The Investigators, Inc. The Mystery of Balding House. Chapter 8. Home.

Well, now we know that they hid listening devices in the old house, obviously in the living room since they didn’t go anywhere else. We hid some in the offices of Henderson Collectors Company, in Chuck’s office and in the main office where people first come inside. Now we know that they will be trying to get their hands on Roxie first because then Jenna will do whatever they want from her. Now, we must protect Roxie first of all and hopefully this news will help to persuade Jenna that it’s in their best interest to come here for protection.

Of course, the best way to put a stop to this whole thing is to find whatever it is these people want, and let them know we have it. That likely wouldn’t stop them from going after Jenna and Roxie though. We need them back here. We could just put them to sleep and bring them back, but that might backfire on us, it is necessary for Jenna to see the need to come here on her own. We will soon find out if that will be possible. Jennifer had let Jenna listen to the conversation of Chuck and the crooked cop so she could see the danger Roxie was in.

At first Jenna was angry that these people would hurt a 5 year old girl to get what they wanted. She was also scared for Roxie because Jenna didn’t know anything about what they wanted. Actually, she must know but for some reason she has forgotten or has deliberately shut it out of her memory for some reason. We need her to remember. Galyna has begun to work with her to see if she really knows something and just repressed the memory, or perhaps she really doesn’t know that she knows.

It could be something cryptic which to her means nothing right now but perhaps something will bring it to her remembrance at some point when something special happens. Like perhaps Roxie’s birthday, or her own birthday, though not just any birthday but a specific milestone of some kind. This is what Galyna thinks it might be anyway. I guess we shall find out, or not, eventually. “I guess it would be best for Roxie and I to go with you back to wherever you live,” said Jenna, “I hate to leave this old house, it holds so many memories of my parents and I when I was growing up. But Roxie’s life is more important than anything else right now and I need to be with her.”

“Good thinking,” said Jennifer, “we will still continue to work on this case and try to find out what these people want from you. Then hopefully we can find that item before they do. Most likely it is inheritance from your parents. Please try to think of what it might be, even once you are back home with us. We can take you both tonight which would be ideal, before these people try to get at Roxie.” “Can we get a plane that quickly?” asked Jenna, “I know you live…”

Jennifer interrupted her at that point saying it was best not to mention anything specific. Jenna understood that but was still a bit perplexed at how they would get here overnight. “Just trust us,” said Jennifer, “I will come along with you as well.” She then communicated with me that they would be coming back right away. “What is that?” asked Jenna as Jennifer was about to touch her neck with her ring. “This will keep you from getting sick on the journey,” said Jennifer, “our mode of transportation can upset your stomach if you’re not used to it.”

Soon they were in our library and since Roxie was already asleep, Jennifer didn’t have to use our drug on her. It was late, so we just took them to their room and told Jenna they can sleep as late as they want. Jenna wanted to know about breakfast so I gave her two times since we eat in two shifts. There are too many of us now to eat all at the same time. Sky brought Galyna back home too since she needs to be here to help with Jenna. The next morning Jenna and Roxie were up early and ready to join the first group of diners.

“YAY, ‘nother girl my age to play with!” said Steffie and she introduced herself to Roxie. The two of them sat beside each other and talked nonstop, then once they finished their pancakes off they went to see all the cats, at least the ones that were still at home. “I still don’t understand how you got us here so fast,” said Jenna. “Well, we do have our own jets, two of them in fact,” I said, “so we can get to where we are going much faster. No waiting for commercial airlines.” “But we left home at 6pm and arrived here at midnight,” she said, “I know it would take longer than that to fly such a distance.”

“Well, that has to remain a secret for now,” I told her, “but please trust us, we really do want to help you and Roxie by keeping you alive and helping to find whatever it is those people want.” “I do trust you, completely,” she said, “and thank you for helping us, I really don’t know how I’m going to pay you though. I don’t have money unless I sell my house and I’m beginning to think that might be the best thing to do. Then Roxie and I can start over somewhere else.” “This is a wonderful area to live,” said Jennifer, “and we could always use the extra help around here.”

“I’m not sure I could help as a private investigator,” she said, “but I’m good at cleaning and I love to cook.” That was all that Nadia needed to hear. “You hire her now,” said Nadia, “I need some good help with the cooking. Some of these other girls, no good for cooking at all, and if Misty or Cristy come back in my kitchen I will quit!” We all laughed at that one. Those twins are definitely not cooks. As we were sitting in the library later Steffie and Roxie came running in to see us. “Daddy, look, Roxie have Jenna’s heart!” she said excitedly, “and it have letters on it!”

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.