Storm Damage
The sudden loud crack of thunder woke Chief, wide eyed, heart pounding, awake. He lay still for a moment before slipping from his cot. Had he heard that or dreamed it? He had to know so he went to the window. The wind was blowing the rain in but he had to see. Placing his face to the opening he peered out. Without even starlight it was too dark to see anything. He closed the window and latched it. Nothing had looked out of place so he listened to the sleepers and then to the old house. All he heard was the wind in the trees and the rain on the slate roof and now on the window. Still his apprehension remained. He waited then turned and looked at his cot. It was chilly standing there in his shorts but the worry did not ease. He would have to go have a look to reassure himself that there was nothing wrong. He slipped out the door and down the stairs but the sound of the rain covered the sound of the shadow that followed him.
Chief knew the layout of the building but even so he took it easy, walking carefully. Pulling aside the blackout curtains he peered out the front. Everything looked normal. A distant flash of lightning illuminated a familiar scene. Silently he entered each room and checked out each window. All was as it should be until he looked out the parlour window. The doors looked out over the courtyard but from the side window you could see the stable rooftop. It was a two story structure built of the same stone as the house. He waited but nothing happened. Just as he was about to turn lightning struck nearby and he saw what he was looking for, or more rightly, he did not see what he was looking for. The stable roof was intact but the large tree at the back of the stable was missing. It had been struck and that was what he had heard.
Carefully he made his way to the back door and donned one of the raincoats that hung on the pegs there. The rubber was cold against his bare skin. He flipped the hood up as he stepped into a pair of rubber boots. Slipping a flashlight into the pocket he carefully opened the door slipped out and pulled the door closed behind him. He did not want the wind to blow it open. Pulling the coat closed and holding the hood against the wind, he picked his way down the steps, across the courtyard, up the side and across to the stables. If there was damage it would be at the back where the tree had stood. He did not fear fire; the rain would have extinguished that almost immediately. He made his way down the side. At the back of the structure a lean-to had been built to store the feed for the animals of the stable. Turning on the flashlight he saw the damage. The top half of the tree had been blasted off and had fallen on the roof collapsing it.
Chief had been in there and knew it was almost empty. It was the almost that concerned him. Moving to the door he pushed it open. The room was not that big and the tree top had landed on the middle pulling the entire roof down so the interior was filled with debris from the collapsed roof and the remnants of the tree. The rain was also coming in as well. He was not alone. Two glowing spots flashed and were gone. She was safe. A brief lull in the wind and he heard the tiny cries telling him that at least some had survived but she was going to need help getting them out of the wreckage.
His coat was protection from the rain but it hampered his movements so he slipped it off and placed it in the corner, tenting it over an old wooden box. Then he waded in listening for the cries. The first one was easy lying almost in sight under a piece of slate. Carefully he reached in and pulled it out. Once it was clear he cradled the grey kitten in his hands and took it over to the box. Back he went to continue searching.
A moment later another light appeared.
"What're you doing?" asked Casino. Before he heard an answer he heard the cries. "What are they?"
"Close the door. I wanna keep'em together."
A piece of wood shifted where it leaned against the gaping hole in the roof drawing both men's eyes. The mother cat was climbing up with a kitten in her mouth. She was taking it outside to a new nest.
"Get over to the box," ordered Chief knowing that his team mate was closer. "Pick up the kitten an' make it cry but don't hurt it."
Casino hearing the urgency hurried to comply. Simply lifting the kitten up out of the security of the nest brought the desired response. Carefully putting it on the floor he waited and they watched as the Mother cat hesitated. She looked to the opening then to the crying kitten.
Fearing her decision Chief said softly and calmly, "It's all right little Mother, bring'em over here." She continued to debate and Chief knew why. His voice lowered even more as he said, "Casino, back away." He did as he was asked and was rewarded when the Mother finally made her decision. She turned and began picking her way over to her other kitten. They remained still until she had placed both kittens in the box and returned to the search.
They worked without talking until Casino's agonized, "Ah shit," told the other human searcher that at least one kitten had not survived the roof's collapse. Chief tried not to picture the lifeless little body, tried not to wonder which of the fury little bundles was dead. He had to concentrate on saving the living. They worked on not noticing that the rain was easing though the wind still whipped the trees outside.
