Our team was outside trying to blend in with the other tourists. Crystal and Kristina are in swimming right now while Sky, Muffin, MC and I were on chairs along the beach, under nice big umbrellas to keep the sun off of us. We had met with Rock’s team at tea and they asked if we would look after Mr. Cat while they went boating. We agreed in the usual happy way and the cats were now running around having lots of fun. I called the Major while no one was near us.

“Hey Major,” I began, “do you have another man on this case?” “No, why would I do that?” he asked, “that would risk things too much.” “Well, someone from your organization was on our plane and is staying at this same hotel,” I said, “we got hold of his wallet which had your logo on it. He doesn’t know that however.” “Can you send me a photo?” he asked.

“Sure can, just as soon as we get it,” I said. “Good, I want to know who that is,” said Major, “and Victor will want to know as well.” “Oops, got to go, our friend is coming,” I said, and hung up right away. “You would think I could have a vacation without the company calling me about problems,” I said to Sky as our friend walked past. “Well, just do not answer your phone next time,” she said sighing. After he was gone past the cats came running up.

Meow.=Me get pictures of man while Muffin entertain him. “Good for you two,” said Sky smiling. I watched our friend head over to a small boat and leave, heading to our right. Meow,meow.=Man say he go for boat ride to island, go hiking on trails. “Hmm, the island for that is to our left,” I said. “Maybe there are trails on other islands too,” said Sky.

“Not according to the hotel guide,” I said, “he also said that some of the islands are dangerous to visit, like the one that guy was heading to.” I got the photos from MC and sent them to the Major. He called right back. “Watch him Steve,” he said, “he can be mean and dirty, do not let your girls go near him alone, or without guns. He should not be there either, he is supposed to be in Australia.

He could be mixed up in this kidnapping, but he does not know your team, so that part is good. I will be contacting Victor about this too, he will call him back here without saying anything about where he is.” “Sounds good,” I said, “he did give us a clue as to where Macey might be, so we will check on that tomorrow, it is too late today. However, if he is smart, he might be giving us a false lead.”

We hung up just as Kristina and Crystal showed up. “Why don’t you two join us out there, it is just beautiful,” said Crystal. “I will enjoy my vacation by staying dry,” I said. “We could always carry you out and drop you in the water,” said Kristina. “Not today please,” I said, “that rough ride this morning was hard on my back. I better go lie down, but Sky can join you if she wants. I will take the cats with me.”

“I better go with you,” said Sky. “Yeah, we are tired anyway,” said Crystal, “one of those women we met today is a masseuse, you should ask her to massage your back Steve.” “That would be a good idea,” said Sky, “I will ask her when they get back from their hike.” We checked our room thoroughly and found no listening devices, so we relaxed a bit, but we would still be careful what we said. Sigurbjorn showed up after dinner to massage my back.

They had discovered nothing on their hike. There was nowhere along that trail to hide, no buildings or caves. They had talked to some of the locals who said there were no caves on this island, but a couple other islands have them. One island has a large cave system but they said to stay away from it, too easy to get lost in those caves. They said a woman died in there recently. She and her young daughter had gone there to explore and the mother was hit in the head with a rock that fell on her. The young daughter took her home 2 days ago.

That is too much of a coincidence for me. But why would they say her daughter took her home? Did she try to leave and that is when she was kidnapped? Something is not adding up. But it all could have been done to make it look like an accident for the people here. And Macey was then kidnapped, perhaps after getting to the main island, then brought back to one of the islands here. She must be here somewhere, or that mystery man would not be here. Rock and his team finally returned, kind of late…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.