Chapter 28: The final hurdle

WN: Okay, once again, many apologies for the delay in updating this and major thanks to my reviewers Don'tWannaKnowMe and CuteLittlePikachu for reviewing the last chapter, it was greatly appreciated. This is so close to the end now… *sob*

Date: 26/02/2019, time: 11:15pm, location: Docks

Both the boys had been pacing back and forth for the past quarter of an hour with their feline bodyguard sitting where the puzzle was placed; watching them with what appeared to be a mixture of curiosity and amusement. They were both finding it incredibly difficult to focus on the puzzle when rescue was imminent.

Luke was now trying to think aloud…. "Okay, let's look at the facts shall we… 3 mice at the start…. And they get 100 mice in 3 minutes….."

Jem then took up the sentence…

"How would the number of mice change…?" He questioned.

It was then a low growling could be heard. They both turned to the source, and their furry friend was gazing at them hungrily.

"Uh… I think our puzzle is making him hungry…" Jem gulped.

"I think your right… just don't mention the "M" word okay…." Luke whispered.

Jem nodded and they both went back to thinking to themselves…. When apparently they both came to the same conclusion ….

"IT WOULD STILL BE THE THREE ALLEY CATS!"

Suddenly, the board the puzzle was on flashed, and an automated reply came:

"The same three cats would do the job. Since these three cats are averaging one mouse per minute, given 100 minutes, the cats could catch 100 mice…. Now that is what is known as teamwork!" Then another message came…

"As a reward for solving the puzzle of a bored fisherman… here is a fish as a reward!"

And suddenly…. Seemingly out of nowhere…. A rather smelly fish appeared before them…

"Ewww!" They both exclaimed. However, the cat had a different idea… and before either of them could say anything, he gave a magnificent leap, and devoured the fish whole at an amazing speed; eventually spitting out the bones…

"How did he….." Jem gasped, a little taken aback.

"Better yet… where did that fish come from?..." Luke exclaimed…. Suddenly, they both finally became aware of an overpowering stench. They looked up… only to discover…

"AUGH!" They both recoiled backwards, as they stared up at a huge net full of fish… that also happened to have a hole in it. Judging by the smell… they had been up there for a few days… seemingly hoisted up by a crane that was attached to the back of one of the boats…. The question was…. Where was the owner….?... and why did he leave all of those fish… as well as his boat… behind?...

Both of them looked at one another… seemingly having the same idea…. Before Jem Suggested: "Why don't we move over there?..." He pointed to a boat house that also seemed abandoned.

"Yeah…. Let's check it out… come on Clawde…." Luke gestured towards the cat, who tottered alongside them.

"Wait… Clawde?" Jem questioned.

"Yep… we couldn't keep calling him "cat" forever could we?" Luke exclaimed.

"True…. Umm… who's gonna go in first?..." Jem questioned.

"We all go together…" Luke explained determinedly.

They gave each other nervous glances as they headed towards the old boathouse. Neither wanted to go there… but on the same token it was better inside than hanging out in the open…. Where anyone could see them…..

As they came to the doorway…. It was completely dark…. But unlocked…..

They crept inside….. nobody around so far….. As they made their way in… suddenly the door blew shut…. And a light flew on…. And a voice boomed:

"AND JUST WHAT ARE YOU KIDS DOIN' ON MY PROPERTY?"

WN: Oh dear.. those kids never seem to catch a break do they?... or is everything as it seems?... find out in the next chapter! :D I shall try have another up soon…

Love Feyfangirl