“There is more,” said Jake, “Svala is not only Q, but she is the missing director from The Company.” “That would make sense,” said Annelie, “and a perfect way to hide right in the open since she is already dead. Or so everyone thinks. Wow, this is going to be hard news to pass on.” “Yeah, I kind of thought it would be,” said Jake, “I could tell Steve if you prefer.” “I would appreciate that Jake,” she said, “but at the moment they are all out looking for Hermit Pete’s cabin.”

“Sounds cool, wish I was there with them,” said Jake, “well, let me know when I can contact him.” “I will,” said Annelie, “thank you Jake, this is really tough news.” Now, back to us at the cabin of Hermit Pete. “You know Steve, there is no way we can make it back before dark,” said Rock, “we may as well plan on camping here for the night.” “Yes, I think you are right,” I said.

Kat and I stayed in the little storage room with the cats who were still determined to set up their kitten tent. There was lots of room for it anyway and it fit all 3 of them. The girls spread out throughout the rest of the cabin and Rock and Benson slept in a tent outside. We had plenty of food with us, although Rock says there is no such thing as having plenty of food when camping. He really can eat. Benson is not far behind him in eating though.

Just as it was getting dark I go outside with Rock and Benson to set up my little machine. Up goes the little balloon with antenna attached, something that Rossana brought with her. I plug my phone in and call Annelie, something I am supposed to do now at regular intervals. “Hi Annelie, how are things going?”, I ask. “You are 2 hours late calling in,” she said sternly.

I then told her I wanted to wait until nearly dark so it would be harder to see the balloon if someone was around. “Okay, I will let it go this time,” she said, “Jake called and he has some news for you.” “What is it?”, I inquired. “Oh, he says he wants to give the news directly to you,” she said, “but he did say it was very important.” “And he did tell you what it was, right?”, I asked.

“Well, yes he did,” she said, “but he still wants to tell you himself, so you have to call him to find out.” “Hmm, must be quite serious,” I said. “Just call Jake, Steve, please,” she said. “Okay, I will do that,” I said and hung up. Next it was Jake. “Hey Steve, how goes the hunt for the cabin?”, he asked. “Great,” I said, “we found it, still in amazingly good shape. And he made it from cedar, the roof is pine, wood shingles which I am sure he cut himself. And we found what everyone is looking for, gold, and lots of it.”

“Whoa,” said Jake, “more and more I am thinking I should be with you guys when you go doing things like that.” “Anytime Jake, anytime,” I said. He just laughed. “Um, Annelie said you had some news for me,” I said. “Yeah, you alone?”, he asked. “Rock and Benson are with me, we are outside,” I said. “Good,” he said, “I found out the identity of Q, it is Svala.” I could not believe I heard him right.

“And, she is the missing director from The Company,” he added. “Are you sure of this?”, I asked, “I mean, you almost gave me a heart attack with this news.” “I am sure Steve,” he said calmly, “I know that is not going to be easy news to give the others. I wish I could do it for you.” “I wish you could too,” I said, “today was such a great day, tomorrow is going to knock everyone down.”

“And be careful too Steve,” he said, “Svala has only been in the game for 5 years, but she is hard, cold, cruel. She is the one who lit the match, and the third body was her best friend.” “Amazing,” I said, “I should have waited until morning to call, now I will not sleep much tonight.” “Sorry Steve,” he said, “hope it all works out okay.” Down comes the balloon and Benson packed it all away.

They both heard the news and I told them not to say anything to the girls. The girls were all sleeping already but I tapped Galyna and motioned for her to follow me. She came into the room and I told her and Kat the news. “Wow,” said Galyna, “that is hard news for sure, I am glad it is you, not me.” Kat said the same thing. “Thanks girls,” I said. I lay there for quite a while, listening to an owl, and something else but I could not place the animal that made it…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.