by KC Frantzen
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”
I notice Léonce giving me a look.
“What!”
There’s also an “M” on a pole on this avenue. It seems there’s more than one entrance to Métro in this area. We take the stairs underground.
Perfume, sweat, dead cow, cheese, bread, fear, love – the smells are similar to Washington, DC, but with a French flavor. One thing is the same, the human pandemonium. So many, all in a hurry. There’s clicking as they walk through the ticket-taker machine. No ticket for us!
We leave on the next train. Léonce has me watch for Cluny la Sorbonne where we will disembark. It takes a while, but I realize there’s a map above the train doors and all the stops are marked. He seems proud when I say, “Next stop.”
He shows me how to wait underneath the first row seats and let the forest of legs get off first. We jump just before the doors close.
The walls and ceilings are covered in shiny white tile, with a scattering of huge scribbles. A lady nearby explains to a tourist that they are replicas of autographs of famous humans from the area. No pawographs. Interesting.
We locate the exit, pass through several hallways, up steps, and into the sunlight. Much better. After several blocks we arrive at a large plaza with a huge building in the middle. Le Panthéon.
We’re early, so we search for snacks.
When the sun sinks in the sky he says, “We should prepare. They will arrive soon.”
We stoop under an iron gate and enter Le Panthéon at ground level. But when we descend smooth concrete stairs, my bottom lip sticks out a bit.
Underground. Oh joy.
I don’t like this place of cold hard cream-colored stone. Nothing is soft or green, like where Léonce lives. The layered human scents vary. Some are strong, from today, some are faint and age-old. We trot together down a long, dimly lit corridor with hall after hall of crypts on either side.
At least we’re traveling towards a light.
“We will position for observation, after I show you their meeting area.”
As we near the end of this corridor, I hear sounds like a show on the Antiquity Channel. Odd. We approach a large room, with chairs and tables and a screen. A video is playing about another lady Marie, a Madame Skodowska-Curie and her husband, Pierre. Wonder if Dad has seen it?
I feel Léonce’s paw on my shoulder. “Maintain silence when they arrive. Come. We will monitor from over here.”
We enter one of the crypt hallways nearby and he indicates I should jump up. Piffle. We’re upwind of where the group will meet. Can’t be helped, but it knocks out one of my best senses.
My friend settles in to wait, ears alert, tail hugging his body.
I inspect the vault nearest me. “Why would someone named Louis Braille be buried here? And what about the dots beside his name?”
The video stops then it’s deathly quiet.
“Closing time,” Léonce says. “Now we listen.”
Chapter 19
Footsteps.
They arrive in groups of five, a few minutes apart. I think I spot Pack Leader, Alexis too. Sniff. As I thought, not much scent available.
When they’re all seated on the cold stone floor, Director strides in from a darkened archway I just noticed.
I detect others waiting, hidden.
In a severe voice, Director begins. “We have blocked bridges, hacked systems, disrupted commercial zones, punching panic into the hearts of immoral governments and businesses worldwide. It is nearly time to implement the next phase of our plan.”
The young humans lap up every word, except Alexis. He appears distant.
She surveys the group, then commands, “Watch the video.”
After introductory music, a voice says, “Your News Wire Program at Five update. Authorities have few details on the bomb blast outside the Regnadistan–”
I whisper, “Rukan talked about that.”
My companion frowns.
“–Embassy in Paris last Friday morning. No one has claimed responsibility, and the incident remains under investigation. However News Wire brings it to you first. We have learned there is a person of interest. Authorities request assistance from the public.
“Our on-scene reporter acquired this brief audio from a young rubbish collector. Listen as he explains what happened.
“‘I noticed this metal case near the Embassy wall.’”
Pack Leader’s voice!
“‘When I looked inside, I was scared. There were wires and a timer–’”
I mutter, “That’s the same as Washington.” Léonce gives me a look.
“‘–so I hurried to call the authorities. When I rounded the corner, I heard the explosion.’
“To review, the blast occurred Friday around 4:30 a.m., setting vehicles ablaze and blowing out windows in the Embassy and several buildings nearby. Computer and telephone communications were disrupted, and in a few instances, were severed entirely.
“The spokesman on foreign affairs said Regnadistan’s intelligence agency continues coordination with Parisian authorities. ‘We are thankful for no injuries. This blast will have no impact on our diplomatic activities in France or elsewhere. We remain watchful for all who employ terror to further their Cause.’
“As we noted, the blast knocked out video recording devices in the immediate area. Our reporter arrived prior to the camera crew so authorities merely have access to this recording. Today, however, he has been officially designated a person of interest.
“If you have any information, contact the Central Directorate of Internal Intelligence, which has posted a reward for facts leading to arrest and conviction in the Embassy attack. In other news…” Click.
Several of those seated pump fists as all eyes turn to the human seated near Alexis. Director says, “Brilliant work, which has been noted by our Chief.”
The young man’s nose jerks in the air as he takes a quick look to his left and right. I notice some scratches and wounds across his face and he’s favoring one arm. It’s Pack Leader alright. Léonce and I struck one for the good guys.
