The Super Spies and the Pied Piper

by Lisa Orchard

  While she worked one side of the hallway, Scoop and Jackie split and took the other side. The whoosh and bang of doors opening and then closing quickly echoed through the corridor. Blood rushed through her ears in time with her ferocious heartbeat. The irritating thrumming noise seemed so loud that it surprised Sarah that no one else heard it. She took a deep breath and forced herself to settle down. Glancing down the row of doors, her anxiety ratcheted up a notch. There were only three left. Where is Dottie?

  “Sarah, over here,” Jackie called out in a tense whisper.

  Sarah and Scoop rushed to her side. She opened the door wider and there sat Dottie, tied to a chair and gagged with duct tape.

  The trio rushed in and Jackie shut the door behind them.

  “Jack, you be the lookout,” Sarah whispered. Her voice sounded high and strange to her ears and she winced. She wanted to appear strong and capable. With such a high, tinny voice she was sure that wasn’t happening.

  Rushing over to Dottie, she reached down and tried to unbind her legs. As she struggled, she surveyed the room. It was much like the room they had been locked in earlier that day, except it was windowless. The only furniture it held was a table with a tablecloth hanging all the way to the floor. On top of the table sat pamphlets and brochures about Piper Drugs. Sarah guessed they were used at one of the many conventions the company frequented.

  “Psssst,” Jackie whispered. “They’re coming!”

  Sarah’s heart hammered her chest as she searched frantically for a place to hide. “Quick! Under the table.”

  They scrambled to their hiding place just as the hallway door creaked opened.

  Heavy shoes scraped against the cement floor. Sarah held her breath, willing the intruders to go away. Nervous sweat trickled down the side of her face. Their hiding place grew hot and her skin felt itchy. She squirmed. Scoop grabbed her arm to quiet her.

  “She’s still here,” Martin Savage said.

  Sarah took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing heart by placing her hand over it and pressing her chest. It didn’t work and she squirmed again.

  The sound of another voice filtered through the door. Sarah couldn’t make out the words, but whatever was said pulled their captor from the room. The door closed and Sarah’s body went limp, like a wet noodle. She leaned against Jackie for a moment and wiped the sweat from her brow.

  “Let’s get moving,” Scoop whispered.

  Sarah nodded and they scrambled out from under the table. They immediately went to work freeing Dottie. Scoop worked on the duct tape and Sarah and Jackie worked at her bindings.

  “Oh, you are a sight for sore eyes,” Dottie said when Scoop removed her gag. Tears welled in her eyes and she rubbed her arms. “I’ve been in that position for so long my arms are asleep.”

  “How about your legs and feet?” Scoop asked.

  “About the same.”

  “We’ll rub your arms. You work on your legs,” Sarah instructed. She looked at Jackie and motioned for her to work on Dottie’s other arm.

  Sarah rubbed Dottie’s cold arm and hand. Dottie’s skin felt papery and dry to her touch.

  “Okay. I’m all right now,” Dottie said. She stood and wobbled for a second, but regained her balance. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Sarah made her way to the door. Her companions trailed behind her. The door opened with a creak and she peeked out into the corridor. She blinked, trying to adjust her eyes to the dim light. Finding the hallway empty, Sarah motioned everyone forward.

  They dashed for the stairwell. Reaching the door, Sarah stopped and in hushed tones explained about the security camera to Dottie. When she was done, she opened the door and inched her way along the wall until she reached the corner under the camera. Scoop and Jackie followed her and Dottie took up the rear.

  A door from above opened, and Sarah froze. She stared at Scoop and he motioned her forward and held up one finger, indicating they needed to get to the first floor. Sarah took a deep breath and continued inching forward.

  Heavy footsteps on the stairs sent Sarah’s heart into a frenzy. She’d heard those footsteps before. Shooting Scoop a panicked look, she increased her speed and took the stairs two at a time.

  Just before the first floor landing, Sarah paused and peered up the stairwell, hoping to get a glimpse of whoever was coming down. She couldn’t see a face but the hand on the railing wore an onyx ring. The skin on the back of her neck stood on end and sent waves of dread through her body. He must be at the third floor landing!

