Chapter 5
Penfold pricked up his ears as screams were heard. Danger Mouse whirled around and Kim gave a gasp.
"Those screams...where are they coming from?'
DM listened intently for a moment. Then he gestured for his team to follow him, and dashed off down a path. The faster the three of them ran, the clearer the screaming could be heard.
Suddenly, DM stopped and sharply put an arm out.
"Hold it!" he barked. His team-mates gazed over his shoulder to see a sort of wall in front of them. Then they raised their heads upwards and realised they were standing right below a cliff!
"Help! Somebody help me!"
The screams were heard all over again - but this time they seemed so much closer.
"This way!" said DM. Tracing the cliff wall with his fingers, he ran round the cliff side to the left, searching for the source of the screaming.
"Hello!" he called.
There was silence, and then a faint hoarse voice called to him.
"I'm here! In the cave!"
"Over there, DM", said Kim, pointing to a large hole in the cliff wall. "The woman's in there!"
"Then we'd better get in there. She might be hurt", said DM urgently.
"Wait", said Kim. "Let me go first". She stepped forward.
"Alright", said DM grimly. "You go and check if the woman's alright. Ask her what her name is".
Kim nodded, and set off on a sprint towards the cave.
"She's quite something, isn't she?" said Penfold to DM.
"Yes Penfold, she is. She really is".
* * *
Kim squinted into the darkness of the cave.
"Hello?" she called.
"Round here!" croaked a voice. "Please help me! I'm tied up and I can't move!"
Kim stepped deeper, wishing it wasn't so dark. Then she remembered the little torch that DM had given her. She dug her hand into her pocket, and brought it out. She clicked it on and was now able to look at her surroundings more.
"Keep talking to me!" she called. "I can follow your voice!"
"I can see your light!" cried the voice. Kim frowned as she followed the sound.
Why does that voice sound so familiar?
Kim realised there was a curve in the cave. She turned around to the right, and saw someone lying on the ground. She shone her torch over them more and gasped.
"BELINDA!" she cried.
"Kim?" asked the woman, struggling to sit up. "What are you doing here?"
"Look at you - you're a mess. Let me help you". Kim bent down behind Belinda's back and started to untie the knots in the ropes.
"How did you find me?" asked Belinda as Kim worked away.
"My friends and I were sent here on an assignment. Someone reported a woman's screaming down at Hamper Hill. Must have been you", said Kim, as Belinda frowned in confusion. "You're lucky Agent 14 was around".
"Er - what?" asked Belinda, as Kim dragged the ropes away and Belinda rubbed her wrists. "I didn't understand all that. Assignment? Agent 14?"
In the excitement, Kim had forgotten that none of this would make any sense to Belinda. She helped her up.
"I'll explain in a moment. It's a long story. Can you walk?"
"Yes", said Belinda. Her legs were a little wobbly from lying there for so long, but she leaned against the wall until they had accustomed to the floor.
Kim looked at Belinda's heavily pregnant stomach. Belinda caught her gaze.
"It's my baby", she said softly. "Your future niece or nephew. But only if it..."
Belinda didn't have to finish her sentence. The look on her face told all.
"Let's get you out of here", said Kim, after a moment's silence. She took her sister-in-law's arm and led her out of the cave.
"I warn you", said Kim, as they made it out into the open. "You're in for a shock".
Belinda frowned at her as a male voice was heard.
"Kim!"
Belinda spun around and gasped as she saw a full-size mouse running towards her! As he got closer, she threw a hand to her mouth, recognising him.
"Danger Mouse?" she cried. She turned back to Kim. "You're an assistant to Danger Mouse?"
"You bet", smiled Kim as DM ran to her side. He gave her a questioning look.
"DM - this is my sister-in-law, Belinda", she introduced. She stood aside.
"I don't believe it", said Belinda as she stared. "I'm actually meeting Danger Mouse, the world's greatest secret agent!"
DM gave an embarrased laugh. Then his smile melted into a frown.
"Mrs Taylor, we have to get you out of here and to a hospital", he said. "Come on".
"No - we can't leave!" exclaimed Belinda. "Jerry - they've got Jerry!"
"What!?" cried Kim, as she heard her brother's name. "Where is he?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen anyone since I got here".
"I'll get Penfold", said DM to Kim. "You stay here with Belinda. We need to search for Jerry".
For once, Kim was glad. She normally loved teaming up with her friends during assignments, but right now, she knew she had to look after her family.
"Thanks, DM", she said.
"Chief!" Penfold came running towards them.
"Yes, Penfold?" asked DM, turning around to his assistant.
"Someone's coming towards us - a man. He looks rather rough".
"Where is he?"
"There". Kim pointed over DM's shoulder as she answered the question for Penfold. Looking behind him, DM saw a man at the edge of the forest.
"Jerry - it's JERRY!" cried Belinda.
