While we were heading back to see Wickers, Galyna was to talk with Mandy to see if she can help us out in some way. Galyna brought Muffin with her to visit with Mandy. “Come in,” said Mandy. “I was wondering if we could talk with you for a little while,” said Galyna. “Sure, that would be nice,” said Mandy cheerfully. “I am the team counselor,” said Galyna, “and I have a unique ability to tell when something is bothering, or scaring someone.

I think that something is bothering you and I would like to help you if I can. We want to try and stop Wickers completely, so that he cannot hurt anyone again. He killed your mother, am I right?” Mandy looked at her, just kind of staring. “Wickers scares you too, right?” asked Galyna, “He made you work for him, through your dad, correct?

Some of the girls on our team were forced into porn at young ages, Sky was 15, Aasta was 12, Dawn was 14, Cheryl was 15, I was 13. Some of the other girls too. We understand what it is like and what you have been through. We need you to help us if you can.” Mandy had tears flowing down her cheeks while she lay on her bed cuddling Muffin and listening.

“I am scared,” said Mandy, “I have seen my grave, it has my name on it, he will put me in that grave if I say anything.” “No, he will not,” said Galyna, “you are safe here with us and we have a couple of safe rooms here where no one can get you, that is where we will be sleeping at night. I will be honest, I have seen a picture of your grave, Annelie found it for us. She can find most anything it seems.

What is your real name, Hardin or Anderson?” “It is Anderson. Madison is my real sister, but not the others,” said Mandy, “they are the children of Mallory and Chuck Hardin, except the baby which is Wickers. Our mom, Laura Anderson, worked for Wickers, but he killed her because she refused to be his girlfriend. That was 3 years ago and that is when he sent us to live with the Hardins and when I started working for Wickers.

He put something about ‘jewel’ on my grave because he hid a lot of stolen jewels in the grave. All the important people in that city work for Wickers in one way or another and everyone is afraid of him. There is something special about that house too, but I could never find out what it was, but apparently if Wickers lost it, he would be in big trouble.

I am scared Galyna, super scared, I do not want to go back there, not ever!” She really started crying now. “You will never need to go back Mandy,” said Galyna, “we will protect you, just please help us, do you have any more information about Wickers that might help?” They talked some more, then Galyna called me to fill me in on some details that might help us.

However, there were no people we could count on for help in this city and that will be a big problem, especially for digging up that grave. We have all the cats with us on this trip except Muffin and Snow. All 10 men are on this trip and 16 of the girls, 11 girls stayed behind plus the 6 who were wounded. Mandar’s Teams 2, 3 and 4 are with us too which gives us 15 men and 15 women extra to help out.

He left Teams 5, 6 and 7 behind to protect the chateau and clinic. Mandar himself is with us this time too, though I tried to discourage him from coming along. But he seems to enjoy getting involved for some reason. That night at Wickers main nightclub there was a knock at his office door. “Someone to see you boss,” said Ray. “I am too busy right now,” he replied, even though he was not busy.

“You might want to see this guy,” said Ray, “just said to tell you Mr. M is here.” Wickers smiled and came right out. Ray pointed him to a table with Mr. M and another man. Wickers went over and sat down. “You want to see me?” he asked. “Yes,” said Mr. M, “I hear you and I have a common enemy, a certain PI named Steve. I can help you deal with that man and get rid of him for you.”

“You are too late,” said Wickers smiling, “I already scared him back home, and gave him a firm message to stay away.” “Interesting,” said Mr. M, “but I saw him just a few minutes ago in that house of yours. My sources say that he is quite angry with you for killing his wife and he vows revenge.” “Ray, call Lloyd, find out if anything is wrong at the house,” said Wickers.

“Someone answered boss, but not Lloyd,” said Ray, “he said to look outside the door.” Wickers nodded at two men by the front door to go out and check. They came right back in and one came to Wickers. “Lloyd and the other 3 with him are outside,” he said, “dead, with this note pinned to Lloyd…”

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.