Mrs. Ivy was Cloudy’s kindergarten teacher

“Don’t bother disturbing them,” Meredith said shortly. “I can care for them myself.”

“What if Derek returns?” Sniper asked. He and the other children were standing on the stairs, listening to the conversation.

“We’ll have a few officers guard the house,” answered Showerstorm, glancing at his son. “Don’t worry.”

Sniper briefly looked back at his siblings, who gave him serious looks. Then he stepped forward. “Daddy, can I join you and Mommy and the other officers on the rescue mission?”

Springtime started and stared at Sniper. “Are you serious, dear? You want to come along?”

Sniper nodded, and for the first time, he seemed completely responsible and willing to fight for his friends’ lives. “I want to go.”

Showerstorm nodded his approval. “All right, son. Come along and prove your worth to the team.”

“Can I go too?” Star asked.

“Yes, but hurry and get ready,” Showerstorm told her. “The sun will be rising in a few hours, and we won’t be able to hide so easily. Let’s go!”

When the children were ready, the adults herded them out to the police cars.

 

* * * * *

 

About an hour or so after all this excitement took place back at Cloudy’s house, Cloudy and Meta Knight were awake and talking. But after they finished their talk and were silent for a time, a twig snapped deep  the recesses of the woods. Meta Knight tensed and slowly stood, drawing his sword with the utmost caution, gesturing for Cloudy to get behind him. The child obeyed, her green eyes as big as marbles.

“Who is there?” the soldier demanded, his weapon at the ready.

A man in his early twenties with a brown cap and rifle stepped into a pool of moonlight filtering through the thick canopy of trees. He halted, surprised, at sight of a blue-caped knight and a frightened Malamute puppy.

“Who are you and why are you here?” Meta Knight quietly asked, standing his ground. His fingers tightened around the rapier’s hilt.

“Derek Haslon.” The man unloaded his rifle and set it on the ground, approaching them warily. “I ran away from the police.” He didn’t seem afraid to speak the truth, and Cloudy found that quite remarkable.

“Why were the police after you?” she asked.

Derek sat down on the grass and a few feet away from the two. “It’s mighty risky to tell ya this, but I got to. My boss put me and my friends up to trying to ask some woman named Springtime where Tilry Stellarum is.”

“Springtime!” Meta Knight said in astonishment.

Derek nodded, confused by the knight’s reaction. “You know her, then?”

“She’s my mom,” said Cloudy.

“Ohh.” Derek cupped his chin in his hand. “Um, anyway, as I said, me and my friends was put up to the task of locating Tilry’s hospital.”

“Why?” Cloudy wondered. “Why were you put up to that?”

Derek rubbed his temples as if his head hurt. “Boss wanted us to attack Tilry and kill ‘im.” Meta Knight gasped. “But I didn’t want to do it.”

Cloudy stared at him. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to be a criminal,” Derek answered.

“Why?” Cloudy asked again. She found it odd that he was part of some weird criminal gang but yet he didn’t even want to be a criminal.

“I was sort of coerced to join Joseph Unswall’s gang,” Derek explained, a tone of distant regret and shame in his voice. Cloudy’s eyes widened at the name of Unswall. “My family and me was destitute and needed money real bad to live. Joseph met my dad at a restaurant one night about a year ago and blackmailed him through some means. I was forced to join his dirty gang under threat of Dad being harmed and with a promise that I would get paid.” He lapsed into a gloomy silence, then continued, “I didn’t do nothing real bad. Maybe I stole a few times and knocked someone out with my gun, but it ain’t like I killed anyone or something.”

Cloudy wanted to tell him that anything that went against God’s righteousness was a sin, but she didn’t right then. “So what happened tonight?” she questioned. “How did you get away from the cops?”

Derek bit his lip. “Joe turned off the power so no one could call the police should anyone in the house get too suspicious. But somehow the power got turned back on and somebody called the police. Joe and Sam was arrested, but I manage to run away.”

Meta Knight sighed. “So you work for Joseph Unswall.” He shook his head. “If I were you, Derek, I would not go back to him. He might kill you.”

Derek shivered. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” he admitted.

“Then why not come with us?” suggested the puppy. “You can help us save Miriam and Liloy!”

Meta Knight stared at Cloudy in surprise.

Derek’s mouth dropped open. “How did you now about them?”

“We’ve been trying to track them for a while,” Cloudy said. “They’re our friends.”

Derek took off his cap and ran his fingers through his black hair. “So you’re saying you want me to join up with you guys?”

“Yeah. If you’re tired of working for Joseph, then come with us and go straight from now on,” said Cloudy. “Wash your hands of this mess and don’t look back. Change.”

Derek heaved a sigh. “I’d love to, but Joseph might get heated if he finds out I’m workin’ on the opposite team.”

“But it might get your sentence lightened when the police catch up with you,” Cloudy pointed out.

Derek frowned.

“Look, yo have to take responsibility for your actions,” Cloudy insisted. “If you committed those crimes, then you have to serve the time for those crimes. It’s the law.”

Derek slowly puffed out his breath and scratched his head. “Yeah. . .I guess you’re right. Okay. When the police find me, I’ll go willingly and serve the time required in jail.”

Cloudy grinned and wagged her tail. She hoped Derek was sincere about turning over a new leaf.

Meta Knight was less enthusiastic about Derek joining their side, but when he saw how gracious Cloudy was being by allowing Derek to have another chance to prove his trustworthiness, he decided to follow her lead, It might be a mistake, he thought, but the greater mistake would be to doubt him altogether.

“The come with us, Derek,” commanded Meta Knight. He sheathed his rapier, but kept his hand on the hilt. “Take us to the girls. At once.”

Derek nodded agreeably. “Follow me,” he gestured, and led the way, running off toward the road.

“Wait a minute!” Meta Knight hurriedly ran back to their campsite, stuffed the blankets in the pack, slung it over his shoulder, and ran after Cloudy, who was waiting on the grass with Derek. The three then darted off into the inky blackness of the early morning.

 

* * * * *

 

Springtime, Showerstorm, Scazzarda, Leo, Sniper, and Star clambered into three separate police cars. The one who had arrested Sam, Officer Rokstaun, invited the two siblings into his car; their parents were put into Officer Vaysten’s; and Scazzarda and Leo entered Officer Jayme’s.

“Buckle up, kiddos!” Rokstaun shouted and he climbed behind the wheel and turned off the flashing lights on the top of his car. “We’re on a hazardous mission here, so do as you’re told. Okay?”

“Yes, sir!” Star answered smartly, saluting,

“Aye, aye!” Sniper returned.

The three cars started up and drove down the road, Star felt terribly ill at ease but also a little excited, She knew this mission could potentially be extremely perilous, but she was determined to move forward and be brave. Looking at the grim face of her brother, she could tell he felt the same way.

Rokstaun gunned the car faster, telling the brother and sister to hang on to their seats. “It’s gonna get awfully bumpy,” he warned.

Star whimpered when the car rocketed over a medium-sized bump in the road. It would have thrown her out of her seat had her seatbelt not been protecting her. Sniper, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care. He roved his eyes over the underbrush and thick growth lining the sides of the road, as if looking for somebody.

In Officer Vaysten’s car, Showerstorm was talking to his spouse. “Hon, do you suppose there’s a possibility we could meet up with Cloudy on this road?”

“I would love to see her safe and sound,” Springtime confessed. “But she could be miles away from here by this point. Or she could be way out in the woods.” A look of terror overshadowed her face. “Oh!”

“What?” Showerstorm didn’t like how pale she had become. “What are you thinking of?”

Springtime turned a pair of frightened eyes upon him. “Derek!”

“Derek?” he repeated.

“Yes!” she cried. “He escaped and ran away into the woods, remember? W-What if he meets up with Cloudy and Meta Knight and decides to harm them?!”

“Oh my gosh.” Showerstorm had never even given thought to that possibility, but now it was as lain as day to him. . .Could something possibly happen to her and the knight?

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy, Meta Knight, and Derek ran along the curved road as fast as they could, The sky had changed from dark purple to light punk mixed with a dab of orange and blue. The first pricks of the sun’s rays peeked over the horizon’s edge. The birds were beginning to chirp their good morning calls to many passersby. A mother robin hopped along a patch of bare ground and dug a fat worm from the earth, then flew with it back to her nest. The cry of three baby robins greeted the ears of the tree searchers as they flew along.

As they were running, Cloudy tripped over an unseen root and fell to the ground with a thud. Meta Knight stopped to help her up, but Derek kept running. Meta Knight frantically shouted after him, “Wait, Derek!”

To the knight’s chagrin, Derek didn’t stop. He continued to dart on and turned into the woods, charging into the undergrowth. He disappeared among the thick foliage.

“Why did he do that?” Cloudy asked.