  Panic took over as she searched for an escape. There was none. She could either go up or down. They were trapped.

  Clenching her hands to stop the shaking, Sarah spotted a splash of red on the stark, white wall. Fire Alarm! With wobbling legs, Sarah stumbled toward it. Her hand trembled as she yanked the lever down, remembering how her father had worked many weekends in his years with the drug company. She prayed her father wasn’t the only one with that habit.

  The irritating alarm echoed through the building and within seconds the stairwell swarmed with weekend workers. Sarah knew she and her companions would be lost in the sea of people. It was the only way to escape.

  Glancing back, Scoop gave her a thumbs-up sign and motioned for her to move forward. He grabbed Dottie’s hand and pulled her along with him. Sarah grabbed Jackie and dashed up the remaining stairs.

  Sarah burst through the door and the cold air hit her like a splash of icy water. She shivered and pulled her jacket around her. Her companions were right behind her, huddling against the cold. They had made it outside ahead of the handful of employees just starting to pour out of the building.

  “Come on! Let’s get out of here,” Sarah urged. She picked up her pace and speed-walked through the parking lot. Jackie matched her stride for stride. Dottie and Scoop took up the rear.

  Once they made it around the corner, Sarah stopped to catch her breath. “Where do we go from here?”

  “Let’s head for the road. There must be a restaurant or gas station where we can stop and call a taxi,” Scoop said.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Sarah wiped her brow and glanced at Dottie. The older woman gasped for breath and her cheeks were flushed from the fast pace. “Are you all right, Dottie?”

  She took a deep breath. “I just haven’t moved that fast in quite a while.” She gave Sarah a tremulous smile.

  “We can slow down if you want.”

  Dottie shook her head vehemently. “No. I want to get as far away from those people as possible.”

  Sarah gave her an understanding smile and then glanced around. She hadn’t seen their captor since the stairwell. An uneasy feeling came over her; she wished she knew where he was.

  An open field lay between the building and the road. There was no cover and Sarah knew they’d be vulnerable. She took a deep breath and stepped out into the open.

  Dashing through the field, Sarah kept her eye out for Martin Savage. Her heart hammered against her chest. It was so loud it almost drowned out the sound of traffic in the road. I’m wound tight like a spring. She took a deep breath. Just chill out. Turning, she glanced at her companions.

  They were right behind her, working their way through the weeds that pulled at their clothing and slowed them down.

  Sarah searched for a trail. Within seconds, she found one winding its way through the long grass. It looked like a forgotten spaghetti noodle, long and skinny. It snaked its way through the field and disappeared over a small hill. Motioning for everyone to follow her, Sarah made her way to the trail.

  “It’ll be easier if we follow this,” she said over her shoulder.

  There was no answer from her companions, but they did move to the path.

  Once she reached the road, Sarah stopped and brushed the hair out of her eyes. There was no sidewalk so she stood a few feet back from the street. Cars whizzed past as if she wasn’t there. Impatient, she glanced back to see how much longer she’d have to wait. The others were only twenty feet behi
nd, but trailing them was Martin Savage and his sidekick.

  Sarah’s sharp intake of breath hit the back of her throat causing her to cough uncontrollably. Sweat broke out under her arms even though it was a cold day. “Hurry!” She shouted and flailed her arms.

  Everyone reached the road. Sarah hopped from one foot to the other waiting for traffic to clear. As she moved she glanced back. Their captors were just entering the field. Sarah’s heart pounded against her ribs and she patted the pocket where the flash drive was hidden.

  During a lull in traffic, she sprinted across the street. All she could think about was getting away from Piper Drugs. When she reached the other side she spun around and checked on her friends. They were right behind her, gasping for breath.

  Sarah didn’t hesitate. She cast a furtive glance around looking for a public place to hide. About a football field away was a fast food restaurant, Billie Joe’s. It was probably the same restaurant where their captor had gotten their lunch earlier. Taking a deep breath, Sarah called out, “Come on!” Turning, she broke into a sprint and ran toward the diner.

