Although I’m not officially on this case, I kept thinking about it anyway, after all, what else can I do lying in bed all day. I was a little concerned about the Black Wolves nearly getting in trouble with the police too, we need to be careful about that. Donna is quite the foe to fight, she isn’t giving us anything to work on so we can catch her. So, I decided to call Rossana and see if she has any ideas. “Are you sure this is the real Mr. Flynn?” she asked, “Police around the world have been trying to find him, or her.”

“You have to ask in the right places,” I said, “we have people with the right contacts, that helps. We put listening devices in her house so we can listen in to their conversations. I say it is the real Mr. Flynn, known as Donna Filing.” “Are you sure it’s worth the effort to chase her down Steve?” she asked after I mentioned she almost exposed the Black Wolves, “If they get exposed, then criminal gangs around the world will know about your little scam with the Wolves, and that won’t be good.” “Yes, that’s very true,” I said, “but we’re so close to catching her, but she’s just been a little too smart so far.”

“Exactly,” she replied, “so why not lay back for a while and wait for her to make a mistake. You know what she looks like now, you know the layout of her mansion and property, it would be easy to go after her again if you needed to do so. And, it would be safer for your team and the identities that you have built up for them. Don’t throw that away just yet, pull back and let her make the next move.” I have to admit, that did make sense. While I was thinking about this my door opened a little and a small head peeked in. “It’s safe,” I said.

Steffie smiled and quickly entered, closing the door behind her. Then she pulled the stool over and climbed onto the bed. “This bed too tall,” she said, “good thing there is a stool in here or I not make it.” “You actually shouldn’t be in here right now,” I said, “if Mommy found out you would be in big trouble.” “Yes, I know, but wanted to visit with you,” she said. “Okay, but it will have to be a short visit,” I said. “How come you talk with police woman?” she asked, “You not suppose to be on case, you in hospital.” “Um, well, I was just getting some advice to share with Auntie Jennifer,” I said.

“You should ask her for help, not advertises,” said Steffie. “No, not advertises, advice, that’s another word for help,” I explained. “Then why not just say help, it easier to understand,” she said with a puzzled look. Just then the door opened a tiny bit and suddenly Steffie had disappeared. “It’s clear,” I said, and Misty came in quickly closing the door behind her. “I thought Steffie was coming this way,” she said, “um, so I was coming to get her.” “Oh, a donut!” I said. “Um, yes, just one,” she said and handed it to me. “Misty, you’re the best,” I said, “um, did the mail come yet?” “Yep, nothing for you though,” she said, “but something came for Lily, she grabbed it out of my hand and ran off with it fast.”

“Hmm, must have been important,” I said innocently, “this donut is great.” It actually stayed in my stomach this time too. Then there was a knock at the door and it started to open, but Misty was nowhere to be seen. She had slipped under the bed remarkably fast, and that’s where Steffie was also hiding. Lily came in to show me what she had bought. However, the door started to open and Lily was gone too, she also slid under the bed. “I thought Lily came in here,” said Jennifer. “Uh, yes, she did, but she left to check the mail,” I said.

“No, I meant just now,” Jennifer said again. That’s when Misty was about to sneeze and Lily pinched her nose to stop her. That produced the most amazing sounds! “Okay, out from under there!” said Jennifer. All 3 came out and she sighed. “I don’t think my head will ever be the same again,” said Misty. “And what are you 3 troublemakers doing in here?” asked Jennifer. “Um, actually I’m working,” said Lily. “In your bathrobe?” asked Jennifer, “What happened to all of your uniforms?” “Um, nothing, but, uh, well, I, um,” she began to explain and looked at me. “Oh, so Steve is behind you being out of uniform?” she asked again.

Just then there was a knock and the door opened. “There you are young lady,” said Friskie firmly, “what…oh, am I disturbing something?” She had noticed Jennifer standing there. “No, I was just trying to find out why these 3 were in here, contrary to the rules,” explained Jennifer. “I come to visit Daddy for little bit ’cause he here all alone all day,” said Steffie, “and Mommy say that not good thing because it might cause Daddy to have depressatations which not good for him.” “Oh, right, I did say something like that,” said Friskie blushing a bit, “but the word is depression.” “That what I just said,” replied Steffie.

“Anyway, you should be in school,” added Friskie, “so get running as fast as your legs will carry you!” Steffie was gone out that door remarkably fast. Friskie looked down the hall. “She’s out of sight already,” she said. “Hard to understand how a five year old can run so fast,” said Misty, “she beats me easily.” Everyone laughed for a bit, then Jennifer asked Misty what she was doing here. “Um, actually the same as Steffie,” she said, “I wanted to say good morning nice and cheerfully so Steve would have a good start to his day since he is stuck in here all by himself.” Jennifer sighed.

“I get the message,” she said, “I will change the rules. Now for number 3, but wait until I sit down.” “Oh, me too,” said Misty. “Okay Lily, let’s see what was in that package today,” said Jennifer. “Um, this is actually my fault,” I confessed, “I wanted to see it because if it looked nice I was going to get it for you, only in blue, honest.” “Yes, I just thought that wearing it would give Steve a better idea,” said Lily quietly, “no other reason, honest.” After Jennifer sent the others out she stayed to talk with me about the case so I mentioned to her what Rossana had told me.

“I was thinking the same thing,” she replied, “we are just not getting anywhere and if we leave her alone then maybe she will do something. However, if we all leave then those odd things that have happened to her will stop and she might think that some of those people are responsible and trace them back to us.” “I have a solution to that problem,” I told her smiling, “leave Sky and Angel behind for a while to keep doing things for a few days, then she will think it is someone local and maybe start a fight with them.” “You are totally diabolical sometimes,” Jennifer said, chuckling. “I try hard,” I admitted.

So, Jennifer got the order out for everyone to return, except for Sky and Angel. Meanwhile, back with Donna. “All those people have gone now,” said Walter, “the men left for Vegas yesterday, some of the women went to Miami and some went to Hawaii.” “Good, now we will see if those odd occurrences stop,” said Donna, “or if they continue.” “And if they continue?” asked Walter. “Then I have an idea who it might be,” she replied, “there is only one other organization around here that might have the technology to attack me. So, we will make sure they don’t do it again.”

Sky and Angel had fun for 5 days, including opening her big safe. Mac had told Sky how to do it. They secured a small donation to our orphan fund, 1 million dollars, and leaving a note saying “Next time we will take more.” Then they returned home. I wonder what will happen next? Anyway, we are off this case for now and will wait for another one which I’m sure will arrive soon.

The End, but a new case is coming. ©2026 Steve McLeod.