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CHAPTER EIGHT

     There was little talking on the drive home.  Not even the bouncy country music from Chase’s CD could mask the strain of silence.  Sandee sat up front between Eric and Chase; the seat of honor I usually took.  But not now.  Instead, Chase was ignoring me, and I was banished to the back with Geneva.
     I rubbed my reddened wrists, grateful that Eric had sprung the handcuff lock.  “A little trick I picked up from a magician pal when I dressed as a clown to entertain sick kids back home," he’d explained.
     My hands and legs were still painful with bruises and burns, but that physical pain was noting compared to the hurt I felt inside. Chase had been so tender when he'd first rescued me, but since I’d stood up for Geneva, he’d shut me out.  He wouldn’t even look at me. When Sandee rejoined us and found out what was going on, she glared at me.  Even Eric seemed critical. But that was their problem, not mine.  They had no right condemning Geneva without listening to her side of the story. Whatever her faults, I couldn’t forget how she’d defended me against her own husband.
     “Geneva, where should we take you?” I asked.
     “I-I don’t know,” she said in a frightened whisper. “Vic will be after me.  No matter where I go he’ll find me.  He’s a very vindictive man.”
     “He can’t hurt you now that you’re with us.”  She seemed frail and small, and my heart went out to her.  “Report him to the police.”
     “He’d just pay someone off. He has connections everywhere.” She sounded weary.  “There’s no way out.  No where to hide.  I’m such a fool.”
     “For marrying Dr. Victor or for helping me?”
     “Both. I should have thought things through before I interfered.  I don’t know why I did it.”
     “Because you didn’t want him to hurt me.”
     “How noble that sounds.”  Geneva smiled wryly.  “But to be honest, that never occurred to me.  I’m no hero.  My priorities have always begun with myself, with little room for anyone else.”
     “But you saved me.”
     “I suppose I did, and I’m as surprised by it as you must be. I just couldn’t take Vic anymore.  He’s always embarking on wild schemes that result in disaster.  Like that whole cloning project . . . but of course you know about that.”
     I nodded, feeling chilled inside. I wanted her to admit her part in her husband’s crimes and say she was sorry. At the same time, I was glad she hadn’t lied about her motives. Someone as self-centered as Geneva didn’t change overnight. 
     “Vic was doing fine with lectures and royalties for his motivational books,” Geneva went on, her lips pressed in annoyance.  “Only the books weren’t enough, so he turned to a new project.  Cloning -- again!  But not people, animals instead.  Horrible beasts.”
     “The saber-toothed tiger isn’t horrible,” I said.  “She’s gentle.”
     “A joke on Vic.”  She chuckled with irony.  “His vicious prehistoric tiger, turned out to be a big pussy cat.  Then before he could run tests on the beast, it ran away  and you kids found it. How did you manage that?”
     “Coincidences happen, I guess,” I said, cautious not to reveal too much. I knew Chase was listening from the front seat and I didn’t want to add to his anger.  It was bad enough I’d let it slip we had Kitty.  Just because I was grateful to Geneva, didn’t mean I trusted her.
     But she seemed willing to tell me anything I wanted to know about her husband. “I won’t lie for Vic anymore," she said as she rubbed her forehead, "but I’m too exhausted to talk now.  I dearly need a herbal bath, a hot meal, and a comfy bed.”
     “I know what you mean.” A wave of exhaustion and longing swept through me.  If only things could be like there were last night with Chase, when he put his arms around me and we shared a deep kiss. We’d talked, too, and really connected. Now we weren’t even speaking.
     A short time later we pulled into my driveway. I was glad to be home, but dreaded Uncle Jim’s reaction to Geneva. His hatred for the Victors went back a long way, beginning when Dr. Victor betrayed his trust and tried to kill Jessica Hart.
     I unbuckled my seatbelt then steeled myself for a new war: convincing Uncle Jim to help Geneva.
     Only when I stepped into the house, I discovered found my uncle was gone.  He’d packed his bags and left a note.
     Had an idea that could solve all our problems and provide a safe home for the saber-tooth. First I have to find Jessica.  Don’t worry, and take care of each till
I return.  J.F.

                     *     *     *

     After Chase read the note, he suggested we have a meeting.  He avoided looking at me directly when he said we all should be there, including Geneva. 
