"Uh, sorry guys," he said starting to back away.  "I forgot an important meeting.  Talk to you later." 

 

Turning abruptly, he sprinted into the mansion.  He didn't slow down until he reached the safety of his room and darted inside, locking the door behind him.  His watch died before he was halfway across the room and he sat down on the bed with a heavily heart.  Without his watch, his hologram was disabled and he was unable to leave the mansion except as Azure. 

 

 A knock on his door startled him out of his brooding and he looked at it in alarm.  "Zarbon?  Are you in there?  Peter's gone home," Daniel said through the door.  "Are you okay?"  Zarbon opened the door and Daniel's eyes widened in surprise.  "You're blue."

 

 "Thank you, Captain Obvious," Zarbon replied glumly.  "My watch died."

 

 "What kind of battery does it take?  I'll run to the store and get one," Daniel offered.

 

 Zarbon sighed and looked away.  He walked away from the door and Daniel came in, shutting the door behind him.  "I wish it were that simple," he said.  He took off his watch and handed it to Daniel.  "I have yet to figure out how to improve a power source for this thing or a way to recharge it.  The battery is made of a metal that doesn't even exist in your galaxy.  Earth just hasn't figured out how to make a battery strong enough and small enough to run this."  Zarbon ran a hand over his hair.  "Actually I'm surprised it has lasted this long.  It's only supposed to be temporary camouflage."

 

 "So what will you do?" Daniel asked, envisioning Tonya pouncing on Zarbon with her disguise kit .

 

 "I have some friends that could possibly bring me a new battery or something that could recharge this one," Zarbon replied sitting down on the bed.

 

 "How long would that take?" Daniel wondered how much foundation would be necessary to hide the blue tint of Zarbon's skin.

 

 Zarbon gave a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose as a similar thought crossed his mind.  "Anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months."

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

 Zarbon slipped out of bed, quickly dressed, and quietly left the room without waking Tonya.  Jeice had promised to show up today with a replacement battery and a recharger.  The week had passed very slowly since he couldn't leave the mansion except for rounds.  Thankfully, he didn't have to teach classes during the summer and his projects didn't require him to maintain his disguise.

 

 Halfway down the stairs, he heard a phone ring somewhere, but it was a direct line to one of the rooms, so he ignored it.  Pausing in the foyer, he decided to wait inside despite the fact no one on the road could see as far as the porch.  Bored, he began to pace, wondering when Jeice would arrive.  A loud knock echoed through the foyer and Zarbon checked the visitor's identity with the peephole before opening the door.

 

 "Jeice," Zarbon said embracing his friend warmly.  "It's been too long."

 

 "That's what happens when you retire and move out into the boonies," Jeice replied returning the hug.  "So when do I get to meet your lovely bride?"

 

 "As soon as she awakens," Zarbon answered as he started to shut the door.  "She should be up anytime."

 

 "Hold the door!"

 

 Zarbon glanced towards the voice, then yanked the door back open, and pulled Jeice out of the way.  Tonya slid down the banister and sprinted for the door. "Problem at the refuge.  Not sure what.  Call ya later," she called as she ran by.

 

 "Tonya, this is Jeice," Zarbon said hoping she would pause a moment.

 

 She didn't, but gracefully twisted as she jumped the stairs so that she landed facing the house.  Both men were impressed by the move, Zarbon especially since he knew how accident-prone she was.  Jogging backwards, she saluted Jeice in her normal fashion.

 

"Sorry I can't stay and chat," she called.  "Pleasure to meet you."  With that she did a back flip, twisting so she landed facing the road, and took off.

 

 Zarbon watched her until the thick forest hid her from sight, then shut the door.

 

 "She seems nice," Jeice said with a smirk.

 

 "I wonder what's wrong," Zarbon said softly.  "I hope it's nothing to serious."

 

** * ** * * *

 

 Tonya got to the road just as Frank pulled up.  He stopped and she vaulted into the back, slapping the bed to indicate she was in.  Frank took off and she noticed Mark was in the cab as well.  He opened the back window and she moved to hear what he had to say.

 

 "Did Charlene tell you what's happened?" Mark asked.

 

 "No.  She just said there was a problem, I needed to get out there, and Frank would pick me up."

 

 "Someone broke into the refuge and let out a bunch of the animals.  We don't have a total count on what's missing yet, but several ostriches, zebra, and gazelles are outside the park's perimeter," Mark replied.

 

 "We're splitting up into teams to track down the animals, tally up what's out, and so on," Frank added.

 

 Tonya sat there in stunned silence for a moment.  "How did they get in?" she asked unable to keep the fear out of her voice.  "We installed new locks...a new security system...the works!"

