With all the tender care I received, the burns were healing and there seemed to be minimal scarring.

I felt like we were traveling for eternity, the road was an endless ribbon, winding this way and that. Jamie was always a pleasant distraction as were CC and Vin, who had more sexual tension between them than needy cats.

All seemed to be going quite well as we entered West Virginia. The next state we would reach after that was Pennsylvania. I just longed to reach our new home, that wonderful castle. . .

We parked near a lake, just outside of town for the night and already, James was sound asleep, he hadn’t felt well this past week, a mild chest cold in which Tanner had been able to treat with his knowledge of herbal medicine.

I decided that I would walk the mile into town to get chocolate. I was suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome and earlier in the day, my husband threatened to “tan” me if I got any bitchier. I couldn’t blame him. I was quick to snap at both men, though, CC stayed on my good side, likely because she did not have testosterone raging through her and she understood that I was a true sufferer of the illness.

I pulled on my black, leather, knee length coat and stepped outside, inhaling the brisk air.

“Tracy?” CC called to my left. “Where are you going?”

I smiled faintly. “To clear my head and get some chocolate and maybe some Midol.”

“I can drive you.”

“I need to walk. It’s not too far, I think the air might be good for me.”

“Ya shore your man’d agree?” Vin inserted.

“This trip could mean my being friendly again.”

“Anythin’ could happen t’ a small gal like yerself. Y’ just got yerself all healed up right nice. Ain’t safe out there.” He pointed to the vacant road. “If somethin’ happened t’ ya and James knew I let ya go. . .”

I looked between the two. “I’ll be fine, really. This time of year, people are too cold to do anything, besides, it’s only a mile away. I swear I will be careful.”

The scientist spoke softly. “Please do.”

“I will, I promise.” I pulled on my gloves and began my walk.

“Anythin’ happens and y’ scream loud like a rabbit. Y’ hear?”

“I will, Vin, I promise,” I murmured as I walked through the night.

It didn’t take me long to reach the small town and its twenty-four hour general store which was open year ‘round. About a block away, I heard a soft crying sound that I couldn’t quite identify, but I followed the sound curiously, ambling into a dark alley.

The sound was inhuman, definitely an animal who was stuck in some brush that someone put out by a garbage dumpster. I stepped closer and found a tiny, bedraggled, ball of fur, struggling with all its might. I knelt, realizing it was a very young kitten and worked at freeing the poor thing who began to hiss and spit in terror. “I’m not going to hurt you, little one.” I spoke gently as tiny teeth nipped at my gloved finger.

Once freed, the little feline pressed its scrawny body into my chest and began to purr loudly. “Well, you don’t have rabies, you could have fleas and God knows what else, but I can’t leave you out here to fend for yourself.”

When I stepped out of the alley and under a street light, I saw that my new companion was all black except for the left paw. “We’ll have to come up with a name for you.” I tucked the little ball of fur into my coat and down my shirt, deciding I would allow someone else to check the gender, I didn’t want him or her resenting me for causing discomfort.

I hurried through the store, buying what I needed, throwing in a small bag of kitten food, some cat toys, and a flea collar.

The moon was shining bright as I walked back down the road, the cat was sleeping peacefully, purring off and on to remind me of its presence. In doing so, I felt more relaxed than I had in a few months.

A few vehicles passed me by and I paid no attention, I was about a half mile to the “Winnie” and enjoying the peace that surrounded me, until a van passed by and pulled quickly onto the shoulder.

My heart pumped ice through my veins as I read the writing on the back doors. It was Burkesfield Intelligence.

Without hesitation, or concern to aching joints, I broke into a dead run, leaping into the ditch, pausing only to right myself and run again. I opened my mouth and screeched like a rabbit and immediately regretted doing so. You dumb fuck, you will lead the three of them into a trap. I veered right, making sure I put more distance between the RV and myself. I didn’t want those bastards getting their hands on Jamie.

Four men and one woman were chasing me, and catching up. I ran through ankle deep water, my feet felt like ice as the liquid soaked through my running shoes, but I wouldn’t stop.

A hand caught my long braid and I fell backwards. I yelped in pain, more from the kitten claws that dug into my abdomen more than the fall itself.

“Get up!” The thoughtful man who had hold of my braid, graciously yanked upwards, causing me more than a little pain.

Gingerly, I stood, biting back any yelp of pain, praying the kitty claws would release their hold on my flesh. “What do you want with me?” I questioned, trying to remain as calm as possible.

My arm was yanked behind my back and twisted viciously. I dropped my shopping bags and rasped in agony.

“You don’t ask the questions, bitch. We do. Now. Where are they?” The man from behind demanded with a another twist while a blonde man gazed at me.

“Where are who?”

“I can break your little arm, bitch.”

A paunchy middle-aged man stood next to the blonde. “Where is Doctor McKenna?”

“Who?” I was trying to recall the name.

Another savage twist to my arm. “That bitch you are traveling with.”

I closed my eyes. “They aren’t around here,” I spoke softly, allowing a tear to squeeze its way out. “I was dumped off in Logan.” I lied easily, wanting to protect the others.

The blonde spoke. “Why would Doctor McKenna ‘dump’ you off?”

I shook my head, opening my eyes.

The woman spoke. “It was one of the men!”

I nodded solemnly, allowing another tear to fall.

The fourth man, who was hidden more in the dark shadows spoke. “She comes with us.”

Home