While lying on the bed after my massage, I tried to think of why Karl, Kat’s father, wants these particular men out of prison. They must have worked together in the past, although Kat didn’t recognize any of them. If they had been important in her father’s previous organization, then she would have met them. Whatever the case, Karl obviously needs them now for something special.

Maybe Chloe is right, Karl wants more territory and he wants those three brutal killers to get rid of the top people of other gangs or organizations. Hmm, Koffman comes to mind, he is not far from here, to the north. Then there is Raoul, who controls territory west of here. He is a new player, but he is tough and controls a rather large area. Lastly we have Tony.

He took over territory from Victor after his organization was taken apart in a joint operation between the police and us. That was territory that the Major had controlled when he worked for Victor. Aari could give me some information about Tony since he knows him well. In the middle of those three territories is this one, which is Kar’s old territory.

He must have kept it in his control even while he was in prison. That could be where those 3 men entered the picture. They may have looked after things for Karl and because of their loyalty he doesn’t want to leave them in prison. I called Cristy and asked her to check on Karl. I heard that he had died while in prison, during a fight, if I recall correctly.

I need to find out if this man really is Katharina’s father. She called back a short time later with information about him. “Yep, he was reported to have died in a fight,” said Cristy, “but even though he was stabbed 4 times, he survived and ended up being transferred to a different prison. From there he escaped a year ago even though he had only 6 months left to serve.

The police have been looking for him ever since, but he completely disappeared with no trace. Hannah knows Karl too, and she says that since the fight he has become a ruthless and dangerous man. Before he broke out of prison he had told one of the guards that he would soon be a king.” “Thanks Cristy,” I said, “see if you can find out what that fight was about, plus any other information about Karl from the last 3 years. Thanks so much Cristy, you are truly amazing.”

“You’re welcome Steve,” she said, “but flattery doesn’t get you any bonus points with me.” She then giggled and hung up. So, Karl wants to be a king. Interesting that one of the treasures stolen was a crown. I wonder if he plans to wear it, or maybe just keep it on his desk to remind his slaves of his importance? It sounds funny, but he is a dangerous man.

Someone just knocked on our door, so Suzette answered, fortunately it was Aari and Rock. They did find and entrance, or exit, with a heavy wood door on the ground among a group of pine trees. They didn’t try opening it, just in case it set off an alarm. Aari didn’t want them to know their entrance was discovered, so for now they are just watching it.

I told Aari to capture anyone coming out or trying to go in. “I brought you something to put on your face,” said Aari, “it really does work, and fast too.” I then filled them in about Karl. “It does sound like he’s getting ready for a gang war,” said Aari, “he likely learned some things while in prison.” He then told me all he could about Tony and said that Tony would not likely be prepared for a major fight with Karl.

I told Aari my idea of going to each of these men to warn them about Karl’s intentions. “Why not just let them fight it out?” asked Rock. “It’s better to have 3 smaller groups to deal with,” said Aari, “rather than one large organization.” “Oh, yeah, guess that makes sense alright,” said Rock. “I could go with you to visit Tony,” said Aari, “he would listen to me more so than you.”

“Then he would know you are still alive,” I said, “if that information got out, it would not be good for you, or Aasta.” “Well, we can’t worry about that for the rest of our lives,” he said, “I think Aasta’s new identity will keep her safe. But then, some people already know she is with The Investigators now.” “Yes, you have a point,” I said, “I will let you know if I decide to carry out that idea.”

They left after we talked about a few more things. Not long after they left there was another knock at the door so Suzette answered once again. It was Kat this time, so I told the other girls they could take a break and do something else for a while. After they left I told Kat to sit down so we could talk. She was going over to one of the chairs, but I told her no, I wanted her over here with me.

She sat on the edge of the bed. “Not there, here,” I said. I then grabbed her and flipped her around onto the bed on the other side of me. “The rules state that none of the female members are to be in close contact with the male leader on a bed,” she reminded me, “and no hugging or cuddling allowed unless the male leader’s wife is present and gives her express permission.

This would be considered cuddling, as explained in the rule book.” I looked at her. “Too bad,” I said, “I hereby make an exception to that rule due to an unforeseen emergency situation.” “And what might that be?” she asked. “I needed someone to cuddle,” I said. “I’m supposed to believe that?” she asked again. “Yes,” I said, “and Jennifer knows about it too, she actually suggested it.”

“I have a nice sister,” said Kat smiling, “now, what else?” “We have good reason to believe that the man who claims to be your father, really is him,” I explained, “and he has changed since his fight in prison. He has become ruthless and very dangerous. I realize it might be hard for you to fight against your father, so, if you want, you may go back home.

Or you can remain as my main bodyguard which would keep you away from the museum for the most part.” “Afraid that I can’t, or won’t, do my job?” she asked, “He and I are on opposite sides now. A long time ago I came to you and asked if it was possible for me to change. You said yes, if I really wanted to do so. I told you that I already made the decision to change.

I was consumed with wanting to kill you for putting my parents in prison, and when I had the chance finally, I couldn’t do it. I looked at you lying helplessly on that bed with a gun in my hand and I could not pull the trigger. Instead I broke down crying beside your bed and gave you the antidote for your sickness. Then I killed the other woman who was trying to kill you.

Although I never told you then, I went from hating you so terribly I couldn’t think of anything else, to loving you so much. I will never go back to my old life Steve, that is in the past, my new life is so much better. I will do my job.” We both had tears at this point. “Would you mind replacing Angel for a while, to give her a break?” I asked. “I guess that would be okay,” she answered. Just then something happened…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.