"Jerry! Jerry!" cried Kim. She set off at a run towards the man. Penfold looked over at DM.
"Does this mean we don't have to go gallavanting around the woods?" he asked hopefully. He hated dark woods - especially now after the incident with the squirrels.
Meanwhile, Jerry had spun around on hearing his name. What he saw made him grin.
"KIM!" he exclaimed as his little sister ran into his arms. "Hiya, sis! How did you find me?"
"Oh, Jerry!" cried Kim, hugging her brother tightly. "We were about to send out a search party! Belinda's back here - come on!"
She took her brother's hand and led him back to where Belinda, DM and Penfold were waiting. On seeing his wife, Jerry smiled and scooped her up.
"Jerry, I'm so glad to see you!" Belinda cried.
"I'm sorry we fought!" he replied, as he pulled back.
"Me too", she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
DM chuckled and went to stand by Kim, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"He seems a nice chap", he whispered.
"Go and meet him", she urged. "I bet you anything he'd love to thank you for finding Belinda".
DM nodded, then looked up as Jerry turned around. He started to give him a friendly smile, but stopped when Jerry gave him a glare.
"Mr. Taylor", he said in a slightly uncertain voice. "Allow me to introduce myself - "
"I know who you are", snarled Jerry. Then without warning, he brought back his fist and then threw it into DM's stomach. With a startled gasp, DM fell back against the cave-wall.
"What the - ?" he cried, as he narrowly avoided another swing from Jerry's fist. Jerry grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, trying to keep him still.
"Jerry!" cried Kim, running forwards and grabbing her brother's arm. "What are you doing?"
"Giving this guy his just rewards", snapped Jerry, as he brought back his fist. "You and Belinda get out of here - I'll take care of this worthless idiot".
He shook his arm free and turned back to DM. But he wasn't prepared for what happened next.
Penfold, unable to stand by, had run forward and grabbed Jerry's legs in a rugby tackle to try and stop him moving. DM, seeing his chance, sharply grabbed Jerry's arm as he turned around and pinned it behind his back. Jerry growled and tried to get free, but DM had a firm hold.
"Well done, Penfold", he said to his assistant.
Kim went up to her brother and grabbed his collar.
"What do you think you're doing?" she snapped.
"Trying to protect you", said Jerry as he struggled. "Now get him off!"
"Protect me?" cried Kim. "Against what?"
"HIM!" Jerry sharply gestured at DM with his head.
"Me?" repeated DM.
"I don't understand", frowned Penfold. "DM hasn't done anything wrong...has he?"
"No, he hasn't", said Kim as she glared at her brother. "I don't know what the heck you're talking about, but I think you seriously need a smack round the head".
"I'm not the only one", said Jerry fiercely. "Why didn't you tell me, Kim?"
"Tell you what?" frowned Kim. "Let him go, DM".
DM did as he was told and released his grip on Jerry's arm. The man stumbled back, rubbing his elbow.
"I think you and I need to have a little talk", said Kim. "I'll be back in a moment", she added to DM. "You stay here".
"Will you be alright?" asked DM.
"Yes, I'll be fine. I need to get this sorted out. See you".
She turned to Jerry and led him around the cliff wall, back the way they had come. Neither spoke until they came back to the very edge of the forest.
"OK", said Kim, turning on her brother sharply. "I want to know what's going on".
"I think you know what's going on", said Jerry. His eyes were full of anguish.
"Why didn't you tell me, Kim?" he said.
He's talking about my new career, thought Kim. He's hurt because I didn't let him know about it.
"Well", she mused, looking at her hands. "The agency is very strict on things like this - and I didn't want to put you under any strain - "
"Agency? Everyone knew?!" cried Jerry, who, meanwhile, thought she was talking about the 'abuse' that DM had put towards her.
"Well, of course. Anyway, I didn't want to pressure you - "
"You silly kid!" exclaimed Jerry, putting his arms around her. "I'm your brother - I should have known!"
"Don't call me a kid", frowned Kim, pulling away. "I'm a woman, Jerry. Just because I'm the youngest it doesn't mean you still have to treat me like I'm ten years old".
"OK, sorry, sis. But how long has it gone on for - "
"Er - about four months?" Kim replied. "I can't believe such a short amount of time has passed - wait until you hear some of the things that have been happening".
"I don't need to", said Jerry. "How can you be so casual about this, after all the times he's abused you?"
"Abuse?" repeated Kim. "What abuse?"
"The abuse you've just been telling me about", replied Jerry, raising an eyebrow. "You don't have to cover for HIM, Kim. You've been through enough".
"What on earth are you on about?" goggled Kim. "No - wait - I think you've probably migrated to Venus and not realised".
"Stop it, Kim".
"Well, I don't know what you're talking about! Who told you I was being abused?"
"This toad guy", said Jerry. "I didn't get his name".
