Herd is the Word

by Jenna Lynn Badger

  If she got out of this mess, she would have to ask Danielle what his favorite snack was and shower him with it. She would seek out the best quality hay in all of Utah to give to him as a present.

  After moments of waiting and wondering if he could do it, the rope snapped.

  Her shoulders ached as she moved her wrists in front of her body, but it was a good ache.

  She reached up and grabbed the bandana, pulling it over her head and the wet one out of her mouth. Instantly, her jaw felt better. That was worse than being at the dentist, she thought.

  She didn’t forget that it was the alpaca that had lessened the pain, though. She turned and stroked his neck. “You’re such a good boy. I’m sorry they got you in here.”

  Prince Albert nudged her, and she patted him again. “We have work to do,” she told him. “We have to get out of here as soon as we can manage or they’re going to take you wherever they took Penelope, if she’s not hiding in here somewhere,” her voice was dry and raspy and it hurt to talk, but she didn’t care. Her hands were free.

  She kept grinning, marveling at how he had been smart enough to figure out what was wrong. She looked at that sliver of light again, examining the windows closer. She reached out and touched something smooth and papery. Her eyes craved light.

  It was cardboard. She dug underneath the cardboard with her fingernails, widening the gap that she could see by. It had been taped in place and tore into pieces as she pulled it way. A shaft of moonlight flooded the small space, and she could make out a counter and a tiny sink with dirty dishes piled in it.

  She pulled away all of the cardboard until there was a square of moonlight, coming in through the window. She glanced out at the campground, not sure whether or not to hope to see a flashlight. Would they stay outside and guard the trailer or had they gone to bed?

  With the little bit of light coming in through the window, she pushed past Prince Albert and looked around for Penelope. The trailer wasn’t that big and when her shins bumped up against the bed, she knew the other alpaca wasn’t there.

  She refused to let her hope fade. She had two small victories against her captors tonight and she was proud of what they’d accomplished thus far. She and her new best friend, Prince Albert, would figure out a way to get out of here.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  With the newfound light streaming in from the window, June found the switch and clicked it on.

  Nothing happened.

  Of course it wouldn’t, she reminded herself. They had cut the power to the trailer. The moonlight would have to be enough.

  Prince Albert squeaked behind her.

  She patted his neck. “I know. I want to escape, too. We’ll figure it out.” Her throat still ached but she couldn’t help talking to him.

  She looked for other windows.

  Her steps were careful, and not just because her cane was missing. She didn’t want to stumble over the pile of alpaca feces. There was a small bedroom, but light coming from those windows really wouldn’t make much of a difference. She found another window near the dinette and peeled away some more cardboard. She glanced out, finding nothing but the darkened shape of the forest beyond. It was beautiful in the still frigid air, bathed in harsh moonlight, and she would have enjoyed the sight if she weren’t trapped.

  She glanced out the first window again, the one that faced the campground, and still didn’t see anyone out there. Hopefully, Ronald and his nephew were not keeping watch outside the trailer.

  It had become the longest night that June could remember. Her hip ached constantly. Her arms throbbed from being bound, and on top of everything else, she really needed to use the bathroom.

  How can I be so thirsty and need to pee all at the same time? she thought.

  She turned on the faucet, hoping to give her throat some relief. No water. Of course. She checked the fridge to see if there was a water bottle in there, but it was, like everything else in this tiny trailer, completely empty.

  Still, the moonlight was something, and by the light of both windows, she could kind of see what she was working with. The handle that would have opened the door was missing. Had they planned on her being in here or did they think the alpaca could have bumped into it and freed himself? It didn’t matter.

  All she had to work with was the part that was left behind; the hexagonal end of a bolt. If she could turn it far enough, the door should come unlatched. Thoughts of escape, of being free, filled her with hope, but every time she tried to turn the bolt, the smooth metal slipped through her cold fingers, and they were becoming sore from the effort.

  After trying until her hands felt like they might bleed, she gave up. They had a long night still ahead of them unless she came up with something, but right then, she felt too frustrated and tired to try.

  She slumped to the floor. “I’m sorry, Prince Albert. My fingers aren’t strong enough to open this thing.” Her voice sounded old and scratchy even to her own ears.

  He kushed down next to her, folding his legs in underneath and stretching his long neck across her legs.

  She patted his neck.

  “You don’t deserve to be stuck in here,” she told him. “I bet you’re hungry and thirsty, too. And now I know what that awful smell is.”

  He snorted.

  “It’s not like it’s your fault. You had to go to the bathroom somewhere. I just appreciate you not doing it right next to the door.”

  He nuzzled his head against her stomach for a moment before closing his eyes.

  All the weariness of the day and the lack of sleep was catching up with her.

  No, she told herself. You have to figure out a way of getting out of here. But her thoughts were unclear and she couldn’t make herself focus. The windows are too small to get through, she thought before she drifted off to sleep.

  June didn’t know how long they slept. She woke to the sound of Prince Albert moving around the trailer. The sun was not quite out yet, but the small amount of light was a relief.

