While we were upstairs, the girls were carrying stuff from downstairs out to our vans. Miles and John had returned from their errands and were helping them. Just then Muffin jumped up and down screaming. Meow,meow!= Snow trouble! Snow trouble! I did not wait to ask why she was the only one to get the alarm, I knew better. I called Rock right away.

“Yeah Steve?” he answered. “Frank, fast!” was all I said. That was enough and the guys were out their door quickly. They spotted a hotel employee running down the hall and Rock yelled “Stop” in his loud bellowing voice. She turned and shot, but missed. Aari also shot, but he did not miss and she fell to the floor. Meanwhile Rock had smashed his way through the door into the room with Frank and the mechanic.

“I have bad news Steve,” he said. “I do not want bad news Rock,” I said, “we have had some already.” “Sorry Steve,” he said, “but a hotel employee brought in fresh towels, looks like, probably saw Frank’s holstered gun and shot him first, then the mechanic and Snow.” We were now in the vans and the girls were just finishing putting the license plates back on.

We had taken them off in case anyone decided to watch us and write them down. The houses exploded massively after we were well down the street. Meanwhile, Muffin screamed again. Meow,meow!=Not my Snow, my little Snow! She was on my lap and lay down flat. Tiia came up and lay down beside her purring. Meowi=Me here to help mommy. We were on our way now and Storm had joined the other two cats on my lap. He put his long tail around Muffin.

“Successful trip guys?” I asked. “It was good Steve,” said Miles. “Very good,” added John. “Wait until we get back to the hotel,” I said, “I need some good news.” “May as well drop me off at my place,” said Aubrey, “it is on the way.” She gave a big sigh. Kat looked at me. “How much do you have at the apartment?” I asked Aubrey.

“Not too much, some clothes, some jewelry from my mom and grandmother,” she said, “if it is still there. This is their party night and they keep threatening to sell my jewelry to buy drugs for their parties.” “We will stop and pick up your things,” I said, “you will stay with us at the hotel for now.” We stopped in front of an old apartment building. “How much do you pay for rent here?” asked Catalina.

“$1,000 a month, and I get to sleep on the sofa,” she said, “plus an extra $400 a month for food. Um, anyone want to come with me? I am a bit scared, those guys that come are tough types and they will not leave me alone.” “Kate, Cinnamon, Tiffany, Felina, go with her,” I said, “Mac, Miles, you go too. Get everything that belongs to Aubrey.”

Up they went to the 4th floor and into the room. The girls went in with her, but Mac and Miles stayed in the hall for now. “Hey look, more girls!” yelled one of the guys and started toward Kate. He got a little too close and ended up on his back. “Tough girls,” said another one, “time to teach them a lesson.” “Do not be stupid,” said Kate, “you wimps would not have a chance.” Just then Aubrey yelled out, “where is my jewelry?”

“Hey, we needed it for our stuff tonight,” said one of the girls. Kate whistled and Mac and Miles entered the room. Both flipped out an knife and the tough boys backed up. “They want to be searched for “stuff” and money,” said Cinnamon. “Out with it,” said Mac, “or we cut it out of you.” The tough boys looked at each other then decided to fight.

They were soon all on the floor groaning, including the girls that lived there. Soon the drugs and money were on the bed. “Good haul,” said Miles, “about $5,000 worth. And $10,000 in cash.” Mac made out a receipt for the sale of the jewelry which the guys bought from Aubrey for $10,000. He got Aubrey to sign it and he left it on the bed, then they scooped up the money and drugs, with Aubrey’s things and they left.

“Not the same thing,” said Mac, “sorry for your loss.” Then he handed her the money which she put in her purse. Back in the van Aubrey was silent all the way back to the hotel. When we got there Snow was lying on the bed, still alive. Clarence had shown his proficiency in removing the bullet from her.

Fortunately the backpack helped stop the bullet so it did not go in deep, so it was easy to remove he said. The police were there waiting for us and asked all the usual questions. Rossana had been in touch with the police chief and told him we were investigating the murder of Aubrey’s parents and that 2 of his officers were suspects. He kept asking questions…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.