The Investigators, Inc. The Case of Ivy’s Missing Life. Chapter 11. Murders and Betrayals.

After destroying the warehouse where Scott had his photo studio for kids and where we had rescued Dawn from, it was time to track down the rest of this group, plus find Scott. However, Kat communicated with me that the only place I was going to go, was to the hotel, along with Dawn. Kat and I were communicating this way so Dawn wouldn’t hear. Kat said they could handle anything without me along. I tried to tell Kat that I didn’t really know what to say to Dawn, but she said not to worry about talking, just stay close to her.

That part should be easy. They dropped us off at the hotel, along with Ivy, Kristina, Kitty, Macy, Jackie, Amerie and Cynthia. We also had several of the cats, Snow, Ginger, Midnight, Tandi and Sneaker There was a nice, big armchair in that room, which is where I sat, and Dawn curled up on my lap with her head next to mine and I just held her tight. I communicated with Jennifer what had happened and a few minutes later Sky showed up with Jennifer, Celestine and Sir Night. Jennifer liked what she saw and even took a picture.

Sky tapped her shoulder and Jennifer turned to see what Sky wanted. Sky mimicked fighting, then pointed to herself and then pointed away. Jennifer just frowned at her. Sky sighed a bit, slouched over and shuffled her way over to the bed and sat down. I think Sky was worried about missing a good fight and she reminded me of Misty, the way she walked to the bed. This almost made me laugh out loud, but I noticed Jennifer frowning at me now, so that stopped any desire to laugh. Jennifer and I talked for a bit, using our unique way of communicating, so we wouldn’t disturb Dawn.

It must have been hard for Dawn, bringing back memories of her being sold into porn by her dad, and then being thrown out of her family because of being mixed up in porn. This time was even worse, being forced to be with 2 little boys. Scott will not get away with this! I had told Vincent he could have Scott, but not now, if we find Scott first, then we will deal with him. I communicated this with Kat, so she would know what to do. She was totally in favor of that idea too, and so was Jennifer, Misty and Aari.

Sky came over again, mimicking fighting, pointing to herself, then pointing away. She smiled at me, but I communicated with her to ask Jennifer. She looked, but Jennifer just shook her head, no. Sky slouched again and shuffled to the bed and laid down. Wish I could do that right now, I think my one leg is going numb. Dawn is certainly not heavy, it’s just the way she is curled up on my lap. Jennifer came over and asked Dawn quietly if she would like to lie down on the bed with me instead. Dawn smiled, so I carried her over to the bed and lay down beside her, still holding her tight next to me.

Now why didn’t I think of this right from the start? Jennifer smiled and took another picture. Sky asked if she could lie down with us, so I pointed to Jennifer again. Sky looked, pouting a bit since she couldn’t go and fight. Jennifer sighed, but said yes. I thought she would lie down next to Dawn since she was in the middle of the bed, but Sky held up one finger as if to say, just wait. So I did. Sky grabbed the blanket and pulled us over so I was now in the middle, then she laid down beside me and put her head next to mine.

Jennifer just shook her head, but took another picture. Meanwhile, Kat and the others found the town leaders at the mayor’s office, having a meeting. That same secretary tried to stop them from intruding on the meeting, but Kat just slapped her hard and she fell back onto her chair. Rock smashed the big, oak doors so hard they came off their hinges! Then our leaders, and ghosts, went in to join this meeting. “I’ve had enough of you people!” yelled Winters. He then stood and took out his gun.

The mayor stood also and had a shotgun with him. But, suddenly they both yelled and dropped their guns, complaining they were blazing hot! Rock went over and pushed both men down onto their chairs again, then picked up the guns and tossed them out the window, right through the nice stained glass. “Now, Winters,” said Kat, “where are the bodies of Miss Peterson’s family?” “I have no idea,” he said smiling, “you will have to ask the Curator, whenever he decides to show up.” “You were supposed to ask him,” said Kat, “now, answer my question.”

He just leaned back on his chair and smiled. “Your turn Rock,” she said. Rock went over to Winters, picked him up and tossed him against the wall. He groaned as he fell to the floor. Then Rock picked him up again and just said, “Answer the question!” “This is against the law,” he said. “So is murder,” said Kat, “yet you have murdered many people in this town, either by hiring someone to do it for you, or doing it yourself. Extortion is also against the law, as is crooked gambling, drugs and sex trafficking.

But you are all involved in all of these things, and we can prove it. All of you are heading to prison, which is probably the safest place for you anyway since Vincent’s men from The City Club have now arrived. You have been cheating The City Club and they are not too happy about that.” “The Knights are here?” asked the mayor, “They will kill all of us. You have to help us, you’re likely stronger than they are.” “We certainly don’t have to help you,” said Kat, “but maybe if you help us, we might try to help you.

Now, where are those bodies and where is Scott?” “Tell her what she wants to know John,” said the secretary. Veronica looks at the mayor. “You said your name was Bill Farmer,” she said, “how come this lady calls you John?” “I’m his wife,” she replied, “his real wife. And his name is John Spindel.” “Well, well,” said Kat, “we caught ourselves a big one. Hannah, look up a man by the name of John Spindel.” “Shall do Kat,” she said.

“For those of you who don’t know,” said Kat, “John here is wanted in 12 states for crooked gambling, extortion and murder. But it’s always his friends that he murders, in order to get their share of the money. And he marries wealthy women, makes sure their wills are changed so he will get everything when they die, then he murders them. He is now worth around $50,000,000. I’m surprised you didn’t know about him Veronica, no doubt you were next on his list to die.” “It looks more like I’m about to become a widow,” she said smiling.

She then shot 3 times under the table and John Spindel fell from his chair, dead. Then she screamed and dropped her gun. “Too hot was it?” asked Kat, as she picked it up off the floor. Then Rock slammed Winters against the wall a second time. “Where are the bodies?” asked Kat again, “Try the fire chief next Rock. I think he might know.” “No! Wait! Don’t touch me!” he exclaimed, “I will take you to the spot!” But Winters got to his feet quickly, ran over and stabbed the fire chief in the back, killing him.

Rock was about to kill Winters, but Kat stopped him and said to take him over to Vincent instead. Rock grabbed him and rode off with him to the Shining Moon. Kat called ahead and said a gift was coming so Vincent had 4 of his men waiting. Rock stopped long enough to drop Winters in front of the doors, then rode off again. The men brought Winters inside.

“Wow, I didn’t think they would fall for it Vincent,” said Winters chuckling. “Sit down Winters,” said Vincent smiling, “now, tell me, where are those bodies?” Winters was puzzled since he had been working for The City Club to uncover how the others were cheating them. “What’s going on?” said Winters. “You betrayed your friends, maybe you will betray us too,” said Vincent, “plus you allowed these other people to come and discover what has been going on in this town.

What if they had been the police? I want them out of here, but they won’t leave without those bodies, so tell me where they are hidden, or you die, very slow and painfully.” Just then another man entered the room. “The Surgeon!” exclaimed Winters…

To Be Continued. ©2025 Steve McLeod.