The Secret Claws

by Patricia Fry

  “Wow!” Adam said.

  “So there are fish in them thar waters,” Michael quipped.

  “I want a cricket on my pole,” Cassie said. “Daddy, will you put it on for me and one of those red balls, too.”

  “Okay,” he said, “let’s outfit everyone. But hey, we shouldn’t use all of Thad’s bait. He might want to go fishing after he finds his key.”

  “Naw. I’m finished for the day and the crickets won’t last overnight. Keep them.”

  “Gosh, thanks,” Keith said. “Hey, can we offer you a sandwich and some cookies? There’s a turkey sandwich left.”

  “Heck yeah,” Thad said. “I’m starving. I usually bring snacks with me, but I was in such a hurry to get out here this morning that I forgot.”

  “Here,” Cassie said, handing him a sandwich she’d removed from the cooler. “Adam almost ate it; lucky for you he didn’t.”

  “There’s soda pop and water bottles cooling in the stream among those rocks,” Michael said. “Help yourself.”

  “Gosh, you folks know how to pack for a day on the river.” He chuckled. “You don’t know how to catch a fish, but you sure know how to eat. This sandwich is great.”

  “Yeah, that’s what having a wife can do for you,” Michael said. “Are you married, Thad?”

  He shook his head. “Nope. I haven’t gotten to that place in my life yet. I’m still a free spirit, sort of living off the land. Someday I hope to attend culinary school and maybe become a chef in some famous restaurant in a fascinating country.”

  “Interested in cooking, are you?” Keith asked.

  “Yeah, ever since I was a kid.” He took a swig from a water bottle and continued, “I had to do the cooking for my younger siblings because Mom and Dad both worked. I learned to really enjoy it.” He laughed. “Although I’m not sure my sister and brothers appreciated some of my creations.” He became thoughtful. “After I left home, I cooked for an elderly couple. I was their caregiver; that’s how I earned my living until he died and the family put her in a home. Now I’m sort of a vagabond, wandering around getting to know more about this world we live in—well, the natural world, anyway.”

  “I caught one!” Adam said. “Dad, I think there’s a fish on my hook!”

  “Well, reel it in,” Michael coached.

  “Keep the tip up,” Thad called out.

  Adam continued to reel in the fish, losing his balance once and stepping a foot into the creek. Michael grabbed the boy before he fell and edged him back a ways. Everyone cheered when they caught sight of the trout flopping around in the shallow water as the boy reeled it closer, and they all complimented Adam once the fish was safely on the bank.

  “Wow!” Adam said, smiling from ear to ear. “That was cool.”

  “Yeah, that was quite a fight,” Keith said. “Let’s see what you got there.”

  “Hold it up,” Michael said, pulling his phone out to take a picture.

  Adam took the line and held up the fish, posing with a big smile on his face.

  After Michael and Keith had snapped a few pictures, Keith said, “Here, Adam, let’s remove the hook and put him on the stringer. Boy, that’s a beauty. Good job, kid.” He raised his hand for a high five.

  Adam slapped at Keith’s hand, then looked at his dad. “I guess I haven’t lost my beginner’s luck.”

  “Nope, you sure haven’t. Do you think you can teach your uncle and cousin and me how to do that?”

  “Yeah, just do what Thad said,” Adam suggested.

  After catching a few more fish, the men and the children sat down and helped Thad finish off the cookies.

  “She likes you,” Michael said, nodding toward Lexie, who was lying next to Thad.

  The young man ran his hand over the dog’s head and ruffled the fur around her neck. “She’s a nice dog. What kind is she?” Before Michael could respond, he said, “I’d guess maybe greyhound and some sort of long-haired dog—a collie?”

  “Could be, I guess,” Michael said. “I’ve always thought she’s part Afghan hound.”

  “Oh yes,” Thad said. “That coat does look like it could belong to an Afghan. I used to walk a pair of them when I lived in San Francisco.”

  “You’ve been around, haven’t you, Thad?” Keith said.

  He nodded. “A little bit.”

  “So what do you think are the chances of you finding that key?” Michael asked.

  “Slim to none,” Thad said. “If I don’t find it today, I’ll give up.”

