The Investigators, Inc. Desert Mystery. Chapter 7. Hit.

Baldwin came walking into the library. “Wow, how could you finish shopping that fast?,” asked Annelie. “Yes, that was very quick,” added Shirley. Baldwin just sat down and never said a word. “What is wrong dear?”, asked Shirley, knowing that something was obviously bothering him. “Candace…is dead,” he said very slowly. Annelie just stared then she put her head down and cried. Annelie and Candace had become very good friends, so this hit her very hard.

“How, what happened?”, she finally asked. “It was a pro job,” said Baldwin, “she had her vest on, but the guy aimed for her head. It must have been a hit.” “On Candace?”, asked Annelie, “that makes no sense, unless it is related to this case somehow. I will find out and then…” Baldwin interrupted, “and then you will do nothing until the rest of the team is here to help. Can you find out who might have done this?”

“Yes,” said Annelie quietly, “I will call Jake, he always treats me right and he can find out anything about hits. He would even call me if there was a hit out for any of us. This does not make sense.” So she called Jake. “Hey girl, how’s things?”, he asked. “Not good Jake, someone hit a friend of mine just now,” she began to explain, “I need to find out who put out the hit and why so I…”

Jake interrupted, “so you can find the guy, but you will not do anything without your other friends, right?” “Well, they are not here right now, and I cannot contact them, something went wrong on their case,” explained Annelie, “can you help me?” “I can find out if it was a hit,” he said, “who was it?” “Name is Candace, she was shot in the head in town here,” said Annelie.

“Okay, I know you two were close, I will find out what I can, but you have to promise me you will not do anything until your friends get back to help you,” said Jake, “I want to hear you say it.” “Okay,” she said, “I promise to wait for them.” “Good girl,” said Jake, “you stay put, there might be a hit out for you too, not sure why I never heard anything. I will call you later.” “Thanks Jake,” she said, “and I do promise.” “Okay, now don’t fret, but no chances,” then he hung up.

“You sure he can be trusted?”, asked Baldwin. “Yes, even though we are on opposite sides, he has always treated me right,” she answered. “Go do something else for a while,” said Baldwin, “I will watch things.” “Good idea,” said Shirley, “how about some baking?” “Oh, how about some of those famous donuts of yours?”, added Baldwin. Annelie smiled, donuts coming up.”

“By the way, how was the security check?”, he asked. “Perfect,” she responded, “one had a speeding ticket, the other had a parking ticket, but that is all in their background.” Then she added, “you do know they both spent time in prison, right?” “Yep, 3 and 2, and they both bring some unique talent to our team as well.” Then he phoned the two new girls who had applied to join the team.

Both had been working for Baldwin in one of his companies for 3 years now and he had asked them if they would like to join the team. There is also another man that will be joining the team as a pilot. He has been working for Baldwin now for 20 years.

Meanwhile, back to us…That sand was blinding as it hit us, but we made it to the edge of the ruins after walking half the way in the storm. Good thing we have our oxygen with us, having that hooked up to us made it possible to breathe. The cats stayed curled up under our jackets, so they were safe without needing oxygen. We went inside the first building, but it had no roof. Meowr.=There is secret room, I show. Storm went over and pushed hard on a stone and a door opened. We all went inside and closed the door.

Meowr.=My mate and I, we find and sometimes hide in here. Meow,meow.=Oh, this good spot to hide. Humans not know? Meowr.=No, humans not find this one yet, so we safe. There is also tunnel that go to another room, then another building. “Hmm, that is good to know as well,” I said. “We need to sleep and wake up early before sunrise so we can look around,” I said to everyone. Meow,meow.=MC and me say something not right. “I agree with you,” said Kat. “Watch carefully,” I said. Meow.=Yep, we watch all night…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.