Mango Glades

by Bill H Myers

  “Who'd you send them to?”

  “Polly. She'll love seeing them. Anyone else you want them to go to?”

  I shook my head. “No. Polly will be enough. She'll forward them to her friends, put them on Facebook, and before long everyone I know will see them.”

  “Good. Now, let's put the kitten to bed and figure out how we're going to get the others back.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  We were sitting at the kitchen table in the motorhome trying to work up a plan to get the other kittens back.

  We suspected they had been taken by two people in a Ford pickup with a white camper. We'd been tracking them, trying to figure out what they planned to do with the kittens.

  We had learned they had arranged a meeting with an exotic animal dealer. The meeting was to take place in the Miccosukee Casino parking lot, on Alligator Alley, just west of Miami.

  After learning of the meeting, we had called the animal buyer pretending to be the people holding the kittens and told him the meeting was off. We said the kittens were no longer available.

  In fact, the kittens were still available. The people holding them still planned to meet the animal buyer in the casino parking lot. But instead of meeting the buyer, they would be meeting me, pretending to be the buyer.

  One problem with our plan was the casino parking lot was on the tribal grounds of the Miccosukee Indian nation. We wouldn't be able to get FWC or other Florida law enforcement involved. We'd be on our own.

  Another problem was the people holding the kittens hadn't shown up yet. We knew what they were driving, and we knew they were somewhere in Miami, but we didn't know exactly where.

  My guess was they were parked somewhere on tribal land where they couldn't be touched by the feds or state police. They'd probably stay where they were until it was time to meet and would arrive at the casino lot without leaving the tribal land.

  That's the way I'd do it if I wanted to avoid getting arrested for possessing an endangered species in Florida.

  Figuring she'd know the answer, I asked Lori, “What's the law on panther kittens? How much trouble could they get into?”

  She knew. “Under the Federal Endangered Species Act, they could be charged with tampering, holding and selling. One year in prison and a fifty thousand dollar fine for each offense. With two kittens, double the prison time and fines.

  “State law is the same. One year in prison and fifty thousand dollars. If they are caught with the kittens in their possession, they are looking at jail time for sure.”

  “What if they get caught after they get rid of the kittens?”

  She shook her head. “Without proof they actually had the kittens, it would be hard to charge them with anything.

  “Even if they do get caught with the kittens, they could say they rescued them and were going to turn them in. So unless they actually sell them, it would be hard to prove they didn't have good intentions.”

  I nodded. “So maybe I can convince them that turning the kittens over to me is their safest play.”

  “That might work. But what if it doesn't? What's your backup plan?”

  “I'll offer to buy the kittens. If they agree to sell, I'll ask them to go into the casino with me so I can get cash from the ATM.

  “While we're in the casino, you break into their truck and take the kittens.”

  Lori thought for a moment then shook her head. “Two problems with that plan. What if only one of them goes into the casino with you and the other stays behind with the kittens?

  “And even if they both go to the casino with you, how am I supposed to break into their truck? I don't have much experience breaking and entering.”

  I nodded. “Okay then, how about this? If I can get them both to go to the casino, you try to get into the truck and grab the kittens. If you get the kittens, good. If not, when I get back to the truck, I'll give them the money and bring the kittens to you.

  “As soon as the kittens are safe, we call casino security and tell them I've been robbed by the two people in the truck. They can send their security team to investigate, and if the truck's still here, they'll find my money.”

  Lori nodded. “That might work. Especially if we can do something to make it harder for them to get out of the parking lot after you give them the money.”

  She looked at her cell phone. “Your plan only works if they show up. It's six now, which means they've got an hour. Think they're going to make it?”

  I shrugged. “I guess we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, let's make sure our cell phones are fully charged. We may need them later on.”

  I plugged my phone into the charger up front and plugged Lori's into the one near the kitchen table.

  Then we waited.

  Thirty minutes later, my phone chimed with an incoming call. Enterprise had the white van I'd ordered. Their driver was waiting for me in the front parking lot.

  After telling Lori where I was going, I got my wallet and walked over to pick up the van. On the way, I scanned the parking lot looking for a Ford pickup with a white camper but didn't see one.

  I did see the van Enterprise had brought me. It was easy to spot as it had the Enterprise name and logo painted on the left rear quarter panel.

  After signing the rental agreement and showing my credit card, the driver handed me the keys. “You need anything else?”

  “No, just the van. You need a ride back to your office?”

  “Thanks for asking, but it's covered. One of our staff will be here with a car in a few minutes.”

  I nodded, got into the van and drove it to the far side of the casino where it couldn't be seen from the RV lot. After parking and locking it, I walked back to the motorhome.

  Lori was waiting for me at the door. “Did you see it?”

  “See what?”

  “The silver Ford with the camper. It pulled in just a few minutes ago.”

  “They're here? Where?”

  “Down at the end. They took the spot at the end of this row.”

  I looked out the window, but my view was partially blocked by the back of a motorhome that had parked next to us. I couldn't see the truck.

  “You're sure it was them?”

