by L A Morgan
“For all we know, The Cat might be keeping guard over the area.”
“But he probably went into hiding, as you said. Let’s go look.”
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt to find out if you’re right,” Michael offhandedly replied.
Turning to face him, Laurel said, “I feel like taking a walk. How about you?”
After a moment of considering the proposition, Michael replied, “I could use the exercise.”
As they walked in the direction of the pier, Laurel suddenly thought to ask, “Did you remember to put on your bullet-proof vest?”
Michael flippantly replied, “Not hardly.”
“Don’t tell me you’re also a fan of John Wayne movies!” Laurel exclaimed.
“No one’s ever accused me of that, little lady.”
“And you think we don’t have enough in common. I bet you like Clint Eastwood, too.”
“Make my day.”
“Any time, pilgrim.”
CHAPTER EIGHTTEEN
When they got to the pier, Laurel asked “Do you see the police anywhere?”
“No, but they’re not supposed to be noticeable.”
“Maybe we should call out and tell them we’re here.”
“Don’t you dare!” Michael whispered. “If they are here on stakeout, they won’t want us to give away their positions.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot.”
“Just act naturally.”
“At this point, I can’t remember how to do that.”
“Pretend we’re on a date.”
“Well, I know we’ve been having problems, so I can’t really say if this is a date or not.”
“Good grief, Laurel! I’m not getting into semantics here! Just call it a date and giggle or something.”
Laurel giggled loudly.
“You don’t have to sound like an airhead,” Michael loudly whispered.
“I can’t help it. I’m kind of scared.”
“So am I.”
“Maybe we should just pretend that nobody’s here watching us.”
“That’s a good idea. By the way, you’re probably right. The Cat would be crazy to come back here after what happened. He’s probably hiding out somewhere, and if the police are here, we don’t want to blow their cover.”
“Let’s suppose they are, just to feel secure right now.”
Michael nodded and they walked up to the gate that led to the end of the pier. Fortunately, it was open until late in the evening. After paying the admission fee, they tried to look as casual as possible as they strolled down the pier. A number of fishermen were still there.
“Do you remember exactly where he was standing?” Michael asked out of the side of his mouth.
“Basically.”
“Stop when you think you’re at the place.”
As they walked on, Laurel became more and more nervous. She kept telling herself that The Cat was not there, reinforcing this thought with the belief that the police were watching them. She glanced briefly at Michael, but his face revealed no particular emotion.
As they approached the spot where she thought The Cat might have been standing, she saw that someone was there. It had been difficult to distinguish him before this since he was dressed all in black. Laurel instantly stopped. Her arm was linked in Michael’s, so he also came to a halt.
When he turned to look at her, she jutted her chin toward the darkly clad figure. Michael frowned when he spotted the person. At that moment, the man who was standing there suddenly ran in their direction, slamming between them.
Laurel gasped and cried out, “It’s The Cat!”
The fleeing man gave her a terrifying glance over his shoulder as he put distance between them. Out of instinct rather than logical thought, Michael and Laurel began to pursue him.
It did not take Laurel long to realize that she could not maintain Michael’s energetic pace. The Cat had already outdistanced them by about twenty feet.
“I can’t keep up!” she called out.
“Call the police!” Michael yelled over his shoulder.
Laurel slowly stopped. It was now obvious that the authorities had not staked out the area. Angry that she had not called to tell them what she and Michael had planned to do, she quickly took out her cell phone and dialed 911.
Michael continued his pursuit. When the jewel thief vaulted the gate that led to the end of the pier, he did the same. As soon as The Cat reached the portion of the pier that was over the sand, he leaped over the railing.
When Michael reached this spot, he looked down and calculated the distance down to the ground before he also leaped over the railing. Since this was a weeknight, the amusement area was closed. It was lit only by the streetlights, so it was difficult to see clearly.
The loose sand impeded his ability to run quickly, and he slowly fell behind the thief. Once again, the felon had prepared himself for eventualities. He had made a routine of running along the dry sand every day in order to strengthen his muscles. Michael, on the other hand, did not exercise on a regular basis.
As she spoke on the phone, Laurel watched the desperate race. Her fear for Michael made her stammer as she described what was happening. The instant she hung up, she broke into a run.
The Cat headed straight toward the amusement park. Michael followed him. They were soon lost in the shadows of the large complex.
Laurel ran down to the place where both men had leaped over the railing. Instead of imitating their actions, she climbed carefully over the rail and perched on the outer edge of the pier. She looked down at the sand, which appeared to be very far beneath her. Holding on to the railing behind her, she released her grasp and jumped.
The landing did not go well. Laurel stumbled and fell on her face. After a moment, she wiped the sand from her eyes and got to her feet. She looked around, but neither Michael nor the Cat was in sight. Determined to catch up with them, she ran toward the amusement park.
The area was cloaked in dark shadows. Between the crashing of the waves and the clamor of the traffic on the main highway, she had no way to guess which way they had gone. Taking a deep breath, Laurel plunged in among the concession stands.
