I then told the Major that Menton, Carrie’s dad, had quite a bit of money, dispersed in 5 different banks. Annelie found a 5th bank while we had been talking. So his net worth is around 9 million dollars now, unless he has more bank accounts somewhere. His sons do not seem to have any accounts anywhere, which is odd. Perhaps the dad does not trust them with their own money, something that is quite likely.

“He must have given up gambling,” said Major, “or he has somehow started winning.” “Possible,” I said, “or he is cheating his boss, and pocketing the extra. Or maybe he is buying and selling too, on the side.” “That would be a dangerous thing to do,” he replied, “that is generally frowned on in the business since it takes money away from the organization.”

“Yes, I would think that to be true,” I said, “but it has been tried I am sure.” “Oh yes, tried indeed,” he admitted, “but it always ends badly for whoever tries it.” “I wonder who he buys from?” I said, “if we could find out we might be able to discover what this guy is doing and let Painter know about it.” Painter is the guy who heads the Red Stars gang.

“I can find that out,” said Major, he then called Tony, a man who works for the Major. Tony got back to the Major quite quickly with some prices and told him that Menton buys his own stuff from this guy in Mexico as well as buying for Painter. Then Major called Painter and said I was going to be in the area and that I had information he might be interested in hearing.

So we set up an appointment with Painter at his office for Thursday afternoon at 2. “He said you can bring 2 people in with you, but no weapons,” said Major, “that is just standard practice, I do that too, nothing to worry about.” “I like to worry,” I said to him, “especially when I do not have a gun within reach.” Major laughed, as did Baldwin. Somehow I must have missed the funny part to that. Oh well. Sky said she would come with me, but I said not this time.

“I will take Vince and Mac with me,” I said, “it will look better, and they are used to this sort of thing too.” “Yes, I agree with you on that,” said Major, “they are good choices.” Major then spent time visiting with Aasta and Carrie before heading back home. Later the girls came into the library to see how things went. “Are you ready to come with us and see your family again?” I asked Carrie, “you do not need to come along, you are welcome to stay here with Annelie.

I just thought it might be good for your dad and brothers to see that you have a good life now. But the choice is yours, I know it will not be easy to see them again. I promise they will not get a chance to touch you, Rock will make sure of that.” “Yep, I guarantee it!” he said emphatically. Carrie giggled. Sounds just like Sky. “I will go along,” she said, “I know where he hides things in that house and there are pictures I would like to get, if he still has them.”

“Good,” I said, “we will leave in two days.” Most everyone will come along on this trip, like Baldwin suggested. Our doctors and Bridgette will stay behind, so will Annelie and Tamara. Li Jing has begun removing Tamara’s brand which is why she cannot come along. Aasta will stay behind also, but the rest of the girls, plus Rock, John, Mac, Vince (our new man, one of Ralph’s friends), Clarence and the cats will be coming along.

Mandar will also be coming, but he will stay off to the side, he just wanted to be close by while we get Menton to sign some papers so that Mandar can legally adopt Carrie. Mandar and Carrie have been getting along very well and she is quite excited about having him for her new father. Soon we were on our way once more…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.