Treasure Cave by Michael J. Trigg - HTML preview

The Great Escape

– CHAPTER FORTY FOUR –

All the Minosaurs flew out of the cave mouth into the moonlight carrying the children, Atlas and Reywal. As they cleared the exit, there was a roar and a huge cloud of dust and debris flew from the cave mouth. The Minosaurs flew to the top of the cliff with their charges and dropped them gently on the grassy patch by the car park. The two Minosaurs with Reywal suspended, circled around. They then flew to the far end of the parking lot and deposited Reywal face first into a big mud puddle. He gasped and spat mud and dirty water, then climbed to his feet and shook his fist at the sky. The children and Atlas stood while the Minosaurs circled overhead framed by the full moon.

At that moment, a car door slammed and there was a shout. Officer Mackintosh ran out of the darkness, his big police flashlight reflecting off the kids’ faces. “Hey kids. Is that you? Are you all OK?”

 He was slightly out of breath. The children looked at each other and glanced up into the sky. The Minosaurs that were circling overhead had vanished. Officer Mackintosh said sternly. “Now where the heck have you guys been. I got a call on my radio that you’re parents are worried sick as none of you had come home and I said I’d look out for you all. What are you doing out here at this time of night?“

 Keegan looked at Officer Mackintosh wondering what to say when Atlas whined at his side. He held a green backpack in his mouth. The backpack had two blue eyes on the main flap. Keegan leaned down and patted Atlas.

 “Good boy Atlas. You found my lost backpack. You’re the best dog.” Looking up at the policeman, Keegan said. “I think it looks like Atlas found what we were looking for Officer Mackintosh.”

 The children gathered round Atlas and each hugged him. Officer Mackintosh grinned and shepherded the kids along towards his car.

 “What a strange night tonight. Full moon, high tide, thunder and I have never seen so many bats around.”

 As the children entered the police car, they looked at each other with concern. Keegan leaned towards the others and whispered.

 “What about Mr. Shama?”

 The other kids glanced at the police officer who was busy closing the car doors. The others held a finger to their lips, but all look teary eyed.

 As the police car pulled out of the parking area, it slowed down momentarily. Officer Mackintosh lowered the drivers door window looking puzzled. “Very strange. I saw Mr. Shama’s van being driven here tonight. Very erratically I must say. It was parked over there and now it’s gone. I’ll have to check with him tomorrow on that.”

 Parker looked at the other kids. Their looks of concern gave way to happy smiles.

 “You know, the only thing I didn’t get.” whispered Cody with a frown. “What was Greanwold as the guy in the white metal suit? What was thatabout?” Lisa giggled. “Cody, you’re such a dork. The knight in white armour ….” She paused. “……….. alway slays the dragon.”

 Jackie grinned at Lisa. “And, don’t forget, always rescues the damsels in distress as well.”

 The girls laughed uproariously as Officer Mackintosh frowned in the rear view mirror and the boys shook their heads. Atlas gave a whine as he looked out the window into the night sky. A small form in the shape of Greanwold sat unseen by the cars occupants on the running board of the old-fashioned police car. Up in the night sky, twelve small flying objects crossed the face of the full moon.

 To Be Continued.