The Investigators, Inc. The Castle Mystery. Chapter 5. Gangs.

After talking with Marchelline, Jennifer and I went back to our room to talk things over. Muffin and Jewel came back with us as well. Sky took over and called Annelie to send a helicopter to pick up Mariia for the clinic and to take Maryna’s body back as well. Annelie didn’t like this news and asked about replacements, I had told Sky to ask for Galyna and Stefanie. Sky also asked to send Matt and the Knight Riders, not to the castle, but she named a town that wasn’t too far away, that had a large hotel for them to stay.

Matt had said he was strong enough to lead his team now, and that was good news. Baldwin felt better knowing the Knight Riders would be close to us in case they are needed. Samantha then came to our room. “Kat told me you have a headache,” she said, “I will check some other things too.” She then gave me something for my headache and after her quick checkup she just looked at me. “You know, I should be reporting this,” she said, “I could lose my job for not obeying orders. And even Mandar would not take me back.”

“Well, we might be looking for a new job together,” I said smiling. “And how many others?” she asked. “Oh, about half a dozen of us,” added Jennifer. “Well, we could always start a new PI business,” said Samantha smiling. “How is Mariia?” I asked. “She will be okay,” she said, “second time this year for her. Maybe give her a safer job next time.” “Yes, I will do that,” I said. “And perhaps doing the same thing for yourself,” she added, “like staying home and coordinating things from there.”

“Am I putting others at risk by staying here?” I asked. She looked at me rather sternly. “Not this time,” she said, “but you are putting yourself at risk, like you said, it could be ‘nowhere’ coming back.” “And if it is, then there is no hope for me,” I said. “I wish I knew more about that ‘nowhere’ drug,” said Samantha, “but then, I am not a doctor. If these symptoms persist or get worse Steve…” “Then I will do whatever you tell me,” I interrupted. “Uh huh, I would like to see that,” she said smiling as she left.

“You know, Marchelline had a wealth of detailed information,” said Jennifer. “Yes, she seems to keep track of things rather well,” I said. “Perhaps too well?” asked Jennifer. “She seemed to have her information memorized,” I said. “Yes, that was my impression too,” she said. There was a knock at the door just then. I said to come in and Shimeka entered the room. “Marchelline said you wanted to ask me questions,” she said, “I have precisely 18 minutes left on my break, and Marchelline requires being precise.”

“First, I want honesty from everyone,” I said. “I will be honest sir,” she said a bit nervously, “but I really don’t know how I can help.” “You do not need to worry about anyone listening to our conversation,” I said, “this little device scrambles our voices so no one can understand what we say. So, what is your real name?” She put her head down. “I guess you already know,” she said, “it is Kaja Hermanson. Yes, I have been in prison, 4 years, for drug dealing, smuggling and a few other things.

I was a member of a now disbanded gang. Mr. Hendrickson got me out of prison early somehow and gave me a job as cook’s helper a year ago.” “You know your job very well,” said Jennifer. “With Marchelline a person learns fast, or you are out,” she replied. “Is there a reason Bjorn deliberately got you out of prison?” I asked, “There are other members of that gang that still remain in prison.” “Mr. Hendrickson was one of the 3 top members of that gang,” she said, “his personal butler and driver were members also, as was Zina. None of the others though.

Although the 2 book salesmen were also gang members. He wants me for my smuggling capabilities, I am very good at that, from organizing to carrying it out. But I don’t wish to continue with this type of work, I want out, I honestly do, but there is no way out, except through death.” She looked at us with tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please, I, I want to change, is it possible for someone like me?” she asked. “Take a look at my wife,” I said, “she was in a large criminal organization.”

“I said the same thing you just said,” added Jennifer, “and I changed because I honestly wanted to, and Steve helped me a great deal, he put a lot of faith in me and I wasn’t about to let him down. We can help you too, if you want it.” “Yes, please help me,” she said, “I will not let you down.” We talked a bit more, then she had to leave.

“Sounds like a rival gang kidnapped Gabriella,” said Jennifer. “Yes, that is what I thought too, except for one thing,” I said, “why no ransom? Or is Bjorn keeping something from us? Unfortunately we can’t really ask him too much or he will know that Shimeka told us things and that will endanger her life.” “We need to get her out of here, and quickly,” said Jennifer. “Good thought,” I said, “we will do that tonight. Sky, Dawn, Angel, Stefanie, come here please.”

They arrived quickly and I told them our plan. The Knight Riders were already in place, but I am not sure we will use them yet. We do, however, need a helicopter and it is close by as well. After it was dark and everyone was in their rooms, the girls took Shimeka outside. Suddenly the helicopter appeared and landed just briefly, picked up Shimeka and off it went again. The girls returned inside, then pretended to run downstairs and outside, but the helicopter was disappearing into the distance. “What is happening here?” asked Bjorn…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.