Knowing that Mike was coming soon, I decided to send Hope back home, since Mike knows her very well and that would be a real problem for us. It might be a problem anyway if Mike is able to piece things together and realize that we are The Investigators, and not Steve’s Wildcats. Meanwhile, back at Raymundo’s nightclub.

“Here,” said Diego to another man, “Raymundo wants this man liquidated.” The other man did not ask questions, just shot the man twice in the heart, and he slumped over dead. “You traitor!” yelled Diego to that man, and he then shot him dead. Two other guards came rushing in, but too late to save their prisoner. Felipe then came in and Diego told him what happened, but he was unable to stop the traitor.

“Get rid of this man in the trash,” said Felipe, “actually, both of them.” He then went upstairs and told Raymundo what had happened. Raymundo smiled. “Diego thinks he is a clever man,” said Raymundo, “watch him closely Felipe, he is dangerous to us right now.” “I could get rid of him,” said Felipe, “it would be so easy.” “Yes, but for now we still need him,” said Raymundo, “until we find out what is going on and who might be his new boss.”

Felipe then came into the club. “Ah, Felipe, my good man,” said Mandar, “I have just received some information from my men that will interest Raymundo.” Felipe went to get him and both came out and sat down. “Such a delicious meal Raymundo,” said Mandar, “but now the part that would interest you more. My boys have found out who is looking to take your territory. It is a woman from Canada, named Mike.

She is ruthless, cold and unpredictable. She also has a large organization at her disposal and seems to have good financial backing, much, I imagine, she has stolen. I have not met the woman personally, but I do believe my contact.” “Hmm, that is good information Mandar,” he said, “I will have Dabora check out this woman more thoroughly for me.”

“Oh, this Mike person does have people here already,” added Mandar, “though I do not know how many. But likely they are just scouting the area, and your operation, more closely.” “Yes, I do agree with your assessment Mandar,” said Raymundo, “if you can find more information on names and where they might be staying, I would appreciate it.”

He then got up and left, but nodded at Felipe first and he handed an envelope to Mandar. “Very nice of him,” said Mandar, and he divided it between Ginnifer and Penny. “He just gave all that money to his 2 bodyguards,” said Luis to Raymundo. “I imagine they handle everything for the old man,” said Raymundo. “He certainly picks beauties for bodyguards,” added Luis. “That’s okay Luis,” he said, “I am satisfied with you.” Everyone in the office laughed.

“Dabora, my dear,” he said, “please check on one Mike, a woman from Canada who is the one interested in my territory. I want to know if she really is a problem, or a bug we can step on. I want to know the size of her organization, just everything about her.” “I should have that quickly, my darling,” she said. Meanwhile, when Sky heard that Mike was coming, she did not like that at all.

She sent Crystal to replace Hope, then she sent Cinnamon, Sapphire, Charly and Aletia (our new Spanish nurse) to bolster our numbers a bit. I got the impression that Sky was a bit worried. The new girls arrived in good time and were eager to get going. Or perhaps just eager to wear the new uniforms. After breakfast Beryan was giving me my massage when the front desk clerk called to my room.

“There is a lovely young woman here to see you sir,” he said, “her name is Melanie.” I told him I would be right down. Jennifer, Cynthia and Aasta came along, as did Muffin, Jewel, Midnight and Rascal. “Wow, you have 4 cats,” said Melanie, “are they all as well trained as Jewel?” “Actually, Muffin here is the main trainer of all our cats,” I said.

“Now that is interesting,” she said, “there is a man named Steve, from The Investigators, that also has a gray cat named Muffin.” All the cats ears went straight up when she said that. “Hmm, it is also interesting that your cats, like The Investigators cats, can understand humans.” “You have been doing your homework,” I said, “I guess this information has been given to Mike by now.”

Melanie put her head down, remaining quiet for a bit. Then she looked up at Jennifer and I, with tears rolling down her cheeks. “No,” she said very softly, “Mike knows nothing…(she put her head down again)…please, I want help, would, would you be willing to help me?” “If I should say no, then you would tell Mike,” I said, “is that what happens?” She shook her head ‘no’.

“If you should say no,” she continued, “Mike will not find out anything. Only I know this…and…I will…be dead.” She put her head down again, crying more now. Each of the cats came to me, giving their meow. I looked at Jennifer. She smiled and said, “I told you.” “May I ask why you are turning against your boss?” I enquired. “I never wanted to join her organization,” she said, “but I was in trouble.

She got me out and I ended up in more trouble than ever. I have done a lot…of bad things…and should be in prison. I can help you take down Mike so it will be safer for your girls. And I guess your guys are here somewhere too. I, I could be a maid, or cook, or, or a companion, or whatever, if…if you will please help me.” Jennifer whispered to me.

“How soon do you need your answer?” I asked Melanie. “Now,” she said, “someone will have reported me to Mike by now, since I left without permission. If I walk out that door, I will be dead.” “Then I guess you will not be walking out that door,” I said, smiling at her…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.