 

 "Apparently they had a key," Mark replied quietly.  "And knew the codes for the gates, or at least where to find them."

 

 Frank pulled over to the side of the road and parked behind a trailer with the refuge's logo on it.  He got out and motioned Tonya to do the same.  Maria was pulling a saddle out of the back of the truck that was towing the trailer and nodded to them.  Tonya peeked through the slots in the side and heard a whinny from within the trailer.

 

 "You'll be on horseback," Frank said opening the trailer's door.  "That way it will be easier for you to track the animals down."  He led Blaze out and Maria saddled him.

 

 Mark handed her a walky-talky and put a tranquilizer gun in the saddle holster.  "Charlene and the refuge are on channel two, the other searchers are on three, and the police are on four if you need them.  If they need you, the police will use three," Mark informed her.

 

 "So far the count is eight ostriches, twelve zebra, four zebu, five gnus, and seven Thompson gazelles," Maria added handing Tonya a lariat and some cloths to cover the animals' eyes.

 

 "Be careful," Frank said as she mounted her steed.

 

 "Aren't I always?" she asked innocently, and then rode off before they could reply.

 

 Mark waited until she was well out of sight and then turned to Frank.  "I still think we should have warned her," he said, his concern obvious.

 

 Frank shook his head.  "No.  Then she would be looking for him by herself and who knows what would happen.  It's best if we try and find him before she even knows."

 

 "And if she does find him?" Maria asked.

 

 "Just pray she doesn't."

- - - - - - - -

"This is Rob McDudle reporting from the Union Courtyard.  Early this morning "The Wildlife Refuge" was broken into and several animals were released.  Among those released were ostriches, gazelles, and zebras.  Police and park officials are doing their best to round up the loose animals and public cooperation would be appreciated.  If you have any information about the crime or know the location of some of the missing animals, please contact the Tequila Height's Police Department."

 

 The reporter had barely finished the sentence when two ostriches appeared on the scene.  Spooked, they ran directly at the camera crew, just trying to get away from the screaming people watching the broadcast.  A lasso flew out of nowhere, catching one bird low around the neck, and forced it to stop.  The second bird, startled by it companion's capture, ran into the side of the news van, knocking the bird off its feet.

 

 A man in a Stetson hat and faded blue jeans rode up and jumped off his horse.  He quickly blindfolded the stunned bird before it knew what happened.

 

"Good job, Steve," Tonya called trying to keep her rope taunt.  Blaze jumped back as the ostrich kicked at him, but Tonya kept enough distance between them that it missed by several feet.  She wrapped the rope around her saddle horn and patted her steed's neck.  "Time to do your thing," she said, and jumped off the horse, blindfold in hand.

 

 Blaze galloped around the ostrich in a wide circle wrapping the rope around the bird's legs so it couldn't kick, then he stopped.  Tonya dodged the ostrich's strike as it tried to bite her and slipped the bag over its eye, tying it so it couldn't fall off.  Tossing his head, Blaze pawed the ground hoping for a bit of carrot or a slice of apple as a reward.  She untied the rope from the saddle, then handed Blaze a carrot while Steve radioed for a collection crew for the ostriches.

 

 Suddenly another ostrich came running across the courtyard towards its downed flock members.  It lunged at Tonya, who did a quick side step to avoid the attack.  Knowing she was out of blindfolds, Tonya whipped off her shirt and tossed it over the bird's head, blinding it.  It paused, uncertain what to do since it couldn't see, and she quickly tied the shirt so it wouldn't slip.

 

 Tonya noticed the cameraman had filmed the entire exchange and that the still running camera was directed at her.  Saluting the camera, she winked, and then turned her attention back to the animals.

 

* * * * * * **

 

"Oooo, more blackmail footage," Poopsie purred, with a grin.  "I'm glad we put that tape in."

 

 Sally laughed and jokingly began to chant, "Take it off!  Take it off!"

 

 "You'll have to make sure she doesn't know you have it," Alec reminded them quietly.

 

 "She won't care," Zarbon put in.  "She has just as much dirt on them."

 

 Jeice chuckled at the friendly banter.  "I can feel the love," he said sarcastically.  He gave Zarbon a sly grin.  "I didn't realize you were into the exhibitionist type, Zarbon."

 

 Coughing a little, Zarbon felt his cheeks burn as he studied the grain of the floor intently.  "She does what needs to be done to accomplish her task," he replied softly.

 

 Jeice hadn't meant to make his young friend blush so darkly, but Zarbon's embarrassment made him curious, so he risked another gentle goad.  "Oh?" he asked raising an eyebrow and folding his arms.