Meta Knight let out a low gasp, shocked at the thought that had come to him. “Maybe he abandoned us here! Maybe he wasn’t leading us in the right direction after all!”

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Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Six: Comfort in the Night

 

Cloudy trudged along the deserted road, her paws aching with every step. She’d never dreamed walking could be so tiresome if you did it long enough. Behind her stepped Meta Knight, his pace tired, his eyes worried, a slight slump to his usually proud stature.

Cloudy paused long enough to glance up at the sky, darkening with bruised twilight. The sun was setting and the shadows were lengthening, indicating night was right around the corner. There was no way they could travel in the dark; it was too dangerous. They would have to make camp pretty soon.

As if reading her unspoken thoughts, Meta Knight said softly, “It’s getting dark.”

“Yeah.” Cloudy looked back at him and kept walking.

“We may have to set up camp soon.”

“Uh-huh.” Cloudy didn’t stop. She merely kept on.

Meta Knight suddenly halted and leaned against a tree, covering his eyes with one hand. Alarmed, Cloudy turned back to him. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. I just do not feel well all of a sudden.”

“Are you sick?”

He shook his head.

Cloudy trotted back to him and gazed at him with her soulful eyes. “Hey,” she spoke soothingly, resting her paw on his hand. “What’s the trouble?”

The knight lowered his hand from his eyes and gripped the tree trunk, trying to control his emotions. “I’m scared,” he admitted. “I’m afraid to face Joseph.”

“Me too,” replied Cloudy.

He looked down at her, his eyes glowing a light orange. “You’re such a brave warrior, my friend! How can you possibly be scared?”

Cloudy tilted her head slightly to the side. “I could ask the same of you.”

He mulled over her words, wondering if they were meant as a compliment or to get him to think. His eyes shifted to a light green as he dropped his gaze to the ground.

“Brave or not, all warriors get frightened at one time or another,” Cloudy continued though he hadn’t spoken. “It’s all right to be scared. What’s not all right is when you allow fear to govern your life.”

Meta Knight stared at her, wondering where she got her wisdom from. But she only watched him with her clear, bright eyes, as intelligent as a cat’s and as solemn as an otter’s. Behind those eyes, that perfectly ordinary look, lay a mind full of knowledge and truth beyond understanding. For her age, she was so mature, whether anyone realized it or not. And so smart. She was also strong. Despite her trials, she stayed true to her faith and her God.

Meta Knight had to smile. Kneeling and petting Cloudy’s fur, he said, “You are indeed a mystery. It will take more than a detective to solve you.”

Cloudy laughed at his joke, but then jumped as a loud, shrill ringing sound cut through the quiet, cold evening air like a knife. “What’s that?” she asked fearfully.

“Silly puppy. It’s my phone,” Meta Knight told her.

“Oh.” Cloudy relaxed. “Who’s the call from?”

Meta Knight pulled out his phone and glanced down at the screen. He gasped. “Liloy!”

“What?” Cloudy’s eyes widened. “Liloy?”

“Yes!” Meta Knight pressed the talk button, put the call on speakerphone, and waited. Cloudy, her eyes filled with curiosity, wagged her tail slightly, wondering if Liloy was really calling or if it was a trick of Joseph’s.

Then a feminine voice came over the speakerphone. “Father?” she asked quietly, hesitation and fear in her voice.

“Meta Knight?” That was Miriam.

Cloudy gasped.

“Liloy!” Meta Knight murmured.

There was a cry of joy from the other end of the line. “Father, it’s you! Oh, I’m so glad to hear from you!”

“Where are you?” called Cloudy.

“Hi, Cloudy!” Miriam greeted her friend.

“Cloudy’s!” Liloy’s voice overflowed with warmth. “Hello! You’re here too?”

“Uh-huh. I’m on the road with Meta Knight, hunting for you and Miriam,” the Malamute explained. “We heard you were kidnapped by Joseph Unswall.”

“Yeah,” Miriam said, disgust evident in her voice.

“Yes, we were,” Liloy said. “We’re locked in a basement in a weird, dilapidated house in a clearing somewhere; I don’t really know where. Miriam’s phone was confiscated, but I hid mine so I could try to call you.”

“Are you two okay?” Cloudy asked.

“Yes, we are fine. Joseph didn’t hurt us, thank the Lord, but I don’t know what he’ll do.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why he’s even doing this. He was so nice back in school.”

Meta Knight and Cloudy exchanged grim looks. “Liloy, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your friend Joseph is now a murderer and. . .” Meta Knight paused and looked at Cloudy. “. . .And he’s also something I will not mention around Cloudy. I will say it is inappropriate, and leave it at that.”

There was a horrified gasp from Liloy. “What?!”

“I knew that guy had something off with him,” Miriam muttered.

“That can’t be true!” Liloy whispered, her voice trembling. “Why would. . .how could he do such horrific things?!”

“I don’t know.” Meta Knight shook his head a little sadly. “Sometimes the kindest people can turn crazy, Liloy. It happens.”

There was silence for a bit. Then Liloy spoke again. “Well, we need to escape from this place, and fast! Joseph said he would come back to talk to us in a few hours.” Then she murmured in a worried tone, “Now all I’m wondering is what that means. . .”

A pained, apprehensive look arose in Meta Knight’s eyes.

“Never fear. We’ll see if we can locate you!” Cloudy brazenly declared. “But it’s getting dark now, and we’ll have to make camp soon.”

“Oh, no! Please keep looking for us!” Miriam pleaded. “Our lives are at stake here! We could be dead before morning!”

“Okay,” Cloudy relented. “We’ll search for an hour more, and then we’ll conclude the hunt for the night. Okay?”

“Yes,” said Liloy. Then she paused a moment and after a time, softly asked, “Father, did-did you tell Tilry where I was?”

Shocked by the sudden change of topic, Meta Knight replied he had not. “It would only upset him to learn about your abduction.”

“Good.” Liloy sounded relieved. “Well, if he asks where I am, tell him I’m safe from harm and that, with any luck, I’ll be seeing him very soon.”

“I will, and . . .”

Meta Knight never finished the sentence, for at that moment, there was a loud crash and bang and hollering of, “Liloy, you tattletale! How dare you leak your location and call for help! You’re going to pay!”

A gunshot rang out and screams of terror arose from the two captives. Then came the sound of glass shattering and the connection cut off. Only the dial tone was heard.

“Liloy!” Meta Knight shouted. “Liloy!”

There was no reply.

Fright bubbled up in Cloudy. “What happened to them?!” she exclaimed.

Meta Knight stared at the screen a moment longer, then put his phone away. He looked at his small friend. “I don’t know,” he replied, agony in his voice.

“Did they. . .Did they. . .?” Cloudy couldn’t bring herself to say the word “die.”

Meta Knight shot her a pointed look, guessing her thoughts. “I don’t know,” he repeated, fighting to keep his voice from shaking, “but we need to find them now.” He gestured for her to keep moving.

Cloudy had forgotten about the pricking pains in her feet and her fatigue. Now she felt renewed and and ready to continue the search for her friends. She didn’t care what anyone else thought. Liloy and Miriam were in danger, and she was going to be the one to rescue them and bring them home. Spurring her pace to a faster speed, she darted down the road and vanished into the gathering blackness. Meta Knight ran after her.

 

* * * * *

 

Liloy stared up at Joseph, her eyes filled with dread. Joseph leered down at her, the character of his face cold and calculating. The remains of Liloy’s phone lay smashed to pieces on the floor where Joseph had blown it to smithereens with his rifle, and Miriam was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, her arm bleeding from a gunshot wound.

“Fool,” Joseph seethed. “Nitwit. How dare you attempt to phone for help! You almost ruined everything! I kept you out here for a reason, and I will not allow you to escape until I fulfill my goal!”

What is your goal?” Liloy inquired, her voice infuriated.

A wicked smile appeared at the corners of Joseph’s mouth. “That involves you. You, Liloy Stellarum, will not leave this place until your husband is dead and you agree to be my bride!”

Liloy was badly shaken and scared by that announcement, but she retained her composure. “What are you talking about?!”

“You are to be my wife,” Joseph said as if the answer were completely obvious.

“Yeah?” Liloy was growing bolder. “What if I refuse?”

“Then you will die, as well as your family and friends,” answered Joseph coldly. His chilling words caused a shiver to pass through the pregnant woman. She could see in his eyes that he was dead serious. What could she do now?

Joseph smirked. “I’ll give you tonight to think about it. In the morning I’ll come back to hear your answer.” With a final wicked laugh, he walked up the basement stairs, slamming the door behind him and locking it. Liloy and Miriam were left alone in the cold, dank room once more.

Liloy buried her face in her hands and began crying. She was at a loss for what to do. What did Joseph mean about Tilry being killed? Did he have accomplices who would stage an attack on the hospital and kill Tilry? And what about Meta Knight and Cloudy? Would Joseph try to hurt them too?

