Escape From the Guards

Cassie found the men something to drink, as their tastes dictated. She also produced a variety of snacks. They sat outdoors and passed the time with small talk. Finally, Doston returned.

"I saw many houses that were large, many that were ornate. I did not seen many people outside and none were the man, Ralph. I'm sorry."

"If he wasn't outside, then you couldn't see him. It's not your fault. Can I get you something to eat or drink?" Cassie didn't want her friend to be disappointed. Or hungry. But she had no idea what she would feed Doston, should it ask for food.

"No, thanks. But I will head home and rest. I will search again tomorrow. Can you gentlemen tell me where you live, please?" said Doston.

Sam replied that he stayed at the hotel and the other two described their houses as they were seen from air. Doston took off, heading for its own home.

The humans sat in silence for a while. "We didn't ask Doston where to find it again. We don't have any idea where Doston lives. I don't even know if it’s a house or something else. Do you guys?" asked Cassie.

"Doston can find us easier than we can fit it. You always call Doston 'it' so I assume he's not a he or she's not a she, right?" said Sam.

"There are no hes or shes on Music, according to Doston. So I guess 'it' is all we have left," explained Cassie.

Everyone was getting a little restless when Kisho finally suggested that the men leave. He told Cassie to make sure that she was securely locked inside her house. Cassie, relieved, finally bid her guests (guardians?) goodbye. She safely locked all the doors and windows, made something delicious for dinner, and sat in the cozy corner she created and read a book until she nearly fell asleep in the chair. She climbed to the loft and slept peacefully. No nightmares during the night.

In the morning, feeling entirely refreshed and with bruises still in various colors on her face, she called Sten to see if she would like to go into the town and look around. Cassie picked Sten up and the two women went first to the courtyard. The fountain splashed playfully in the middle of a gorgeous park. There were several paths leading from the fountain into gardens or grassy areas. There were beautiful shade tress, some totally alien to Cassie.

The two women walked along the paths. "Hiro brought a Ninja friend of his over. His name is Kisho. And the detective who was chasing Ralph – that's the rapist – well, the cop is named Sam. Doston was over at my house pretending to just want company but I think it was guarding me. Anyway, Doston flew off searching for Ralph while Hiro, Kisho, and Sam guarded me. Doston never did see Ralph, but will search again for him." Cassie explained yesterday to Sten.

"I'm glad they are protecting me. I don't want Ralph near me. But I hate the feeling of being helpless and needing guards. Do you know what I mean?"

"I do. Men like to feel protective. It's very nice of them to help you."

"Doston isn't a man," retorted Cassie.

"So what do they intend to do now?" asked Sten, sidestepping the whole gender issue. "Are they still looking for Ralph?"

"Yes, but I wanted to get out of the house before they all sat there for an entire day again. I should call Hiro and tell him that I'm safe with you so he doesn't worry. Or come over to my house looking for me." She did give Hiro a call. Hiro made sure that she wouldn't be outside alone and then they hung up.

Walking along the path towards the two women was a tall, elegantly dressed man. He was dressed in an old-fashioned suit, elaborately tied neckwear, and with a top hat. He looked almost regal with his walking stick clicking on the pavement. As he neared them, his pleasant face turned into a scowl and then with a look of horrified surprise he said, "Cassandra, is that you? Why are you out in public dressed so scandalously?"