While we were eating dinner, Kitty was over at another table, invisible, listening to the conversation of the people eating at that table. They looked interesting which is why I sent Kitty over there. Perhaps they are local business people, or perhaps a group of criminal type business people. They may even be connected to the kidnapping of our girls, although that would seem to be a rather big coincidence if that were truly the case. It would be nice, though, to get a lead quickly on a case for a change.

I had asked Mandar about his thoughts and one thing he seemed sure about was simply that this is not a trap for me. After all, there are simpler ways to set a trap and kidnapping our girls would definitely bring a large response from us, something the kidnappers wouldn’t want. Meanwhile, back to that table. “A good job in getting Bruno and Paola,” said Fernando, “but why kidnap all those women too? Someone is bound to come looking for them and that might bring unwanted attention to our, um, business community.”

“They are all beautiful women,” said the one woman, “they could bring us a lot of money for a while. Then we get rid of them. And if anyone comes looking for them too soon, we get rid of them sooner so we can’t be traced. Very simple.” “I think Fernando is right though,” said Luiza, “we don’t need attention right now with something big coming up.” “My dear Luiza,” said the woman, “I will take care of anyone that comes along, so don’t worry.” “I like to worry,” said Gilberto, “it makes me happy.” “That I can believe,” said the woman. They all laughed at that.

Unfortunately throughout the conversation, no one mentioned the name of that one woman who seemed to be the leader of the group, nor did they mention why they wanted the parents of the bride, nor what this “big something” coming up was all about. “That’s a large group of women over there,” said Luiza, “I wonder if they are looking for the missing women?” “Hmm, more beauties for my “family”, said the woman. “Please, no more right now,” said Fernando, “we have more important matters to deal with at the moment.” “Yes, I guess you are right,” she answered, “but be careful what you say to me or I might forget that I like you. The cemetery isn’t full yet Fernando.” He smiled at her.

“Very true,” he said, “but for now you need me still, and I am very loyal.” “Yes, that you are, both,” she said, returning his smile. Finally Kitty came back to our table as the group was getting ready to leave. She gave us her report though it was unfortunate she didn’t get the name of the woman. “Perhaps we should stop her,” said Sky. “No, not this time,” I said, “it might bring the police which we don’t want just yet.” The waitress showed up right then and she didn’t look very happy now whereas before she was very happy and pleasant.

“Something wrong?” I asked. “Oh, not with you or your group sir,” she said, “it’s that woman, but my boss told me I can’t talk to you about her, so please don’t tell him I said anything.” “Don’t worry about that,” I said, “but could you tell me her name?” “I’m not supposed to say anything sir,” she said again, “so please don’t ask me to tell you that her name is Zara.” She had tears on her cheeks now. “Why the tears?” asked Friskie, “did that woman hurt you?” “Yes, in a way,” she replied, “because of her my best friend is now dead.”

Right at that moment her boss came over and said that she was fired. “Take off that dress and get out of here now!” he demanded. So she took it off, put it on his head and went to the back, coming out with her purse and heading for the door. I told Sky to stop her, so off she went. “My boss would like to speak with you,” said Sky. “My former boss would not let me back in dressed like this,” she said through tears. “You come with me and I will fix that,” said Sky smiling. She took the waitress up to one of our rooms and got her some clothes from one of the other girls who was the same size.

Then they came back to our table and I had a chair waiting for her next to me. However, the manager came over and told her to leave. “She works for me now,” I said, “so she stays here.” The manager said nothing more, he just left in a hurry. “I don’t recall accepting a job sir,” she said. “First, no one calls me sir, my name is Steve McCann,” I said, “and please don’t get the wrong impression of me, I own a perfectly legitimate business in France. The job offer is real if you will give me some information about that woman Zara. Plus, we will protect you from her as well.”

“Thanks for the offer,” she said, “but my life is already in danger just because I’m talking with you. Mr. Alves has likely called Zara already, like he did with my best friend.” “Don’t worry, we will protect you from Zara and anyone else,” I said, “please help us. Zara has kidnapped some of our friends and we want to try and get them back, hopefully alive. I don’t understand why they were even kidnapped. Do you know Bruno and Paola Lopes?”

“They are just as bad as Zara,” she replied, “um, can we talk somewhere else. Zara has people everywhere.” So, we went back to our room to talk. “Has anyone been in our room Storm?” I asked. Meowr.= “No one come in, room still safe.” “Hey, that’s cool,” said Kiffany, the waitress, “it was just like he answered you.” “He did answer,” I said, “if he had jumped around excitedly, then I would know someone had come in while we were gone.”

Meowr?= “What you think I am, puppy dog? Cats not jump around excitedly like that, we jump like cats, more like bouncing jump.” “Oh, sorry Storm,” I said, “I will try to remember that.” Meowy!= “Shouldn’t not scold human Steve in front of guest, not nice to do, mommy Muffin say so.” Meowr.= “Ooops, me forget, sorry Snow.” “Wow, it’s like they are talking to each other,” said Kiffany. Before we began to talk seriously, Friskie nodded to Sky who then disappeared while Kiffany wasn’t watching. Apparently there were two men listening at our door…

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.