The Investigators, Inc. The Secret Vacation Case. Chapter 7. Fighting Back.

We had our dinner and were now sitting in the living room talking about what to do next. One thing we need to do is put some pressure on Harder so he knows that he cannot push us around easily. Matt and his Knight Riders will do the same with Trapper and his men. They already know each other, so that should work out well. “Steve, I sense danger, and it is close,” said Jennifer. “It’s on the roof,” said Sigrid, “they are trying to get into my room again.”

“Kat, take four of the girls and go out front, but be careful,” I said, “I will take four out back with me, the rest of you stay inside for now. Would you like to come Sigrid?” “Yes, I would indeed,” she said smiling, “I can be helpful.” She picked up her big gun. “Please, don’t shoot unless I give the order,” I said. Out we went and we spotted 2 men on the roof trying to get in through one of the windows. I yelled up to them, telling them to surrender. They immediately turned and shot at us. “Get them,” I said.

Sigrid had them both shot before anyone else had a chance to shoot. I heard shooting on the other side so obviously there were more visitors up there. “Stefanie has been shot Steve,” said Kitty, “but it doesn’t look too serious.” We took her back in to Samantha who removed a bullet from her upper leg. Kat and the others were back in by that time and Kat went to work once more. She is having a busy day. “Why does she always cover her hand with a towel?” asked Sigrid.

“Just the way she likes to do things,” I said, “she uses a secret process that she doesn’t want anyone else to see.” “Oh, that makes sense,” she said. “In the morning we visit Harder,” I said, “except you Kat, you and your Wildcats will visit with Trapper and let him know he is on the wrong side.” “That will be easy, and fun,” she said, “you know Sigrid, you would make a great Wildcat.” She smiled when she said it, and Sigrid smiled back. “I don’t think I have what it takes,” she said.

Up in our bedroom Jennifer gave me all the information that Angel had sent from Annelie. Hmm, now we are getting somewhere. “I wonder if Sigrid knows any of this?” I asked, just talking to myself really. “I don’t think she is deliberately lying to us Steve,” said Jennifer, “but you never asked if her parents worked for Harder at any time and I think with some things you might have to specifically ask her for details.” “Yes, I think you are right,” I said, “I wonder if she knows about her birth certificate?

She thinks she was born in Canada like her siblings. Some of this could be hard for her if she doesn’t know these things already. I will have to ask her for more details on the work her parents did for Harder, that is something she must know being the oldest child.” “Yes, I agree,” she said, “but you might have to be careful with your questions.” The night passed much too quickly, but at least it was quiet. We ate a nice breakfast and talked things over before heading out.

The cats had taken turns watching the vans that the Wildcats are using so that they did not experience the same problems that we did. There were a couple of nice cars in the garage for us to use, since our vehicles are not useable at the moment. Mandar had said we are welcome to use them, so that is what we will do. We arrived in town just as Harder was going into the restaurant for his breakfast. And more importantly he was going to meet with Trapper and his men. Sure enough, that is what he had in mind.

Harder, another man, Trapper and one of his men, were seated at a round table in one corner. So I walked over with Jennifer, Dawn, Kitty, Melanie, Cynthia and Sigrid. We just stood there for a few moments staring at Harder. “What do you want PI man?” asked Trapper. I said nothing. “I asked you a question PI man,” he said again, “answer or get out.” Dawn then went over to his side of the table and stood behind him. Suddenly she grabbed his chair, flipping it backward and knocking him to the floor. He went for his gun, but Dawn had hers out already.

“Put your gun on the floor and slide it toward Dawn,” I said, while keeping my eyes on Harder. He did so and Dawn picked it up and set it in the middle of the table, after removing the clip. “That’s what happens when you speak out of turn Trapper man,” I said, “now Harder, you shot and killed my wife and now you shot one of my girls last night.” “I did not do any such thing!” he blurted out, “it was one of those police officers that she murdered.” He was pointing at Jennifer when he said that.

“Harder, I have been hired by this young woman over here,” I said, pointing to Sigrid, “you killed her family and I will see to it you spend the rest of your life in prison.” “I had nothing to do with her family being killed!” he yelled, “They died in a house fire, just read the coroners report!” “You mean the coroner that worked for you?” I asked. “Yes, Jack Hillard, he wrote a good report.” “I have seen that report,” I said, “very neatly done indeed. Too bad that he drowned the very next day so he wasn’t able to answer questions. I don’t believe that report Harder and I will prove that it is false.”

“Go ahead and try PI,” he said smugly, “why don’t you just go back home and cry over your wife’s grave.” He then smiled at me. I gave him a hard back handed slap, knocking him off his chair and onto the floor. His nose and lip were bleeding. “You are nothing but a criminal Harder,” I said, “and it is time that someone teaches you some manners. Don’t ever mock the death of my wife again. And just because Montana is your girlfriend doesn’t mean you are safe. Remember that.

Oh, did you notice something about Sigrid? That terrible scar that you carved into her cheek is gone now. Also, you do not own her, but if you try to harm her then you will have to deal with me, and you don’t want more trouble on your hands.” We then left so that Matt and Kat could do their parts next…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.