I found it interesting that Mr. B would come looking for me just to talk with me, and not fight. Perhaps he wants to warn me to stay away, in which case he will be disappointed. Since he had a bodyguard with him, I figured it should be okay to bring Jennifer with me. We also brought Jewel and Rascal with us. We found Mr. B and his bodyguard sitting at a table in the lounge, so we joined them.

“I hope you do not mind the cats,” I said, “but we do not like leaving them alone in the room.” “It is fine with us,” said Mr. B, “we both like cats. I am Mr. B and this is Cal, he goes with me everywhere.” “This is my wife Sky,” I said, “and I am Steve, leader of The Investigators. I heard rumors you were in the area, so I assume you are not a friend of Carmen.” Both of them laughed at that.

“You are correct,” he said, “I am Carmen’s husband, though we have been separated for 10 years now, and I have been looking for her ever since. She always manages to keep one step ahead of me. When she left, she also managed to take most of my money and clients. You can probably imagine I was not too happy about that. She is a dangerous, unpredictable woman, do not trust her at all.

I know she must have kidnapped some of your people and you are getting them back, slowly. You never will get them all, except maybe in a box. That is how you will get the last on the list anyway.” Jennifer looked at me, she could tell what I was thinking, Sky is the last one on the list. I was quiet for a moment.

“She will regret doing that,” I said finally, “I will destroy her if she does. It may take me a while, but I will do it.” Just then Annelie called and asked if it was okay to talk, it was about Carmen she said, so I told her it would be okay. Mr. B might enjoy hearing this too. “It seems Majori has been helping Carmen for the past 5 years,” said Annelie, “mainly helping with her security issues, which, as you know, is her specialty.

She arrived today to be a permanent part of Carmen’s organization. She also brought 20 people with her and apparently Carmen already has 60 to 70 people in her organization. Also, she now controls about 20% of drugs and sex trafficking in the country, plus some other things such as the illegal gun trade and she is now getting started in gambling too.”

“Thanks girl,” I said, “will talk again later.” “You are able to find out information easily,” said Mr. B, “you obviously have good contacts. I did not know Carmen was growing so much, if she is not stopped soon, it will be impossible. Who is this Majori, or am I not allowed to ask?” I quickly filled him in on Majori. With her and Carmen together, things just got a lot more dangerous. I looked at Jennifer.

“You will not be able to come with me tomorrow,” I said, “if Majori is at the meeting, she will know you are not Sky.” “Yes, I thought of that too,” she said. Mr. B looked a bit puzzled so I told him that Sky is really Jennifer, and the Jennifer that Carmen has is really my wife Sky. “She just does not know it yet,” I said, “unless Majori has seen the prisoners, in which case it will be dangerous when we go tomorrow.”

I looked at Jennifer again. “I wonder if Mac or John could get here in time for tomorrow,” I said to her. “They could, only they would be tired,” she said. “True, but it’s too dangerous for one of the other girls to take your place,” I said. “What do you think Cal?” asked Mr. B. “Okay with me,” he said, “then I could take a look at the setup down there.” “If you can use Cal, he is all yours Steve,” said Mr. B.

“You are most welcome to join me Cal,” I said, “just remember, this is voluntary, and you may not come back. But you will be given as much protection as possible. Unfortunately, weapons are not allowed on this trip. Seems they make Carmen nervous for some reason.” They both laughed. Well, it is nearly 2 pm and we are just parking in front of the general store once again.

Carmen does not know Cal at all, so that is good, hopefully none of her men know him either. A new man with an assault rifle motioned us inside. Cal had the suitcase this time. “Good afternoon dear Steve,” said Carmen, “oh my, Sky has sure changed.” “She came down with a severe case of flu,” I said, “so Cal here had to bring me today.” “Such a shame dear Steve,” she said, “and just how many girls do you have named Sky?”

Oh, oh, Carmen knows already and we are in trouble. Sky was then brought out in a wheelchair, or, what was left of her anyway. “Poor girl,” said Carmen, “she put up a good fight against Boxer, but she was no match.”

Boxer then came out grinning from ear to ear. “Carmen,” I said, “you just made a big mistake and you are now a dead woman.” She just laughed and sat on a wood chair like she always does. Majori came out of the back room, she was also laughing…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.