Kim froze. "Toad?"
"Yes", said Jerry. "A fat one too. He spoke to me via a television radio. He had a hoarse voice and I think he wore a yellow coat".
"Jerry, that was Baron Greenback!" cried Kim.
"Who's he?"
"You've never heard of him? He's the agency's number one enemy!" cried Kim. "He's made several attempts at taking over the world! Not to mention the fact that he keeps trying to kill DM!"
"I wish he had", said Jerry. Having had enough, Kim gave him a sharp slap across the face. Jerry threw a hand to his cheek in shock - Kim had never slapped him before!
"Listen to me!" cried Kim. "Why do you always have to be so overprotective? Why can't you LISTEN to me for once?"
"OK, Kim! I'm listening!" said Jerry, holding up a hand.
"DM never did, never has and never will abuse me", said Kim speedily. "He's the kindest person I've ever met, and he makes me feel alive. I've been his assistant for the last few months and I couldn't tell you about it. I've encountered Greenback before, and we barely managed to escape with our lives. Got the full story now?"
Jerry scratched his head. "You've been an assistant to - no way".
"Yes way!" said Kim angrily. "You really were an idiot to fall for Greenback's lies - it was obvious he wanted you to kill him. He knows how over-protective brothers can be".
Jerry slid down the wall, looking very angry and embarrassed.
"I think I have a few apologies to make", he said.
"I think so, too", frowned Kim.
"One question", said Jerry, as he started to stand up again. "Are you and DM actually in a relationship?"
Kim blushed.
"Well - sort of - " she tried.
"And have you ever...you know...?"
"Well - once..."
Kim's face was now a deep crimson as she stopped in midsentence. Jerry decided not to pressure her any further.
"Let's get back to the others", he said. "I have to apologise to DM".
Kim raised her eyebrow at her brother's back as he turned away. It wasn't often her eldest brother stopped to listen - he normally just plunged straight in.
"How long does this assistant position of yours last, Kim?' asked Jerry, as they started go make their way back.
"Permenantly, I hope", replied Kim.
Jerry stopped in his tracks.
"What?"
Kim looked over at him, alarmed.
"Well, I'm not going to waste DM's just by being a temporary assistant, am I?" she said. "I'm training under his wing. With luck, by the time I reach twenty-six, I'll be a full agent".
"But - I thought - " spluttered Jerry.
"Jerry, I want this", pleaded Kim. "And I need you to help me out with something"
"Yeah?"
"Yes. The agency wants me to transform into an animal - or I have to leave. What do you suggest?"
"You leave", snapped Jerry.
Kim was taken aback by her brother's hostile tone.
"Jerry - "
"Kim, do you think I'm just going to sit by and watch you become one of them? No. You can't do it. What would Mum and Dad say?"
"Well, for one thing, I know they would be a little more supportive", said Kim. "I know you're not, at any rate".
"I'm only looking out for you, LITTLE SISTER", snapped Jerry, making the last two words loud and clear.
"You're not looking out for me!" growled Kim. "You're just trying to keep me prisoner!"
"Kim, that's not - "
"No. You listen to me now, Jer!" glared Kim. "You're my elder brother. Brothers are always supposed to look out for their younger sisters, but not so much so that they feel smothered! Do you even REALISE I didn't actually manage to have my first proper kiss until I was seventeen, because of the way you treated all of my male friends? Do you have any IDEA what it's like to have you breathing down my neck, following me around like a bodyguard? Did you ever THINK as to how uncomfortable I felt to have you calling ten times a day just to see what I'm doing?"
Kim had to stop and pause for breath. Her confrontation had taken it out of her. Jerry was looking at her, startled. Then his eyes narrowed and he turned, walking back to the woods.
"Jerry!" cried Kim after him. "Where are you going?"
"I'll meet you later", was the sober reply.
"Jerry! Come back!"
There was no reply. Jerry disappeared into the woods as DM came running from around the corner.
"We heard you yelling. What's wrong?" he asked Kim. He was startled to see that there were tears in her eyes.
"Jerry's gone back into the woods", she said. "What if he runs into any squirrels? they'll be able to take him down no problem!"
Belinda and Penfold suddenly appeared from around the corner.
"I told you two to stay put!" exclaimed DM as he saw them approaching.
"Sorry. What's happened?" asked Penfold.
"Where's Jerry?" asked Belinda, her eyes darting fearfully over DM's shoulder.
"He's gone off into the wood", said Kim.
"I'll go after him", said DM, walking past her. Kim grabbed his arm.
"DM, are you sure? I could go - " she tried.
"No! Kim, I won't let you go into those woods", said DM. "I need to do this. No offence intended, but I'll probably be able to stand a greater chance against any squirrels I may bump into".
"At least let me come with you", pleaded Penfold.
