KC Frantzen - May the K9 Spy 02 - May Finds a Way: Peril in Paris by KC Frantzen Page B

would new recruits have? Not much I’d think. Could be one of the trainers, I guess. Or… OOOoohhh. What about the Administrator of Special Services? General Jim’s office is in the highly classified area. When I took the wrong turn in the air duct, I saw Miss Sandy’s and Sassy’s file on his desk.
    They could be in danger! I bark, “I’ve got to expose the mole and protect my friends. Don’t know how, but the Creator always has a plan, even if I don’t.”

    Léonce uses the evening to demonstrate the best means to avoid capture. Since I can’t run full out yet, I’m to evade and escape. We don’t have enough moleskin for a good disguise.
    He shows me a secondary location close by, dark but secure. Hopefully I won’t need it. I watch him spring through the crack in the tomb wall. When I look inside, he explains how to slide a broken piece to cover the crack once I’m in position. Since he’s more agile, he will distract any pursuers while I get there.
    At least that’s the plan.



Chapter 16
    T he troubled boy’s notebook calls out but I still can’t decipher the words.
    Oh. Yawwwn. Alexis, you’re near, at least in my dreams.
    I flip over and curl up, nose to nub. Wish I could get some good rest. I waited for opportunity and my life changed for the better. Something tells me Alexis is fading away, near the end, if his opportunity doesn’t come soon. Should I break cover to help?
    Someone has to lend a paw. Léonce is busy helping me so I guess I’m the someone to do it.
    My friend is snuggled on his back, nearby. When I stand to stretch, he cracks open an eye and rolls over. That mushhe concocted for my shoulder this morning really helped. I’m feeling almost well.
    I let myself out and make my way to the toilet area, shaking off the rain before I take care of business. Better take a different route on the way back – Ms. Schwind would be proud.
    I notice one of the small buildings with an open door. The windows are grey as the evening in this drizzle– Hey! Someone is sprawled atop the stone slab, arm hanging down.
    Alexis!
    Am I too late?
    I run and nuzzle his palm. Hi.
    Nothing. But definitely alive. He must sleep in here, his scent is strong. But why? Is he lost like me?
    Thlbpt . Still nothing.
    C’mon Alexis, respond.
    When I offer another small dry kiss, he sits up, wiping his hand on crumpled black jeans. His eyes are red and puffy.
    “Leave me be, mutt.” He doesn’t sound angry, maybe afraid. He sniffles and rubs his nose on his sleeve.
    Never taking my eyes from his, I shy away and prance back, wagging my nub. But I came, to be your friend.
    “Go away.” He drops his head onto his arms.
    But you need someone. I’m willing.
    “Me also.” (Léonce! How does he DO that?) He purrs, rubbing his face along the slab.
    Without looking at us Alexis says, “I had a kitten once.”
    Wonderful!
    “She died.”
    Oh…
    “My father was strung out on drugs and killed her.”
    Oh!
    Alexis pulls up his knees, burying his face, and whispers, “Everything I love dies or leaves. There’s something wrong with me.”
    The moon breaks through the clouds, offering a little light to brighten up the place, such as it is. Alexis rests his chin on his palms and seems to see me for the first time. “It’s you. I’m glad you are alright. I tried to stop them but…” He sniffles again. “I’m trying to fit in. But I never do.”
    Léonce leaps onto the slab, still purring. When Alexis reaches, the cat keeps barely out of range.
    The boy tucks his arms and turns away. “Whatever.”
    I stand on my hind legs. Please pick me up.
    Nothing.
    I scratch the stone. Still nothing.
    So I stare. And stare.
    Righty-o! He scoots over and lifts me onto the slab. I rest a paw on his leg, even though my pads are damp, to show I’m concerned.
    After he looks at my paw a moment, he strokes my back. “Mother joined the Movement and left for good when I was eight. I didn’t exactly fit into her plans. Father