While we were driving away we got that Code Red A alarm coming through. I contacted Sky but no answer, then Annelie and she answered right away and explained what was happening, though she did not know what it was all about. She did ask about my friend and I said we were friends in high school, but not real close. I was surprised he would be mixed up with something like this however.

I told Annelie to call me back when she knew more. Sky called while we were still driving and let me know what happened and how Ted had warned her about the kidnapping attempt by Mr. Fenn. Ted had been killed unfortunately. I asked her to check and see if he was married and if he had life insurance. We would help with that if he did not.

Since he warned Sky, that meant he helped us, so that makes him an employee with full life insurance coverage, if needed. I immediately ordered two more security teams to the chateau and Sky was not to go outside for a few days. She did not like that part, but agreed anyway. Mr. Fenn has gone too far now, time to up the pressure on him and Joshua in the morning.

Later at the hotel we all gathered in my room which was a large suite. We were all talking about various things when Aubrey spoke up. “Steve, I feel so useless right now,” she said, “every time you go out, 3 girls have to stay with me, plus one of the cats. That makes your job harder and more dangerous. I want to help, not just sit here.”

“You have been helping Aubrey,” I said, “if not for you we would have spent more time searching info about Charly. If I need more help, I have two security teams in the city ready to come if I call them, that gives me another 20 people. And I can get more if needed. And right now you are more important than all this information we have gathered about Mr. Fenn and Joshua, so please, do not worry.”

“It would not surprise me if Joshua was Mr. Fenn,” said Aubrey as she looked at Muffin. I stared at Aubrey. “Annelie, are you there?” I asked. “No Steve, Tracy here,” she answered, “we are taking turns, that way you will not wake us up during the night.” “Good idea,” I said, “what have you learned about Mr. Fenn?” “Zero,” she said, “we called Rossana, but she had never heard of him, and there is nothing with other police departments we have checked. It is like he does not exist.”

“I know,” I said, “Aari has checked with his sources too and came up empty. Now, check that voice recording with everything we have, run it fast and slow, do all the other things as well and see if that voice will match anyone we know, including Joshua.” “Oh, I get it,” she said, “why go after a minnow when there is a bigger fish around.” “Exactly,” I said, “Joshua may have created this Mr. Fenn just to save himself.”

“I will get at it right away and get back to you,” she said excitedly, “good thinking, by the way.” “That was not me,” I said, “I am too tired to think, that was Aubrey that suggested that. You see Aubrey, you are helping us.” She smiled, and seemed to be in a happier mood now. “Now Steve, ” said Crystal, “as your wife I must insist you get to bed and sleep. We do not need a tired leader!”

So they all went to their rooms, we did have a lot to do tomorrow and I was barely able to stay awake. Morning came much too fast and we were soon downstairs in the restaurant having breakfast. However, we all sat at different tables, coming down at different times too. Aari was the last to leave and he went to pay for the guys at his table.

At that moment a large man came into the restaurant and sat at a corner table. The waitress looked, “I do not like him,” she said, “his name is Andre Talbot, though his friends call him Mr. Fenn, a big businessman who owns nightclubs all over Canada. He offered me a job, but I would have to move to Toronto. I said I cannot, I have a husband and daughter.

He said he would pay to move us all and give my husband a job too, and he would even have a job for my 8 year old daughter. I mean, what could she do?” “The same thing you would be doing all night long,” said Aari. She caught on quickly to that. Aari gave her $100 and told her not to say anything about their conversation.

She gladly agree and Aari came up to our room. “You will never guess who is in the restaurant right now,” said Aari. “Mr. Fenn,” said Kat quickly. “That is right,” said Aari, “and I have his photo.” “Annelie?” I asked. “Yes Steve,” it’s me. “Aari is sending you a photo,” I said, name is Andre Talbot…”

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.