Ronja was nearly going crazy with anger thinking we had found that book, when in reality Rock and his team did not find it, they were called back hastily before they could look around properly. “If we do not find that book,” said Ronja, “we will never find that old mine where our gold is hidden.”

“True,” said Erik, “it is too bad that Dan died of a heart attack when he did. He was one of two men who knew where that mine was located.” “And that idiot’s father was the other man,” said Ronja. “Yeah, and nothing we did would persuade him to tell us,” said Erik, “he was a very hard man to deal with.”

“He was a bigger idiot than his daughter!” screamed Ronja, “why did she not remember where that old shack was located!” “Well, she was only 8,” said Erik, “and her and that PI were only out there once. But he obviously knew where it was and told his team where to look.” “And we need to get that book from him!” Ronja screamed again, “One of you come up with an idea, that is why I pay you!”

Meanwhile, back to us. The day after finding out about Hawk, Engla came into the library with her 3 bodyguards and handed papers to Nelson. “That is all I remember,” she said, “and I am sure that is the whole thing.” Baldwin quickly called Aari to come and take a look at it. Aari was there in a hurry, he has been waiting for this and was very excited as he read through it.

He sat down and began to translate the information, but then he frowned and stopped. “What is wrong?” asked Mandar. “Those figures on this page,” he said as he showed them to Nelson and Mandar, “I have never seen anything like those before, and I have no idea what they mean. And they are key to this book. There are several names of high ranking people in business and government listed here that have helped this criminal organization, and the money they have been paid.

It is quite possible that some of them may still be around. It also lists the different businesses that this organization owns outright, plus extra business that they do from those locations. Some of them may still be in operation. It also lists all the higher ranked people in their organization, where they live, what they do. There is much good information in here, even though some may be obsolete now.”

“But those figures?” asked Baldwin. “They have me stumped,” he said, “I have no idea what they mean. But just before they showed up an old mine was mentioned that they own and the location is secret.” “Those figures must show how to get there,” said Rock. “Precisely,” said Aari, “I do know a man that might be able to help us with this, but we would have to find him.” “Annelie, get on this right away,” said Baldwin.

She did so and happily one of her contacts also knew the man, and where he currently lives. Since this man knows that the Major was killed, it would not be a good idea for Aari to go. The man would think someone is trying to fool him and perhaps trap him. However, Aasta could go, since he often saw her when she was a little girl. He always called her Kitten.

Tracy and Crystal would go along as her guards. Mandar would go too, but would not be with them, he would just watch from a distance. The next day they began their journey to Italy and arrived in the town where this man lived, but it was quite late. However, this might be the best time to find the man so they began searching. He was not at the first two locations, but they found him at the third.

Unfortunately he was with 3 other men, so they sat down at a table across the room from him where they could watch, hoping the other men would leave. However, that was not working so Aasta decided on the direct approach and went over to his table and stood beside him smiling. “And what can I do for you young lady?” he asked. “You do not remember your Kitten?” she asked.

That made him look up at her. Then he smiled. “I do not believe it,” he said, “you really are my Kitten. Come, let us get another table and talk.” As they wound their way through the tables Aasta said she was here with two friends, so he joined them. “Well, well,” he said, “a trio of beautiful young women. Now Kitten, how can I help you? I am so sorry to hear of your father, we were good friends.”

“Yes, I know you were,” she said, “I remember all your visits to our home.” He smiled at the thought. “I know you must need some help, or you would not have come to me,” he said again, “now, what is it?” She then showed him the pages of that book with those odd figures on them. “Daddy always said if I needed help with puzzles, then you were the man to ask,” she said, “do you know what those figures mean?” “They mean you are in grave danger Kitten,” he said.

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.