The Whole, Entire, Complete Truth

by Caroline Rennie Pattison

  “Why are we doing this again?” yelled Roy over the gale.

  “It’s Mindi’s last visit with the horses,” I gasped, trying hard to convince myself that this was a good idea.

  We finally arrived. After we dropped our bikes on the side of the driveway, Roy turned to me. His face was serious.

  “So, Sarah, like I said, we’re staying far away from the barn. You and Mindi have your little visit with the horses and then we’re out of here. Clear?”

  I straightened my shoulders and gave him a mock salute. “Yes, sir,” I said. From the porch, I heard Mindi giggle.

  “Quit joking around, Sarah,” scolded Roy. “I’m trying to keep us out of trouble here.”

  “Oh, lighten up,” I replied with a wave of my hand. “I was just kidding around. We have no intention of going anywhere near the barn.”

  We headed for the stable. Inside, we found Mr. Braemarie in the process of saddling up Candy, whistling while he worked. Ginger stood in her stall, all tacked up.

  “Hello ladies,” he turned to us with a smile. “And gentleman,” he added, when he saw Roy.

  We greeted him politely. It was hard to be nice to him when we knew what he was doing to those innocent bears.

  “Wow, Colin, you have the horses ready for us,” said Mindi, raising her eyebrows.

  “Thought you could use a hand getting out there before the weather really hits. We’re going to get a doozy of a storm — the phone line’s already been knocked out with the wind,” he explained. “I wanted to help out,” he added with a shrug.

  “Thanks,” she mumbled nonchalantly.

  Mr. Braemarie swallowed, then turned to Roy. “Are you planning to do some riding today?” he asked.

  Roy reddened slightly. “No, I’m not much of a rider. Thanks anyway. I’ll just watch Mindi and Sarah.”

  “I’ll just have to give you a lesson myself one of these days.” He grinned at Roy before turning back to us. “Why don’t you girls get your helmets on now and get out there before the rain —”

  The sound of an approaching vehicle stopped Mr. Braemarie cold. He cocked his head, listening. The sound grew louder and then stopped. Mr. Braemarie frowned, then hurried over to the door and looked out. I peeked around him. The black car was in the driveway in front of the barn.

  “You’ll have to excuse me, kids,” he said, the frown deepening on his face. “It looks like I have some unexpected visitors.” He turned to Mindi. A sheen of perspiration glistened on his forehead. “Maybe you’d better postpone your ride to another day. I ... uh ... don’t want to be tied up with business, you know ... in case you need my help or anything.”

  “We’ll be okay, Colin. You don’t need to help us,” Mindi said. She didn’t look at him. I knew that since she found out about the contents of the forbidden barn, she was having a difficult time being her usual friendly self with Mr. Braemarie. He looked at her, then looked over at the barn, then back at her. We heard car doors slam in the distance. Mr. Braemarie looked alarmed.

  “Mindi, please don’t leave the stable while those men are here,” he pleaded. “I shouldn’t be tied up for too long.” He was edging out of the doorway. “It’ll be all right. Just stay in here until I get rid of these guys, okay?”

  “Okay,” she said, focusing on Candy’s mane.

  Mr. Braemarie jogged to the barn, calling out to his visitors as he ran. Three men in black trench coats stood beside the black car, watching his approach. The sky flashed and rumbled. Thunder kicked in his stall. I turned back to the others. Their faces were grim.

  “It’s those men again,” I reported.

  “Well, duh!” Roy threw up his hands. “That’s it! We’re so out of here. I knew this was a bad idea. C’mon, let’s blow.” We ignored him.

  “Those men weren’t supposed to come back until tomorrow morning,” I said, perplexed.

  “I know,” said Mindi. “Something weird is going on. Did you see Colin’s face? He wasn’t expecting those men. He never would have let me invite you over if he knew they were coming.”

  “Maybe they just want to go over last-minute details for tomorrow,” I suggested.

  “I hope so.”

  “In that case, they’ll be gone soon and Roy can stop having a fit over there,” I added.

  It was true, Roy’s face had gone from white to red to purple. “I still say we leave, and we leave now. Mr. Braemarie can handle those men just fine without us hanging out in his stable,” he said, heading for the door.

