It did not take Annelie long to discover that we had boarded a jet in Paris headed for Mexico City. But that was just a stopover point. From there we were to fly down to Panama and then to Lima, Peru. Apparently we did not seem to be drugged or in distress at all when boarding the jet, which made sense. If they could erase the memories of those at the clinic, then they could likely make us think we were with friends and not even remember that we were The Investigators.

“Well, that does tell us a lot,” said Alizea. “Would you mind sharing with us what exactly that does tell us?” asked Baldwin, “I am not good at reading people’s minds.” “Oh, sorry Mr. B.,” she said, “but it seems that these people must want Steve and the others to do some kind of job for them. So, they will not hurt them, but rather will likely treat them well and they want everyone to know that. Plus, that rare drug that Steve was given came from Peru, or at least that area of S. America, which shows that it is all related.”

“What was it that you did for Mike?” asked Baldwin. “Oh, mainly I was her planner, for taking over others territory, fighting another gang, robbing a bank, getting people out of prison, you know, little things like that.” Baldwin stared at her. “Oh, of course,” he said, “Kat, why is she not on your team?” “Yeah, I guess she should be,” she agreed. Then Baldwin got a phone call. It seems they found another body in that gorge, a native man from Peru.

“Well, Peru certainly seems to be our destination,” said Kat. “Yes, and it is a rather large country,” said Annelie. Kat and the Wildcats made plans and would be ready to leave that afternoon. Soon they were flying across the ocean, not really knowing what they were going to find, or if they would find anything. After all, we may not have stayed in Peru, we might just be on a long roundabout journey to wherever. It is a good way to do things if you want to make it hard to find someone.

According to security cameras at the airport, we did get off the plane and we left the airport on a local taxi, or group of taxis really, but all from the same company. So, off they went to check with this taxi company, only to find that the company office was in an empty building, one that had been empty for quite some time. So that gave them a dead end. Next, they began looking for someone who saw the taxis at the airport.

They did show up plainly on the security cameras, but people at the airport had never heard of that taxi company before. Lima is a rather large city, so trying to track down a half dozen taxis from a company that does not exist will not be easy. However, Annelie discovered that the taxi company did exist at one time, and it that vacant building, which still did not really help. But, the girls began going around the area, asking people about that old company and if anyone had seen taxis with that name on it recently.

They stopped in at a coffee shop to relax for a bit. Catalina, Cinnamon, Aasta and Amber were sitting at a table next to a couple of young mothers, each with two children. Aasta decided to ask them about the old taxi company. The father of one used to drive a taxi for that company, but it closed 6 years ago. Her son then spoke up and said he saw 5 taxis with that name on them yesterday. His sister then spoke up and said there were 6 of them, all were black.

They had been playing behind the building with their friends, something they do regularly because there are 2 old cars back there. They heard the drivers say they better get going because Angelica would be angry if they were late. They were picking up guests of hers at the airport and taking them to Lima Paradise Hotel. Aasta waved to Kat to join them, so she came over and Aasta told her what the kids heard. Kat gave some reward money to the mothers and the girls left quickly.

The hotel was very large and the girls just looked at it from a distance. Kat, Pacca and Alizea went to do some checking at the hotel. With a little money they discovered that we did indeed check into the hotel yesterday as guests of another guest named Angelica Gorvan. Apparently she had the whole 20th floor booked for herself and guests. Kat and the girls left and called Baldwin.

“Naturally she would pick the most expensive hotel in the city,” he grumbled, “oh well, at least you found them quickly, that is a good thing. I thought we had finished with that miserable woman, I wonder what she wants now?” “Good question Mr. B,” said Kat, “one that may not be easy to answer. Check around for anything unusual happening in this city, or something coming up. Maybe she wants Steve and the others to steal something for her.

Or perhaps get someone out of prison, though Steve hardly has the right people for that one.” “But why did they not fight back?” asked Baldwin, “That part still makes no sense.” “All it would take is a gun next to Sky’s head and Steve would surrender,” she replied, “and tell the others to do the same. By the way, what was the name of Angelica’s daughter?” “That would be Carolyn,” said Annelie, “I will send you pictures of both, also of Reggie, he was working for them too, remember?”

“Yes, we never did find him either,” said Kat, “it would be interesting if all three are here together. I still think that Angelica wants Steve and the others for a job of some kind, otherwise she could have killed them easily instead of bringing them all this way.” “Unless she is using them to lure more of us down there,” said Annelie, “so she can kill a larger number all at once.” “Oh, you are so cheerful today,” said Baldwin, “I am going to send the Knight Riders to help you, they are not too far away.

They will stay at a different hotel a little further away, but still close enough to help in a hurry.” “I will get 8 of the girls into that same hotel as Angelica,” said Kat, “the rest of us will stay at the hotel next door.” “But she might be watching and recognize the girls,” said Baldwin. “True, but she will not recognize these girls,” said Kat, “we need to be close to watch things.” “Okay, but be careful,” said Baldwin, “those two women are dangerous, and if Reggie is still with them, that will be much worse.”

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.