Our team meeting kept going with ideas floating around, but all were just too dangerous to try. Finally Harvey asked if he could suggest something, so I told him he could. “Annelie said there is a state park in that area,” he began, “and she also told me that I am not on the team list yet, so this Carmen would not know me.

I could go in there and camp in the park where I would be close at hand and maybe could pick up some information about where Carmen lives.” “Hmm, that would be rather dangerous,” I said, “if we had someone to go with you it would be safer and would also look better too.” “Well,” said Mandar, “how about 2 couples going camping for a week or two?

I could provide one of my girls to go with Harvey, plus another couple to join them. This woman would not know any of my people.” “I could go with Harvey,” said Hope, “I am not on the team list either.” “Yes, I thought of that,” I said, “but Carmen would remember you from school, and that might make her suspicious.” “Yeah, I guess you are right,” sighed Hope.

Fortunately our two couples were able to get a reservation in the park. We could not afford to have Baldwin use his influence this time, just in case park employees were on Carmen’s payroll. Rock and the guys will be in position at a city far enough away that there should be no problem, and they would still be able to move in quickly if needed.

Mandar stationed some of his people in another city, they did not need to hide like our guys, which helped a lot. I did not sleep too well that night, but better than I expected. Waiting for Carmen to call the next day was the hardest thing. The day just seemed to drag on and on. Finally it was 2pm and Carmen called right on time. “Good afternoon dear Steve,” she began, “do you have an answer for me?”

“Well, getting that much money together on such short notice is not easy,” I said, “but the answer is yes, I will pay your price.” “Very good decision Steve,” she said, “and I am sure your girls are happy to hear the news too, they are listening right now. I knew you would pay, you are just too nice to say no. That is a fault you have, being too nice, everyone takes advantage of you.”

“Yes, I have noticed that,” I said, “including you too.” “That is true,” she admitted, “now, pay attention, this is where to send payment, all but $100,000 which I want in cash every day. You will bring that money with you when you pick up the girls each day.” “Okay, that is fine,” I said, “now, where do I pick them up?” “There is a nice little store in our small town, called Billy’s General Store, that is where we will meet and make the exchange.

By doing things this way each day we can trust each other, but do not try to cheat me Steve, and do not try anything foolish, or these beautiful women will be killed by my friend Boxer. He is a real boxer, very good too. I am sure you understand.” “I understand perfectly,” I said, “now I will give you some friendly advice, do not cheat me. If anything happens to those girls, or me, you and your followers will be destroyed.

We can do it too, but I prefer the peaceful approach.” “Good, we both have our warnings out,” she said, “now we can be more civil. Now, we will meet at precisely 2pm each day at the store, but I want my money in my bank account at precisely 1pm each day, except for what you bring with you.” “Very well,” I said, “I will see you tomorrow then, unless there is something else?”

“That is all for now dear Steve,” she said, “such a shame we cannot be on the same side, like when we were kids. Bye for now.” She then hung up. “The money will be in her account Steve,” said Baldwin, “and I will make sure you have the cash every day, it will be at this bank.” He gave me the information. “Well Sky,” I said, “guess we better get going.” “I have everything packed and ready,” she said smiling.

Crystal, Kat, Catalina, Dawn, Amber and Beryan came along with us, but they would stay in the city. Of the cats, Jewel (Jennifer’s cat), Rusty (Kat’s cat), Ginger (Dawn’s cat) and Bandit (Crystal’s cat) also came along with us. Rock and the guys, plus Harvey and his team, flew over on one of Mandar’s jets so they would not be recognized.

Mandar also sent two of his teams over to stay in another city unless they were needed. That phrase “like when we were kids” kept going through my mind as we flew over to Wyoming. I was trying to remember what she was talking about…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.