  Something clinked as one of his feet brushed up against it.

  What was that? The sound was familiar and comforting somehow.

  She glanced around. In the brighter light, she could see the dingy old trailer better. The dark brown curtains that would have covered the window above the sink hung from only two or three hooks each. The floor and counters were covered in dust, as if the teenager had moved in without cleaning anything. On the floor under Prince Albert’s foot, was the source of the sound that had woken her up; a small, black bag.

  Her husband had owned a heavy bag just like that one, where he kept all of his small tools just for electrical work. He’d had another one for plumbing. She would recognize it anywhere.

  “Yes!”

  She pulled herself to her feet, ignoring the pain in her hip. “Why didn’t you tell me they left tools in here?” It was painful to speak, but she did it anyway. Her throat had become even more parched and her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Even swallowing hurt. She didn’t care. She felt almost giddy. She could get them out of here if they had a wrench, or maybe even pliers would do the trick.

  She stood and realized that the alpaca was in the way. He was standing right on top of the bag. She didn’t like the idea of pulling it out from under his feet. She didn’t want to spook him. Some animals, like cats, really didn’t like their feet being messed with.

  She tried to push him back, but he squeaked at her.

  She took a deep breath. “Look, we need to work together and right now you’re standing on the bag that might be able to set us free.” It came out as a whisper, but he seemed to understand.

  Prince Albert lifted the leg that was stepping on the canvas bag and she slid it away from him.

  The bag was unmarked, so she didn’t know who it belonged to, but she mentally thanked whoever had left it in here. And then she cursed them for shoving her in here in the first place. She unzipped the bag with sore fingers and pulled out the tool that was going to get them out
of here.

  The wrench was heavy, cold, and comforting in her hands. She screwed the jaws until they were small enough, ignoring the soreness in her fingers. Then she slid it over the end of a bolt. It took both hands to move the wrench, but it slipped off.

  She tried again. This time, the bolt loosened ever so slightly. Again and again, she made little half-circles with the end of the wrench, clacking the handle against the counter. Then she pried it free and did it again.

  Finally, the bolt became loose enough that she could use her fingers to unscrew it. It fell off easily in her hands.

  June held her breath. There was a chance that undoing that screw had just locked them in. Tentatively, she pushed on the door and it swung open. It banged against the outside of the trailer and she instantly worried that her captors were waiting for them right outside. She didn’t know how much more rough treatment she could take.

  Prince Albert shoved his way out ahead of her, pushing her back into the wall.

  “Wait,” she whispered at him, but he didn’t pause. Tentatively, she stepped out onto the rickety stairs and glanced around. No one was out here except for her and Prince Albert.

  He pranced around outside, then rushed to the female’s pen and stuck his head over the fence. They all trotted up to him, humming happily.

  Carefully, she took the steps, wishing she had something to hold onto.

  In a flash of white fur, Prince Albert was back, humming at her when she got to the bottom.

  “You’re welcome,” she said, grinning at the alpaca.

  She couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Her attackers were still free and she didn’t know where they were.

  The cold hit her, but along with it came fresh air that didn’t smell of alpaca droppings. The sight of the camp was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Behind the forest, the sun was just peeking through the trees, painting the sky and the entire campground pink.

  Prince Albert stayed by her side, and she placed a hand on his back to steady herself. Maybe he was aware of how poor her balance was, or maybe he felt close to her now, the way she did about him. They had gone through something scary last night and she knew she wouldn’t be walking free without his help. “You are such a good boy,” she said, blinking back tears of gratitude. “I’d still be stuck in that trailer if it wasn’t for you.”

  He hummed happily next to her and she matched her tone with his.

  She glanced at Ronald’s trailer. It was small in the distance, but she could just make out the camp host sign. She swallowed. He or Travis could walk out of that trailer at any moment and she was standing out in the open. She glanced back, hoping to see her phone, but had no such luck. Ronald must have seen it and picked it up.

  She couldn’t afford to make any more stupid mistakes, and so she turned toward the barn.

  She hadn’t gone very far before Danielle raced up to her. Her black curls were flattened on one side and she was still in her pajamas.

  June looked down and remembered that so was she. She must look a bigger mess than her friend did. She tried to run a hand through her short, wavy gray hair and her fingers stuck.

  Danielle peppered her with questions. “Where did you find him? Is he ok? Do you know where Penelope is? Has she given birth yet? Are you ok?”

  June couldn’t even start to answer. “I need water.” Her voice came out in a harsh whisper.

  “Of course! I’ll be right back,” said Danielle, hurrying back to her trailer.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a small figure running toward them, long skirts swishing and straight blond hair trailing behind. That had to be Fran and right behind her was Rebecca and Nathan.

  Rebecca looked like she was ready to strangle somebody.

  June cringed. That somebody might just be her.

  “Blessed Earth,” said Fran. She was gasping for air. “I was woken by a premonition that something bad was going to happen to you. I rushed to your trailer but when you weren’t there and the door was unlocked, I knew I was already too late. I thought that it was my fault…” She wiped at her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I should have told you everything, but I didn’t want you to know.”