  “Tell me,” Keith said, “what do you think the keys mean? What is this key mystery all about?”

  Thad let out a sigh and lay back against his backpack. “I’d like to think it’s a way for me to live a dream.”

  “To be a cook?” Cassie asked, taking a sip from her water bottle.

  “A chef,” he corrected. “Yeah, the scuttlebutt is that those who receive keys are going to be rewarded in some way.” He took a breath and sat up. “But my life isn’t all that bad. I love the outdoors. Nature’s awesome. I get enough income from what my family left to survive in this lifestyle. And I’m able-bodied. I can take on odd jobs when I want extra money. I’m okay one way or another. So no worries.” He then said, “Hey, Adam—that’s your name, right?”

  “Yes,” Adam said, tossing a pebble into the water and watching the ripple effect.

  “What’s your dream? What do you want to do with your life? Have you given it any thought?” He continued without waiting for Adam, “When I was about your age, I wanted to be an astronaut or an actor in roles like Kevin Costner’s in Waterworld or one of the old westerns. I actually love playacting I did a little theater in high school.” He glanced at the two brothers. “I saw a chef once on TV who entertained the people who dined in his restaurant. He’d cook, then put on a one-man play for his guests. Now that would be cool, don’t you think so?”

  Adam winced. “Um, not really. It would be fun to watch, but I wouldn’t want to be the cook and the actor.”

  “So what is it you’d like to do?” Thad asked.

  “I might want to be a veterinarian,” he said.

  “Hey, that’s a good profession. You like animals, do you? Me too.”

  Adam nodded toward Michael and Keith, saying, “Yes, and my dad and uncle are veterinarians.”

  “Wow!” Thad said. “You guys are twins and in the same profession. That’s cool.”

  “I also like science,” Adam said, “so maybe a research scientist searching for cures to some of the bad diseases.” He became solemn. “I have a sister with Down syndrome and she goes to a school with other disabled kids. I’d like to find a way to keep children from having to live like some of them do, in wheelchairs, unable to talk and all.” He choked up a little when he said, “All children should be healthy until they grow old.”

  “Hear! Hear!” Keith said, affectionately squeezing the boy’s shoulder.

  Thad winked at Adam. “Yeah, that’s an ambitious and very important goal. I’d sure like to come to your Nobel Prize ceremony.”

  Adam appeared to be a little embarrassed. Not knowing what else to say, he muttered, “Thanks.”

  “Well, is everyone finished fishing?” Michael asked.

  “Nooo,” Cassie wailed. “I didn’t get to catch one. I want to catch one.”

  “Uncle Keith, You didn’t catch one either, did you? I caught two, Dad caught one. Thad caught one.” Adam laughed. “Lexie almost caught one when it jumped out of the water right in front of her.”

  Cassie joined him in laughter. “That was funny!”

  Adam petted the dog. “Yeah, she didn’t know what that was.” He leaned over and told her, “That was a fish, Lexie. Next time catch it. That can be your supper.”

  Keith chuckled. “Yeah, if the fish doesn’t catch you first.”

  “Okay,” Michael said, looking at his watch, “how about we fish for another forty-five minutes, then we’d better go see what the gals are doing.
”

  “And Teddy,” Adam said.

  “And Rags,” Cassie added.

  “Well, let’s hope Teddy’s taking a nap about now,” Michael said, “and Rags is staying out of trouble.”

  “Thanks for the lunch,” Thad said, standing up and preparing to leave.

  “Wait,” Michael said, “Aren’t you going to take your fish?”

  “Naw. You cook it for your dinner.”

  “I have a better idea,” Keith said, his eyes twinkling. “Why don’t you come to our cabin and show us how to cook trout?”

  “Yes,” Michael agreed. “We’d enjoy sharing dinner with you.”

  Thad looked at the stringer. “Do you think you’ll catch enough fish to make a meal for everyone? You have quite a group with you, as I recall.”

  “Yeah we do,” Keith agreed. “Hey, if we don’t catch more fish, we’ll stop at the restaurant and see if we can finagle a fillet or two from them.”

