The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer

by Lisa Orchard

  Sarah started pacing again. She gazed down at the ground as she walked, deep in thought. “So, Klonsky doesn’t know they have the real murder weapon.”

  Scott shook his head. “It doesn’t look like it.”

  “How can they tell which knife killed the Cat Lady?” Lacey asked.

  Scott walked over and sat next to Lacey on the steps. “Remember when you found the knife in the creek?”

  Sarah stopped pacing and listened to Scott.

  “Do you remember the tip was missing?”

  “Yeah,” Lacey nodded.

  “Well, this is kinda gross, but the knife broke when Klonsky stabbed the Cat Lady.”

  “So…what does that mean?”

  Scott cracked a smile. “Well, the tip was found when they did the autopsy on the Cat Lady, and it fits the knife we found perfectly.”

  “Wow.”

  “Okay this is great news,” Sarah said.

  “It is?” Lacey asked.

  “Yeah, that means our plan will work,” Jackie said.

  “So what are we going to say in the e-mail?” Scott stood and brushed his shorts off.

  “We’re going to say we know he killed the Cat Lady, and we found the murder weapon down by the creek.” Sarah brushed a wayward strand of hair out of her face.

  “Yeah, we’ll have to ask for money,” Jackie blurted out.

  “Why?” Lacey asked.

  “Because, why wouldn’t we just take the knife to the police? We have to have a reason for returning it to him.” Sarah went back to chewing her thumbnail.

  “Oh.”

  “So we’ll tell him we want ten thousand dollars,” Sarah continued.

  “Okay, do you guys have an e-mail address to send this from?” Scott asked.

  “We were going to set up a junk e-mail address just for this reason,” Sarah said.

  “I’ve already got one. We can use mine,” Scott replied.

  “Do you think that’s a good idea?” Sarah asked.

  “Maybe not.” Scott sighed. “It can probably be traced because I’ve already used it once before.”

  “Okay, we’ll just create a new one while we’re here. Let’s do it.”” Sarah turned toward the stairs.

  “Are you sure this is the only way to get a confession?” Lacey gulped.

  “Absolutely.”

  Sarah climbed the stairs to the library. She chewed on her thumbnail as she climbed, and the knot in her stomach twisted tighter. This is it. There was no turning back once they sent the e-mail. Looking back at the rest of the Super Spies, Sarah noticed Jackie pulling on her curls and Lacey fidgeting with the hem of her T-shirt.

  “I don’t know about this,” Lacey whimpered.

  “You don’t have to come with us.” Sarah put her arm around her sister.

  “I know, but I don’t want to miss anything, either.”

  “Just take it one step at a time.” Sarah gave her a squeeze.

  Pulling open the doors to the library, Sarah squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, before walking into the dimly lit entryway. The rest of the Super Spies walked behind her.

  Giving Mrs. Parker a wave, Sarah walked past the librarian’s desk. The familiar scent of old pages filled her nostrils. It was a dry musty smell, but it calmed Sarah’s nerves.

  “The computers are usually in the back,” she said.

  “Only you would know that information,” Jackie giggled.

  “Careful, you might learn something.”

  “Not if I can help it.”

  Sarah felt grateful for the easy banter she shared with her friend. She realized their jokes were their way of dealing with the stress of catching the crooked cop. Her pulse quickened as she walked to the computer area. The Super Spies were alone in the library, and the silence seemed deafening to Sarah.

  “At least we don’t have to wait in line,” Jackie said as the group stepped up to the computer.

  “Scott, do you know Klonsky’s e-mail address?” Sarah asked.

  “I know my dad’s. It’s his name with HarrisburgPolice.gov after it. I’m guessing Klonsky’s is the same.”

  “Let’s find out.” She motioned toward the chair in front of the computer. “Scott, do you want to send the message?”

  “Sure.” Scott sat down at the computer and began typing. “Okay, I’ve got a new junk e-mail account all set up. Now let’s see if Klonsky’s e-mail address will work.” He typed the address. The rest of the Super Spies watched over his shoulder. Sarah held her breath. Work, work ,work, she prayed.

  “Yes! It works!” Scott exclaimed

  “How do you know?” Lacey asked as she pushed her way to Scott’s side.