Just then, Miriam stirred and opened her eyes. It took a while for her vision to adjust to the blackness, but presently, she was able to see. Her gaze landed on Liloy, and she sat up. “Liloy!”

Liloy brought her hands down from her face and gasped, staring at Miriam. “Miriam! Are you all right?” she asked in a hushed tone.

Miriam winced as a wave of pain shot through her arm. “No. Did I get blasted by a gun or something?”

“Yes, by Joseph,” said Liloy.

“I should’ve known,” Miriam mumbled, then frowned as she noticed the tears on Liloy’s face. “What. . .What’s the matter?”

Liloy tearfully related Joseph’s threat to her, and Miriam gasped in horror as she listened. “You mean if you don’t agree to be his wife, he’ll kill us all?!” the young girl exclaimed.

“That’s what I ascertained,” Liloy said sorrowfully.

“Oh, no!” Miriam groaned. She put a hand to her head. “I should have listened to my mom and not ridden with Joseph!” She glared at Liloy, rage flashing in her eyes. “You’re an idiot! We should have stayed at the bus stop and waited for the next bus! Instead, you made me ride with a gruesome serial killer whose intention is to force you to be his wife or kill us all! What kind of daughter are you?! A brainless lunatic daughter, that’s what you are! If we die down here, it serves you right!”

Her cruel heartless words pounded in her ears, They were crude and brusque and vile. Miriam could hear her own voice echoing throughout the dark room, shouting all sorts of ghastly things to a girl not even an adult. Instantly, she was aghast. She regretted what she had said. Why had she blown up like that? That wasn’t like her!

Liloy looked hurt and melancholy. Miriam felt a rush of sympathy for her. Liloy was in a difficult situation, what with being kidnapped and threatened at gunpoint, not to mention her overwhelming worry for her ill husband. Miriam was very sorry she had yelled so harshly at Liloy. Liloy had only been doing what she had thought best.

“I’m sorry, Liloy,” Miriam apologized, looking down at the floor. “I should never have shouted at you like that. I don’t even know why I did.”

Liloy worked up the courage to smile. “It’s okay, Miriam. I forgive you,” she accepted the apology, wiping her eyes.

Miriam grinned. Then her smile disintegrated as she stared down at the dusty floor, her brow furrowing. “Well. . .what now?”

“We’ll have to wait,” Liloy told her. “Our only hope now is rescue.”

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy awoke to a faint silvery glow. Puzzled, she glanced upward and then realized that it was only the moon. She stood up, stretched, shook herself, and scanned the dense woods. Except for the light of the planetoid, everything was pitch-black. Even the twinkling stars that littered the night sky didn’t give off much light. There was not even a breath of wind. She imagined Joseph hiding in the shadows, a gun in hand, glaring at her from the stillness of the shrubbery. She shuddered and then firmly shook her head, telling herself she was being silly. According to her intense canine radar, there was not a soul around besides her and Meta Knight.

The two friends had set up camp a few hours ago after an unsuccessful hour of hunting for Liloy and Miriam. Meta Knight had said he would keep watch, and Cloudy had not objected. As soon as her head had hit the blanket, she was gone to dreamworld.

But now she was wide awake. What had roused her, though?

Then she heard a sound. It was a strange, stifled noise, and it was coming from not too far away. She cautiously picked her way over a few roots to a nearby oak tree, the moonlight illuminating her way. Finally, she reached the oak tree and peered around the side of the wide trunk. Meta Knight was seated there, his cape drawn around himself and hiding his face. He was shaking.

Again, Cloudy thought in dismay. She felt angry at the injustice and cruelty of this world. Meta Knight’s distress over his missing daughter was getting to him, and she hated that. She wanted to kick Joseph’s hiney to the moon! If only I could, she thought bitterly. Then he’d probably learn his lesson.

“Meta Knight?” Cloudy whispered, keeping her voice low so as not to scare him.

He gasped, alarmed, and raised his head. In his eyes flashed a look of fright and rage. Cloudy tensed and turned her body slightly so that she was in the defense position. She was almost expecting him to yell at her for startling him. For a while, the two stared each other in the eye, each wondering why the other was behaving so oddly. The knight spoke no words, but the look in his eyes communicated what he was feeling: fear, anxiety, and anger. He bowed his head again, trying hard to suppress his emotions but failing.

Cloudy’s eyes softened and she relaxed her body. She looked up at the knight who was her best friend. If he is in pain, I will help him. If he is upset, I will comfort him. If he is anxious, I will calm him. That’s what friends are for. Occasionally she would wonder about what some might think of a ten-month old puppy enhancing a friendship with a thirty-year-old soldier. But always, her words from a few months ago would come back to her: “Age doesn’t matter in friendship.” Often she wondered if that was true, but deep down she knew it was.

“You’re worried about Liloy,” Cloudy said. Meta Knight stiffened at her sudden words. “You’re worried about her and Miriam, as well as Tilry.” She looked directly at him, but he wouldn’t look her in the eye. “Aren’t you?”

He didn’t answer, but she couldn’t miss his uncomfortable silence. She knew she had hit the nail right on the head. Then he looked her straight in the face, and in his eyes was a look she never forgot. She couldn’t describe the look in words, but it was one she rarely saw when he was upset. It was mix of agony, terror, anger, and pure anguish. She knew she would never forget that look, and yet at the same time she wanted to forget it altogether. She was essentially afraid to look at him. He continued to look at her, tears shimmering in his eyes. One ran down his cheek and he quickly raised his gloved hand and wiped it away, but not before Cloudy saw it. Stifled sobs escaped him, and his body was shaking uncontrollably. It sent a scare through Cloudy, but she did not know why; maybe she was afraid something would happen to him.

“Hey.” She paced her paw on his hand. “Meta Knight, you’re getting yourself too worked up. You need to calm down. Everything will be all right.”

He shook his head. “No,” he cried. “They’re in danger, severe danger. Who can tell what Joseph will do to them?”

Cloudy withdrew at his suffocated tone. “Think positive!” she burst out, making the knight jump. “We can’t just sit here and think pessimistic thoughts! We are going to rescue them if I have anything to say about it! I will not let my friends die or be maimed in any way!”

Meta Knight was astonished at her spitfire spirit. She was stout and bold and ready to help anyone in need. She was passionate about taking on the world. Meta Knight didn’t doubt for a second that she was a true warrior. Only a devoted warrior would be willing to rescue others and lay down their lives for their friends.

“Cloudy. . .” The knight’s voice was no more than a whisper.

Cloudy looked up at him. The dim starlight reflected in her fervid eyes, giving her a look of maturity and calmness. There was no sound except for an occasional night owl’s hoot and the knight’s quick, shaky breathing. The moonlight played over her black-and-white fur, making it appear charcoal-silver. For the longest time, the two friends gazed at each other, each sending the other a silent message.

“Don’t be afraid,” Cloudy ultimately spoke. “We’re still alive for a reason, and God willing, nothing will happen to us. We will all make it out alive.”

Tears streamed freely down the soldier’s face and he closed his eyes, feeling the hope of Cloudy’s words embrace him through and through. Cloudy smiled at him. But it was not the kind of smile a little girl would give him. It was the smile of a young woman. She reached out her paw and he grasp it, letting himself out of his cape. Then he swept her into a placid hug.

“Cloudy,” Meta Knight said softly, “you are truly one of the sweetest children I have ever met. I do not believe there is another like you.”

“I say the same of you,” Cloudy said.

He gazed down at her and a blend of sorrow and tranquility flashed in his eyes. She beamed at him and he smiled back.

At that moment, the snap of a twig broke the lazy silence. . .

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Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Five: Search and Rescue Mission

 

Cloudy was horrified. She couldn’t believe her ears. If Joseph had Liloy and Miriam in his grasp, they would likely die?! It couldn’t be! Cloudy could not let such a thing happen to her best friend, and especially not to a pregnant girl.

“Okay, now I absolutely have to find Miriam,” Meredith said, her voice choked with fright. “If Joseph does something despicable to her, I will never forgive myself.” She threw up her hands in despair. “I knew she shouldn’t have gone on her own!”

“Forget that,” Sniper said roughly. “What steps do we need to take to locate her?”

Meredith cupped her chin in her hand and thought a moment. “Well, maybe we can take this matter to the police and have them handle it.”

“No,” Cloudy replied. “If that guy knew the police were onto him, he would probably quit the country and take Liloy and Miriam with him. Or maybe he would kill them. No, that’s not such a smart move at this point in time. We need a stealthier method.”

“Like what?” Star asked gloomily.

Cloudy’s eyes landed on the tailgate and an idea popped into her mind. “I’ve got it!” she exclaimed. “I’ll sniff the tailgate and track down the car’s scent, and we may be able to find Liloy and Miriam! Problem solved!”

