Patrick and Carolyn began working on the drug and they had to search around for some of it to buy since it will be necessary for any cure to be found. They already had a small laboratory set up at the chateau for use by Melissa. It was unfortunate that she was with Steve and the others, so she too has been drugged. Carolyn remembered what she had done to Beryan. Since she had made Steve forget all about Sky, she made him and Beryan to fall in love with each other.

And they are literally going crazy being separated from each other and have to be sedated to keep them calm. “You really should not sedate them so much,” said Carolyn, “it could have a real negative effect on them. Better to let Beryan and Steve stay together, their love for each other won’t go away without a cure. And if we do find a cure, they likely will not remember anything from this part in their lives. They should just get back to normal again.”

Dr. Kerstina, Galyna and Dr. Jorgenson all thought that would be better as well, so that is what they did. Steve and Beryan settled right down once they could be together again. “You are so cruel,” said Cynthia angrily. “I was just following orders,” said Carolyn, with her head down, “my mom wanted them all to be as opposite as possible to what they were before. But I know that is no excuse for my behavior. (she then paused) But I am trying…honestly I am trying.”

Cynthia went over to her. “I’m sorry,” she said, “patience is not one of my strong points.” Then she gave Carolyn a hug. “Time for your break Cynthia,” said Amber. She left and Amber told Carolyn what Cynthia had been through all her life. “Wow, she certainly has not had it easy,” said Carolyn, “but she sure seems to have turned out good.” “Yes, she sure has,” said Amber, “and she is a great addition to our team.” “Probably isn’t much younger than me,” said Carolyn. “Take a guess,” said Amber. “About 22 or 23?” she suggested.

“No, she is just 16,” said Amber. “Wow, I need her to teach me some things,” said Carolyn. “She has taught us all a few things,” said Amber. “Are you guys interested in catching the Fatman?” asked Carolyn. “Yes, if we could find him,” said Crystal. “That part is easy,” said Carolyn, “he is in Paris waiting for a big shipment of gold that he wants to steal. If he pulls it off he will be set for a long time.” Crystal left and told Annelie who then called Rossana. “How did you know about that?” asked Rossana, “that is a top secret shipment, it is a huge amount of gold.”

“It came from one of our contacts,” said Annelie, “who told us that the Fatman was planning to steal it, and if anyone can do it, he sure can.” Rossana then told her that they had been tipped that someone was going to try and steal the shipment, so they changed the route, though it would still enter Switzerland at the same location. She also asked if The Investigators could send some help. So Mr. B told Matt to get his Riders over there and watch just inside Switzerland and try to stop anyone who might show up, mainly the Fatman’s crew.

“The Fatman will likely stay in Paris where he will be out of harm’s way,” said Carolyn. She then told him the three hotels that he always stays at while in Paris. Mr. B told Kat to take some of the Wildcats and see if they can safely find and eliminate the Fatman. “Remember, the key word is ‘safely’,” said Mr. B. Mandar had already called in Teams 3 and 4 to help in guarding the chateau. Teams 5, 6 and 7 were already guarding the clinic.

Everyone has now been advised that finding a cure for Steve and the others will likely take time. It could possibly happen in a few days, but most likely it will take weeks, or even months. That is simply because having a cure for this is just something they did not care about at the start. All that Angelica wanted was a drug that would work and stay working, no matter what. Kat took 14 Wildcats and off they went to Paris. That left Kristina with 14 Investigators back at the chateau. Matt and his Knight Riders totaled 14 men.

Meanwhile Baldwin and Mandar brought workers in to renovate the old building they were using as a jail so they could house Steve and the 6 others in a more spacious place of their own, while still being a safe place where they can be locked up. This way they can give them outdoor activities as well. The rooms at the clinic were simply too small to keep them locked up for months, if that was necessary.

The team will have to function without Steve and Sky leading them for now. So, they will remain split into their three teams for now, led by Kat, Kristina and Matt. For now the teams have a slight distraction from the current events, going after the Fatman, and hopefully, stopping him…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.