It was unfortunate that the park was closed. All she could clearly see was the top of the Ferris wheel and the rollercoaster. These were dimly revealed by the streetlights.
Laurel stopped to listen for any sounds of the pursuit. All was quiet. The bubbling gaiety of the park had been transformed into a place of intimidating shadows and ghostly phantoms.
Pushing her fears aside, Laurel moved on, keeping her steps as noiseless as possible. The quarter moon had not yet risen, yet it was possible to make out the lighter path between the dark concession stands. Stopping, she once again listened for a sound that might indicate where the men had gone.
Suddenly, there was a noise. Someone’s feet started to pound along the ground, maybe two aisles over from where she was standing. This was instantly followed by a similar sound.
Without thinking about her own safety, Laurel cut through the concessions to follow. At one point, she tripped over an electric cord that extended between two stands, but she quickly regained her balance and continued.
After Laurel had last seen him, Michael had managed to keep track of The Cat’s movements for only a short while. It was a large amusement park, filled with numerous rides, eateries, and gaming concessions. By this time, he was perspiring and out of breath.
Stopping within the shadows of a food stand, he had also waited to listen for further movement within the area. Michael might have stopped to wonder why he, a mild-mannered businessman, had undertaken such a desperate action, but he did not give it a thought.
Somewhere beneath his surface veneer lurked a primal man that wanted to prove something to a woman. Perhaps he simply wanted to prove it to himself. He could be a hero if he tried. At very least, he could make a good stab at it.
Apparently, The Cat thought he had eluded his pursuers, for he had stopped to catch his br
eath in the shadow of a closed-up vendor’s booth. Michael could hear the man’s ragged breathing as he cautiously approached. With as little noise as possible, he controlled his own heaving breaths and tiptoed slowly toward the booth, keeping it between himself and the burglar.
At the edge of the building, he stopped for a few seconds to regain his strength. Then, in a sudden movement, he raced forward. The Cat heard him and tore off in the opposite direction.
Laurel finally reached the aisle they were in and followed, led on by the sounds of their feet. Although it was hard to distinguish them in the darkness, she moved on relentlessly. Her thoughts continued to revolve around the fact that the police were on their way.
For the first time, it now occurred to her that they might not get there in time. Michael could be hurt or possibly killed. What had she been thinking when she instigated this plan? She had thoughtlessly compelled the man she loved to place himself in the way of horrible danger.
If anything happened to Michael, she would never forgive herself. Her self-recrimination might have been useless at this point, but it encouraged her to put on more speed. Heedless of any obstacles that could be in her path, she ran as she never before had.
After a moment, Michael noticed they were approaching the rollercoaster. It may have been dimly lit, but it was obvious through the darkness. He then saw a dim figure running toward the entrance to the attraction. Putting on an extra spurt of speed, he rushed to overtake the jewel thief before he once again lost him.
After leaping the chain that closed off the line to the rollercoaster, The Cat took out a small flashlight to scan the area. He soon found the electric cord that would activate the ride. A sense of fear that he might actually be caught had dulled his ability to think clearly in this instance. The lights that surrounded the attraction flared into sudden brilliance. That did not matter.
His plan had been made as he ran. As soon as the ride started, he would jump into one of the cars. Presumably, the person that was following him would do the same. Then, just before the ride had moved far enough for him to jump off safely, he would leap out, leaving his pursuer behind.
When Michael reached the entrance to the rollercoaster, he leaped over the gate. The Cat looked at him and smiled in infuriating triumph. Dauntless, Michael was just in time to jump into the last car.
Laurel saw the rollercoaster’s lights go on to brighten the area. She could surmise what was happening. Now that her pathway was clearly lit, she put on more speed.
The cars moved slowly at first. The Cat had continued to watch Michael, who was trying to move to a closer car. The rattling motion of the rollercoaster made this difficult.
The track slowly ascended. The jewel thief turned away from his pursuer to carefully gauge the distance to the ground. A moment before they got too high, he leaped out of the car and careened to the ground, landing in a roll.
Michael, in the process of extending his foot into the next car, looked up just in time to see The Cat jump. Instantly changing his action, he placed his foot on the edge of the car he was in and propelled himself over the side. The fall knocked him onto his back, momentarily leaving him winded. The rollercoaster picked up speed and moved on along its track.
During this time, Laurel ran up to the chain that barred off the ride. The amusement’s lights revealed The Cat, who was still watching Michael’s movements. She immediately looked up to also watch him.
When she saw him fall, she cried out. This caught the felon’s attention. Laurel was certain Michael had been injured when he did not move. The Cat shared her assessment of the situation. He now walked in her direction.
Here was the only witness that could identify him. Outside of his pursuers and himself, the park was deserted. This was the perfect time to eliminate the mistakes he had left behind.
Laurel’s immediate instinct was to run to Michael; however, she had also seen The Cat’s actions. She now turned to look at him. When she saw him approaching her, she was scared, but her fear for Michael’s safety overrode this emotion. Out of sheer anger, she ran under the chain and headed in the thief’s direction to take him down however she could.
