Everything was in place as I entered the hotel just before 1pm. I went to his room on the second floor and knocked, again trying to stay calm and relaxed. It was not easy. He told me to come in and right away one of his guards checked me for guns. There were 2 guards and they both had their guns out and ready. “I am happy to see you are on time,” said Mandar, “and now, business time.”

“I will put my deal on the table first,” I said, “there will be no talking until you let Kat go free.” “Oh, come come,” said Mandar, “do you take me for a fool? Without her your people would storm this hotel and likely kill me. That just will not do, my good man.” “She goes free or we all die,” I said, “but, let us do this a little different. Here is our latest clue for the treasure hunt, we solved it and there it is. I decided it was not worth my time to play games considering I just get my regular pay and no part of the treasure.”

“I see, that would make sense,” he said looking at the clue, “but now that I have this, what prevents me from killing you and your wife?” “Because you would not get out of here alive if you did,” I said smiling, “just take a look out that window. May I go over to show you?” “By all means,” he said, “but I will let my men look for me, I think that would be safer.”

“Fine with me,” I said and went to the window. The 2 guards came over too. “Look over there in that little sitting area across the street,” I said to them, and they both looked. I then grabbed the one guards hand that had his gun and shot the other guard. Then I twisted his arm and pushed him right through the window and he went crashing to the ground below.

Then I grabbed the other gun before Mandar was able to get his cane, which had been hanging over his chair, into position. “No Mandar,” I said, “try it and I shoot.” I then went over and took the cane. “I have done my homework,” I said, “this cane can shoot a bullet.” “Actually it can shoot 6, before reloading,” he said smiling.

“Now, let Kat go free, and I will let you go free,” I said, “and do not waste time thinking about it, because I will not wait long. You have my word, you will go free and we will not follow. And I do keep my word. Kat’s life for yours.” “Hmm, seems like we were in this position once before,” he said, “may I use my phone?” “By all means,” I said politely.

He called someone and said to let Kat go free across the street and he did so. “You might find that she has a few bruises,” he said, “but she was fighting like a tiger and it was the only way to settle her down.” I stayed calm, which was getting harder by the minute. “Okay, now we go across the street,” I said. “I thought you were a man of your word?”, he asked.

“I am, but I want to get across the street safely,” I said, “so I thought you would not mind ensuring that safety. And you have no choice anyway.” “Very well,” he said with a sigh. “Oh, you may call your men to pick you up in your car across the street.” “Thank you,” he said, and he did so. We got across with no problems, then my people came into view.

“I am impressed,” said Mandar, “I had no idea you had so many on your team.” Most of them were Baldwin’s men, but I was not going to tell Mandar. Kat came over to us. She was bruised badly. That was too much, I handed the gun to Kat and told Mandar to get on his knees to apologize to her. “Oh my, that is going a bit far,” he said, “a man in my position…”

It took 4 punches to his stomach and he was on his knees apologizing. His car drove up, he got in and said, “may I have my cane now?” “No, I want it for a souvenir,” I said, “I hope you will not mind.” “No, be my guest, I can get another,” he said and off they drove. “It is hard letting him go,” said Kat. “We will meet again,” I told her. Jenny came up beside me, “you quit punching too soon.”

Then she kissed me. “Hey, you two,” she said smiling, “only when on a case together.” “I am just happy he is still alive,” she said, “you too of course.” And she hugged Kat. “Okay, I will let it go this time,” said Kat, still smiling. “Time to go, work to do,” I said. “Where are we going?”, asked Kat. “You are going home,” I said…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.