 

 It didn't seem possible, but Zarbon's cheeks flushed even darker as the other three people in the room turned to look at him.  Noticing the broadcast had ended, Zarbon cleared his throat as he turned from the screen.  "You haven't seen the garden yet, Jeice.  It's magnificent," he said abruptly changing the subject and walked out of the room.  Jeice shrugged at the others then followed his friend.

 

- - - - - -- - - - -

The pizza boxes had been cleared from the table and the main park staff was gathered round the table discussing the day's events.  Two members were missing from the group, and Charlene glanced around worriedly.

 

 "Where's Tonya?" Charlene asked.

 

 "Calling her housemates," Mark answered.  "She's planning to staying here tonight in case the person tries again."

 

 "But half the police force is standing guard," Erin said, looking confused.  "Tonya doesn't need to stay."

 

 "Try and tell her that," Charlene replied tiredly.

 

 "It might be a good thing," Steve said tilting his hat back a bit.  "If something does happen, she'll be right here to take care of it instead of the police having to call one of us in.  Could save a lot of time."

 

 Charlene sighed and rubbed her forehead.  "Point taken," she replied.  Her gaze turned to Maria.  "So what's the count on the missing animals?"

 

 "Well, everything to accounted for except one leopard and one ostrich," Maria answered.

 

 "One leopard?" Charlene asked frowning.  "I thought all the cats had stayed in their enclosures and were accounted for?"

 

 "It was just a quick check, and Houdini hasn't been seen all day," Mark said.  "Frank went to check a few minutes ago." 

 

 Frank walked into the room looking quite grim, followed by an extremely angry Tonya.

 

"Houdini isn't in his enclosure is he?" Steve asked eyeing the braided girl warily.

 

 "No.  He's in with Shadow," Frank answered.

 

 "But she's in heat!" Maria protested.  "We weren't going to bred her until next year!"

 

 "I know," Frank replied curtly casting a glare at Tonya.  "Tonya has already mentioned that.  Several times in fact."

 

 "Well then the good news is that means only the one ostrich is out," Erin cried gleefully.  Everyone in the room froze except Erin who was grinning happily and Tonya who was blinking in surprise. 

 

 "One ostrich?" Tonya asked slowly, brow wrinkled with confusion.  "But I thought all fifteen were accounted for?"

 

 "There are sixteen ostriches in the refuge," Erin replied oblivious to the looks the other staff were now giving her.  "It's the one that..."

 

 "Thank you, Erin.  That's enough," Frank grated, cutting in.

 

 Tonya's face was impassive, but her eyes burned with rage.  "He is out?" she asked, her voice cold enough to make a penguin shiver.

 

 "Yes," Charlene answered; there was no point in lying now. 

 

  "Why didn't you tell me?"

 

"We needed you to concentrate on finding the other animals," Frank replied gently.

 

 "I'll find him," Tonya growled and started to turn.

 

 "Not tonight," Frank said quickly.  "You can go at first light."

 

 Tonya glared at him for a moment, then slowly nodded.  She turned to leave and he glanced at Charlene.

 

 "Remember the court order, Tonya," she called.  "You can't kill him."

 

 Pausing only a second, Tonya looked back with a half smirk on her face.  "I won't."  Then she was gone.

 

 The group let out a collective sigh of relief.  "Well that went better than I thought it would," Mark said.

 

 "Yeah," Steve said with a tight smile.  "She didn't break anything...yet."

 

- - - - - -

Suddenly wide-awake and alert, every muscle in her body was tense as she fought the urge to set up.  She lay there quietly, barely daring to breath for a few moments, and peeked at her surroundings through slitted eyes trying to figure out what had woken her up.  Finally, she sat up and looked around the room, her right hand sliding under the pillow to firm grasp her gun.  Nothing tickled her five senses, but the feeling something was wrong still nagged at her.

 

 Silently moving from the bed, she checked the safety, then tucked the gun into the waistband of her jeans so it rested against the small of her back.  A smile stole across her lips unbidden as Mad Moody's warning to Harry Potter rang in her mind.  "Don't put your wand there, boy!  What if it ignited?  Better wizards than you have lost buttocks, you know!"1

 

 She picked up the holster and its harness up from the floor where they'd fallen.  Checking the safety again, she put the gun in the holster, and put on the harness.  Opening the door, she listened for a moment before walking into the hall and looking around.  Feeling the sudden need to get outside, she cast a quick glance into the monitor room as she passed.  She wondered where the officer, the one that was supposed to be watching the screens, had disappeared to as she stepped outside into the darkness.  A slight breeze ruffled her hair and she scented the air out of habit.  Still nothing seemed to register as odd, so she decided to do a full check of the park, starting with Cat Alley.  The last crescent of the waning moon and bright stars gave her enough light to see without the chance of been seen.

