“Something was wrong with Mandi,” said Galyna, “when we went downstairs to help her with dinner after our meeting, she was quite upset, almost angry about something. But she said that nothing was wrong, it was just the stress of all that has been going on lately.” “That could be it,” I suppose. Galyna said she did not think it was stress, it was something that just happened, but she did not know what that could be.

“Hmm, could Alonzo have come to the door while we had our meeting?” I asked, “or at least someone may have come. But hopefully she did not say anything.” “That would be bad if she did tell Alonzo something,” said Sky, “if she mentioned what we found today, that could be rough for John and Cindy.” “Yes, that is very true,” I said, “I never should have left her alone. I wonder if John has heard from Victor yet.” I decided to call John and find out.

“No, nothing yet Steve,” he said, “that is not a good sign.” “Just be careful John,” I told him, “Mandi may have warned Alonzo about what we found today, and he might try to see the Major earlier than expected.” “I do not think so,” said John, “the Major likes sticking with his appointments. He does not like sudden changes, it makes him worry that something might be wrong. We should just stay with our original plan. I will try to see the Major, if he says no, we will walk away, quickly. I will probably leave Cindy in the car though, just in case she has to leave in a hurry.”

“No way,” said Cindy, “I am in this with you, and I am staying part of this.” “Good girl,” I said, “but remember, listen to John, more than ever now.” “Yes, I will do that,” she said. “I will clue her in on some other things first,” said John, “since this will be a bit different, and more dangerous without Victor saying it is okay.” “Just do not take chances John,” I reminded him, “it is not worth getting yourselves killed for Alonzo.”

“Right, I agree with that,” he said. “I think I will need a longer massage tonight Sigurbjorn,” I told her, “I am getting a bit tense right now.” “Just relax dad,” she said, almost laughing. “Very funny,” I said. Sky was laughing out loud now. I cannot help it, I am responsible for my team, even though they volunteer, I still feel responsible. Sigh. “AAAAAAAAA!!” I yelled, “Muffin, why did you bite my foot?” Meow,meow.=Now you think about sore foot, not think about worry.

All three cats started to giggle. Sigh. “How did they learn to giggle?” asked Sky. “I do not want to know,” I said, “it just might make sense.” That got everyone laughing again. Sigh. One of these days someone will be on my side. I hope. “Do you still have Mandi’s phones and laptop?” I asked Galyna. “Yes, I do,” she answered. “Good, then she can be left alone tonight,” I said, “I would rather we have a trap set for Alonzo in the hidden rooms below.

If she told Alonzo anything, then there would be nothing else to tell him anyway. But put an alarm on her door, and have the cats check her room again for any hidden doors.” “Right, we will do that now while Mandi is still downstairs with the other girls,” said Galyna. So her, Sky and the cats went to Mandi’s room and checked around but found no hidden doors.

Galyna will put an alarm on her door later once she has gone to bed. We will let her know it is just for her protection. When I told her that later, she was perfectly okay with it. I still do not know what to think about her, who is she working with, us or Alonzo. Or perhaps both. We lay in bed talking for a while. Suddenly Sky crawls over and hugs me. “Yes, yes, yes, yes!!” she kept saying.

I am glad that she was happy, otherwise I would think she was trying to kill me. “Nothing to be said,” I explained, “until after this case is over.” “You sure know how to hurt me!” she said smiling. Meow.=Human people always like to make noise when we try to sleep. Meow,meow.=Yep, and this time nearly get squished too. We both laughed. “Okay, we all sleep now,” I said. Friday morning arrives and we head downstairs for breakfast.

“Where is Mandi?” I ask. “I will go wake her up,” said Angel. She came running back. “Steve, come quick!” she exclaimed. We all ran to Mandi’s room. She was in bed, but, had been stabbed to death. But how? “Where are the cats?” asked Sky. “They should be down below, on watch,” I said. We all went to check, and everything was fine down there. There is obviously another hidden door in Mandi’s room that we missed. However, right now that is not important.

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.