  “Then okay,” Thad said, “I’d like that.”

  “Do we need any special ingredients?” Keith asked.

  “You probably have what I need. If I think of anything unusual, I’ll pick it up. You’re in the Sledge cabin, right? What time do you folks eat?”

  Michael looked at his watch. “It’s two thirty now. How about we meet you there around six?”

  “Yeah,” Keith said, chuckling, “that’ll give us a good three hours to catch our limit.”

  Thad nodded and waved, calling out, “Good luck, fishermen and fishergirl.”

  Chapter 5

  “It’s nearly four,” Holly said once they’d exited the shuttle. She watched Savannah strap

  Teddy into the stroller, then asked, “What do you want to do?”

  After thinking for a moment, she said, “I think I’ll call Michael and see what their plans are. I’d like to wait here for a little bit in case that guy shows up.” She took her phone from her tote bag and placed the call.

  “Yesss?” Michael said upon answering. When she didn’t respond, he said, “Savannah?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What’s wrong, hon?”

  “Oh, Michael,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

  “What happened?” he asked, anxiously. “Are you…? Are the children...?”

  “We’re okay, Michael. Everyone’s okay; it’s Rags.”

  “What did he do now?” he asked, letting out a sigh.

  “I think he’s been kidnapped.”

  Michael paused for a few moments. “What makes you think that?”

  “He got out of his harness and disappeared. We couldn’t find him up at the lodge, so we came back.” She took a couple of quick breaths. “Michael, we think he’s with a vagrant on a bicycle…”

  “Oh. Now wait, honey. What lodge? He’s on a bicycle?”

  “Well, he’s probably in the guy’s backpack. You know he’s ridden in a backpack before. Jennie took us to a lodge for lunch. Rags sneaked away and we think that guy took him. We’re waiting for him now at the shuttle stop. If he doesn’t show up here pretty soon…oh, Michael, he might have taken Rags to a place where people do awful things.”

  “What place, Savannah? You’re talking kind of crazy.”

  “Michael, Jennie told us about a place up here where derelicts and no-goods hang out, and she thinks he could have taken Rags there. To do what, we don’t know.” She took a few breaths to try to calm herself, then asked, “Are you still fishing?”

  “No, we just called it a day.” He chuckled. “And not why you might think?”

  “Huh? What do you mean?”

  “Well, it’s not because the kids got tired of fishing, or because we ran out of food, or because…”

  “Why, Michael?” she asked. “Is everyone okay?”

  “Yes, everyone’s fine. I’ll let Adam tell you,” he said. “Here, Son, want to share the news with Savannah?”

  “Yeah,” he said excitedly. “Hi, Savannah. Guess what? We caught the…what is it Dad? What did we catch?” He then said into the phone, “Limit. That means it’s against the law for us to catch any more fish today.”

  “Well that’s exciting news,” she said. “What a fun fishing day you guys had. And Cassie caught fish, too?”

  “Yes, she caught the most.”

  “That’s really cool. So glad you guys had a successful day of fishing. Listen, will you let me talk to your dad again?”

  “Here Dad, Savannah wants to talk to you.”

  “Thanks.” Into the phone, he said, “Neat news, isn’t it?”

  “Uh-huh, I’m glad you all had a good time.”

  “Yes, it was great. Now we’re on the dock showing off our fish. Where are you? How about if I have Phyll keep an eye on our catch and we’ll come there. I want to hear more about what you think is going on with Rags.”

  “Okay. We’re next to the general store at the shuttle stop, like I said, watching for that guy on the bicycle. We’ll wait here for you.”

  Minutes later the two families were reunited and sharing stories from their busy day. It was after four thirty when Jennie put her hand on Savannah’s arm and said, “Honey, I don’t think he’s returning to the village. He must have gone—you know, to that old lodge I told you about.”

  “Oh no,” she wailed. “Are you sure?”

  “No,” Jennie said. “I can’t be certain, of course, but it would fit into his pattern of doing things, from what I know of Paul.”

  “What can we do?” Savannah asked, her voice quivering.

  Michael sat down next to her and put his arm around her. He waited for Jennie’s response, as well.