 

 It was quiet.  Much too quiet, she thought   The Park was never silent because the animals had different sleeping patterns, but tonight not even the crickets chirruped.  Beginning to feel like she'd either crossed into the Twilight Zone or stepped into a bad horror movie, Tonya slipped along the path as quiet as a shadow.  Just as she reached the north entrance of the Alley, a soft hiss of warning made her duck into the darkest shadows.

 

 Slowly, keeping at wary eye on her surroundings, she crept along the building until she reached the bars of Shadow's enclosure.  Peeking over the edge of the raised floor, she found herself face to face with Houdini.  He met her surprised gaze, then flipped his muzzle to indicate something behind her.  Turning, she looked down the path, but couldn't see what he was trying to show her.  A paw snaked out and turned her head slightly, as though to indicate she should be looking more to the left.

 

 Staring into the inky shadows, she couldn't help but notice Houdini was trembling.  A cold shiver slid down her spine as one of the shadows shifted then detached itself from its brethren.  Instinctively, she ducked lower and Houdini disappeared back into the jungle growth.  As the figure crossed to the lighter side of the path, Tonya's eyes narrowed as she saw the gun in his hand.

 

 Creeping from shadow to shadow, Tonya stalked the man cautiously.  Common sense told her she should go get the police, but her anger needed an outlet before her hunt in the morning, so she pressed on.  Pausing by the enclosures that were under repair, she selected a length of 2x4 to use as a weapon.  She was close enough to realize the man was muttering to himself softly, but she couldn't quite make out his words.  Crouching lower as the man cast a glance her direction, she tensed as she finally caught his words.

 

 "Damn it.  Where is that stupid tiger.  I have to shoot him first in case they show up before I'm finished.  Then I'll put a slug in that annoying girl's skull."  The man seemed to be repeating those two sentences over and over like some kind of sick mantra.

 

 Tonya froze as ice water replaced the fire burning through her veins.  Now was definitely the time she should go get the police, but she couldn't be sure of the identity of the girl he wanted to shoot.  If she left and he escaped, someone might die.  Or he might just start shooting the cats one by one.  Adjusting her grip on her 2x4, Tonya steeled her nerves for the attack.  Lunging at the man, she brought the board down hard on his hand and wrist.  The gun went off before he dropped it, startling her but not as much as the scream of fear, pain, and rage that issued from his throat.

 

 Well...if that didn't get the police's attention nothing will, Tonya thought as the sounds reverberated and amplified as they bounced around the alley.

 

 Taking advantage of her momentary pause, the shadowed man punched her as hard as he could and tried to disarm her.

 

* * * ** *  *

 

"What the...?!?  Was that a gun shot?" one officer asked in disbelief.

 

 "If you'd move your butt, we'll find out!" another retorted.

 

 Alec and Seth, followed by five other officers, hurried towards Cat Alley where the sounds of a scuffle could be heard.  Another office ran to turn on the lights in the park.  They paused at the entrance, knowing better than to rush into the fight in the darkness, but drew their sidearms and held them at the ready.

 

 "You damn bitch!"  The man's voice echoed through the Alley, clearly audible to the police.  "I should have killed you before I sent the ransom, but this time I won't hesitate!"

 

The lights flared and everyone winced at the sudden brightness.  The cops' eyes widened in surprise as did the mystery man's.  Standing over Tonya, he held his nightstick in a position to deal a fatal blow.  Tonya was on the ground, but she had drawn her gun and had it pointed at his head.

 

"Officer Rawlings?" Seth asked in surprise.

 

"I caught her trying to let the animals out again," the man with the nightstick said lowering his arm.  Turning more towards the other officers he began to speak.  "She tried to slip past the monitor room without alerting me, but I saw her.  I decided to follow her and caught her trying to open the cages."

 

The rookies exchanged glances with their more experienced peers, who still held their guns on the fighters.  Alec's eyes narrowed as he noticed the sudden look of recognition cross Tonya's face and the fury that followed it.  Her gun, forgotten in her rage, dropped to the ground as she lunged at Rawlings from her reclined position with a snarl.

 

Taking him by surprise, her first blow broke his nose while the second blackened his right eye.  Alec jumped forward to stop her, and just managed to drag her away from the now cowering man.  Tonya was cursing and still trying to attack the man even though blood streamed from his nose and his eye was already swelling shut.  Thankfully her entire focus was on her prey so, while it was difficult to hold back the thrashing girl, Alec wasn't in direct danger.

