What Tamara just said about me being the leader of The Investigators was not what I wanted to hear. Now what happens, I wonder. And normally that would have surprised me, but this time I was ready for it and reacted quite calmly. “An interesting thought,” I said, “why would you say that?” “Are you going to play games with me?” she asked, “I must admit, I was expecting a shocked look or something, but you are rather cool.

But I do not want to play games. Be honest with me and I will be honest with you. I have some important news for you that you will want to hear. And also a question. Can we talk now?” “Yes, we can talk, but not here,” I said, “in our room if you do not mind.” “That is fine with me,” she answered, “but just you and your wife, okay?” “That is okay too,” I said. I called the girls in and told them to get changed right away.

Back in our room I told Tamara she would need to be searched. “Does it look like I can hide any weapons?” she asked. “No, but you could hide other things,” I said, “like a listening device. Do you mind if the cats check you?” “Not at all,” she said with a puzzled look. “They have been trained to sniff out many different things,” I said, “just lie down on the bed and they will do the rest.” She did so, but the cats did not find anything.

I told her to sit in the chair and told her I am not really the leader right now, a man named Rock is leader at present since I have some health problems. “Yeah, you have amnesia or something,” she said. “Do you mind if Rock listens in on our conversation?” I asked. She said no. “Okay, start with the news first,” I said. “I found out you are The Investigators from Brandish,” she began, “he checked you out. Apparently you had a good cover, but then he decided to call a friend of his, a man named Toledo.

He told Brandish about you once he asked a few questions about you, like having a bunch of girls around, plus the cats.” The cats ears went straight up when she mentioned them. “What did he say about the cats?” I asked. “He told Brandish to be careful about the cats, that they can be dangerous,” she said, “though I do not see how they can be.

He also said that you recently took down a guy named Carnival, smashed his whole organization, so he should deal with you quickly before the rest of your group gets here. So Brandish is coming this afternoon with 20 men to do that. Plus he has those 4 fake cops on his side, they are ex cons and dangerous men.” “How many of his other men are good, or are they just guys he picks up off the street?”

“Seven of the men are pros, the others he picks up here and there,” she said, “but do not be deceived by that, they are still good, and you are terribly outnumbered.” “Hmm, 25 of them and 12 of us,” I said, “that makes it about even I would say.” “Hey Steve,” said Rock, “do not get overconfident, take things easy, you do not want to lose anyone.” “That is okay Rock,” I said, “I am not overconfident, just trying to make things a bit lighter in here, we will be very careful.”

“I think you need to count again Steve,” said Tamara, “there are only 8 of you, unless you are hiding some people. But I would know if you were.” “Have you found John and Mac yet Steve?” asked Rock. “No, that concerns me a bit,” I said, “I have not seen them since last evening. Maybe you should try to call them.” “Will do,” he said. “Is that all the info?” I asked.

“Yes, it is,” she said putting her head down, “may I ask my question now?” “You certainly may,” said Sky softly, already figuring what the question was anyway. Tamara looks up at us. “I, I, need help, please help me!” she said crying, “PLEASE! I want out of this racket, I cannot take it anymore, I do not like it, never did, but I got trapped in some bad debt and did not know what to do. Please help me, please!” Then she fell to her knees crying uncontrollably.

Sky got down beside her. “I will beg, I am begging!” she said finally, “you are my only hope now!” Sky helped her onto the bed and sat beside her putting her arm around her. I sat on the other side of her. “Yes, we will help you,” I said quietly, “what do you think Rock?” “Yeah, definitely we will help,” he said slowly. He had obviously been crying too, quite something for Rock.

I asked the other girls to join us, John and Mac came with them too. I explained things to them and everyone was in favor of helping. Then Tamara showed us something, a dark letter B. “That is a brand,” said Bridgette gasping. “Brandish is a dead man,” said Mac…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.