Everyone came running out when they heard the shots! “Spread out and look down there!” I yelled to them, pointing the way. Once they were sure no one else was down there, Baldwin came out. “Good work girls,” he said to Kristina and Angel. “Not us,” said Kristina, “it was Avery that got him.” He came down to thank Avery, then called to Rock and Benson. “Yeah boss?” they both asked at the same time.

“Take my car and follow Avery to the hotel,” he said, “and make sure you check her room to make sure no one is there.” “Sure thing boss,” said Rock, and they got in his car. “No, no, that is not necessary,” said Sky, almost in a panic. I wonder what is wrong. “We do this with anyone who helps us,” said Baldwin, “nothing to be concerned about, I will send a couple of the girls too if you would like.”

“No, that is not it,” she said, putting her head down, “I lied. I am not staying at the hotel. I used my money to fly here and rent this car for a week. I was hoping there would be a campground nearby, but there is none. I have enough for food for the week, I think.” She put her head down again. I put my hand under her chin and lifted up her head and smiled at her.

“Nonsense!” said Baldwin, “you will stay here in the guest suite, there is always lots of room here. You saved Steve’s life, so you are staying! And no arguing either.” He smiled at her. “Thank you, Mr. B,” she said quietly, “but if I stay, I work.” “Fine,” he said. Then he called Rock and Benson. “Yeah boss?” they both said together. I wonder if they practice talking in unison like that.

“Take Avery’s things up to the guest suite,” he said. They look at each other. “I have a gun here, and two clips,” she said and handed them to me,” there are also 2 knives in my suitcase.” She went and got them out. “Nice knives,” said Benson. “Benson is our knife expert,” I said. She tossed one to him. “Can you open it?” she asked. He had it open fast. “I have one,” he said and smiled, “good for throwing.” Off they went.

“We need to talk Mr. B,” I said. “Okay, off to the library,” he said and the 3 of us went together. Once in the library I explained to Baldwin that this is Sky and everything she did for me and that she worked for Jenny. “Once Jenny was dead,” explained Sky, “the chief guard told me to pick up a few things and they drove me to the airport so I could get away and not be involved with the investigation that would happen. I am not sure if that was the right thing to do, but I did what he said anyway.

I never had any money of my own, Jenny paid for everything I needed. I decided that it would be good to come and try to help Steve if I could.” “Well, you certainly helped him today,” said Baldwin, “and you can stay here for a while.” “She would make a good member for our team,” I suggested, “providing she can pass the tests.” “We will definitely consider that,” said Baldwin.

Meanwhile… Jennifer and the others returned from shopping and came inside. Jennifer asked why the closed meeting. “An old girlfriend of Steve’s is here,” said Carine. “She is not old enough to be an old girlfriend,” said Tracy again. Annelie kicked her. “Oooo, sounds intriguing,” said Jennifer, “I can hardly wait to meet her.” “I do not trust her,” said Tracy, “she is hiding something behind that pink hair.” “Pink hair?” asked Jennifer, “wow, more interesting all the time.”

Annelie then called in and said Jennifer was here. “Let her come in,” said Baldwin, and he opened the door. “Hi Steve!” said Jennifer and came over to hug me, “hmm, seems you have some leftover lipstick on your lips.” “Um, that would be my fault,” said Sky nervously. “Jennifer, this is Sky,” I said, “the woman that has saved my life a couple of times now.” Jennifer was more than a little puzzled. “Um, the others said your name was Avery,” she said. So, I explained what was going on.

“Well, I am very happy to meet you Sky,” said Jennifer cheerfully, “and I am glad you will be staying with us.” Then she got dizzy and almost fell, but Sky caught her in time. I was going to call Chung, but Jennifer said no, she was just stressed out by all that was going on and needed to sleep. I called Sigurbjorn to help her upstairs and told her to give Jennifer a good massage. I also called Angel and told her to spend the night with Jennifer, and to take Storm too. I did not like that dizzy spell…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.