The Investigators, Inc. The Hometown Mystery. Chapter 3. Another Visit.

It was a nice quiet night for us and for Penny. The next day was Penny’s day off so some arrangements were made so she could go out and do some things. We wanted to surprise whoever it is that wants Penny right now and maybe stir up a bit of action. “Hey boss, guess what Penny just did,” said a man named Chuck. “I do not like guessing games Chuck, just tell me,” he answered.

“She paid the last 6 months back mortgage payments this morning,” said Chuck, “and she now has $10,000 in her savings account. Brian just called to let me know. Oh, and she has 2 bodyguards that went with her.” “Now that is interesting,” said the boss, leaning back in his chair, “she has no money, yet suddenly she has a lot of money.

She has no rich relatives or friends to help her out. And she manages to hire, not one, but two bodyguards. I want to know how she did that, so find out!” Chuck left right away, picked up a friend and went to see Penny. Tracy answered the door again but this time Chuck had his gun out and ready. “I want to see Penny,” he said, “and no arguments. I am not afraid to use this.”

Tracy let them both inside. “Okay boys, drop those guns,” said Aubrey, “or die. With this I can cut you down faster than you can blink.” They both handed their guns to Tracy. “The one on your right hip too,” said Tracy. Chuck smiled. “Good eyes,” he said and handed it to her. “Now, do we get to see Penny?” he asked.

“No, you get to leave unharmed,” said Tracy, “and tell your boss to leave Penny alone. Consider this to be your last warning.” “Never try to play with the big boys,” said Chuck, “little girls can get hurt that way.” “Good thing there are no little girls here,” said Tracy, “I also do not see any big boys. Now, do not try to push us around, we can push back a lot harder than you can.”

Now Chuck was getting angry. “You have no idea what you are up against gal,” he growled, “but you will regret this.” “Guys like you do not scare us,” said Tracy calmly, “now leave, or get carried out.” The two men left and Tracy watched until they drove away. Then she called me. “Did you let them get some good pics?” I asked her.

“Well, they had plenty of time,” she said, “so they should have some.” “Good, that should keep them guessing for a bit,” I said, “but watch yourself, Galyna will be there shortly to join you.” “Penny has tried calling Lynn, but there is no answer,” said Tracy, “and she is worried about her.” “Tell her to call Chief Darryl,” I said, “best to let him check on her.”

He did go and check but could not find any trace of her. Plus she had not been at work that day either. That does not sound good. “Well Mac,” I began, “what do you think, did they take her?” “Got a pic?” he asked. I showed him her photo. “Not being mean,” he said, “but she is not what they want. But, maybe for something else, like drugs.”

“Well Sky,” I said, “must be about time for us to play some games again.” Astrid and Kristina came along too, but separately, so did Aari and Aasta. Finally at one of the tables I spotted the guy cheating to make Sky lose. She had won $2,000 and just lost it all. If she had won, she would have $8,000 now, and she did win. “You cheated,” I said to the man.

“We do not cheat at this establishment,” he said, “your wife just bet badly and lost, it happens all the time.” I then yelled it out loud, “YOU CHEATED!!” That really got everyone’s attention. “Look mister,” said the man, “settle down or you will be thrown out.” I yelled it out again and then two men were suddenly at our side, one deliberately making sure I could see his gun.

“Okay, time to leave,” said the biggest of the two. “Not until I see the manager,” I said, “and you guns will not get us to leave!” The manager arrived right then and invited us to his office. The other two men followed us. “Please sit down,” said the manager. The big man shoved me a bit and I nodded to Sky.

She kicked the big guy and I grabbed his arm twisting it behind his back and knocked his head against the door frame. Sky then kicked the other man, twice, and took his gun. “I do not like having people force me to do things,” I said, “now, your man out there cheated my wife, and you know it. She won $8,000 dollars.”

“Chuck, bring the money the lady won to my office,” said the manager, “You have good eyes. Amazing really, but that kind of eyesight can get you into trouble.” “Cheating my wife can get you into trouble,” I said calmly, “do not try to threaten me, that can also get you in trouble.” After getting the money, we left. “Follow them,” said the boss…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.