The Investigators, Inc. The Mystery of Mandar’s Family. Chapter 3. Mark of the Kat.

Kendra was planning to replace Eddie with Brick, but she will have to come up with a new plan for that. It seems a ghost visited Brick and his friend before they could get rid of Eddie’s body and, well, Brick and his friend are now dead too. Through an anonymous tip, the police found the 3 bodies early this morning. Now I wonder who would have phoned in that tip? I give a little chuckle after saying that to Jennifer. “You are so terrible sometimes Steve,” she responded, giggling along with me.

That “mark of the Kat” should keep them guessing for a while, although it will likely bring some attention to the Wildcats. But I’m sure we can handle that little problem, after all, they have us for an alibi. When Jennifer was there yesterday checking things out, invisible of course, she saw what kind of envelope the photos were in. So, when we were there it was a simple matter to take some photos of the photos and put the originals back into the envelope we brought with us.

When I checked the man’s phone I noticed he had called a woman named Kendra after Mandar called him. The name sounds familiar, but I can’t really place who she is exactly. I need to find out though as it is likely related to our case. Muffin didn’t remember who she is either which is odd, so maybe this Kendra isn’t someone we know. I will get Annelie to check it out anyway.

Meanwhile, the police are making a phone call. “Miss Cutter?” he asks. “Yes, this is she,” responded Kendra. “I am so sorry to bother you so early Miss Cutter,” he began, “this is the police calling. We found 3 bodies this morning and your name and phone number was on the one man’s phone. I was wondering if you could tell us who he is?” “That sounds like Eddie, my groundskeeper,” she said, trying to sound shocked, “the other two men are likely his helpers that he brings along with him.

But I am certainly shocked about this news, I cannot imagine why someone would want to kill them. Eddie was such a kind man, not an enemy around of which I am aware. (silence for a minute) Yes, I will be coming in for my breakfast and will stop by to identify him for you. Oh my, this is just so shocking to happen in our nice town.” “Who was that? asked Tony. “The police,” she answered, “they found the bodies of Eddie, Brick and that other guy.

All had those five scratches on their cheek and a note pinned to each one saying, ‘the mark of the Kat’. I do not like this at all. It must be those Wildcats, but who hired them and why? And why right now? This is messing with my plans, we need to get things done quickly with Mandar so I can get my money.” “You really planning to give him the kids?” asked Tony. “Yes, Mandar is not stupid,” she said, “if I don’t give him the kids then he will hunt us down, and he has the money and patience to do it too! Now, I’m off to town for breakfast.”

“Are you sure that is wise, with all that is going on?” he asked. “I do not hide from anyone!” she exclaimed, “People should be hiding from me!” Off she went and it just so happened that we picked her favorite restaurant for our breakfast too. That was mainly because it is in our hotel, which made it convenient for us. Jennifer, Dawn, Aasta and myself were sitting at a table when she came stomping in and right over to our table. “That is my table!” she demanded, “You will have to move.”

Jennifer looked at her. “Your name isn’t on the table,” she said calmly, “so you will have to go somewhere else.” This restaurant was completely full at this time due to all the extra people in town. I could see that Kendra was getting more angry by the second. “You may join us, if this waiter would like to bring a chair for you,” I said nicely. She just stood there glaring at me, but the waiter brought a chair for her and she sat down. “I will just pretend you are not here,” she said sarcastically.

“I wish we could do the same,” said Jennifer. The other girls giggled. “Since you girls are finished, why don’t you go do some shopping,” I suggested. They both look at me. “Right, I forgot,” I said and handed them my credit card. Right after they left, more people left as well, so there were now 3 other empty tables. “There are empty tables now,” said Kendra, “you may leave now.” “Yes, you certainly may,” responded Jennifer.

Kendra just glared at her with such hatred. Jennifer just smiled nicely. Just then Kat and some of her Wildcats came bouncing in, flipping and flying through the air like acrobats, with Kat landing right on top of our table. That caused Kendra to scream and jump! “Hi Daddy!” said Kat in her usual little girl voice, “Did you miss me?” She jumped down and kissed me. “I always miss my Kitten,” I said. “Aww, you are always so nice Daddy,” she said, “I just love you. Who’s your new friend?”

“This is Miss Kendra Cutter,” I said, “and this is my very good friend Kat.” “Don’t you teach your kids how to behave in public?” Kendra asked angrily. “I don’t think I like her very much Daddy,” said Kat. “Oh, now, be nice Kitten,” I said. “I will for you Daddy,” she said smiling, “I had a job yesterday and got to play with my new cat toy, me and my friends.” “Now Kitten, I told you not to play with that thing when you’re working,” I said, “someone might get hurt with that.”

“I know Daddy,” she began, “but I just had to play with it this time.” “Who did you work for this time?” I asked. “Matt,” she said smiling. “I told you to stay away from him Kitten,” I said, “he is a bad man and will get you in trouble.” “But he seems nice to me,” she pouted. “We’ll talk about it later,” I said, “have you and your little friends had breakfast yet?” “Nope, not yet,” she said. “Well, go eat your breakfast and tell the nice waiter that I am paying for it.”

“Oh, thank you Daddy!” she screamed and off she went. “Are they all like her?” asked Kendra. “Yes,” said Jennifer, “kids in women’s bodies.” “Then they should be locked up somewhere,” growled Kendra. “Perhaps you should be locked up Kendra,” said Jennifer. We then got up and left. Later when she was back home. “Some tough gang of Wildcats!” yelled Kendra, “They are just kids that haven’t grown up in their minds yet, just in their bodies.

But that one did say she played with her cat toy yesterday which that guy said was something dangerous to play with. And she did a job for a guy named Matt, who apparently is a bad guy of some kind. This guy knew me, but how? I want to see pictures of those Investigators.” Tony showed her photos of the leader, Steve and his wife. “No, that’s definitely not them,” she said, shaking her head, “so how did he know me?

And I want to know more about this Matt guy!” “Hey, there used to be a guy named Matt on the Investigators team,” said Tony, “that was before the Investigators had a big split.” “They broke up?” she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me before.” “Just found out while you were gone,” he said, “but they split three ways. This Matt took a bunch with him and started their own gang…”

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.