The Cat smiled. This would be easier than he thought. In a casual gesture, he took his handgun out of its holster.
Laurel was blind with outrage. Michael might be horribly hurt or, worse yet, dead. She rushed toward the cause of her despair with no thought but to keep him from doing further harm to the man she loved.
During this time, Michael had regained his breath and had gotten to his feet. He was still a little rattled, but he quickly rallied his thoughts. The first thing he saw was The Cat, holding a gun in his hand.
At that point, everything became clear. A sideward glance revealed Laurel, running toward the jewel thief. Michael instantly bolted toward him.
The shot rang out in the clear, cool night air. Michael felt compelled to turn as he ran. What he saw nearly took away his breath. Laurel crumpled to the ground like a rag doll.
For an instant, he felt compelled to go to her side, but his fury led him on toward his target. With a wild lunge, he leapt upon the shooter. The handgun flew out of The Cat’s hand.
The thief fought like a tiger, but he could not overcome the man’s wrath. Michael continued to beat him until he was senseless. He knelt over his fallen victim, heaving for breath, but the bloodlust still raged within him.
Before he could regain his senses, the police rushed into the area with drawn weapons. It did not take a large stretch of the imagination to see what was happening. Michael was not even aware they had arrived.
“It’s okay, Michael!” Sergeant Shaw called out. “You got him.”
The man looked up at him without understanding his words. He simply stared in the police officer’s direction. The lead detective shined a large flashlight on the scene. Clearly, the felon’s bloodied face and inert form indicated that he was unconscious.
He quietly said, “It’s over, Mr. North. Is that man beneath you The Cat?”
Michael nodded mutely. Then he turned to look at Laurel. She was still lying silently on the ground. For the first time, the authorities noticed her. The paramedics in the rear instantly ran to her side.
This action inspired Michael to stand up and walk to Laurel. As soon as he reached her side, the tears started to roll down his face. The others quickly moved in to take The Cat into custody.
“Laurel,” Michael whispered.
The paramedics worked over her, examining and treating her head wound. When they attempted to revive her with the smell of ammonia, her eyelids fluttered open. Michael fell to his knees beside her.
“Can you hear me, Laurel?” he immediately cried. “I love you! Please don’t leave me, dearest!”
The woman looked at him blankly.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Michael stayed with Laurel while she was taken to the hospital. He was forced to leave the room during the examination, but he returned to her side in Intensive Care as soon as they left. After being sedated, she was in no condition to speak.
The following day, she was taken to a room. Michael never left her side. In the late afternoon, Laurel finally awakened. She looked around and appeared to be surprised by her surroundings until he saw Michael.
“Michael,” she softly whispered. “I thought he killed you.”
The man was so filled with emotion he could barely speak. He finally managed to say, “I was only stunned.”
“Oh, Michael. I feel a little dazed right now, but you can’t imagine how happy I am. Did I take down the Cat?”
The man looked at her fondly for a moment, and then he replied, “Yes, you did, sweetheart. You’re the bravest woman in the entire world.”
Laurel smiled and fell back to sleep.
* * * *
Two days later, she was released from the hospital. The bullet had grazed the side of her head, but it had not done any permanent damage. Michael drove her back to her apartment.
Relaxing into the eas
y chair, Laurel said, “So the police have The Cat in custody.”
“Yes, but he’s only being charged with attempted murder.”
“Not the jewel thefts?” the woman exclaimed with a frown.
“They haven’t recovered enough evidence to link him to the thefts.”
“That’s impossible! They must have found the jewels by now!”
“Not one thing,” Michael replied, shaking his head in discouragement.
Laurel stood up and walked to the glass door to look out at the ocean. She stared off into space, trying to remember what had happened. It was all a blur. After a few moments, things started to clarify in her mind.
“If only there was some way. . .” she started to say.
“What are you thinking?” Michael asked.
“While I was in the hospital, did you remember to tell the police about that line The Cat threw in the water at the end of the pier?”
“I was so worried about you that I forgot.”
“Let’s go there now and see if the line’s still there!” Laurel exclaimed in excitement.
“Are you sure you’re well enough to go?”
“Of course, I am!”
Michael smiled and replied, “Then let’s go!”
It did not take long to drive there. Taking Michael’s hand, she dragged him along behind her as she ran down the pier.
Laughing, Michael said, “Slow down! You just got out of the hospital and you’re not supposed to be so active.”
Calling back over her shoulder, Laurel replied, “If we find the jewels, I’ll be instantly healed!”
“In that case, we’ll both think positive thoughts.”
“The power of positive thinking,” the woman agreed with a grin.
When they got to the end of the pier, Laurel went directly to the place where she had seen The Cat standing. She and Michael searched for the line he had tied to a post, but had a hard time finding it.
The jewel thief had coated the nylon line in a brown substance that made it hard to see. Laurel had to lean out over the railing to spot the thin line, dangling down into the water. She allowed Michael the privilege of pulling it up.
