“The bathroom is through that door if you would like to freshen up a bit,” said Jenny, “then there are your favorite pancakes waiting for breakfast. Plus, lots of hot coffee.” “Finally, someone who knows the joy of having hot coffee,” I said as I went into the bathroom. “When you are done, Sky will bring you downstairs,” said Jenny. I came out expecting to see some giant of a man waiting for me.

Instead, it was a woman, about 5 foot 6inches tall and maybe 120 pounds, with long blonde hair, and very pretty. “I take it you must be Sky,” I said. She did not say anything, just pointed the way ahead while she followed behind me. Very strange. We got to the kitchen, and I sat down to enjoy my breakfast. “Um, it is safe to eat, right?” I asked.

“Sky, taste the pancakes for Steve,” said Jenny. She took my fork and did so, then handed the fork back to me. I look at her to make sure she swallows. “Does she talk too?” I ask. There was a faint smile from Sky. “Yes, she talks, and she is also lethal,” said Jenny, “so please do not try anything.” “Thanks for the warning,” I said, “how have you been?”

“Steve, this is terrible, I am so lonely here,” she complained, “that is why I brought you here. Well, other things too.” “This is dangerous,” I said. “I know, but it had to be done,” she answered, “Lavina wants you dead, and she needs to be stopped. And I know that someone in your organization, someone close to you, works for Lavina. That person is there to kill you Steve.”

“Hmm, well, that does narrow it down a bit,” I said frowning, “Rock is my best friend, but I cannot see him as a traitor. Chung and I are close too, Mr. B, Jenny, Carine, Sigurbjorn, Galyna and Mriya. They would all be the closest, I guess.” “I do not believe it is a man,” said Jenny, “it must be a woman. It is definitely not Mr. B, Rock, or Chung. I mean, Chung has been my friend for a very long time, he would never betray you.”

“I agree with that,” I said, “Chung is completely trustworthy. That leaves those five girls.” “Yes, it must be one of them,” said Jenny, “but I do not know which one. It is hard to think of anyone being a traitor, but one of them is, so you will need to be very careful when you get back.” “How do I explain this little side trip of mine?” I asked. “Hey, you are a PI,” she said, “I am sure you can think of something.” “Hey, I am supposed to find things,” I said, “not think up fictional stories!”

That got them both laughing. “Oh, she laughs too,” I said, referring to Sky. “It is a good thing I like you,” she said, “or I would slap you for that.” “Go ahead, Sky,” said Jenny, “you may slap him.” “No, no!” I exclaimed, “I apologize, that was not a nice thing to say.” “Aww, now you ruined a nice slap,” said Sky smiling. She did give me a very soft slap anyway.

“Make sure the cats check out those 5 women closely Steve,” said Jenny, “that should be your first test.” “Yes, I will definitely do that,” I said, “although Muffin might let her feelings get in the way with Jenny and Sigurbjorn. Muffin just loves them. But MC and Storm will be fine checking them anyway.” “Good,” said Jenny, “and your medicine, it should only be given to you by Chung from now on. At least until you find the traitor.” “Yes, that would be a good idea,” I agreed.

That night I was to break out and escape, but we need to do it realistically, which might be hard. But Sky will be disguised and help me get past the guards. She will pretend to come in to rescue me and bring a dart gun for me. The time came, and Sky climbed up a rope ladder to my room, which had the bars removed from the window. She gave me a dart gun and shot Jenny to put her to sleep. Then she slammed the bedroom door which alerted a guard to come running, then shot him too.

Off we went, meeting two more guards which I took care of this time. We went through some trees to a waiting car and left in a hurry. “Um, how fast are we going?” I asked, knowing it was very fast indeed. “Do you really want to know?” she asked in return, smiling. “No, forget it,” I said. We came to a little service station which was closed.

I got out and Sky hit me, knocking me to the ground. Then she kicked me in the stomach. Then she dropped some coins on the ground. “You found these coins on the ground,” she said, then she helped me get up. “Did you have to kick me so hard?” I asked. “It must be realistic, in case someone asks,” she said smiling, “here, I will help, you will never find the coins in the dark.

This place opens early, about 6, they have a good breakfast. You were hitchhiking, got beat up and robbed.” Then she smiled again and kissed me. “Please Steve, be very careful,” she said seriously, “I would like to meet you again, and that beautiful cat of yours.” Then she got in her car and took off fast. I looked down. She had dropped a phone. I pressed my alarm and called Annelie…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.