The Investigators, Inc. The Hidden Castle Mystery. Chapter 9. Matt?

I did not like what was happening to our cats. Storm, Snow, Rascal, Krystal, Jasmine and Chipper were now sick and Bridgette could not figure out what exactly it was. It seemed to be a flu-like virus of some kind but her medicine was not working and the cats were getting worse. When Melissa heard of the symptoms, she ran to our lab and after about an hour she came out smiling and asking for permission to use it on the cats.

Jennifer said it was okay and Melissa was soon off to the clinic with Annika, Sabina and Monika. We have a rule that there must be at least 4 team members together at all times when they leave the chateau. Bridgette checked the medicine that Melissa brought and decided there was nothing in it that would hurt the cats, so, injections began. The cats were starting to feel better within the hour.

Apparently Melissa owned a cat one time that had the same problem, or similar at least. She read about this remedy and it worked on her cat. Sebastien, however, killed her cat by shooting it about a year later. He hates cats. He was likely responsible for her cats sickness before. Melissa was fighting tears as she told us this and asked to be excused right away.

After she left, I told Jennifer that we need to find her a cat. “I was hoping you would say that Steve,” she said, smiling, “perhaps Liana and her group infected our cats while at the castle.” “Yes, I agree,” I said, “it is too much of a coincidence that they were sick with the same virus as Melissa’s previous cat.” “Yes, attacking our cats is a low blow,” said Jennifer angrily, “they will regret that one! Isn’t that right Jewel?”

Meowy,meow!= Yep, we get’em good! After Aari called I told him to go quickly to the hideout we had chosen. It was just a small hotel in a town not far from Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, next to the province of Quebec. Hopefully we won’t need to keep Sebastien too long, although we need to make sure it is our Matt that we get back before we can let him go.

I told Aari to make sure he protects Cricket as best he can. It isn’t easy not having any of the girls or cats along. We must remember that for next time. It’s good to at least have some cats, they are good for protection purposes. Penny and Brook can also go along since they are married to Knight Riders. Aari and some of the Riders had gone to get some take out food for everyone. He and four other Riders ate with Cricket in her room so she wouldn’t have to be alone so much.

Cricket was asking questions about our team and about me. So far the only organizations that Cricket knew about were criminal ones, so she was naturally a bit nervous. But she liked Aari and the other guys and was really impressed that Aari had a daughter who was also part of our team. “Matt, the man we are trying to free also has a daughter that is on our team,” said Aari. “Wow, that is so cool,” she said, smiling, “I can’t wait to go live over there and not have to be on the run every day. I have actually been able to sleep now which is soooo nice. Oh, um, sir, there is something else you need to know about this gang.”

“First of all, my name is Aari,” he said, “everyone uses first names in our organization, so please, no more ‘sir’, okay?” He said it very nicely and with a big smile. “Okay, I will remember that Aari,” she said excitedly, “now, this gang uses a combination of a drug and some kind of machine to brainwash people so they will do things for them. You need to be careful that they haven’t done that with your friend Matt, or those other friends of yours.

Although they likely didn’t have time to do anything with those other men. Apparently it does take a little time.” “How did you find out something like that?” asked Aari. “I had a good job before and had money in the bank,” she said, “so I would pay people for information, even people from that gang.” “And after your money ran out?” he asked. “Um, I always paid with money sir, I mean, Aari,” she said, looking down. Aari reached over and lifted her chin.

“Are you telling me the truth young lady?” he asked. “Um, mostly,” she said, as she fought back tears. “You know, a good cry can help sometimes,” said Aari, “I always tell that to Aasta.” He went and sat next to Cricket on the bed. “Aasta always says I have a good crying shoulder,” he said nicely. Cricket soon had her head on his shoulder, crying.

Meanwhile, Kat and her team were approaching the old castle. Once they arrived, they flew around, looking for any signs of life below, but no evidence of people was seen anywhere. “There are 3 helicopters circling the castle Liana,” said Gordon, “looks like the same kind that were here before.” “Are they so stupid to think they can try and rescue their man?” she asked, “We will just kill him if they try anything.” “Hey, they’re calling out to us,” said Gordon, “the lady is saying they have Sebastien.”

“Impossible!” yelled Liana, “I will prove it right now!” She then called Sebastien and John answered. “Greetings Liana,” he said. “Who are you?” she demanded. “I’m the man that has your husband,” he said, “but I am willing to trade him for Matt, providing he is alive and in good health.” “I don’t believe you have Sebastien,” she said, “prove it!” “I will let you talk with him,” said John, then he said to Sebastien, “be careful what you say though. I don’t need much of an excuse to kill you.”

“They have me Liana,” he said, “they caught me when we were getting our shipment of slaves. How they knew about that puzzles me, we kept it a perfect secret.” “It’s that little witch!” exclaimed Liana, “She seems to know everything we do lately. When I find her she will have a worse fate than her friend!” “Enough talking Liana,” said John, “do we make a trade or not?” “And how do we make the trade?” she asked.

“There are helicopters flying around that castle right now,” said John, “give Matt to them, once we are sure he is okay, we give you Sebastien. But don’t try anything again or we will destroy you, we are big enough to do that now. What is your answer?” “Your man will be in the courtyard shortly where he can be picked up,” she said, sounding quite subdued now.

“Fine, once our doctor has checked him out, then we will release Sebastien to you,” said John, “we will let you know exactly where to find him after we release him.” John then called Aari and Aari called me. Jennifer called Kat to let her know. Soon they spotted Matt walking around and they dropped down to pick him up and all three helicopters left the castle. Kat’s helicopter went directly to the clinic so Matt could have his checkup.

Galyna was there too as she was familiar with various brainwashing and hypnotizing methods. Melanie and Melissa were there too as they knew something about the method their gang had been working on, but had not perfected, while they were still with that gang. Matt was in good health otherwise, so I told Aari to release Sebastien, even though I really didn’t want to do that…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.