A Pair for Peril

One minute. 59 seconds, 58, 57, 56...

Two pairs of wide green eyes stared frantically down at the device in front of them. Cody couldn't quite believe that the boy who now had his fingers linked through hers had been a stranger to her barely an hour ago. Now she felt like she might pass out in terror if he were not there to comfort her.

One hour previously, Cody had watched as two men threw Shane to the ground, one placing a heavy boot on the square of his back, the other crouching beside him to tie him up. The pair were two thirds of a whole and the final man held her pressed against the wall, the grimy bricks grazing her soft skin. As she'd watched her would be rescuer growing more and more immobile, she felt rope binding her wrists together, but it barely registered. He was trying to help me!

Shane had heard the scream as he passed the entrance to a long alley, sandwiched between two old warehouses and he hadn't thought twice. Someone could be hurt and if he walked away without even checking, they could be stuck there for hours! His compassion, however, had landed him in a rather sticky situation. While the lad worked out a couple of hours a day, one seventeen year old boy was no match for three bulky thugs with explosives. Still, he flew at the one who had hold of the girl, wrenching him away from her, only to find himself backhanded sharply and flung back into the wall of the alley.

“Looks like you've got yourself a play mate,” one of the men snickered. “Two nosy little rats. Tie him up.”

Both teenagers were tied at the ankles and knees, ropes cinched tight, and their hands were crossed behind their backs and bound their. Then Cody's captor threw her to the floor beside Shane, who twisted to see if she was okay, eyes wide with worry. Cody's knees were skinned and she felt a little winded, but she straightened up quickly, glaring fiercely at the men.

“What do you want with us?” She demanded.

“We want you to shut up and sit still like a good little kitty,” the spokesperson for the three said calmly. “See those barrels over there? Yes, I know you do. You spotted them when you took a little shortcut down here, didn't you? And thought you'd take a closer look. Well those barrels aren't for your eyes, or yours, boy. In fact, no one should be seeing those barrels at all. So you're gonna stay here and guard them for us, until you're, uh, alarm... goes off.”

He tossed the bundle of red down in front of them and the two of them stared in horror and all three men laughed. The spokesperson headed away, still chuckling and one of the others followed. The third dropped down with a final length of rope and bound the two young cat folk together back to back. He gagged them both, then stood and followed his comrades away.

Two pairs of frightened green eyes landed on the timer.

59 minutes, 30 seconds. 29 seconds, 28, 27...

===

Well, folks, here's a little something I cooked up as a gift for another friend, and decided to share. Hope that's not minded! (And, to those worried that I'm not getting my proper rest, rest assured yourselves that I am. ^^ ) This also marks the first public appearance of a new character who is joining the cast around here. His name is Shane, and reference pictures will be forthcoming soon.

More importantly, take note of the story, which was very kindly provided by Sabriel-Stock234 . If, by some bizarre and sad chance you haven't checked out her work, please do so. She's a phenomenal writer, a great person, and a truly wonderful friend. Seems strange on one hand to be introducing a new character through someone else's words...but couldn't ask for better than these, and I'm honored she chose to write them. I love it, personally. Thanks, Sab! Hope everyone else enjoys it as well. ^^

Also, I haven't missed all the kind words left over in my Journal. I will be replying to them as soon as I can. Still on restricted computer use, at the moment. But, all are appreciated more than I can say. Until I get a chance to say, that is. ^_~

Take care folks. Hope you're doing well. And, to those who are celebrating it, Happy Thanksgiving!