Morning arrived and I was up first, deliberately, so I could actually get in the bathroom. Then Jennifer was next and when she was nearly ready I tried to wake up the girls. That didn’t work so good. So, I got a glass of water and poured it on their heads. There was a bit of screaming and jumping around, but they were awake. “Hurry you two,” I said, “we’re hungry.” “I just thought of something,” said Aasta, “how did you manage to convince Samantha to let you come along on this case?”

“Oh, that was very simple,” I said, “I just asked Jennifer for permission to come.” “And I said it was okay as long as Samantha didn’t find out,” she said, “otherwise he would have to stay behind. But, Samantha is not going to be very happy when we get back.” “I’m sure you will think of something by the time we get back,” I said. “Um, why me?” she asked. “Because you’re the leader,” I replied, “it’s your job.”

“Who is Samantha?” asked Cricket. “Go shower,” I said, “I’m hungry.” “Right, I’ll be done fast as a cricket,” she said. “I didn’t know crickets were fast,” said Jennifer. “Neither did I, but I hope they are,” I said. The restaurant wasn’t big enough for everyone so us guys went to find another one down the street. Well, Jennifer, Aasta and Cricket came along as well, and we sat at a round table with Aari. I then explained to Cricket about Samantha being our doctor.

“I was wondering how you managed to get permission to come over here Steve,” said Aari. “I said the same thing daddy,” said Aasta. He laughed when I told him about sneaking out when she was still at the clinic. “You know, she can put you on inactive duty for 3 months for that,” he said. “Well, Jennifer can overrule that citing extenuating circumstances,” I said. “Oh good, I learned something new,” she said, “being Leader 1 is actually not so bad after all, Kat and I should keep the job.”

“Hey, that would be so cool,” said Aasta. “There we go,” said Jennifer, “I will talk with Kat about it after this case is over. Um, what do we need to do?” “Call a leader’s meeting and vote on it,” I said, “oh, Baldwin would need to be there for that meeting too, but I’m sure he would be in favor of it. It does need to be a private vote and 100%, which I’m sure would be the result.” “However, we will keep this quiet so we can concentrate on the case right now, okay?” said Jennifer.

“Oh, yeah, right!” said Aasta. “Hey, that’s the leader of the Blackbirds,” said Cricket, “I wonder why he is here in Toronto?” “Who are the Blackbirds?” I asked. “The gang fighting the Quebec Diamonds, you know, Sebastien’s gang. I hope he doesn’t see me. He hates me as much as Sebastien, or, close to it anyway.” “What is his name?” asked Aari. “Bruno, and he is a mean guy, not someone to trust,” said Cricket.

“Okay guys, be ready, I’m going to talk with a gang leader that hates Sebastien,” said Aari, and he went over to Bruno’s table and sat down since there was an empty chair. Aari is fluent in French so he began talking with Bruno right away. All the guys had their guns out now, including me. Aasta had her gun out too. “Your job is protecting Cricket,” I told her, “the guys will protect your dad.” She smiled and said she would do so.

“How come you don’t have a gun Jennifer?” asked Cricket. “I don’t need one,” was all she said. “Jennifer is a weapon,” I told Cricket, “she protects me.” Jennifer takes my hand. “Please try to remember that,” she said. “You pick an odd time to hold hands,” said Cricket. “That’s how she protects me,” I said. “Sometimes you’re confusing sir,” she said, “oops, I mean, Steve.” She smiled.

After a few minutes Aari came back to our table. “Well, how did it go?” I asked. “Just like I thought it would,” said Aari, “basically he told me to mind my own business or I would get hurt. I think a bit of muscle should come next, just enough to get his attention.” “Good thought,” I said smiling, “does he have permission?” I looked at Jennifer when I asked that question. “Sounds like a good idea,” she said, “but they are likely going to produce guns when you go back there.”

“Not just ‘likely’,” said Cricket, “they will bring out guns and just might start shooting too. They are not afraid of anyone, not even cops.” “Don’t worry about their guns Aari,” said Jennifer with a smile. “Bear, Rock, Willie and Burk, you guys come with me,” said Aari. They all went walking over to the other table so Bruno and his men stood up and took out their guns. However, they yelled and dropped their guns right away saying they were too hot to hold.

Aari and Bruno were about the same size, the other men a little bigger, but not as big as our guys. Aari quickly grabbed Bruno’s arm and swung it behind his back and pushed his face into his pancakes. His men were being held securely by our guys. “Since you don’t want to join with us,” said Aari to Bruno, “then we will join with Sebastien, and you will fall. I would say you made a poor choice Bruno.” He then punched Bruno in the stomach and set him back on his chair.

The guys did the same with Bruno’s men. “Just consider this a little gift from Sebastien,” said Aari. He then came back to our table. The police showed up shortly after but Bruno told them that it was just a birthday joke. They questioned us a little too and warned us to keep our birthday jokes to private gatherings. I promised we would do that from now on. Bruno and his men finished their breakfast (the waiter brought new pancakes for Bruno) and left.

“They will be waiting for you to come out,” said Cricket, “they really will, I have watched them. I wonder why they dropped their guns and saying they were too hot?” “Hmm, men can be strange sometimes Cricket,” said Jennifer. Cricket just sighed and smiled. “Uh, it might be good to let Kat know,” I said to Jennifer. “Well, tell her then,” she said smiling. “Oh, right, I nearly forgot,” I said. “You did forget dearest husband of mine,” she said. I let Kat know right away. I do like this new way of communicating.

“Um, are you not going to call that lady?” asked Cricket, as I continued eating. “I did already,” I said. “I think I’m going to be confused a lot,” said Cricket giggling. After breakfast we drove back to Montreal to meet up with the Quebec Diamonds. Bruno and his men were waiting for us outside that restaurant, but the Wildcats came roaring past at that moment so they could not shoot at us. Back at Montreal we were outside a pool hall and Cricket was giving us the layout of that place.

She had actually gone in there knowing that Sebastien’s men were inside. But she wanted information that might help someone like us, just in case. She is a very brave young woman. We now know she is 20, though she looks to be about 15 or 16. She has certainly been through a lot in her 20 years and although she broke down once and cried with Aari, she generally is very positive and continually shines radiantly with a huge, contagious smile.

She actually had photos of men we would likely find in that pool hall and what to watch out for, it wasn’t a friendly place. But we are used to things like that. Since some of the men might be recognizable, masks will be worn by everyone and security cameras will be put out of service by our new gadget that we used once before with great success. Cricket even gave names for some of the men and pointed out one in particular…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.