 

Seth stepped forward as the other officers started to lead their downed comrade away.  Without hesitating, he slapped Tonya across the face, then froze as he realized what he had done.  Alec's blood ran cold as Tonya went still, unsure if he could hold her if she went after the Seth.  She slowly put her hand to her cheek, staring at that terrified rookie like she'd never seen him before.

 

"Alec...you're partner slapped me," she said slightly awed.  "By-the-book Seth just slapped me."  An approving smirk twisted her lips and she extended her hand.  Hesitantly, Seth took it at Alec's nod.  "Thanks, I needed that," Tonya said shaking his hand.  "Though any harder and you might have broken my jaw."  The rookie blushed and looked away.  "You can let me go now, Officer Black.  I'm through with my tantrum."

 

He slowly released her, then stepped back.  "Care to explain?" he asked and Seth pulled out a notepad.

 

"My roaming around at night or my assault on that...Officer?" Tonya asked calmly smoothing her hair.

 

"Both if possible.  They are connected, right?" Seth answered.

 

Tonya nodded then waved them over to a bench.  "Knees are a bit wobbly," she apologized sitting down.  "Let's see..." she sighed, her forehead creasing in thought.  Biting her lip she blushed slightly.  "I had a feeling something was wrong.  You know, like when you know you forgot to do something and you realize that you left the oven on or something?  So I came out here to check it out."  She looked around the Alley noting the animals were watching them.  "The cop from the monitor room was gone, but I figured he was in the restroom or getting a donut."

 

"Why didn't you come get a police escort?" Seth asked.

 

Tonya rolled her eyes.  "Oh, Officer?  Would you like to follow me around and leave your post unguarded?  I think I forgot something but I can't remember what," she said in a valley girl tone of voice. 

 

"So Officer Rawlings attacked you as you were walking down the path?" Alec asked.

 

Tonya looked sheepish and rubbed the back of her neck.  "Actually, I attacked him first.  I didn't realize who he was."  She paused and frowned.  "Which probably was a good thing.  He was just walking around with his gun, muttering about killing a tiger and then shooting a girl.  I was afraid he'd just start shooting my cats, so I disarmed him with a 2x4."

 

"That would have been the scream and gunshot we heard," Alec cut in and Tonya nodded.  "But why did you go after him again."

 

Tonya's eye blazed with suppressed rage.  "Because I realized who he was."  Tonya's voice was laced with anger and they could see her jaw clench.  "You know the shows we put on here at the park?"  They looked at her blankly.  "The staff does educational shows a couple times a day to increase public awareness.  I do a segment that deals mostly with the big cats.  I usually use a leopard and a tiger generally, and have them display natural behaviors.  Rajah was one of my best performers."  Tonya stood and paced restlessly.  "Rawlings was here about two years ago for a show.  Just as I brought Rajah out, the idiot pulled a box of chicken out of his backpack." 

 

Her eyes flicked towards one of the enclosures where one of the tigers was trying to hide behind a blue ball.  "We use treats as rewards for good behaviors and Rajah loves chicken.  He tried to go after it."  She turned to look at the men.  "There's no wall between the stage and the audience; just a blank space for five feet.  Rajah jumped forwarded, but thankfully, I only give the cat about two feet of play on their leads.  I had wrapped the chain around my forearm and wrist, so it hurt when he jumped, but I was able to stop his lunge.  I flipped the rest of the lead around his front paws and pulled him off his feet."  A small smile crept across her lips.  "I told him he was bad cat and he calmed down pretty quick when we got the blindfold on him."

 

Tonya began to pace again.  "Rawlings took us to court and tried to sue, but the judge called him a moron and threw out the case.  He did get a judge to agree that Rajah could never do the show again.  We retaliated with banning him from the park for life."

 

"And the ransom he mentioned?" Alec asked already guessing the answer.

 

"He was the leader of the men that kidnapped me back in April," Tonya replied.

 

"Why didn't you recognize him before now?  He was the officer stationed at the monitors," Seth pointed out.  "And the officer that looked into the attempted break-ins and vandalism over the past year."

 

The girl paused and looked at Seth with an eyebrow raised.  "Oh?"  Seth nodded.  "That explains why there were no keys missing or signs of forced entry," Tonya said looking at Alec.  "I bet the asshole made copies."  She blinked then looked at Seth again.  "Why didn't I recognize him?  Prolly because I hadn't really seen him before ten minutes ago.  I was mad about something earlier so I wasn't really paying attention.  In addition to that, he's grown his hair out from a buzz cut to shoulder length, dyed his red hair black, and gotten contacts.  Oh yeah...and he's a cop!"

