Now we return to Mr. Schultz and his men. “Hey boss,” said Mendel, “I was in touch with my friend at that bank and asked him to check on your money. He said that Koffman opened a new account and put some of your money and some of his into that account.” “What?!!” yelled Schultz. “But that’s not all,” said Mendel, “today Koffman put his money into some investments, so his old account is now empty, which means you can’t take anything from him.

So your agreement to share your accounts wasn’t such a good idea. Also, he took another 10 million euros out of your account today and it ended up in an account in a Paris bank.” “I’ll kill that thief!!” yelled Schultz, “Where’s Ernst? He’s the best hit man around here. Get him for me! I will give him half a million euros to get rid of Koffman in the next 48 hours!” I’m on it boss,” said Mendel. Meanwhile, back to us. Jennifer did a great job putting that listening device behind Schultz’ belt, voices come in nice and clear.

Now, as much as I would like to stop Koffman, if there needs to be a choice between the two, I would prefer to get rid of Schultz. Koffman is more, um, reliable and dependable and basically predictable. So, he is easier to deal with if we have to in the future. But if we do things right, perhaps Koffman will get rid of Schultz for us and then we can get Koffman in prison for a long time. Last time he got out on a technicality and this time we need to make sure that doesn’t happen.

I would like to get him in prison though. That’s basically what he does with the women in his control, he keeps them locked up except when he’s using them. And even then they are still in his “prison” with no way out. So, I decided to give Koffman a call and sell him some information. “Look PI, I’m busy,” said Koffman, “what’s this important information you have for me?” “This information can keep you alive,” I said, “for a price. How much is your life worth to you Koffman?” “A great deal,” he said, “what do you want for this information?”

“I hear you have a Finnish girl named Nalle, a French girl named Cosette and a Canadian girl named Roxanne, um, working for you right now,” I said, “I have someone near to you who can pick them up for me if we have a deal.” “Okay, I kind of figured you would do something like that,” he said, “though I don’t understand how you find out such information so quickly. Those girls just started working for me.” “I have a good organization Koffman,” I reminded him, “anyway, I have heard that a man named Ernst has been paid half a million euros to kill you within the next 48 hours. I’m sure you have heard of him.”

“Yeah, I have heard of him,” said Koffman, “someone has a lot of money to throw around. Care to inform me who it is? After all, you’re getting 3 of the best girls around.” “Does the name Schultz ring a bell?” I asked, “Seems you have an agreement that if one of you dies, the other gets everything.” There was silence for a few moments. “Only Schultz and I knew about that agreement,” said Koffman, “not even our most trusted men knew about it. I don’t see how you could have found out.”

“Listening devices are amazing inventions Koffman,” I told him, “now, some of my girls will be there to pick up the 3 agreed upon girls in about 10 minutes. Please don’t try to cheat me on this deal.” “Those 3 girls will be ready,” he said, “but your girls will have to come in to get them, there will be no tricks.” I had sent Jennifer, Kat and two others of their choosing to be there and ready to pick up those girls if a deal was made. They were soon pulling into the parking area in front of Koffman’s club.

Kat and Jennifer went inside and were stopped by the door guards so their machine could check them for weapons. Nothing showed up so the girls walked away and the guards said to come back, but Kat told them they have an appointment and they kept walking over to Koffman’s table. “I must say, you’re brave coming in here without weapons and only two of you,” said Koffman. “If anyone tried anything,” said Jennifer, “they would regret it.” She smiled when she said it though.

“These are the ladies you wanted,” he said. “Thank you Koffman,” said Kat, “you don’t need to be afraid of us girls.” Jennifer went first, then the three girls and Kat at the back of the line watching carefully. After they left one of Koffman’s men came out and sat down at the table. “It’s all set,” he said, “Ernst is now working for you and for 1 million euros he said that Schultz would be dead tomorrow.” “A small price to pay considering what I will inherit,” Koffman said chuckling, “no one tries to cheat me and gets away with it.”

Meanwhile, back with us. “I hope your plan works Steve,” said Jazzy, “or we could have Koffman and Schultz after me.” Just then Kristina came in and said that Mr. Schultz was here and wanted to speak with Jazzy. “He has two men with him,” she added. “Let them come in, but without weapons,” I said. Then Jazzy and I went into the living room to meet with our guests.

Schultz said he was willing to raise his offer for the house, doubling his original offer. I guess he’s expecting to inherit a lot of money once Koffman is dead. “Well, that’s a much better offer than your first one,” said Jazzy, “give me 48 hours to think about it and I’ll give you my answer.” He thanked her and said he would be in touch. He seemed to be in a rather good mood when he left. “I was expecting him to be upset,” said Jazzy. “Yes, same with me,” I said, “that makes me suspicious.”

After they were gone Jazzy wanted to go out and pick some flowers from her garden to bring inside, so I sent four of the girls with her, including Kristina who stood in front of Jazzy. But Jazzy suddenly turned and several shots were fired from across the street…

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod