I decided to call Aari and see if he had heard anything from Francis yet. ”No Steve,” he said, “but Bertha called Christopher and he was still alive, so that likely means he won the fight.” ”Yes, I will agree with that assessment,” I replied, “that is not good, he will be a much more dangerous opponent than Francis.” 

“Also, Bertha told her daughters that Christopher had been wounded and he was going to lay low for a while,” continued Aari, “another good reason to believe he won the fight. He will now need to raise more money and men so he can keep going.” ”Money is the easy part,” I reminded him, “all he has to do is claim his inheritance, I do not understand why he does not do that.” 

“Maybe there is reason for it,” said Aari, “like perhaps he is not the real Christopher, or perhaps he needs to be married to collect. Sometimes investors like that, shows more stability for a company.” ”Hmm, that is a good point,” I said, “and his present girlfriend does not want to get married. However, he was, and still is, married to Blueberry.” ”True,” said Aari, “providing it is legitimate. 

But there could be other problems too, maybe he just does not want to be an open target for others to shoot at.” ”I will talk to Jennifer about it and see what she thinks,” I said, “be watchful over there.” ”Shall do Steve,” he said. Then he told me about Brook and that it looks like she may turn on her mom and sister to give evidence against them. I told him that if she does, we will look after her and give her a new identity for her protection. 

She will need that protection against Christopher. And perhaps others in the family as well. I hope she does change and work with us on this case, that would be nice. And it might be the only way to get evidence against Bertha that would hold up in court. Meanwhile, back to Aari and team. Bertha decided it would be best for them to leave that night and go hide somewhere in a different country. 

She told the girls to pack, but not much and they would leave once it is their normal bedtime. ”I am not going anywhere,” said Brook, “Boris said I could go with him when he comes back in the morning and that is what I am going to do.” ”Don’t you tell him anything about us then!” bellowed Bertha, “You might not like us, but you could at least be kind to us.” ”Okay, I promise momsy,” said Brook. 

Soon they turned the lights off at their usual time, then they went out the back door. But before they got off the steps they were met by Sapphire and Cinnamon, with guns pointed at them. ”Back inside,” said Sapphire. They did so immediately and Betty asked what they would do now. ”Shut up and let me think!” yelled Bertha. She did not know what to do since Christopher was not willing to help her. 

She was on her own and did not like that idea at all. All they could do now was wait for the Black Knights to return in the morning. Good thing she had the money he had requested once again. While they were having breakfast Betty screamed when she looked out the kitchen window. ”What now?” asked Bertha. ”Take a look momsy,” said Betty. 

Bertha looked and was horrified to see the police digging under that big compost bin they had moved out of the way. ”They are looking for the body!” whined Betty. ”Will you shut up!” exclaimed Bertha, “and let me think!” ”You two will have fun getting out of this one,” laughed Brook. ”Hey, you helped us bury him,” said Betty, “that makes you guilty too.” ”I will just tell the police about the others you 2 killed,” said Brook, “that will get me off.” 

Then she walked past Bertha heading into the living room. Bertha grabbed a large knife and went after Brook, stabbing her. That made Betty scream loudly just as Aari arrived at the front door. Suddenly Rock came crashing through the door followed by Aari. ”Drop that knife Bertha,” yelled Aari. She did and he went over to check on Brook. ”Call an ambulance Tracy,” he said. 

“Are you taking me with you?” asked Brook. ”First you need a doctor,” he said, “then you need to tell the police what you know and I will make sure to protect you.” ”He is a cop!” yelled Bertha. ”Is that true?” asked Brook. ”I am not a cop,” he said, “but I am a private investigator and so are all of my friends. We were asked to help solve this case. Help us and I will help you, I promise.” 

“I will do what I can,” she said, “and hopefully mother will go to jail for what she did in killing those men, and for beating Betty and I so we would help her. Just look at the scars on our backs where she beat and whipped us.” Then Aari called to tell us what happened. ”Like I said before, if she helps us we will gladly help her,” I said. 

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.