"No, Penfold", said DM, leaning down beside his friend. "I want you to take Kim and Belinda back to the car. If you go around the edge of the woods, you'll have a better chance. Those squirrels probably inhabit deep in the middle. But watch out for any guards they may have around the outside".
"Alright, DM. But, be careful, won't you?" said Penfold, taking his friend's hand and clutching it in both his small ones. "Because if anything happens to you..."
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen", said DM, though his stomach churned as he said it. He stood up and turned to Kim.
"Alright - here's what to do", he said to her. "Go round the outside as fast as you possibly can, but not too fast for Belinda. Get to the car, start it up and retreat to the cliffs. If Jerry and I don't make it there within half-an-hour, call headquarters for back-up. Understand?"
"Yes", said Kim. "And - DM? Thanks".
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. DM hugged her back, hoping this wouldn't be the last time he ever saw her.
"I'd better get going", he said, pulling away. "Good luck".
"And to you", said Kim. Her face suddenly brightened and she took something out of her pocket.
"It's the pouch Elijah gave us", she said, handing to him. "You need it more than I do. If anything should happen, try the medicine".
"Alright, Kim. Thankyou", said DM. He put the pouch into his own pocket.
"Goodbye, DM", said Belinda, as he turned to go. "And - thankyou for saving me. Now, all I can do is pray that you'll find my Jerry".
"I'll do my best, Mrs Taylor", said DM.
"Call me Belinda", she said.
DM nodded to all three of them before turning to walk towards the wood. He resisted the idea of looking back at them, even though he could feel their eyes on his back.
If I don't survive, he prayed. Please look after them. Please let them make it. Don't let them die.
He entered the woods and disappeared into the shadows. Darkness and a chill entered DM's surroundings.
Outside in the air, a single tear ran down Kim's cheek.
"Come on, Kim, Belinda", said Penfold, tugging at their sleeves. "We have to get going too".
Belinda squeezed Kim's hand as the three of them set off, sticking to the cliff wall and trying to avoid being seen.
"We're all going to make it", she promised. "We're going to be alright".
*
DM placed one foot carefully in front of the other as he started on another path. He was trying to stay quiet so nothing would hear him - but that meant he couldn't call Jerry's name.
At that moment, DM pricked up his ears as he heard a rushing noise. Water?
He followed the sound. The rushing got louder and louder, and DM quickened his pace.
"What on earth - ?"
His feet skidded to a stop and he waved both his arms around to try and stop himself from falling down the edge of very - long - steep - hill!
Danger Mouse gulped and took a step back. At the bottom, there was a wide river with quite a powerful current. DM's eyes followed the current, and stopped as he saw a whole lake leading out from Squirrel Wood! The river carried the water out there via a sort of weir.
DM was about to turn away when he suddenly heard a moan.
"Who's there?" He kneeled down and peeked over the edge. He gasped.
Jerry Taylor was lying near the bottom of the hill, caught on a rock and close to the river. His clothes were dirty, and he didn't seem to be moving.
"Jerry!" cried DM. "Jerry!"
Jerry's head stirred.
"Danger Mouse...?"
"Are you alright?" called DM.
"Nothing - I'm fine", moaned Jerry.
"Hang on. I'm coming!" DM started for the edge.
"Leave it, will you?" snarled Jerry. "I'm FINE".
It was clear that Jerry was holding quite a grudge against Danger Mouse - even if he hadn't abused his sister.
Suddenly, Jerry grabbed his ankle and DM heard him groaning in pain.
"Well, you don't look good from where I'm standing!" called DM. "And the only other people in this wood would rather kill you than save you! Now sit tight - I'm coming down!"
This time, Jerry didn't refuse. DM crawled to the edge and gently lowered himself over. He quickly found that he could use the scattered rocks as handles, gently lowering himself down to where Jerry lay. He had to be extremely careful though - each rock was wet from the rain. If he made one wrong move, he would be lying beside Jerry, equally in as much pain.
"Uh-oh".
DM twisted his head around to look over his shoulder. The man seemed to be slipping from the rock he was caught on.
If he slips, he'll fall right into the river! realised DM in horror.
"Jerry - don't go into the river!" he yelled. "Hang on as long as you can!"
"I'm trying - the rocks are damp!"
DM, now halfway down, tried to quicken his pace. He couldn't let Jerry, Belinda and Kim down. They were all counting on him.
At that moment, Jerry suddenly slid off the rock and rolled down the hill - into the river.
"JERRY!" roared DM. Forgetting caution, he stumbled to the bottom as fast as he could. He slipped and rolled down the last few blades of grass.
"JERRY!" he bellowed again. "WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"HELP!" There was a strangled scream from further up the river. DM turned his head and saw Jerry's head bobbing up and down as he was washed out to the lake.
Without any hesitation, DM poised himself and then dived into the river. The current immediately swept him up, as, half-swimming and half-pulled, DM was washed up the river after Jerry.
