Meanwhile, somewhere else…well, now we know they’re PI’s, said the man. Yes, said the woman, and they are just looking for Harold and Shirley. They are not a problem for us. Perhaps, said another man, but maybe they are using that as an excuse to find out what we’re doing. We must get rid of them. No, said the woman, since they are PI’s they probably told someone where they were going. If they don’t get back then the cops will show up looking around, and we definitely don’t want that. I say let them go now that they have found Harold. We can give them a convincing story and some money for their trouble and they will be on their way. With no headaches for us. I like Ma’s idea, said the first man. You would, growled the second man, you always do. Just remember, all this was my idea and when the trustees get here tomorrow, we’ll let them decide who’s idea is the best.

I just hope they don’t find that grave before they leave, said the first man. What?!, yelled Ma, don’t tell me you buried her at Harvey’s place! Perfect spot, said the second man, there was already a grave there to use, they know about the grave, why would they go look at it again? You idiot, said Ma angrily, if they find that grave we’re done, they we’ll have to kill them. Then we’ll have to close down and move elsewhere, she continued. We’re not going anywhere, this is the perfect spot, even if the cops come they won’t find anything and we’ll be back to normal in no time, said the second man. You idiot, Ma yelled again, the trustees will certainly hear about this! Don’t forget, I’m in charge around here. That can change, said the second man, and he stormed out slamming the door behind him. Dave, you know what to do, said Ma.

I think the river would be a good place for him, said Dave. Ma laughed heartily! That’s why I like you, said Ma, you have a great sense of humor. The river, for a guy who hates water! But what about the plan for these PI’s to find Harold?, asked Dave. Harvey is doing a great job of playing Harold right now, we don’t need to give them the real thing. It’s amazing how much those two look alike, said Dave, they could be twins. Yeah, said Ma, and they’re not even related. Silence Harold now, before he causes more problems and get rid of him tonight. Then let Harvey know what we’re doing, I want these PI’s out of here before the trustees show up. How do we explain Harold’s death to the trustees, they do like him. Yeah, I know, can’t figure why they like that idiot. We’ll just say he was out fishing with you and he fell out of the boat and drowned before you could get him, she said. Yep, that’ll work just fine, said Dave and off he went.

Yeah, said Ma to herself, then the trustees will get rid of you and everything will be left in my hands. Things are working out just fine, just fine indeed, and she laughed heartily once more. Back at Harvey’s place, we finally finished this huge breakfast. That was a fantastic breakfast Harvey, said Karin, I probably won’t need to eat the rest of the day. Meow.=Good, maybe she not talk about food, whispers Mr. Cat to Muffin. Muffin giggled. Karin looked over at them. Just let me get cleaned up a bit, said Harvey and I’ll take you folks out on the river for a while and we can finish talking. Okay, I said, we’ll wait for you outside, and off we went.

The cats started running around and having lots of fun while Karin and I looked at that huge grave stone, monument really, in the flower garden. It had a nice plaque on it too. What’s this? The plaque moved when I touched it. I pulled at it a bit and it came off, the monument was hollow. I reached inside, hmm, and gave it to Karin. Is this real?, she asked. Yep, sure is, I said, and there is lots in here, no wonder it needed to be so big. I closed it up quickly and we stood back just in time, Harvey came out right then. Well, ready to go?, he asked. Yes, I’ll just call the cats. Muffin came running up fast, meow, meow!=We find something real important, at grave! Mr. Cat had stayed by the grave and the rest of us joined him. Meow!=We dig just little bit and look! Dave’s jaw nearly dropped to the ground. Karin was pale as a ghost and had to turn away.

To Be Continued.

©2020 Steve McLeod.