 

"That makes sense," Seth replied and glanced at Alec.  Taking the silent hint, he shut the notepad.  "Thank you for your time.  Have a good night."  Then he turned and quickly walked away.

 

Alec waited until the rookie was out of earshot.  "So what's the real reason you're out here?" he asked.  He folded his arms across his chest and looked at her.  "And don't tell me it was just because you wanted to keep an eye on the place.  You would be in costume if that was the case." 

 

Tonya's expression darkened instantly and she bared her teeth with a growl.  Alec raised an eyebrow but was unintimidated, though he did note his escape routes.  He wasn't afraid of the girl, but he wasn't stupid either.  She glared at him another moment, before biting back her growl.

 

"One of the ostriches is still loose and I was going to head out at first light," she grumbled folding her arms.  "I get to sleep in a bit later if I'm already here."

 

"Or start out earlier," Alec threw in.  He could tell she wasn't going to tell him anymore voluntarily, and he needed to get back to his post.  "Will you be okay alone now?" he asked.  Tonya frowned darkly, then nodded.  "Alright.  See you later then."

 

- - - - - - - -

 

"Tonya, come in.  Can you hear me?"

 

"Loud and clear, Frank.  What do you want now?"

 

Frank grimaced at the annoyance that practically dripped from the girl's voice. 

"Just got a tip about Bane.  Your roommates called it in.  Apparently he's near your mansion."

 

Tonya's heart began to beat faster and she fought the urge to whip Blaze around and gallop all the way.  Now was the time to keep her head and not rush into things.  "Copy that, Frank.  I'll check it out."  Changing direction, she set out at a ground-eating trot, hoping it would be fairly easy to catch the damned bird.

 

- - - - - -- - - -

 

She scanned the brush carefully, knowing her quarry was crafty as well as dangerous.  Blaze's ears were pricked listening for the slightest rustle.

 

"T said he's still in the clearing where we first seen him," Jessica said popping out of a bush trying to make Tonya jump.

 

"Oh?" Tonya asked, eyeing her companions.  Blaze snorted and turned his attention back to the brush.  "What are you doing out here?"

 

"Just taking a walk," Poopsie replied.

 

Tonya shifted in the saddle countering to ten slowly.  She didn't need to yell at anymore of her friends.  "You should go back now," she said.  "I can handle this alone."

 

"We know you can," Jessica answered.  "But I can make it easier.  Come on.  It's over here."

 

Tonya's eyes narrowed to a glare, but she bit back the futile retort.  A low growl of annoyance rumbled in her chest and Poopsie frowned at her.  Ignoring the elf, she urge Blaze forward hoping the ostrich had been attacked by rabid squirrels, rabbits, or suffered any other form of "natural" death.  Having memorized a map of the mansion grounds and the land around it, she knew there was a clearing just ahead.  Voices informed her she was on track, so she dismounted and fixed the reins so they couldn't tangle in the trees.

 

She led her steed forward, holding onto his bridle, hoping Jessica wasn't ticking Bane off.  Walking into the clearing, she once again wished Frank hadn't taken her gun away.  One bullet could end this problem so easily, but going to jail would put a damper on her future plans.

 

"Now why don't you just follow me and I'll get you back home," Jessica said.

 

'Home...home is nice.  Lots of food.  Here is better.  More food and NO People.'

 

"You don't like people?"

 

'They don't like me,' Bane replied ducking his head.  'Always throwing things at me.  They took my friends away and put me in a cage.  All alone.'

 

"That's so sad.  Do you know why?"

 

'Because they hate me,' Bane answered.  'I killed a chick.'

 

"You did?" Jessica asked starting to wonder what was taking Tonya so long.

 

Bane bobbed his head excitedly.  'Yes, Yes.  A human chick.  Weak, pitiful thing it was.  I kicked it to death.'  He paused as though remembering with what passed for a pleased expression on his face.  'It shrieked until it died.  Such a lovely sound it was.  I wonder...'  His gaze fell upon Jessica.  'Will you sound the same?'  He lunged at Jessica, death in his eyes.

 

Tonya had been moving closer, expecting his attack.  The stray thought crossed her mind that if Bane killed someone, she had every right to put him down.  She hesitated a millisecond before yanking Jessica to safety.    She heard Poopsie call her name like a reprimand, but Tonya's focus was on the bird.  Bane froze as he looked at her, his eyes narrowing.  Turning, he started to run away, but Tonya was ready.

