Free Chihuawolf by Charlee Ganny Page B

to make some of them agree to play tricks on the children. Animals loved to outwit humans, and Paco’s ideas were grand. Also, all wild creatures felt strongly about protecting their young.
    And then Pewmount turned to some of the others. He chose them because they were the swiftest—they must travel a long way in a very short time—and because they had some very special talents. He explained Paco’s second request. They listened. They asked a few questions. They agreed to do it, even though it sounded very dangerous. They understood that this terrible creature must be driven away or destroyed before it ate them all, one by one.

    â€œYou must hurry,” Pewy said to these bravest of the brave. “If you are late, it will be too late…for all of us.”
    They left as fast as they could.
    Then Pewy turned to those whose job was to delay the children. “Chickadee will be your spotter. She’ll fly above the children. Listen for her signal. Then move in!”

    â€œWhy is Coco howling?” Olivia asked Sandy. She stood next to her bike in Sandy’s backyard where the four children gathered.
    â€œShe didn’t want me to go out. Each time I walked away, she struggled to get up and started crying. I hated to leave her. How long do you think we’ll be gone, Tommy?”
    â€œLet’s see.” Tommy looked at his wristwatch. “It’s nearly six now. We’ve got two good hours and maybe even three before dark. We can cover a lot of ground by then.”
    â€œWhere are we going?” Olivia’s face looked worried.
    â€œWe need to start where Natasha was last spotted with the big animal. Victoria, do you know that exact place?”
    â€œYes, I’ll take you to the street. It’s not far from here.”
    â€œGreat. They were headed toward the highway. We’ll follow the same route.” Tommy threw his leg over the bar of his bike and prepared to push off.
    Olivia didn’t move. “Wait a minute. What happens when we get to the highway? We can’t ride our bikes along the interstate.”
    Tommy grinned. “I already thought of that. I Googled a map on my computer. A hiking trail runs in the same direction as the highway, but through the woods. It leads toward Mount Diablo. We can ride there. OK?”
    â€œThat sounds OK, but—” Olivia’s voice held a heavy load of doubt. “Let’s watch the time. I wouldn’t want to be in the woods when it’s getting dark.”
    â€œMe neither,” Sandy spoke up.
    â€œAhhh, don’t be sissies. Nothing out there can hurt us. Our bikes have headlights if it gets too dark to see. I even brought a megaphone for Victoria to call Natasha.”
    Victoria looked at Tommy as if he was her hero. “Oh, Tommy, you’re always so smart.” Victoria smiled, showing perfect pearly teeth.
    A red blush crept up Tommy’s neck and spread roses into his freckled cheeks. “I brought a leash and some dog treats too.” He gave her a dreamy look for just a second before his voice filled with command. “Get on your bikes, gang! We’d better get going.”
    Olivia still didn’t move. She heard something, and it wasn’t Tommy. “Shhhhh. Wait a minute. Listen. What’s that sound?”
    â€œThat’s just a chickadee,” Tommy dismissed her. “It’s nothing! Come on!”
    â€œNo, not the dee dee dee. Listen again. Is it a cat? Not quite like a cat, but something crying—oh, look up!”
    The children lifted their faces toward the sky.
    A big gray gull flew over the housetops and circled above them. He was calling in a high-pitched mewing voice . Another gray gull quickly appeared, calling back. Then two more. Then a squadron of ten. Soon, the sky turned dark with the gulls. Their cries filled the air.
    â€œI never saw this many gulls above my backyard before.” Sandy’s voice held a hint of