Steve`s Country
For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
The Investigators, Inc. Case of the Missing Jet. Chapter 3. Carmen.
I also apologized to the whole team, since it was my fault we were now in this position. “I hope you will not be too angry with me Jennifer,” I said, “especially because I told you that I would always trust you.” “You did say that,” she said, “I remember that now. But, you know, it takes a big man to admit to making such a mistake. And also a wonderful man. So there is no way I can be angry with you.”
Then she mouthed a few words so no one could hear. Kat saw her and smiled. Then she did the same thing. So did Dawn, Crystal and Aasta. “Hope, you are the new accountant,” I said, “how much money do I have left?” I had been able to keep the gold from old Pete’s cabin way back, though I had used some for other projects and some is set aside for Honey and Agata in case something happens to Sky and myself.
“About 10 million dollars,” she said. “Hmm, not even enough for two of the girls,” I said. “How much in The Investigators account?” asked Rock. “About the same amount,” she replied. “You cannot use Investigators money for paying ransom,” said Mr. B, “that is one of our rules.” “He is right,” I said. “Then I propose a meeting to change that rule, at least this one time,” he said.
“As second leader he can do that Mr. B.” I said, “so call the meeting and vote on it.” That was done and it was unanimous to use the money to get our girls free. But that is only 20 million, we need 80 million. I am quite sure that Baldwin will kick in the rest, he just likes to wait until the last minute to put in his contribution.
Now, who is this mysterious woman? She came here disguised as an old woman and I did not recognize her and neither did Muffin. Perhaps she goes back before I had Muffin. Someone from school days perhaps? Her voice is definitely familiar. It is just too bad that Muffin is not here. I looked at her picture. Sorry Muffin.
Picture! That is it! “Annelie, I want to know everything possible about a woman named Carmen Wilberson,” I told her. “I’m on it Steve,” she said. Mandar arrived after supper so we had a team meeting to include him. “Paying the ransom could encourage her to try again,” said Mandar, “still, with such circumstances there does not seem to be another way.
That woman controls a rather large area which makes a rescue operation too dangerous. But great caution will be needed when you go to pick up the girls each day, you might actually be the main target Steve.” “True, but that is why Jennifer will be coming with me,” I said, “I could not have a better bodyguard with me.” “Very true, my good man,” smiled Mandar, “just do not let your love for Steve get in the way.”
That got the room amazingly quiet. “Oh, um, what I mean is, um, well,” he began, “oh dear.” He then started coughing. Cheryl brought more tea to him quickly. I really had a hard time not laughing right now. It is not often that Mandar gets himself trapped by his own words. “Now,” he said, “you may put up half of the money you have available…” He was then interrupted by Aari.
“I would like to sell my business and put the proceeds towards the ransom,” he said, “but it might take a little time to do so.” “I remember that business of yours,” said Mandar, “how much is it worth? I know you also set aside part of the profits for your daughter.” “I should be able to get 40 million dollars for it,” he said, “yes, I put 2% per year aside for Aasta.”
“I will buy it,” said Mandar, “it is a wonderful little business, and I will continue to put the same amount aside for your daughter. So, that will give us 50 million dollars and I know that Mr. B. wants to put up the remaining 30 million dollars.” Now it was Baldwin’s turn to cough and Cheryl gave him more tea as well. Annelie then gave her report about Carmen, which was not much unfortunately.
She apparently has never been in trouble with the law, she did have a successful photography business for 10 years, then sold it and just disappeared. Until now, which is 2 years later. She did inherit a sizable sum of money from her grandfather 3 years ago, so it is odd that she would be in need of money now.
When I knew her she wanted to be a photographer and she was good at it, even as a teenager. But why the sudden change? Annelie will continue to try and find out more through her contacts. Hopefully I can sleep tonight…
To Be Continued.
©2024 Steve McLeod.
Saturday Stories. #10 Part 3
Good morning everyone! It is another nice, sunny day here. And cold. This cold weather does not want to leave us. So it remains cold. The sunshine is very nice though, it always feels so much nicer when the sun shines. However, it is cold. Well, guess I should finish off my story today, if you missed last Saturday, you can read Part 2 here.
It was very early spring, the ice had just gone from the lakes and the water still was icy cold. But it was a warm, sunny day so Krissy and I were enjoying our hike, except for that fall into the icy water of the creek. But, we did have dry clothes for that one. Krissy had just jumped, successfully, across the creek right where it flowed into the lake. It was my turn.
Pine Siskin on my hand.
I ran, and jumped…and almost made it. But almost does not help. I landed in that icy cold water, which was up to my chest deep. I was soaked. And because of the rounded granite rock on the other side, it was not easy getting out of that water. I had to walk up the creek a bit to get onto shore again and Krissy was there to help me. Good thing.
I was already shivering badly. I had spent way too much time in that icy water. I was shivering so much that I could not even stand up. Krissy told me to sit down and take my clothes off. “Here? In the open?” I managed to say. “And who is going to see you?” she asked. Just then a squirrel scampered by. “Oh, I see, you are embarrassed to take your clothes off because the squirrels might see you?” she asked, “Hurry up before you get hypothermia!”
Ned, the Red-breasted Nuthatch on my hand.
I was now shaking so bad that I could not even take my shoes off. Krissy got them off quickly, without even untying the laces. She got all my clothes off amazingly fast too, then vigorously rubbed me with a towel, but that didn’t seem to help much, I was still shivering badly. She had one of those emergency blankets in her backpack and quickly got it out, then helped me to lie down on it.
I tried to wrap myself in it. “No, not yet,” she said, “I am going to get in there with you.” She was soon beside me and wrapped us both in the blanket. “Hey, this thing really works,” she said. I was getting warmer, mainly from her body heat, not mine. It did take a while before my shivering stopped though. “Your dad is going to kill me,” I said. Krissy just giggled.
Black-capped Chickadee on my hand.
I did not see anything funny about that. “You worry too much Steve,” she said. “Well, he is a lot bigger than me,” I reminded her. She giggled again. “Dad will just say I did the right thing,” she said, “and dad likes you.” “That was before this,” I said. “You worry too much,” she said again, “and I certainly was not going to let you get hypothermia. And dad will enjoy hearing about our hike, especially the part with the squirrel.”
“Stupid squirrel,” I said.
“Stupid squirrel,” I said. She giggled again, then kissed me. “Your lips looked cold,” she said, “so they need to be warmed up too.” Krissy had brought double extra clothes so she still had dry clothes which she said I could wear. “Uh, I doubt they will fit me,” I said. “The T-shirt will fit,” she said, and these are guys jeans.” “My waist is bigger than yours,” I reminded her.
She took my knife and cut a slit on each side of the jeans. I had my doubts about this. But, with a bit of wire holding them together, the jeans sorta fit. “Well, better than nothing,” she said. She had a point and we did have a long walk back to the car, and it was getting late. We should be back home already. Sigh. We took a slightly different route back which made the hike a bit shorter.
Benson, the Boreal Chickadee, on my hand.
That was good, clouds had moved in and it was getting much cooler. The walking did help to keep me warm and once in the car I was able to turn the heat on which sure felt good. I was just going to drop Krissy off at home and keep going, but she said no to that and took my keys. Sigh. Krissy’s mom made supper for us and suddenly there was loud laughter in the kitchen.
Her mom came out. “Loved the part with the squirrel,” she said smiling. Krissy’s dad also loved that part. Sigh. Even with that mishap, it was still a wonderful day and nice hike with a great friend. Perhaps I will share another hike next week. I hope you all have a great weekend and God bless!
Steve and Muffin.
©2024 Steve McLeod.
Steve`s Country 