  “Just a minute, Roy. Will you listen?” I protested. “We’re not in any danger; we’ll just stay here until the men leave, like Mr. Braemarie said. Besides, we can’t leave Mindi here by herself.”

  That got to him. He looked at Mindi guiltily. “I meant we all leave,” he stammered.

  “Mindi’s worried about Mr. Braemarie,” I continued. “Aren’t you, Mindi?”

  “Yeah, a little, I guess. Something feels wrong,” Mindi replied.

  Roy scowled. He looked back and forth between Mindi and I. “We stay right here. Nobody moves.”

  “Right,” I said. “Until the men leave, that is.”

  Mindi led Candy back to her stall.

  I peeked out the door at the barn. Mr. Braemarie and the men were standing together. I wished I could hear what they were saying. Mindi joined me.

  “They’re just talking,” I told her. “They’re probably checking on things for tomorrow morning.”

  “Yeah, probably,” nodded Mindi, biting her lower lip.

  We kept watching. Suddenly, Cheng, the drill sergeant, stepped towards Mr. Braemarie and pushed him hard. Mr. Braemarie stumbled back from the unexpected shove but managed to keep himself from falling. I caught my breath. Mindi grabbed my arm and gave a little startled cry.

  “What? What’s the matter?” asked Roy, as he hurried over and peered out from behind the doorway with us.

  Things happened very quickly. Cheng and Morchan advanced towards Mr. Braemarie, who took a step backwards and held up his hands, shaking his head. Then Gorely pulled out a gun and aimed it right at him while the other two men flanked his sides. Gorely gestured to the barn and waited while Mr. Braemarie fished around in his pockets for the key. He fumbled several times trying to fit it into the padlock. Then they pushed him inside, the door slamming hard behind them.

  “Oh my God!” cried out Mindi, reeling back from the doorway. “They’re going to kill him! They’re going to kill him!”

  HELP!

  DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

  (CONTINUED)

  LOCATION: THE FARMHOUSE

  I’d like to be able to report that we handled this crisis calmly and effectively, like true, seasoned detectives. But, in truth, we sort of freaked. Roy began screeching something about how we had to get out of there. Mindi fell to the floor, whimpering and holding her face in her hands. As for me, I simply froze. I literally couldn’t take my eyes away from the closed barn door; I didn’t know what to do — my mind wouldn’t work and I couldn’t get my body to move.

  Thankfully, I finally managed to pull myself together. Roy stopped screeching and sat down beside Mindi and put his arm around her until she stopped whimpering. He kept telling her that everything would be okay, but I could hear the alarm still in his voice.

  “We’ve got to call the police,” I said. “Something bad could happen here. We need to get help.”

  “Let’s go,” Roy nodded curtly. His face was white.“We’ll call from Mr. Braemarie’s house.”

  We started to move. Roy helped Mindi up from the floor.

  “Wait a minute.” Mindi’s voice stopped us mid-stride. “Colin said the phone lines are out — we can’t phone.”

  “Great!” Roy started to lose it again.

  “Calm down!” I ordered. “Is there a cell phone we can use?”

  “Yes, but Colin always keeps it with him.”

  “Where’s your mom?” I asked.

  “She’s not here today,” moaned Mindi.

  �
�We’ll have to go get Dad,” said Roy, decisively.

  He peeked out the stable door, then motioned for us to follow him. We ran for the driveway, going around the house, so we’d be blocked from view if the men were to step outside the barn. I wondered what would happen if they saw us, then decided I didn’t want to find out. I made my feet go as fast as they could. I was acutely aware of the cold wind whipping around me as I ran, making my open jacket balloon out behind me. The house had never seemed so far from the stable before.

  Roy got to the bikes first. He picked his up and called for Mindi to jump on behind him. I climbed onto my bike, my breath ragged as I looked over at Roy. His eyes were bright and large, bulging out of his face. It took two frustrating attempts before I was able to get both feet on the pedals and start my bike heading towards the road. I felt like I was moving underwater.

  Roy and Mindi made it halfway down the long dirt driveway when his bike hit a rock and wobbled dangerously. He struggled for a moment while Mindi held on tightly but then completely lost his balance. The bike fell over; Roy and Mindi sprawled onto the ground. Cursing, Roy helped Mindi to her feet. Her palms were bleeding.

