Mutual Respect
Ch. 3
By: Trivette Lover Heather
The ride to the Estate was pretty quiet. After Magnum explained his position at the Estate, Pierce relayed that he had met Robin at the airport when he arrived home from the states, after Robin appeared to be choking at a nearby coffee shop. The two of them have kept correspondence and such ever since.
Magnum normally wouldn't have believed the story, but there was something about this man, it seemed that any thing he said, Magnum uncharacteristically believed.
Jonathan Higgins, a shorter British man, who as Magnum would say "Kinda runs the place," came out to meet the guest quickly, along with two strapping Dobermans.
"Welcome to the Robin Masters Estate, I am Jonathan Higgins; I will be here to ensure your stay is a delightful one…" he peered over at Magnum. "From here on in, that is."
Magnum glared at Higgins and shook his head. "Higgins, this is Benjamin Pierce, and believe it or not, he's my client as well."
"I know who he is Magnum, anyone who has any knowledge of modern medicine is aware of who this man is… he is one of the most world renowned cardiac surgeons in the country. Really Magnum."
Magnum shrugged. "Well he left that part out at introduction Higgins." He said looking over at Pierce.
Pierce smiled and shook Higgins hand. "Thank you for those kind words, but with all due respect, I am here to find my daughter, not for a pat on the back. I was hoping to get settled rather quickly, so Mr. Magnum and I could start the search."
Higgins nodded. "Yes, of course." He pointed for a Butler to retrieve his bags and headed towards the main house doors, motioning for Pierce to follow.
Pierce turned towards Magnum. "It should only take a few minutes for me to get ready…where will we begin?"
Magnum was taken aback, normally he worked on cases alone, but he had a feeling this case was going to be different than any other. "Well, ya see I normally work alone."
"Not for 400 a day, plus expenses you don't." Pierce replied quickly.
Magnum recognized that Pierce was trying to sucker him into getting his way, by using his wealth and fame, but Magnum was bigger than such manipulation.
"450 a day?"
Pierce nodded in agreement. "I'll be back down in ten minutes."
"I know what you're thinking, but this time…you're wrong. Sure, he was pushing the envelope a little, but it was a simple missing persons case, which you're right, I don't normally take, but he was Robins friend and after all, he was kind of a celebrity…So how hard could finding a run away girl on this island really be…that is of course, if she is a run away at all…"
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