  “Well, if it’s a bad address the software will highlight it in red,” Scott answered with a shy smile.

  “Okay, now type our message,” Sarah urged, rolling her eyes.

  Scott typed the message and then stopped. “Do you want me to say who it’s from?”

  Sarah shook her head reading the message over his shoulder.

  We saw you get rid of the knife that killed Mrs. Fedewa. You threw it in the creek and we found it. If you don’t give us ten thousand dollars we’ll go to the police. Meet us at the big willow tree by the creek at midnight tonight to make the exchange.

  “No, we don’t want him to know who’s sending it,” Sarah said.

  Scott pressed the SEND button. The message disappeared. No turning back now. Sarah sighed as her stomach fluttered again. “Okay, guys, let’s go down to the creek and make up the rest of our plan.”

  “I’m hungry,” Lacey said.

  “Yeah, me too,” Jackie piped up.

  Sarah groaned. “All right, let’s eat at Hinkle’s, and then head to the creek.”

  After a quick lunch of Hinkle’s famous cheeseburgers and fries, the Super Spies made their way to the willow tree.

  When they reached the cul-de-sac, they dropped their bikes in the long grass and walked to their secret meeting place. Sarah noticed the sun had burned away the humidity of the day, leaving dry heat.

  Walking under the willow branches felt cool, and Sarah took a deep breath, enjoying the shade. She relaxed and plopped down on the ground. The others followed her lead.

  “Okay, guys,” Sarah began. “I’ve been thinking on the way over here… and when we meet Klonsky, I don’t think we should all come out.”

  “Yeah,” Lacey agreed.

  Sarah saw relief wash over her face. “I think it should be just me and Jackie.”

  “Yeah, Lacey and I can hide and tape everything. Where should we hide?” Scott asked.

  Jackie glanced around. “Why don’t you hide behind the willow tree branches?”

  “How about up in the tree?” Sarah suggested.

  “Up in the tree?” Lacey squirmed.

  “Great idea,” Scott said. “We won’t be seen by Klonsky and his partner.”

  Sarah noticed Lacey grimacing, but she didn’t say anything.

  “You think D.W. will come with him?” Sarah pulled at the grass beside her.

  Scott nodded. “Yeah, I don’t think he’ll come alone.”

  “You’re probably right,” Sarah nodded.

  “What if something goes wrong?” Lacey asked.

  “We can run and jump in the creek. It worked before.”

  Jackie grimaced. “Yeah, let’s just hope Klonsky can’t run.”

  “Are you worried?” Sarah asked, tossing a handful of grass at her.

  “Kind of, he’s a big guy.” Jackie threw a twig at Sarah.

  “Yeah, but he’s hurt, remember the fence?” Sarah sounded more confident than she felt. She chewed on a blade of grass, giving her thumbnail a reprieve.

  “Hey, I could bring some of my dad’s pepper spray if you want,” Scott offered.

  Sarah’s spirits lifted. “Awesome idea.”

  “Okay, so we get him talking and get his confession.” Jackie placed her hands on her hips. “What are we going to do after that?”

  “What
do you mean?” Sarah turned toward Jackie.

  “Hello, we don’t have a knife to give him.” Jackie gestured wildly with her hands.

  Sarah shoulders sagged. “Holy cow! I totally forgot about that. What are we going to do?”

  “I’ve got a hunting knife that’s just like the one you guys found in the creek. I’ll bring it,” Scott said.

  “You actually have a knife like that?” Lacey asked.

  Scott nodded. “Yeah, they’re pretty common.”

  “Thanks, Scott.” Sarah beamed at him as relief coursed through her body. “Beanpole, I’m so glad you thought of that.” She laughed and shook her head.

  “Hey, what can I say?” Jackie held out her hands and gave the thumbs up sign.

  “All right, let’s meet down here around eleven, so we can all get into position,” Sarah said.

  “Cool beans.”

  “Tonight’s the night, guys.” Sarah sighed and noticed the tension on their faces. “Everything’s going like clockwork.”

  She stood and brushed off her shorts. Everyone chuckled politely at the use of Klonsky’s catch phrase. Using his words tasted bitter in her mouth. It didn’t get the laugh Sarah expected.

