I also apologized to the whole team, since it was my fault we were now in this position. “I hope you will not be too angry with me Jennifer,” I said, “especially because I told you that I would always trust you.” “You did say that,” she said, “I remember that now. But, you know, it takes a big man to admit to making such a mistake. And also a wonderful man. So there is no way I can be angry with you.”

Then she mouthed a few words so no one could hear. Kat saw her and smiled. Then she did the same thing. So did Dawn, Crystal and Aasta. “Hope, you are the new accountant,” I said, “how much money do I have left?” I had been able to keep the gold from old Pete’s cabin way back, though I had used some for other projects and some is set aside for Honey and Agata in case something happens to Sky and myself.

“About 10 million dollars,” she said. “Hmm, not even enough for two of the girls,” I said. “How much in The Investigators account?” asked Rock. “About the same amount,” she replied. “You cannot use Investigators money for paying ransom,” said Mr. B, “that is one of our rules.” “He is right,” I said. “Then I propose a meeting to change that rule, at least this one time,” he said.

“As second leader he can do that Mr. B.” I said, “so call the meeting and vote on it.” That was done and it was unanimous to use the money to get our girls free. But that is only 20 million, we need 80 million. I am quite sure that Baldwin will kick in the rest, he just likes to wait until the last minute to put in his contribution.

Now, who is this mysterious woman? She came here disguised as an old woman and I did not recognize her and neither did Muffin. Perhaps she goes back before I had Muffin. Someone from school days perhaps? Her voice is definitely familiar. It is just too bad that Muffin is not here. I looked at her picture. Sorry Muffin.

Picture! That is it! “Annelie, I want to know everything possible about a woman named Carmen Wilberson,” I told her. “I’m on it Steve,” she said. Mandar arrived after supper so we had a team meeting to include him. “Paying the ransom could encourage her to try again,” said Mandar, “still, with such circumstances there does not seem to be another way.

That woman controls a rather large area which makes a rescue operation too dangerous. But great caution will be needed when you go to pick up the girls each day, you might actually be the main target Steve.” “True, but that is why Jennifer will be coming with me,” I said, “I could not have a better bodyguard with me.” “Very true, my good man,” smiled Mandar, “just do not let your love for Steve get in the way.”

That got the room amazingly quiet. “Oh, um, what I mean is, um, well,” he began, “oh dear.” He then started coughing. Cheryl brought more tea to him quickly. I really had a hard time not laughing right now. It is not often that Mandar gets himself trapped by his own words. “Now,” he said, “you may put up half of the money you have available…” He was then interrupted by Aari.

“I would like to sell my business and put the proceeds towards the ransom,” he said, “but it might take a little time to do so.” “I remember that business of yours,” said Mandar, “how much is it worth? I know you also set aside part of the profits for your daughter.” “I should be able to get 40 million dollars for it,” he said, “yes, I put 2% per year aside for Aasta.”

“I will buy it,” said Mandar, “it is a wonderful little business, and I will continue to put the same amount aside for your daughter. So, that will give us 50 million dollars and I know that Mr. B. wants to put up the remaining 30 million dollars.” Now it was Baldwin’s turn to cough and Cheryl gave him more tea as well. Annelie then gave her report about Carmen, which was not much unfortunately.

She apparently has never been in trouble with the law, she did have a successful photography business for 10 years, then sold it and just disappeared. Until now, which is 2 years later. She did inherit a sizable sum of money from her grandfather 3 years ago, so it is odd that she would be in need of money now.

When I knew her she wanted to be a photographer and she was good at it, even as a teenager. But why the sudden change? Annelie will continue to try and find out more through her contacts. Hopefully I can sleep tonight…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.