The Major called two of his most trusted men, Frank and Vinnie, and they came immediately to the office. You may remember that Frank was one of the men who saved Kristina and Steve when they were trapped on that small island and being attacked by 4 young men. That was during the case when we were looking for the Major’s daughter, Aasta, who had been kidnapped.

Although the Major is not part of our team, we have become friends since that time, and he has helped us out before. Unfortunately the Major is also on the wrong side of the law, being part of a large criminal organization. But sometimes you need help from strange places. This is one of those times.

The Major has not yet heard about the jet going down over the ocean, but he promised to check on things back at the chateau for me and he does not live far away from us, though in Italy. He explained to Frank and Vinnie what was going on.

“This could be dangerous,” said Major, “so go prepared. But this is also voluntary, you do not need to go. I have already obtained permission from Victor to send you if you decide to go.” “Hey, we will gladly do this Major,” said Frank. Vinnie said the same thing, and they were soon on their way. First stop would be Baldwin’s mansion and were they surprised when they arrived.

There had obviously been a fire and there was nothing left of that big house. But something else rather strange, there was no one around the property, the gate was open on the driveway, the house where the guards stayed was unlocked and empty, other buildings were also unlocked and empty. That was very odd, even if Baldwin was dead, they knew that people would still be here.

But where was Baldwin? He did have mansions all over the world, something that comes with being such a wealthy man, so maybe he had not been home at the time of the fire. Next stop was our chateau. Eight of the girls had opted to stay behind this time, Kristina, Angel, Sigurbjorn, Tracy, Astrid, Saranna, Marlene and Felina.

John, another team member, had gone to spend some time with his old friend Clarence. That turned out to be a good thing for us since he was close at hand. As they drove along Frank asked Vinnie a question. “How fast can you shoot that thing?” he asked Vinnie. “Faster than you can drive,” he answered, and I can switch out these clips in one second flat.”

“Good, get ready to use it if necessary,” he said. Frank and Vinnie drove in the driveway up to the chateau and Kristina was outside and came over to the car. “Hi Kristina!” said Frank cheerfully, glad to see her alive and well. “I…do not…know you,” said Kristina, “who…do you wish…to see?” “Hey Kristina, it is me, Frank,” he said and took off his dark glasses, “what is going on here?”

She just kind of stared. “You need to…leave…before Steve sees you,” she said. “Kristina, you and I both know that Steve is not here,” said Frank, then before he could say any more. “Hey Frank, look at that,” said Vinnie. Frank could not believe his eyes, there I was, standing on the steps.

“Kristina,” said Frank, more quietly now, “jump in the back, we can get you out of here fast.” “No…I cannot…the others…will be hurt,” she said, “please go now.” “Okay Kristina, but if that guy asks, tell him we were lost and asked how to get back to the road to Italy,” he said and off they went. They went back the way they came and stopped once they got to their turnoff road so they could call the Major.

“You will not believe this Major,” said Frank. “Try me,” said Major. He first told about Baldwin’s Mansion, then about the encounter with Kristina. “Kristina acted like she did not know me,” said Frank, “but she was definitely drugged, and get this, Steve was there standing on the front steps!” There was silence on the Major’s end.

“That is not possible,” said Major, “but things are starting to make a little bit of sense now. I just heard that Steve’s jet crashed into the ocean and there are no survivors. Someone has an elaborate plan to replace Steve for some reason, but why I do not know. We will find out though.

I am going to send some more men to help you, then I want you to go back and kidnap Kristina, or at least one of the girls and bring her back here. It is the only way to find out what is happening. Go back to the city to our usual hotel and wait for the others to get there, you will need to plan your attack carefully, they may have a bunch of men hiding in that chateau.”

“Okay Major, we will do that,” said Frank. Just then Clarence and John stopped by to see the Major. They had not heard anything about what has been happening, and John will not be very happy…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.