The Guardians: Lost in the City Book Ii

By Richard Williams

Lost in the City is a romantic mystery in which DJ and Maggie find themselves separated from Bill and Paula. Not knowing what is ahead of them, they are led into the abandoned part of a large city. With only the impression that somewhere in the city there is a soul that needs their help, what they discover will change not only their lives, but those they come into contact with. In this adventure DJ and Maggie will meet new friends and face perilous trials. Will they ever get back home again? Read this next book in the popular series to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9781438991283

Richard Williams

Richard Williams was the chief sportswriter of the Guardian from 1995 to 2012, having previously worked for The Times and the Independent. He was the original presenter of BBC2's The Old Grey Whistle Test and was the artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Festival from 2015-17. Among his previous books are The Death of Ayrton Senna (1995), Racers (1997), Enzo Ferrari: A Life (2002) and The Last Road Race (2004). A Race with Love and Death is his most recent publication (Simon & Schuster, 2020).

Book preview

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

The Unexpected

CHAPTER TWO

Maggie’s Life in Danger

CHAPTER THREE

Friends Come Running

CHAPTER FOUR

A Turn for the Worse

CHAPTER FIVE

Walking Through the Darkness

CHAPTER SIX

Uncontrollable Fear

CHAPTER SEVEN

Battle Plans

CHAPTER EIGHT

Walking the Path

CHAPTER NINE

Love Makes You Do Foolish Things

CHAPTER TEN

Doing the Impossible

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Healing Old Wounds

CHAPTER TWELVE

Who Do We Trust

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

All the Friends Go Home

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Moment the World Stood Still

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

News at Six

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Reunion

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Getting Ready to Go Home

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Home at Whitworth

CHAPTER NINETEEN

More House Guests

I would like to dedicate this book to my grandchildren Meredith & Micah

CHAPTER ONE

The Unexpected 

It was getting dark. Now lights were flashing all around, the smell of gas and wreckage filled the air. Bill lay unconscious on the stretcher. Paula sat over by the ambulance holding a rag up to her head. Just sit still, the ambulance driver told her, we’re going to get you two to the hospital in just a little bit; we’re waiting for the helicopter to fly your husband out. Paula tried to stand but she couldn’t. Her head was pounding with pain as she stood. Now hold on lady, you need to sit here and be still.

Holding a rag up to her head Paula asked Where are our dogs; we had two dogs in the car with us, where are they? Their names are DJ and Maggie; please look for them, I can’t leave without them.As Paula tried to stand again, she fell unconscious to the ground.

The EMT said to his partner, we can’t wait, we need to get her to the hospital now. So with that they put Paula onto a stretcher, loaded her into the ambulance and drove off with lights flashing and a loud eerie siren screaming. Only a second or so later, the helicopter landed to pick Bill up and it took off with him.

Over in the cover of some bushes DJ and Maggie stood watching everything unfold. They stood there for the first time in their lives not knowing what to do or where to go. Gone were the days of peaceful blessings with Bill and Paula. Maggie looked over at DJ with such deep concern in her eyes; DJ what are we going to do? Where are they taking them? Maybe we should go out and let them find us so that when Bill and Paula get out of the hospital they can come and take us home.

And if they don’t make it? DJ asked. then what, Maggie? We could be separated, or worse, they could put us down because no one wanted us, DJ’s voice was filled with fear as he spoke. He didn’t know what was ahead of them, he could only hold on to the trust he had in his heart.

Maggie was crying and shaking uncontrollably now, Oh DJ why did we detour and come this way? Because Dr. Pittman asked Bill to stop by and pick up some books for the college, and now the books are lost, and so are we.

What are we going to do? asked Maggie; who was trembling with fright. She had never been away from her owner before; Maggie had never known fear like this.

DJ looked at her as if all of a sudden it had become clear to him, "we are going to go back into the city, if Bill and Paula pull through this they will come looking for us Maggie; we have to go back into the city.

But DJ, we can’t go back into the city. How will we live? We don’t know anything about living on the streets of a city.

God will take care of us Love, but that is where we must go, it’s where we are being called to. Maggie looked at DJ, shocked at what he was saying. How do you know we are being called into the city; how can you be so sure DJ?

Maggie it’s just something I feel so deeply in my heart, it has given me a peace right now in the midst of all of this confusion.

But where are we DJ, what is the name of this city?

DJ looked at Maggie and said, I think Bill called it Atlanta; it is in the state of Georgia, and it’s a very big city Maggie so we are going to have to be very careful.Then we should let them find us DJ; that way we will be taken care of until Bill and Paula are better, Maggie’s voice was a little shaky as she spoke.