  Her companions followed her lead and they made it to Billie Joe’s in record time. They all scrambled inside, gasping for breath.

  “We have to hide,” Sarah gasped.

  Scoop’s eyes widened and he gestured toward the rest rooms.

  Without another word the group made their way to the women’s bathroom. Scoop paused for a moment, but then entered when Sarah gave him a nudge.

  “I shouldn’t be in the women’s bathroom,” Scoop whispered.

  “They’re less likely to look in the women’s bathroom,” Sarah reasoned. “Now, get in a stall and be still.” She gave the retired reporter a push toward the closest stall. Turning, she grabbed Jackie’s arm. “You and Dottie get in the next one. You guys will have to sit or stand on the toilet so your legs don’t show if they come in and look for us.”

  “Right,” Jackie said. She grabbed Dottie’s arm and guided her toward the next stall.

  Sarah glanced under the doors of the stalls. “Scoop, I can see your feet. Either stand on the toilet or sit on it and pull your feet off the floor.”

  “Sure thing,” Scoop responded in a sarcastic tone.

  Sarah smirked and then scrambled into the next stall. She stood on the toilet and prayed that Savage would be fooled. Taking a deep breath, Sarah allowed herself to relax. We’re almost home free. Her heart slowed its frantic pace and she wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

  “How long are we going to stay in here?” Jackie asked.

  “Until we feel it’s safe to go outside,” Sarah said. She rolled her eyes, glad that Jackie couldn’t see her. “Now be quiet.”

  The bathroom grew silent. Sarah couldn’t even hear anyone taking a breath. She stifled a groan. Just how long are we going to have to wait? Sighing, she shifted her body and leaned against the north wall of the stall.

  The soft, metallic click of a door opening and then a whoosh of air sent Sarah’s heart racing. The air left her lungs just as if she’d been punched in the stomach. She froze. Praying everyone else heard the door open, Sarah stayed motionless.

  Heavy boots scraped the tile floor and grated on Sarah’s nerves. She gritted her teeth.

  “Anybody here?” Martin Savage asked.

  No one answered and Sarah’s stomach fluttered and then clenched into a painful knot.

  More scraping boots and then a hand came into view. Sarah cringed. He’s checking to see if we’re hiding in the stalls. She was sure they would be discovered.

  “Martin?” A voice called from the door.

  “What?”

  “Are they in here?”

  “No.” The hand disappeared and Sarah heard more scraping sounds as he stood. “Let’s go check the gas station on the corner.”

  Sarah waited, holding her breath as the criminals left the bathroom. Her lungs ached from the need for air. When the door closed, she exhaled a big sigh of relief. Climbing down from the toilet, her legs wobbled. She grabbed the side of the stall and took a ragged breath. We’re going to make it.

  Opening the stall door, Sarah peeked out to make sure the bathroom was empty. When she didn’t find her captor, she hustled out and whispered to her friends, “Guys, they’re gone.”

  The other doors opened and Sarah’s companions spilled out.

  Jackie gave Sarah a quick hug. “We made it.”

  Sarah cracked a wide grin. “We sure did.”

  “Let’s go call a taxi,” Scoop said, before squeezing Sarah’s shoulder.

  Sarah flinched at the retired reporter’s cold hand. She giggled and pulled away from him. Making her way to the door, Sarah called over her shoulder, “Come on. Let’s go home.”

  She led the way and walked down the narrow corridor to the dining area in the restaurant. It was empty except for two police officers who seemed to be on their lunch break. She spun back to speak to her companions and ran right into Martin Savage.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Sarah’s breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t believe it. Angry tears filled her eyes.

  “Well, well, well… Who do we have here?” He asked, giving her a cold, triumphant smile.

  Sarah’s shoulder’s slumped and with frantic eyes she searched the restaurant. Her eyes flitted across the cops. No one here except the two cops. She brushed her hair from her eyes with a trembling hand. Cops! Without hesitating, Sarah dashed to the table and accosted the officers. “Please help me! That man is trying to kidnap me and my friends!”