 

The bola flew true and tangled around his legs, causing him to fall.  She approached his prone form slowly.  He could still kick while on his side, though his legs being tied together limited his accuracy.  His head snaked back and tried to bite her, but stopped at the look on her face.  For the first time in his life, Bane felt fear grip his black heart.

 

Bane didn't move as she dropped the hood over his eyes.  Blaze came up behind her and she took the rope from the saddlebag.  She tied the birds legs more securely and then fashion and travois to carry him.

 

Poopsie came up beside her, glaring at her.  "Tonya, I can't believe you almost..." Poopsie started.

 

"I didn't, did I?" Tonya snapped cutting her off, her glare making the elf cringe.  "Thanks for your help."  Her voice practically dripped with sarcasm.  She flipped on her walky-talky and took a deep breath to calm herself.  "Frank, you there?"

 

" 'Fraid not.  He's answering the call of nature, Kit-kat.  Can I help you?" Steve asked in his smooth drawl.

 

"I've got Bane trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey ready for the oven.  I just need a transport," she answered.

 

"Good deal.  Just give me your local, and I'll get the truck out there before you can say Cynomys ludovicianus.  Do you need a ride?"

 

Tonya smiled in spite of her bad mood.  Steve always knew how to cheer her up.  "Yeah, Blaze would appreciate it.  I'm out by my place, north side.  I can get him to the road without a problem," she replied.

 

"Roger that."

 

"Oh, Steve?"

 

"Yes, Kat?"

 

"Say that again."

 

"Cynomys ludovicianus.  See you in a bit."

 

- - - - - - - - -
 
At checking with the police guard at the gate, the V W van was admitted to the Wildlife refuge.  No one had seen or heard from Tonya since that afternoon after the ostrich was recaptured, but they figured she was still at the park.  Everyone who lived in the house had thought of an excuse to come, even Techno.  He wanted to hear first hand about the supposed attack the ostrich had bragged about.  There had been nothing in the papers but the briefest of a brief account.

 

Techno parked the van and another officer escorted the group into the conference/education center.  Charlene and some of the staff were discussing how to improve security around the park so this wouldn't happen again.  They looked up as the group came in.

 

"Hello," Charlene said, then turned back to her staff.  "Well, it's getting late and we've all had a long day.  Let's work on this more tomorrow after everyone's had a good night's rest."  They nodded, stacked the paper work on the table, and left.  She turned to the group.  "Can I help you?  I'm sorry, but the park is closed now and might be for the next couple of days," she said.

 

"We're looking for Tonya D___," Techno said.

 

Charlene paused for a second. "Oh, I'm sorry," she rubbed her temple, "You're her roommates.  I thought you were a group that hadn't got called about the cancellations.  Umm...Now where is Tonya?"  She looked at the map of the park for a second.  "She's probably here," she said tapping a spot on the map with her finger, "Staring at Bane, willing him to keel over."

 

"She doesn't care for him does she?" Sebastian asked.

 

"Put it this way.  If that bird died tomorrow, Tonya would probably throw the biggest party this town had ever seen," Charlene answered.

 

"We were watching Tonya catch the ostrich on our security cameras and the Others showed up to help her," Jessica said.  "Lucy Diamond tried to talk to it, and she said it was bragging about killing a human chick.  Do you know what it was talking about?"

 

"Unfortunately I can guess.  But the child wasn't killed," Charlene said.  She walked to the door. "Frank?  Can you go get Tonya?  Thanks," she asked and turned back to the group, "I think she should be here before I answer your question."

 

Just then Tonya walked in looked tired and annoyed.  She had been walking to the parking lot when she had spotted the van, and Frank called to her.  Tonya was limping with fatigue, and Zarbon immediately noticed.

 

"Are you ok?" he asked looking worried.

 

"Yeah, fine.  It's an old injury," she said. "What are you guys doing here?"

 

"Looking for you," Alec replied. "And looking for answers."

 

"They said Bane was bragging about killing a child when you were catching him," Charlene clarified, "and they wanted to know more about it."  Tonya shrugged with indifference so Charlene began the story.

 

"The child is the daughter of one of my friends.  He had brought her with him when he came to help me move some of the animals.  Bane was beating on several of the other ostriches and we wanted to move him to a pen of his own.  He got away from us and through the fence, running around the truck to where we'd left the girl." Charlene glanced at Tonya.  Tonya yawned and sat down on the window ledge, trying to act bored, and pretended to ignore the whole group.  Charlene paused with a frown, deciding how to continue.  The girl usually told this part of the story, but Tonya obviously wasn't intending to this time.

