I was quite nervous about staying in the room with Sky, but she was so afraid and wanted me to stay with her. I sat in the big chair and she sat on my lap, hugging me tightly and crying. Maybe something like this will help Sky to come out of this drug that has been used on her. Kerstina called in to me and said the woman that had come in was faking her injuries and she said it was Carmen!

How is that possible? Mr. B killed Carmen at her nightclub, or did he? I got Annelie to call Rossana and get her to check the DNA of the woman that had been killed. Rossana was just about to call us with the news, it was not Carmen! That makes 3 women, all looking like Carmen, being used as decoys to throw us off. I then called Annelie again and asked her to put me through to Mr. B, the other one, not ours.

It can be confusing having two Mr. B’s around. I then told Mr. B what we had learned. “No wonder she always wanted so much money,” he said, “I wonder how many more decoys she has for us?” “I think she is actually here, in our area,” I told him, “she is attacking our chateau at the moment and I think she would want to coordinate that one herself.”

“I agree with you Steve,” he said, “and I have some men close to you, I will alert them to watch for Carmen and I am on my way there myself and should be landing within the hour. How is your wife Steve? Honestly, I am genuinely concerned.” So I explained how she had been programmed, like a robot, to hate me, and we are now analyzing the drug to see if we can make an antidote for it.

“Once you know the composition of that drug,” he said, “let me know. I have a friend who just might be able to help with an antidote. But, for obvious reasons, he needs to remain anonymous.” “I will let you know just as soon as I know,” I told him. “Also, make sure that Sky does not look at your face,” he said, “Carmen likely used that as a trigger to set off Sky’s reaction. Just until an antidote is found. See if that might help.”

Somehow that did make sense, there would need to be something to trigger the reaction. Sky no longer reacts at just the mention of my name like she did at the beginning, it is only when she actually sees me. Perhaps if I put a mask on my face? Might be worth a try. After a while Sky fell asleep on my lap and Jennifer came in the room.

She is one of only a couple people who can get in the room during a Code Red lockdown. “I am glad Sky is sleeping,” she said, “I have some tough news to share with you.” “You mean things can get worse?” I asked. “It appears we were not under random attack,” she continued, “it was a sniper who was after just two people, Honey and Agata. Honey is seriously hurt and Agata…she is dead.”

Perhaps it was a good thing I was holding Sky on my lap at that moment. I shed a lot of tears, but made no noise so I would not awaken Sky. “Someone else will have to tell Sky,” I said, “or she may blame me and make her hatred for me even worse.” Jennifer agreed. “Is Kat here too?” I asked. “Yes, she is,” said Jennifer, “do you want her in here?” “Not right now,” I said, “I just thought that perhaps now that the device has been removed from Sky’s brain, perhaps she can help with the healing process, she seems to be good at that.”

“Yes, it is a specialty of hers,” said Jennifer, “something that I do not possess. And because the chip was still in Sky’s brain before, that could be why she was unable to help. Certainly worth trying again.” “Yes, and it could be my face that triggers her attacks of hatred toward me,” I said, “Mr. B figured there must be something that triggers her hatred. Maybe I need to wear a mask.”

“That is also a good thought,” she said, “Kat has her cute cat mask, she might let you use that.” She smiled when she said that. I can just see me wearing that cat mask! Oh my. But, I suppose if it worked it might be worth it. Meanwhile, Mr. B, ours this time, asked Galyna for a report about my mental health right now. She really did not wish to say anything, but had no choice now.

She recommended perhaps putting me on recovery for a while and Rock could take over until I get better. Mr. B called for a meeting of the team leaders to discuss this matter. In the end Mr. B must make the final decision since he is the president and this affects me as team leader 1, otherwise I would be the one to make the decision. Everyone agreed that I needed some time off so I could concentrate on Sky, and now Honey as well.

I was then put on inactive duty so that I would be completely free for my family. We would still stay at the chateau, have a car available to us anytime and I would have two bodyguards for myself, of Rock’s choosing since he is now team leader 1. Nothing changes for Sky, though she is now on recovery, she retains her usual bodyguards. Rock gave me Kat and Jennifer for my bodyguards and they would remain with me 24 hours a day…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.