“Not necessarily,” answered Scazzarda. “Joseph could be miles away by now. If that’s the case, it’s a long way to walk by foot, and you’re only a puppy. Better let someone else take over this.”

Cloudy shook her head stubbornly. “No. I am going to look for them. They’re my friends.”

“But Joseph!” Springtime exclaimed. “What if he harms you?”

“I don’t care if I get killed,” Cloudy nobly declared. “I’d gladly die to save them.”

Springtime’s mouth dropped open at her daughter’s bold words. Cloudy had to be kidding! She was only a little girl—how could she possibly understand the gravity of the situation she was putting herself in?

Meta Knight stepped forward. “If Cloudy wants to go, do not stop her,” he said. “I will go with her.”

“What?!” Springtime flared at Meta Knight. “If you think I am letting my daughter waltz right into the hands of a crazy murderer, you’re dead wrong! Never would I let her do that!”

“She must go! It is for the sake of my daughter and Miriam!”

“No! I will not allow it!”

“Liloy and Miriam both need Cloudy’s help!” insisted the knight.

Springtime was irate. “I said no!” she shouted. “I will not now, nor will I ever, let her attempt to take on a killer!”

“She’s not taking on anybody!” Meta Knight shouted in return. “I will! After all, I will be with her!”

“No!”

Cloudy heard the arguing of her friend and mother as they bickered back and forth; their voices were growing louder and louder, their shouts turning to screams. Cloudy felt like she was losing it. She wanted them to stop. She wished they would shut up. She had to rescue her friends, and standing around shrieking wasn’t going to help anyone.

Finally Cloudy could stand it no longer. She drew herself up straight, opened wide her mouth, and screamed at the top of her lungs: “Will you two just shut up?!”

The entire mall went silent as customers stared at her like she was a lunatic. Even the salesclerk was giving her an odd look, her eyes asking if Cloudy was all right.

Cloudy lowered her head and let out a long, loud sigh. Springtime and Meta Knight stood frozen in place, their eyes locked on Cloudy. Then the little Malamute spoke. “I’m sorry, Mommy and Meta Knight. But arguing and yelling at one another will not help anything in the least bit. You’re not setting a good example for others here. Listen to me. I will catch Joseph and give him a taste of his own medicine, and I will make him regret all the moral evil he’s committed in this world.”

Springtime was anxious. She didn’t want her child to be in danger. She wasn’t even a year old yet! But in her heart, Springtime knew that Cloudy was smart and logical and cared more about her friends than for herself. That was admirable.

“She will be okay,” Scazzarda assured Springtime, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Trust me. Let her go. She and Magnus will be all right.”

Springtime sighed reluctantly and nodded. “Okay. You may go with Meta Knight, Cloudy.”

Cloudy stood up straight. “I’ll be careful, Mommy. I promise,” she said solemnly.

Springtime nodded again. “I know, sweetheart.”

“Let’s get back to the house and start packing for Cloudy and Meta Knight,” said Showerstorm. “Then they can go on their journey.”

 

* * * * *

 

Two hours later, Cloudy and Meta Knight were once again in front of the mall, standing by the mysterious tailgate. Cloudy bent down and snuffled the chunk of metal, moving her nose from the tailgate to the road as she did so. As she sniffed, she detected the same scent as on the tailgate. She was exhilarated and full of adrenaline. Noe she could locate her friends!

“We must hurry. It is getting dark,” Meta Knight said, his voice strained and weary.

As he spoke, he shouldered the pack Cloudy’s mother had given him. it held food, water, and some first-aid supplies and blankets. But to him. these necessities were not needed. He just wanted his daughter back.

Cloudy’s parents, Scazzarda, and Meredith were there to see them off. Springtime and Showerstorm embraced and kissed Cloudy as solemnly as if she would never come back.  Cloudy was scared of what the outcome of this dangerous journey would be, but was bound and determined to be brave.

“The Lord be with you both,” Springtime whispered.

Meta Knight looked over at Scazzarda, who gazed at him, her clear green eyes sympathetic. She held out her arms to him, and he willingly went to her, holding her tightly. Suddenly, his body began to tremble, and Scazzarda hugged him a little tighter in an attempt to soothe him.

“Magnus, what’s wrong?” she whispered, stroking his head.

“I don’t want anything to happen to Liloy. . .or Miriam,” he replied, his voice suffocated with sobs. “I don’t. They can’t suffer at the hands of Joseph like I did at the hands of my own father.”

Don’t ever think of yourself as a helpless victim or that you’re worth nothing because you were abused,” Scazzarda said gently. “And don’t hold on to the past, dear. You need to learn to forgive those who wrong you.”

Meta Knight’s breath caught. “If there is one I will never forgive, it is Nightmare himself,” he hissed. “May he suffer all the tortures he put me through!”

Cloudy’s ears shot up straight, her mouth flying open in utter shock and disbelief. “Meta Knight!”

The knight turned to her. “What?!”

“You cannot wish that to your own father!” Cloudy snapped. “Just because he did who-knows-what to you as a child doesn’t mean you should wish the same things to happen to him!”

Meta Knight was enraged. He screamed at Cloudy in a way she had never heard before, in a grief-stricken, shrieking tone that made her cringe. “And what do you know of the torment and pain I’ve gone through?!” he screamed. “You have no life experience! You cannot understand!”

Cloudy was nonplussed for a few seconds, but regained her sense. “So what?” she shot back. “It doesn’t mean I cannot try to help you heal! Life experience has nothing to do with helping others! Any fool knows that!”

“You are not even a year old yet,” Meta Knight sharply returned. “You have only scratched the surface on what you know about abuse. Most of this you will not know nor understand until years down the line.” He looked away. “At your age, you would not understand most of the abuse I have gone through.”

It always frustrated Cloudy when grownups thought children knew little or nothing about a certain subject or when they kept repeating the same thing over and over again to make sure you knew it when, in fact, you did know it. Cloudy’s parents played out those scenes with her a lot of the time, and Cloudy honestly never had the heart to stand up and say something about it to them. It also bothered her tremendously when her parents would not tell her certain things because they assumed she wouldn’t understand it at her “tender age”, as they put it. Just last week she had heard her mother mention the word “promiscuous” and had asked Springtime what that meant. Her parents had vaguely responded that she was too young to know about it at that point in time and had sent her to her room. That made Cloudy mad.

Cloudy was angry at Meta Knight for being so snappy with her, but she felt as if she really understood why he was so upset. Abuse, she knew, was painful. It took time to heal from. Some tried hard to heal; others refused to. And though she wanted to argue about being too young to know about abuse, she knew deep down that she was too young. Her parents knew so too. Anything she had been exposed to too early was purely unintended. Her parents and mentor were only trying to protect her and keep her safe because they loved her.

Cloudy blew out her breath. “You’re right, Meta Knight. I am too young to know all the details of abuse.” Changing the subject, she turned to Scazzarda. “We need to get going now.”

Meta Knight gently pulled away from his mother and picked up the pack again. “Goodbye, Mother. May we return to you shortly against blue skies.” He was really saying, “We we come back to you victorious in our quests.”

Scazzarda managed a smile. “Goodbye, Magnus.”

Springtime gave Cloudy one last hug. “Stay safe, my dear.”

“I will, Mommy.”

“Go now,” Meredith commanded.

Cloudy and her mentor obeyed and set off down the road, the tiny Malamute tracking the van with her finely-tuned nose. The four adults watched them, inwardly praying for their safe return.

 

* * * * *

 

Joseph slowed down and turned onto a narrow dirt road, driving slowly as there were many ruts that could jar the car. After driving for  a couple of minutes, he stopped the car and shut off the engine then got out. He walked around to the other side of the car and opened the back door, ordering Liloy and Miriam, “Get out.”

The two girls obeyed. Miriam glanced around the deserted area, trying to ger her bearings. Joseph prodded her shoulder with the pistol, ad she reluctantly followed him as he led them off to the right into a small clearing. In the middle of the clearing sat an old rickety cabin, its window filthy and the roof sagging.

“Where are we?” Liloy questioned. “Where is this place?”

Joseph didn’t reply. He merely opened the door and ordered them inside. Down a long hallway and into a dark, windowless cellar he led them, and then made them sit down on the floor.”

“All right, now I want you to turn over all electronic and communication devices you may have,” Joseph snapped. “And be mighty quick about it!”

With a start, Miriam realized she still had her mom’s phone! She wanted so much to contact someone for help! Oh, why had she not remembered that sooner? But one look at the pistol pointing right in her face and she knew she had no choice. She relinquished the phone.

“I don’t have my phone,” Liloy said. “If you want proof, I can show you.” She stood up and emptied all of the contents out of her bag. Sure enough, no phone was found. Miriam’s heart sank. Their last chance of escape was gone.

