I was numb right now from the news of our jet disappearing. It can only mean it crashed, or perhaps it was shot down if someone had access to a small missile or rocket. I should have listened to Jennifer, she is never wrong when she senses trouble or danger. Why did I not listen to her? Sometimes I wonder if all my injuries are affecting my ability to think properly.

Jennifer kept her arm around me. She is not the type to say “I told you so”, she just keeps trying to comfort me. The authorities over there were very quick at getting a search plane in the air. According to Annelie our jet must have been very close to the airport at which they were supposed to land. That should make it easier to find. Except, we were then told there was no airport in that area.

The closest airport was more than 100 miles away and it would not be able to accommodate a jet like ours. That certainly did not make me feel good at all. Thirteen of our girls, 2 pilots and 3 cats, all of them likely dead because of my bad decision. That is a heavy load to bear. Mrs. Westerly, the one that came here, was a fake.

We were able to contact the real Mrs. Westerly and she had never heard of us. However, she did have a granddaughter who was kidnapped and even though she had not paid the ransom, her granddaughter was returned unharmed yesterday. That is an interesting bit of news. Someone put together an elaborate plan to get our attention.

Perhaps they were hoping I would be on that jet. A lot of people want me dead, so that would make sense. I told Rock to get our guys ready to go over and help with the search. I then called Mandar and told him what had happened. I asked him for some extra help so we do not spread ourselves too thin, which would make us easy targets.

This time we will land our jet far enough away from that area it will not be detected. Then the guys can drive to the area and begin searching. But, then something happened. “A call for you Steve,” said Annelie. “Not right now,” I said. “You will want to talk with her,” she said. I told everyone to come into the library but be very quiet. Annelie opened the call.

“Hello,” I said, “this is Steve, how can I help you?” “I was beginning to think you were not going to talk to me Steve,” said the woman, “it took you so long to answer.” “I needed to clear the room first,” I said. “Oh, that makes sense,” she said, “do you remember me Steve?” “No, can’t say that I do,” I said, “but something important has come up which is occupying my mind at the moment. So that could be the reason.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” she said, “news of your jet disappearing must be quite traumatic indeed. Especially with 13 beautiful women on board and 3 gorgeous cats. As you know, I love cats!” “Hmm, obviously you had something to do with this disaster,” I said, “may I ask why?” “Of course Steve,” she said, “I will be happy to answer your question and any other questions you might have.

Your precious girls are safe with me right now, and also these cute kitties which I just might decide to keep for myself. Unfortunately the pilots died in that rough landing. Now, what I want is money for the safe return of these beautiful girls and cats. I want $500,000 for each cat.” Poor Baldwin, he had just taken a sip of his tea and he sprayed it half way across the room.

“And for the girls?” I asked. “Well, I must ask more for them,” she said, “I’m sure you can understand that, so I figure they are worth $6 million dollars each.” I thought Baldwin was going to have a heart attack when he heard that number. “How do we pay you?” I asked. “I will give you the information for my Swiss bank account,” she said, “and, as you pay, I release 2 girls at a time, each day.

That way we should be able to trust each other. But only you can come to get them, no one else.” “I hurt myself on our last case and cannot walk or drive without someone to help me,” I said, “I will need to have one person with me.” “I noticed you were having difficulty yesterday,” she said, “so you may bring your wife with you, no one else.

Also, do not try to come and find me, it will not end well for these girls if you do. Everyone for 100 miles in every direction I own, so I will know when you enter my little territory. If you decide not to pay for their release, I will kill one girl each day until you change your mind.

I will give you 24 hours to decide and will call you again tomorrow at this time. It has been nice talking with you again Steve, bye for now.” She then hung up and I looked around the room, then at Jennifer. “You warned me and I did not listen,” I told her, “I was a fool. I’m so sorry, please…please forgive me…”

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.