Director glares at Alexis. “Some of you should learn from this noble fighter.”
Noble? Pack Leader? He’s nothing but a coward and a bully.
Alexis keeps his eyes down, shoulders slumped.
All in the room are quiet. During the silence, several start fidgeting. One says, “We are ready to hit again, Director. When do we go?”
“Soon. We will rupture communications, as you know, the first round in war. The political and economic elite must understand we are everywhere. We can strike at will.
“Over the past few days, we have acquired cellular phones. These will be decoded, modified systems making them untraceable. Inexpensive portable radios will also be adapted for our purposes. Alexis? Alexis!”
He glances up, then melts under her glare. “Yes Director.”
“Since you prefer to be elsewhere, leave us. You shall take the equipment for modification. At once.”
“Yes Director.”
Such sad eyes. The jeers of his friends don’t help. Some friends.
As Alexis shuffles out with a box under each arm, Director continues. “The Movement’s policy has been to attack different targets each time, to keep the authorities off-balance. Our Unit Chief is well-removed, positioned to coordinate our efforts here. His previous plan was foiled by a US government agency.”
Mean Girl asks, “What happened?”
Director’s eyes narrow. “Do you not recall the EMP suitcase scheme in their capital?”
Mean Girl slumps a bit and nods.
Director IS talking about Rukan!
“Operatives in position deflected attention and he evaded capture.”
A HA! But who would have helped a person so evil?
Director looks to her left, arm outstretched. “We are honored to have them with us.”
From the darkened archway step a woman and a jagged-eared dog.
Chapter 20
/>
The gang jumps to attention as Miss Sandy and Sassy stride to the center to return Director’s salute.
Léonce grimaces as I pant for breath. My instincts were correct all along! Miss Sandy and Sassy ARE with the anarchists, in cahoots with Rukan this whole time! That’s how he escaped in DC. They don’t need protecting, they must be exposed!
Sassy shifts her stance and slowly turns in my direction, nose sniffing suspiciously.
I try to shake quietly and hope she can’t hear me, too.
Miss Sandy speaks, her voice steely with a trace of accent I’ve not noticed before. “Due to your success, and because the enemy will not expect an additional assault on the same target so soon, leadership has honored you with the first round in the worldwide escalation. I bring details.” She nods to Director.
Fists again pump the air as a presentation starts on the screen.
Miss Sandy says, “Your teams will engage various places of commerce. Group guides will inform teams during training.”
Cheers boom off the walls. They pat each other’s backs while Miss Sandy’s eyes glint.
“The Americans have had an oppressive hold on Paris for hundreds of years. It’s time to take it back. After tonight’s training session, you are officially on standby for the next 36 hours. Teams will activate the with text code ‘gO.’ When received, your teams of five will have 47 minutes to proceed to your designated locations.”
Director continues. “Trainees will observe only. Obey your guides. We want confusion among the masses, no martyrs. This will keep the authorities busy. Know this. What you will soon accomplish is part of a larger endeavor. Your contribution to the disruption of the status quo is critical. We are the Movement. This is our Cause.”
Sassy howls and the pack of young humans joins in. “To the Cause, to the Cause!”
As the maddening cheers echo off the walls, Miss Sandy shouts, “We will be heard.”
Positioned behind the crypt, I hear them clearly.
We wait until long after they are gone before emerging. Which is a good thing. I’m still shaking and “why” is back in my vocabulary.
Léonce says, “This deeply disturbs you?”
I growl, “Not now, okay? I’m trying to figure things out. All I know is, I have to do something to stop them.”
The white crypt looms large over me.
How can it be Dad and Mom’s dear friend and love of my brother’s life, Miss Sandy, is working for the wrong side? She even fooled April. It’s impossible, except I sensed it for myself.
Sassy too. I respected her enormously… One thing for sure, April will accuse me of fabricating the whole thing unless I can prove it. I sob, just a little.
Léonce pads nearer and curls his long fluffy tail across my shoulders.
I moan, “Thanks. I can’t believe all this, except… Except my gut told me they were up to something at our house. That’s when I found Rukan’s photo in Miss Sandy’s dead cow bag. I’m glad I nosed through her stuff, though I got in trouble for it.”
He listens, tip of his tail patting my back.
As tears begin, I stamp my paw and sniffle. “How can this be?” I stare into the distance for a moment, then my gaze rests upon the crypt again.
Louis Braille.
I’m distracted by little dots in a nice pattern underneath his name. At least it’s something else to think about.
Sniffle. “Léonce, do you know what those dots are for?”
All he says is, “Let’s go.”
Not knowing what else to do, I follow my friend, padding through the darkened hallways. We pass by the way we entered before and find it is shut tight.
My shoulder starts to ache.
It’s real dark and we’re trapped, underground, with all these crypts. I stare down the darkened corridors and hallways, tightness in my throat. “H-how will we get out?”
He doesn’t reply but continues trotting.
I uncovered a dangerous plot and I’m stuck in this cold building with no way out.
