The Investigators, Inc. Case of Rossana’s Family. Chapter 4. Raven Comes.

Well, we have discovered that Rossana’s family are not in Lombardi’s big building anymore, and maybe they never were there for very long. They were likely taken out of there through a tunnel that goes under the street to a store across from the restaurant, one that Lombardi likely owns. From there they could have been taken anywhere and that poses a big problem for us since time keeps ticking away.

We used an ability that we have not used before, something that Sky, Angel, Kat and Carine are able to do. While sitting at the table after eating, Sky and Angel left to look around the building, but it looked like they were still sitting at the table. However, they did appear to be a bit stiff, like they had fallen asleep with their eyes open.

Fortunately Lombardi was concentrating on me and I don’t think any of his men wanted to interrupt him or they may disappear like Warren did. That helped a lot. I must remember to talk with Kat about that. Anyway, it did work this time, but it didn’t help us. Hopefully Cristy will come up with some new information for us.

“Steve, you should have told me what was going on,” said Misty, “I was getting ready to give Sky a sharp jab with my elbow to wake her up.” “You didn’t tell Misty?” asked Sky, “That was kind of dangerous, don’t you think?” “Steve says he doesn’t like to think too much,” said Misty, “it gives him a headache!” Then she laughed. Loud and long.

“I wonder if Cristy would like to be my wife?” I asked out loud, “I could send you home and she could take your place.” I smiled at Misty. “What?!” exclaimed Misty, “You can’t change wives in the middle of a case. How would you explain that to Lombardioo?” “That’s Lombardi,” I said, “did you forget that you are twins, identical twins? Lombardi wouldn’t notice.”

“But you can’t fire me from being your wife!” she exclaimed again, “Just when I’m getting to like it too.” “Yeah, that wouldn’t be nice,” said Sky. “Okay, I won’t fire you Misty,” I said, “now, we need a plan to find those people and if they are outside the city, then we are in trouble. It’s much easier to work and move around in the city.”

“Yep, that’s true,” said Misty, “did you check the basement?” “How do you think we found the tunnel?” asked Sky rolling her eyes, “It wasn’t a very big basement though.” Cristy finally called and said that Lombardi didn’t have any country places, but he did own several buildings in the city, plus he has 2 huge yachts.

“Hmm, we will check those yachts tonight if they are at the marina,” I said, “those would be a very likely place to keep them, then they could head out to sea in a hurry if need be. Or even take them to a different city for safety.” Meanwhile, back at the chateau. “Jennifer,” said Cristy, “Jazzy is on the phone, she says it’s important.”

“Okay, let me talk to her,” she said, “hi Jazzy, what’s up?” “Isn’t Steve around?” she asked. “No, he’s on a case right now,” said Jennifer, “enjoying himself in Italy.” “Oh, that’s not good,” said Jazzy, “I just got word that Raven is after Steve, but first he was heading to see a man he knows in Italy, a Mr. Lombardi.” Jennifer spit her mouthful of tea all over the floor upon hearing that.

“I just washed the floor this afternoon,” sighed Jacquelyn. Jennifer communicated with me right away about Raven. “Oh, great, Raven is coming to town,” I said, “he is out to kill me again.” “Why are you worried about that?” asked Misty. “Because he knows many of us,” I said, “and he’s coming to visit his friend Lombardi.”

“Oh, that’s not good,” said Misty, “wait, why don’t we get Aoife to take him out as soon as he gets here. She’s a fantastic sniper and she’s with Kat’s team.” I look at Misty. I knew she would be a good team leader. I contacted Kat and told her about Raven and we need to get rid of him quickly so he doesn’t give away our cover.

We knew the approximate time he would be arriving, which was good, and we had Aoife in place across the street from Lombardi’s restaurant. At 11pm a limousine pulled up to the main restaurant doors and Raven, plus 2 other men, got out and began to walk up to the doors. Aoife began with Raven, then shot the other two as well. Then she quickly left.

Lombardi sent some of his men over to the building where Aoife had been, but she was long gone. She did leave the rifle behind though, as instructed. I wanted Lombardi’s men to find it, so he would know he’s being watched. “That’s not a police weapon boss,” said Dimitri, “someone was hired to kill Raven and maybe send a message to you as well.”

“What kind of message?” asked Lombardi. “That your head could be next,” said Dimitri, “and someone obviously knew the approximate time Raven would arrive too. That shows a bigger operation since Raven is extra careful, he usually doesn’t even tell those travelling with him what his schedule is going to be and he will often make changes along the way, just to confuse anyone that might be out to get him.”

“Didn’t help him this time,” said Vincent. “Kept him alive for years though,” said Giovanni. “That’s why it had to be a bigger organization that did it,” said Dimitri. “What about this MacLean guy?” asked Lombardi. “Not big enough to plan that one boss,” said Vincent, “but maybe the head of those Black Wolves planned it. That would explain why they are in town right now.”

“Hmm, I don’t like having people around in my territory uninvited,” said Lombardi, “Vincent, tomorrow start leaning on those guys, let them know they are not wanted. If they leave, fine, if not, kill them.” “Shall do Mr. Lombardi,” said Vincent.

Meanwhile, at the marina. This was a great diversion for us and we are now in place to check out these two yachts owned my Lombardi. They are indeed quite large, but we should be able to check them out quickly enough. Sky and Angel went aboard one, while Misty, Kristina, Kitty and I went aboard the largest one.

I really didn’t want to bring Misty along, but she insisted on coming and I didn’t really feel like arguing with her. I guess she does need to learn, just like we all did. Of course, the rest of us were killed, but that’s beside the point. The yacht we are searching is dark, unlike the other one, and that makes me a little nervous.

Where are the guards that should be here? Even an empty yacht like this one would still have guards on board and there should be security lights on everywhere. Everything is dark, and quiet. Something is not right and…what was that?

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.