I called Sky to let her know the right bodies would soon be arriving, Marlene and Kristina would be with them. I also said that only the doctor that is doing the autopsy, Saranna and Marlene are allowed in that room. Rock is to stand at the door, outside, and not to let anyone else in there, not even police officers. None have permission to be in the room, any others that say they do are not real officers, so Rock can keep them out, no matter what.

I told her that she, Ashley and Kristina need to stay with Kathee at all times. “Okay Steve, got it,” she said, “how did it go at the cemetery?” “Interesting,” I said, “Carnival knows we are in town and that we have the backing of Victor. I also made it plain I would be looking for the murderers of my friends. So hopefully Carnival will be angry, and also a bit nervous, now.” “I hope you did not overplay your part,” she said, “you do not want him too angry.”

“Carver said I did things just right,” I said, “so that says a lot.” “Good, he should know,” she said, “I am glad you have those guys with you, I feel a bit better knowing they are watching out for you.” “Me too actually,” I said, “let me talk with Kathee for a moment.” “Hi Steve, glad things went well on your end, and that you found my folks,” said Kathee, “how can I help?” “Have you thought of anything that might help us with our search of your dad’s office?” I asked.

“Not really, dad just never talked about anything concerning that Carnival guy,” she said, “however, with all that was going on, I completely forgot to tell you that his most important papers are safe, Carnival never found them I am sure. There are false bottoms inside each casket, that is where I put them. That includes any mention of you when you started your PI business and the pics he had of you.”

“Perfect!” I said, “but we will need to get down there ourselves and check those caskets quickly before heading to the office.” We did manage to get there quickly and went in the back door, after MC unlocked it for us. Strange they do not have an alarm for that. “I would never have believed a cat could do that,” said Carver. We found the room with the caskets and took out the sealed boxes.

“Kathee told the funeral home that her parents wanted to be buried with some of their favorite items,” I said. Carver actually chuckled at that one. I was beginning to wonder if he had anything but a serious side. Off we went heading to the office next. “Do all those cats pick locks?” asked Carver. “No, just MC, but each cat has something different they are good at,” I said, “Muffin is good at picking pockets.” Just then she reached behind me and pulled out a wallet and gives it to Frank.

“What?” he said, “how did she get my wallet?” That got Carver laughing, Ralph too. Until Muffin gave Ralph his wallet. Then Frank had a chance to laugh. When we got to the office it was quite plain to see that Carnival had his boys search the place. “I am glad that Kathee removed all the most important papers,” I said, “however, time to see if they found the secret spot.” I asked John and Ralph to move the desk, but they were unable to budge it.

“Okay Storm, MC, it is up to you,” I said. They went over, leaned against it and pushed…and it moved easily. “Okay Steve,” said John, “how did you arrange that one?” “That light switch,” I said, “turn it left, then right, then back to position. It releases a mechanism under the desk allowing it to be moved easily, along a certain track, which does not show, since it is under the floor.” “Cool,” said Carver.

Only when the desk is moved does it allow a secret compartment to open, which I did. It had some other papers in it, and pictures, some very interesting pictures. We took everything and left quickly. “They came here alright,” said the man, “and they came out with a box and a briefcase. There was no such box or briefcase in there when we searched the place.”

“Obviously there was, you idiot, or they would not have found it,” said Carnival. “How did they know there was something in there,” said Carnival to another man at his office, “and how did they know where to look?” “Must have been the lawyer’s daughter that filled them in,” said the man. “Hey, I got an idea Carnival,” said another man, “why not just call Victor and ask him what this guy is up to?”

“Do you think I am stupid?” he yelled, “you do not ‘just call Victor’ and ask him anything. Hmm, but maybe I could call the Major. Get me his phone number.” The man did so. “Hi Major,” said Carnival, “I hope I am not catching you at a bad time.” “Any time you call, Alberto, is a bad time,” said the Major, “what do you want?”

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.