Far from my family.
Darkness closing in.
Betrayed.
I feel very small.
At the end of the corridor, a brilliant spotlight highlights an emblem. Alpha & Omega! That’s a symbol for the Creator as the beginning and end of all things. When I first came to live with them, Dad told me Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last. It must have been there all the time, but I only noticed it now since it’s so dark. I don’t remember what the middle symbol is, but I hope to ask Dad again.
Hope. Amazing how a tiny spot of light reminds me.
Okay then. I’m still breathing.
That means He has a plan with my name on it, because I know He will never betray me. He loves me.
I can do this.
We trot along quietly, deep in the dark. When I can stand it no longer I ask again. “How will we get out?”
“I know a way,” says my feline friend.
“It seems quite a long way. Where are we going?”
“Souvenir shop.”
After almost forever, we climb a long flight of wide steps into a different part of the building.
When we top the stairs, the intricate stone floor is smooth and cool on my pads. The sound of my nails click-clicking echoes through this part of the building. We turn a corner and…
Wow. Just… wow.
I feel very small.
I trot near the middle of the room and crank my head way back. A few lamps wayyyy high spotlight the sight. The painted ceiling goes up and up, nearly into the clouds, and… How odd. It almost looked like the shadows moved.
Huge paintings cover each wall. There’s a battle scene, with a canine character!
When we near the front entrance, Léonce says, “Keep busy. I’ll be back.” He leaps onto the souvenir counter and uses a paw to push a drawer open, then a cabinet, then hunts under the counter. Wonder what he’s looking for?
Closer to the floor, I notice jewelry and cardboard photographs of La Tour Eiffel, scarves marked “Paris” and mugs for coffee or tea. Now that I think of it, souvenir sounds French. Mom calls these “little remembrance gifts.”
I spy many books on shelves, kind of like we have at home. But it’s odd. There are several copies of the exact same books. On the outside of one, I recognize the lady Marie Curie from the video and, ooh, there’s one about Louis Braille. I glance over at Léonce – still hunting – so I’ll peek inside. Maybe it’ll tell me about those intriguing little dots.
Here’s a drawing of Mr. Louis as a young human. He was three years when he went blind. How sad. While attending a special school when he was about eleven years – young for a human – he began improving on a secret code the military used at night.
The book says dots in raised patterns form letters of the alphabet. Someone blind or in the dark feels the dots to decipher the code.
Quite logical.
I turn more pages. It says his system changed many blind people’s lives, all over the world. Long after he died, his remains were moved so his memory could be honored. I guess I should have paid my respects. Hey. Here’s a photo of where we are in Le Panthéon.
“Put it away.”
Yikes! I jump. “I was only doing what you told me, Léonce. And I found out about those dots.”
He gives me a look.
I nose Mr. Louis’s story back into place.
As a young human, Mr. Louis might have thought he was very small. Just look at his achievements!
Léonce paces as he scans the ceiling. “They are here.”
“Who?”
“The humans who will help us get out.”
Chapter 21
Again I follow Léonce into the shadows, but this time we climb narrow steps leading up and up and up. I catch an occasional glimpse of the floor far, far below. The designs are beautiful.
I start to pant, but Léonce leads me to more steps. Finally I see some wooden crates leaning against a wall, most of the
m open. I sniff some humans, eight I think.
“This is it,” my companion says, and disappears.
I hear a man’s voice. “Come to join us, have you?”
When I round the corner, I see Léonce getting his back scratched. Looks good! Another man sets down a dish of water.
A smiling voice greets me. “Bonsoir.”
May I? I’m parched.
The man, obviously a gentleman, waves his hand towards the water. “Certainement.”
Merci, monsieur. Laplaplap.
When I approach to properly thank him, he offers to pick me up and I let him. He obviously knows critters. It’s good to be hugged again.
So I did see what I thought I saw. I think. All these humans are dressed in black. Moving shadows.
As we cuddle, I look off to one side and observe several men and a lady hovering over a worktable. They’re focused on lovely old wheels and gears. Parts of a timepiece? Odd. It would be too large to wear on one’s foreleg.
From the lap of his friend Léonce purrs, “These humans work in secret from other humans, coming and going undetected. They will let us out.”
A telephone rings. My human carries me over and listens to the caller for a moment. Then he says, “Oui. Untergunther will make a statement.” When he hangs up, he announces to the group, “I’m to meet the reporter. Keep working. I’ll show our friends tonight’s passage when I go out.”
This time Léonce follows. The man carries me all the way down to a side entrance near the steps and kindly sets me onto the pavement. Immediately I shake it off.
When he looks concerned, I woof, “Oh no monsieur. I’m so glad to be out. Merci!”
He smiles and says, “Au revoir.”
When we wake up next morning at the lady Marie’s, I roll over and say, “Hey Léonce, I’ve made a decision.”
He opens one golden eye.
“I have to go to the Embassy. Wish I knew whom to trust when I get there.” I tell him about the ride with Miss Coralee, where I saw the flag, and about the big plaza with the tall spire.
