While we had been doing things at the big house and with Wickers, Sky (the real one) was entertaining Mallory and the kids back at home. Sky gave Snow to Mandy to cuddle with in her room while the other kids played with the cats in their play room. “You are a super cuddly and fluffy cat Snow,” said Mandy hugging her, “are you a good listener too like Muffin?”

Snow got wide eyed with her ears perking up. After an hour or so Sky came in to see how things were going. “We are getting along great,” said Mandy, “I sure hope to get a cat one day, I love cats, but dad hated them so we were never allowed pets of any kind.” “Well, as long as you are with us,” said Jennifer (the real Sky), “you will have lots of cats to play with. Now, how would you like to help the girls make supper?”

“Sure, I would be happy to do that,” she said enthusiastically. After dropping Mandy off at the kitchen, Sky took Snow into the library. Meowy.=Oh, Mandy tell lots, she like to talk. Mallory mother is not mother, she is Mr. Whiskets wife person. Mandy’s mother dead, other girls not know, only Mandy. Mr. Whiskers wife person wear mask so look like girls mother.

Mandy dad get her to work for him when she 12 until now. Mandy think person in car accident not dad but mom, that why dead person got cream waited so no one would know. Mandy mom work for her dad too so other kids not have to work for him. But Mandy dad want kids to work too so Mandy mom make deal with Mr. Whiskets and sell kids to him so they not need to work for dad.

But Mandy say Mr. Whiskers now want all kids to work because that what mom wanted. Mandy say that lie. Mandy think dad still alive, but not sure where. He never did like kids, say kids too noisy. She also say that Mr. Whiskers have big organs with nations, lots of men. He also have nephew person, name Christopher, maybe same Christopher we know.

Mandy very nice, she tell truth, me know. She also very scared. She say something confusion like, not know what mean, but she say she murdered, have her name on stone in cement tarry. “Kristina, do any of our guests still have their phones?” asked Jennifer. “No, we took all of them, also checked them for bugs or transmitters,” she replied. “Steve, are you out of that city yet?” asked Jennifer.

“Yes, we are on the jet and headed back home now,” I said, “any problems?” She then told me everything that Snow had found out from Mandy. “Lock up Mallory, or whoever she is,” I said, “we cannot have her running around loose.” “But that could upset the kids,” said Jennifer, “and Mandy would think we have been spying on her.”

“Hmm, you have a point,” I said, “okay, forget that idea, but make sure she is watched closely and if there are any problems at all, then you will need to lock her up.” “Okay Steve,” said Jennifer, “I am sure glad you are out of there anyway.” “We will be coming back,” I said, “but better prepared next time. But I do not see how Mandy could have been murdered when she is alive, that would be a strange murder.”

“Sort of like Kat and Jennifer?” asked Jennifer. “Um, yeah, sort of like that, I guess,” I answered. Meanwhile, “Thank you, I just want to let my sister know that we are all safe now,” said Mallory. “No problem,” said Rick, a member of Mandar’s Team 6. “Phone call trying to go out,” said Tracy. “Stop it!” Yelled Jennifer. Tracy did so right away.

“Hmm, your phone does not seem to be working,” said Mallory. “Oh, Tracy must have stopped it,” said Rick, “we are on Orange Alert right now, so we need special permission to phone out.” “Oh, never mind right now then,” said Mallory smiling, “I will ask Jennifer later.” She then went back toward the chateau and was met by Roxette and Charly.

“You are not supposed to be outside Mallory,” said Roxette. “Yes, I know, but I wanted to get some fresh air,” said Mallory. “Then you must ask,” said Roxette so we can send someone with you, for protection, it is just not safe being outside without protection.” Meanwhile, “Is that her?” “Yes, it is.” There was a shot…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.