"How many were there?" asked Casino as he tried to shift a large branch out of the way.
"Were seven."
Casino gave up fighting the branch and started hauling everything out the door piece by piece. Maybe if they had some room it would be easier. They worked on.
"Casino, come'ere and gimme a hand." His fellow searcher looked up as he came back in. Chief was holding the broken end of a two-by-four up off the floor. There was still a pile of slates on it so he had only managed to lift it a little more than a foot.
"I see it," said Casino as he rushed over and dove down to reach under the board. He grabbed air. Lowering himself down to peer under he saw the tiny face turn away as the frightened animal tried to escape.
"No, no, little kitty. Come 'ere, come on. Good kitty, that's right little fur ball, come'ere. Gotja." He backed up and pulled the little kitten out with him. After cuddling it in his hands to reassure it, he carried it over to the box. A quick count and he announced, "Only one more, no, wait the Mother's got it. All accounted for." They would have celebrated but for the memory of the one that had been killed took the edge off their happiness. They stood watching as the Mother placed the last kitten in the box but instead of staying she headed back to the debris.
"Where's the other one?" asked Chief. "She's lookin' for it."
Casino retrieved it from the other corner where he had placed it. It hadn't seemed right to leave it there all alone but he couldn't put it in the box with the others. He brought it and handed it to the Indian. Gently Chief lifted it and held it in cupped hands. It was one of the black and white ones.
"Over here, Little Mother, she's over here. The cat stopped and looked. Chief slowly laid the kitten down on the floor and stepped back. They held their breath as she stood there eying them. Finally she headed for the kitten. Once she reached it she picked it up and carried it to the box and got in. She knew how many there were supposed to be and now she had them all. Two tired men, one who was soaked and shivering from the cold stood back and watched as she began to wash her offspring.
"Here, take my coat," said Casino as he started to unbutton it.
"Don't matter, I'm wet now. No point you getting' wet too. Let's go." He headed for the door with Casino following after a last look in the box. The two men made their way back into the house. Inside, Chief toweled off rubbing himself to get warm. Casino crawled into bed and pulled the covers up to his ears.
When Casino woke up the next morning, he saw that Chief's bed was empty so he dressed and went down stairs in time to see Garrison come in from his morning run. He said nothing, knowing that the Indian would be in the damaged shed checking on the cats. After pouring himself a cup of coffee he went outside. The air was fresh and clean and everything looked newly washed until he reached the back of the stable. The tree had been topped; the missing section now lay partly through the roof with pieces lying by the door where he had dragged them out. Almost the entire roof except for a section at each end had collapsed and a fresh scar ran the length of the tree from the blasted top to the ground.
When he opened the door he saw what he expected, Chief, wearing shorts and a t shirt was kneeling by the box replacing a kitten. Tiny cries came from the box.
"They need milk," he said quietly as he stood.
"Where's the Mother?"
"She's here but she's hurt."
Casino stepped in and looked. The Mother cat was in there but in the light of day he could see the damage. The calico cat was dirty but the matted hair on her head and on her thigh was dried blood. Her eyes remained closed but at least she was breathing.
"I'll get the milk and a bowl of water. You get the first aid kit," said Casino taking charge.
"Don't tell nobody."
"What? Why not?"
"I asked the Warden 'bout bring in one a the dogs an' he said no. The owners don't want animals inside," explained the Indian.
"But they're not inside and besides she's hurt."
"I don't want no one to know just in case." He knew what some people did with kittens they didn't want.
"All right." They headed for the house.
Once inside Casino went to the kitchen. Babies needed warm milk and kittens were probably the same so now his problem was to get the milk, warm it up and carry it outside, all without anyone noticing. Add to that, the Sargent Major and the Warden were standing in the kitchen talking, discussing the day's activities. Damn. If this was night time then warming up a glass of milk as a sleep aid was acceptable. How was he going to explain it now, bright and early in the morning? And could the kittens drink it from a bowl? There were no baby bottles around and certainly not small enough for kittens. Start with the necessities. He took out the bottle of milk from the ice box, poured a glass full and set it on the counter. Fortunately it was Mrs. G's day off so he began bustling around the kitchen making breakfast making sure he always needed whatever was behind where the other men were standing. He was edging them toward the door when Actor arrived with Goniff in tow. Shit, now he had to hide it from them. Or did he? Goniff would be fine with their secret. He wouldn't hate cats and if he didn't like them all he had to do was keep his mouth shut. He might even agree to help feed them. About Actor he was less sure. He probably wouldn't want to get cat hair on his clothes.
