Well, we discovered that Valeska had implanted tiny devices in people which could be controlled by Luna. These devices would release a liquid, just a tiny amount, into the person causing various health issues to develop. Releasing enough of the liquid would kill a person. Carolyn is presently analyzing the liquid and devices.

We figure that Valeska picked up these devices and a phone on one of the shopping trips. The phone came in a case that prevented it from being picked up on our door detector. Similar to what we use to get guns through detectors in other places. She had another such case with those tiny devices in it, plus instructions on how to put them in people.

She showed up on our security cameras going from room to room, but checking on patients was part of her job as a guard. Usually we would have more guards, but we had so many of our team in Canada that there just wasn’t enough to go around. We are going to make some serious changes to that system, but we can only do so much at times.

We also discovered that Luna Dalton is another name that Medina uses to hide her identity. Another interesting discovery is that Medina and Brielle are cousins. Since they both hate us, it’s no surprise that they would work together against us.

“Hannah,” I said, “I need you to work on the computer this morning. I want to know where Brielle is hiding and someone must know.” “That will cost you Steve,” she said. Sienna was having breakfast at that moment, so I looked at her. She sighed, but said yes with a smile. I told Hannah to start at half a million dollars and see if anyone bites.

I then called Jazzy and asked her to check around for us too. I told her about the reward money, and a bonus for her. Then I called Mandar and filled him in on what is happening too. He thought Aari should have more men and he had already sent some over to Hamilton, so he will send them to Toronto right away. I thanked him for that.

He said they had their Black Wolves clothes with them too, but these will come in vans, provided by Sienna so we know they will be strong. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Black Wolves were at a big restaurant for their breakfast, which makes it afternoon for us.

The waitress brought them menus, then returned with their coffee. “Yeah, they just arrived,” said the manager, “a tough looking bunch for sure. There is 21 of them. Yeah, not hard to pick out the leader, so I will get it done. Okay Trixie, see that guy sitting at the end of the table?” “Yes sir,” she said. “I want you to give him this, got that?” he asked.

“Yes sir,” she said. “Good girl, now, treat those men nicely,” he said, “they are important people. But don’t talk too much, Growler is here and you know what he can do, right?” “Y, yes s, sir,” she said weakly. Then he slammed her against the wall. “Now, put a smile on that pretty face of yours,” he told her, “or it won’t be so pretty, understand?”

She shook her head, yes. Then she returned to take the orders of Aari and his men. First she put the note in front of Aari and he read it. “Do you know anything about this?” he asked her. “N, no sir,” she said nervously, “and please don’t tell me what it says or I will get in big trouble, please.” “You don’t need to be afraid of us,” said Carine, “we won’t hurt you. I saw what your boss did to you, why don’t you quit?”

“I, I, can’t quit,” she said, “he bought me and if I tried to run away he would find me, and, and, I can’t talk about this anymore, please.” Just then a big man came in and called Trixie over to his table. “In a minute Growler,” she said, then she said to Carine, “he is a horrible man and he beats me.”

Growler then came over and grabbed Trixie’s arm. “I told you to come over to me,” he said firmly, “and that means now!” Rock stood up behind him and grabbed his ponytail. “Let go of her, now,” said Rock, “or I will break you in two.” Growler did so, reluctantly. Then Aari told Rock to take him outside and “talk” to him.

“Sure thing boss,” he said smiling and he practically dragged Growler outside to the parking lot. After a few minutes he came back inside and sat down. The manager was talking with Aari. “Your waitress was busy taking our orders,” said Aari, “and that guy tried to take her from us. That is not how things work.” “Yes, very true sir,” said the manager, “I’m very sorry he bothered you.”

He then went outside to talk with Growler. “He’s going to beat me again after you leave,” she said. “Is that where you got all those bruises?” asked Carine. “Yes, it is,” then she looked at Carine, “but, how did you know?” “I can tell by the way you move around,” she said. “They do hurt a lot still,” she said, “please don’t say anything to my boss.”

“We won’t,” said Aari, “we would like to take you away from this and give you a better life. I have a sister who is on the right side of the law, she and her husband would gladly help you. We can take you to her when we leave here.” “Okay, I’ll trust you,” she said, “I don’t know why, but you do seem very nice.” She then went back to the kitchen and Carine saw the manager punch Trixie.

“He punched her Aari,” she said. “Rock, Bear, get Trixie,” said Aari. They got in the kitchen just as the manager was about to put Trixie’s hand on the hot grill. “This will teach you a lesson,” he said gruffly. However, things changed rather quickly and Bear brought Trixie out to the others. Rock soon returned as well and said the manager was taking a nap.

They went off to another restaurant. Aari called Luna and set up a time to meet her. They met at a children’s playground and talked for quite some time. Aari told Luna that Ralph had to go, he was a liability and would just mess things up. She agreed and said she would take care of him.

She wanted the waitress back but Aari said that wasn’t going to happen, he had already given her to his sister and she had taken Trixie away from the city. For some reason Luna was quite upset by that news and said there would be no deal without her return. Aari reminded her that she had wanted the deal, not him, if she wanted to fight it out, that was fine with him.

She then apologized, but that Trixie had information about her organization and she didn’t want that getting to the wrong people. Aari said he would get her back and they would meet at the same place the next day to seal their deal. The next day there was no one at the playground when Aari showed up. Luna was there already, with her top man Ryan.

“I don’t like this place being so empty,” said Aari. “Don’t worry about it,” said Luna, “where’s the girl?” The van door opened and Rock brought Trixie out. “I knew I couldn’t trust a gang leader like you!” she yelled, “I hate you!” Then she spit on Aari, so he took out his gun and shot her 4 times…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.