  Sarah walked from beneath the green canopy. Visions of the Cat Lady killer in cuffs filled her mind, and a shiver ran down her spine.

  “Tonight is for the Cat Lady,” Sarah said.

  Jackie nodded. “For the Cat Lady.”

  “For the Cat Lady,” Lacey and Scott said in unison as they walked.

  Reaching her bike, Sarah lifted it upright and studied her friends. She noticed their grim expressions. They were scared, just like she was. Suddenly, anger at Klonsky ran through her body like a raging river. How dare he put us in such a horrible position. Who does he think he is? Her anger at the crooked cop dimmed her fear.

  “I can’t wait to see Klonsky behind bars for the rest of his life,” Sarah said through clenched teeth.

  “Me either,” Lacey said with a grimace.

  “And when he starts whining about being innocent…,” Sarah began.

  “That’s when we’re going to say, ‘That’s what all the criminals say,’” Lacey finished.

  Sarah burst into laughter, surprised by Lacey’s sudden spunkiness. The tension eased from her body, and she took a deep breath. Smiling at her friends, she climbed on her bike. “Knuckle bump.”

  The Super Spies mounted their bikes and knuckle bumped. Sarah wondered for the first time, what happens if Klonsky wins? What happens to her friends? A chill ran down her spine and a lump of fear formed in her throat. She took a deep breath and expelled these thoughts from her mind. He won’t win, he just won’t.

  Sarah swallowed the huge lump and managed to smile before turning her bike toward home. She began pedaling and struggled to keep her bike upright in the long grass. Reaching the pavement, pedaling grew easier.

  Tonight’s the night. Sarah clenched her teeth and gripped her handlebars so tight her knuckles turned white. This is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. I hope it’s not the last.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sarah paused and listened for a moment before she crawled through her bedroom window. It was quarter to eleven, and she was mentally preparing for the night’s adventure. She tried to get Lacey to stay behind, but her sister was determined to see this through. She’s getting braver. Sarah smirked at this thought, but quickly frowned when she thought about what they planned to do.

  “We can go. The coast is clear,” Sarah whispered. She leapt to the ground and scrambled out of Lacey’s way. Her pulse raced as she waited for her sister in a crouched position. It seemed to take her forever.

  “Come on. Jump,” Sarah whispered.

  Lacey whimpered, and then plummeted to the ground below. She rolled into Sarah, knocking her over.

  Sarah stifled a groan and righted herself. “We should’ve just camped out.”

  Lacey stood and brushed off her sweat pants. “Yep, that’s definitely easier than sneaking out of the window.”

  Sarah ignored Lacey’s reproachful tone. “We’ll plan better next time.”

  “I hope there won’t be a next time.”

  “Let’s go.” Sarah led the way and Lacey followed close on her heels.

  The moon hid behind the clouds, throwing mysterious shadows everywhere. Sarah’s anxiety intensified. Her palms were already slick with sweat, and they hadn’t even left the back yard. I hope everything turns out all right tonight, Sarah thought to herself as she took several deep breaths.

  Lacey grabbed her by the back of the shirt and held on tight. “I’m getting the weebeejeebees.”

  Reaching behind her, Sarah squeezed Lacey’s trembling hands. “Yeah, it’s creepy tonight.”

  Sarah’s pulse quickened as the girls made their way to the cul-de-sac. A slight breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. Stopping when they reached the path, Sarah took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She peered into the gloom, looking for anything out of place.

  Searching through the murkiness, Sarah spied the willow tree. It stood on the bank of the creek, casting a forbidden shadow. In the dark it loomed like a wicked troll waiting to gobble the girls up.

  The first flare of fear ignited in the pit of Sarah’s stomach. “It’s now or never.”

  Lacey twisted Sarah’s shirt tighter in her hand. “I’m right behind you.”

  The Cole girls crept toward the hardwood. Sarah felt the hair on the back of her neck rise and a chill ran down her spine.

  “Whoo! Whoo!” Sarah called.

  “Whoo! Whoo!”

  Sarah walked through the branches, feeling slight stings as they slapped her face. She found Jackie first, her eyes wide with fright, and her face sickly pale. Scott stood next to her, his breathing shallow, and his face shiny with sweat. Suddenly, dread coursed through Sarah’s body.

