After we had the vault open at Intimate Jewels, Aari and more of the Black Wolves came in. “How’s things working out Steve?” he asked. “Going according to plan,” I said, and smiled. “My name is Aari Jenkins Mr. Kingston,” he said as he walked over to Hugh, “you are a very stupid man.” “Just a minute, who are you anyway?” said Hugh defiantly. Aari then hit him hard with a backhanded slap. Aari always wears black leather gloves making his slaps felt even more.

This one knocked Hugh off his feet causing him to fall onto a chair. “You are in no position to ask questions,” said Aari calmly, “I ask the questions, you answer them, that way you may not get hurt.” “My name is Steve Mackenzie, Hugh,” I said, “leader of Mackenzie’s Girls. My wife is the sister of Mr. Jenkins.” “Yes, and when things happen to my sister and Steve or their organization,” said Aari, “I always offer our help. Now, tell me, who is your boss?” “You think I would tell you her name?” asked Hugh, “I’m not as stupid as my brother.”

Meanwhile, back home. Jazzy had been looking at that “gun” again but she was still convinced it was not one of Toledo’s inventions even though he was working on something similar at one time. He gave up though since he just couldn’t get it right so it could be carried around easily. Then she remembered something and called Kat. “Do you remember a woman named Vanessa?” asked Jazzy. “Yes, we met her in Norway and she ended up in prison the same time as you,” said Kat.

“Check and see if she is out yet,” said Jazzy, “she was in on lesser charges and may have been able to get out early. She is a citizen of the UK and also Australia.” Cristy was on it right away, and sure enough, she had been let out of prison just 3 weeks ago. She had given testimony against someone else the police had been trying to put in prison for a long time so they reduced her sentence to time served and she was free. She then disappeared, but Cristy traced her to a flight to Australia 2 days later. With a little digging she discovered that a woman named Vanessa White was the CEO of Intimate Jewels.

She would use her best girls as intimate escorts for government officials and top people in the business community, especially those who were married. Then came the extortion part of this Intimate Jewels operation. That brought in a lot of money for them, plus they were also involved in drugs and large theft operations which brought in millions for them over the years. While we were at Hugh’s office I got a message from Angel who was at the hotel with Dawn and her team, plus the remainder of Sky’s team and Kat’s team.

I then left things in Aari’s hands and Jennifer, Kitty and myself left. Before going outside, though, I told Sky to stay in case the others needed help and I told her what we would be doing. She smiled and stayed behind, but still invisible and Kitty stayed too, also invisible. Jennifer and I drove back to the hotel and walked into the restaurant, along with Angel, to greet our newest guest. They were so busy eating, Vanessa and 4 friends, they didn’t even see us walking up to their table.

“Hello Vanessa,” I said, “remember me?” She looked totally shocked to see me, but then she pretended like it was no big deal. “Yeah, I remember you Steve,” she said, “but I haven’t escaped, they reduced my sentence for being cooperative, so I’m free now.” “Yes, I know that Vanessa,” I said, “I also know a lot more about you, especially the fact you are the CEO of Intimate Jewels and you are responsible for kidnapping 13 of my girls, plus seriously injuring 3 of them.

Plus you tried to kill me and you wounded a total of 6 others. That makes 9 of my girls you injured. That was very foolish of you and now your organization is being crushed, very thoroughly.” “How did you manage to survive my special weapon?” she asked, “No human could survive that.” “Maybe I’m not human,” I suggested, “and fortunately I was standing somewhat in front of one of my girls so she didn’t die either, though she was hurt.”

Then Vanessa and her friends quickly took out guns but they screamed and dropped them right away. “How did you manage to do that?” she asked. “Sorry Vanessa,” I said, “but it isn’t wise to give out secrets.” Then her friends got up quickly and attacked us, but we easily overcame them. But Vanessa ran for the door, however, Angel anticipated that and was already at the door waiting for her as Courage. “Where did that big lion come from?!” exclaimed Vanessa and she turned toward us again. But Jennifer put up her hand a huge shockwave hit Vanessa, tossing her against the wall and killing her.

Vanessa didn’t learn much from her time in prison, she could have turned her life around, but she chose to continue with her life of crime. I asked Angel how she knew that Vanessa was here and she said to follow her back to our room. In our room with four of the girls was one of the waitresses. Angel said she looked like someone we could trust so she showed her a photo of Vanessa, so when she came in the waitress came to tell Angel. She was told to stay in our room for protection until Vanessa was dealt with.

Apparently her older sister had gone to work for Intimate Jewels where she was promised she could make a lot more money than as a waitress in the restaurant here, but she never returned home after that. The two sisters lived together after their parents died. Her sister’s body was found 4 weeks later in a park. That was just 3 days ago and she is terrified living alone. Plus her boss here keeps suggesting she work for Intimate Jewels so she can make more money and be able to travel.

Well, well, that’s one way they manage to keep getting women to work for them. I wonder how many other places provide women for that organization? After talking with Kelsey, the waitress, a bit more I decided to call Sky. Suddenly I felt something touch my shoulder. “Yaaa!” I yelled. “Wow, are you ever jumpy,” said Sky, “you should be at home in bed.” “I agree,” said Jennifer. “I’m not jumpy, you sneaked up on me,” I said.

“I did not sneak up on you, you called me,” she said, “or did you forget about that?” “But you came behind me,” I said, “so that counts as sneaking up on me.” She sighed, very loudly. “Why did you call?” she asked, “We were just about to blow up that place.” “I bet it was a huge fireball too,” I said. “Yes, and I missed it because you called me,” she said, “am I supposed to guess why you called me?”

“No, I want you to take Kelsey back to the chateau,” I said, “she has been put to sleep for the trip.” Behind me Jennifer was also pointing to me and Sky smiled. I didn’t know what was going on, but I found out soon enough. Jennifer put me to sleep too and I ended up back in the clinic. Sky took Kat back with her to Australia and brought Jennifer back here, though no one told me…

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.