Andi and the Kidnappers

 by Anna Irish (ages 14-17)

“Oh great,” whispered Andrea Carter. “Here he comes”

“Can you be quiet,” hissed Jason. “I have eyes you know.”

 Andi clamped her mouth together and turned a scathing look at him. He doesn’t need to take out his anger on me, thought Andi. It was his idea to take a short cut in the first place.

Maybe Uncle Tim is looking for us already, thought Andi glancing into the deepening dusk. But deep down Andi knew he wasn’t, they weren’t expected back from Uncle Tim’s brother’s house till tomorrow evening. But there had been an urgent telegram from family on his wife’s side, something about a dying relation so they were rushing to the northern part of the state. Jason had told them not to bother wiring Uncle Tim. They would be fine getting home, he said. Sure thing Jason, thought Andi. Like being tied up by moonshiners is just fine.

Andi studied the man walking towards them. He was short with black hair, old ragged cloths, a gun belt with two pistols, and an old cowboy hat on his head. His face was seared into Andi’s mind forever. Mean looking. Cold, mean black eyes with hard lines around them. Andi hated that he had caught them, that he had tied them up, that…

“What were you two doing sneakin around here,” snarled the man as he came up, interrupting Andi’s thoughts.

Andi scowled and glanced away. No way was she talking to that guy! The man saw Andi’s scowl and laughed, “You’ll talk, even if it takes all week you’ll talk, or else,” he chuckled walking away to join his companion.

“I’m not staying around that long buddy,” Andi muttered under her breath. “We’ve got to get out of here,” she whispered aloud to Jason.

“You think I don’t know that?” scowled Jason. “Just be quiet so I can think.”

Andi shifted around trying to get comfortable, I wonder what Mother, or Chad, or Melinda, or what anybody back home is doing, wondered Andi miserably. They certainly aren’t tied up by moonshiners. Visiting my Aunt Cecelia here in Washington state, was supposed to be fun except Jason wouldn’t stop teasing me no matter what I did, and now here I am tied up by two moonshiners for accidently stumbling into their dirty business.

Suddenly the words “…probably looking for them…” caught her attention. Andi glanced towards the men, then into the surrounding darkness wishing someone was looking for them. Straining her ears Andi tried to pick up more of the conversation. The words, “…can’t risk it…just get rid of them!” came faintly to her ears. Well that was comforting, she might not live to see her fourteenth birthday. Andi clenched her fists they were not going to get away with this that easy!

“Andi,” whispered Jason. “See that rock by your foot?

Andi nodded.

“We can saw through the ropes with it. See if you can get it.”

Andi glanced at Jason in nervous excitement. Watching the men out of the corner of her eye Andi slowly scooted forward.

“No!”

Andi jumped at the shout, heart pounding. She glanced at Jason fearfully.

“There just having an argument,” Jason whispered impatiently. “Hurry up.”

Shaking, Andi inched forward until her hands finally curled around the cool surface of the rock. “Got it,” she whispered triumphantly.

“Come over here and hold it while I saw through my rope,” whispered Jason.

Forgetting Jason couldn’t see her in the dark she nodded and slowly wiggled her way back, and held the rock, which wasn’t very easy being tied up. Jason began slowly scraping his ropes then worked furiously, seeming to feel that they didn’t have much time. At least ten minutes had slipped by when Andi suddenly noticed the tall robber, whose name she’d heard was Jim, get up and come their way, carrying a lamp. Andi dropped the rock like it was a burning coal.                                  

“Jason,” whispered Andi franticly. “Jim’s coming.”

Jason turned slightly so Jim wouldn’t see his ropes. Andi felt bile rise in her throat as she watched the drunken guy staggering towards them. Leering down at the two kids Jim snarled. “Listen you two better talk or it’s not gonna go easy for you,” he said looking at Andi.  Andi shivered and glanced away. “Now,” continued Jim. “Tell me what you two kids were doing around here. How’d you know we were here?”

There was complete, dark silence, as thick as molasses.

“Answer me!” he thundered. Suddenly he gave a low whistle and held the lamp up. “Well, well,” he drawled. “Thought you were going to get away did you. Well it’s not gonna be that easy!”

“With a sinking heart Andi realized Jim had seen Jason’s nearly half sawn through ropes. Jim yanked Jason roughly to his feet. “Shorty!” he yelled to his companion. “Get some more rope!”                

