The Investigators, Inc. The Case That Is Not. Chapter 9. Traitor #1

One would think that Tracy was jealous. Good thing that Jennifer is out shopping with Ilda and Sigurbjorn. “Walk at least 20 feet behind Steve and Avery,” said Baldwin, “except the cats.” “We have so much to talk about after all these years,” said Avery, and out we went. “She is not old enough for ‘all these years’,” said Tracy. “I think jealousy is supposed to be for Jennifer,” said Annelie. “Good idea,” said Baldwin, “so no more talk like that please.” “There is just something about her I do not trust,” said Tracy. Baldwin just looked at her sternly.

It was a beautiful day for a walk. “You are taking a chance coming here,” I said to Sky, “what is going on?” “You are not happy to see me?” she asked, almost pouting. “I am always happy to see you,” I said, “even nicer now that no one is trying to kill me.” “But someone is Steve,” she said, “do not forget that. How are you doing with the quest to find the traitor?” “Well, I think there are at least 2 of them,” I said, “that is the only way it could be done without being detected easily.”

“Hmm, a good thought,” said Sky, “but also a terrible thought.” “Yes, it is,” I said, “and I know that Mriya is one traitor. I had Kat’s body exhumed for an autopsy, and she confirmed that Kat was shot 3 times.” “And she was not shot?” asked Sky. “No, she was wearing a vest at the time and there were no holes in it,” I said, “yet the coroner said she had been shot in the chest. I think she was poisoned.” “Hmm, if that is the case, then you are in real danger Steve,” she said, “you need to check your food for poison all the time.”

“I do, the cats are trained to detect all kinds of poison,” I said, “but not all poison needs to be taken internally like that, it can be absorbed through the skin too.” Sky stopped walking and looked at me. “Keep walking,” I said. She did so. “I am worried about you Steve,” said Sky, “that is why I am here. This is my phone number.” She quoted it to me, and I repeated it. “Repeat it again,” she said, and I did.

“Good,” she said, “now, please remember to call me anytime you need help, and I mean any time. I am not far away, right now I am staying at the hotel in town. I can be here quickly.” “Did Jenny send you here?” I asked. “No, I came myself,” she said, “when I got home, Jenny had been killed by two of the guards. The other guards killed one and captured the other. They were working for Lavina. I guess she found out that Jenny was helping you.”

“Hmm, that is too bad, sorry to hear that,” I said, “Lavina needs to be stopped. But first we need to find the traitors here or we will not be able to do much to stop Lavina.” “I agree,” said Sky, “and I know this might sound silly, but I do not want to find out you have been killed too.” We walked past a spot where we could see our fence. “How long do you think it would take someone to climb over that fence?” I asked Sky. “I could do it in less than 20 seconds,” she said.

Just then the cats started swirling around our feet looking for attention. Sky picked up Muffin and cuddled her. “You are Muffin,” said Sky, “and you are a beautiful cat with such soft and silky fur!” Meow,meow!=She like me! “Okay Muffin,” said Sky, “do you think I am nice and can be trusted? Or am I a bad woman?” Muffin looked at her for a bit. Meow,meow.=You not bad woman, you very nice, me can tell, I trust you. “Hey, she talked to me,” said Sky, and hugged Muffin, “thank you Muffin, that makes me feel good right through.”

“I think the other two want some attention as well,” I told her. She handed Muffin to me and picked them up. They said the same thing as Muffin about Sky. Meow,meow?=Me know your name not Avery though, why not use real name? “Because I am trying to help your human right now,” she explained, “a bad woman named Lavina wants to kill him.” Meow,meow.=Oh, me know about her, we stop her soon, you welcome to help. “Thank you Muffin,” said Sky.

Meow?=You come live with us? “Well, not right now,” she said, and giggled. By then we were back at the car so Kristina, Angel and the cats went onto the steps. “Number,” said Sky. I quoted it. Then she kissed me. “Hmm, a long kiss for a friend,” said Angel smiling. “Good thing Tracy is inside,” said Kristina. Then Angel yelled for me to get down. Sky was just getting into her car, yet she jumped out, pushed me inside and got 3 shots off before my guards shot even once…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.