“Hmm.” Joseph tucked Miriam’s phone i his pocket. “Okay, then. Now you stay down here. I’ll be back in a few hours to talk to you. Have fun.” He flashed them a wicked leer and walked off, slamming the door behind him. Miriam heard the blot click as it slid into place.

“Well, now what do we do?” Miriam asked, distressed. “I need to get home! My mom will be worried sick about me!”

Liloy shrugged. “I don’t know. But I think. . .we could try to call my father.”

Though Miriam couldn’t see Liloy’s face in the very well in the gathering darkness, she could have sworn she could hear the wheels turning in Liloy’s head. “What are you up to?” Miriam demanded.

Liloy didn’t answer, but suddenly a bright light illuminated the room. Miriam blinked a few times in order for her eyes to adjust to the light, then gasped aloud when she spotted a phone in Liloy’s hand! “Where did that come from?!” she exclaimed.

Liloy grinned. “I slid my phone under that crack in the wall there before he could see it,” she explained. “Think I fooled him?”

“You sure did!” Miriam said admiringly. “Hurry and call Meta Knight!”

“Very well,” Liloy agreed, dialing the knight’s number. Then they sat back and waited. . .

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Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Four: A Dangerous Foe

 

“I think we should have her party in the garden,” Star said, sitting down on the grass. “We should work together  to paint a banner that says ‘Happy Birthday!’ or something along those lines.”

“We should also have a barbecue,” Sharkell added.

Scazzarda nodded. “Might work.”

The puppies, their parents, Miriam’s mom, Meta Knight, and Scazzarda were suggesting some last-minute touches for Liloy’s party. As they talked, Cloudy kept sneaking glances toward Miriam’s house, hoping Miriam would return early so she could join the discussion.

Waffle frowned. “I don’t know if I want to do a banner or a piñata. I think a piñata would be more fun.”

“Isn’t Liloy a bit too old for a piñata?” asked Yodi.

Scazzarda chuckled and reminded him, “Yodi, you’re never too old for a piñata.”

“Cloudy, what do you think?” Meredith asked.

When there was no reply, Meredith looked up to see Cloudy staring off across the road, her eyes distant. “Cloudy? Cloudy? Cloudy!”

“What?!” Cloudy snapped, then put her paw over her mouth in dismay as she realized who had spoken to her. “I-I mean, yes, ma’am?” she said in a soft, sheepish voice, gazing fearfully at Meredith as though expecting to be punished.

Meredith had to laugh. “Lost in space, huh? I guess we all suffer from the wandering mind disease at one time or another. Anyway, what I asked you was, do you think we should make a banner or a piñata for Liloy?”

Cloudy shrugged. She didn’t really care which one they picked; either one was acceptable. “I don’t know. Why don’t we just try both?”

“Good idea!” Showerstorm said. “But you know, we don’t really have to make the piñata. We can buy one. Now, we can make the banner by hand—or by paw,” he hastened to add, grinning at Cloudy. “It’ll be very colorful and vibrant.”

“Yeah!” Yodi chimed. “It’ll be so radical! We should paint the letters in rainbow colors and add some glitter to it! And maybe we can also add some little plastic flowers and stars! Liloy would really love that!”

“Speaking of Liloy, where is she?” Cloudy asked Meta Knight.

“She went to the Spring Breeze Mall downtown,” Meta Knight answered. “She said she would meet us here in an hour or so after leaving her purchases at her house.”

Cloudy’s eyes widened. “What?! Spring Breeze Mall?!” she blurted. “But that’s where Miriam is!”

Meta Knight was surprised. “Let me guess. . .to buy Liloy a gift.”

Cloudy nodded. “Why did Liloy go?”

Meta Knight shook his head. “In truth, I have no idea. She said she wanted to catch up on some errands, but was being very mysterious about the whole thing.”

Cloudy grinned. “I hope they don’t meet.”

Star cleared her throat meaningfully to bring the two back to the topic at hand. “Ahem,” she said loudly. “I think we should take Yodi’s suggestion on how to make the banner. Who agrees?”

“I do!” hollered Sharkell.

“Me too!” Meredith conceded.

“Me three. I want her to have a wonderful party, especially considering she hasn’t had a decent birthday celebration in five or six years,” said Cloudy.

“How do you know that, darling?” Springtime wondered, seeming shocked by Cloudy’s statement.

“Meta Knight told me the day we had the picnic.”

“I did,” Meta Knight nodded.

Star smiled at her younger sister. “I love the fact that Cloudy is willing to help anyone in need. She truly has a magnanimous spirit.”

Sniper, sitting a few feet away from Star, scoffed and called out, “Are you gonna start using gobbledygook now, Sis?”

Star shot her eldest brother a dirty look. “Why don’t you shut up?”

Sniper rose to his feet, stretched. and peered at Scazzarda’s watch. “Personally, I don’t even know why we’re sitting around yakking about party banners and piñatas and magnanimous spirits. What I’m wondering is, where in Planet Popstar is Miriam? It’s ten minutes past the time she was supposed to come back.”

Meredith instantly began to look worried. “Hmm, you’re right,” she declared, glancing at her own watch. “I hope nothing happened.”

“Maybe it’s nothing,” Sniper said lazily. “Probably her bus just got delayed or something.”

Everyone wanted to believe Sniper. So they waited. And waited and waited. Cloudy was getting restless. Several time she stood up and looked across the deserted road to see if Miriam was home, but saw no sign of her friend. By the time forty minutes had passed, Meredith had had enough.

“All right, now I know something happened to Miriam,” Meredith stormed anxiously. “She should have been back by now. Something happened. I just know it.”

“You know,” Meta Knight began, sounding troubled, “Liloy is late too. But she’s never late. That’s not her.”

“Bruh,” Sniper sighed. “If something did go wrong, it’s your fault. You shouldn’t have let them go alone.”

“Thank you, Mr. Know-It-All!” Meredith retorted. “I hadn’t quite figured that out for myself!”

“Girl, take a chill pill,” groaned Sniper. “I was only saying.”

Meredith sighed, her face showing irritation and concern. “We need to look for them now. And the first place we should check is the mall, for that’s where they were last seen.”

“Congratulations,” Sniper said sarcastically. “A nice piece of detective work. Maybe we should buy you a pipe and detective hat.”

“Ohhh!” Cloudy whirled and screamed at her brother, “Why can’t you learn to be quiet for once in your whole life?!”

Sniper withdrew, shocked at his little sister’s shrieking tone and the anger flashing in her eyes. “I-I was just kidding,” he said in a small voice. “I didn’t mean anything.”

“Cloudburst.” Springtime’s voice was stern. “Do not yell at your brother like that. He may be annoying, but you don’t have to react.”

Cloudy blinked and stared at her mother, then at Sniper, who was watching her cautiously. Then she realized what she had done was wrong. Her mother was right. Sniper could be bothersome, but screaming at him out of sheer anger and annoyance was downright disrespectful and rude. Dropping her head, she murmured, “I’m sorry, Sniper. Truly.”

Sniper stepped forward and gently laid his paw on Cloudy’s shoulder, which surprised everybody. He wasn’t normally so tender. “That’s okay, Cloudy. You didn’t mean any harm. Besides, I probably deserved it anyway.”

Springtime smiled warmly at her son and daughter bonding. Then her expression became somber,. “But we have to look for Miriam and Liloy. Let’s take the bus to the mall and see what we can find.”

 

* * * * *

 

As soon as the bus ground to a halt, Cloudy was the first one off. She jumped into the road and slipped on a rock, scraping her paw, but she ignored the pain. Her friends were more important than a stupid injury. Scrambling to her feet, she hurried into the mall, her family and friends behind her.

“Okay, we need to split up,” Springtime ordered. “Split into four groups. One searches the northern parts, another the southern, and the other two the eastern and western. Got it?”

“Got it!” Meredith said.

Cloudy and Meta Knight made a group, along with Star, and they searched the northern area of the mall. But though they hunted in every store, they could not find either Miriam or Liloy.

After thirty minutes had passed, the four groups met up in the center of the mall and reported their findings to one another. All were dismayed to learn that none of them had found the missing girls.

Meta Knight clenched his fist in frustration. “Where are they?”

“I don’t know,” Springtime replied. “But they have to be here, unless they’ve already taken a bus home.”

“Then they should have already met up with us at the house!” Star insisted. “And that’s not the case!”

“Why don’t we just ask someone here if they’ve see Miriam or Liloy?” Scazzarda suggested. “Someone here must have spotted them.”

“Good idea,” Showerstorm said. “Why don’t we ask the clerks here?”

Again they divided into four groups and went to all four areas of the mall, asking the salesclerks if they had seen any girls who resembled Miriam or Liloy.

“A dark-haired girl about seven years old with dark skin?” a young female clerk of the shoe store asked.

“Yes, along with a woman who has dark-yellow eyes and is pregnant. Have you seen them?” Meredith asked.