Andi felt like screaming, they had gotten so close. Filled with sudden rage, Andi swung her tied feet into Jim’s legs. Jim sprawled onto the ground, dropping Jason. Jim jumped up and looked at her coolly, “Is that all you can do?” he growled. “It’s gonna take a lot more than that to get away.”

“That’s not all I can do!” yelled Andi. “If it weren’t for these ropes I’d…”

Jason gave Andi a warning shake of his head. She snapped her mouth closed and bit her tongue to keep from spouting out any more talk that could get her into more trouble than she already was.

“Well,” Jim barked with a short laugh. “Ya finally talk. I was beginnin’ to think you were deaf and dumb.”

Shorty came up with a rope and replaced the sawn rope with a new one onto Jason’s wrists, yanking it tight.

“That should hold him,” said Shorty satisfactory. He stretched and yawned, “I’m going to get a little cat nap before dawn hits.”

Jim shoved Jason to the ground and picked up the rock Jason used.

“I don’t suppose you’ll need this,” he said tossing it into the woods. He followed Shorty a short distance off and laid down.

Andi felt her heart sink all the way down to her leather boots. “How are we going to get away now?” She didn’t realize she’d voiced her question out loud until Jason answered.

“When you hear that those guys are sleeping, try to scoot up so we are back to back, I’ll try to pick out your knot,” he whispered to her. Andi’s eyes opened wide in surprise. Jason hadn’t just told her to shut up. What had gotten into him? But Andi gladly did as Jason said. She’d do anything to get those ropes off.

Within minutes both men were snoring and Andi carefully wriggled over to Jason. He cautiously began picking at Andi’s knots. One of the men rolled over, Jason froze. The snoring continued and Jason began picking at the knot again. Finally he stopped and gave a frustrated sigh.

“Don’t stop,” whispered Andi encouragingly.       

“It’s impossible,” groaned Jason.

“Well they’ll probably kill us if we don’t get away, or who knows what,” said Andi. “So we mine as well try, the worst that can happen is we can’t get away, but that will happen if we don’t try at all, anyway.”

Jason started up again. Andi prayed with all her might that they’d get away safely. Moments later Jason sucked in his breath. “It’s getting looser,” he whispered excitedly.

 “Thank you Jesus,” whispered Andi as the ropes fell away from her hands. She wanted to shout and sing, but of course she knew better than that. With a hurried glance at the sleeping men Andi stooped down and untied her ankles, then started on Jason’s hands.

 “Wow,” grunted Andi, struggling with the knots. “Your ropes are tied tight!” Hunched over she slid across the ground to better position.

Crack!

It sounded like gunshot. Andi cringed wondering how a stick breaking could sound that that. People could have heard it for miles!

Andi heard one of the men roll over and stop snoring.

“Oh no,” Andi bit her lip. How could she of done that. Andi clutched her skirt and swallowed hard. Slowly the snoring started up again. Andi let out her breath in a rush, hardly believing that the men hadn’t woke up.

“Girls,” moaned Jason. “They can’t do anything right.”

“Jason Colin,” snapped Andi, stopping un-tying his hands. “Maybe I should just leave you here. I’ve about had it with you. And in case you don’t remember, who broke in that colt and who couldn’t? And…”

“Ok, ok I get the point,” mumbled Jason sounding embarrassed. “Just un-tie my ropes and hurry.”

Andi worked feverously at his ropes, she never could of left Jason here even if he did drive her nuts.

Jack breathed sigh of relief as the ropes fell away from his hands. Maybe he thinks I really would off left him here, thought Andi smugly.

Jason hurriedly un-tied his feet, crouching low he motioned for Andi to follow him as he crept across the clearing. Andi‘s heart hammered against her ribs as she followed Jason’s shadow toward the sheltering trees. So near, yet so far.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Andi glanced back at the smoldering fire and the two motionless lumps that showed the men were still sleeping. The woods were so close, they had to make it!

Andi let out a shaky breath as they crawled into the shadowy woods. “We made it,” she whispered jubilantly as they stood up and headed cross country.

 “We’re not out of danger yet,” whispered Jason. “Don’t get your hopes too high.” Suddenly a shout echoed through the woods, nearly cutting off Jason’s dark comment.

“Hey! There gone!”

Andi gasped, “Jason, w-what do we do.” More shouts came from the direction of the camp. Jason fixed Andi with a serious look. “Andi, I’m gonna’ distract them. You go for help.”

“But I don’t know these woods,” protested Andi, heart pounding.

