The Investigators, Inc. Sky’s Past Returns. Chapter 4. Clarence.

John made a hasty phone call before he thought too much about his idea. “Hey Johnny!” said Clarence, “never thought I would hear from you so soon. But the Major is not here right now.” “Hey Clarence,” said John, “it is not the Major I want to talk with, it is you, I need some help, and fast. I thought perhaps you could be it.” “Sure thing Johnny,” he said, “if I can, I will help you out. What do you need?” “Ever hear of a woman named Carole Ann?” John asked.

“Oh, sure have Johnny,” he said, “stay away from her, she is one cruel woman.” “You remember Cindy, don’t you?” said John. “Why sure, hard to forget such a beauty as her,” said Clarence, “she is not mixed up with Carole Ann, is she?” “No, but she has a very good friend who was kidnapped by Carole Ann,” began John, “and her friend is engaged to a good friend of mine. Her bodyguard tried to kill my friend and has put him in the hospital, he may not walk again.

Then she kidnapped Cindy’s friend. Now some friends and I are trying to find this woman and get her back, before something terrible happens to her. Do you have any idea where we might find that woman, and I mean quickly.” “I can probably find out for you Johnny,” said Clarence, “the Major likely knows, but I have to wait for him to get back. I will give you a call once I know something. I am really sorry to hear about your friends Johnny.” “Thanks Clarence,” said John.

They had just barely hung up when the Major came back into his office. Clarence told him about John and his friends and that he needed help finding Carole Ann. “She is a tough one to deal with,” said the Major, “I detest that woman myself and would love to see someone take her down. Give me a minute Clarence.” He then made a couple of phone calls and one of his sources knew where to find her. “You know this area I think,” said the Major.

“Yeah, I know that place inside out,” said Clarence, “every street, every alley, every building all through there.” “Perhaps you should offer to take John and his friends there,” said the Major. “Really? That would be great!” said Clarence excitedly, “I will call Johnny right away.” “Good news Johnny,” he said, “I know where you can find Carole Ann. It is a bit of a trip though, got to head back to the US. And the Major says I can come along and help you.”

“I would like that Clarence,” said John, “but you might not like my friends, they are a bit different, but a great bunch.” “If they are friends of yours Johnny, I can work with them,” said Clarence. So John told him to fly to their city and they would meet him there and continue on to the US. John had told everyone about his idea, and now told them that Clarence would be coming along. “He will know the best way to get at Carole Ann,” said John, “but we will need to keep some things secret. And Crystal will not be able to come along. Steve needs her here anyway.”

“If he can help us get Carole Ann, then he is welcome to come with us,” said Rock, “I am sure we can play along so he does not know who we are.” “Perfect,” said John. Then they talked things over with Baldwin and I at the clinic. We were in favor of the plan, anything to get things going fast and get Sky away from Carole Ann. “And do not be shy about how you do it,” said Baldwin, “that woman needs to be stopped, permanently. Make sure you do that.”

“Got it boss,” said Rock, “and John will have to look to be in charge with this one, so Clarence does not get suspicious.” “I agree with that,” I said, “now, get packed with everything you will need, including things for Clarence.” John met Clarence at the airport and took him into a side room to meet me. “Hi Clarence,” I said, sitting there in my wheelchair, “thank you so much for coming.”

“Hey Steve,” he answered, “it is my pleasure to help you out and get your girl back for you. I will do all I can to help Johnny and his friends get her.” “I know you will Clarence,” I said, “her name is Sky and this is her picture.” I handed it to Clarence. “Wow, you and Johnny, you sure get the best girls,” he said, “I hope you do not mind me sayin’ that.” “That is okay Clarence,” I said, “now I want you to meet the man that is financing all of this.”

In came Baldwin, wearing dark glasses, a dark suit and hat. He looked the part perfectly of an underworld character. “This is Mr. B,” I said. “Hello Clarence,” said Baldwin, “I am happy that you are here to help our people in this. And you will be paid well for your help too.” “Hey, I did not come for money,” said Clarence, “just to help out Johnny.” “Still, you will be paid,” said Baldwin, “John will fill you in. Now, the jet is ready, so get going.” Soon they were in the air…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.