I know Maggie, DJ answered; but there is someone who needs us in the city and we have to go there to help them.

Maggie turned and looked at DJ, We could be killed, or what if something happened to you, I would be lost without you. Please DJ, let’s go out and allow someone to find us.

DJ looked at Maggie with such love in his eyes. He knew she was afraid of the unknown. He was too, but there was that pull at his heart, such a strong pull he couldn’t turn away from it. No Maggie, we’ll face the dangers together, and remember the Creator will be watching over us. We still have work to do my Love. Remember we are to trust in the Creator with all our heart. It’s only then that our mind and heart will be absolutely free to do the duty that lies ahead of us. Where will we sleep tonight then? Maggie asked. She had always slept in her nice soft bed, how she was going to miss it tonight.

We will travel as far as we can tonight Maggie and sleep in the day time, that way if anyone is looking for us they won’t find us until we finish with our mission.

Maggie put her head down as she took in following behind DJ, I know my feet are going to be sore in the morning, DJ.

He looked back at her with his little smile, so will mine, Love, so will mine. They walked all night and reached the edge of the city by the time the sun was coming up. DJ was thinking about trying to find some food somewhere, but Maggie was too tired for that right now.

DJ, I don’t think I can go on another minute, please can’t we stop soon?

Maggie I see an old building up ahead and it looks as if it might be empty, if it is we can hide in there until nightfall.

As they lay down to sleep, DJ took a seat a few feet away from Maggie, why are you over there, DJ?

I am going to take the first watch Maggie, and I’ll wake you later to take a turn.

She sighed deeply, So this is how it’s all going to be, we can’t even sleep by each other anymore for fear of our lives?

DJ spoke so softly to her, only until we can find a safe place Maggie, then things will get back to normal.

Maggie shook her head, normal is our being with Bill and Paula, DJ; this is all crazy if you ask me.

As Maggie slept, DJ walked over by her and sat down close to her so that way she would feel a little safer. By the time the sun was setting, Maggie woke up to find DJ sleeping soundly next to her. She didn’t wake him until it was dark. As Maggie sat there looking down at DJ she thought to herself, I know he is so tired and he is afraid too, even though he tries so hard not to show it. Maggie knew DJ, and she knew that if he didn’t feel this so strongly in his heart he wouldn’t put their lives in danger. If the truth be known, DJ liked his comfort as much as she did. Maybe this will be good for us she thought, we have been living a very easy life, and our history is full of stories where guardians risked everything for their charge. But she still couldn’t stop worrying about Bill and Paula, Oh, God, please watch over them, and us as well.

DJ opened his eyes and jumped up, Maggie it’s dark outside. Why did you let me sleep so long?

Because I love you, and besides, we’re not sure where we are going so why get in such a hurry to go somewhere we don’t even know where we are going anyway. So why hurry DJ, you needed the rest as much as I did.

DJ reached over and licked Maggie on the side of her face; you are worth more to me than all the riches of this world, my Love.

Maggie put her head next to DJ’s face. She was trying not to be afraid, but the fear would just creep up on her without her even being aware of it. DJ,

Yes Love, he spoke in such a gentle voice to her.

I think I understand fear better now, I mean I think I understand how it can cause people to do some of the crazy things they do. It has a power that can overtake you if you’re not careful. DJ’s eyes were filling with tears, I know Maggie, I have been fighting the same battle too. It does seem to have a power all its own at times. The evil one is the one who gives fear it’s power to rule over the lives he is trying to destroy. DJ stood up but we can’t give into it. The evil one would like us to believe that we are in a losing battle; nothing of the sort! We are more than conquerors Maggie; we must rest in our faith that God is in control, my Love or fear will overtake us. DJ looked with such love in his eyes at Maggie; we must keep going. This isn’t the place I don’t feel peace in my heart about staying here Maggie. Let’s keep moving. We’ll look for something to eat tonight as well.

* * * * *

As the ambulance was racing down the road, Paula regained consciousness. The EMT was keeping an eye on her and Paula was talking out of her head. Where is Bill, someone has to find DJ and Maggie, tell them where you’re taking us, they’ll know what to do.

The EMT looked up at the driver, Man, she must have taken a hard blow to the head, but she has regained some consciousness. I think she is going to be ok for now, but let’s get her there as soon as we can.

The driver yelled back, They have her husband enroute now, he should arrive before us. If the other helicopter had not been in use, we could have waited and airlifted her, but since she wasn’t hurt as bad as her husband, we got the job to get her there as fast as we can.