  Lori nodded. “I'm sure. In fact, I snapped a photo when they went by.”

  She showed me the photo. It definitely was a silver Ford pickup with a white camper. But the angle didn't show who was driving.

  I asked her again, “Are you sure it's them?”

  She pulled a scrap of paper from her shirt pocket. “This is the plate number from the ranger at Monument Lake. Check it against the photo.”

  It matched. Lori was right. The truck parked at the end of the lot was the same one that had been parked earlier in the day at Monument Lake.

  Chapter Forty

  We were supposed to meet up with the people in the Ford around seven. It was already six thirty, which meant we didn't have long to work out the details of our plan.

  “So here's what we do. I'll drive over there in the van and negotiate for the kittens. Ten minutes after I get there, call my cell.

  “I'll use the call as a diversion, maybe as a way to speed up the negotiations. If I use the word 'Cadillac,' it'll mean I'm in trouble.

  “If that happens, call casino security. Tell them your husband has been kidnapped. Tell them he's being held in the silver Ford with the white camper. That should bring them out in force.

  “But don't do that unless I use the word 'Cadillac.'”

  Lori nodded. “Got it. If you say Cadillac, I call casino security. What else?”

  “If I can get them to sell me the kittens, I'll try to get both of them to go with me to the ATM inside the casino. If you see us walking across the parking lot, wait till we're out of sight then go to the camper and see if you can get in. If you can, get the kittens and bring them back here.

  “I'll keep them in the casino as long as I can. But you'll want to get in and out of their camper as quickly as possible.

&
nbsp; “If you aren't able to get in, come back here and wait for me. Lock the doors and don't let anyone in except for me.

  “If all goes well, we'll get the kittens back. One way or the other.”

  Lori nodded and reached into her pocket. “Take this with you.”

  She handed me a small, silver tube. “Pepper spray. Supposed to be able to fend off a grizzly. If you need it, aim for the eyes and press the red button. Then run.”

  I smiled. “You’ve been carrying this since I picked you up in Venice?”

  “Sure have and I was ready to use it on you if you started getting weird. You'll want to keep that in mind.”

  I put the pepper spray in my pocket. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to use it. If I didn't use it, I wasn't sure I was going give it back to Lori before we got home. I didn't want to risk her using it on me.

  Looking at the clock, I saw it was time to go. I stood and checked to make sure I had everything I needed. Keys to the van. Wallet with a credit card. Cell phone. And pepper spray.

  Lori stood and came over to me. “Walker, you don't have to do this. We can get the kittens some other way.”

  I nodded. “Maybe we could. But where's the fun in that? This way, we get the kittens tonight. One way or the other we'll end up with them.”

  She gave me a hug and kissed me lightly on the cheek. “Don't get hurt. Bob and I would be sad if something happened to you.”

  As I walked out, I said, “Lock the door behind me.”

  ***

  Outside, in the parking lot, things were starting to get busy. The RV spaces were filling up. Not surprising considering it was free. Those who camped here could enjoy all the amenities of the casino and after they had their fill, could come back and sleep in their own beds.

  I quickly made my way out of the RV lot and headed to the other side of the casino where I had parked the rental van. On my way over, I saw the main lot was filling fast too. Probably with tourists and Miami locals wanting to see if Lady Luck was with them at the slots or in the bingo rooms.

  Unlike the glamor of Las Vegas, most of the patrons at this casino were working class folks out to have a little fun or to eat at the bargain priced buffet. It was cheap entertainment as long as you stayed at the nickel slots and didn't make too many trips to the ATM.

  After walking through the two main parking lots, I reached the rental van. It was just as I had left it and I was happy to see no one had blocked me in.

  I climbed into the van, started the motor and let it warm up as I went over my plan one last time.

  All I had to do was drive over to the Ford truck, knock on the door and tell them I was Bud, the animal buyer. After they invited me in, I'd try to get the panther kittens. If all went as planned, I'd be back in the motorhome, kittens in hand, in a half hour or less.

  I took a deep breath, put the van in gear and drove over to the RV lot where the Ford truck was parked.

  Chapter Forty-One

  I pulled up behind the truck, flashed my headlights and waited. I expected whoever was inside would see me flash the lights and come out to talk.

  But no one came.

  After waiting two minutes, I thought about tapping my horn to get their attention but figured that wasn't a good idea. I didn't want to draw attention from the other RVers nearby.

  I could see someone was inside the camper. The interior lights were on, and someone was moving around. Since they didn't come out to meet me, I figured they wanted me to go to them.

  I got out of the van, walked over to the back of the camper and knocked on the door.

  From inside, a female voice asked, “You here for the kittens?”

  I answered, “Yeah, I am.”

  “The door's unlocked. Come on in.”

  I reached for the doorknob and gave it a twist. It was indeed unlocked. Pulling it open, I could see the camper looked a lot larger inside than it did from the street. A narrow hallway led to an area with a dinette on one side and a kitchen on the other. Further back, a ladder led to a bed above the truck cab.

  Inside and to my right, a closed door suggested the location of bathroom facilities.

