I had called Matt and told him to take his Knight Riders over to that pub and check it out. Cal has his cat, Squirrel, with him too, and that might be a big help to them, if he can bring Squirrel inside. Both Squirrel and Tiger have bike helmets and leather jackets with the Knight Rider logo on them. It makes them look rather cute and often opens the door for bringing them inside places, like that pub. I think our guys need a couple more cats though, if we can find the right ones.

Our bad girls would would like cats too, but not everyone can have their own cat, so they will need to share, if we can find some. It is not easy finding the right cats who can communicate with us and be trained to work with us. Amerie has her own cat, a kitten really, which doesn’t have a name. Muffin assures me he will be able to communicate with us once he is a bit older, right now he can communicate with the other cats. While I was sitting thinking about the case, Kristina called me.

“We just found a note under the front passenger seat of Mandar’s car,” she said, “I don’t understand why they didn’t find it before.” “Quite simple,” I replied, “it wasn’t there the first time when Mandar’s security people were looking through the car. It was put there after the car was searched. They obviously wanted us to find it and not Mandar’s security.” “I guess that makes sense,” she said, “if they want to deal only with us.” She then read the note to me.

“Hi Steve, remember me? Of course you do. It is so nice to play with you again. Do you remember how we used to play together as kids? We had such fun, didn’t we? I always hated when some of the other kids came along and took your attention away from me, I wanted you for myself. I always dreamed of being a wealthy, important woman and having you beside me. We would travel the world solving crimes and mysteries of all kinds.

Then my family moved away and I was left with dreams only. But, now I am wealthy and important and I would love to have you by my side, however, I know you won’t agree to that. Anyway, let’s get down to business. First, let me congratulate your team for getting the girl loose from that cage. It was totally impossible to do, of course, since the way it was hooked up would never allow anyone to get the girl away before that bomb exploded.

But somehow your team managed to do the impossible. Some day you must let me know how they did that. I needed that impossible test for your team to find out what you were able to accomplish. Now, I’m sure you would like to have Mandar back again, and you can gladly have him. Frankly, he is a real pain to have around, but I will keep him alive and in good condition for you until you do a little job for me. I do not have people around me that can do this job, since it is something impossible to do.

But, now I know you can do the impossible so it should not be difficult for you. Coming soon to a museum here in London will be a set of gems, featuring the most expensive diamond, ruby and emerald in the world, plus a few other amazingly precious gemstones, and I want them all. They will be arriving two days from now and will go on display the day after their arrival. Get me those precious stones Steve, and you can have Mandar.

If you can do the impossible by getting that girl free, this should be easy for you and your team. I will be in touch again after you steal them so we can arrange a trade. Love you Steve, Carmen.” “Well, she certainly likes to write a long note,” I said, “and at least we know what is going on.” “Hmm, seems like your girlfriend is still in love with you Steve,” said Jennifer giggling. “That wasn’t nice,” I said, rolling my eyes a bit, “I doubt she is capable of loving anyone but herself.”

Jennifer then came over and sat on my lap. “I’m sorry Steve,” she said, trying not to laugh, then she gave me a nice kiss. Right after this I looked toward our door and was shocked by what I saw. “Every time I turn my back you have a different girl on your lap, kissing you,” she said. “Sky?!” I exclaimed. Jennifer turned quickly, but Sky was gone. Then Jennifer looked at me. “I thought I saw Sky standing over by the door,” I said.

“Maybe I should make an appointment for you with Samantha,” said Jennifer, “or perhaps with Galyna.” “I think I’m spending too much time indoors,” I said, “it’s making me daydream too much. I’m a hands on type of guy, I need to be out there working on the case, not stuck at home directing traffic.” “Hmm, you might have a point,” she agreed, “but I want you to see Samantha anyway, just in case it’s something else.” I agreed to do that and we were soon on our way to the clinic.

“At least we know that Carmen and friends are still in London,” I said. “How do we know that?” asked Jennifer. “Carmen said these gems were coming to a museum HERE in London,” I replied, “she would have said it differently if she was somewhere else.” “Or, she might have said that just to throw us off,” said Jennifer, “she doesn’t seem like the type to make such an obvious mistake.” “Thanks for ruining my theory,” I said smiling. “You’re welcome,” she answered, also smiling.

Well, Samantha said there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with me and actually agreed that I might be spending too much time inside. “Daydreaming can be a real problem in cases like that,” she said, “so you need something to occupy your time better Steve. Why not take a trip to the city tomorrow and look for some more cats, you have been wanting to do that.” “Good idea,” said Jennifer, “we can’t do much about those gems anyway until they arrive and we can find out how they will be guarded.”

Well, that seemed logical enough. Back at home I asked Annelie to check out that museum and try to find out how they are going to protect those gems. “And check to see how they will be arriving,” I said, “and how they will be guarded before going on display.” “I’m already on it Steve,” she said, “they have tight security on that place right now, but I will find out what you want.” Later I was in the library, the only other person in there at the time was Annelie and she was busy with her work.

Suddenly I saw Sky again and she came over and sat on my lap and began talking to me. Amerie then came into the library and saw me, like I was holding someone, and talking, except no one was there. “There is one of your new bad girls,” said Sky, “they should be your bodyguards.” Then I felt a hand on my knee and Sky was gone. Amerie was there on her knees, looking up at me with a puzzled look. “Who are you talking to?” she asked quietly.

“I’m just daydreaming again,” I said, “I have been doing a lot of that lately.” The remaining bad girls now entered the library. “Where are your bodyguards?” asked Suzette. “Do you girls have your guns with you?” I asked. They all said yes. “Then you are my bodyguards, so there is no problem,” I said, “um, please keep this quiet, okay?”

They all smiled and agreed. My regular bodyguards now returned from the kitchen with fresh cookies and tea. “Sorry it took so long Steve,” said Dawn, “the cookies were not quite ready.” “That’s okay,” I said, “my bad girls were here to take your place.” This daydreaming isn’t good, it’s occupying too much of my time…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.