  “This is nuts,” Roy spat, red-faced. “We’re wasting time. We’ve got to get help fast. Who knows what’s going on in that barn!”

  I got off my bike.

  “You go ahead and get help without us,” I suggested to Roy. “You can ride a lot faster without doubling Mindi. We’ll stay here.”

  Roy’s eyes bulged out of his face even more. “Oh, no! We go together. I’m not leaving you two alone here. No way.”

  “Roy, don’t be stupid. We’re not going to go anywhere near the barn,” I protested. “Quit arguing with me and get going. The bears and Mr. Braemarie need help in there. Go get Dad!”

  “Sarah’s right,” agreed Mindi. “We need help here fast. You’d go a lot faster without us.”

  Roy was clearly at a loss. I thought he was going to cry. “I’m not leaving you two here alone,” he wailed. “We’re all leaving.”

  “Okay, Roy, calm down,” I said. He looked at me, startled, like he wasn’t used to me being the reasonable one. “Why don’t you and Mindi go on the bikes and I’ll start walking? Once you tell Dad what’s going on and help is on its way, you can come back and double me home.”

  “But ...”

  “Roy! I’ll be away from here. What do you think — the bad guys are going to follow me down the road?”

  “You’d better start walking home!”

  I scowled at him. “What do you think, I’m an idiot? Why would I want to stay here?”

  He picked up his bike. “Let’s go, Mindi. Sarah, start walking. I want to turn around and see you on that road.”

  Mindi hopped on my bike and followed him down the driveway. A deafening crack of thunder announced their departure.

  I jogged down the driveway after them, anxious to get to the road and off Mr. Braemarie’s land, away from the goings-on in the barn. Roy and Mindi were specks in the distance by the time I slowed to a speed-walk on the roadside. Now that I was alone, I wasn’t feeling all too brave. Walking down a deserted road while thugs were occupying the barn just a short distance behind me was more than a little unnerving.

  “There’s nothing to worry about,” I scolded myself aloud. “They want bears, not kids.” The first drop of rain landed on my cheek. “Great!” I spat. “What more could happen?”

  I had been walking for a while when I heard the rumble of an approaching vehicle. My heart skipped a beat. I don’t know why — people do drive along this road, either direction connects you to other roads that take you into town. So, how do I explain my reaction? Paranoia? Whatever the reason, at the sound of that vehicle, I dove into the bush and hid behind a tree.

  A familiar-looking gray Jeep Cherokee flew past. I’d been in that vehicle recently; it was Mr. Stedman’s! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was he finally coming to investigate our anonymous tip? As he passed, I saw Mindi’s white face peering out the back window, her eyes wide and searching; for me, I’m sure. Roy was beside her. What were they doing in there with him? I flew out of my hiding place and ran back towards the farmhouse. As I stumbled up the driveway, holding my side, I saw that the Jeep had pulled up behind the black car. Had Mr. Stedman called the police? Were they on their way? A million questions were going through my head. I darted into the woods lining the driveway and worked my way closer to the barn, staying hidden among the trees just in case someone came out of the barn.

  Mr. Stedman stepped out from the driver’s seat and strode up to the barn door like a man with a purpose. He turned and gave what he must have meant as a reassuring wave to Roy and Mindi, who were still sitting in his Jeep. Then, he slowly opened the door and stepped inside. What did he think he was going to do in there all by himself? He definitely should have waited for reinforcements. Just when I was about to run over to the Jeep to ask Mindi and Roy what was going on, the door to the barn opened once again. Out stepped Mr. Stedman with both hands in the air, followed closely by a gun-wielding Gorely.

  I rocked back on my heels. I knew Mr. Stedman shouldn’t have gone in there alone! What was he thinking? Had he told the thugs that the police were coming? Were they coming? Gorely walked Mr. Stedman back to the Jeep, pushing him with the gun. Roy and Mindi must have been having a fit, helplessly watching those men come toward them. What did Gorely plan to do? Shoot Mr. Stedman right in front of them?

  “Open the door,” barked Gorely. Mr. Stedman did as he was told. “Back up! You kids, get outta there!” he yelled.