  A young woman sitting at the dinette table said, “Come in. Close the door behind you.”

  Not seeing anyone else in the camper, I did what she said. I stepped inside and walked over to the dinette table.

  The inside lights were dim and it wasn't until I got close that I could see something was wrong with her.

  Her face was red and swollen. The skin on her arms was inflamed. Her eyes were watering and beginning to swell shut.

  “Are you okay?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “No, I'm not okay. I had an allergic reaction to something.”

  She looked at me, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. “You're here for the kittens, right?”

  I nodded.

  She slid a cardboard box from under the dinette table. “They're in there.”

  There were two kittens inside almost identical in size and coloring to the one we had back in the motorhome.

  “Mind if I pick 'em up?”

  She shook her head. “Go ahead.”

  I picked up the closest one and checked it over. Not really knowing what to look for, I made sure it had no open cuts and was breathing regularly.

  To me, it looked fine. Strong and healthy.

  I checked the second one and found the same. It looked to be in good condition.

  I put them both back in the box.

  “So what's the asking price?”

  The woman squinted like she was confused. “What do you mean, what's the asking price?”

  “I mean what do you want for them? How much?”

  She shook her head. “You are the guy Kenny called, right? From FWC?”

  “No, I'm Bud. The guy you called this morning. I was supposed to meet you here about the kittens.”

  She shook her head. “I didn't call anybody. It was Kenny who called. I was back here feeding the kittens, and he was up front. He said he called a contact at FWC and they were coming to get the kittens. You're him, right?”

  She thought I was from FWC. That was good. It meant getting the kittens back might be a lot easier than we thought. So I went along with it.

  “Yeah, I'm from FWC and I'm here for the kittens. But where's Kenny?”

  She motioned toward the front of the truck. “He's up front. In the cab. He started feeling bad and went up there to make another call. When I went to check on him, he was sleeping. I think he may have passed out. I couldn't wake him. He had an allergic reaction to something, too, but worse than me.”

  She scratched at a row of blisters on her left arm. One burst, a yellow liquid oozed out.

  “Are you sure you're okay? Do you need medical attention?”

  She looked at me, pain in her eyes. “I'm not okay. I probably do need to see a doctor. But first I need to make sure these kittens get into the right hands. If you're not from FWC, you need to leave. Now.”

  Before I could tell her why I wasn't leaving, my phone chimed with an incoming call. It was Lori, calling just as we had planned.

  I looked at my phone and said to the woman, “You'll want to hear this.”

  I put the phone on speaker and answered the call.

  “Doctor Joy, is that you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, I'm here with the woman who rescued the kittens. She says Kenny arranged to turn them over to FWC and was supposed to meet with them here this evening.

  “Can you please tell this woman who you are?”

  “Yes, I'm Doctor Joy and work with FWC rescuing panthers. Who am I speaking with?”

  The woman beside me whispered, “I'm Callie. A student at UF. I volunteer at Oasis.”

  Over the speaker phone, Lori said, “Callie, if you volunteer at Oasis, you know who I am. I'm giving you permission to turn the kittens over to the man who is there with you. Will you do that?”

  Callie hesitated then said, “Yes.”

  “Go
od. May I speak to Kenny?”

  I picked up the phone and turned off speaker mode.

  “Lori, Kenny is not available. I'll tell you why when I get over there.”

  I ended the call.

  In a soft voice, Callie said, “Kenny should be here. He was the one who found them. He should get recognition for what he's done.”

  I nodded. “Did Kenny take you to Monument Lake this morning?”

  “Yes. He said he needed to go out and rescue the panther kittens. He asked me to go with him.”

  “I see. And after you found the kittens, why didn't you take them back to Oasis? Why did you bring them to Miami?”

  “Kenny said we needed formula and nursing bottles. He said the closest pet store was in Miami. We went there and got what we needed. I mixed the formula and fed the kittens while Kenny stayed in the cab and made the call to FWC.”

  Callie reached up with her right arm and started scratching small blisters on the left side of her neck.

  “Callie, don't do that. You're going to make it worse.”

  She started crying. “It can't get worse. My arms and legs are on fire. I can barely see, and I'm having a hard time breathing.”

  She looked bad. If Kenny was worse, he could be in real trouble.

  “Callie, how long has Kenny been passed out?”

  “I'm not sure. Maybe thirty minutes. I was back here with the kittens and when I went up front to check on him, he was out. I thought he was sleeping, but I couldn't wake him.”

  I nodded. “Callie, we need to get both of you to a hospital.”

  She was still crying, trying to catch her breath. She whispered, “Kenny didn't want it to go this way. He just wanted to rescue the kittens and get them to FWC. He wanted to be the hero.”

  I didn't know if Kenny was a hero or not. If he called the animal buyer instead of FWC, he wasn't a hero. He was borderline criminal. Right now, that didn't matter. What mattered was the kittens were safe.

  But Callie and Kenny weren't. They were in pain and Callie thought they might be dying. To me, it looked like they were having an extreme reaction to poison ivy. Or maybe poison from the tree Lori had stopped me from touching.