     We ordered out for pizza, which wasn’t the “hot dinner” Geneva had in mind; only one of her many complaints. She refused to go a hotel because her husband might find her, yet she was critical of her accommodations with us.
    I’d offered Geneva my room and temporarily moved into my uncle’s smaller one.  But Geneva wasn’t satisfied with my bedroom because it lacked a private bathroom.  Then when I showed her the nearest bathroom, she wanted to know why we didn’t have a luxury spa with massaging air-jets.  Once we’d gotten past that issue, she complained about the brand of bath salts I gave her and she was appalled not to have a plush terry-cloth robe.
     When I reminded her she could stay at a ritzy hotel with plenty of comforts, her complaints stopped.
     I gritted my teeth all through this. I’d brought Geneva into our house, and I’d have to put up with her at least until we figured out what to do next.
     A short while later, the five of us gathered in the living room.  I sat beside Geneva on the couch, while Chase took the recliner on the opposite end of the room. Eric brought in a chair from the kitchen, and Sandee curled up on the carpet wearing headphones.
     Sandee pushed back her headphones and pointed at Geneva.  “She shouldn’t be here.”
     “I invited her,” Chase said in a gruff voice. 
     “Without asking us first?  Aren’t we like a democracy, clones united or something?” Sandee said with her usual blunt attitude.  “She’s trouble. I vote we kick her out.”
     “Then her husband will kill her,” I argued.
     “I got no problem with that,” Sandee said.
     “Well I do.”  I’d always had some issues with Sandee, mostly over Chase.  And I wasn’t about to back down now.  “Geneva stays here until it’s safe.  She wouldn’t be in danger if she hadn’t helped me. She’s on our side now.” 
     “That remains to be proven,” Chase said coolly.  “I’d rather invite a tick to burrow into my skin than help a Victor, but I’m willing to give her a chance if she’ll tell us what Dr. Victor is planning.”  He swiveled his chair to face Geneva.  “What can you tell us?”
     “Plenty.”  Geneva pushed a dark tendril of hair from her eyes.  “But frankly, why should I? It’s clear you hate my guts and won’t believe anything I say. You blame me for all the horrid things my husband did, which is completely unfair.”
     Chase clenched his fists in his lap.  “You were working with him.  You convinced Varina you were her aunt then kidnapped her.”
     “I was never unkind to Varina,” Geneva said with a defiant lift of her chin.  “I grew fond of her during our short time together - as if I truly were her aunt.  I never meant any harm. I knew Victor wanted to examine her, but he had helped create her, so he had a right to know how she turned out.”
     I cringed, remembering the needles and scalpels they’d planned to use on me  before Chase showed up and helped me get away.  Chase, I thought as I gazed at him with longing.  How can I make things right with you?
     Eric gave Geneva a dark look. “You also kidnapped my sister…and she wasn’t even a clone.  Can you explain that?”
     “Dredging up the past will accomplish nothing,” Geneva said with a shrug.  “I won’t make excuses for my husband.  He’s a terrible man to cross and anything I did was equal to an act of self-defense.  But I’ve escaped from him and I’m willing to help you kids. So let’s talk.”
     “Not a bad performance.”  Sandee applauded.  “If I didn’t know better, I’d almost believe you.”
     “Give her a chance.”  Eric’s tone softened, and he glanced from Geneva to me. “If Varina trusts her, then I reckon we should hear her out.  Maybe she can help us protect Kitty.”
     “Yes, I could.”  Geneva crossed her legs and gave us a sober look. “But there’s more at stake than one cloned beast.”
     “What do you mean?” Chase leaned forward. 
     “The saber-tooth you found was only one of my husband’s experiments.  He’s working on cloning much more dangerous creatures.”
     “Why?” I asked.  “What’s in it for him?”
     “Can’t you guess?”  Geneva gave a wry lift of her dark brows.  “The more dangerous the beast, the more valuable.”
     Chase rubbed his chin.  “Bringing back extinct creatures could cause enormous problems.  What will they eat?  Where will they live?  What happens if they escape and attack someone?”
     “My husband is only concerned with creating a product in high demand.  His buyers will pay huge amounts for unusual vicious creatures.”
     “I still don’t understand,” I said. “Why would want large dangerous animals?” 
