Aednat and the Wolf

Chapter 29 Unexpected Complications

"So this is pizza," Abigale said as she bit into a slice.

"I absolutely love it!" Siofra said.

"The girls are coming back here tomorrow," Abigale said.

"David and I are going to Marquette early tomorrow and ride back with them," Eric said.

"We're riding with the cops," David said. "Officer Joe and Jerry have been assigned to accompany the van carrying the girls. I'll bring them something nice to wear."

"I'm grateful for the extra precautions," Abigale said, "this is far from over."

"We could ask to take the girls to Avalon," John said, "We could keep them safe there."

"I'm not so sure home would be any safer," Abigale said. "The Hendersen's have been very effective in protecting their own."

"I'm grateful for the warmer weather," Ted said, "the roads are much clearer for the drive to Marquette. And yes we Hendersen's are very protective. We consider Aediy as part of the family, and Greta too."

Later Eric had a moment to speak alone to his parents, "Mom, Dad, how did you know you were right for each other?"

"That is a big decision," John began, "Got someone back home in mind?"

"I do have someone in mind, I don't know how she feels. I think I do...not sure...I."

"Did you tell her how you feel?" Abigale asked.

"Been a little nervous, I think she likes me. I really like her...I kind of lose my ability to speak when we are together. My mind just goes blank."

"Have you talked at all?" Abigale asked.

"We have...do hold hands a lot. She's let me hug her and we've kissed."

"You'll have plenty of time to sort that out once we are back home," John said. Eric smiled and joined David to talk about the drive to Marquette.

"I wonder who's got Eric's eye." John whispered.

"I'll get Greta to spill the beans," Abigale said, "I'm happy he's thinking along those lines."

"He was so unhappy and isolated at school. I'm glad he found someone."

"I thought he was going to a lifelong bachelor. I really want to meet this girl."

"Most likely a quiet bookworm type," John said in a whisper, "someone shy just like him."

The next morning Officer Joe and Officer Jerry came by the lodge to pick up Eric and David.

********

Aednat and her five companions climbed into the van, "I thought our family was coming to escort us?" she said.

"There is a major wreck on the road and the east bound lane is totally blocked. So we are leaving now, hopefully we will meet on route."

"I can't wait to get my normal clothes on," Stacy said, "I hate prison clothes."

"I'm going to take a steaming bath and soak," Rosemary said, "and soak for hours."

"Officer, how come we don't have the chains on?" Greta asked.

"All charges have been dropped, you are going to be released to your family." The girls were smiling and talking as they traveled. "Let us know if you're cold back there, we can turn the heat up, all you have on those orange jumpsuits."

"I wish you had a radio in this van," Rosemary said. Before the driver could answer a large black Cadillac slammed on to it breaks directly in front of them while a second car side swiped the van. The van pulled onto the service lane when several shots were fired from the black cars striking the driver and his companion. They then forced open the van pointing their guns at the girls.

"Just kill those without the necklace," the Overlord shouted, "And grab the two we need."

"NO-O-O!" Aednat shouted. "You kill anyone and you'll never learn the secret of the pendant!"

"Leave our friends and we will co-operate!" Rosemary shouted. "Otherwise we'll never tell you!" Aednat and Rosemary were looking fierce as they spoke and the Overlord believed them.

"Put those two in the trunk," he said pointing, "Leave the others." Aednat and Rosemary were forced into the trunk of the lead car and the trunk lowered and locked. "Make any noise back there and we'll beat you good. I'll teach you the meaning of pain." The overlord shouted to them through the trunk lid. Both cars took off.

"I found a flash light!" Rosemary whispered. "I'll look for some tools too."

*******

"Finally moving again!" Jerry said.

"We are way behind now," Joe added. "You two keep an eye out for the prison van. We can circle back and follow them. They left a few minutes ago."

"THERE!" David shouted.

"Something looks wrong," Jerry said as he slowed his car and made a "u" turn and pulled up behind the van. Stacy was waving wildly at them.

"The officers were shot!" she shouted. "Greta and me did first aide." Jerry and Joe ran to the front of the van while Eric and David hugged the terrified girls to comfort them.

"They're going to be alright," Greta said softly. "Stacy and I have stopped the bleeding. They took Rosie and Aediy."

"You know first aide?" Joe whispered. The girls nodded. Jerry picked up the radio and saw that it was destroyed and returned to his car and radioed for help.

"Jerry I'll stay here with the injured men and the girls. You need to follow the fugitives."

"We could lose them!" Jerry said, "We'll leave now, it may be too late to do much."

"No, see those three birds," David said.

"The owl and the black birds?"

"They will guide us just follow them." Then turning to the girls, "Officer Joe will stay with you until help comes, we are going after Aediy and Rosie." The girls nodded. They climbed into the patrol car and Jerry turned the flashing lights on and they sped off in pursuit. By then the state police had radioed them and they were on their way to the stricken van. Additional cars would join them to run down the kidnappers.

In the meantime Rosemary had accessed the tools for the spare tire and they had a tire wrench and a carjack at their disposal. "Well at least we're armed!" Aednat whispered.