The police car sat out there for about 2 minutes, possibly checking on our car. Then another limousine came up behind them and honked, so the police left and the limousine parked behind ours. “That is curious,” I said, “ever seen that limousine up here before?” “No, I never have seen any limousine here, besides yours,” answered Mallory. “Heads up Kristina,” I said, “follow in line.”

“Friends of yours?” asked Mallory. “Yes, part of my team,” I said, “just in case there is trouble. People upstairs, across the street, now this car, that is too much interest in us. You remain inside with your kids, I will deal with this person. Dawn and Kari, you stay inside with Mallory and her kids, no one goes outside. When I send Kat in then you come outside Dawn.”

“Got it Steve,” she said. Sky and I went out and stood at the bottom of the steps. Kat went inside while Amber and Sapphire stayed outside with us and we were joined quickly by Dawn. Soon two men in suits came out of the limousine and walked toward us. “Good afternoon,” I said as the men approached. I stood right in front of them which did not stop them.

One man pushed me roughly aside, knocking me to the ground. A bad mistake on his part. Sky went into action and with a couple of kicks had the two men laying on the ground groaning. I got up and removed the gun from one man while Sky took the gun from the other man. I then stood there looking at the limousine. Another well dressed man, short and chubby came out next and came directly to me.

“I am not here to fight,” he said, “but my client is here to pick up his property.” “Who is your client and what property does he want?” I asked casually. “My client’s name must remain confidential,” he said, “but this is a list of his property.” The list just included the names of Mallory’s children. I showed it to Sky. “People are not property,” she said, “your client is a fool if he or she thinks we will give the children to him or her.”

“Get out of here,” I told him. “Look mister,” he began, “the court has awarded custody of the children to my client since Mrs. Hardin is not mentally capable of looking after them. That is the finding of 3 different psychiatrists.” “Let me see the legal papers,” I said. “You will have to come to my office to see them,” he said, and he handed me his card. I took a picture of it.

“Check him out Trace,” I said. “On it Steve,” she replied. “Now, I will say it again, get out of here,” I said, “and take your two friends with you.” “Look, if you are going to try and stop my client,” he said, “I will have to call the police.” “Real cops, or the ones that work for your client?” I asked. He then turned and walked back to the car. The other two men were standing now. “Our guns,” said one of them.

“You should be thankful that you can walk away,” I said, “now leave.” Just then another man came walking toward us. This would be the ‘client’, no doubt. “I apologize for my men,” he said, “my name is Mr. Wickers. I have come to pick up my legal property.” “If someone says that again,” said Sky, “and I will forget that I am nice. I will tell you also, people are not property!”

“I fully agree with my wife,” I said, “my name is Steve, this is Sky, we own a private investigative company called The Investigators. Mrs. Hardin is my client and as such she and her family are in our care until further notice. I don’t care what kind of legal papers you might have, I will be happy to fight them in court.” “Is it worth your time and money?” he asked.

“Always,” I said, then I looked at Sky, “what has caught your attention down the street?” “A white limousine,” she said, “sitting at that intersection, 4 blocks away. A window keeps opening and closing, I think they are watching us.” “My wife has good eyesight,” I said, “I imagine there are several white limousines in this city.” “Only one, and it is a rental,” said Wickers. He then snapped his fingers and waved to his men.

One came out with binoculars. “Four blocks down, white limo,” he said. “They are watching,” he said, “new limo too.” “Someone you know perhaps?” I asked. “No, but I soon will,” he said, “now, do not try pushing me too far, leaving our fair city would be a much better choice.” “I will do so, when our investigation is complete,” I said, “and I do not like threats.”

“I will give you until tomorrow to think about it,” he said, “in 24 hours I will be back for my property.” Sky then moved very quickly and gave Wickers a hard back handed slap, knocking him to the ground. Just then Kristina arrived with her team and 3 of them got out of the van. “I warned you,” said Sky angrily. Wickers got to his feet, then he and his men left…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.