I looked at Friskie after she mentioned that I got Steffie in trouble. “Hey now,” I said softly, “I didn’t get Steffie in trouble, she was just trying to help me feel better by bringing me donuts. She can’t visit me right now and she didn’t know what else to do. Can’t really blame her for wanting to help me, right?” Friskie looked at me. “No, I guess not,” she said, “you are the only daddy she has, she loves you so much, and she does want to help. I didn’t punish her for bringing you donuts, but I did explain that Samantha said no and we need to obey what she says.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” I said, “here I am, the leader of this large organization of PI’s and everyone gives me orders. I know they mean well, but really, can’t I have 3 or 4 donuts a day?” Friskie looked at me. “How about 2 donuts a day,” she said. She was sitting on the edge of the bed while we were talking. I then grabbed her and pulled her over to the other side of me and yelled “Tickle Fight!” “AAAA”, she said. Soon we were both laughing so much we could hardly breathe. Then suddenly, “AAAAAAA!” yelled a voice. “YAAAAAH!” yelled someone else as she came crashing through the door, landing with a thud on the floor.

“Must you always do that Misty?” asked Jennifer. “Must you always sneak up on me?” asked Misty in return. “Well, you shouldn’t be listening at the door, that’s snooping,” said Jennifer. “Did you enjoy your trip through the door?” I asked. “Not as much fun as a usual flip,” she said. “Why didn’t you just fly through the door instead of breaking it?” I asked. “I didn’t think fast enough,” she responded, “and what was going on in here anyway?” “Tickle fight,” said Friskie. Jennifer just looked at Misty. “Um, well, it’s fun listening to them laugh, kinda, sorta,” said Misty, “I brought more hot coffee!”

She added that last part nice and cheerfully, then poured some for each of us. I asked why Jennifer had come back home, so she presented a theory to me. I then asked Melody to get Rossana on the phone right away. Meanwhile, back in Italy. “Why are those Black Wolves interested in Carmen anyway?” asked Marchetti. “That’s a good question,” said Lizard, “unless they are looking to expand into Europe. Carmen has a lot of information she could give them, for a price.” “I told Vincent to kill Carmen a year ago,” said Mr. Marchetti, “obviously he didn’t do it.”

“Seems he just sent her away somewhere,” said Giorgio, “but I guess she didn’t like staying away.” “She will regret that decision,” said Mr. Marchetti, “Lizard, I want her stopped and I don’t care how you do it or who else gets hurt, just get it done!” “Right away, Mr. Marchetti,” he said, and he left. “That man is so cold he cools off the whole room,” said Giorgio. “I agree with you,” said Nilo, “but he does get the job done.” “Yes, that’s the main point,” said Mr. Marchetti, “Rocco, when Lizard has killed Carmen then kill him. I don’t trust him anymore. He lost Carmen too easily to those Black Wolves. I think he’s like Vincent, playing both sides at the same time and that’s a dangerous game to play.”

“Shall do, Mr. Marchetti,” said Rocco, and out he went. “Giorgio, contact that Aari Jensen,” said Marchetti, “I want to talk with him.” “Right Sir,” he said. Giorgio went into the lobby of the hotel where the Black Wolves were staying and almost immediately he felt a knife in his back. “Looking for someone?” said a deep voice. “I just want to set up a meeting between my boss and yours,” said Giorgio. “Mr. Jensen,” said Mac, “Mr. Marchetti would like to meet with you.” “That’s fine,” said Aari, “our hotel restaurant, 6pm, he can have two men, no weapons, same with us.”

“May I use my phone?” asked Giorgio. “Yeah, but carefully,” said Mac. Mr. Marchetti agreed and Giorgio left. Meanwhile, back to us at the chateau. “Um, how come you came back anyway?” I asked Jennifer. “To check on you,” she said, “and make sure are not driving Friskie crazy, which you obviously are doing.” “Wait, I’m almost sort of innocent this time,” I said. “Um, yeah, he is, almost,” said Friskie. “Well, it looked more like he was driving you crazy,” said Jennifer shaking her head, “I’m leaving Angel and Kitty here as well, the rest of us will stay on the case.” I then told her what Rossana had told me about Carmen.

“That’s not good,” said Jennifer, “she’s playing a very dangerous game and she could have gotten herself killed.” “Yes, I want you to persuade her to come here where she will be safe,” I said, “if that Lizard character finds her, he likely won’t miss.” “Hmm, you’re right, it would be better if she was here,” said Jennifer. “Sky,” I said. She appeared in front of me with a donut in her hand. I quickly grabbed the donut. “This is no time to eat,” I said frowning, “there’s work to do.” “That’s my donut,” she said. “Yes, thank you,” I said to her, “we need you to bring Courtney back here before something happens to her.”

“Oh, why didn’t you say so,” she said, “um, are you going to tell me who she is, or must I try and guess?” “You already know who it is,” I said, shaking my head. I was about to take a sip of my hot coffee and I saw that Sky was going to hit my arm and deliberately spill my coffee on me, but I moved my arm just in time. Sky still hit it, but the coffee went all over Friskie instead of me. “That wasn’t nice,” said Friskie while Sky stood there laughing.

Friskie picked up my glass of water and threw it at Sky. “I’m all wet,” said Sky, “how can I go get this Courtney woman when I’m wet?” “You can change when you bring her back here,” said Jennifer, “now let’s go.” “I don’t even know what she looks like,” said Sky. “Yes you do,” said Jennifer, “now, let’s go please.” Off they went with Sky still complaining about not knowing who Courtney is. “That’s bad,” said Friskie laughing. “Then why are you laughing?” I asked. “Because it’s so funny!” she replied.

Meanwhile, back in Italy. “But you need to be kept safe Courtney,” said Jennifer, “this is not a simple murder investigation, your life is in danger because they think you are Carmen. These people are killers. Carmen wouldn’t want you to die trying to figure out who killed her. Leave that to us, it’s our job, we’re trained for this, please.” She sighed. “Okay, maybe you’re right,” she said, “but I do know things that might help.” “Tell Steve and he will let me know,” smiled Jennifer…

To Be Continued. ©2026 Steve McLeod.