I had Mandar call Felicia, one of his security team members working with Harvey, to tell them of a change in plans and go to a different location. Once there they picked up a different vehicle and continued on their way. In the morning Carmen was furious to find out that Kitty had managed to escape with Harvey and friends. If Carmen brings up the subject when we meet her today, I will have to deny involvement or it will jeopardize our deal to get the girls back.

Kitty had mentioned that a man named Tanner had come to talk with her that afternoon and had given her $500 for information she might have concerning Carmen. Kitty had told him what she knew, which was not much. Apparently Kitty had applied for the summer job at the park and when Carmen saw her she offered her a lot of money to pose for her in her photo business.

Kitty was told it would just be simple photos of herself and no one else involved. She discovered otherwise and was not paid either, just given the job at the park and told to be quiet. Kitty managed to borrow a phone from campers one day and called home asking for help. Her parents told her that since she got herself in trouble, then she can get herself out, but do not bother coming home again, she is no longer welcome.

Amazing how often this seems to happen. Well, it is once again afternoon, Jennifer and I are just pulling up to the general store. We get out and a different man motions for us to go inside. “I sense danger Steve,” said Jennifer, “do you want to continue?” “We have no choice,” I said, “we need to get those girls back if possible.” She smiled and nodded.

In we went and Carmen was waiting for us, plus there were 3 other men besides Burk in the room this time. Something is wrong for sure and likely has to do with Kitty. “Welcome dear Steve,” said Carmen, “you have been a bad boy, lying to me and stealing from me.” I frowned a bit. “I have no idea what you mean,” I said, “I have kept my part of the bargain, your money should have been put in your account an hour ago and here is the rest.”

“That is not what I mean Steve,” she said, “and you know it. I am talking about your people in the park and kidnapping one of my employees.” “Well, I’m sorry to tell you this Carmen,” I said, “but none of my people were in that park or anywhere in your territory. I am not that stupid to jeopardize the lives of my girls and our deal.” Then Burk showed me a photo when he took the suitcase.

“Do you know this man Steve?” asked Carmen. “I have never seen him before,” I said, “and that is the truth. Perhaps you have another enemy besides me.” “I will accept that for now,” she said, “but really Steve, we do not need to be enemies. If we worked together then our every dream could be fulfilled, we would have more money than anyone else.

Of course you could join us too, dear Sky, I am sure we could find something for you to do. But Steve would be mine, however there are many other men in my organization you could choose from.” Jennifer just smiled. “I already have a full time job,” said Sky, “looking after my husband. Oh, and he is mine, no one else can have him.” “Such a shame, dear Steve,” said Carmen, “but you still have time to think about it.”

She then nodded to Burk who brought out Bridgette and Aoife. Jennifer squeezed my hand which meant something was wrong. A man was quietly walking up behind us and suddenly Jennifer turned and kicked the man twice, knocking him out. She then was back by my side quickly and holding my hand. “I have been keeping my side of the bargain Carmen,” I said, “why try to kill me?”

“Just checking something dear Steve,” she said, “I apologize, it will not happen again.” We then left and drove off quickly. “She has her photography “business” still going in that underground complex,” said Bridgette, “there are women, men and at least 8 children that I would say are under 10 that she has involved in that.”

“Yes, I know already,” I said, “that means one idea I had cannot be done now. You are very quiet Aoife, anything wrong?” She just started crying and did not answer. Bridgette said that Aoife had been taken to the photo room, but she did not know what happened.

Meanwhile, “Obviously Mr. B has found me again,” said Carmen, “he will be a bigger problem than Steve. Try and find out where he is, but leave him alone for now.” “I will take Rattler with me,” said Burk, “it might take a while to find that guy.” “Hmm, true,” she said, “you stay here, I need you for now, send Stone with Rattler instead.” Next day as we drove up to the general store Jennifer said she sensed danger again. But, we had to continue…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.