We have gone to the largest of the two Zara’s Clubs in the city, and it is definitely large, about 4 stories tall and spread out covering a very large area. No wonder she located this place near the edge of the city where there was room to expand. It also has a huge parking area which is already nearly full and the night is just beginning. Sky was wandering around invisible listening to conversations of patrons and workers and checking the layout inside more perfectly than we could online.

She checked to see what kind of weapons the workers carried, plus hidden weapons behind bars and in offices wherever she could get in. She also checked to see where cameras were located throughout the whole complex. There is actually a fifth story to this place, but that is Zara’s own private penthouse suite, but Sky didn’t go in there. I had been watching Zara’s table since we came in, but every chair was taken, until now. One of the men sitting next to Zara got up and went somewhere, so that was my cue to visit with her.

Friskie and I got up and went over and I sat down on the chair with Friskie standing behind me and her hands on my shoulders to ensure I was protected. “This is a private meeting,” said the man across from me. “That’s true,” I said, “but you may stay if you want.” “Oh, a wise guy type,” he replied and he reached for his gun, but Zara stopped him. “Thank you Zara,” I said, “my name is Steve McCann, I am the leader of an organization called The Investigators, Inc.” “Oh, a cop,” said that same man, “out of here cop, this is no place for you!”

“I see you don’t know what a cop is,” I said, “or you wouldn’t be calling me one. I said I was a private investigator which is very different from being a cop.” “Still trying to be a wise guy,” he snarled, “around here that can get a man killed.” “Would you like to try it?” I asked, “You might want to ask your boss first though since she would be losing a man.” Oh my, did he turn red with anger! But Zara once again held him back. “What do you want from me Mr. McCann?” she asked.

“A few days ago you stole something from me,” I told her, “something that I would like to have returned to me, immediately.” “And what might that be?” she asked again, “I have never even seen you before, and you don’t look like a man that would carry anything very valuable around with you.” “You, through your men,” I began, “kidnapped 7 members of my team, a good friend of theirs and her parents. I am not really interested in the parents, but I do want my team members, and their friend, returned to me immediately, alive and unharmed. If you do that for me, then I will forget all about this and leave your fair city. If you don’t, then you will leave me no choice but to crush you out of existence. So, which way do you prefer?”

“Listen to this guy,” said that same man, “he comes in here like he owns the city and tells you what to do. You got a lot to learn Mr. Pretend Cop!” “Carlos has a point Mr. McCann,” said Zara, “no one demands anything from me. If these women are so precious to you then perhaps you would be willing to pay a good price for their release.” Just then Kat and her Wildcats came bouncing, twirling and flipping into the Club, yelling and hollering like they always do. The girls jumped up and sat on the bar or on patrons laps and standing on tables until Kat stopped them when she saw me.

“Hey girls, look who’s sitting over there!” she said excitedly and she came flipping over and landing beside me. Then she hugged and kissed me. “We don’t behave like that in my establishment,” said Zara to Kat, “so please keep your friends quiet.” “Who’s the grouch Mr. PI man?” asked Kat. “Be nice Miss Kat,” I said, “she is the owner of this establishment.” “She’s still a grouch,” said Kat, “if you need any help with her Mr. PI man, just give a shout, the girls and I could use some exercise.” “Zara has accidentally taken some of my girls,” I told Kat, “and she is reluctant to return them to me.”

“Well, just make her give them back,” said Kat frowning, “and I will be glad to help you do that! I knew she wasn’t very friendly.” “Escort that woman and her friends out of here Carlos,” said Zara. “With pleasure!” he said. But before he could get up from his chair, Kat spoke, pointing at him. “Stay on your chair!” said Kat angrily. “Hey, I, I can’t get up!” he exclaimed. “She’s a witch!” said one of the women at the table. “Ever see a witch with blond hair?” asked Kat. “Now Zara, my team and their friend please,” I said. “At which hotel are you staying?” she asked. So I told her and she called someone and said “Anita, Hotel Brazil.”

I then called Misty and told her to watch. A car drove up to the front of the hotel and a woman was tossed out of the back seat. Then the car sped away. “She’s dead Steve,” said Misty, “and the people got away.” “That was a foolish move on your part Zara,” I said, “now you will come with us and if even one of my women are killed, then you will die as well. I’m sure the police won’t mind finding you dead. And, I will destroy your entire gang so that your dreams and goals will die with you.” “You think it will be easy to take me out of here alive?” she said, then she whistled.

That brought workers coming from all over. “Fun time girls!” yelled Kat and did those girls have fun! They began with fighting the men at the bar, then attacked other workers as they came into the room. Two big men came towards us looking right at me, but that was their mistake. “Both of you die!” exclaimed Kat pointing at them. They screamed and fell to the floor, dead. “She is a witch!” yelled that same woman, “No human can do that!” “You people will not be able to get off your chairs for one hour,” said Kat, “except you Zara.”

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.