The Cybersybils present Venusberg

Once outside Maddie ran at top speed toward the stable. The open barn door indicated that help was about; soon she espied Olivia's father, preparing for a day of gardening.

"Professor! Olivia's gone missing! Heavens and Andromeda, Olivia is gone!"

"Calm down, Ms. Maddie! Whatever are you saying?"

"She's disappeared. Maybe kidnapped. We must call the authorities! Please, come quickly."

The trained researcher took Professor Peyton's hand and the two hurried back to Olivia's unoccupied bedroom.

"Look here!" she pointed at the crimson fingernail marks, as the elder Peyton froze. He touched the vermillion gently, then sighed with real concern.

"Did you and my daughter go out and get tipsy last night?" sniffed the Prof.

"No, of course not. We haven't gone bistro-hopping in years. This disappearance is the work of a darker force than mere alcohol."

"Could it be the Grail Gestapo, those buggering infidels?"

"Probably not - though I wish I knew someone locally who could help us - the police will take forever to find her."

"What do you mean? We must tell the police right away."

"No, I have a better plan. May we take your car? I'll explain on the drive to Les Andelys."

The wise Professor nodded, and with that, the two departed.

"It's that stone mansion, over there!" Madeline exclaimed, as she pointed at the rumored brothel of Don Juan Carlos the Jackal. The Prof swerved off the road and into a spot beneath a large elm tree outside a large brick and mortar structure.

"Oh no!" Maddie said, disappointed, "Look at that line!"

"We can't go barging in on Mr. Jackal! Is that a side entrance?"

"Perfect," she agreed, exiting the vehicle, soon entering the house via an unlocked, heavy oak door. "Oh my! That's him!"

At that moment, a man glanced up from the chair where he was sitting, and what appeared to be a male visitor of some sort, looked over also.