Forest Guardians Chronicles: A Matter of Humanity by Beth Roose (smart ebook reader TXT) 📗

positive answer. You need to keep refining my plan. Email me as your formulation comes along, or if you have any catastrophic issues.” Mr. Garman, now rushing to compile his things, turned to Morgan. “I forgot to ask,” he said,  “Did any of the supplies arrive?”

Morgan pointed to a group of boxes on a near lab table. “Oh yes, most of them arrived today, the remainder of the equipment, supplies and chemicals will be here tomorrow.”

Mr. Garman, sighing a sigh of relief, headed towards the door. “Alright. Well, I need to head for Akron Canton Airport again, and jump on a flight to New York. I will let you know when I have the gemstone so that you can start prepping the chemicals and calibrating the Crisper.” Practically running out the door, Mr. Garman waved goodbye, leaving Morgan to figure out his essential formula.

On the way to the airport, Mr. Garman called Marsha. “Honey, can we talk? Is this a good time?”

Marsha, still sounding worried, replied “Of course, Dad! Give me a second to grab my purse and car keys. I was just leaving work.”

Mr. Garman cut in, “Is Bev there with you?” he asked.

Yes, Dad. Should I bring her with me?” Marsha asked.

“Yes, bring Bev with you.” Mr. Garman replied.

“She is with me now, what’s going on, Dad?”

There was a slight pause on the other end of the phone. “Marsha, did you or Bev hear about the car accident today?”

Instantly Marsha and Bev replied, “Yes, we did. It looked awful. Rumor has it, the Hornet Queen caused it and she smashed the car, stinging the driver in the process.”

Mr. Garman confirmed everything that Marsha mentioned. “You girls must be extraordinarily careful when you are out and about. Be aware of your surroundings, looking all around - including up.” The girls both agreed with Mr. Garman.

Marsha began, “Bev said that Granny Mabel, you know, the old beaver, saw the Hornet Queen twice in one day. Once with Freda and Bitty and then again when she and again by herself. A few of her pals will be helping with the plan of the Forest Guardians.”

Shocked to hear that the beavers would be in on the plan, Mr. Garman responded, “Well, that is good news.”

Marsha continued on, “Will you be coming home for dinner, Dad? I would love to hear how your trip went and what Myles’ decision is.”

Discouragingly, Mr. Garman replied, “No, Honey. I am on my way to the airport again. Myles agreed to let us exhume Bat Masterson. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. So, I am headed that way to meet Myles and other folks there. I plan on bringing a shaving of the gemstone back home with me tomorrow.”

There was a pause on the other line as Marsha analyzed what her father had just told her. “Dad, I pray this works and we can reverse this whole mess before the Hornet Queen causes irreversible damage to someone.”

Mr. Garman stated, “I agree, Marsha. I would like you and Bev to meet with Princess Celia and let her know about the cane and ask her how her plan is coming along. Once you have done that, could you go by the lab after work and help Morgan with anything he needs assistance with?”

In exclamation, Marsha replied, “Oh Dad, of course! However, I will have Beanie and Wolfe with me. I must pick them up from the groomers before they close. Do you think that will be OK?”

Mr. Garman chuckled. “Oh, of course honey. That will be fine.” Now addressing Bev, Mr. Garman added, “Bev, you will be with the Forest Guardians making final plans for Friday, correct?”

Bev chimed in, “That’s right, Mr. Garman. I am to be there at dusk. It will be dark so the Hornet Queen will not see the gathering of the Tribes as well as Freda and Granny Mable.”

Mr. Garman approved of the schedule. “Honey,” Mr. Garman said, “I will call you before I get on the plane. I love you. Again, be on guard for that Hornet Queen.” Nodding in agreement, Marsha agreed to her father's request and hung up the phone. After all, she could not be late to work.

7

The Old Friend

Mr. Garman arrived at the hotel in the Bronx and, quite frankly, he was exhausted. When he found his room, he opened the door and was surprised at the sight: two beds. He walked in, shutting the door behind him, and decided he would take the bed closest to the wall by the bathroom. He slung his suitcase on the other bed, then opened it up, taking out his toothbrush and toothpaste, and headed into the bathroom. His phone began to buzz midway through his tooth brushing session and, seeing who it was on the home screen, he answered, mouthful of toothpaste and all.

“Dad,” the sweet voice came through from the other end. “Are you all tucked in for the night? And did you eat something?”

Well hello to you too, Marsha.” Mr. Garman giggled. “Yes, I am in the hotel about to shower and was midway through brushing my teeth. How is the prep coming with Morgan?”

Marsha responded with a load of information. “I dropped by and he has been busy. Did you know he ordered all sorts of equipment and lead shielding as well as something that has the hazmat insignia on the box? I have never seen so many beakers boiling with all kinds of different colors. You would think he was making something for the science fair. I helped him take inventory and unpack a few more things like a centrifuge and a laser.”

Mr. Garman replied in a joking tone, “Marsha, it must have been like Christmas for you, unpacking all that stuff!”

Rolling her eyes through the phone, she replied, “I know you're trying to be funny, but believe me, it is not your strong suit.” She laughed a little and continued. “It was plain scary in that lab today. I sure hope this plan