While we were just finishing our reception, one of the guards came to me and called me aside. “Some guy is here to see you,” he said, “he calls himself Major, and said it was very important.” “Okay, bring him to the chateau,” I said, “but only he is allowed inside, and let him know I will be alone too, except my wife might be with me.” I went and told Sky and she did insist on coming with me. I also let Baldwin, Mandar and Rock know who was here.

It must be important for the Major to come all the way here, exposing himself to danger like that. The guard soon escorted the Major into the library and then left. “Sorry for the precaution,” I said to him, “but we have had too much trouble lately, so we are changing the way we do things.” “I understand that Steve,” he said, “I do the same thing when people come to see me.” “Well, I am guessing this must be very important for you to make the trip over here,” I said, “so, let me know what it is.”

“First, I want you to know that you can refuse this case,” he began, “and there will be no hard feelings. I heard this was your wedding day and I am sure you have your honeymoon planned already.” He stopped for a moment. “This is important,” he said, “I know you do not agree with my “business”, but this is different, yet connected. My wife and daughter are not involved in the “business”, but my two sons are. My wife did not want our daughter to get involved, and neither did I.

She also wants to stay clean and just live a normal life. However, while my wife and daughter were on a bit of a holiday, my daughter was kidnapped. The kidnappers have given me 4 days to give them $10,000,000 or they will kill her. I am supposed to pay first, then they will let her go. I am sure you know what that means.” “Yes, if they let her go, she will be sent back dead,” I replied, “or they just might keep her for other things.”

“That is right,” he admitted, “I know that I will never see her again following their rules, and I cannot go after them, because they know me. I also do not trust very many people. But I do trust you and your team. Please, help me out with this, I do love my daughter and I want her back. Something else, she will not be safe living with me. I have told her about you and your PI team, she would like to come and join you, if that is possible.

I have told her the dangers involved. She is intelligent, she knows a lot about wilderness survival, she can dismantle bombs quickly, she can already use a wide variety of weapons. I know she has to pass tests that you have, I just ask that you consider it. But right now, I just want her safely back. Here is her picture, she is young, only 20.” “She is very beautiful,” said Sky, and she looked at me.

I could see the tears in her eyes, she wants to help get this woman back. “I have to bring it before the team for a vote,” I said, “that is how we do things, but we want to help, so I will try to push for a yes vote. You are welcome to stay in here while we go present this to the team.” He agreed and out we went and gathered everyone together to tell them about the case. “Are you sure about this?” asked Baldwin, “this could involve all of you in some nasty business, and you are supposed to be going on your honeymoon tomorrow.”

“We can have our honeymoon after this case,” said Sky, “it is only four days, if we cannot find her in that time he will have to pay and hope to get her back. I say we should accept this case.” Meow,meow.=Me say yes too, human Macey in big trouble, not her fault. Meow.=Yep, me say so too. Meowr.=Me also say yes. Tandi, Mandars’ cat whispered in his ear. Meowy.=They bravest cats ever see.

“I agree my little princess,” said Mandar, “I am not a team member so I cannot vote, but if you decide to handle the case I will help out whatever way I can.” We held a vote and it was unanimous, we take the case. I went back inside to tell the Major. “All we need is some expense money for now,” I said, “did your wife have a chance to see the kidnappers?”

“Yes, but that will not help you,” he said with his head down, “the kidnappers sent her home with the letter detailing what to give them. They put the letter in her coffin.” “Oh, I am so sorry Major,” I said, “you did not mention that part.” We talked a bit more, then he left.

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.