     “I think I know.”  Chase’s expression darkened like a storm was building inside him. I sensed we were all being led into something evil, and I had a strong desire to shut my ears so I couldn’t hear anymore.  But I listened anyway.
     “I’ve heard of exclusive compounds where exotic animals roam free,” Chase continued. “Wealthy hunters pay huge fees to enter these compounds  to hunt exotic animals.”
     “Exactly.” Geneva nodded approvingly at Chase.  “And what could be more exotic than prehistoric cloned tigers?” 
     “That’s why there were so many cages,” I murmured, thinking of the building where I’d been imprisoned.  “But the animals were gone.  What happened to them?”
     “Most specimens didn’t live long,” Geneva explained.  “Only two saber-tooths survived.  You apparently have one of them.”
     Chase frowned. “And the other?”
     “It’ll be sold for an obscene amount to an exclusive hunting club in Texas,” Geneva answered in a casual, detached tone.  “Stalking ordinary bears and lions isn’t challenging enough, so they were eager to negotiate with my husband.”
     “To kill Kitty’s clone?” Eric asked, horrified.
     Geneva nodded.  "There’s a private hunt planned and the saber-tooth will be the star attraction.  By next Friday that beast will be dead.”

CHAPTER NINE

     I didn’t sleep well that night.  I was tormented by dreams of faceless hunters who stalked Kitty with vicious guns.  Then another saber-tooth appeared beside Kitty; her identical twin.  The new cat growled at the hunters and took off running.  But gentle, trusting Kitty didn’t run away or hide.  She meowed and purred.  She didn’t have a chance and neither would her twin.
     I awoke with bags under my eyes and fear choking my heart.  Dr. Victor had to be stopped. Chase, Eric and I agreed on this last night.  Even Sandee offered to help.  “I don’t get what the big deal is about two prehistoric animals,” she said.  “But if it’ll teach that jerk Victor not to mess with us, I’m in.” Then Sandee slipped on her headphones and swayed to a silent beat out of the room.
     Geneva had proved very helpful, offering ideas how to find her husband.  “Vic must have moved his lab to a safe place,” Geneva said. “That’s why all the cages in the stone building were empty. My guess would be the beach house. It’s fenced and locked with heavy security.  It would take an army to break inside.”
     Eric had given me a wink and whispered, “Or a few determined clones.”
     Geneva didn’t mind giving us information, but she refused to go anywhere near her husband. She was terrified of him, and I didn’t blame her.  He was more dangerous than the animals he sought to create.
     Having a common enemy seemed to unite everyone.  Chase was talking to me again.  Still, there was a distance between us, as if we were on two different sides of a chasm with no bridge to crossover.  I wished we could privately talk things over, but he was too focused on going after Dr. Victor.  He consulted maps to pinpoint the location of Dr. Victor’s beach home, then worked with Eric online to research exclusive hunting clubs.
    When I asked what I could do to help, Chase told me to watch Geneva.  “Keep her out of the way.  No matter how helpful she’s been, we can’t trust her.”
    Keeping Geneva out of the way meant shopping.
    “These clothes are baggy and outdated,” Geneva complained, frowning at the jersey blouse and pleated skirt I’d loaned her.  “I feel naked without my own things.  I don’t even have my purse. Not that I’d dare use my credit cards; a dead giveaway to Vic that I escaped that horrid building.”
     “Going to a mall isn’t a good idea,” I argued, hoping to change her mind.  My best friend Starr could win a Gold Medal in shopping, but all I'd win would be a booby prize.  I usually decided ahead of time what I would buy, and made only short trips to the mall. 
     “I desperately need appropriate clothes.” Geneva crossed her arms over her chest stubbornly and I knew I’d lost this battle. 
     But how could I afford Geneva’s expensive taste?  The cost of her shoes alone could fund a shopping spree for an entire third-world country. I, on the other hand, could barely afford lunch at McDonalds.  And with Uncle Jim gone, I couldn’t ask for a loan on my allowance.
    If I explained the situation to Chase, he could solve this problem.  But it would go against everything he believed in to indulge Geneva’s extravagant lifestyle. No, I wouldn’t ask him.  I’d deal with this on my own.  But how?  Who could I turn to?  Eric never had much cash.  And even if Sandee hadn’t left to jam with some friends, she’d never loan a dime to a Victor.