 “Go north.” Jason whirled around and ran off making a great show off crashing through the brush, yelling at the top of his voice, “Come on Andi, they know we’re gone!”

Andi stood frozen in place. She heard the men shout and run after Jason. Suddenly life shot through her.

North, north, north, Which way is north, thought Andi franticly looking up at the sky, not a star poked through the blanket of clouds. Andi bit her lip praying she’d go in the right direction and ran. Panicked.

 “Oof,” Andi grunted as she tripped over a tree root and sprawled on the ground. Gasping for breath Andi groaned and closed her eyes. She couldn’t do it she’d been running for ages, she was lost. Andi shivered and drew her knees up against her under her split skirt.

“Jason’s counting on me,” mumbled Andi to herself. “I can’t let him down.” Andi jumped up strength and adrenaline surging through her. She’d show Jason she could take care of herself, and him.

Dogtrotting and stumbling through the thick underbrush Andi scanned the dark woods for something to show she was going in the right direction.

There. Andi’s heart quickened. “I’ve seen that dead oak,” she mumbled to herself. “I remember now, the road is just ahead.” Andi stumbled on until she finally got to the road where she dropped in a heap. Gulping in ragged breaths of air Andi lay on her back for a moment, then, with an inward groan, she crawled to her feet and sprinted down the road, panic lending wings to her feet.

“Go straight,” mumbled Andi. “Till you hit the next right, go down that about a quarter mile Waggoner family should be the first left.”

I’ve made it, thought Andi as she ran up the long winding driveway. Please let them be home.

Thump!

What was that? Andi ran faster. Suddenly a dark shape leaped out at her from behind the barn with a growl.

Andi shrieked and dodged away, racing for the house. Andi heard the thing chasing her. She ran faster.

 “Help!” she hollered, taking a flying leap up the steps. “Somebody help.” At the sound of Andi’s yell the thing chasing her gave a short bark of recognization. Andi pounded on the door, a ragged breath of relief escaping her when she realized it was just the Waggoner’s dog chasing her.

Andi pounded on the door again with all her might.

 “Who is it!” the thundering voice made Andi back up a step. “I-It’s me, Andi.”

The door opened a crack showing Mr. Waggoner holding a shotgun. “Andi, what are you doin’ here?” He exclaimed throwing the door open. “Come in.”

Andi darted in like someone was hot on her heels. Somebody probably is hot on my heels, thought Andi shivering.

 “What’s wrong? Why are you here in the middle of the night?” asked Mr. Waggoner, worry lines showing on his forehead.

 “S-some men kidnapped me and Jason,” Andi gasped out. “Jason distracted them so I could go for help.”

Mrs. Waggoner came in while Andi was talking. She was wearing a night dress, and her dark, un-pinned hair fell about her shoulders. “I’ll wake the boys,” she said quietly.

Mr. Waggoner nodded his head at her then turned back to Andi. “Are they armed?”

 “Yes.”

 “Why did they kidnap you?” asked Mr. Waggoner putting a few more shells in his pocket.

 “We took a short-cut,” began Andi. “And we accidently found their camp where they were making liquor. They caught us before we could get away.”

“Jake, Danny, grab the rifles,” he said as his sons came sleepily into the room, he quickly filled them in on everything Andi had said.

 “Andi,” Asked Mr. Waggoner turned towards her. “Can you show us where their camp is?”

Andi chewed thoughtfully on her bottom lip, “I think so, yeah I can.”

 “Good lets go.

Andi turned to race out the door. “Hang on,” said Mrs. Waggoner, pressing a biscuit, slathered with butter, into Andi’s hand. “Eat it, you’ll need the strength,” she whispered.

Andi nodded her thanks. She didn’t feel hungry at all, but Mrs. Waggoner was right. Andi slipped out the door where Mr. Waggoner motioned for her to take the lead. Cramming the biscuit into her mouth Andi sprinted down the road.

Minutes trickled by as Andi ran farther and farther, she broke out in a cold sweat. Why hadn’t they gotten to the spot by now? Had she missed it? Andi slowed, peering into the inky darkness.

“Something the matter Andi?” whispered Mr. Waggoner questioningly.

 “I hope not,” said Andi uneasily. Something brushed against Andi’s leg; she jumped, clamping her mouth shut to keep from screaming.

“It’s just Buddy,” said one of the boys. “He won’t hurt ya.”

