My mind was swirling right now, not knowing what to think about all that has happened. I remember nothing after Kat and I were married. Kat told me about Penny, I did remember her, but as a young teenager. Now she is married and her husband is one of the top men in this racket at the casino. I remembered Chief Darryl too, but from years ago.

I am very concerned about this ‘nowhere’ disease coming back after being in check for so long, even though I do not remember any of that. Kat asked me to activate my tracker, but I had no idea what she was talking about. Trackers implanted in us was not even thought of at the time I can remember things. I have no idea where it is and it is necessary to press right on it or it will not activate.

That helps to prevent accidental activations. I tried pressing in different spots, but nothing happened that I know of. Kat does not have a tracker since she is not an actual member of The Investigators. She did not want to have the necessary physical examination for membership. She has said before that the reason is that she is a ghost.

I do not remember that and she did not say why just now. I did not want to ask her, I could tell she did not want to tell me. It was rather late in the day so we decided to stay put, except we did climb a hill to see if we could tell where we were. But no landmarks showed up, however, we did see a stream not far away so we went there to get water.

It was a warm night, and by morning I was on fire, or at least I felt like it. Kat was very worried now that I had such a high fever. She went to the stream to get some cold water for me. She wrapped a wet cloth around my head which felt good. But I was soon unconscious and Kat was not sure what to do. But there was one chance, contact Rusty, but they were so far away.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel. “I am worried,” said Sky, “I just do not like what has happened, it was not part of our plan.” “Sometimes plans must be changed, my dear Sky,” said Mandar, “but we will find Steve, so do not worry. I imagine you did not sleep all night.” “How can I sleep?” she said, “although I must have slept for a while, I think.”

Meow!=Not talk now please, need quiet. Everyone got very quiet. They knew not to doubt the cats at any time. Meow!=Me get message from human Kat. They lost in forest far away. Human Steve very sick, um, sleeping but not wake up. Have big, um, hot. That all. Still be quiet. Meow.=Okay, message sent back. “Steve must have a high fever,” said Sky. “And he is unconscious,” added Crystal.

“Hmm, this is definitely not good news,” said Mandar, “by the way, my little furry friend, how did Kat manage to contact you?” Meow.=It, um, secret way we have, but not know it work so long away. “Hmm, interesting indeed,” said Mandar. He then called Rock to let him know. “Time for our next move,” said Aari, after Rock told him what is happening.

Off they went to the casino for an early morning chat. “No need to worry Drake,” said Brink, “I am sure that Fox character is still in bed.” They came up into the main office as he said that. Just as Brink, Drake, Mike and Chuck came in the room with their two bodyguards, they spotted The Fox and others. “Put your guns away boys,” said The Fox, “we just want a nice friendly conversation.

Starting with opening your hidden safe in the basement. I would like to see what you have in there.” “Nothing!” Brink blurted out, “you took everything we had the other night!” “Then you will not mind if we look,” said Fox, “and for your sake, there better be something in that safe, I do not like wasting trips.” Down they went and Drake opened the safe and it did have quite a haul inside.

“How did you know about this?” asked Drake. “It is my business to know what happens around me,” said Fox, “I have a good network for information. Now, I heard you kidnapped the number 2 man of that other organization.” “I thought you said he was the top man,” said Drake to Brink. “I thought he was,” answered Brink. “No, the top man is someone by the name of Mr. N.,” said Fox, “but Steve is the one that does all the protection work.

He has gotten in my way more than once and I want him. Give him to me and I will get out of your life for good. Otherwise I will destroy you.” “Well, he is not here right now,” said Drake, “but he will be here today and maybe we can make a deal.” “He better be here today, or you will not be here tomorrow,” said Fox. Then he and his team left. “Mike, you are finished,” said Drake. There were two shots. “Get rid of the body while we go for breakfast,” said Drake…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.