The woman pondered the question a moment, then shook her head. “Well. . .no, I do not recall seeing any girls like that all the time I’ve been here behind the register today. Sorry I can’t help you.”

“That’s fine.” Meredith told her. She, Sharkell, and Yodi exited the store.

“Well, we’ve been all over the eastern section of this mall, and nobody’s seen Miriam or Liloy,” Sharkell said morosely.

“I wonder if the others are having better luck than we are,” Yodi wondered.

 

* * * * *

 

Showerstorm, Scazzarda, Pancake, and Waffle asked around in the southern area of the mall, but none of the salesclerks had seen Miriam or Liloy. They said they really didn’t pay much attention to customers’ appearances.

 

* * * * *

 

Meredith, Springtime, and Sniper were exploring the western portion of the mall, but had no more luck than the southern and eastern groups had.

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy, Meta Knight, and Star roamed the northern part, asking the clerks whether they had seen any girls resembling Miriam or Liloy. Every question resulted in a puzzled frown from every clerk, a single shake of the head. Luckily, there was still one more store to try—the jewelry store.

“Come on!” Star said impatiently. “This could be our lucky break!”

It was a small hope. But it was still hope.

Meta Knight and the sisters entered and walked up to the counter. Behind it stood the same humanoid lady. As she turned, she smiled at Meta Knight, but then her smile dropped and she stared at him, recoiling slightly.

“Is there something wrong?” Meta Knight asked, puzzled.

The woman shook her head. “No. . .sorry I’m being rude. But you look so much like that—that girl who was here not too long ago. . .”

Meta Knight started. Cloudy and Star gasped ad stared at each other, wide-eyed.

“What girl?” Meta Knight demanded.

“A girl who looked very much like you—but she didn’t have on a a mask. And she was. . .well, it looked she like she was expecting. There was a child with her, too—cute little girl with black hair and dark skin.”

“Was the little girl wearing a yellow dress?” Cloudy piped up.

The woman thought a few seconds and nodded. “Come to think of it, she was.”

Cloudy was thrilled. They had stumbled upon a valuable clue!

Star grabbed Meta Knight’s cape i her fangs and gently tugged on it. “Meta Knight, should I go round up the others?”

“Yes,” Meta Knight said, his voice sharp. “And hurry.”

Star nodded and darted away.

When Star had rounded up the other groups, herded them to the jewelry store, and everyone was assembled in front of the counter, Meta Knight said to the clerk, “Now please tell us about these girls. Where did they go?”

The woman shot him a suspicious look. “Why do you want to know?” she demanded. “I don’t give out certain information to strangers.”

“The pregnant girl is my daughter,” Meta Knight said shortly. He gestured to Meredith, who stood a few feet behind him. “And the little girl is this woman’s child. They were supposed to meet us nearly an hour and a half ago, but they didn’t, and we fear something went wrong. You must tell us where they went.”

The woman’s suspicious look was replaced by one of contriteness. “Oh,” she said simply. “Well, I’m very sorry. I didn’t know. All right, I’ll tell you. I talked to the little girl for a bit, and then she met up the other woman. Both went off and were gone for a while. The next time I saw them was outside at the bus stop, and this strange car drove up.”

“Strange car?” Scazzarda clarified, confused.

“Yes. A crazy-looking man was driving it. He had very dark hair, maybe black, and he was smoking a cigarette. He stopped to talk to the two girls, and they both got in the van and they drove off. When they did, the tailgate fell off.” She pointed outside near the bus stop, and all saw the shiny hunk of metal lying in the road.

Meta Knight shook his head in disbelief. “But Liloy’s not one to hitchhike with random strangers she doesn’t know!”

“Maybe she’s flipped,” Sniper joked.

“I’m gonna flip you if you don’t shut up,” Yodi snarled.

“I’ve told Miriam not to hitchhike anyway!” Meredith moaned. “Oh, what am I gonna do with that child? She doesn’t listen, for goodness’ sake!”

Cloudy nudged Meta Knight. “Meta Knight, does that guy sound like anyone Liloy knows or used to know?”

Meta Knight looked down at her and his eyes flashed light green. Then they reverted back to yellow and he nodded. “Yes, Cloudy, he does, in fact. The description fits Joseph Unswall, a classmate of Liloy’s who used to want to date her.”

“What was he like?” asked Showerstoem.

“He was very kind to Liloy, but was continually clashing with Tilry. They were archenemies, so to speak, or maybe rivals is the better term.”

The woman had been listening to the conversation with little interest, but when Meta Knight mentioned the name of Joseph Unswall, her face grew dark. “Joseph Unswall! Did you say joseph Unswall?” she asked.

“Yes.” The knight’s eyes glowed orange. “Why?”

“Hold up.” The woman moved to a small computer she kept in the back and turned it on. The others exchanged funny glances. “What is she doing?” whispered Star.

Cloudy shrugged, her ears perking up ever so slightly. “Wish I knew.”

The woman typed something on the keyboard, pressed a button, and hurriedly scanned the screen. “Ah, here it is,” she said, her voice grim. “Joseph Samuel Unswall’s prison record.”

“Prison record?!” Cloudy exclaimed.

“You mean he’s been jailed before?” Star asked.

“Joseph Samuel Unswall,” the woman said, “is a notorious serial killer who got out of jail three months ago. He got six years for killing a woman and her child, three young girls, and a man.” She glanced at the children. “And, um, he was also jailed for some other stuff that’s not fit for these children to hear. I’ll only say that.”

Cloudy’s mouth was agape as she stared a the woman, completely and utterly astounded. A killer who had murdered six people? And he only got six years in jail? Seriously?!

“I can’t believe he got six years for killing six innocent people,” Sniper said, disgust strongly evident in his tone. “He ought to have died!”

“You’re right, young man,” the woman said dryly. “We need some justice for those who were so cruelly used and murdered.”

Meta Knight said no words, but Cloudy glanced at him and saw that he was trembling all over. Her eyes widened and she glanced at the clerk with a frightened gaze. The salesclerk gave her a solemn look in return.

“I hate to say this,” the woman said slowly, “but if your daughters are with that man—” Here she looked directly at Meredith and Meta Knight. “—they will probably not last long.”

“Oh my word,” Meta Knight muttered.

Books

Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Three: Kidnapped!

 

Cloudy stood in a dark forest, a bemused expression on her face. The forest looked vaguely like Whispy Woods, but  the landscape was more rocky. Giant boulders were scattered about and the sky was a reddish-gray. The Malamute plodded along, trying to find her way home. How did she even get out here?

Cloudy reached a sandy-colored boulder whose sides were worn smooth and had been chipped away in some places. Rounding the corner of it, she was astonished to see Meta Knight standing there, his eyes filled with frantic worry as he stared at her.

“Meta Knight!” Cloudy exclaimed. “Where are we?”

Meta Knight never responded. Instead, he leaned forward and grasped Cloudy’s shoulders so tightly the puppy winced in pain. Why was her friend behaving so strangely?

“You must help them! You must save them before it is too late!” Meta Knight pleaded.

Cloudy blinked in alarm. Save them? What did he mean?

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy sat bolt upright in bed, her heart racing. She blinked a few times and shook her head to clear the cobwebs from her brain, frowning as she thought about her dream. Why had Meta Knight told her to save them? And who was “them”?

Cloudy released a heavy sigh, a bit frustrated. Perhaps there were some dreams she would never understand. Lying down again, she closed her eyes and was soon sound asleep.

 

* * * * *

 

The next morning, Cloudy awoke to bright sunshine pouring through the glass panes of her balcony doors. Stretching, she got out of bed, straightened the covers, and went downstairs. Her parents weren’t up yet, so she ate a muffin and drank a glass of milk, then skipped outside. She stood on the porch for a moment, admiring the gorgeous sunrise, then jumped down the porch steps and walked across the street to Miriam’s house. To her surprise, Miriam was already up. She was sitting on the bottom porch step, her eyes locked on the pinkish-gold clouds, her young face thoughtful.

“Miriam,” Cloudy spoke.

The girl gasped and looked down at her friend. “Cloudy! You scared the living daylights out of me!”

“Sorry,” Cloudy said apologetically. With a serious look on her face, she glanced up at her friend. “Are you still thinking about moving?”

Miriam nodded. “I just couldn’t believe it when my mom told me. I want to stay here, Cloudy. I don’t want to leave behind everything I know and love from some unknown destination.”

“I know how you feel, Miriam,” said Cloudy. “I don’t want you to leave either, but maybe it’s for the best.”

Miriam nodded. “I know it’s for the best. If this is what God wants, I’ll go along with His will.”

Cloudy smiled. She seated herself beside her friend and looked up to the sky, which was tinged with yellow and red. “That’s right, Miriam. Just trust Jesus. He knows what’s best for you. If this is the road He wants you to take, then walk it. No questions asked.”

