The Investigators, Inc. The Chambers Case. Chapter 11. Luther.

Well, we are on the way to meet with Koffman today. I sure hope he’s not just playing games with me, it won’t go well for him if he is. We pulled up in front of his restaurant and casino, but I sensed trouble was around. Jennifer said she had sensed danger too, but that it didn’t seem to be anything major.

I still didn’t like it, I really thought that Koffman was being honest the other day. I decided we would try something, just in case. I went up to the door with Carine pretending to be my wife, and Jennifer came along too, but invisible. There were two guards at the door as usual and they said that only I was allowed to come in, not my wife.

So, I complained a bit saying that my wife always comes with me. However, they insisted that only I was allowed to come in, so I told Carine to wait at the van. Jennifer was already inside by this time, waiting for me. “I know the way,” I said to the guards and went walking to Koffman’s office.

I knocked and Koffman said to come in. I opened the door and Jennifer appeared just as I did so and we walked into the office together. Koffman was sitting behind his desk as usual and Decker, Koffman’s top man, sitting behind his desk. There were also two guards in the room, large men, just standing by Decker’s desk with their arms folded, staring at us.

Then there was another man, also fairly large, standing by Koffman’s desk. He was the trouble I sensed before, and now as well. “How did she get in here?” he demanded. “This is my wife,” I said, “she always comes with me.” “She is not allowed in here!” he bellowed, “Ramon, take her out!”

One of the large guards started walking toward us. I stood in the way. “Touch my wife and I will kill you,” I said casually. Koffman, you and I have a deal to conclude, let’s get it done.” “The price is $200,000,” said the man beside Koffman, “and Ramon, I gave you an order.” Once Ramon was close enough I touched him, sending him flying across the room and against the wall.

He fell to the floor groaning. The other guard took out his gun but he quickly dropped it saying it was too hot to hold. “Amazing how many people say that,” I said, “you did once too, Koffman. Now, who is this loudmouth idiot? Get rid of him so we can talk.” “I am Luther Schmidt, the senior partner of our organization,” he said with an odd smile, “I go nowhere.”

“Well, you are not part of this deal,” I said, “so you have nothing to say, so be quiet.” He then took out his gun but again he also dropped it quickly because it was too hot. Luther must have pressed an emergency button or something because 4 more men came bursting into the office. “Take him and his wife and throw them out,” yelled Luther, “but leave his money here!”

“Sky,” I said. “What’s with all these men?” asked Sky. “They want to steal our money and throw us out,” I said. “That’s not nice,” she said. She touched two of them, they screamed and fell to the floor, dead. I shot a bolt of electricity at the man by Decker’s desk and killed him. The other two men backed away from Sky.

Jennifer went over to Luther kicking him once in the stomach, then to his head, which knocked him to the floor groaning. “Carine, time to come inside,” I said casually, “if anyone gets in your way, kill them.” “Wait Steve, please don’t kill any of my men,” said Koffman. “Hold off Carine,” I said, “there has been a change of attitude.”

“Not really Steve,” said Koffman, “Luther here showed up yesterday and decided to take over my business. Unfortunately he was stronger than we were so I had to give in to him.” “Where did he come from?” I asked, “And why does he want your organization?” Then a thought came to me and I motioned to Koffman not to say anything.

I then went over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Okay, now we can talk,” I said, “and no one can hear us. Obviously your office was bugged by Helene when she was here and she found out you were going to tell me where she is hiding. So, she sent some of her men to keep you quiet. Although I didn’t really think she had that many men right now.”

“Neither did I,” said Koffman, “but I only have a dozen men here right now, usually that’s more than enough. The rest are spread out at my other places of business. Profits haven’t been so good lately so I had to dismiss a lot of my men. I guess this means Helene won’t be at her hideout now.”

“That’s exactly what she wants us to think anyway,” I said, “but I think there is a good possibility she is still there. Wendel has gone the opposite direction I’m sure, to lead us away from Helene.” “I’m surprised he got out on bail,” said Koffman. “It was just a minor jewel theft he was wanted for,” I said.

“You’re behind in your information Steve,” said Koffman, “Wendel killed 3 people when he stole those gems. The security camera captured it all perfectly. He just lined up the 3 people and shot them.” “Obviously there is a cop or two on the take at that police station,” I said, “Helene is a busy woman.” “Well, she has the money to spend,” said Koffman, “and speaking of money, do you still want the information?”

“Yes, I certainly do,” I told him, “and I have your money here as well.” “You may as well keep it,” said Koffman, “this guy will just take it anyway when he wakes up.” “He won’t be waking up,” said Jennifer, “my kicks kill and he had a terrible attitude problem, which has now been corrected.” “I made a deal Koffman,” I said, “so let’s get things done shall we…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.