     As I was sinking deeper into despair, the front door opened and a vision of a fairy-god mother appeared.  Well, she wasn’t a mother and at nearly six feet tall, dressed in baggy overalls, she was far from fairy-like.
     But she was the answer to my problems.
     “Allison!” I rushed forward to give her a big hug.  “Am I ever happy to see you!”
     “Wow, what a welcome!”  Allison grinned, dumping her suitcase on the tiled foyer.  “I was barely gone for two days.”
     “A lot can happen in two days.”  Then I told her everything, describing Geneva’s part in the rescue in glowing terms.  The way I told the story, Geneva had never sounded so brave and heroic.  But I wanted to make sure Allison understood why I was helping Geneva. It took some quick talking, but when I was done, Allison was happy to reward Geneva with a shopping trip.
     Allison’s family weren't big on hugs and displays of affection, but they were overly generous with credit cards and allowances.  Allison jumped into shopping with the energy of an adventurer embarking on a treasure hunt.  Although she didn’t care for name brands and trends, she loved discovering unique items.
     On the way to the mall, Allison kept up a steady flow of conversation.  She talked about her weekend in Seattle, describing the weather (wet!), her mother’s birthday party (expensive!), and the political party guests (boring!).
    Allison had a talent for putting people at ease and in no time we were strolling the the mall like girlfriends.  Geneva was an astute shopper and could spot a bargain a mile away.  Her eyes lit up whenever she found a super discount.  She managed to create a basic wardrobe for herself without being too extravagant, sharing interesting tips on makeup and accessories with us.  She showed me how to wear a green scarf that really brought out my eyes and picked out the ideal lip-gloss for a natural, but glowing look.  When I stared in the store mirror, I knew I looked good. I wondered if Chase would notice.
     After Geneva finished her own purchases (using Allison’s credit card, of course) she found a funky pair of overalls perfect for Allison. Allison thanked Geneva, her expression puzzled, as if she couldn’t figure out whether Geneva was friend or foe.
     “Maybe she really is okay,” Allison whispered to me while Geneva cornered a clerk and haggled over the price of the overalls.
     “I hope so.”  
     “I can’t believe she’s the same person who did those terrible things.  She’s been really cool today, kind of like a mom.” Allison gave Geneva a wistful look.  “My mother just hands me a credit card and says to buy myself something nice from her.”
     “At least you have a mom,” I said, an image of Jessica popping into my head.  “Besides, I thought you were getting along better with your parents.  Wasn’t the birthday party a success?”
     “I guess.”  Allison sighed.  “Dad’s political career is on track again and my parents treated me okay.  I had this talk with Mom and we came to an understanding.  Everything is great with us now.”  But Allison’s answer didn’t match the shadow in her eyes. And I sensed there was something she wasn’t telling.
     Geneva led a subdued clerk over to the cash register and announced that the overalls were actually 25% off.  Then she spotted another shoe store, and dragged us off with her.  Geneva pointed out a goofy pair of feathered sandals, which caused us to laugh so much we had to leave the store.  It was like being at a slumber party; girl-talk and no real worries.
     On the drive home, I was relaxed and happy.  Strange feelings when sitting beside my worst enemy … who was beginning to feel like a good friend.
     We were still giggling when we stepped into the house.
     “Remember those awful feathered sandals,” Allison said.
     “I preferred the glow-in-the-dark fuzzy slippers,” I couldn’t resist teasing.
     “But they were asking full price!” Geneva said in total sincerity.
     While Allison helped Geneva find closet space for her clothes, I went to find Chase.  I wanted to talk things over with him, make sure everything was okay with us. 
     I heard noises from the backyard, so I headed there.  When I stepped out onto the patio, I saw Eric playing a bizarre game of fetch with our dog and the saber-tooth.  Kitty was smaller than Renegade, but she had powerful muscles the rippled when she pounced on the ball. One of her two spiked teeth snagged the ball and it dangled as she bounded back to Eric.  But she hadn’t mastered the game of fetch yet, and didn’t give the ball back.  Instead, she rubbed against Eric’s leg and purred loudly.
     Renegade seemed insulted that the cat wasn’t playing by the rules and barked a complaint.  Eric patted Kitty’s smooth head and plucked the ball off her sharp fang.  Then he tossed the ball to Renegade.