Miriam didn’t answer, but Cloudy knew she had heard and received the message. Cloudy snuggled up to Miriam, and the girl put her hand on the puppy’s back and gently ruffled her winter coat.

“Even though I will move, Cloudy, you’ll always be my friend,” Miriam said. “And perhaps I’ll even be able to come back for a visit.”

“Oh, I hope you do,” Cloudy said sincerely.

Miriam smiled and rested her hand on Cloudy’s shoulder. Together, the two friends gazed upward at the brightening sky filled with the colors of orange, red, and gold.

 

* * * * *

 

Much time passed. Cloudy and Miriam and their her friends spent as much time together every day as they possibly could, trying their best to block out the coming day of Miriam’s departure. They hung out at Cloudy’s house, in Whispy Woods, at Putu Park, Scazzarda’s cabin, and every other place they could think of.

And through it all, Cloudy still kept thinking about her mysterious dream.

 

* * * * *

 

Three days before Liloy’s birthday party, Miriam decided to ask her mom a big favor. She wanted to do some shopping at the mall downtown so she could buy Liloy a birthday present. Taking a deep breath, she walked into the kitchen and briefly explained her request to Meredith.

Meredith turned from the kitchen counter and flashed her daughter a worried look. “Are you sure about this, darling? I mean, you’re only a little girl. . .”

“Mom, I’m seven years old,” Miriam sighed. “I’m not a baby anymore. I think I can handle being out on my own.”

Meredith shook her head. “I’d still feel better if someone went with you. How are you to walk all the way downtown?”

“I’m not walking. I’m taking the bus,” Miriam replied.

Meredith sighed and placed a plate into the cabinet. “Okay, if you insist, honey. Just be back within two hours, all right? Don’t talk to strangers, and if you need to get in contact with me—” She handed Miriam her phone. “—then use that. Okay?”

“Yes, ma’am. Thanks!” Miriam darted out of the house, waving goodbye to her mother. Meredith waved in return as she watched Miriam skip over to the bus stop, fervently hoping her daughter would be okay.

 

* * * * *

 

As soon as Miriam arrived at the mall, she instantly began to pursue her goal to buy Liloy a nice birthday gift. The first place she went to was the jewelry store. Entering into the small, neat room, she glanced around at the white ceilings and the signs in the windows portraying discounts on certain items. But none of that mattered to her. She stepped up to the glass cases and began scrutinizing the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other expensive trinkets.

While she was looking, a humanoid lady with brown hair and wearing a pressed, black business suit walked up to her and kindly asked, “May I help you, young lady?”

Startled, Miriam turned from the cases and looked full into the woman’s face. “Oh, no, ma’am,” she answered politely. “I was only looking.”

The woman nodded and walked off, and Miriam returned her attention to the jewelry. However, though she like all of the pieces, they were either too expensive or too fancy for Liloy’s taste. Discouraged, Miriam turned away from the cases and trudged toward the door, but was forced to halt due to a young woman entering the store. Both nearly ran into one another.

“Oh!” the woman gasped. “I’m sorry!”

“No, I’m sorry,” Miriam said at the same time. The two stopped talking and stared at each other curiously for a long moment, then burst into laughter.

“Why are we even laughing?” Miriam asked, struggling to control her giggles.

The woman shrugged. “Sometimes people laugh at random or abrupt things that seem funny to them. I think the same is true in this case.”

Miriam nodded, grinning. But then her smile slipped a notch as she studied her newfound friend. She looked an awful lot like Meta Knight, but the differences were that this woman’s skin was periwinkle-blue instead of navy, her eyes were a darker yellow than Meta Knight’s, and she didn’t wear a mask. Miriam also observed the woman was pregnant.

“Is something wrong?” the woman asked worriedly, noting Miriam staring blankly at her.

Miriam blushed slightly, realizing how rude she was being. “No, no,” she said hurriedly. “It’s just—I feel like I ought to know you. You look so much like a certain friend of mine. . .”

“Meta Knight?” the woman questioned.

Miriam started and stared at her. “Why. . .yes,” she said slowly. “But how’d you know that?”

The woman chuckled, her laughter bubbling over like water from a fountain. “I’m his daughter, Liloy Stellarum! Surely you’ve heard of me.”

Miriam gasped, her brown eyes growing as big as saucers. “You—You mean that. . .you’re Liloy?!”

Liloy nodded. “Indeed. And you are?”

Miriam was so surprised to meet Meta Knight’s daughter that she almost forgot her manners. “Miriam Capperdale. I’m seven.” She extended her hand. “I’m best friends with Cloudy.”

“Nice to meet you, Miriam,” said Liloy, taking the girl’s hand. “And yes, I’ve heard of Cloudy. Father’s talked about her often. I can’t wait to meet her at my party.” Then, as if struck with a thought, she smiled and raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “Why are you in the jewelry store, dear?”

Miriam’s mind raced for an answer. If Liloy guessed the truth about what Miriam was really doing there, Miriam was doomed. “Uh. . .my mom just sent me to run some errands here,” she explained calmly, keeping her gaze trained on Liloy’s face. “See, we’re moving in a few days, and she wants to make sure everything is spic and span and ready to go.” She shrugged, trying to appear casual. “You know how moving is.”

“Yes, I do,” said Liloy. “I know what moving is like. I’ve had to do it before. And it wasn’t easy, believe me.” She then launched into a story about the time her family had to move when she was three. Miriam silently breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that she had gotten rid of Liloy’s suspicion.

Miriam glanced at her watch. She only had one hour and twenty minutes left to complete her shopping. But how could she shop for Liloy’s gift with Liloy here? She would get suspicious again and that was the last thing Miriam needed.

Miriam cleared her throat and interrupted Liloy’s story. Something to do with a pile of dusty boxes full of moldy dishes or something like that, but Miriam honestly didn’t care. “So, Liloy,” the young girl began nonchalantly, “what brings you here?”

Liloy seemed happy to answer the question. “I came to buy a gift for my grandmother Scazzarda. I wanted to give her something nice.”

“Is it her birthday or something?”

Liloy shook her head no. “It’s not for any special occasion. I’m just feeling unusually generous today.”

Miriam nodded understandingly. “Um, so how long will you be here?” she asked, hoping maybe Liloy would go away soon so she could get back to shopping.

However, Liloy’s answer dashed her hopes. “An hour, and hour and fifteen, I suppose. I’ll be walking in and out of different stores, so maybe we’ll bump into each other.” She smiled brightly.

Miriam smiled back, but was beginning to feel desperate. She couldn’t shop with Liloy hanging around! So what was she to do? Wait until Liloy went away? No, because by then Miriam would have to go home.

Miriam then made her decision. Shopping for Liloy would have to wait until another day. “Liloy?”

“Yes?”

Miriam took a deep breath. “Is it okay if I help you shop for your grandmother?” she blurted out. Mentally, she reminded herself that helping other s counted more than your own needs or desires.

Liloy smiled. “Certainly you can. I’d love some help.” She linked her arm in  Miriam’s and said, “Let’s loom around this store first, and if there’s nothing here we like, we’ll move on.”

Miriam nodded, and the two set right to work hunting for the perfect gift. They found nothing they like at the jewelry store, so they moved on to the clothing store. Miriam slipped on an oversized woman’s dress, a pink print wit pale-green flowers. Turning round and round, she told Liloy to check her out. “How do I look?” she asked.

Liloy giggled and put her hand over her mouth. “You look like you need to grow several more inches before you can fit in that.”

Miriam then tried to walk around and talk like an adult. Picking up a leather purse and pointing a finger at an imaginary child, she said sternly in her grown-up way, “Young lady, you better get yourself over here! We have to get home! Let’s go!”

Liloy burst into laughter, her custard-colored eyes shining with amusement. Miriam, attempting to keep a straight face, continued with her mock lecture. “What do you mean, ‘no?’ I said come here pronto! If you don’t, I’ll whip your rear when we get home!”

Liloy was laughing so loudly that several people were staring at her, wondering if she was mentally stable. A security guard, upon hearing the racket, walked up to them. “Ma’am,” he told Liloy, “I’m afraid you’re being too loud. You’re being a public nuisance and disrupting everyone in the store. I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

Liloy stopped laughing and nodded. “I understand,” she said solemnly. She turned to Miriam. “Come on, dear. We’re not welcome here.”

Miriam wiggled out of the dress and hung the purse back on its hook. Then, escorted by the security guard, Miriam and Liloy exited the clothing store. Once the door was shut, the tow traded glances and burst into giggles again.

“To think,” Liloy chuckled, “that’s the first time I’ve ever been escorted out of a store for laughing!”

“Yeah.” Miriam smiled and looked back at the clothing store. “But that security guard sure was kind.”

