Well, we all seem to be back to normal now, except for me. My back is still giving me problems from falling on that rock, so if we get a case soon I will not be leading the way. Harvey (Musk), from our previous case had called to ask if he could join our team so he is now here and in training. He really had a change of heart when Patty was killed and he decided it was time to get on the right side.

He certainly seems sincere, the cats think so too, as does Galyna. We do need more men on our team, and he will be the youngest man at 28. We were all relaxing nicely, it was a hot, sunny day and most of the girls were at our pool. The guys were back where they live with Baldwin, who also has a pool, and they were enjoying themselves over there.

I was enjoying a nice massage with Beryan, Dawn and Amber were close by as my bodyguards for the afternoon. Just then Jennifer came into the bedroom. “I sense trouble Steve,” she said, “but not close by.” I have learned to trust Jennifer when she says things like that, so I put out a message to the girls at the pool, just simply saying, “Come inside, Code Orange.”

It is quite amazing how fast they can get in, get dressed and take up their positions. We now have two large machine guns, hidden from view until needed, at our front door. Plus a new cannon has been added as well. These weapons are capable of destroying any vehicle that comes close to the house. Several members of the team can operate them, but today was Kristina’s turn. It was not long and two large, black cars drove up to the chateau.

Several men got out and one man helped an older lady get out of the one car and began to bring her up to the front door. “Please stop,” said Kristina, “and identify yourself, stating your business.” Jennifer said to me, “These people are the trouble.” The man helping the older lady called out her name as Mrs. Victoria Westerly from Wyoming and she wanted to hire us to help her find her missing granddaughter.

Well, it seemed innocent enough even though Jennifer maintained they were trouble. Since we had things under control, I said they could come in, but without weapons. Our x-ray machine at the door showed they had no weapons on them. I still trusted Jennifer and the trouble may not be immediate. Mrs. Westerly sat down and began telling us how her granddaughter just suddenly disappeared about 2 weeks ago.

The police could find no clues and the private investigator she had hired over there found nothing either. That worried her that perhaps her granddaughter had been killed. She pleaded with me to help her and said she would pay our normal rates plus expenses. She is quite wealthy. While she was talking, Annelie was checking her story and put the results on my laptop which I always keep beside me.

Her story checked out completely. Sky, Honey and Agata were hiding in our bedroom and Jennifer was playing Sky. Mrs. Westerly was staying at a hotel in the city so I said I would let her know this evening if we will take the case. I always have to talk things over with my team before making a final decision. She agreed and left right away.

I will admit, something made me uneasy about it all, but her story did check completely. She had a total of 15 men with her which seemed a bit excessive. Even though wealthy, she was certainly not in the same class as Baldwin or Mandar, not even close. We held a meeting with everyone and decided to take the case. Sky wanted to lead the team this time since I was not able to go.

I did not like the idea, but she is a member and a team leader so she should get a chance to go out sometimes too. I told her to choose 12 girls to go with her, but they were not to take chances and I wanted them to stay in touch twice daily. Sky picked Kristina, Astrid, Cinnamon, Bridgette, Sapphire, Engla, Aoife, Roxette, Tracy, Kari, Amandine and Ginnifer. Muffin, Storm and Tiia would also go along to help.

They left the next morning on one of our jets and by late afternoon they should be getting close to their destination. Annelie was checking in on the jet when suddenly she yelled, “It disappeared!” Sure enough, our jet completely disappeared from the radar and Baldwin was on the phone right away trying to find out information.

We were told it must have crashed. I say it must have been shot down since they had no time to call for help. I was stunned by the news and looked at Jennifer who was sitting beside me. She hugged me…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.