The Investigators, Inc. Case of the Missing Granddaughter. Chapter 2. Brenda.

We decided to take the case, so I sent Kate, Astrid, Catalina and Crystal to do the initial investigation. Plus Mac and John will go as added protection, along with Tiia and Tandi (Mandar’s cat). Tandi has not been on a case yet but is well trained and since this is a more simple missing persons case, it is a good one for her to get involved with. They left after dinner and stayed in a hotel that night so they could begin early the next morning.

After they were well on their way I called Rock into the library. “I want you and Aari to follow along, unknown to the others just now,” I said, “take Kristina, Tiffany, Felina and Aubrey with you, plus Storm and Rusty. Just wait at a nearby hotel until I call you to get involved. Just something that is bothering me about all of this.” “Okay Steve,” he said, “I will get everyone together and get going in about half an hour.”

Then I called Sigurbjorn, Aasta, Cinnamon, Bridgette and told them to be ready to go with me on a moments notice. I also told this to Muffin and Snow. Meow,meow?=You expect big trouble? “I do not know Muffin,” I replied, “but we want to be ready, just in case.” Next was Miles and Clarence. “If I have to leave suddenly,” I began, “I want you here to protect the remaining girls, just in case.”

“Sure thing Steve,” said Miles, “somehow I get the impression you are expecting a lot of trouble with this one, yet it seems like a simple case.” “Yep, with us it seems that the more simple it seems, the more trouble that happens,” I explained, “I hope that is not the case, but I want to be prepared.” “That is a good way to operate Steve,” said Miles, “never believe that no problems exist.” “Yep,” added Clarence, “that is what Major always taught us too. Best way to stay alive.”

“Right,” I said, “but for now we will continue our work on this old place. You guys are doing a great job! But take the evening off and rest up a bit.” Off they went. Next morning the girls went to interview Karalyn’s friend at her workplace. They got permission from the owner to take some time with her. Her name is Brenda and she is 30 and single.

“If you ask me, that girl was just running for her life,” said Brenda, “that old lady was just using her for a slave. She was not allowed to have friends, we had to meet secretly so she would not find out. She had to look after that big house, do the cooking, cleaning, laundry and whatever else the old lady told her to do. She had no time for herself.

She often came to work so tired she could barely stay awake. She was completely miserable, especially the last 3 weeks. She told me she could not take much more and wanted so much to go on a vacation. That is what she did, she left for a vacation, I am sure of it.” She kept talking, mostly about nothing, but she liked to talk.

“I think we need to talk with Margaret again,” said Kate, “she gave us a completely different account of things. Sometimes people will do that to make themselves look good for whatever reason. Usually it is for the sake of relatives.” “Yeah, that sounds like the old lady all right,” said Brenda, “always pretending for that family of hers. She only cares about herself, no one else.”

After her they went to talk with the boss. Karalyn and Brenda were secretaries at this insurance company where Karalyn’s dad had worked before. He told the girls about the dad and how he was one of the best insurance agents he had ever hired. And Karalyn showed the same kind of work ethics as her dad, so he was very pleased with her.

He did say that the last 3 weeks, Karalyn had been very nervous and agitated about something, but he did not know what. He said that usually she was very happy and cheerful at work and everyone enjoyed having her around. He did also say that her nervousness seemed to come along after spending more time with Brenda. However, it did not affect her work, so he did not feel it was right for him to pry into her private life.

The girls thanked him for his help and got up to leave. “If you can think of anything else, here is my card,” said Crystal, “just give me a call.” He said he would do that and the girls left. Kat called in their findings so far and said they would go back and talk with Margaret again. Margaret welcomed them inside and gave them tea and fresh scones. Kat began by asking about the photos on the fireplace mantel.

She showed them pictures of her late son and his wife, Karalyn’s parents, that were taken before their death in their new car. Her other son was also married, but they appeared in separate photos. Her son was with another man, a rather rough looking character. “His friend’s name is Butch,” she said, “Reggie called him Butch the butcher.” She shook when she said it…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.