  I gripped a branch of the tree in front of me and held on. What did he want with Roy and Mindi? What had they done with Mr. Braemarie? I watched helplessly as Roy and Mindi stepped out of the Jeep. Mindi clung onto Roy’s arm; she looked terrified. I watched in horror as Gorely ordered Roy and Mindi into the barn, holding that gun steadily at Mr. Stedman’s back.

  “What do you want with us?” asked Roy, his voice strong in spite of the fear I knew he must be feeling. I couldn’t help it; I felt proud of him.

  “Just walk!” growled Gorely, giving Roy a shove with his free hand that would have sent him flying if Mindi hadn’t been gripping his arm so tightly. As it was, it pulled Mindi forward and they both almost pitched headfirst into the dirt. Mindi shrieked in protest and alarm but they regained their balance and had no choice but to do as they were told.

  With a last glance behind her, Mindi screamed, “Help!” and then disappeared from my sight as Gorely pushed her across the threshold into the forbidden barn.

  “Leave her a—” I heard Roy yell before the barn door thumped closed, abruptly cutting off all sound.

  I stood there, shocked, feeling very alone and helpless. I had to do something to save them! But what? Were the police on their way? What was going on in the barn? I was in agony, pacing from one tree to the next, wringing my hands together. Did I stay to help Roy and Mindi or did I go for help? If I stayed, what could I do?

  Before I made up my mind, one of the men came out of the barn. The tall, skinny, hyper one with the pebbly face. Morchan. He whistled as he walked to the black car, oblivious to the rain, like he was there visiting an old friend, not kidnapping kids and murdering a bunch of bears. He pulled a large black bag out of the trunk and set it on the ground, hunkering down to zip it open. He took out a long, black rifle — it looked very much like the one we found in the little secret room that Roy said was a tranquilizer gun. I gulped. He stood up and hefted the rifle over his shoulder, slammed the trunk shut, and picked up the black bag with his free hand.

  A grumble of thunder, accompanied almost immediately by a flash of sheet lightning, announced the arrival of another vehicle. A large transport truck turned into the driveway, its brakes emitting a piercing screech as it pulled to a stop alongside the Jeep and the black car. The truck was nondescript except for its colourful mud flaps bearing Yosemite Sam pointing his guns and saying “Back Off!” A large man in jeans and T-shirt jumped down from th
e driver’s seat.

  “Tipper!” greeted Morchan. “You’re just in time. We’re about ready to start loading up.” They spoke briefly, then together, they headed into the barn.

  They’re picking up the bears right now, I realized with a start. My head started spinning with questions. Why had the plan changed? What were they going to do with Roy, Mindi, and Mr. Stedman? Was Mr. Braemarie still alive? I admit I was, all of a sudden, in full-blown panic mode. All I knew was that if help wasn’t on its way, it was up to me to get it. They had Roy and Mindi! I could never forgive myself if something happened to them.

  I was vaguely aware that the rain had become a steady downpour. In fact, even under the cover of the trees, I was soaked. Lightning flashed every few minutes and the accompanying thunder was getting louder. I absently wondered how wise it was to be under all these trees during a thunderstorm. I had no phone, no bike, and I needed to get help — right now! I hurried towards the back of the barn, twigs and branches whipping and scratching me in my haste, then, with a quick look to make sure the coast was clear, I sprinted toward the stable. The horses were my only hope for speed. And speed was exactly what was needed.

  I was dimly aware of the whistling wind, the flashing sky, and the rumbling thunder as I ran faster than I’d ever run in my entire life. Too bad I couldn’t run like that during track and field meets, or I’d actually get some ribbons. I dashed into the stable and ran directly to Ginger’s stall, making her startle and whinny nervously. I fumbled with the door latch and wondered when it became so hard to open. Ginger sensed my agitation and tossed her head restlessly. Finally, I led her outside, trying my best to calm her down by talking soothingly — at least as soothingly as I could talk in my panicked state. Back out in the rain, I stuck my foot in the stirrup and swung my leg over her back. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady my backside on the saddle.

  “I can do this,” I said aloud. I leaned down and stroked Ginger’s neck. “Please help me, girl. I need you now. Mindi needs you.” Then I clicked my tongue and dug in my heels. “Let’s go!”