Penfold pricked up his ears as screams were heard. Danger Mouse whirled around and Kim gave a gasp.
"Those screams...where are they coming from?'
DM listened intently for a moment. Then he gestured for his team to follow him, and dashed off down a path. The faster the three of them ran, the clearer the screaming could be heard.
Suddenly, DM stopped and sharply put an arm out.
"Hold it!" he barked. His team-mates gazed over his shoulder to see a sort of wall in front of them. Then they raised their heads upwards and realised they were standing right below a cliff!
"Help! Somebody help me!"
The screams were heard all over again - but this time they seemed so much closer.
"This way!" said DM. Tracing the cliff wall with his fingers, he ran round the cliff side to the left, searching for the source of the screaming.
"Hello!" he called.
There was silence, and then a faint hoarse voice called to him.
"I'm here! In the cave!"
"Over there, DM", said Kim, pointing to a large hole in the cliff wall. "The woman's in there!"
"Then we'd better get in there. She might be hurt", said DM urgently.
"Wait", said Kim. "Let me go first". She stepped forward.
"Alright", said DM grimly. "You go and check if the woman's alright. Ask her what her name is".
Kim nodded, and set off on a sprint towards the cave.
"She's quite something, isn't she?" said Penfold to DM.
"Yes Penfold, she is. She really is".
* * *
Kim squinted into the darkness of the cave.
"Hello?" she called.
"Round here!" croaked a voice. "Please help me! I'm tied up and I can't move!"
Kim stepped deeper, wishing it wasn't so dark. Then she remembered the little torch that DM had given her. She dug her hand into her pocket, and brought it out. She clicked it on and was now able to look at her surroundings more.
"Keep talking to me!" she called. "I can follow your voice!"
"I can see your light!" cried the voice. Kim frowned as she followed the sound.
Why does that voice sound so familiar?
Kim realised there was a curve in the cave. She turned around to the right, and saw someone lying on the ground. She shone her torch over them more and gasped.
"BELINDA!" she cried.
"Kim?" asked the woman, struggling to sit up. "What are you doing here?"
"Look at you - you're a mess. Let me help you". Kim bent down behind Belinda's back and started to untie the knots in the ropes.
"How did you find me?" asked Belinda as Kim worked away.
"My friends and I were sent here on an assignment. Someone reported a woman's screaming down at Hamper Hill. Must have been you", said Kim, as Belinda frowned in confusion. "You're lucky Agent 14 was around".
"Er - what?" asked Belinda, as Kim dragged the ropes away and Belinda rubbed her wrists. "I didn't understand all that. Assignment? Agent 14?"
In the excitement, Kim had forgotten that none of this would make any sense to Belinda. She helped her up.
"I'll explain in a moment. It's a long story. Can you walk?"
"Yes", said Belinda. Her legs were a little wobbly from lying there for so long, but she leaned against the wall until they had accustomed to the floor.
Kim looked at Belinda's heavily pregnant stomach. Belinda caught her gaze.
"It's my baby", she said softly. "Your future niece or nephew. But only if it..."
Belinda didn't have to finish her sentence. The look on her face told all.
"Let's get you out of here", said Kim, after a moment's silence. She took her sister-in-law's arm and led her out of the cave.
"I warn you", said Kim, as they made it out into the open. "You're in for a shock".
Belinda frowned at her as a male voice was heard.
"Kim!"
Belinda spun around and gasped as she saw a full-size mouse running towards her! As he got closer, she threw a hand to her mouth, recognising him.
"Danger Mouse?" she cried. She turned back to Kim. "You're an assistant to Danger Mouse?"
"You bet", smiled Kim as DM ran to her side. He gave her a questioning look.
"DM - this is my sister-in-law, Belinda", she introduced. She stood aside.
"I don't believe it", said Belinda as she stared. "I'm actually meeting Danger Mouse, the world's greatest secret agent!"
DM gave an embarrased laugh. Then his smile melted into a frown.
"Mrs Taylor, we have to get you out of here and to a hospital", he said. "Come on".
"No - we can't leave!" exclaimed Belinda. "Jerry - they've got Jerry!"
"What!?" cried Kim, as she heard her brother's name. "Where is he?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen anyone since I got here".
"I'll get Penfold", said DM to Kim. "You stay here with Belinda. We need to search for Jerry".
For once, Kim was glad. She normally loved teaming up with her friends during assignments, but right now, she knew she had to look after her family.
"Thanks, DM", she said.
"Chief!" Penfold came running towards them.
"Yes, Penfold?" asked DM, turning around to his assistant.
"Someone's coming towards us - a man. He looks rather rough".
"Where is he?"
"There". Kim pointed over DM's shoulder as she answered the question for Penfold. Looking behind him, DM saw a man at the edge of the forest.
"Jerry - it's JERRY!" cried Belinda.
