Uncle just shook his head. “This is bad Kitten, the organization that made this, they are big trouble for you. You need to stay away from them. This leads to a lot of gold, but it is not worth it if you get killed.” “Another friend and her husband were almost killed already because of this,” said Kitten, “but we are not afraid of anyone, we know how to take care of ourselves.”

“Like your other 2 friends Kitten?” he asked. He shook his head. “I should not help you to get killed,” he said. “Please help me Uncle,” she said, “it is so important to find this gold.” “This Ronja woman, she is a terrible one Kitten,” he said. “We have more friends that would be willing to help us Uncle,” said Kitten, “so we would not be alone.”

“And Ronja has a hundred men Kitten,” he said, “can you match that with friends?” “Well, not that many,” she said, lowering her head, “but we are smart enough to stay hidden so she will not see us.” He looked at the papers again and began to write. Soon he had it done and gave it to Kitten. “If you can find me, then perhaps you can evade Ronja,” he said, “I wish you well.”

He then returned to his friends and Kitten, Tracy and Crystal left. Mandar stayed behind for a while to see what might happen. He was surprised that it did not take so long as he thought it would. Two men got up from another table and went to Aasta’s friend and said something. He got up and began walking to the door. Mandar had sharp eyes and saw the knife the one man held to the friend’s back.

He got up and followed right behind them. He put his cane to the back of one man and shot. The man fell down dead. The other man turned quickly, knife ready, but Mandar was also ready and shot him too. “Come with me, my friend,” said Mandar, “my car is waiting over there. I am a friend of your Kitten.” The man smiled and went with Mandar. Off they drove, with Rock driving.

“When Kitten said she had more friends, I was thinking of more young girls,” he said, “but I am glad to see she has some older, wiser friends too.” “Thank you my dear man,” said Mandar, “but Kitten is very wise too, she takes after her father a great deal.” “That is good to know,” said the man, “my name is Alfred, I was good friends with Kitten’s father.”

“Yes, she told us that,” said Mandar smiling, “I do not think it would be good for you to go home right now.” “I agree,” he said, “but I have nowhere else to go.” “Then you must come with me,” Mandar said smiling, “I can keep you safe and perhaps you can help us some more yet as we go after that gold.” “I would like that very much,” said Alfred. “Anything you need at home?” asked Mandar.

“I know enough that they are watching my flat right now,” he replied, “perhaps even inside.” “Very well, my good man,” said Mandar, “we shall take care of your every need.” Then Mandar called ahead to let Baldwin know Alfred would be coming along too. That way Aari would know what he wanted to do. It was decided that Aari would remain hidden for the time Alfred would be there.

Matt, formerly Andrej, got everyone together to discuss the trip and get all their gear together. Rock would be leading the team, Kristina would be second leader. In total, 17 of our team would be going plus Mandar and Alfred and Team 4 from Mandar Security would also go along. Plus 3 cats would go along. That leaves 12 here at home, not counting Sky and myself.

Muffin is on the inactive list, but Snow and Rusty would be here as well. Plus we had Team 5 of Baldwin Security guarding our home base as well. We did not want to take chances. I was not in on any of this planning however, I was still not thinking clearly and Sky was still in a bad way, we do not know yet if she will survive or not.

The next day everyone left on one of the jets, heading away from where they wanted to go. This was in case they were being watched. They changed jets and directions 4 times before landing close to the area where they would be searching. “What do you mean you lost them?” screamed Ronja, “you were supposed to stay right with them!”

“They had a jet always waiting and they could take off immediately,” said Erik, “we had no chance.” “Well, I will find out where they went,” she said, “you be ready to fly!” I hate that PI, I hate that PI, was all that went through her mind while she was making her plans.

She then began getting calls from her associates telling her of police raids and shutting them down, arresting business owners and town officials. She was more angry then ever! “Now it is your turn to be shut down!” she screamed, though no one was in the room to hear her…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.