The Investigators, Inc. The Case of Carole Ann’s Return. Chapter 1. The Warning.

Well, we have had a few days to relax since our last case and attack. Brook and Betty were both given immunity for testifying against their mother. Betty disappeared quickly afterward, even though police detectives were supposed to be following her. We found out later she went directly to Christopher for protection and to help him with information about us. 

She was no professional, so it seems to me there was negligence with one or more of the detectives who obviously let her go. Brook, who is a secretary with good qualifications, is now working as Baldwin’s personal secretary, something both she and Miles enjoy. Jennifer and Aasta had asked for a cat and at first I said no, but gave in after seeing their sad eyes staring at me. Sigh. 

Crystal and Cheryl then asked for a cat too. Naturally. ”There are more than 300 cats at our local cat shelter in the city,” said Sky, “should be able to find 4 cats in that bunch.” The cats ears went straight up. Meow,meow.=Why we not adopt all of them, give them nice home to live. ”Our house is not big enough,” I said. Meowr.=Build house bigger. 

Baldwin almost choked on his donut when Storm said that. ”NO,” he said, “only 4 more cats allowed right now.” ”There,” I said, “he is the boss.” ”Well, today is a nice day to go shopping for some cats,” said Sky. ”Okay, get the girls together,” I said, “and we will leave right away. Mac, you come along too. Marlena, you come along as well, that will be 8 of us.” 

Rock, or more likely Annelie, and 4 other girls will come in another car so they can do some other shopping. Sky decided to go with them, which turned out to be a very good decision. So, I took Ginnifer along with us instead, since she is one of my bodyguards anyway. Going into the newly expanded cat shelter was quite an experience, never saw so many cats in one place. 

Muffin, Storm and Tiger came along to try and find 4 other cats who could communicate with us. Then there was color, each of the girls wanted a different color. However, I told them the main thing was if they could communicate with us, color is secondary. They were okay with that. Jennifer wanted a black cat, but when Storm found a tortoiseshell that could communicate, she immediately fell in love with her. 

Tiger then found a black cat with a white tail, white feet and head, with a black “mask” across his eyes. Crystal grabbed him right away. Storm then found another cat, a gray striped tabby which Cheryl took. Aasta and Muffin were looking all around but not having any luck finding one. Then Aasta held Muffin up higher so she could see in the upper shelves of cages. 

She told Aasta to stop at one cage and she started to meow with a cat that Aasta could not see. He then came to the front of the cage to look at Aasta. ”He has spots!” said Aasta excitedly, “It is another Storm!” ”Not quite,” I said, “that one is a wild cat though, called an Ocelot.” Aasta turned, looked at me and smiled. Guess we have our 4 new cats. 

As I was paying for them Jennifer came to me and said there was danger nearby. I told our guards to go and check around outside, and to be careful. Then the rest of us went out, with Jennifer beside me and Aasta right behind me. ”He is the danger,” said Jennifer, pointing to a man beside a small sports car. There was something about him that looked way too familiar. 

The new cats were put in the van with Muffin, Storm and Tiger stayed outside with us. The man came walking over to us. ”I got a message for you from Carole Ann,” he began, “she still owns Sky and she wants her back, like right away. Or she will come and take her back. She can do it now, so be smart and hand her over. I can take her now, or if you want to say good bye, then drop her off at that cafe down the street and I can pick her up there, your choice.” 

“You are a total idiot if you think I would listen to you,” I said, “now I will give you a message for Carole Ann. Tell her she is playing with fire, and she will get badly burned if she continues. This is not a game for little people, if she comes near me I will step on her and crush her like an ant. 

She does not have the resources to fight us and she is stupid if she tries. Now, get in that tin can of yours and get away from me.” He took a step toward me but Jennifer stood in front of me. ”You think you can take me little girl?” he asked, “Look, I am scared, I’m shaking.” 

Then he laughed, but Jennifer said nothing. Mac came around the front of the van and flipped out his knife. ”You killed my brother Josh, Steve,” he said, “for that you will die, I promise you that.” He then got in his car and left. I called Rock and told him what happened. ”Get Sky back home Rock,” I said…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.