The men that Wickers sent outside came back in, one with a note which he gave to Wickers. The note read like this, “Greetings Wickers, did you really think that after killing my wife that I would just stay home and relax? If so, then you are a bigger fool than I thought. I am back and you will find that I have a larger team than you realize. Oh, by the time you read this, your 2 casinos will be in flames.

I plan on taking you down completely Wickers. Steve.” “Ray, check the two casinos,” said Wickers. He came back quickly. “Both are burning boss,” he said, “they will be a total loss.” Wickers slammed his fist on the table. Just then a very large man came in the door, ordered something at the bar and then came to sit at the table with Wickers and Mr. M. “And who are you?” asked Wickers, “I do not like having my meetings interrupted.”

“You need me Wickers,” said the man, “you need help against that PI and I’m the one that can do it.” “These gentlemen have also offered to help me,” said Wickers, “and I have decided to use their services.” “You two can leave,” said the man, “before I break you both in two.” Wickers two doormen came over. “Escort this man out,” said Wickers. “Those two will throw me out?” asked the man.

Then he started laughing loudly, stood up, grabbed the two men and tossed them aside. Everyone in the room began running and hiding, or just leaving completely. The two bartenders pulled out guns but the large man grabbed Wickers and held him in such a way that he could break Wickers neck easily. The bartenders put their guns down. “Now, you two leave,” said the large man.

They both stood up and Mr. M nodded to his man who then drew his gun, aiming it at the large man’s head. “I do not work for Wickers,” he said, “so I do not care what you do. But, if you hurt him, you are dead. Now I suggest that you leave.” The large man stood there growling, then dropped Wickers on the floor and left quickly. Ray was right there to help Wickers. “You okay boss?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” he said, “sit back down gentlemen and let us do some talking. By the way, how did you get that gun past my metal detector and x-ray machine?” “There is always a way to beat a machine,” said Mr. M’s bodyguard. “So I see,” said Wickers, “I will have to look into that. Can you take care of that ape as well?” “If you wish,” said Mr. M, “we could add him to the contract.”

“How does one million sound,” said Wickers, “for both that is.” “Good enough,” said Mr. M, “but we will need some expense money up front, say 10% and the rest on completion.” Wickers called Ray over and told him to get the money from the safe. Ray came back after a while with a briefcase of cash. “You will see some results tomorrow,” said Mr. M.

He and his bodyguard then left, with 3 other men following after them. “Think they can be trusted?” asked Ray. “I never trust anyone I do not know,” said Wickers, “but for the moment they might be useful.” Under cover of early morning darkness a large truck drove up to a small, old church. Quickly a backhoe was unloaded and Miles began digging up Mandy’s grave. He soon hit a casket. A brass plaque on the lid said, “Mandy my jewel.”

Rock opened the casket and it was filled with gold bars and jewels of all sorts. By morning nothing was left but a hole in the ground and an empty casket. A short morning phone call at 9am and Wickers was soon at the grave, red with anger! “This was Mandy’s doing, she told that PI about her grave!” exclaimed Wickers, “I want those kids back, they will learn what happens to people who betray me!”

Later he called Mr. M. “Can you go to France and get those kids for me?” he asked. “Well, that PI is here with most of his team,” said Mr. M, “so it should be relatively easy to get kids away from the remainder. I can leave right away but I will need a bit extra cash.” Wickers agreed to give him another 10% and Ray delivered it to him at the hotel.

While that was going on, we were trying to figure out what was so special about this house. I am surprised that Wickers has not shown up here to talk with us or try to throw us out of the house. But perhaps he is afraid we will burn it down if he tries something. That would mean that there is something valuable hidden in here somewhere, perhaps a large supply of drugs.

Meanwhile, back home Aasta, who is 18 and Cheryl, who is 17, are making friends with Mandy and trying to quickly gain her trust. Mandy was excited to have some new friends close to her age. She has not had friends since she entered her teens and spent any time she had with Madison to make sure she was okay.

Back to us again. I received a phone call from Dr. Kerstina and found myself on the jet heading back home once again. Jennifer was with me, I needed someone for this trip or I would have gone crazy. But will we make it in time? Somehow I doubt it…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.