“Yes, he was very young and handsome, was he not?” Liloy agreed, teasing Miriam. “But he’s not exactly your type, is he?”

Miriam blushed at that. “Liloy!”

“Just kidding,” Liloy assured her. “I was only playing with you.”

Miriam scowled. “Well, don’t think I’d abandon Zach for some dashing guy who patrols a store.”

Liloy’s eyes landed on Miriam and a mischievous grin appeared on her face. “Zach? You have a boyfriend?”

Miriam looked up to the ceiling. “Well. . .not exactly. He’s my friend, but I think he likes me romantically. However, we are not in any way involved in a relationship. No.”

“Maybe you’ll end up marrying him as I did with Tilry,” Liloy said. She closed her eyes. “I remember we met when I was in third grade. I was only around seven or so at the time because my mother had me start a little earlier than most kids. Anyway, Tilry noticed me in the hallway later that afternoon and we got to talking. I learned he and I were cousins. When I was around twelve or so, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I obliged. But there was another boy who kept pestering me to be his girlfriend—Joseph Unswall. He was very kind to me, but he was rivals with Tilry.” She sighed.
Joseph continued to ask me over and over to be his girlfriend until I graduated at fifteen, and later that same year, I married Tilry.” She stopped talking and stared off into the distance.

Miriam sighed dreamily. “What a romantic story of how you met and married your cousin!” Then a puzzled look spread over her face. “But, um, what became of Joseph?”

Liloy shifted her purse to her other shoulder. “He graduated at seventeen and came to my house once when I was fourteen, but after that I never saw him again. That’s all I know of him. I never spoke to him again after that day.”

Miriam nodded and looked to her watch. She had only thirty minutes before she had to go home! “Um, Liloy, we need to wrap up this shopping session before I need to go home,” Miriam said. She tapped her watch.

Liloy grinned. “Then let’s go.” She took Miriam’s hand and hurried into the shoe store.

 

* * * * *

 

After running in and out of several stores and finding nothing they like, Liloy had finally gone into the electronics store and bought a watch. As they exited the mall with their purchase, chatting contentedly as if they had known each other all their lives, the afternoon sun shone in their eyes, causing them to squint. They hurried over to the bus stop and looked at the schedule taped to the bus stop sign.

“The bus left a few minutes ago and the next one won’t come for an hour,” Liloy said, a note of concern in her voice. “I need to get home soon, though.”

“Me too,” said Miriam.

At that moment, a black van cruised down the street and stopped a few feet away from the bus stop, and the driver’s-side window rolled down to reveal a black-haired man smoking a cigarette. He smiled and took a drag, then called out, “Heya, Liloy.”

Liloy stared at him a second, confusion shadowing her features. Then the shadow passed and a smile of recognition lit up her face. “Joseph Unswall!” she exclaimed, surprise apparent in her voice as she walked over to the car. “Hello!”

“Hi. How have you been?” His green eyes twinkled.

“I’ve been wonderful,” Liloy answered politely. “How came you to be in this part of Spring Breeze?”

Joseph chuckled and flicked some ashes off his cigarette. “As they say in the movies, I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by. I didn’t even expect to see you here. I though you’d be home.”

“I was shopping with my friend,” Liloy explained.

“I see.” Joseph smiled kindly down at Liloy.”How’s your baby?”

“He’s fine too.”

“And Tilry?”

“He’s doing okay, but he’s not expected to live for much longer,” Liloy said, sadness creeping into her voice. Her eyes dropped to the ground.

“Oh,” Joseph said. Miriam thought she saw a faint smile come across his face, but when she looked closely, she saw only a serious expression. She shrugged. Perhaps it had only been her imagination.

“So what’s the trouble?” Joseph asked after a minute or two of silence.

Liloy raised her head. “Well, Miriam and I were shopping for my grandmother, and we need to get home soon, but the next bus won’t come for an hour.”

Joseph smiled. “Well, I can take you in my car. I was heading to your house anyway. I wanted to pay you a visit. Ya, know, an old-friends type visit. Hope in. I’ll give you a lift.”

Miriam blinked in surprise, fear and suspicion rising in her. Meredith has warned her about the dangers of hitchhiking and warned her never to do it, but Miriam knew it would take a long time to wait for the next bus and even longer to walk home. Her mother would scold if she was late.

Liloy smiled brightly. “Certainly we can ride with you.” She called to Miriam, “Come, dear. Let’s get in Joseph’s car. He’ll bring us home.”

Miriam shook her head. “No, Liloy. I’d rather wait for the bus.”

Liloy seemed astonished. “Why, what’s the matter, honey?”

“Mom told me never to ride with someone I don’t know well,” Miriam said.

Liloy laughed. “Miriam, don’t be silly! I know Joseph very well. He’s a kind man. Now come inside. Otherwise, you’ll be late getting home.”

Miriam frowned and thought a moment. Liloy knew Joseph a whole lot better than she did, and she had said he was a nice man. Besides, as long as I’m with Liloy and a guy she knows very well, Miriam reasoned, it’s not really hitchhiking.

Miriam relented. “All right.” She climbed into the car with Liloy and fastened her seatbelt. The interior of the car smelled like cigarette smoke, and she covered her nose and mouth with the neckline of her dress. Liloy buckled her seatbelt too and said, “Okay, Joseph, to my house. We should be there in about twenty minutes. And you can drop my friend off at her house.”

“I’ll let you know where it is when I see it,” Miriam offered.

Joseph nodded, but said nothing. He put the car into drive and revved off down the road. As he did, the tailgate, which was loose, fell off the back of the van and clattered to the road. Joseph didn’t seem to notice.

 

* * * * *

 

Meanwhile, the same humanoid woman who had spoken with Miriam in the jewelry store was sitting on a bench by the entrance to the mall, eating her lunch. As she chewed, she glanced out the large window and saw the same little girl she had spoken to earlier standing by the bus stop out front. Another woman was with her. As the lady watched, a black van drove slowly down the road. Then it stopped in front of the girl and the woman, and the window rolled down, revealing a young man with dark-colored hair (black?). He was smoking a cigarette and had light skin. She couldn’t make out the color of his eyes.

The man traded a few words with the two girls and they got into his van, the drove off. As they did, the tailgate fell off the back of the car and onto the road.

The humanoid’s brow knotted as he thought about the strange man. He looked very familiar to her, but who was he? At that moment, she couldn’t figure it out. Perhaps it would come to her later, though.

 

* * * * *

 

Liloy hummed happily as she watched the scenery fly by. Miriam, on the other hand, was not relaxed or content. She was tense. The moment she had stepped foot into Joseph’s car, she had gotten weird vibes off him. She didn’t trust him. Personally, she was surprised Liloy even suggested riding with him!

Liloy looked away from the window and down at Miriam. “Having fun?”

Miriam mustered a smile. “Sure,” she replied weakly. “It’s very fun.”

Liloy beamed. “Told you this wouldn’t be bad!”

If she only knew, thought Miriam.

A few more minutes passed before Miriam’s house came into view. Excitement leaped through Miriam. Now she could get out of this strange car and into the safety of her own sweet home—but of course, Miriam though ruefully as she glanced at her watch, she might get a lecture from her mother for being late and riding with someone she hardly knew. I’d father face up to her wrath than be stuck in this creepy car.

“There’s my house,” Miriam told Joseph.

Joseph nodded, but instead of slowing and stopping in front of the house, he drove right past it. Miriam was startled. “Hey, Joseph,” she said, “my house was back there.”

“I know, silly,” Joseph chuckled, “but I decided to bring Liloy to her house first and then drop you off. Hope that’s okay.”

Miriam shrugged. “Sure, that’s fine.” She knew she would be even more late now, but she could deal with that later. Liloy and her baby were more important.

After ten minutes of driving, Liloy suddenly frowned as she noticed that they were on a deserted road with dark woods surrounding them. “Hey, we should have passed my house half a mile back,” she realized. “Joseph, please turn around. We need to get back to my house.”

Joseph made no reply and didn’t turn around, which made Miriam extremely uneasy.

Liloy’s voice became a bit stern. “Joseph, turn this car around. We need to get back to my house.”

Joseph suddenly slammed on brakes, jolting Miriam and Liloy forward. He pulled out a pistol from his jacket pocket, loaded it, and pointed the barrel of it at the frightened inhabitants. “Or you can keep quiet and we keep driving,” Joseph said, a malicious look on his face. “Otherwise, you die.”

Liloy was frozen on shock and Miriam was terrified, her heart pounding. Joseph turned away from them and began driving again, one hand on the wheel, another holding the cocked pistol.

Liloy leaned over and whispered to Miriam, “What’s he doing?!”

Miriam’s face was grim. “I hate to tell you, Liloy, but. . .”

“But?” Liloy waited expectantly. “What’s happening?”

Miriam raised her eyes to Liloy’s and hissed, “I think we’re being kidnapped!”