sides and used a device to block cell signals and kill the power and phone lines from a distance away. Blocking the Wi-Fi meant any text messages sent through our BEIPs wouldn't go through either. This is farm country, and they could cut the power without us realizing it. There was a big diversionary attack around back, through the field. Then an ordinary, out in the open, attack came from people we at first thought were innocents. They managed to wound Ari and they also killed one of the dogs,” he said.
“From what I understand, they used similar tactics for the attack at Grace’s. Oh man, Addie’s going to be upset because she loves those dogs. Which one was it?” Becky asked.
“It was Sasha. The intruder tried to come in through the mudroom and that’s where Sugar is with her pups,” Arjun said.
“They’re such lovable dogs, but Sasha would help defend the puppies’ big time,” replied Becky
“Yes. I don’t know how to tell her. Sugar is grieving and we’re worried about her, too. We’re looking for the other two dogs now. They were in the yard and aren’t coming in when we call - hold on…”
While Becky was waiting for Arjun to come back on the line, she related everything he’d said so far in a text message to Jalen and Jett. A minute later he was back.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. We found Lucy and Ricky, the other two dogs. It looks like they were drugged. Kylan and Nyal, two of the other guards, are bringing them in now. Everyone else here is fine and the house took minimal damage. Relay all this to Jalen and tell him help is on the way. We should have our cell phones working soon because the jammer can’t be far. I need to move these officers along for the pod to land. Thank you for insisting on getting the ground transportation in place early, just in case,” he said. “All your hard work is very much appreciated.”
“I’ve been friends with Addie for a long time, Arjun. I love her, too. I’d like to think I’d help anyone in the same situation, but Addie is special, and not just because she’s now my Queen. We’ve been BFFs since college. She and Grace made me one of the family. I don’t have any family; they are it for me.
“After you drop the Nephilim from the shuttle-pod at the campground, you stay here at my house, there’s plenty of room. It’s going to take a day to get everything in place so everyone will have to camp out until Thursday morning.
“That reminds me, I better have Valerie get in touch with her volunteers,” added Becky.
She paused to check something on the computer and send new commands before resuming. She also needed to take a second to pull herself together. Arjun understood and remained quiet during the lull.
“Her two security guys are around six-foot-six, right? We’ll have them sneak her into the hotel; they won’t stand out as much as you guys. Better yet, have her check in by herself as a convention attendee and she’ll blend right in. I’ll put you guys on a floor with a lot of others attending the sci-fi convention. Gotta go. Call back or text at the next scheduled check-in,” she said before hanging up.
She hoped Arjun wasn’t upset about her abrupt behavior. From what she could see on screen, her search was netting results. She’d identified three of the assailants. While the program continued looking for the rest, she started multiple searches on the three known men. Where were they born, who their friends and known associates were, who they did time in prison with, and most importantly, where they banked.
She was using all her skills to ‘follow the money,’ as the saying goes. She didn’t expect it to be easy, so she kept plugging away. She had stopped glancing at the clock because the ringing of the phone for Addie’s next check-in startled her.
“Addie, is this you this time?” she asked.
“Yes Becky, it’s me. Did Arjun
“From what I understand, they used similar tactics for the attack at Grace’s. Oh man, Addie’s going to be upset because she loves those dogs. Which one was it?” Becky asked.
“It was Sasha. The intruder tried to come in through the mudroom and that’s where Sugar is with her pups,” Arjun said.
“They’re such lovable dogs, but Sasha would help defend the puppies’ big time,” replied Becky
“Yes. I don’t know how to tell her. Sugar is grieving and we’re worried about her, too. We’re looking for the other two dogs now. They were in the yard and aren’t coming in when we call - hold on…”
While Becky was waiting for Arjun to come back on the line, she related everything he’d said so far in a text message to Jalen and Jett. A minute later he was back.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. We found Lucy and Ricky, the other two dogs. It looks like they were drugged. Kylan and Nyal, two of the other guards, are bringing them in now. Everyone else here is fine and the house took minimal damage. Relay all this to Jalen and tell him help is on the way. We should have our cell phones working soon because the jammer can’t be far. I need to move these officers along for the pod to land. Thank you for insisting on getting the ground transportation in place early, just in case,” he said. “All your hard work is very much appreciated.”
“I’ve been friends with Addie for a long time, Arjun. I love her, too. I’d like to think I’d help anyone in the same situation, but Addie is special, and not just because she’s now my Queen. We’ve been BFFs since college. She and Grace made me one of the family. I don’t have any family; they are it for me.
“After you drop the Nephilim from the shuttle-pod at the campground, you stay here at my house, there’s plenty of room. It’s going to take a day to get everything in place so everyone will have to camp out until Thursday morning.
“That reminds me, I better have Valerie get in touch with her volunteers,” added Becky.
She paused to check something on the computer and send new commands before resuming. She also needed to take a second to pull herself together. Arjun understood and remained quiet during the lull.
“Her two security guys are around six-foot-six, right? We’ll have them sneak her into the hotel; they won’t stand out as much as you guys. Better yet, have her check in by herself as a convention attendee and she’ll blend right in. I’ll put you guys on a floor with a lot of others attending the sci-fi convention. Gotta go. Call back or text at the next scheduled check-in,” she said before hanging up.
She hoped Arjun wasn’t upset about her abrupt behavior. From what she could see on screen, her search was netting results. She’d identified three of the assailants. While the program continued looking for the rest, she started multiple searches on the three known men. Where were they born, who their friends and known associates were, who they did time in prison with, and most importantly, where they banked.
She was using all her skills to ‘follow the money,’ as the saying goes. She didn’t expect it to be easy, so she kept plugging away. She had stopped glancing at the clock because the ringing of the phone for Addie’s next check-in startled her.
“Addie, is this you this time?” she asked.
“Yes Becky, it’s me. Did Arjun
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