  The woman shook her head. “I don’t know. I sure wouldn’t go up there, if that’s what you’re thinking—not unless you’re armed or with an armed guard, perhaps.”

  “Craig!” Savannah said, picking up her phone.

  “What are you doing?” Michael asked.

  “Calling Craig. He’ll know what to do.”

  But before she could make the call, she heard a shrill cry. Everyone looked up and saw Gladys walking swiftly toward them with Lily in her arms. She announced, “She fell and scuffed up her knee. Vannie, do you have a wipe in that magic bag of yours?”

  “Magic?” Keith questioned.

  Holly chuckled. “Yeah, she has everything in there.”

  “Awww, baby, what happened?” Savannah crooned, taking the child in her arms and comforting her.

  Michael ran his hand over Lily’s back and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Daddy,” Lily said, reaching for him.

  He put her on his lap. “Let me see your owie, punkin.”

  In the meantime, Savannah pulled a wipe from her bag and began dabbing at the bloody scrape.

  “Owww,” Lily cried.

  “I’m sorry, honey. We have to get the bugs out of it.”

  “Bugs?” Lily wailed.

  Savannah chuckled. “Germs, honey. You got dirt in there. I need to clean it so we can see it.”

  “Do you have a bandage?” Jennie asked.

  “I should have one in here,” Savannah said, riffling through her bag. “Darn, I guess I didn’t replenish my stash of bandages. How could that happen? I always carry them.” She faced Holly. “Don’t you? Do you have one in your backpack?”

  Holly shook her head. “I remember using my last one a couple of days ago when I broke a nail.”

  Jennie gazed across the way. “Looks like Doc Denton’s office is still open. Let’s take her over and see if Lana will put a bandage on her knee. She’ll have some alcohol, too.”

  “Good,” Keith said, “I could use a shot.”

  Holly slapped playfully at her husband. “Not that kind of alcohol, silly.” When she saw Savannah look down at Teddy, who was sound asleep in his stroller, Holly said, “Leave him. I’ll stay with him.”

  “And watch for that bicycle maniac, will you?” Savannah carped.

  “Sure will,” Holly
promised.

  Savannah, Michael, Jennie, and Gladys walked into the small doctor’s office seconds later with Lily and were greeted by a young woman wearing a nametag labeled Lana. “Hi,” she said. “What can I do for you?” When she saw the blood spots on the baby wipe Savannah held over Lily’s knee, she looked into Lily’s tear-stained face and said, “Oopsie. Did you fall down, little one?”

  Lily nodded.

  Jennie said, “Lana, I think all we need is a bandage, if you don’t mind.” She added, “This is Savannah and her husband, Michael, and the grammy, Gladys. They’re visiting—staying in the Sledge cabin over the weekend.” Lana nodded and Jennie continued, her voice more gentle, “This little cherub is Lily. Yes, she fell down. Do you have time to make her more comfortable before you close for the day?”

  “Certainly,” Lana said. “Lily, come with me and I’ll let you sit on my special table and hold my puppy. Do you like puppies?”

  Lily nodded shyly, sniffled, and buried her face against Savannah’s chest.

  “Mom and dad can come too,” Lana said.

  “What an intimate set up,” Savannah said, following Lana into an exam room. “Do you get much business here?”

  “Not a lot, but enough to know we’re needed.” Lana smiled. “Like today. Lily needs us today.” She motioned. “Why don’t you sit there on the table with her and I’ll clean that little knee up.”

  “Have you been here long?” Michael asked.

  Lana chuckled. “All my life.” She picked up a stuffed dog and handed it to Lily. “Want to hold onto Ruffy for me? Ruffy loves little-girl hugs.” Lily took the stuffed animal and held it to her.

  Lana glanced in Michael’s direction while dabbing at Lily’s scrape. “You probably wonder why I stay. I ask myself that sometimes.” She rubbed some ointment on Lily’s knee. “Actually, I really do like it here, but I still dream of leaving someday and becoming a physical therapist. I want to work with the elderly. I think they’re our latest under-served population. Well, there are so many people living into their nineties and beyond, and they should be given every chance to maintain their health and dignity for as long as they live.”