  “Hey, guys.” Sarah frowned.

  “Hello, girls,” a deep voice snapped in the darkness.

  The flare of fear in Sarah’s belly exploded into a raging fire.

  Klonsky loomed from the shadows. “I got your message.”

  Silence. Sarah saw the mixture of fear and frustration on Scott and Jackie’s faces.

  D.W. followed Klonsky out of the shadows and stared at the teens.

  Jackie finally found her voice. “I guess we weren’t the only ones who decided to come early.”

  “That’s right,” Klonsky said, and took a menacing step toward Sarah, brandishing a gun. “Now where’s the knife?”

  Sarah stared at the gun and gulped. Thoughts ran through her brain like a runaway train. She couldn’t seem to focus on any one thought, just the gun pointed at her.

  “Where’s the knife?”

  “In a safe place,” Sarah stalled, trying to pull her thoughts together.

  “You don’t have it with you?” Klonsky glared.

  “No. Do you think I’m that stupid?” Sarah returned his glare with a defiant stare of her own. Avenge the Cat Lady! Don’t let him see you’re scared! She stood in a rebellious stance, hiding her trembling hands. Her heart pounded her chest with a ferocious beat. “You can’t shoot us, because then you’ll never find the knife.” Sarah’s mind still spun a mile a minute, trying to come up with a get away plan.

  “If you’re dead, it won’t matter.”

  “We gave it to some friends and told them if they don’t hear from us within an hour to call the police,” Sarah lied.

  “You’re lying.”

  “Maybe, maybe not.” Sarah shrugged. “Are you willing to take that chance?”

  “Shut your pie hole,” Klonsky snapped.

  He stood in a threatening pose, but Sarah could tell by the look on his face that her words had hit home.

  “What are we gonna do now?” D.W. whined.

  “We’ll get the knife, and then we’ll take ‘em back to the crime scene.” Klonsky stared at Sarah. “Where’s the knife?”

  “I’ll take you to the knife,” Sarah lied. “But
first I want to hear why you killed the Cat Lady.”

  “That’s none of your concern,” Klonsky said, with an arrogant sneer.

  “So you admit you did it?” Sarah pounced.

  “Don’t try and get smart with me, kid. I’m a cop.”

  “What are we gonna do?” D.W. whined.

  The crooked cop sighed. “Let’s take them back to the house. I’ll think of a plan by the time we get there.” He pushed Sarah forward. “Move it.”

  Sarah walked with Lacey behind D.W.; Jackie and Scott followed them, and Klonsky took up the rear. Walking forward, Sarah racked her brain for an escape route. We outnumber them, the small but brave voice inside her head whispered.

  “I’ve got to pee,” Sarah complained.

  “Too bad,” Klonsky snapped with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  Sarah ground her teeth in frustration. She continued to walk. Lacey whimpered beside her.

  Sarah put her arm around her. “It’s going to be okay.” I wonder if I could get the pepper spray from Scott.

  Suddenly, Sarah pulled Lacey to the ground, tripping Jackie and Scott. They fell in a heap, all tangled up.

  “Pepper spray,” Sarah muttered to Scott. As if by magic, the can appeared in her hand.

  “Get up!” Klonsky yelled.

  Sarah concealed the pepper spray in her pocket. She prayed the crooked cop and his partner wouldn’t notice the bulge.

  “Quit screwing around,” Klonsky said. His voice sounded like the growl of an angry dog.

  The Super Spies picked themselves up and brushed the leaves and grass from their clothes.

  Klonsky pushed Sarah and Lacey ahead of him. “Keep moving.”

  Stumbling forward, panic gnawed at Sarah’s self-control. She knew if they were going to escape they would have to go now. Putting her arm around Lacey as if to comfort her, Sarah whispered, “Run.” Using her body as a shield, she pointed toward the field, which lay in the opposite direction of the creek.

  Lacey sniffled and wiped her nose on the hem of her T-shirt. She made eye contact with Sarah and nodded. In a flash, Lacey took off through the field and Sarah ran toward the creek.

  “Run!” Jackie screamed.

  Sarah glanced over her shoulder and saw Jackie and Scott running in different directions. The criminals reacted by taking up the chase.