Andi grunted as she ran on, embarrassed at her jumpiness.

Suddenly the dog streaked into the woods. No one called him back, it was too dangerous.

A hundred yards later Andi stopped, breathing hard. “I’m sorry guys,” she said. “But I think we went to f…”

Arf! Arf! Cabang!

Andi swallowed hard as the gun shot that silenced Buddy’s barks, echoed off the foothills. Mr. Waggoner and the boys were all ready slipping noiselessly into the woods. Knees shaking Andi followed them, glad, for once, to have someone else to lead. Andi’ mind whirled with thoughts. What had they done to Jason? Had they even caught h…?

Voices coming toward them through the woods interrupted Andi’s thoughts.

 “Dogs dead,” Andi heard Jim’s voice. “Now for finding that stupid girl, I can’t believe you let her get away Shorty. If she tells anyone about our place it’s the end of everything we’ve worked on.”

“Me?” snarled Shorty. “We both thought the girl was with the boy. Don’t go blaimin’ stuff on me.”

Ca-bang! The air was shattered by a gun shot. Andi dropped to the ground hopping no one would get hurt.

“Drop your guns and hands in the air!” shouted Jake. “Next time I won’t aim at the sky.”

 “Come on kid,” wheezed Shorty nervously. “What do you want with us?”

Kid, Jake has got to be almost twenty-two, that’s not a kid, thought Andi, somewhat surprised.

Cautiously lifting her head Andi peered over the brush, just in time to see Mr. Waggoner sneak up behind Jim and knock him to the ground. A shot rang out, the bullet whizzed past Andi’s head. Andi dropped back to the ground, and then just as quickly jumped back up. She had to find Jason.

Running past the fighting men, Andi peered into the darkness. “Jason?”

 “Psst…over here,” Andi heard.

Andi whirled around, heading toward Jason’s voice. “Over here,” he whispered again.

Andi’s heart leaped with joy when she saw Jason unhurt, struggling to get his hands un-tied.  

 “I-I’m so glad you’re ok,” whispered Andi.

 “So am I,” stated Jason. “I’m glad you’re ok to. But don’t start blubbering,” Jason added, sounding embarrassed. “Just un-tie my hands would you.”

 “I wasn’t crying!” Andi mumbled as she yanked out the knot.

 “Sure you weren’t.”

Ohh that boy, thought Andi. I could punch him.

Andi glanced toward the men. Mr. Waggoner was tying the kidnappers up. Andi turned and walked over to them. “Where to next?” she asked.

 “You two better get home,” Mr. Waggoner said. “Do you want a ride?”

“It’s just a couple miles,” said Jason, coming up behind Andi. “We’ll be fine.

Andi choked, trying to keep from laughing.

 “What?” asked Jason stiffly.

 “I couldn’t help but notice that you said those exact words to Uncle Colin a couple hours ago,” Andi said dissolving into laughter.

Struggling to straighten her face Andi turned to Mr. Waggoner. “What will you do with them?” she said, motioning to the tied up men.

“Their goin’ to jail,” said Mr. Waggoner. “Last month I saw a ‘wanted’ poster with these guys on it. They were wanted for theft and a number of other small crimes. You must have stumbled into their camp where they stashed all their booty. That was probably their main reason for grabbing you two.”  

Wow, thought Andi. “Thank you so much for helping us,” said Andi gratefully. “I’ll never forget it.” Jason nodded his head at Andi’s words.

 “Don’t mention it,” said Mr. Waggoner. “You two better get on home now. Me and the boys will saddle up a couple horses and escort these crooks into town. I’ll…”

Suddenly a low whine came out of the woods. “Buddy!” shouted Danny. “I thought you were dead!”

Jason looked at Mr. Waggoner. “Thank you for helpin’ us,” he said simply.

 “No problem,” Mr. Waggoner turned toward the tied men Jake was guarding and motioned for them to follow him.

Jack led the way out of the woods and towards home. Home, thought Andi longingly. It sounded good, even if it was home just for the rest of the week. Chad would blow his top when Andi went to her real home and told him about what happened.

 “You did a good job,” said Jason, interrupting her thoughts. Andi smiled at the rare compliment.   

“How come it took so long?” Jason asked.

“Jason!” exclaimed Andi aren’t you ever grateful?”

Jason laughed.

Andi groaned when she realized Jason had succeeded in teasing her once again. And here she was thinking just maybe Jason wouldn’t tease as much now. Fat chance of that.