Finally the police left and we could relax, sort of. I put Aubrey in with Cinnamon and Tiffany for the night. It was a short night, but quiet at least, so we did manage to get some good sleep, though just 4 hours. We all went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. Aubrey was still silent as could be, and she did not eat much either. “What is wrong Aubrey?” I asked.

“I, I am just scared I guess,” she said, “so far my parents, my best friend, a man I never knew and one of your men have died…all because of me.” She started to cry at that point so, since we were finished our breakfast, we went back to our room for some necessary talking. I asked the waitress to send up coffee to our room, lots of coffee, that little pot in the room does not make enough coffee even for me.

Oh, and Rock asked her to send up some more waffles too. “About 3 dozen, no, 4 dozen, should do it,” he told her. She just stared, but off she went to the kitchen with the order. I hope Rock is planning to share some of those waffles with the other guys.

“Now, you said all this happened because of you,” I said to Aubrey, “what does that mean?” “I was hoping to keep this a secret,” she said, “but too many people are dying. Dad borrowed more than half a million dollars, it was 2 million, he had half a million already but needed more to buy the house.” Then she was silent for a bit.

“Part of the deal was for me to work for Joshua Whitaker, in one of his clubs. I could not do what he wanted me to do…that is why my parents were killed, I am sure of that.” She was silent again. “Dad sold me, he really did, he sold me,” she said sobbing, “how could a father sell his own daughter like that? How?” Then she really started to cry.

Crystal went over to comfort her. I could tell the guys were ready to go and tear Whitaker apart with their bare hands. But we need him just a little longer, but things will be starting to go our way from now on. Kate send something interesting was happening with Whitaker right now. They still have not found the bug, amazing.

I called Annelie and told her to be ready. “Charly Bannerman,” said Kate, which I repeated to Annelie. “At her house is the main office for this group, led by a man named Mr. Fenn,” continued Kate. “Not to worry Mr. Fenn,” said Joshua, “they will never find the main office, it is too well hidden, and they do not even know about Charly anyway.”

“I like to worry Joshua,” said Mr. Fenn, “it helps to keep me alive. Are you sure you can trust that Charly Bannerman?” “Sure thing,” he answered, “she has been living there for 5 years already and knows nothing about the office. It is completely safe.” “These are PI’s,” said Mr. Fenn, “it is their job to find things, to find people, to find information. All they need is one little tip, that is all!”

“They will not even get the smallest tip,” said Joshua, “I will be watching these people closely from now on.” “You said that before,” he responded, “but they still found our office! I want you to kidnap the leader of those PI’s, do you hear me?” “That will not be easy,” said Joshua, “he is guarded well by his team. I might have to bring in extra help, like Bulldog, Shephard, maybe Brander too and his boys.”

“Then do it, do not just talk about it, do it!” yelled Mr. Fenn, “And keep me informed, I like to know what is happening.” “Okay, I will do that Mr. Fenn,” said Joshua, then Mr. Fenn hung up and Joshua called the 3 men he mentioned. More trouble for us which we do not need. Good to know that he is going to try kidnapping me though, now we can prepare for that.

Mac and Miles knew Bulldog and Shephard, Aari knew about Brander and his boys. His boys numbered 8 hard men which were afraid of nothing. Bulldog and Shephard were much the same way, but Miles asked if he could call them. I said sure, and told him I would match what they would get paid, plus a $5,000 bonus for each. It worked!

That should make Joshua angry, which is what I want. Angry people make mistakes more easily. When Aubrey heard the name Charly Bannerman, she told us that she is the leader of those tough guys at the party last night. She works at a place called The Factoffice Co., she steals information from them and sells to Joshua.

I told Annelie to check on this company for me, I want to know the owner of it. She came back soon and chuckled when she gave me the name of the owner. “It is you Steve,” she said, “the company is owned by Baldwin Corp.” Sigh.

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.