I told Bjorn he should start to cooperate with us as Gabby obviously has more men than he does, although he did bring a dozen men home with him. I told him that Zina and Stewart seem to have disappeared now too, which is not good. I also suggested that if he knew of any secret passages or rooms in this castle, he should let me know so we can search them.

I believe that Gabby and her followers are living under the castle, but we need to know how to get there so we can flush her out. Living down there is not a smart move on her part since we can trap her much too easily down there. “She might think there is a foolproof escape route out of there,” I told Bjorn, “but it is very easy to trap people in such a place and I have the right team members with me to do the job.”

Meanwhile, down with Gabby and friends. “You know Gabby,” said Wellington, “that PI is right, this place is not too safe anymore. It was okay when we only had Bjorn and Bart to deal with, but these PI’s have brains, they are a lot more dangerous.” “Speaking of those PI’s,” said Gabby, “get Max in here now!” “What would you like Gabby?” asked Max as he came running in to the room. “I thought you shot that PI leader,” she said, “take a look!” She pointed to the screen on the wall.

“No way that guy is alive,” said Max, quite shocked to see me walking around, “I killed him, he is dead.” “Maybe he was wearing a bullet proof vest,” said Wellington. “Nope, he had a tight fitting t-shirt, no room for a vest,” he said, “I saw the blood coming out fast after he fell to the floor. It is just impossible!” “Show him the other camera from before,” said Gabby, so Wellington switched to the older video. “What is that lady doing to him?” asked Max. “Looks like she is rubbing his back,” said Wellington. “That’s where I shot him,” said Max, “rubbing his back won’t help him.”

“Seems it helped him a lot,” said Gabby, “it brought him back to life.” “That is just not possible!” he said again. “Max, when I give an order I expect it to be carried out,” said Gabby, “and if not then I kill that person who defied me.” “Gabby, I’m loyal, you know that,” he said, “I have never failed.” “Until now, that is,” she said, “but you are a good man, so I will give you one more chance. That PI and his wife just went into their bedroom. I am sure you can handle the two of them, and I mean now!” Off he went, but he was not planning on using the door, he knew of a better way into our bedroom.

Now, back to us. “That headache is back again Jennifer,” I said, “I am sure it is that ‘nowhere’ drug problem again. Please promise you will stay with me.” “Of course I will Steve,” she said reassuringly, “I would never leave you like that.” “If, if it happens again, there is no help for me,” I began, “so I want to ask you something. Will you please take me away from everyone? Take me somewhere, anywhere, but it must be away from everyone we know. I could not handle the pressure of everyone trying so hard to help me remember, when I cannot remember.”

“It would not be fair to leave Sky and your daughters,” she reminded me. “But I would be no good to them,” I reminded her, “I would have to be watched 24 hours a day to make sure I don’t hurt myself or anyone else.” “Oh, but you think I can watch you 24 hours a day by myself?” she asked. “I’m sorry Jenny, I’m worried and trying to think of something that might help,” I said, “let’s just forget all about this, except for the part about staying with me. You have a way of calming me and that would be a big help.”

“I promised I would stay with you, and I will,” she said, “now, relax. Steve, I sense danger and it is not far away. It is behind that wall, hold my hand!” Just as she said that a door opened along that wall and four men came rushing in, shooting rapidly with their guns. But they suddenly stopped and stared around the room and at each other. “They just disappeared!” said one, “Like into nothing!” The girls got the alert and, lead by Angel, came bursting through our door!

Two men were shot but Angel and Dawn fought the other two and soon had them subdued and handcuffed. Bjorn then entered the room, out of breath. “Max!” he exclaimed, “Why you dirty traitor!” And before anyone could stop him he shot both of our prisoners. That didn’t stop Cynthia from attacking him however, even though Bjorn was a big man, about the same size as Matt. She grabbed the back of a chair and swung her feet through the air, kicking Bjorn on the chest and knocking him against the open door and he fell to the floor. Dawn was right there and took his gun.

“Bjorn,” I said, “this man might have given us some important information, but too late now, thanks to you.” “You wouldn’t be able to trust him anyway, he does nothing but lie,” said Bjorn. “So do you, but I don’t kill you because of it,” I said, “now, who is he and what is his job?” “He is a hired killer,” said Bjorn, “we used him before to get rid of certain troublesome people. He knew his job well.” “Nice to know that Gabby considers me troublesome,” I said, “I would guess this is his second attempt at killing me. He nearly succeeded the first time, but my personal doctor arrived in time.”

Just then Kat and her team came through the same secret door that Max and his friends had used. “We heard the shooting and decided to come see if we could help,” said Kat smiling, “but I guess we were not needed after all.” “I think perhaps you should stay here now,” I said, “it will be dinner soon and Marchelline likes people to be prompt.” As Bjorn left he said, “Don’t expect to get paid for your time!” When Bjorn returned back to the living room he had another surprise waiting for him. “Hmm, it seems Bjorn has a guest,” said Angel. “Not only do you have amazing eyesight, you also have excellent hearing Angel,” I said. She just smiled…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.