     “Kitty is just a big lover,” I said, coming over and rubbing Kitty’s velvety tan head.  It still amazed me to realize I was petting a prehistoric creature.  Nature had made her kind extinct, but science had brought her to life. Dr. Victor truly had accomplished a miracle. Only instead of using his knowledge to the benefit society, he was selling out to a group of corrupt hunters. 
     “Glad you’re back,” Eric said, bending down to pick up the ball Renegade had dropped at his feet.  “It was great of you to keep Geneva busy.”
     “I didn’t mind.”
     “Chase and I have some ideas about how to rescue Kitty’s twin.”
     “The sooner the better. You can count on my help.”
     “Yeah.”  Eric glanced away uncertainly.  “Allison is back, too, isn’t she?”
     “Yeah. She’s with Geneva.”
     “Good.  I’ll go tell Chase.  We need to talk with her.”
     There was something odd about his tone, and I had a strong feeling he was holding something back.  I patted Kitty and Renegade one last time, then followed Eric inside.
     We found Allison snacking on Wheat-Thins in the kitchen.  She told us Geneva was soaking in a scented Orange-Bliss scented bath. 
     “Good.”  Eric looked relieved.  “We don’t need her around for our plans.”  Then we all headed for Eric’s room.
     Chase sat at Eric’s desk, hunched over computer printouts.  At the sight of his strong, gentle face, I felt a warmth of emotion.  He meant so much to me, only I wasn't sure if he returned my feelings. Suddenly, I was tongue-tied and unsure of myself.  My heart filled as I stared at his tall, muscular shape and rugged yet gentle face.  He caught my gaze and held it as tenderly as if he’d reached out and clasped my hand.  We shared an unspoken connection; a meeting of minds and souls.
     Then abruptly, he broke it off.
     Chase turned to Allison.  “How soon can you be ready to leave?”
     “Leave?” Allison hesitated.  “I’m not sure.  I only just returned from Seattle this morning.  I haven’t even unpacked.”
     “This is important, Al,” Eric said.  “Do you know about Dr. Victor and the other saber-tooth?”
     She nodded.  “Varina filled me in.”
     “Then you understand we don’t have a lot of time and need to hurry.” Chase gathered his papers in a pile.  “Eric and I figured out a way to get into Dr. Victor’s beach house.  But it involves precision timing and specific skills.”
     “My memory could be useful.”  I pointed at the papers in Chase’s hands.  “I can memorize all that information.  You wouldn’t have carry around maps or papers.”
     “While that might help, it’s not one of the skills we need for this trip,” Chase said gently.  “Sorry, Varina, we can’t take you.  Someone has to stay here with Geneva.”
     “But I want to help.  Don’t shut me out.”
     “I don’t mind staying with Geneva,” Allison offered.
     “No way, Al.”  Eric shook his dark head.  “We need your strength. With your muscles, Chase’s keen hearing and my super sight, we can break in and out of any building.”
     “That’s right,” Chase said, then turned to look at me. “Sorry, Varina.”
     I felt as if I’d been kicked in the gut.  A hot wave of hurt rushed through me.  My friends, especially Chase, didn’t need me.  I was being left behind.
     “Oh, is that all?” I said casually, as if my heart wasn’t breaking.  “No problem.  I’ll stay with Geneva.”
     “That's the attitude.”  Eric broke into a grin.  “I knew you’d understand.  We have to leave soon, since we’re gonna strike tonight.  I'm sure not gonna sit around while Kitty’s twin gets shipped off for target practice.”
     Chase’s gaze softened as he studied me.  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
     “Of course.  You guys go on and kick Victor’s greedy butt.  I’ll keep an eye on things here.”  My fake grin hurt and I swallowed a lump in my throat.  “I mean, it’s a good thing I’m staying because Uncle Jim might call, and I wouldn’t want to miss that.”
     Chase gave me a deep look, then seemed to be satisfied, and turned back to Allison.  “So Al, how soon can you leave?”
     “Actually, I-I can’t-“ Allison bit her lower lip.  “I can’t go.”
     “Sure you can,” Eric said impatiently.  “Come on, Al.”
     “No.”  She put up her hand.  “I’m serious. I’m not going with you.  I can’t use my powers … ever again.”

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