 

"The girl was just standing there waiting for her father to finish so they could go look at the wolves and big cats.  She saw the ostrich and knew she had to get out of the way quick.  She opened the door of the truck and tried to crawl in there to escape.  Unfortunetly, the truck was almost too high for her and she had barely gotten into the cab when Bane got there.  The ostrich kicked the door catching her right ankle in the door."  Out of the corner of her eye, Charlene could see Tonya had tensed though her gaze was still directed out the window. 

 

"The girl started screaming and he just kept kicking the door.  We weren't able to subdue him until she stopped." Charlene shuddered at the memory of the fear that had chilled her to the bone when the girl had suddenly stopped her cries.  "She had passed out from the pain and we rushed her to the hospital fearing her ankle had been crushed," Charlene hesitated, then continued, "She was lucky and just dislocated the bones and torn some tendons and ligaments."

"How long ago did this happen?" asked Poopsie.

 

"Fifteen years ago," Tonya answered as she stared out the window.

 

"Has Bane attacked anyone else?" Jessica asked.

 

"Yes," Charlene sighed, "Multiple times.  We've had to hospitalizes six other people because of him."

 

"No offense, but why don't you just get rid of him or put him down?" Dee asked.

 

"I was going to after the girl was attacked," Charlene answered, "But..."

 

"PETA," Tonya practically spat the word, "They found out somehow and took her to court before she could.  They convinced the judge that the animal shouldn't be destroyed unless he killed someone."  Her voice dripped with venom.

 

"Why wasn't any of this in the newspapers?" Techno asked.

 

"Partly to protect the girl, but mostly because of the lawsuits," Charlene said.

 

"Lawsuits?" Tonya asked, turning from the window, "What lawsuits?"

 

Charlene hesitated again.  "Against you because of the attack?" asked Jessica.

 

"Hold on," Sally cut in, "Tonya once told me that an ostrich could disembowel and person with a single kick, and you said yourself you thought her ankle might have been crushed.  How did the girl avoid breaking any bones if all that is true?"

 

"The girl has a metallic skeleton," Tonya answered quietly. 

 

"It was you?" Sebastian said shocked, "So that's why you got so ticked when Jessica and Poopsie were trying to help you!  You were hoping for revenge!"

 

Charlene glanced at Tonya who was now glaring at Sebastian.  "I'm surprised the police don't know who you girls are by now if you make slips like this," Frank said, speaking up for the first time. 

 

He was leaning against the wall next to the door, just listening to them talk.  Though he knew that Sebastian probably wasn't very far from the truth, he didn't like anyone disrespecting his friends or family.  Frank pushed off the wall, and walked across the room in that no hurry way his people often moved in.  Though he didn't brag about it, he was a full-blooded Navajo.  The only clue most people had about his heritage was the way he wore his hair and the necklace he wore.  Frank crossed his arms and stood between Tonya and Sebastian. 

 

"Figured out what?" Sebastian asked, worry lurking in the tone of his voice.

 

Frank rolled his eyes and Tonya smirked.  "It's too late, Sebastian" she said, "They already know."  She didn't add that the couple had known for quite awhile now, but had kept her secret.  Tonya paused, "But I didn't know about any law suits but the PETA one.  Who else was suing you?"

 

Charlene looked at the group doubtfully.  "I don't know if I should be telling you this.  Maybe you should ask your parents."

 

"We're here now talking to you," Tonya replied, frowning. "Explain, please."

 

Charlene recognized this as a command, not a request.  "Well...umm, maybe I should start at the beginning," she said, "You know you parents were having problems having children right?  Well, they discovered it was because your mom is O negative, and you are whatever positive.  The FDA had just approved this new drug to neutralize this problem and your mom took it, along with several thousand other women.  All the women miscarried but your mom.    It was discovered that the drug company had rigged their findings and paid off the FDA researchers.  A lawsuit against the company was formed, but the company claimed the women mistook the drug, and they were all anemic.  Your mother took iron supplements because she had realized that early on.  Then when it was discovered that you had a metal skeleton, the company wanted to run tests and experiments on you.  It seems that the drug combined with the iron supplements, activated something in your genetic code to produce a metal-based bone structure instead of the normal calcium based form.  If your Uncle Robert hadn't stepped in, they probably would have dragged you off, and we would have never seen you again."

 

"How come I don't remember any of this?" Tonya frowned.

 

"You were in so much pain that you were pretty drugged up during the whole thing," Charlene said, "By the time you were okay again, it was all over."

 

"So that's why I have a metal skeleton," Tonya said, thoughtfully.  She grinned at Techno and stuck out her tongue.  "I told you I wasn't abducted by aliens," she said, then kissed Zarbon who had sat down beside her.  "Not yet anyway," she whispered before kissing him again.