The cats did bring me some very interesting information, more than I had hoped for even. I waved to the girls to come out and dry off for a while. “You must have found out something from the cats,” said Sky as she sat beside me. “Yes, something that is going to help us a great deal,” I said, “now we need to get this information to John and Mac too, we will need them tonight.” “I am sure the cats can do that,” said Sky.

“Yes, but just to tell John to talk with one of the girls,” I said, “perhaps Tracy.” “Good, I like to deliver information,” she said. “Oh, you will be doing more than that,” I said, “you will be helping John and Mac tonight also, plus Aasta and Kristina. The rest of you will stay here in case there is any trouble tonight.”

After our little meeting I called Annelie to dig up some information for me about Tamara Cummings, Don Rivers, Bill Waterman and Carrie Wesman. She had found out before that our present manager is not the real manager, just assumed his name. But he is really Bill Waterman, I discovered from the cats. I had sent her a photo of the two cops that came out here and both are ex cons, which makes sense. All these people are part of the gang of thieves.

Then there is the big boss on the mainland whose name is Jim Brandish. Annelie got back to me by afternoon with all the information I needed on these people. Tamara is the head of the gang here on the island, I will meet with her tonight, though she does not know it yet. Carrie works at the hotel and loves the cats talking to them every opportunity she gets.

And she does not mind confiding in them about all the workings of this gang and her secret relationship with Don Rivers who is supposed to be the boyfriend of Tamara. This could get nasty when she finds out what has been going on. Guess I am just a little nasty myself, since I will enjoy telling Tamara about all of this. The time is nearly 2am and that ringing noise has begun, so has the arguing in all the rooms. At precisely 2am I hear the knock at the door across the hall.

That is the room of the older couple. Their door opens and Rob hands the $3,000 to Tamara. “Thank you Rob dear,” she said as the door closed. She turned and was startled to see me, and my gun pointed at her head. “I will take that money,” I said, putting my fingers on it, “do not be foolish enough to say no please. I prefer to be nice, but I will use this gun if necessary. With this silencer and all the noise, it will not be heard.”

“Fine,” she said, allowing me to take it, “but perhaps we can share it.” “Why, when I have it all now,” I said, “thank you for cooperating Tamara.” “How did you know my name?” she asked. “Well, you should never give important information to a minor player in your, uh, group,” I said, “Carrie was a wealth of information, though not just her, Bill Waterman also gave up information to one of my, um, friends.” “Yes,” said Sky, “men can be suckers for a beautiful girl.”

“Hmm, those girls with you,” said Tamara, “part of your group I take it.” “Yes, we like to think of ourselves as a big family,” I said. “You better be careful,” said Tamara, “getting this tonight better be the only time you interfere, or I know someone who will not like it.” “If you mean Jim Brandish, I am not afraid of him or anyone else. Yes, and that little Carrie and her boyfriend Don, letting him stay in her house instead of that cave where you keep your proceeds.” Tamara was visibly shaken, as well as being angry, at this news.

“I will kill them both if that is true,” she said, “you are too well informed. I hope you will keep to yourselves while staying here.” “That depends on the prize available,” I said, “I have been in the business for quite some time now and always look for new opportunities. I do like your setup here though, very well done I must say.” “Thank you,” she said, “maybe I will be looking for new partners soon. By the way, why does my noise not affect you and your wife?”

“Oh, that is a trade secret,” I said, “as for the other, you know where to find me, I am always willing to talk.” “Does that mean I may go now?” she asked. “Of course,” I said. Off she went in a hurry and the noise stopped soon after. “I wonder if she will actually kill them,” said Sky. “Well, if jealousy will not do it, then losing their cave proceeds should be enough,” I replied, “I suppose it is a terrible way to do things, but these people need to be stopped.”

“And at least 2 of that gang have killed people,” said Sky, “so that makes them all guilty.” “Yes, I just hope we are not moving ahead too fast,” I said. I started getting a headache again, quite bad this time too. Crystal came over to massage me. Galyna and Bridgette came over too so they could hear all the news…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.