Jennifer dropped to my side and Muffin came running over. Meow,meow!=What happen to my human, why he not move?! “He will be okay Muffin,” said Jenny with tears, “here, let me take that off you, then curl up beside his ear and purr for him. She did so immediately purring loudly. “Remarkable,” said Mandar, “she understood you. But what exactly happened?”

“It is actually my fault,” said John, “back when he and I were enemies, a friend of mine came up with a drug to send a man to nowhere, he would not be able to remember anything about himself. But fortunately, Steve’s doctor helped him with an antidote which he must have every two months to control it. But he has gone overdue because of all that has happened.” “I see,” said Mandar, “may I move slightly to take something from my pocket?”

Sigurbjorn put her hand up to Tuva, then told Mandar he could move. He took a card out of his pocket and wrote something on the back. “I can be reached at this number for the next 2 weeks,” he said, “and on the back of the card is the name of a doctor in Warsaw that might be able to help Steve, get him quickly if you can.” Jenny called Baldwin right away and told him.

“Get that doctor, if possible, Mr. B,” said Jenny, “he might be able to help Steve.” “He will be here when you get back,” said Baldwin. They always say Mr. B when an adversary is around. “And who is this Mr. B?” asked Mandar. “Sorry, you will have to ask Steve that question,” said Jenny, still in tears. “You know, young lady, you could be the twin of Kat,” said Mandar. “I am her twin,” said Jennifer smiling.

“That would explain it then,” said Mandar with a huge smile, “stay close to that man of yours, he needs you now, very much. And if I may say, do not let him slip through your fingers, if you understand my meaning.” “Yes, I understand,” said Jennifer smiling through her tears, “I will try not to. Oh, we must take the treasure with us, but Steve made a promise to share it with you, and he keeps his word. And if he cannot…then I will keep the promise for him. That is my promise to you.”

“I will agree to that young lady,” he said, ” now get going.” My team rounded up the guns of the men and carried me back to the vans. We left their guns by their vehicles and then drove away, quickly. “I do not think anyone is behind that rock anymore Mandar,” said one man. “Oh, I am sure there is no one,” said Mandar, “but we will wait the customary time anyway.” “You will never see any of that treasure either,” said the man again.

“That is where you are wrong, Steve is an honorable man, I trust him and his word,” said Mandar, “but that is something you would not understand, honor.” By the time we got back home, and I was at the clinic, that doctor was there waiting to check me. When he had heard of my problem, he knew of a drug to use that would help. Chung checked it out and agreed it just might be a good idea to try it, but they needed permission.

Baldwin called the team together for a meeting and everyone agreed…that only one person should give that permission, and that would be Baldwin. He said yes and they began treatment with that new drug. Three hours later I opened my eyes, Muffin was lying on me purring, MC was on one side of me purring, and Storm was on the other side purring. And Jenny was sitting there holding my hand, smiling at me. “How do you feel Steve?”, she asked.

“Weak, but otherwise I am okay,” I said quietly, “thank you.” She smiled at me, “I am glad you are okay.” A couple of days later I was back at home feeling quite good, though still weak. But everyone watched me around the clock, just to make sure there were no problems. I called Mandar and he came 2 days later. I allowed him to bring 2 men with him if he wanted, but he said there was no need.

We went into the library, and I showed him the treasure. “Oh my, this is very nice indeed,” he said, “and have you figured out what my share will be?” “How about 75%”, I said to him. “My, my, you are not quite feeling well yet, I see,” he said, “you must mean the other way around.” I laughed. “No, I am serious, after all, you did help me a great deal,” I said. “Oh, that must not be included in our deal,” he said shaking his head, “now try again.” “Okay, how about a 50/50 split, and I will not let you take any less,” I said.

Mandar laughed now. “Very well, I accept your most generous offer,” he said, “I must say, this has been a fun treasure hunt.” I had Rock carry Mandar’s portion out to his car for him and Jennifer came in that moment too. “Good day young Jennifer,” he said, ” remember what I told you now.” “I will,” she said smiling. Then off he went out to his car and drove away.

“What was that about?” I asked Jenny. “That is a secret,” she said, “for now anyway.” Well, that was an interesting case, and Mandar is an interesting man, but still rather mysterious. “Now, I am definitely ready for some nice relaxation,” I said to Jenny, “but I wonder if that is even possible around here?” “I doubt it Steve,” she said. Meow,meow.=Me agree.

The End.

©2022 Steve McLeod.