"Jerry! Jerry!" cried Kim. She set off at a run towards the man. Penfold looked over at DM.
"Does this mean we don't have to go gallavanting around the woods?" he asked hopefully. He hated dark woods - especially now after the incident with the squirrels.
Meanwhile, Jerry had spun around on hearing his name. What he saw made him grin.
"KIM!" he exclaimed as his little sister ran into his arms. "Hiya, sis! How did you find me?"
"Oh, Jerry!" cried Kim, hugging her brother tightly. "We were about to send out a search party! Belinda's back here - come on!"
She took her brother's hand and led him back to where Belinda, DM and Penfold were waiting. On seeing his wife, Jerry smiled and scooped her up.
"Jerry, I'm so glad to see you!" Belinda cried.
"I'm sorry we fought!" he replied, as he pulled back.
"Me too", she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
DM chuckled and went to stand by Kim, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"He seems a nice chap", he whispered.
"Go and meet him", she urged. "I bet you anything he'd love to thank you for finding Belinda".
DM nodded, then looked up as Jerry turned around. He started to give him a friendly smile, but stopped when Jerry gave him a glare.
"Mr. Taylor", he said in a slightly uncertain voice. "Allow me to introduce myself - "
"I know who you are", snarled Jerry. Then without warning, he brought back his fist and then threw it into DM's stomach. With a startled gasp, DM fell back against the cave-wall.
"What the - ?" he cried, as he narrowly avoided another swing from Jerry's fist. Jerry grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, trying to keep him still.
"Jerry!" cried Kim, running forwards and grabbing her brother's arm. "What are you doing?"
"Giving this guy his just rewards", snapped Jerry, as he brought back his fist. "You and Belinda get out of here - I'll take care of this worthless idiot".
He shook his arm free and turned back to DM. But he wasn't prepared for what happened next.
Penfold, unable to stand by, had run forward and grabbed Jerry's legs in a rugby tackle to try and stop him moving. DM, seeing his chance, sharply grabbed Jerry's arm as he turned around and pinned it behind his back. Jerry growled and tried to get free, but DM had a firm hold.
"Well done, Penfold", he said to his assistant.
Kim went up to her brother and grabbed his collar.
"What do you think you're doing?" she snapped.
"Trying to protect you", said Jerry as he struggled. "Now get him off!"
"Protect me?" cried Kim. "Against what?"
"HIM!" Jerry sharply gestured at DM with his head.
"Me?" repeated DM.
"I don't understand", frowned Penfold. "DM hasn't done anything wrong...has he?"
"No, he hasn't", said Kim as she glared at her brother. "I don't know what the heck you're talking about, but I think you seriously need a smack round the head".
"I'm not the only one", said Jerry fiercely. "Why didn't you tell me, Kim?"
"Tell you what?" frowned Kim. "Let him go, DM".
DM did as he was told and released his grip on Jerry's arm. The man stumbled back, rubbing his elbow.
"I think you and I need to have a little talk", said Kim. "I'll be back in a moment", she added to DM. "You stay here".
"Will you be alright?" asked DM.
"Yes, I'll be fine. I need to get this sorted out. See you".
She turned to Jerry and led him around the cliff wall, back the way they had come. Neither spoke until they came back to the very edge of the forest.
"OK", said Kim, turning on her brother sharply. "I want to know what's going on".
"I think you know what's going on", said Jerry. His eyes were full of anguish.
"Why didn't you tell me, Kim?" he said.
He's talking about my new career, thought Kim. He's hurt because I didn't let him know about it.
"Well", she mused, looking at her hands. "The agency is very strict on things like this - and I didn't want to put you under any strain - "
"Agency? Everyone knew?!" cried Jerry, who, meanwhile, thought she was talking about the 'abuse' that DM had put towards her.
"Well, of course. Anyway, I didn't want to pressure you - "
"You silly kid!" exclaimed Jerry, putting his arms around her. "I'm your brother - I should have known!"
"Don't call me a kid", frowned Kim, pulling away. "I'm a woman, Jerry. Just because I'm the youngest it doesn't mean you still have to treat me like I'm ten years old".
"OK, sorry, sis. But how long has it gone on for - "
"Er - about four months?" Kim replied. "I can't believe such a short amount of time has passed - wait until you hear some of the things that have been happening".
"I don't need to", said Jerry. "How can you be so casual about this, after all the times he's abused you?"
"Abuse?" repeated Kim. "What abuse?"
"The abuse you've just been telling me about", replied Jerry, raising an eyebrow. "You don't have to cover for HIM, Kim. You've been through enough".
"What on earth are you on about?" goggled Kim. "No - wait - I think you've probably migrated to Venus and not realised".
"Stop it, Kim".
"Well, I don't know what you're talking about! Who told you I was being abused?"
"This toad guy", said Jerry. "I didn't get his name".