Finally the authority figures finished their discussion and they departed. Out came the sauce pan and in went the milk. He lit the burner and took out another pot. This one was filled with water. The basin was in the back of the cupboard so he would grab that last. Eggs were scrambled and poured in the cast iron frying pan as Goniff came over to get the toast on. Poking his nose in the two pots he asked, "What's that?"
Casino tried to silence him with a look but it did not work. Actor came over as well. "Warm milk?"
He had to tell them. "Chief found some kittens."
"Are they abandoned? Where is the mother?" asked the conman.
"She's hurt," he answered as he gave a quick stir to the milk and the eggs.
"Yer going to feed the kittens? Need some 'elp?"offered the Englishman eagerly.
"Sure, but don't say anything." He deliberately stared at Actor. He looked puzzled so Casino explained. "You remember the Sargent-Major complaining about wasting the crusts when we gave them to the birds?"
They remembered especially Goniff. "Yeah. Probably complain about wasting milk."
"Does the Warden know?" asked Actor.
"No and he's not going to," he answered glaring to make sure he understood, "is he?"
Actor simply raised his hands and said he did not know anything about the milk.
They ate quickly as Casino poured the milk into a jar and wrapped it in an old towel. Following instructions Goniff got the basin. Leaving Actor to wash up they headed for the shed. When they arrived they saw Chief was putting boards down in front of the box so they did not have to sit on the muddy ground.
The basin of warm water was placed where Chief could bathe the mother's injuries and Casino unwrapped the jar, handing the towel to the Indian. A quick look and he realized that he had not brought anything to put the milk in.
"Guess there aren't any bowls out here. Is there anything we could use in the stable?" Seeing the negative shake he said, "Be right back." He almost collided with Goniff who had just returned and was carrying four saucers.
Casino took the offering. "Where'd you get these?"
"Outta the sideboard."
"These are the good dishes. That's probably the family crest," he said as he pointed to the design in the center.
"I'm sure the little blighters won't mind," he started as he leaned over and picked up the orange tabby. "Will ya, tiger?" he said with a grin as he stroked the kitten. The kitten mewed. "See 'e don't mind. Are you 'ungry?" he asked the little fluffy ball.
Meanwhile, Casino laid out the dishes and poured a little milk into each one. Chief took a kitten out of the box and placed it beside the dish. When it did not drink he dipped its chin in the milk and turned to get another. Seeing what he was doing Casino began doing the same. Goniff added his to the last saucer and they sat back to watch them drinking the milk. The three men looked on in pleasure.
With the kittens taken care of Chief turned back to the box. The mother cat was awake and watching but had made no move as each kitten had been removed.
"It's all right little Mother, I'll try not to hurt you but I have to get you cleaned up. I'm sorry. I'll be careful." Taking a corner of the towel he dipped it in the basin and began cleaning the wound on her head. As the blood was washed off they could see the extent of the damage. From the inner corner of her left ear almost to her eye was split.
"Is she purring?" asked Casino not believing his ears.
"She's tellin' me she won't hurt me."
"I thought purring meant they were happy."
"Maybe," put in Goniff, "she's 'appy 'e's looking after 'er."
Once her head was cleaned he turned his attention to her thigh. It was hard to tell how bad it was from the amount of blood but as he washed and the water turned dark they could see the gash on her leg was long and it was deep. At one point she tried to reach where he was washing so he gave her his hand to let her smell it. He had handled her kittens and hoped that was what she would smell. She licked his finger once then lay back. Finally he had her as clean as he thought he was going to get so he opened the tube of salve and began putting it on the cuts. When that was done he poured the last of the milk into a saucer and showed it to her. She smelled it but when he put it down in front of the box she just looked at it.
