Chapter 6
"Enemies"
Though he had tried many times over, Hans attempted, in vain, to escape from whatever seemed to be containing him. He was being dragged, roughly across the ground, blindfolded, and with his limbs tied together.
The ropes, he gathered, were tied extremely tightly. Hans extended his hands, feeling what seemed to be a pliable plastic, which rustled as he touched it.
Wait a minute.
Hans pressed his finger into the plastic, feeling it stretch and break. What stupid kidnappers, he thought. Excitement flooded through him. He continued to rip through the plastic, then stepped out as gracefully as he could with such limited use of his legs.
"Hey!" a man yelled. Hans was shoved roughly to the ground. "You can take his blindfold off, Rooster," said a slightly calmer voice, "These two aren't our enemies."
Hans felt cold hands touch his face, removing the blindfold and giving him a full view of the room. Franz was beside him on the floor. Before them, stood two men, one of whom was apparently named "Rooster." "Don't be afraid, you two," said one. "We aren't here to hurt you. In fact, we are quite certain we have exactly what you're looking for."
"Likely story," sneered Franz, "What is it you really want from us?" "Nothing," proclaimed the other man, "Nothing at all." He leaned in closer. "We have the key to Beaky's vault." "How could you know what we're after?" asked Franz, in disbelief. "Sven; Sven Strudelmeyer, that is," said the first man, "struck a deal with us. He told us to help you guys out if, by chance, you found yourselves on the wrong track. As for the camera, well, Rooster here just adores wildlife." Franz blinked once, then nodded. "Sven told us to be as dramatic as possible...can't imagine why, though," he said.
Rooster removed a small, silver key from his pocket and tossed it in Hans' direction. He caught it in midair. Rooster's accomplice gestured to the door. "Well, boys," he said, "you'd best be on your way, now. Good luck!" Hans and Franz nodded stiffly in his direction.