* * * * *

The Guardians had traveled for about an hour when they came across an old house. The people inside were eating their evening meal and DJ and Maggie could smell the food from outside. DJ, I’m so hungry, where do you think we can find something to eat tonight?

DJ’s stomach was making as much noise as Maggie’s. I’m not sure, Maggie, but we need to find something soon. About that time a little black girl walked out the back door, she took one look at them and went back into the house yelling for her mother to come and see the dogs in their backyard. DJ heard a man’s voice saying that he didn’t want any dogs around his house.

Maggie spoke to DJ, now would be a good time to run don’t you think?

DJ smiled at her; yes I do my dear, yes I do.

They both took off running as fast as they could, and by the time the mother came outside, DJ and Maggie were nowhere in sight. Farther into the city they walked, but DJ kept taking the path that led them deeper into the part of the city that was rundown, and had a lot of old abandoned buildings. Maggie couldn’t understand why they were going this way, so she just sat down and said, DJ; I refuse to take another step until you tell me where we are going and why.

DJ looked a little perturbed at Maggie; if I knew everything don’t you think I would tell you? Maggie, we have to walk in faith believing that the Creator will lead us to the right spot.

Before she could answer, Maggie felt all the hair on her back stand up, she knew they were in danger. Out of the shadows stepped three large dogs. They were wild dogs, and they were out to kill DJ and Maggie. DJ backed up, he spoke very softly, Maggie, I’m going to charge them and you make a run for it.

Anger filled her voice as well as her eyes, I won’t leave you. If we die, then we die together, here and now!

* * * * *

As they stood side by side, both fearing for one another, a voice came from the shadows behind the dogs, Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts. Out from behind the wild dogs walked an Australian shepherd; he was a blue merle, with a very clear baritone voice as he sang. The three dogs turned toward him, but he didn’t show any sign of fear, instead he just kept on singing the same words over and over. Finally the three dogs just turned and walked away.

Maggie whispered to DJ, Look, another guardian, where did he come from?

Before DJ could answer the Australian shepherd spoke up and said, My name is Rocky, you can call me Rock or Rocky, it doesn’t matter, because I’ll answer to either one.

DJ spoke up and said, My name is DJ and this is my mate, Maggie. We have been separated from our masters, and we are following the leading of the Creator into the city to help someone in need.

Rocky laughed, Well, it looked like you two were the ones in need of help if you asked me. Maggie spoke up, We didn’t ask you for your help or your criticism. But thank you all the same for helping us.

Well Rocky spoke up, I see you have a little fire in you; ya’ll might make it on the streets after all, that is, for about a day or so.

What do you mean, DJ demanded.

Rocky spoke up, well for one thing, you don’t know how to handle the dogs that are running wild on these streets, and believe me you will run into a lot more of them. Didn’t your mother ever teach you about taking your place of dominion over dogs that were not guardians?

No, DJ said, my mother was killed when a large dog came into the backyard where I was playing as a pup, she died saving my life. Maybe she didn’t know about it, I don’t know.

Rocky was sad when he spoke, I’ll bet she did, but you see, once they get into that frame of mind where they attack, it’s hard to stop them. She did all she could do, my friend; she gave her life saving you.

DJ thought to himself, maybe this guardian could be useful in our mission. DJ stepped forward, Then will you teach us how to take dominion over these wild dogs? I mean, we could use all the help we can get.

I’ll tell you what, Rocky said, I’ll teach you what you need to know and if there is anything that you know that would help me, then you can teach me. That’s fair wouldn’t you say?

Why yes, I think it’s very fair. Don’t you think so Maggie?

Maggie looked over at DJ, if you say so, but I just want him to know that we are not helpless. We’re guardians just like him, and besides, where is his charge?

Rocky spoke with bitterness in his voice, I was cast out when the little girl I watched over died from an illness she had since her birth. So don’t talk to me about having a charge, I don’t need anyone; do you hear me?

As they began following Rocky, DJ whispered to Maggie, he isn’t the one we are sent here to help, but since he has come across our path…

I know DJ, I know, we’ll have to do everything we can to help him as well.

* * * * *

After following Rocky for nearly an hour DJ asked if he thought they might find something to eat. Yeah, man I’m way ahead of you; I’m a little hungry myself. How long has it been since ya’ll have eaten anyway?

Going on two days now and we are very hungry, so if we could find something soon, that would really be nice.

That would be nice, Rocky looked back at DJ, man where did you grow up, in a fraternity? This is the streets and you had better get use to it. This is a different world than what you’re use to. That would be nice, Rocky was still laughing when Maggie walked up and pushed him with her body.

Hey, DJ is my mate, and if you have problems with him then you are going to have trouble with me.

