The Investigators, Inc. Case of Rossana’s Family. Chapter 11. A Great Team.

While we were watching Misty fight those 4 guys, Lombardi, David and Vinnie got away from us. This will not be easy to explain, that’s for sure. I need to remember that I’m not Leader 1 right now, Kat and Jennifer are still in that position, which means I have to explain to them why I allowed Lombardi and friends to escape, basically right in front of us!

“Sky, check his office upstairs,” I said, “I will check and see if his car is still here. Misty, you stay here.” Sky and I were a bit worried at this point and we didn’t notice that Misty wasn’t worried. Sky returned and said there wasn’t anyone on the top 3 floors. I came running back and said that Lombardi’s car was gone! That means he got away from us and will be hard to find now.

What’s worse is the paralyzing effect on Vinnie will wear off in about an hour. Although I guess that is not too important now that we have the family safe in our care. “Why do you keep running around Steve?” asked Misty, “You’re a ghost now, you can blink and go there, blink and come back.” “Blink?” I inquired, “I don’t blink to do anything.”

“Well, whatever it is you do to disappear and travel around,” she said, rolling her eyes. “She has a point Steve,” said Sky, “why do you run around?” “I just keep forgetting, that’s all,” I said, a bit embarrassed. “Now what?” asked Sky, “Do we call Kat and tell her we let Lombardi escape?” “Um, no, let’s not do that right now,” I said, then I looked at Misty, “and why is Misty not worried like we are?”

She just looked at us and shook her head. “Cristy, you awake?” asked Misty. “Of course I’m awake,” said Cristy, “I’m awake 24 hours per day just so I can do your bidding. I mean, why would I want to sleep? Sleep just makes a person feel good and why would I want to feel good?” “I think she’s being sarcastic,” said Sky.

“Hush,” said Misty, “no, not you Cristy, I was talking to Sky. Anyway, it sounds like someone hasn’t had their morning coffee yet.” “No, I have not had my morning coffee yet,” said Cristy emphatically, “I was too busy trying to enjoy my 5 minutes of allotted sleep time!” “Ooooh, sarcasm too,” said Misty, “but this is important Cristy, otherwise I wouldn’t bother you, I would leave that to Steve.”

“It’s always important,” added Cristy with a sigh, “okay, what would you like?” “I need a fix on locator P23 and P24 please,” said Misty cheerfully. “When did we start calling trackers “locators”?” I asked Sky. “No idea,” she said, “must be something new.” “Good,” I said, “glad it’s not just me then.” “They appear to be on Level 2,” said Cristy, “and stop being so cheerful.”

“Thank you dearest sister,” said Misty, “now, go have your coffee and pancakes and tell the breakfast cook that’s an order.” “On my way!” said Cristy. “Um, I checked the second floor quite thoroughly,” said Sky, “and why are you shaking your head ‘no’?” “Level 2 is second floor…down!” said Misty smiling cheerfully. Sky looked at her.

“Cristy is right,” said Sky, “stop being so cheerful.” “Don’t pay any attention,” I said to Misty, “Sky hasn’t had her morning coffee yet.” Misty giggled. “I know what you told her,” said Sky, “you, you miserable male ghost!” “Oh, oops, I’m sorry Steve,” said Misty with her head down, “please forgive me for saying that. I haven’t had my morning coffee yet either.”

Then she gave me a hug and she turned and gave a hug to Sky as well, smiling. “We make a good team,” said Misty cheerfully. “Yep, I agree,” said Sky. “Except when I mess up,” I said sighing. The girls giggled. “Okay, now we call for some help,” I said, “we don’t want to mess up this time.” So, I communicated with Kat and she sent Misty’s team to help us, along with Kristina, Kitty and Angel.

“Sky,” said Kat, “you will stay right beside Steve and Misty the whole time, and that’s an order.” “I get the impression she knows something,” I said. “Yep,” said Sky and Misty together. “Misty, when this case is over,” I began, “you will join the ghosts.”

“Yay! Then we’ll all be…” she stopped, “um, that means I need to die and I don’t want to die, I have never died before, it might hurt, it might kill me or make me sick or maybe even worse. Can’t we think about this for a few years, like maybe 40 or so?” “Kat can do it quickly,” said Sky, “it won’t hurt you at all, there’s no problem, you will enjoy it.”

“Somehow I can’t imagine enjoying being killed,” said Misty, “let’s just forget the whole thing, okay?” “No arguing,” I said, “you won’t be a ghost, but you will look like you are a ghost. It will be fun, honest.” Misty sighed loud and long. Anyway, it didn’t take long for our help to arrive…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.