Kim froze. "Toad?"
"Yes", said Jerry. "A fat one too. He spoke to me via a television radio. He had a hoarse voice and I think he wore a yellow coat".
"Jerry, that was Baron Greenback!" cried Kim.
"Who's he?"
"You've never heard of him? He's the agency's number one enemy!" cried Kim. "He's made several attempts at taking over the world! Not to mention the fact that he keeps trying to kill DM!"
"I wish he had", said Jerry. Having had enough, Kim gave him a sharp slap across the face. Jerry threw a hand to his cheek in shock - Kim had never slapped him before!
"Listen to me!" cried Kim. "Why do you always have to be so overprotective? Why can't you LISTEN to me for once?"
"OK, Kim! I'm listening!" said Jerry, holding up a hand.
"DM never did, never has and never will abuse me", said Kim speedily. "He's the kindest person I've ever met, and he makes me feel alive. I've been his assistant for the last few months and I couldn't tell you about it. I've encountered Greenback before, and we barely managed to escape with our lives. Got the full story now?"
Jerry scratched his head. "You've been an assistant to - no way".
"Yes way!" said Kim angrily. "You really were an idiot to fall for Greenback's lies - it was obvious he wanted you to kill him. He knows how over-protective brothers can be".
Jerry slid down the wall, looking very angry and embarrassed.
"I think I have a few apologies to make", he said.
"I think so, too", frowned Kim.
"One question", said Jerry, as he started to stand up again. "Are you and DM actually in a relationship?"
Kim blushed.
"Well - sort of - " she tried.
"And have you ever...you know...?"
"Well - once..."
Kim's face was now a deep crimson as she stopped in midsentence. Jerry decided not to pressure her any further.
"Let's get back to the others", he said. "I have to apologise to DM".
Kim raised her eyebrow at her brother's back as he turned away. It wasn't often her eldest brother stopped to listen - he normally just plunged straight in.
"How long does this assistant position of yours last, Kim?' asked Jerry, as they started go make their way back.
"Permenantly, I hope", replied Kim.
Jerry stopped in his tracks.
"What?"
Kim looked over at him, alarmed.
"Well, I'm not going to waste DM's just by being a temporary assistant, am I?" she said. "I'm training under his wing. With luck, by the time I reach twenty-six, I'll be a full agent".
"But - I thought - " spluttered Jerry.
"Jerry, I want this", pleaded Kim. "And I need you to help me out with something"
"Yeah?"
"Yes. The agency wants me to transform into an animal - or I have to leave. What do you suggest?"
"You leave", snapped Jerry.
Kim was taken aback by her brother's hostile tone.
"Jerry - "
"Kim, do you think I'm just going to sit by and watch you become one of them? No. You can't do it. What would Mum and Dad say?"
"Well, for one thing, I know they would be a little more supportive", said Kim. "I know you're not, at any rate".
"I'm only looking out for you, LITTLE SISTER", snapped Jerry, making the last two words loud and clear.
"You're not looking out for me!" growled Kim. "You're just trying to keep me prisoner!"
"Kim, that's not - "
"No. You listen to me now, Jer!" glared Kim. "You're my elder brother. Brothers are always supposed to look out for their younger sisters, but not so much so that they feel smothered! Do you even REALISE I didn't actually manage to have my first proper kiss until I was seventeen, because of the way you treated all of my male friends? Do you have any IDEA what it's like to have you breathing down my neck, following me around like a bodyguard? Did you ever THINK as to how uncomfortable I felt to have you calling ten times a day just to see what I'm doing?"
Kim had to stop and pause for breath. Her confrontation had taken it out of her. Jerry was looking at her, startled. Then his eyes narrowed and he turned, walking back to the woods.
"Jerry!" cried Kim after him. "Where are you going?"
"I'll meet you later", was the sober reply.
"Jerry! Come back!"
There was no reply. Jerry disappeared into the woods as DM came running from around the corner.
"We heard you yelling. What's wrong?" he asked Kim. He was startled to see that there were tears in her eyes.
"Jerry's gone back into the woods", she said. "What if he runs into any squirrels? they'll be able to take him down no problem!"
Belinda and Penfold suddenly appeared from around the corner.
"I told you two to stay put!" exclaimed DM as he saw them approaching.
"Sorry. What's happened?" asked Penfold.
"Where's Jerry?" asked Belinda, her eyes darting fearfully over DM's shoulder.
"He's gone off into the wood", said Kim.
"I'll go after him", said DM, walking past her. Kim grabbed his arm.
"DM, are you sure? I could go - " she tried.
"No! Kim, I won't let you go into those woods", said DM. "I need to do this. No offence intended, but I'll probably be able to stand a greater chance against any squirrels I may bump into".
"At least let me come with you", pleaded Penfold.