"Get some straw ready." Goniff headed for the stable at a run.
As they watched she struggled to her feet and after eyeing them carefully, stepped out to get the milk. As she drank Chief grabbed the box and up ended it before filling it with the fresh straw that Goniff brought in. He no sooner got it ready when the Mother reached over and picked up a kitten and climbed back in. Gentle hands helped her with the rest. The kittens, filled with warm milk explored for a bit and then settled down to sleep. Goniff was all for staying and Chief would have too but Casino reminded them that they would be missed. After a good feed they would all sleep for a while so they would be fine.
As they headed for the house Casino asked, "Any of the neighbors have dairy cows? That would solve the milk problem."
They returned after lunch with more milk. The kittens had decided that this new lunch venue was wonderful. As soon as they had eaten they were off to explore. Casino brought in boards to coral off the area that was safe for them. The fear was that if one got into the rubble they would not be able to retrieve it. Chief tried to entice the Mother out but she just looked at him and the dish but did not get up. He put the saucer in the box where she could reach it and she drank a bit. He was worried.
The men sat watching the little ones tumble and scamper about. Occasionally one tried to escape the coral and had to be turned around. After the second attempt by the little grey tabby, Casino picked him up to eye level and said, "Look you little fur ball. It's too dangerous out here. You stay here with your brothers and sister where you'll be safe." He put him back over with the orange tabby who immediately tried to knock him over. Seeing the tussle the black kitten turned to look then walked off. One of the two black and white kittens found a bit of straw on the ground and decided it should be attacked. The smallest one, the one which was white with black on his back and chin was investigating the box. They were all active and health enough so that the mother cat was probably glad of the reprieve.
By evening it was starting to rain again just before they headed out to the shed.
"We can't leave 'em out 'ere," protested Goniff as he pushed open the door.
"They'll be fine there in the corner." His coat was still tented over the box and a bit of roof still sheltered the corner. He sounded sure but it was he who returned later that night. The kittens drank the milk that he had left out but the mother was worse. She opened her eyes but did not lift her head. Her side looked inflamed.
Chief watched her and his throat closed up as his eyes watered. He could not leave her here to die alone in the dark. And what of the little ones, so innocent and full of life? What would happen to them? He made himself comfortable and tucked the littlest one in his shirt. The rain had stopped but the air was cold and damp. Moving up closer he leaned over and stroked the mother's back as she lay there so still. The kittens were sleeping curled up against mother's belly so he stroked them too. A few acknowledged his touch. They were so small and soft and warm, he had to help them but what would he do if she died? Could he keep feeding them? What if they had to go on a mission? Who would feed them then? They would die a slow death without… his eyes filled with tears. He had to get them solid food soon. Maybe set some snares out back. How long would a rabbit keep out here for them to eat? Could they eat meat? They were too young.
Damn the storm for doing this… He turned to look at the mother. Why did you have to pick here for your nest? Why did this have to happen? The tears slid down his face. The kitten in his shirt tried to turn around using his claws to gain purchase on his abdomen so Chief reached inside and took him out. He was the oddest looking kitten he had ever seen with his white face and big eyes. His hair was very short which only added to the odd look. Gently he placed him back in the box where he snuggled in with the others. The box was the perfect size for them right now but as they grew, if they grew, he would have to find a bigger one. "I'll gladly build you a bigger box," he whispered, "if you promise not to die."
Someone was coming but there was nowhere to hide and he was too tired so he sat waiting until the door was pushed open and Casino came into the ruined room.
"Thought I'd find you here. How is she?"
"Not good," he answered sadly.
"Look, we gotta take'em in."
"Warden won't…"
"The Warden won't know. The cellar's dryer and warmer than in here. We get'em down there, it'll be easier to look after them. Besides you won't have to worry about foxes or racoons getting the babies."
Chief hadn't thought about that and it made sense. He buttoned his shirt as Casino picked up the box. The mother lifted her head for a minute then lay back down exhausted.
