Mandar kept giving instructions to Jennifer, so I let him know that I was right there and listening too. “Very good, Steve,” he said, “then Jennifer will not have to repeat everything to you. I think that Cynthia, Erika and you should really stay together, it will be better for the 3 of you and it will make it easier to guard all of you. It is imperative that you listen to Kat and Jennifer, my good man, it will make their lives much easier.”

“Yes, I agree with you,” I said, “and right now I can’t think straight anyway. Losing Sky has devastated me.” “That is another reason why Jennifer must stay with you at all times, my good man,” he said, “she can help you get through this better than anyone else. And try to remember, Jennifer, Kat and Angel were dead at one time too, and now they are very much alive, in a manner of speaking.” “So, you had something to do with their coming back from the dead,” I said.

“Not I, my good man,” he said, “but I knew someone who could help and I had the available funds to work it out. That is all I can tell you. We shall try to do the same for Sky, but it is not something that happens instantly. Patience is needed.” “Patience is not my best quality,” I said. “But Jennifer has enough patience for both of you,” he added, “now, I must go, there is much to do.” That day a helicopter landed at our clinic, picked up the body of Sky, plus Kat and Angel, and flew to an undisclosed location.

Kat and Angel went along to protect Sky’s body and the helicopter from any kind of attack. “What do you think Dr. W.”, asked Mandar. “It is a hard case you bring me,” he said, “but everything is ready, we will try and see.” “Kat my dear, you and Angel best get back home,” said Mandar, “I will stay here and make sure Dr. W. has everything he needs. Then I will join you at the chateau.

Remember to keep Steve, Cynthia and Erika together and make sure that Jennifer stays with Steve at all times. His life is in danger too, and not just from Adamson, from himself as well.” Kat and Angel then returned to the chateau. Cynthia was worried now that some of us had been killed and others wounded, a couple of them very seriously.

Aasta, Honey and Madison were all in very serious condition, though Dr. Jorgenson believed they would survive, but it would be a long recovery for them. Two of Vlora’s girls died, as did Sky. Those snipers knew what they were doing, though they had no idea who the victims were.

Meanwhile, back with Adamson. “Vinnie, my sources tell me that Vern and his men were quite successful,” said Adamson, “but they were killed by these people. I want you to prepare for another attack on that chateau and it’s occupants, but do nothing until you hear from me. We will first see if they are willing to listen to reason.” “Yes sir,” said Vinnie, and off he went.

Back with us again. We were back in the library and Annelie had just finished with Jacquelyn’s new life history. Jacquelyn is the name that TJ had chosen so we could give her a new identity to help keep her safe from Danielle. We want to make it as hard as possible for Danielle to find her. I had just finished reading what Annelie had done and called Jacquelyn to come and check things out too.

“You will have to read this over and over, try to memorize as much of it as you can,” I told her, “it is important to know about your life in case people ask questions.” “I will do that Steve,” she said, “I am actually quite good at memorizing.” “I see you have had a haircut already too,” I said, “it looks very nice.” “Thank you,” she said, smiling. Then she gave me a big, and very long, hug.

Later, when Kat and Angel had returned, the Team leaders met in the library for a meeting about the present case. “It seems that Peter Adamson bought Cynthia from her adoptive parents,” said Annelie, “and, as is the case with all of his property, he branded her. Yes, he does all of the branding himself, he doesn’t trust any of his employees with such an important job. She was his personal slave at the beginning, but after a while he would rent her out to close associates.

At some point she ran away and ended up in youth detention for armed robbery. Soon after, Mr. M. found her in a youth detention school, if it could be called that and managed to get her released into his care. She has not had it easy.” “But she turned out to be a beautiful young woman, inside and out,” I said, smiling, “please, I ask you, I beg of you, keep her out of the slimy hands of Adamson. I can do nothing about this, which is why I say it like this.

Kat, don’t worry about the fact that Adamson has seen you, keep your act the same for the Wildcats. After all, it could be your twin sister he met before, not you. He has decided the game rules, he wants to play ruthlessly, so you must all play ruthlessly as well. It is the only thing he understands. Of course, I am only suggesting.” “Your suggestions are always welcome Steve,” said Kat.

“Mandar said that Adamson is staying at the Seaside Hotel in the city,” I said, “and he always has breakfast in the hotel restaurant at precisely 8am. It might be a good time to visit him, with either the Knight Riders or the Wildcats.” Kat came flipping her way across the room, landing on my lap with a bit of a thump. “Aww, cute little PI man, you put us Wildcats in second place,” she said, pouting, “that’s not very nice.” Everyone laughed…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.