The Investigators, Inc. The Panama Case. Chapter 3. Day 3.

While Rico and some of his men waited for Snakebite to return, Rico still had a hard time believing that Snakebite would turn on him. After all, he had been loyal since the very beginning. “Well,” said Calvin, “why not give one more test and see what happens.” “And what would you suggest?” asked Rico.

“We know where some of Manuela’s men gather every Tuesday night,” he began, “why not send Snakebite and some others over there to avenge our two dead comrades. If it goes well, then maybe he’s being framed by someone else in the organization. If Manuela’s men know they are coming, then obviously Snakebite is working for her.

Only we know of this plan and if we all stay in sight of each other, then obviously it is none of us warning Manuela, it would have to be Snakebite.” Rico and the others liked the idea and as soon as they stopped talking, Snakebite came back. Rico told him he wanted their two men avenged and asked Snakebite to kill every one of Manuela’s men at that gambling spot, and do it right away.

Fortunately that listening device Aari left behind in Rico’s jacket is working great! Aari and his team were waiting for Snakebite and his men. When they arrived and got out of their cars and began to cross the street, Aari’s team came out of the shadows wearing masks and began shooting. Snakebite quickly jumped into his car and sped off, leaving his men behind.

Well, actually, all the rest were dead by this time, we deliberately let Snakebite get away. He eventually made his way back to Rico and came running into his office. “We were ambushed!” he exclaimed, “They knew we were coming, the rest of the boys were killed, I just managed to get away.” “Are you wounded Snakebite?” asked Rico.

“Nah, not even a scratch,” he said laughing, “those guys can’t shoot straight!” “Yet they managed to kill all the rest of the men with you,” said the Doctor casually, “quite amazing.” “You know Snakebite, I never would have believed it,” said Rico, “but the evidence is quite clear.” “What are you talking about Rico?” asked Snakebite.

“Well, first you leave popcorn at the drop that should have been the drugs that guy from Europe paid for,” said Rico, “and he wasn’t too happy with that. Neither was I. And only you could have made that switch since I had that drop staked to make sure everything went right for our new customer. Now, look at these papers, copies of your bank account. What are these deposits I have circled?”

Snakebite looked. “I have no idea what that is,” he said rather nervously, “and I put drugs in that drop!” “And now Manuela’s men are warned ahead of time that you would be coming,” said Rico, “yet only those in this room knew those plans. So, you must have tipped Manuela so she could be ready for you. And of course, making sure that you get away unharmed.”

“Hey, wait a minute!” exclaimed Snakebite, “I’m being set up here! You know me, I’m loyal, more than anyone.” He was looking around the room while everyone was staring at him. “Eduardo, come in here,” said Rico, and in came a big man with 2 others. “Take Snakebite away and make sure he never returns,” said Rico, “if he does, you will not enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, back to us. “Well, that gets rid of Snakebite,” I said, “he had more brains than Rico, so we needed to get rid of him. Now, hopefully, Rico will start to make mistakes.” “And we need to start putting some pressure on Rico,” said Kat, “through Manuela. I found out she is very superstitious, so a ghostly visit might be in order.” “If we can get in her house,” I said.

“Well, she doesn’t have the same fortress that Rico has,” said Sky, “but it still won’t be easy. One good thing, she always sleeps with her window open, something about her superstitious beliefs, she hates being closed in.” “Best to hit her tonight,” said Kat, “we have to get things moving.” “Okay, let’s go,” I said. “No, not you Steve,” said Kat, “you stay here where it’s safe.”

“But you are my bodyguard,” I said, “and you will be going, that’s not good.” “My bad girls can look after you for a short time Steve,” said Sky, “and remember…” “I know, I haven’t forgotten,” I said. “Good,” said Sky, and she gave me a good bye kiss. “Wow, such a kiss,” said Amerie, “may I kiss your husband like that too?” “Go right ahead,” said Kat smiling.

Then off went our ghosts, with me just slightly nervous. “And I have permission too,” said Amerie. “Now wait a minute,” I said, “I’m your brother now don’t forget.” “You are also my boyfriend,” she said, “I find you, I claim you. You belong to me first of all. Well, almost first, I am first after Jennifer.” “Good that you remembered Jennifer,” I said, “or she might get upset.”

“No more talking for you,” she said. Everyone started cheering as Amerie kissed me, for quite a while actually. Sigh. Meanwhile, over at Manuela’s house, our 3 ghosts looked around and found her bedroom. But, there were bars on the window even though it was on the second floor. So, Sky jumped up and using her electricity she was able to bend the bars easily enough.

Then she came back down to get Kat and jumped up with her and Kat went into the bedroom. Next, Sky brought Angel up with her and they both came inside. Then Sky touched Manuela’s foot which woke her up. She looked at this glowing woman at the foot of her bed and was about to scream, but then she noticed this huge lion lying on her bed beside her and that made her freeze.

She could not even make a sound now. Then Kat’s head showed up and began to talk with her. “Manuela, I am here to help you,” said Kat, “now is the time for you to fight Rico and take his territory from him. He is getting scared, Snakebite betrayed him and is now dead. We can help you fight Rico and all he has will be yours.

We have mortal friends who will help you fight him, but they need to know how to get inside his house.” At first Manuela was too afraid to talk, but then a cat appeared next to this floating, talking head, and jumped onto the bed.

Meow.= you help my ghost and good things will happen for you. Manuela loved cats and always looked at them as good omens and she had read that people should always believe a talking cat. “I will help your ghost,” said Manuela, and she then gave instructions to Kat.

Rusty then went close to Manuela and put his leg, on which he had a ring, against her neck and she was soon fast asleep. The ghosts and Rusty quickly left, with Sky fixing the bars, then jumping down to join the others. Back with us again, Kat gave me the information…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.