Maggie it’s alright, I’m sure Rocky didn’t mean anything by it.

Rocky stopped and looked at them both, boy she sure has your back, you are one lucky dog. It’s right around here, but now, no talking these people might go nuts on us if they hear you talking. We know that Maggie said, she looked at DJ and just shook her head, he thinks we haven’t got a clue about what it takes to be guardians. They walked up to the back door of the restaurant. Rocky started barking and in just a minute an older woman came out the back door. Well, I see you brought some friends with you tonight, you know I’m still having a hard time coming up with the right name to call you.

Maggie thought to herself, I have one, but DJ would get mad at me if I said it.Ok ya’ll wait here and I’ll bring you something out. The lady was only gone for a minute when she came back with two big bowls full of letovers and she placed them right down in front of the hungry crew. DJ and Maggie started eating out of one bowl while Rocky ate out of the other one. By the time he was full, his bowl was only half empty. He then stepped back and whispered for DJ and Maggie to come over there and finish off his bowl. Maggie looked at DJ and they both walked over and kept eating, by the time the bowl was empty, they were as full as ticks. When they got back to the old abandoned building where Rocky stayed some of the time, DJ and Maggie were both ready for a good night sleep.

DJ looked over at Rocky, thank you for giving us the rest of your food that was very kind of you.

Man, forget it, I’ve been there myself a time or two. Before you find out who will help on the streets, you can spend quite a few days without anything to eat.

Maggie spoke up, Well, still it was very thoughtful of you and we want to thank you.

Well, now that you mention it, there is one thing you can do for me.

What is it Rocky? We’ll do whatever we can to help you.

When I was little my mother was teaching me the ancient language of the guardians. I was taken and sold when I was young and my mother didn’t have time to teach me all of it.

Yes, of course we will teach you, DJ got up and walked over to Rocky and slowly started speaking in their ancient tongue. Rocky began speaking along with him, but there were many words which he did not know. You know a lot already, your mother must have taught you more than you realize, DJ said, there are a few words that you are not pronouncing correctly, but we can work on those.

No, not really, my mother taught me very few words, in fact, I learned it from a friend I met on the street.

You mean there is another guardian here on the street? Maggie asked with such a look of surprise on her face.

Nope not really, but he is a friend nonetheless.

Who is he DJ asked.

Man, I’m not telling you two everything I know in one night, you’ll meet him soon enough, and that’s all I am going to tell you for tonight, now goodnight.As DJ laid there the last two days went around in his head. Who could Rocky’s friend be, and how long were they going to be out here living on the street? Then he thought about Bill and Paula, and wondered how they were doing, and if they even still alive? Maggie was lying down by DJ, but she didn’t want to tell him how badly she was hurting. She was hit pretty hard and the last two days had only made it worse. She was so afraid that she might have to leave DJ to finish this mission by himself.

CHAPTER TWO

Maggie’s Life in Danger 

Maggie hadn’t moved when DJ woke up the next morning. Hey, you need to get up. We have a lot to do today, Maggie. Still she just laid there. DJ walked over to her, and pushed her with his nose. Maggie groaned, Please don’t.

What’s the matter Maggie? DJ walked over to where he could look into her face. Then he saw it. She was hurting, but more then that, Maggie was dying. Rocky, he called out, Rocky, come here now." You could hear the panic in DJ’s voice.

Rocky came running into the room; What’s the matter?

It’s Maggie, she’s hurt bad, we need to find her some help.

Rocky took one look at her and said, I’ll be back with some help, you stay with her, and off he ran.

DJ sat down by Maggie, Why didn’t you tell me you were hurting like this?

At first DJ, I thought it was just a bad bruise from the accident, but last night it started hurting really bad.

Maggie you should have told me. You should never keep anything like this to yourself; you know that. You’re my Love, what will I do if I lose you?

Maggie was breathing hard now, DJ, just go and finish your mission, leave me here.

Now that is being just plain silly, I would never leave you, and forget the mission. I’ll not go on without you. I’m not leaving you. You didn’t leave me when I was hurt, and I’m not leaving you now.

Thirty minutes later in walked Rocky and a tall black man. He was about six foot two inches tall, he was bald with the hair on the side of his head turning gray, Well let’s see what we have here, Mr. Rocky. DJ looked at the man who answered what he was thinking, I can tell by that look of yours that you want to know who I am. Well sir, I’m a veterinarian and a friend, now let’s see about Maggie. How did he know her name? DJ thought. How did Rocky get him to follow him here? The man turned to Rocky, I need to get her to my office now. You two can ride with me in the backseat, but we need to go now if I am going to save her.

