“Mandi and Tuva are certainly taking a long time,” I said, “give Tuva a call Kristina.” She did so but there was no answer. That got me worried. Shortly after the police showed up with Mandi, who had some bruises and scratches. “Tuva is in the hospital,” she said quietly. The police officer said that Mandi was driving too fast and did not make it around a curve in the road. Tuva was apparently hurt seriously. I was on the phone immediately to Baldwin.

I told him that they sent Tuva to a hospital 4 hours away and to get her out quickly as someone had tried to kill her. “I will get her out today,” he said firmly. “It was an accident,” said the police officer. “Are you the one who was on the case here with David’s death?” I asked. “Naturally, there are only two of us in this town,” he said almost angrily. “Then it was no accident with Tuva,” I said, “someone tried to kill her and Mandi and I will find out who it is.” “Do not get involved with police investigations,” he said sternly, “or you will find yourself arrested.”

“I will do what I want,” I said firmly, “Tuva is part of my investigative team, and you cannot stop me from investigating this crime, and the other crimes. Someone killed David, the coroner and the witness to the coroner’s death. I will find out who, and you just might find yourself in jail for filing false reports on these murders.” “I am telling you to stay off these cases,” he said angrily, “or I definitely will arrest you and your friends.” Then he stormed out of the castle and drove away quickly.

I hope Baldwin can get to Tuva before someone else does. “You are going to get in big trouble talking like that,” said Mandi, “he will arrest you.” “Did you crash, or were you forced off the road?” I asked, “and I want a straight answer. One of my team is seriously hurt and might yet get killed if we cannot get to her first.” She looked down. “Yes, someone did force me off the road, right at the same curve as the coroner,” she said nervously, “they tried to kill us! I still do not know how I escaped with only bruises and scratches. Poor Tuva, she looked awful. That car, it came up so fast and hit the side of my car and I lost control.”

She started crying. Something is not right. She seems to be telling the truth, even Muffin thinks so too. Yet she has been lying to us as well, but why? This is not just her family behind all this, it is bigger than that. I call Baldwin back and ask him to send Galyna, Angel, Storm and MC. They are leaving right away and will arrive later tonight. I told Mandi they would be coming, and she seemed quite happy about that and went to get a room ready for them.

Sky went along for protection, but mostly to keep an eye on her. After dinner I asked Mandi why she lied about not knowing where the hidden passageways are located. I also told her I had her fingerprints to prove she had been down in that hidden room with Alonzo. She frowned. “I have never been in any hidden room or passageway,” she said, “honestly, I have not. And I have not seen Alonzo since before David died, he did not even come to the funeral.”

“Alonzo said he comes to town every week on business and stops in to check on you,” said Sigurbjorn. Mandi frowned again. “I have no idea what business that would be,” she said, “Alonzo has not worked for 2 or 3 years now, his wife supports them. He is too lazy, just sits with his laptop all day long, or hangs out with our oldest sister.” Hmm, this is getting more interesting all the time. I contacted Antonio, who works with Rossana, and asked whether or not I could work on these cases since they were all tied to David’s death.

He told me I could go ahead with it since the cases are officially closed, but to be careful. Baldwin got Tuva out, though he had to apply some pressure on the hospital authorities. He also brought along a doctor from his organization to check on Tuva to make sure she could be moved without problems. Now she is in our clinic and that doctor is staying to look after Tuva. At least she is in good hands now, so that is a relief.

Mandi went to bed early after Sigurbjorn gave her a massage and talked to her some more. “I really think she is telling the truth Steve,” said Sigurbjorn, “unless she is extremely good at lying.” Meow,meow.=Me think she tell truth too, but she seem scared. Meanwhile… “What are you trying to do, you idiot,” someone said, “I did not say to kill that PI, just get rid of them. Now, leave them alone Alonzo, or you will be next.”

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.