The antidote was given to each of us, including the cats and within less than 2 hours we were all back to normal. Everyone was in the library talking over what has been happening and I did not like what was going on at all. “Um, where are Honey and Carolyn?” I asked. “Carolyn didn’t want to come out and meet you,” said Kristina, “so Honey went with Snow to get her. Carolyn thinks you will send her to prison right away and she is afraid of what might happen to her there.”

Honey came in just then, holding Carolyn’s hand and Carolyn had her head down looking at the floor. Honey brought her right over to me. Carolyn fell to her knees crying and saying, “Please Steve, don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me,” she kept saying, “I can be a servant, or even a slave if you want. Please don’t send me to prison, please!” “I have no intention of hurting you Carolyn,” I said, “nor am I planning to send you to prison. I am really not such a bad person. Come on, get up and let’s sit down on the couch so we can talk.”

She told us how her mom had taught her from the time she turned 13 just how bad I was and how I wanted to hurt them and kill them. So, by the time she was 18 she absolutely hated me and wanted to do whatever she could to hurt me. She realizes now that her mom was wrong about things, but she still was not sure about me and what I might do to her. “I will show you what I will do to you,” I said. “Now that is a lot better daddy,” said Honey smiling. “Oh my,” said Sky, returning from the kitchen with some coffee for me, “I leave the room for a few minutes and you have your arms around a woman.”

“Don’t worry, mom is just joking,” said Honey. “That is good to know,” said Carolyn. “I wish Kat could give me a last name for that woman,” said Annelie, “hard to find someone with just a first name, especially a common name like Anne.” “I have a cousin named Anne,” said Carolyn, “Anne Drake.” “Well, look at that,” said Annelie, “there she is.” “Send the photo to Kat,” I told her. “Photo coming Kat,” said Annelie, “tell me who it is.” “How did you find a photo of Anne?” asked Kat. “I have good contacts,” said Annelie, “her name is Anne Drake, cousin to Christopher and Carolyn.”

“Be careful Kat,” I said, “it just might be this is one big trap to get as many of us as possible.” “That could be,” said Kat, then she paused, “is that you Steve?” “Yes, I am back once again, thanks to Carolyn,” I said. “And Patrick!” Carolyn called out, “He helped a lot.” “Yes, Patrick too,” I said, “now we will be coming out to help. If Anne wants more of us then we will give her a bigger choice.” “Um, do you think that is wise Steve?” asked Kat, “I mean, Anne would love to get her hands on you.” “Well, then you will have to protect me,” I said, “or more precisely, Jennifer will.

She will come back to the Investigators. Oh, Rusty is waiting to be reunited with his human ghost!” “Great!” she exclaimed, “I have missed my little Rusty!” We were soon on a jet headed over the ocean. My first job is to talk with the Sheriff and if he and his men want to keep their jobs, then they will cooperate with us. While flying I got a call from Aari. “Nice to have you back Steve,” he said, “unfortunately I have some bad news. Matt was seriously shot at Tucker’s place. Tucker and Weller, his top man, were also shot, but just minor wounds. Seems it was a deliberate hit on Matt, but I don’t think Tucker did it, much too obvious.”

“Yes, I agree with you,” I said. “Matt is in the local hospital and unfortunately we can’t exactly get police protection for him,” said Aari. “Leave John with him,” I said. “Okay, shall do,” said Aari, “he is in a private room since the Sheriff didn’t want any innocent civilians getting killed in this obvious gang war.” “I will be having a talk with that Sheriff when we get there,” I said. Although Sky had wanted to come along as well, I convinced her that Mandy and Madison needed her at home instead. I also left Cheryl, Brook, Pacca, Angel and Melissa behind to help look after Sky and the girls.

Plus, Melissa is our new drug expert and I want Carolyn to teach her how to make this antidote, just in case. It is always a good idea to have at least 2 people knowing how to do things. That gives me 16 more to bring, plus myself, but we will come at things a bit differently, since we are the good guys. I am also bringing Rusty, Jewel and Ginger, but I left Muffin home with Snow and Tiia. However, the reason for our involvement is that Tracy, one of the Wildcats, is also my sister, even though we are on opposite sides.

But since she is my sister, I still want to find her. I will be pressing this importance on the Sheriff. I also asked Kat to try and find Anne, if possible, now that we know more about her. There is a lot going on in this town of just 20,000 people. And why such an interest in that old house? It makes no sense, since no one appears to be using it, except Sunrise. Hmm, I wonder, could Anne possibly have an accomplice? Besides Mitch.

I doubt he is really being much help to Anne from what I have heard. Unless he is just pretending to be stupid, and that is possible. There are two major people in this one, Anne and General Bess. Amazing to find two in this town, so there must be a reason. Two tough opponents for us, but with Mandar’s help we have enough people to fight them. However, we wish to do so with the least number of losses on our side as possible. Preferably no losses. We will be landing in a few minutes…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.