We still had MC with us, so it gave Rock an excuse to come and see us. “You had a long boat ride today” I said to him, “did you go further than you had expected?” “No, actually we did not go as far,” he said, “we decided to stop on one of the islands and walk around for a while. We met a lot of people on the hiking trails there.

We did not see anything interesting though, but some of the people we met had seem some exotic looking birds. Annelie was hoping we would too, but we saw absolutely nothing. We met some locals who said a woman was killed by a falling rock in a cave there just recently, so they told us to stay out. They said it was haunted or something. I do not believe that kind of stuff, but rocks can fall from the ceilings of caves, nothing haunted about that.”

“Yeah, we heard that story too,” I said, “I think it was just a tourist stunt to draw more people to the area.” “I would not doubt that,” said Rock, “thanks for looking after Mr. Cat for us.” “That was easy,” said Sky, “he and Muffin played all afternoon and then fell asleep.” Rock picked up MC and left. He also left a note for me which had some interesting thoughts written on it. I let everyone read it and then I burned it, flushing the ashes down the toilet.

Tomorrow our team will check out that cave. Meanwhile… “I do not like it,” said Mark, “3 groups of people show up, each group has a cat, does that not seem suspicious?” “Not to me,” said Milton, “these days lots of people travel with their pets. There is a 4th couple with a cat too, and a family with a small dog. They sure do not seem like they know each other.”

“Okay, fine,” he replied, “maybe I am just a bit nervous, we should not have given Major so much time, he could have gotten the money faster than that.” “Hey, the Major does not have that kind of money hanging around in cash,” said Milton, “he invests his money, so it takes a little time to get it and then to travel out here to give it to us.” “What if he decides not to pay,” said Gerald, “that is a lot of money to pay for his daughter. We should have kidnapped one of his sons instead, they are more important to the organization.”

“Yeah, then Victor might get involved, and we do not want that,” said Milton, “he would just come with men and guns and we would all be dead.” “Well, that Major guy better show up with the cash,” said Mark, “or his daughter will be fed to the sharks.” “He will pay,” said Milton, “he really does love his daughter, so he will be here. Just remember, she goes back to him after we get the money.

I do not want the Major after us either, that would be just as bad as having Victor after us. Well, I have to get back to Italy, Victor wants me for a special delivery.” “Why now?” asked Gerald, “he has others he could use.” “Yeah, but I know better than to refuse Victor,” said Milton, “if I show up whenever he calls me, it will soon lead to a promotion, and more pay.

And this delivery is going to pay me twice what I normally get as well. I will see you guys when I get back. However, I may not be back in time for the payoff, so make sure you do things the way I said, or Victor finds out about you two, anonymously of course.” Off he went in his boat back to the hotel, then off to the main island. Before he left the hotel, he stopped to talk with the manager who was working at the front desk.

“If those new people start asking questions, remember, you know nothing,” he said, “then call this number and tell the man.” “I will do that,” he said nervously. Milton then gave him some money and left. Kristina and Crystal were in the dining room getting some tea at the time and Muffin was listening to the conversation.

When they came back to the room Muffin told us what had been said. That proves this Milton is involved with the kidnapping, and so is the hotel manager, at least somewhat. I sent a text to everyone telling them about this too. We need to be very careful around any employees of the hotel now…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.