* * * * *

DJ stepped forward not knowing what to do, hey now, hold on little fellow, I’m here to help her. As he reached down and very gently picking Maggie up; he said, My name is Moses Ellison, and I have known about guardians all my life. Now we can talk later, but right now I need to hurry. Maggie looked into Moses eyes and she could see such kindness, it reminded her of how Sally’s eyes looked. Maggie thought to herself, I’ll be safe with this man. DJ and Rocky followed Moses out to his car where he carefully placed Maggie. He then opened the back door and let them in. Hurry now, we don’t have much time.

As they rode in the car, DJ asked Rocky why he didn’t tell them that he knew a vet who knew about guardians. I guess I didn’t want you two thinking you were so smart, and besides I didn’t know she was hurt.

Neither did I, DJ said, if anything happens to her… There was long sigh, then DJ just sat there without saying a word.

Hold on now sir, Moses spoke up, I’m not in the habit of losing my patients so don’t go and give up on me now. They arrived back at Moses office. It was an old building. I know it doesn’t look like much, but I have everything I need. With that, he picked up Maggie and carried her inside. DJ and Rocky stayed in the outer office while Moses operated on Maggie. DJ just sat there and sighed. His heart was breaking. What would he do if he lost her? He bowed his head and prayed, Oh Creator, please allow Maggie to stay with me for a little while longer. I can’t go on without her. Maggie is my mate and my helper. I can’t do my job without her. Rocky stood over against the wall. He bowed his head along with DJ, even though it was the first time he had done so in a very long time. DJ started to sing one of the old songs of the guardians; he sang it in their ancient tongue. Rocky listened to him while he sang, then he joined in with DJ, the room was filled with the presence of the Creator. Rocky bowed his head down low to the ground. DJ, he said, I haven’t sung our songs in a long time; I mean, I haven’t spent time in worship in a long time.

Don’t you think it’s about time you pick it back up? DJ looked at Rocky with such sadness in his eyes.

Now, now, Moses spoke as he came out of the backroom, I heard such wonderful singing out here, so why the sad faces?DJ walked up to him Sir, please tell me the truth. How is Maggie, I mean is she alive?

Oh, yes, she’s a tough one, she is, and before long she will be right by your side again.

DJ bowed his head once more and gave thanks to God and then he looked up at Moses, I don’t know how I can ever repay you for all you have done for us.

Moses reached down and patted DJ on the head, you owe me nothing, I have waited my whole life to see a real live guardian, and now I have been privileged to see three of them. No sir, you owe me nothing, it’s been my pleasure to help.

How do you know about us, I mean did Rocky tell you?

Rocky jumped up, no I didn’t; he already knew when we met.

* * * * *

Old Moses just laughed out loud at Rocky, Why he is a feisty one, yes sir, that Rocky surely is a feisty little fellow.

DJ just looked at them both and sighed, I guess, I’m not very good company right now, but I would like to hear your story.

Moses sat down in his chair, Well DJ; it goes back to a time in this country when men were slaves. You see, my great-great-grandfather was a slave here in these parts when the Union army came through. Oh, they were burning everything to the ground and rounding up slaves to work for them. Moses, my namesake, well, he didn’t want to work for them, but he had nowhere to go. Then he found a wounded dog, only this dog wasn’t like any other dog, no sir, this dog could talk. He told Moses about an old cave that was long forgotten about where he could hide out until the army had passed by. Moses carried the dog, whose name was Mac, to the cave. There he also discovered a female whose name was Duchess. She was a black, white, and tan colored sheltie. She had just had her pups and Mac was out looking for food when a Union soldier shot him just for the fun of it. Moses was able to save Mac’s life and he would go out at night and find food for everyone. So when it was safe to go out again they all continued to stay together. And from that point on the story was passed down from father to son about guardians. Sadly, my dad came to a place where he stopped believing it and he became furious with me when he learned that I was going to become a vet. Said I was wasting my time looking for something that didn’t exist. I went all the way through school and my father never spoke a word to me. He thought my grandfather was out of his mind for believing those old stories. He was a vet too, and he was the one who told me about guardians. Yes, I remember the day my father found out he had told me about guardians, it was the last day I was allowed to ever see him again. My dad meant well, and he, well, he just couldn’t believe in something his mind had never seen.DJ looked up at Moses with such sadness in his eyes, How long have you been waiting to find guardians?"

I found this one about a year ago, and now I have found you two, so if what you are asking me is, was it worth the wait? Yes sir, it was worth every year of it.

You know you can’t tell anyone about us.

"Oh, I know that for sure. Mr. Rocky