  The officers turned toward Sarah and put down their coffee cups at the same time.

  “What’s going on here, young lady?” The officer on the right asked. His voice was low and deep… smooth like the milk chocolate that also matched his dark skin. His brown eyes warned that she’d better not be a prankster. His hair was cut short, just a little bit of fuzz on top of his head. There were tufts of silver scattered in with his dark, kinky strands. She glanced at his name tag. Officer Todd.

  Sarah went limp with relief and grasped the table to stop herself from falling. “Those men kidnapped us and we escaped, and now they’re trying to kidnap us again.” Tears welled in her eyes and she bit her lip to keep from crying. Her hand trembled when she pointed to Martin Savage and his sidekick, who had been hidden behind him until that moment.

  The rest of Sarah’s friends emerged from the safety of the hallway and joined Sarah at the cops’ table.

  The second cop stood. He was older, with graying blond hair. His blue eyes hardened when he stared at the criminals and he pulled his gun. Aiming it at Martin Savage, he said, “All right, you two. I want you to come down to the station with me.”

  Martin Savage let out a nervous chuckle and said, “Look, officer. This young lady has stolen something from my company. I just want it back.” He cast an uneasy glance at the door.

  His companion stepped forward and said, “That’s right.”

  Scoop came from behind Sarah and said, “There’s no mistake. These men are criminals.”

  Officer Todd stood and called for backup by speaking into his hand-held radio. He stepped between the two criminals and the door. His eyes narrowed into angry slits as he stared at them. “We’ll all go down to the station and talk about this… all quiet and peaceful like.”

  Martin Savage and his friend exchanged a look, but stayed silent.

  Sarah’s heart slowed its frantic pace and she took a deep breath. Grabbing the nearest chair, she sat down and leaned her elbows on her knees. She rested her face in her hands and took some deep breaths. This is finally over.

  Within minutes three squad cars pulled up. Officer Todd motioned for his partner to meet the other officers. Sarah watched through the window. After a brief conference, the officers stepped out of the cruisers and followed the first officer back into the restaurant.

  “Okay,” Officer Todd said. “We’re all going down to the station. I’m Officer Todd and you will be riding with me.” He poi
nted to Martin Savage.

  “Aren’t you going to cuff him?” Sarah asked.

  The officer kept his eyes on the criminal. “He’s not under arrest, yet.”

  “What?”

  “Relax, little missy. We’re all going down to the station and we’ll get this whole situation figured out.”

  Frustrated, Sarah bit her lip. What is wrong with this picture?

  “Officer, please let me explain. I’m Martin Savage. I’m head of security at Piper Drugs. You know the company that unselfishly donated the bullet proof vests to the police department… oh, about six months ago?”

  Rage ignited low in Sarah’s belly. It burned so hot her mouth dried up and she desperately wished for a cold drink. She glared at Martin Savage, willing him to die on the spot.

  “What’s your point?” Officer Todd asked. His tone had an edge to it, warning the criminal to back off.

  ”My point is you’re certainly not going to take a squirrely teen’s word over mine are you? I mean really? Is going down to the station necessary?” The head of security gave the officer a solicitous smile. He was pouring on the charm and Sarah had to look away, otherwise she’d puke. Is this guy for real?

  “You’re all coming down to the station. We don’t take accusations of kidnapping lightly around these parts.” Officer Todd’s tone was icy, contrasting with his blazing glare.

  Martin Savage opened his mouth to argue, but was nudged by his partner telling him to shut up. The head of security seemed to get the message because he clamped his mouth closed with a jarring clench of his teeth.

  Officer Todd grabbed his arm and guided him out the door. The second officer gestured toward the other criminal. “I’m Officer Rogers and you’ll be coming with me.”

  The second criminal scowled and followed his partner out the door. Officer Rogers trailed a few steps behind him.

  A young, thin policeman addressed the group. “I’m Officer O’Bryan and I’ll take two of you in my cruiser.”