We had been trying to figure out where those kidnappers might be located when Celestine came into the library and gave some fresh coffee and donuts to Mandar and I. Then she made a brief comment and went back to the kitchen. “Celestine,” I said in a normal voice. “How do you expect her to hear that?” asked Mandar, “There’s too much chatter in this place!” Everyone was suddenly quiet when he said that. “Did you want me Steve?” asked Celestine.

“She has very good hearing,” I said to Mandar, then I turned to Celestine, “now, you can’t make a remark like you did, and then leave without explaining yourself.” “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, “my parents and I lived in Las Vegas for 2 years when I was 14/15 and I just didn’t like it out there. Of course, I didn’t have any friends out there either, so that didn’t help. But if it’s going to be hot, I prefer to be by the ocean, not in the desert.”

“What makes you think they were in Vegas?” asked Mandar. “They said so,” she replied, “the men talking in the background. May I leave now? I don’t want my muffins to burn.” She then smiled. “Um, yes, go ahead,” I told her, then I called for Carine. “That young woman bakes too?” asked Mandar. “Yes, she’s a great baker and a wonderful cook too,” I said. “She looks like she’s about 16,” said Mandar.

“Actually, she’s 21,” I said just as Carine entered the room. I then asked her to listen to the recording and pay special attention to any background noises or conversation. Afterward I asked her what she had heard. She said that two men were talking about wanting to go gambling because they were in Vegas, but their boss had told them no. They were not there to have fun, it was all business.

“Okay Aari,” I said, “get your team on the road, the plane will be waiting for you. Carine and Kristina are ready to go.” “I will make sure your vans are waiting for you when you arrive,” said Sienna. I was going to send their motorcycles along, but I decided that vans would be less noticeable and we don’t want to draw attention just yet. “Okay Sky and Dawn, get your teams ready,” I said, “we will be on the second plane.” “Oh, am I going along too?” asked Celestine.

“Well, I…” was as far as I got when Mandar interrupted me. “Of course you will be going my dear,” he said, “this case is too important to leave your quick thinking behind.” “YES!” she said, “I’m already packed!” Off she went to get her suitcase and backpack. “She’s got a perfect score with a handgun,” said Dawn, “I mean, she didn’t miss even once, and it was the first time she has even held a gun.” “Kind of sounds a lot like Misty,” I said to Jennifer.

“Yes, she certainly does,” agreed Jennifer. “Reporting for duty Steve!” said Misty as she stood there saluting me. “Misty,” I said. “Yes Steve?” she responded. “You’re saluting again,” I said. “Ooops, sorry,” she said and down went her hand. “What do you mean, reporting for duty?” asked Jennifer. “Steve called me,” she said smiling, “I just knew he would want me along too!” Jennifer and I looked at each other and sighed.

After our plane was in the air Misty asked why we didn’t bring her team along. “I already said Dawn’s team could come on this one,” I told her, “and we need to leave enough people at home to look after the chateau. So, we could only bring you along. Besides, your team gets more case time than Dawn’s team.” “That’s why you make such a good leader,” said Misty, “always knowing what to do.” Then she went off to talk with the other girls.

“You must learn to talk faster,” said Jennifer. “And think faster,” I said. “Agreed,” she said. It was a terribly long flight, but fortunately we have our own bedroom, so we, or at least I, could sleep much of the way. Why sleep so much when I’m a ghost? It’s the best way to spend all this time in the air. Except for time we spent going over a variety of scenarios for locating Richard’s family.

Besides, even as a ghost, I still get tired, something the other ghosts don’t have a problem with, though they do sleep, just not much. Kind of strange really. Anyway, Sir Night and Jewel are certainly getting along well and Sir Night just came into our bedroom to talk with us about Jewel. He wants to marry her and is asking for permission. That is so cute.

So, we naturally said yes and I gave him a tiny box which he pushed out the door and over to Jewel. He meowed. She meowed. Then they touched noses. They are now engaged and he flipped the lid off the box revealed a beautiful, but small, diamond which we will put on her collar when we get home.

It reminded me of Mr. Cat and Muffin, so I had to go back into the bedroom. We were soon landing, refueled and headed to our final destination, Las Vegas. I just hope we guessed right or we will be wasting a lot of time…

To Be Continued. ©2025 Steve McLeod.