Angel phoned me and said the other maid was at her door and wanted Kendra, she said someone was here to see her. But Kendra told Angel she knew no one here and she has no relatives. “Do not let that maid in the room and do not let Kendra go anywhere,” I said, “have you noticed that Kyan looks a lot like Kendra?”

“Yeah, they look a lot alike,” said Angel, “I know what you want, it would take us about 10 minutes.” “Good, Kyan, would you be willing to take Kendra’s place?” I asked, “It could be dangerous, but you will not be alone.” “I will gladly do it Steve,” she said cheerfully, “I am ready to go, almost!” The maid was not happy with being told to leave, but she did go.

I called Rock and quickly filled him in on what was happening and asked him and Mac to meet me at Angel’s room. Angel came along too, with Storm and Tiia. “Hello Kendra,” said the man, “my name is Reggie, your father worked for me and he has some money owed to him. Our organization would like you to have that money. Shall we talk about this alone?”

“No,” said Kyan, “I do not want any money from you, it is all crime money and I want nothing to do with it, or you.” “Oh come now Kendra,” he said, standing up, “let us talk alone, we do not need your friends around.” Rock moved over beside Kyan. “She said no,” he said in his booming voice, “or is that word too hard for you to understand?” “I did not come here to talk with you,” he said, “only with Kendra.

Why not go outside and talk this over on friendly terms.” “I said no, now leave me alone,” she said firmly. “Kendra, I really must insist that we talk about this,” said Reggie. “Look Reggie, I know you are a hit man for The Clan,” I said, “now leave and tell your bosses to leave Kendra alone. That would include Gerald, Henry, Tom, Sam and Tina.

If anything at all should happen to Kendra, I will come after them and do the same to them. And I can do it too, I do not make hollow promises.” He was visibly shaken when I mentioned all those names, he obviously did not think I would know anything about them. “You better watch your step,” said Reggie, “The Clan does not like threats.”

“Neither do I,” I told him firmly, “and I do not like threats against any of my team either, and Kendra works for me now.” Mac was now standing on the other side of Kyan and he noticed the knife that Reggie had pulled out very quickly, almost stabbing Kyan. Mac grabbed his arm and swung it upwards, then pushed his own knife into Reggie’s stomach. He fell to the floor, dead.

“There are a couple more men standing next to that car out there,” said Angel. “Invite them inside,” I said, “let them know that Reggie needs help.” “Hey guys,” she called out, “your friend here needs some assistance, something seems to be wrong with him.” They looked at each other, then came into the room and stopped when they saw Reggie on the floor.

Angel and Kyan had their guns on the two men and Mac took the guns away from the men. “Take Reggie out of here and tell The Clan to leave Kendra alone,” I said, “or they will fight with us, and they do not want that.” They took Reggie to the car and left in a hurry. Jim had returned to the room just as the men were carrying Reggie out. He looked very much afraid.

“Do you know who that was?” he asked nervously, “they will be back and kill us all.” “They can try if they want,” I said, “but they are the ones who will die. That organization is not really very big, they just pretend to be and use people like Reggie to terrorize people. That does not work with us. And Kendra goes nowhere without my permission, she now works for me.” Jim was actually sweating now, I really did not think he would react this way.

Anne came in next and I told her what happened. “Good, I am glad you helped Kendra,” she said, “although I am sorry that she will be leaving us. You will find her to be a good hard worker. I am on your side Kendra.” She gave Kendra a nice friendly smile. “You worry too much Jim,” she added and shook her head. “I just do not want to die right now, that is all,” he said, following her back to the kitchen.

I could hear them arguing in there, nothing interesting though. We went back to our rooms. “Nice work Mac,” I said. “Thanks, just part of the job,” he responded. I talked with Kendra and the other girls for a bit then returned to my room. “Hey, do you not knock anymore?” asked Crystal. “We are married, remember?” I responded. “Hmm, seems like such a long time ago,” said Kat. Sigurbjorn looked around. Meow,meow!=It ghost!

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.