Denise had told us the realtor said her chateau was rather run down, therefore not worth much. But so far, what we have seen is a well-cared for chateau that is just beautiful. I am beginning to think this realtor wants to buy the chateau and resell it for a much higher price. Rather unscrupulous way to do things. But he probably figured this older lady would be an easy target. And unfortunately, she is believing this guy.

We will need to have a talk with her about that before she does something terrible, like selling cheaply to this guy. Well, after 3 hours we are finally on the second floor of this beautiful chateau. “I really do not like the idea of this woman living here alone Steve,” said Sky, “especially with that character trying to take advantage of her.” “I agree,” I said, “perhaps we need to come up with some excuse to stay here while we are on the case.”

“That is a great idea,” said Sky, “what did you have in mind?” “And here I thought you had something in mind,” I said with a sigh. Sky just giggled. Benson and Carine came along to give us their report. “Someone did try to get in that one window,” said Benson, “but he obviously did not succeed. That window has not been opened in a long time.” “Then someone just made it look like they came in and stole that stuffed dog,” I said, “which means it is likely still in here somewhere, and we need to find it before that realtor does.”

“There must be something important about that stuffed puppy,” said Carine. “Yes,” I replied, “I think that perhaps it contains a map or directions to find some kind of treasure in this chateau. And that could be why that realtor wants to buy this place cheap.” Crystal phoned and said that Denise would like us to stay for dinner. She also said that a messenger had come and left an envelope for me. “Now that is odd,” I said, “no one knows we are here except our team, and they would phone.”

We all came back downstairs and told Denise that we would be happy to stay for dinner. She was overjoyed about that and went off to the kitchen. Galyna and Carine went along to help her. I opened the envelope and inside was a short note which read, “Staying here at the chateau can be very unhealthy.” It was just signed with an M. “Hmm, I think that must be our Max Barbeau,” I said, “this would be the excuse we need to stay the night,” I said to Sky.

Denise came out at that moment and mentioned something that had her a bit worried. “I was going to phone my friend and discovered the phone was dead,” she said, “that has never happened before that I can remember. I wonder if you would consider staying the night with me?” “We would be happy to do that,” I said, “do you mind if I call a couple others from our team to join us? They could also bring some things we would need as well.”

“Oh my, yes, that would be wonderful!” she exclaimed, “there is certainly more than enough room here for everyone.” Then she went back to the kitchen. I called Annelie and told her to send Tracy and Sephira over to stay with us and to bring things we will need for spending a few nights here. “I checked on that real estate company, no problems there, they are well respected,” she began, “but, there is no Max Barbeau working for them.

However, I checked around a bit and Denise’s husband had a friend year’s ago that was sent to prison for a jewel theft and murder 30 years ago. The jewels were never recovered, except a couple and the police figure he had an accomplice, but never found anyone. The name of that friend was Mack Carver and he has been out of prison for 4 months now, just a couple of days before Denise’s husband was killed in that accident. By the way, he was shot.” “How is that an accident?” I asked.

“Big Ben was having coffee with Mack at an outdoor cafe and witnesses said they were arguing about something,” she said, “Ben got up to leave and a car drove by, and someone shot out the window, killing Ben. The police figured someone was trying to kill Mack Carver and Ben just got in the way.” “Hmm, now that is interesting,” I said, “I got a note today informing me to stay away from the chateau and it was signed ‘M’, quite possibly this Mack Carver.”

“That is not good Steve,” she said, “all of you need to be careful. It is possible those stolen gems are in that chateau somewhere. I think Rock should join you too.” “No, that would spoil your vacation plans Annelie,” I said, “there are enough of us to handle any danger that comes along.” “Sleep with your eyes open,” she said, and hung up. Tracy and Sephira arrived shortly and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.