Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kiltmen Down

[davedove]

Scene 1

Private villa on St. John, U.S.Virgin Islands

The day was as beautiful as any ever seen in this part of the world. Unfortunately, because of my complexion, I was forced to seek shelter from the direct sun under a beach umbrella. I had taken a bit of light reading from my library to relax with in the beach chair, a scholarly text on Scottish archeology.

My associate, Ms. Starling, having no problems with the sun, was stretched out on a towel nearby. The small swimsuit she wore would have gotten her arrested in some places, it revealed so much. Glancing her way, I had to admit that she was one of the few women who could pull off that look. Unlike most people though, I knew that beautiful body contained one of the most brilliant investigative minds I have ever encountered. Ms. Starling had been with my team the longest and served as my lieutenant.

My other associates were scattered about the beach, enjoying this tropical paradise. My butler, Timothy moved back and forth from the beach to the villa, bringing drinks and snacks and occasionally helping the ladies with tanning lotion and sunscreen.

Timothy had just returned from the villa when I heard him call out, “Mr. Dove, I believe there is something here that needs your attention.”

Ms. Starling and I instantly recognized the worry in Timothy’s voice and quickly went inside. There, stuck to the wall of the living room, was a piece of paper secured with a Scottish claymore.

Ms. Starling instantly responded, pulling out a small radio (though I will never figure out where she keeps it in that swimsuit.) “All personnel, intruder alert, secure the perimeter!”

I quickly calmed her down. “Stand down Ms. Starling. Whoever left this will be long gone.”

“You’ve seen this before then?”

“Yes, one other time, it’s a message from the League of Moderators.”

“Oh yeah, that group that invited you to compete for a position.”

“Quite right, I lost out to Panache. He’s quite a wily competitor. I hope to match wits with him again someday.”

“But a note pinned to a wall with a sword, don’t they know about email?”

I had to laugh at that. “Indeed they do, but some of their members tend to like the dramatic.”

I removed the sword and opened the note. Ms. Starling moved to read it along with me.


Mr. Dove,

You and your associates are hereby summoned to the Great Hall of X Marks the Scot on a matter of utmost importance. As always, this sword will serve as your pass into the Hall. Please proceed with all due haste as time is critical.

The League of Moderators

“Well that’s certainly informative,” was Ms. Starling’s sarcastic response.

“True, but this is only the second summons I have ever received from them. Whatever it is must be important. Ms. Starling, round up the team and tell Timothy that we need to pack.”