Rock and the team went back home after the first week of looking. They were exhausted, looking for usually 16 hours a day, barely eating and sleeping. Benson and Carine closed their hotel for a while so they could come back and help too. Clarence stayed on to help. Victor’s men had to return home, but Victor still had people looking for Carnival all around the world. He had much influence and other organizations were very willing to help him out with this.

But, so far, not a word about where Carnival had gone. It was like he just completely vanished. The day after returning home Baldwin called for a meeting. Mandar was there with 4 of his best men who wanted to help the team look for us. Baldwin also had chosen out 4 of his best men. What was surprising to Rock and the others, the Major was at the meeting too, along with Ralph, Tony and Carver.

Carver was a freelancer and did not actually work for Victor except on a contract basis, so he just laid aside any work for a while so he could help. The others took time off from work, which Victor allowed them to do since he still wanted to help out. The team also has one new member, Kathee, even though she has not yet had time to pass the tests, she was still voted in.

And there was one almost new member, Aasta Landvik, the new name and identity given to Macey for her protection. “Like my new name daddy?” she asked Major. She whispered in his ear the meaning of her name. “Steve picked it out for me before he was kidnapped,” she added. “I think it fits my girl just perfectly,” he said. She smiled, “I like it very much. I just hope I get the chance to thank Steve.”

“That is something you all need to deal with,” said the Major, “none of this “giving up” thinking. We need to go into this with the right attitude, because that will affect how we do our jobs. Plus, you need to stop overworking yourselves like you have been doing. That will just wear you down and could make you sick or ineffective in your job. We will have to make up a schedule, there are enough of us that we can work around the clock, without wearing out.

Though that time period between 2am and 9am is not so important.” “Yeah,” said Carver, “that is the time when not much happens in our business. It is not completely dead in some things, but mostly not much happening, so kind of a waste of time really.” “Right,” agreed Major, “we need to concentrate our efforts on the times that will be most beneficial for results.”

“Perhaps start putting some pressure on the smaller gangs that the bigger organizations like Carnival use a lot,” said Carine, “that is the way it was for our gang in Paris.” “Very true,” said the Major, “I never knew you were part of a gang.” “Several of us were members of gangs,” said Annelie, “like Galyna, Tracy and myself.” “By the way Rock,” added the Major, “you are in charge, we obey your orders, we just want to add suggestions now and then to help since we know how these people work.”

“That is fine with me Major,” said Rock, “I do not mind suggestions at all, especially since I do not know anything about how gangs or larger organizations work. I think we will get along very well.” “And do not worry about our expenses,” said Major, “we can pay our own way.” “Expenses are mine to take care of,” said Baldwin, “that is my part of this case, I cannot do anything else.”

“That is our part,” said Mandar, “you and I will split the cost of this endeavor.” “Very well Mandar,” he said, “nice to have you on board with this one.” “Hey, do not forget, those 3 ladies are my daughters,” he reminded everyone, “I must admit, I am quite surprised you men are coming to our aide in this case.” He was referring to Major and his friends. “You forget that Steve, Kristina and Angel nearly died looking for my daughter,” said the Major, “I consider this a small way to help compared with what they did for me.”

Meanwhile… We had completely surveyed our surroundings within 4 hours walk in every direction. There was not a sign of any old trail into this cabin, but we did discover some things. There was an old barn that had burned down a long time ago, so it was hard to see at first. We also found 3 graves, so there must have been at least four men living here.

We also found an old saw, axe head, some files and chisels, 2 old pick heads, just a bit of wire and a few other miscellaneous things. I also discovered a hidden spot under the floor that contained some gold, a journal of their daily lives and an old colt .45 with shells. If the fourth man left here after the death of his companions, why did he leave this journal, and the gold? Or did he die too? On day 12, while out looking around, we discovered their mine…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.