"No, Penfold", said DM, leaning down beside his friend. "I want you to take Kim and Belinda back to the car. If you go around the edge of the woods, you'll have a better chance. Those squirrels probably inhabit deep in the middle. But watch out for any guards they may have around the outside".
"Alright, DM. But, be careful, won't you?" said Penfold, taking his friend's hand and clutching it in both his small ones. "Because if anything happens to you..."
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen", said DM, though his stomach churned as he said it. He stood up and turned to Kim.
"Alright - here's what to do", he said to her. "Go round the outside as fast as you possibly can, but not too fast for Belinda. Get to the car, start it up and retreat to the cliffs. If Jerry and I don't make it there within half-an-hour, call headquarters for back-up. Understand?"
"Yes", said Kim. "And - DM? Thanks".
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. DM hugged her back, hoping this wouldn't be the last time he ever saw her.
"I'd better get going", he said, pulling away. "Good luck".
"And to you", said Kim. Her face suddenly brightened and she took something out of her pocket.
"It's the pouch Elijah gave us", she said, handing to him. "You need it more than I do. If anything should happen, try the medicine".
"Alright, Kim. Thankyou", said DM. He put the pouch into his own pocket.
"Goodbye, DM", said Belinda, as he turned to go. "And - thankyou for saving me. Now, all I can do is pray that you'll find my Jerry".
"I'll do my best, Mrs Taylor", said DM.
"Call me Belinda", she said.
DM nodded to all three of them before turning to walk towards the wood. He resisted the idea of looking back at them, even though he could feel their eyes on his back.
If I don't survive, he prayed. Please look after them. Please let them make it. Don't let them die.
He entered the woods and disappeared into the shadows. Darkness and a chill entered DM's surroundings.
Outside in the air, a single tear ran down Kim's cheek.
"Come on, Kim, Belinda", said Penfold, tugging at their sleeves. "We have to get going too".
Belinda squeezed Kim's hand as the three of them set off, sticking to the cliff wall and trying to avoid being seen.
"We're all going to make it", she promised. "We're going to be alright".
*
DM placed one foot carefully in front of the other as he started on another path. He was trying to stay quiet so nothing would hear him - but that meant he couldn't call Jerry's name.
At that moment, DM pricked up his ears as he heard a rushing noise. Water?
He followed the sound. The rushing got louder and louder, and DM quickened his pace.
"What on earth - ?"
His feet skidded to a stop and he waved both his arms around to try and stop himself from falling down the edge of very - long - steep - hill!
Danger Mouse gulped and took a step back. At the bottom, there was a wide river with quite a powerful current. DM's eyes followed the current, and stopped as he saw a whole lake leading out from Squirrel Wood! The river carried the water out there via a sort of weir.
DM was about to turn away when he suddenly heard a moan.
"Who's there?" He kneeled down and peeked over the edge. He gasped.
Jerry Taylor was lying near the bottom of the hill, caught on a rock and close to the river. His clothes were dirty, and he didn't seem to be moving.
"Jerry!" cried DM. "Jerry!"
Jerry's head stirred.
"Danger Mouse...?"
"Are you alright?" called DM.
"Nothing - I'm fine", moaned Jerry.
"Hang on. I'm coming!" DM started for the edge.
"Leave it, will you?" snarled Jerry. "I'm FINE".
It was clear that Jerry was holding quite a grudge against Danger Mouse - even if he hadn't abused his sister.
Suddenly, Jerry grabbed his ankle and DM heard him groaning in pain.
"Well, you don't look good from where I'm standing!" called DM. "And the only other people in this wood would rather kill you than save you! Now sit tight - I'm coming down!"
This time, Jerry didn't refuse. DM crawled to the edge and gently lowered himself over. He quickly found that he could use the scattered rocks as handles, gently lowering himself down to where Jerry lay. He had to be extremely careful though - each rock was wet from the rain. If he made one wrong move, he would be lying beside Jerry, equally in as much pain.
"Uh-oh".
DM twisted his head around to look over his shoulder. The man seemed to be slipping from the rock he was caught on.
If he slips, he'll fall right into the river! realised DM in horror.
"Jerry - don't go into the river!" he yelled. "Hang on as long as you can!"
"I'm trying - the rocks are damp!"
DM, now halfway down, tried to quicken his pace. He couldn't let Jerry, Belinda and Kim down. They were all counting on him.
At that moment, Jerry suddenly slid off the rock and rolled down the hill - into the river.
"JERRY!" roared DM. Forgetting caution, he stumbled to the bottom as fast as he could. He slipped and rolled down the last few blades of grass.
"JERRY!" he bellowed again. "WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"HELP!" There was a strangled scream from further up the river. DM turned his head and saw Jerry's head bobbing up and down as he was washed out to the lake.
Without any hesitation, DM poised himself and then dived into the river. The current immediately swept him up, as, half-swimming and half-pulled, DM was washed up the river after Jerry.
