We left off our story with John and Clarence stopping by to see the Major. “Good timing you two,” said Major, “I have something for you to do.” “Hey Major,” said Clarence, “we were on our way up to the mountains for a vacation, not for work.” “You can vacation anytime,” said the Major seriously, “this is too important to argue about.”

He then told them both what he knew up to that point. John was actually speechless for a bit while he digested the information. Here he had spent years trying to kill me, then he had changed and joined The Investigators and he and I had become close friends. Then John turned angry. “Let’s go and get that fake Steve now,” he said, “I will finish him off with my bare hands!”

John was a big man, not like Rock, but he was big and strong nonetheless. “I am with you Johnny,” said Clarence, “I just have a hard time believing this is happening, it is like a dream.” “I wish it was a dream,” said Major, “but it is very real. We need to find out what this is all about though, so do not kill that fake Steve. I have a feeling he is only part of this, someone else is behind it all, and we want him too.”

“Yeah, you could be right,” said John, “it is quite an elaborate scheme which would have taken some real serious planning, and money, to do it.” He was silent for a bit, then added, “perhaps it is our old ‘friend’ Toledo.” “Yes, I was thinking about that too,” said Major, “and he might be drugging those girls so he can have an elite group of thieves, or perhaps to use them for some other major crime.”

“He will not get a chance to do that,” said John, “I promise he will not.” While they continued talking and planning, Frank called. “You will not believe this Major,” he said. “You told me that last time,” responded Major, “what happened now?” “All the girls came out, plus that Steve character, Sky and about a dozen men dressed as soldiers.

They took Marlene and had her stand next to the fence around the pool. Then those soldiers lined up and shot her! It was an execution! We had no time to stop it either. I know we were supposed to head off to the city, but we decided to wait just a little longer since we had lots of time before the others would get here. We are shocked Major, honestly.”

“So am I Frank,” said the Major quietly, “now get to the city and wait.” He then relayed what Frank had told him to John and Clarence. John had to sit down after hearing that. “This is just not real,” he said. “Obviously he did this as a warning to the other girls to behave,” said Major, “just hang on, I will be going with you on this one. I just need to talk with Victor first.”

But before he could phone Victor, his phone rang again. It was from Aasta. “Aasta! Is it really you sweetheart?” asked Major while actually trembling a little. “Yes daddy, it is me,” she said cheerfully, “we are all safe! I do not know how Steve arranged it, but it worked, he will have to explain it to you. He wants to talk with you.”

“Good, put him on,” said Major, “things are going crazy over here.” “Hi Major, what has been happening?” I asked. He then filled me in on all that he knew from Frank. “Now it makes sense,” I said, “somehow he found out about Baldwin’s will. Baldwin has no relatives, so when he dies, I inherit 75% of Baldwin Corporation.

The remaining goes to 10 of his most trusted employees, which is still a substantial amount for them. So with me out of the way, he can step up and claim all of that for himself. Except it will rely on a DNA test and that will not match him. Oh, wait, if he has Saranna, then he has access to my DNA at our hospital and could then switch it out for his DNA.”

“Then it would be easy for him to claim the inheritance,” said Major, “and if you come back, then you will be the imposter and would likely get arrested for that.” “Hmm, that is true enough,” I said, “this is getting complicated. This is quite an elaborate plan he came up with, I think he likely had some backing for all of this. Only one person could have found out about Baldwin’s will and that would be Toledo.”

“That is what John figured too Steve,” said Major, “and now there is one more thing.” He then told me about Marlene. Now it was time for me to sit down, I had been pacing back and forth. I broke down crying. I then turned to Crystal. “Say it Kat, loud and clear,” I said to her and gave her the phone. “Now he will feel the wrath of the Kat!” she said to the Major.

Meanwhile, back at the chateau. Sky came to Steve and told him the news. “It is official, that jet went down with a bang and there are no survivors,” she said. “Ah, good,” said Steve, “now I can go and claim my inheritance without fear of interference from that ‘fake’ Steve!…”

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.