Well, the time has come to meet with our mystery man. His information about Carmen has proven to be accurate, so hopefully his information about this drug and the antidote will also be accurate. However, I will be letting Mr. B’s friend (the other one, not our Mr. B) get a chance to look at the antidote before we use it on Sky. This could be Carmen’s last plan to hurt me, by killing Sky with a false antidote.

Specialists from both Mandar and Baldwin Corporations will also be checking it, as will our own doctors and the surgeon who did the operation on Sky to remove that microchip. We cannot take any more chances, I do not want to lose Sky completely, although I have nearly lost her already with this drug and not being able to show my face. We cannot live this way, that is for sure.

Sky is already starting to get frustrated with this mask idea. We are now pulling up to the bus stop where we will meet this man. It is midnight and apparently the buses do not run this late here in this town. The bus stop is well lit, with a roof over the bench. I do not see anyone around and that concerns me. “I do not sense any trouble my dearest Steve,” said Jennifer. That made me feel a bit better.

“How are you doing Hope?” I asked. “A little scared, but I heard that a little fear can actually be healthy,” she said, “as long as it does not interfere with the job. But, um, well, um, would a little kiss be okay?” “She has a point, my dear husband,” said Kat, “we could all use one.” Well, after that Hope and I got out and walked over to the bench and sat down.

I sat on the end of the bench so that Jennifer could stand next to me and keep her hand on my shoulder, thus protecting me from harm. Kat stood behind Hope, doing the same thing. We waited, and waited. Half an hour passed and the man did not show up. “Maybe he is not going to show,” said Hope. “Do not relax just yet Hope,” I said, “he could be waiting to see if anything happens that shouldn’t.

With Carmen involved, you just do not know. And if this guy is real, he knows enough not to trust Carmen.” “Oh, look at the cute cat,” said Hope. The cat was Jewel, Jennifer’s cat. Mew,mew.=Listen device under bench, just one. Kat and Jennifer had remained silent, just in case of such a possibility. We could not remove it though, that would not look good.

It was nearly 1am when we saw an old man limping along toward the bus stop, using a cane. He finally arrived and sat down on the other end of the bench. “Such a nice suitcase you have there,” he said, “going on your honeymoon?” “Just getting back from our honeymoon,” I responded. That was our way of introduction to each other. “Very good Steve,” said the man, “may I see the money?”

Hope slid the suitcase to him. He then opened it and just loosely counted it. “I saw the other money in my account already,” he said, “you are prompt and easy to deal with, I like that. You found Carmen easily?” “Yes, and by now she will not be a worry to anyone ever again,” I said. “I certainly hope you are correct,” said the man, “but Carmen is hard to kill.” “Yes, so I have found out,” I replied.

He then handed a thick envelope to Hope. This is everything you need to know about that drug, how it is used and the antidote for it. Follow the directions carefully please, if she does not get this antidote started within 2 weeks, she will go completely insane within 60 days or so from now. It has been nice to talk with you, but now I must go.” He made a phone call and soon a large car showed up.

“Careful Steve, I sense danger,” said Jennifer. The back door opened as the man approached and he was shot dead. Hope had her gun out quickly just as 2 men jumped out of the car. They were about to shoot, but Hope was quicker and she shot both of them. The car began to leave but Jennifer tossed one of Catalina’s surprises into the car causing a huge explosion!

Then two other vehicles came along, suddenly stopping beside us, with several men jumping out, but oddly, none of their guns would work. That gave our team plenty of time to move in, the cats arriving first with that familiar “Thwock!” being heard several times. Meanwhile, from somewhere, “This time Steve, you will not get away from me.” “Steve, danger!” yelled Jennifer…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.