Joshua was clearly surprised when I mentioned Mr. Fenn. “I do not know who you are talking about,” he answered coldly, “and I am tired of you coming in here all the time and disturbing me, I have important work to do.” He was trying to look and sound calm, but it was not working too well.

“I will refresh your memory,” I said, “Mr. Fenn is your boss, we discovered that from all the great information we found at your second, or perhaps it is your first, hidden office. This one was in the house of Charly. I am sure you remember her, she has visited you many times over the last 5 years, so do not try to deny it. And we met the fake Mr. Fenn this morning.

We also know he is the uncle of Charly. (Annelie had called on our way over here and told us the identity of Talbot, actually Andy Bannerman, uncle to Charly). Oh, that office is quite an interesting place, but you need better security, with a little help we had no trouble getting inside.” Joshua was getting more red with every word. “Oh, and you should watch your blood pressure,” I said, “and by the way, this is my wife, Sky.”

“Hi Joshua,” said Crystal, “nice to meet you, but I cannot imagine why you would look for me in France when I am here, very strange indeed.” Now Joshua looked genuinely shocked. “Now you have gone too far,” I said more seriously this time, “if you do not stay out of my way, you will definitely not want to see me next time. And you can tell Mr. Fenn that we are taking down his whole operation, and you too.”

We then left with Joshua not knowing what to say, though I am sure he will have a lot to say when he calls Mr. Fenn. After we left, Joshua did call Mr. Fenn. “Why are you calling me,” he said, “you know I have said to never call me, I call you.” Joshua then told him what had just happened. “What?!!” he exclaimed, “you told me that office would never be found! How did they know about it?”

“I have no idea Mr. Fenn,” said Joshua, “that is a real mystery.” “No, the real mystery is why I keep you around,” he answered, “you are a total idiot!” “But I did turn our Canadian operations into a real success the last 5 years,” he said, nervously. “Yes, that is true,” he said, “you are useful for some things, but not in this. I want those PI’s stopped and I mean now!”

“Yes Mr. Fenn,” he said, “I will get on it right away.” “No, wait, let me try something first,” he said, “but you go watch that hotel where you sent that idiot Andy Bannerman this morning. They are all staying there.” Back to us. We had moved out of the hotel and were staying in a Baldwin Corp. safe house for now. Now it is time to go and visit my old friend Charly. We drove up to her house and fortunately she was home.

I figured she would be since I told Nelson to close that crazy business here where she worked. I rang the doorbell and she answered rather quickly. “What do you want this time,” she demanded. “Oh, just a little chat with an old friend,” I said, “It has been a long time Karin.” That shocked her a bit. “I will talk with you, but your friends can stay outside,” she said sternly. Crystal then kicked the door out of Karin’s hand and we came in.

“I will set the rules Karin,” I said. Crystal, Kate, Rock, Mac and Storm came in as well. “Just in case your uncle is here with you,” I said, “and this is my wife, Sky. You went after the wrong woman in France.” “What are you talking about?” she asked. “Please do not try to act innocent Karin, or Charly, or Mr. Fenn, whichever you prefer,” I said, “and yes, I do know you are also Mr. Fenn.

You did a great job disguising your voice on the phone, but I have a great team and they figured out your real voice, and where you lived by the background noise of that construction work over there.” “You do come up with a nice story,” she said, “but you have no proof of anything.” “I have a lot of proof from that room in your house,” I said, “and it will put you and your friends in prison for a long time.

Right at this time, the police, the judge and the 2 city councilors on your payroll are being arrested, so you cannot count on any of them for help.” “You still have no proof that I am Mr. Fenn,” she said, “and who would believe such an amazing story as that anyway?” She had been pacing back and forth, suddenly she ran down the hall and into her bedroom with Kate close behind.

Storm also went along. When Kate entered the bedroom Karin was not around, so she quickly looked through the whole room, which was not that big, but Karin was gone. Then Kate heard gunshots in the living room. She told Storm to stay and watch, then she came down to help us. After she left, a small door opened on the one wall and out came Karin. Storm growled loudly startling Karin…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.