  “She can barely talk, Fran,” said Danielle, returning with a cup of water. “Did they do anything to you, June?”

  June nodded and took the glass of water from her hand. It even hurt to swallow but it tasted so good. Relief washed over her throat and her concerns about her attackers lessened the more people she saw.

  “What happened?” asked Rebecca. “When Fran showed up she had us all so worried.”

  June had known from the moment that the door of the trailer had opened the night before that Rebecca would be upset with her.

  Nathan wrapped an arm around his wife and winked at June. At least she might have backup when Rebecca laid into her.

  June filled them in on what had happened, from seeing the light and thinking it was Danielle to breaking out of the trailer. She may have omitted the fact that she had crept closer to the trailer after she knew it was a bad idea.

  “So, Ronald did it?” asked Danielle. “I just can’t see him doing something like that.”

  “Neither could I until he stuffed me into that trailer.” June turned to her daughter. “I am very sorry for breaking my promise. I really didn’t mean to go confronting anyone, but they found me before I could get away.”

  Rebecca wrapped her in a big hug. “You sure you’re okay? You don’t need to go to the doctor or anything?”

  June shook her head. “I might have a bruise or two, but I’ll be just fine.”

  Nathan hugged her. “Good job catching the bad guys,” he said, like a kid who wanted to grow up to be a police officer.

  June hugged him back. “About that. Can someone please call the police? The bad guys are still hopefully asleep.”

  “But Blanche said—” started Danielle

  “I already called them,” said Fran, looking sheepish.

  “You didn’t!” Danielle’s blue eyes were wide with shock.

  “What was I supposed to do? I knew something happened to her. She wasn’t home, and I knew that she was very close to figuring it all out. I just didn’t think Ronald would actually hurt someone.” She turned to June. “We are both very lucky I have the sight. This could have been very bad. By the way, the police are coming to investigate your disappearance. I’m not sure they’ll be ready to apprehend criminals.”

  June smiled. “I think that will work out just fine. The alpacas deserve the chance to mete out a little justice of their own, but I think we’re going to need Blanche’s help.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The sun crested the tops of the trees, reminding June that they had little time left before Ronald would be up. She shivered in the morning air, despite her jacket and gloves. After two nights of little sleep, her eyes hurt. Her whole body ached, especially her hip, but she couldn’t help but feel excited. This was going to be worth a night in the cold.

  Danielle gave her a wary look. “Ronald’s going to hitch up and drive away the second he sees Prince Albert back in his pen.”

  June explained her plan. “That’s why we have to make sure we keep Ronald here until the police arrive, and we need to hide our furry, white friend in the barn. Fran, you’re going to have to be the one to talk to Blanche. I’m not sure she’ll listen to Danielle or I.”

  “Got it,” said Fran. “I just hope she goes along with this.”

  “If she won’t listen, bring her into the barn and let her see Prince Albert. I’m sure she’ll help us then.”

  “I have a better idea,” said Fran. She snapped a picture of June, Danielle and Prince Albert and trotted off to Blanche’s trailer, long skirts swishing as she went.

  “How’s she going to know that we didn’t take the picture before he went missing?” asked Danielle.

  “The picture has the date and time embedded in the file. It’s called a time stamp,” said Nathan. His eyes danced with e
xcitement. “Do you mind if I film it? I’ll let you see the footage before we release it.”

  “I don’t know,” said June.

  Rebecca pleaded. “Come on, Mom. You’re catching the bad guy. Even if we don’t release it to the internet, it will be a good thing to have video of.”

  June was too tired to argue. “Fine. I just hope this works.” She really didn’t like seeing herself on camera and she must look even worse than usual, but right then it didn’t matter. As long as they caught Ronald, cleared her family’s name, and brought Penelope back, she didn’t care how she looked.

  Still, the thought of going through with this made her queasy. She couldn’t help thinking about how she had been treated the night before. She almost didn’t want to see Ronald again, but she couldn’t let him get away with it, either.

  Nathan hurried off and Rebecca slipped June’s arm over her shoulder and grabbed her around the waist. It was a practiced move she had made dozens of times before, back when June could barely walk. “I’m not going to fall over now,” she complained. “My balance is better than that.”

  “You look like a light breeze could knock you over,” said Rebecca.

  June sighed. Sometimes, there was just no arguing with her daughter.

  “Come on, Prince Albert,” Danielle said. “Let’s go get you some breakfast.”

  He had been nibbling at some frozen grass that had grown under one of the RVs, but he looked up at the mention of food.

  “Let’s go,” said Danielle. She jogged away and the alpaca followed.

  “He really is smart, isn’t he?”

  June watched him go. “Smarter than some people, in my opinion.”

  She and Rebecca took slow steps to the barn. She could imagine Ronald coming out of his trailer and seeing them. It would be all over if he spotted her, but she couldn’t make her legs go any faster.

  By the time they made it inside, Danielle had already led three of the female alpacas out of the pen and had three more on leads. “Six is enough, right?”