The two men made their way down the basement steps. There was no access from inside the house so it was unlikely anyone would hear anything. To one side were the wine racks and on the other was the root cellar. Being summer this was mostly empty. As the season progressed food might be brought in but for now there was unlikely to be any activity here. Casino was right; it was warmer and dryer here and safer too. Seeing as the move had wakened everyone Casino slipped upstairs and heated some milk. When he returned he set about feeding the kittens while Chief dropped drops of milk from his finger onto the mother's mouth. She drank a bit but Chief knew it was not enough to keep her going. He began stroking her as he said the words he had used at the unknown Guardian's grave. It was a lullaby not a funeral song; he was not saying good bye but good night. Not understanding the words Casino did not recognize it from the impromptu funeral. Casino left but Chief stayed 'a few more minutes', which turned out to be until the next morning when Casino returned.
Chief woke with a start when he heard the footsteps and then grimaced when tiny needle sharp claws caught on tender skin. He reached into his shirt and took out the offender placing it back in with the others.
"Casino." His first impression of the mother was that she was dead and the anxiety that brought came through in his voice. She was still alive but breathing fast and shallow. The wound in her side was an angry red.
"I'll get Actor." He turned and ran taking the steps two at a time and was gone. Minutes later he returned with the con man who took one look and started giving orders. Warm water, clean clothes and sulfa.
"Where am I gonna get that?" asked Casino already heading for the door.
"In the first aid kit."
"There isn't any."
"None?"
"None."
Chief looked to Actor desperately when he stopped. He had to save her. What if he couldn't? In desperation he thought back to Gouyen. She had shown him some of the plants to use but… Plants that looked the same had to be the same even if they were growing half a world away didn't they? He had seen one that looked like one Gouyen had used. He had to try. If he was wrong she was going to die but then she was going to die anyway. He was up and gone running all the way to the edge of the meadow by the stream. He grabbed what he needed and ran back.
Mrs. G, the housekeeper was making breakfast when Casino came in and poured milk into a saucepan and set it on to warm. She gave him a questioning look and he rolled his eyes and shrugged. Was someone ill, she wondered, though chicken soup would be better. That idea was discarded when the sauce pan was taken outside. Curious, she peered out the window and saw the man carry it down the cellar steps. They were an odd bunch, these Americans. Now where had she seen the honey? She knew they had some.
"Lieutenant?"
When anyone else used that title, it was said with respect for his achievements. When it was used by one of his men like Actor who had just come into his office, it was ominous.
"Chief and Casino were cleaning out the stable annex." He saw the puzzled look so he explained. "Part of a tree fell through the roof so they decided to clean it up." Still not reassured so he added, "It is good exercise and it keeps them from fighting." That worked. "Casino cut his hand and while tending that I saw that we are out of sulfa in the first aid kit. If I could have some money I will run into the village and see if I can purchase some more."
It sounded reasonable so Craig opened the cash box and took out some bills. "How bad was the damage?"
"The entire roof collapsed."
"I meant Casino's injury."
"A minor scrape. I washed it and put on some salve."
Garrison nodded and then added, "Better get some more milk too."
Actor left. Fortunately Casino did have a graze on his hand. On the way back Actor would stop in at one of the neighboring farms: even goats milk would do.
When he returned he carried the small pail and a bag down the steps into the basement.
"How is she?"
Chief was sitting beside the box with two kittens sleeping on his lap and with his hand he was stroking the mother cat. Casino came in as Actor poured the milk into the saucers. The safecracker carried a bowl of green mash over to the Indian.
"What is that?" asked the conman, somewhat concerned.
"It's for the mother. Chief told me how to make it."
Chief took the bowl and the other two began placing kittens around the saucers. They woke quickly to the scent of the warm milk.
"We're missing one."
"I got'm," said Chief as he reached inside his shirt and placed the missing kitten by the saucer.
"I also brought this." Actor pulled several cans from the bag. Casino took one and looked at it before opening it and smelling it.
"Spam. Good idea. Here kitty, try this," and he dug out a finger scoop and put in on the plate.
"Here," said Chief as he handed him a knife. "Cut it and mash it into the milk."
Not wanting to get food all over the handle of the knife his licked his fingers just as Goniff came down the steps.
