The Investigators, Inc. The Killer Mystery. Chapter 5. Who Killed Harley?

While Aari kept talking, a secret door opened behind him and a man stepped out with a gun and pulled the trigger. But Carine was holding her husband’s arm, so no harm could come to him. “My gun, it won’t fire!” the man yelled. So he took out a knife amazingly fast to stab Aari, but before he could do so, he suddenly fell to the floor. Sky was there, still invisible, and watching carefully all around. She touched the man on his chest, stopping his heart, so it will look like a heart attack. Deborah ran over to him to see what was wrong.

“He’s dead,” she said quietly, “but how?” “Well, don’t look at any of us,” said Aari, “none of us even touched him. Quite likely the excitement caused a heart attack.” “He’s too young for a heart attack,” she replied, “somehow you killed him, that is what I believe.” “You may believe what you want,” said Aari, “but none of us here killed him.” “He is quite right,” said Petruccio, who was a medical doctor, “it could very well have been a heart attack due to excitement.” “I agree with the doctor too,” said Norman. Deborah then said something to him in Italian.

“Quit speaking Italian!” he screamed, “You know I can’t speak a word of that language!” Aari laughed. “She just called you a repulsive, cowardly idiot,” said Aari. “How do you know what I said?” she asked, “You must be Uncle Major.” “I am not the man you seem to be infatuated with,” said Aari, “but I can speak 8 languages fluently, including Italian, Ms. Mariani.” “How do you know my name?” she asked politely, “No one here knows my real name, until now.” “Because I believe in doing my homework before I confront people,” he responded, “I know the name and occupation of everyone at this table.”

That produced a variety of reactions, including shock, horror and disbelief. So Aari went around the table naming everyone. Then he turned his attention to Norman once more and told him to stand up, however, he continued to sit with his arms folded. So Aari picked him up and punched him in the stomach 3 times, then hit his cheek knocking him down over his chair and onto the floor groaning. “You beat Harley to death!” said Aari firmly, “Just a young woman, unable to protect herself and you enjoyed beating her.” “Not just me,” said Norman weakly, “her father beat her too, we took turns, we couldn’t let her tell what she found out.”

“Everyone will find out now if I decide to tell what I know,” responded Aari, “unless you wish to pay for my silence.” “How much?” asked the banker. Aari just laughed. “Ten million euros,” he said, “in cash, you know where to find me. Now, I will say good bye for the time being, but I will not be leaving.” They then left and the group stayed behind to talk about the evening’s happenings. Their meeting room was the only room not destroyed, everything else was beyond repair as they looked around later. “We will have to start all over,” said the Mayor.

“What for?” asked the banker, “they will just destroy it again just like he said.” “Well, we could call the police to deal with them,” said Norman. “That would be perfect,” said Deborah sarcastically, “then those Investigators will let the police know all about us and we will end up in prison. And you will be up for murder dear Norman and that will put you in prison for a long time.” “What do you suggest Deborah?” asked Alodie. “I’m not sure yet,” she replied, “paying the Black Wolves for their silence is only half the problem. The other half are those Investigators.

What the Black Wolves know, they also know. Unfortunately they are law abiding citizens and that makes it hard to buy their silence. But their organization is too large to kill them all. I will need to think about this for a while. We can relax for a while anyway, I don’t think Steve will do anything just yet.” Sky was still with these people, watching and listening. She only left when they did, coming directly back to the chateau with everything she heard. “Well, this Deborah could end up being troublesome,” I said, “she knows Aari and she will keep at him until he is exposed.” “Yes, that is certainly not good news,” said Jennifer.

Suddenly Misty was standing in front of me, with her hands behind her back this time. “Misty and her Sneakers reporting for duty, my all time favorite Leader,” she said, “who is so brave, wonderful, insightful, wise…” “Misty,” said Jennifer. “Yes Leader Jennifer,” she replied, “the Leader that I look up to for courage, resourcefulness…” “Stop!” exclaimed Jennifer, “There is no need for the long list of praise for Steve and I. Though we appreciate it, others might not understand.” “Oh, right, I get it,” said Misty, “people might get jealous.” Jennifer sighed.

“Something like that,” she said. I then grabbed Misty’s arm and pulled her onto my lap and hugged her. “Thank you for all those words of encouragement,” I said. “Aww, you’re welcome Steve,” she said. Jennifer sighed loud and long. “Go get your team ready to leave right after breakfast,” I said, “make sure your backpacks are full.” “On it right away Steve,” she said. “Misty, wait until morning, they’re probably sleeping,” I said, “and they will need a good night’s sleep for this job, and that means you too, get to bed.” “On it Steve,” she said and started down the stairs.

Jennifer pushed that little stone and we heard Misty scream all the way to the bottom. “Steffie is a wonderful little girl,” said a satisfied Jennifer. I then grabbed her arm, but she was quick and threw me onto the bed and the tickle fight began. I lost again. She said if I won then she would let me go on the case. Sigh. In the morning before breakfast I told Jennifer that Sky and her Bad Girls should go visit with Harley’s parents. “That’s a good idea,” said Jennifer, “those Bad Girls would love to get involved in this one.” “Right, so we’ll leave right after breakfast,” I said.

“Hold it!” said Jennifer, “You are not going anywhere! Remember, you lost that tickle fight and that means you stay home. I’ll go along instead.” “Wait, you can’t leave me alone with no ghost protection,” I said. “Friskie is here and I’ll leave Angel behind too,” she said, “so that way you’ll be well protected. And if anything happens to you, then I will tear them into little pieces so it will take them months to put themselves back together again.” She then smiled and down we went for breakfast. Sigh. But will Friskie and Angel be enough to keep me safe?

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.