Misty’s team, along with Ivy and 3 additional ghosts, meaning 4 were along since one is always on Misty’s team, had just returned from picking up Kalene from the airport. Now Ivy was introducing Kalene to all of the girls, at least the ones that were around at the time. “This is our present leader, Jennifer,” said Ivy, “her husband Steve is the actual leader of our team of Investigators.” “Thank you so much for allowing me to come here Jennifer,” said Kalene, “I just hope Salmon won’t follow me here.”

“If he comes here, he will regret it,” said Misty confidently. “That’s true,” said Jennifer, “you are safe here with us, all of the girls here are completely trustworthy as well.” “Ivy was telling me that you have only girls working here for you,” said Kalene, “that is so amazing.” “There is also…YAAAAAA!!” Misty yelled suddenly mid sentence. “YAAAAA!!” yelled Kalene too. “Misty, I think Steffie wanted you to play with her for a while,” said Jennifer, “don’t keep her waiting.”

“But I, but she…” then Misty sighed and Sky followed her out of the room. “Was it necessary to shock me again?” asked Misty in the hallway. “I had to stop you from mentioning Aari’s team,” said Sky, “we don’t want others knowing we work together.” “Oh, that’s right,” said Misty, “good thing I remembered in time.” Sky just sighed. Then Steffie came along. “I heard Auntie Misty scream,” said Steffie, “so knew you home now.” “And, Auntie Misty is going to play with you Steffie,” said Sky smiling, “isn’t that great?” “Yay, we go sliding first!” said Steffie and she grabbed Misty’s hand, nearly dragging her upstairs.

Steffie pressed the stone that turned the stairs into a slide and down they went! However, Friskie came along and saw the slide and figured that Steffie forgot to return it to the stairs after playing earlier, so she pressed the stone at the bottom. Suddenly she heard thumps and bumps and ouches! Sky came along right then and told Friskie she better move out of the way because Misty and Steffie would be sliding down soon. That’s when the two of them came thumping down, well, with Misty kind of flipping over and over and…crash! She landed right into Sky knocking her down, falling on top of her and the two continued down the stairs.

Sky, being a ghost, was able to slide down the stairs smoothly and Misty was safe on top of her. However, at the bottom of the stairs they collided with Amerie who was carrying a bucket of water to do some cleaning in the cat’s playroom! Amerie fell, spilling the water all over Misty and Sky. “I’m soaked!” exclaimed Sky. “Me too!” exclaimed Misty, “Amerie, you should be more careful.” “I totally agree,” said Sky, “we had the right of way.” Amerie took her cloth, wiped up some water and wrung it out on Sky’s face, then she walked away.

“You just wait Amerie,” yelled Sky, “I will get you for that!” But Misty just began to laugh, and laugh, and laugh! Sky frowned at her and wiggled her finger. “Wait!” exclaimed Misty, “If you shock me now when I’m soaked, it would kill me! Then you would have to play with Steffie every day. Sky’s eyes got real wide at that thought. “Fine, I will wait and shock you when you’re dry,” she said, “now, get off me!” “Right, I’m off!” she replied. “Why you two soaking wet?” asked Steffie as she finally came downstairs, “We not finished playing yet Auntie Misty.”

“I need to change,” said Misty, “then I will be right back.” Sky disappeared and reappeared, dry and with dry clothes. She began to laugh at Misty for being so slow. “That’s only because I’m not a ghostie,” replied Misty. “That did it!” said Sky. But, Steffie had other plans. “You can play with me until Auntie Misty get dry,” said Steffie to Sky, “we go sliding!” “But I, but she…” sighed Sky. “Where Daddy is?” asked Steffie, “Not see him since yesterday time.” “Um, uh, wait here for a minute,” said Sky and she disappeared.

Sky stayed invisible as she looked around for Friskie. Finally she asked Cristy who told her Friskie was at the pool and off she went. “Friskie, come quick!” exclaimed Sky and she pulled Friskie’s arm. But Friskie lost her balance and both ended up in the pool. “I’m soaked again!” said Sky. “Me too!” said Friskie. “At least you’re dressed for it,” said Sky. “Please take me back to my room,” said Friskie. Both disappeared and soon they were dry and looking for Steffie.

Meanwhile, Steffie thought Sky abandoned her so she went looking for Auntie Jennifer and found her in the library talking with Ivy and Kalene. “Auntie Jennifer, why not no one want to tell me where Daddy is?” asked Steffie. Jennifer smiled at her. “Would you like to see Daddy right now?” she asked. Steffie nodded yes. So, Jennifer took her to the clinic. Samantha had moved me to my room for recovery, so Jennifer took Steffie in to visit with me. But she told Steffie I was very sick so she had to be quiet and no jumping on the bed.

Meanwhile, Kalene gave the picture she had of Mr. Flynn to Cristy so she could hand it out to everyone and soon everyone had her picture on their phone, including the Black Wolves. Kalene also told everyone that Mr. Flynn’s real name is Donna Filing, but she had no idea where she lived. Then Aari called Kat and told her one of his sources had said there was someone named Mr. Flynn living at a huge estate outside of San Francisco. When Cristy heard that, she was busy looking for that place, and, she found it easily enough. It was indeed huge…

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.