"'Ey you didn't tell me we were 'aving lunch. Whacha got?" They all watched as Casino used the knife to push some of the mush towards the grey tabby. He ignored it at first but Casino insisted. Finally he took a taste. And another. That was all that was needed. Casino began adding Spam to all the saucers and mixing it in.
Chief had taken the bowl and was about to apply the green mash to the mother cat's injuries when Actor suggested they wash the areas first. He also mentioned that he had brought sulfa powder too.
"I'll get some water," offered Goniff and he turned to leave then stopped. "By the way, Warden was wondering where everyone was."
"Did he sound worried or just wondering?" asked Actor.
"Wondering," said Goniff then he turned and left.
The other three remained sitting watching the little ones. Only Casino moved to push some of the augmented food towards a little face.
"Watch that knife," snapped Actor.
"Aaah," said Casino derisively then, "Ooops," as he pretended to fumble the knife.
"Gimme that," snarled Chief as he grabbed for the knife just as Casino pulled it back.
He was not fast enough and he felt the catch. Chief did not flinch, just held his hand in place, fist clenched. His face was frozen but they knew he was fighting the knowledge of what had just happened. His knives were kept razor sharp so even a glancing touch would cut.
"Shit," whispered Casino as he closed the blade and put it down. He had just cut Chief by his fooling around. How bad was it? "Let me see."
"You have done enough damage," said Actor angrily, "Get out of the way."
Chief pulled his hand back and tried to smooth out his breathing. It was beginning to sting. How bad was it? It didn't hurt that bad, yet. What was going to be bad was those two fighting.
Casino knew that Actor knew more about the doctoring than he did but he was never one to crawl away so he stubbornly refused to move even though he knew he should. "I can do it."
To distract himself and the other two Chief turned his attention to the cat. Keeping his fist clenched he began stroking the mother cat.
Casino and Actor saw his actions for what they were. He had turned away from them, even so far as to turning his shoulders and placing his injured hand across his lap on the far side away from them. He was refusing their help.
"I am sorry Chief. I didn't mean to hurt you. What I did was stupid. I'm sorry." Casino placed the knife in front of Chief's leg.
Actor sat back. "I would like to have a look at your hand when you are ready. I have some sulfa here, enough for the cat and your hand."
Chief heard them and knew they were sincere but he had to get himself under control first. His hand stung but he was afraid to look at it. Was it bleeding? How bad was it? He did not want to know so he continued tending the cat. She was far more important than he was. She had tiny lives depending on her, he was a worthless Rogue Guardian.
Goniff returned and immediately felt the tension but he ignored it. Instead he brought the basin of water over to Chief. "'Ere you go mate." Casino moved over to make room and Goniff put it down. Chief took the cloth and began washing the cat's wounds.
She was so still and thin. Once the hair on her side was soaked he could see how very thin she was. She was no longer supplying milk but she was not eating either. She was dying in front of him and his eyes filled with tears. She was dying and he was doing nothing but sitting there. Did she know he cared? He had followed her back to her nest about a week ago. Seeing the mouse in her mouth he was sure she had kittens. He caught a rabbit and left it for her. Each day he had watched and waited as she returned to her nest in a space in the lean-to's rafters. He had heard the kitten's tiny cries each time when she returned. The mother avoided him, she was feral but it was enough to know there was life here. Maybe when the young were old enough to come out he might be able to convince them to let him watch them play or even pet one of them.
Now that the wounds had been washed he had wanted the sulfa but he could not ask. Even though Actor had said he had it, he still could not ask. Fortunately Actor saw him hesitate.
"Would you like me…" and he opened the packet. Casino saw what was going on and he scooted out of the way. Actor was getting closer with the help the Indian needed. That meant he could back away without disgrace.
When Chief leaned back to make room Actor knew he had acquiesced so he applied the powder liberally to the two gashes. They did look bad. Making sure there was a bit left he turned to the injured man and said, "Give me your hand." He sat waiting with the packet poised to dispense the medicine.
Chief did not want to comply but he had no good reason not to. Actor had never hurt him so why did he hesitate? He wanted to see his hand himself but… Taking his hand out he opened it to expose the bloody palm. He knew what Actor was going to do but he had no reason to deny him. It was all a ruse.