“That is the whole police report?” I asked Annelie. “Yep, that is all of it,” she said, “and there was no autopsy, therefore, no report there either.” “This is crazy,” I said, “there is nothing here, it should never have been accepted.” “True enough,” said Annelie, “so someone higher up in the police force there is on the Carnival payroll. And this Carnival Alvares is a smaller time drug dealer trying to make a big name for himself and take over a large chunk of the drug trade in Canada, plus trying to move into Mexico as well.

He might be a dangerous man since he is working his way up.” “Hmm, I think it might be time to check with our mystery man for more information before we get started on this one,” I said, “we want to know what we are up against, and he just might know something about Alvares. Also I want to talk with Rossana, she knows the police chief in Toronto quite well.” “Hi Steve,” said Rossana, “what is going on these days?”

I filled her in on our new case here and asked her about the police chief in Toronto. “He is a good man Steve,” she said, “I will contact him and tell him about you and what you are planning. Then I will get back with you.” “Thanks Rossana,” I said, “but make sure he does not share anything with anyone out there. Hard to know who can be trusted, but we will find out for him.” Next I contacted our mystery man and told him what was going on and asked if he knew about Carnival Alvares.

He said he knew him and would get back to me this evening after he checks on a couple of things. “I am not so sure I should be involving you and your team after hearing these things,” said Kathee, “maybe we should forget it, and…I will just go…back.” “Back to where?” I asked her, “your home was destroyed, where will you live?” “I, I am…not really sure…what I will do Steve,” she said slowly, putting her head down and continuing, “I am ashamed to admit…I have nothing left except a plane ticket back to Toronto.

No…job, no money, nothing, not even clothes…except what I am wearing, and I have been wearing this outfit, well, far too long.” “Why did you not say something earlier?” said Sky, “come with me, between us girls I am sure we can find you lots of clothes for now.” Sky took her away so she could shower and get changed. When the girls heard, they quickly figured out who was the same size as Kathee, and that would be Macey, Astrid, Tracy and Ashley.

All the girls here have more clothes than they know what to do with, so sharing some was easy. Our mystery man called back later that evening. “I want you to know that Carnival, or Alberto which is his real name, is a dangerous man. He is trying to make it big for himself quickly, that means he does not mind killing anyone who gets in his way. But he likely hired someone to kill that couple you mentioned, that way the cops can never pin anything on him.

You need to go in as another gang, not as PI’s, Steve. It will be easier for you to deal with him and his men. Victor wants to send you 3 of his men, they know Carnival, they also know how to act in something like this. Listen to them Steve, they will help you, just like John, Tracy and Macey. They know how things are run. Do not show any fear to Carnival, be tough, you do the pushing. These men will listen to you as well, so no need to worry there.

You know 2 of them, Frank and Ralph, the other is a man named Carver. He is tough, he does not talk much but does not need to. He should be your bodyguard. Carnival and his men will know these 3, especially Carver. That will let them know you are backed by Victor and that should keep you alive. But do not think it will be easy to take him down.”

“I am not really trying to take him down right now,” I said, “but perhaps put him in prison, even for a short time. But I especially want those cops who work for him and get them in prison. That might slow him down for a bit too.” “Good thinking,” he said, “but the cops might be after you too.” “Yes, but I have that under control already,” I said, “we might be in jail overnight, but that is all.”

“Good, that will give you some legitimacy too,” he said chuckling. “Thanks mystery man, for your help,” I said. He chuckled again, “I like that.” His men arrived the next morning and we spent the day going over things. The next day we were on the jet headed to Toronto, Canada…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.