***A Choose Your Own Adventure Story. Instructions and explanations can be found in Chapter One.***

.

.

ooooooo

Chapter Four: Remember me?

When the call connected, Thomas said, "Hello?"

"Hello, Magnum. Remember me?"

There was a moment when Thomas didn't recognize the voice on the other end of the call, but once he did, every muscle tensed and he started to inwardly panic. That's when another realization reared its ugly head.

With all of that incessant ringing of the phone now in his hands, why hadn't Juliet or even the dogs come to investigate the noise before now? A frightening possibility came to mind as to why he hadn't had Higgins pestering him about the ringing. He hoped he was wrong, but his little voice was practically screaming at him, which meant he's probably right.

"Magnum, can you hear me?"

"Yes, Ivan. I can hear you."

On the other end of the line, Ivan paused before continuing to speak. "Good. For a minute there, I thought the burner I'd supplied you with had dropped the call."

While Ivan was talking, Magnum considered asking outright about Higgins, but instead he decided to wait and let things play out on the other man's terms. He knew Ivan liked his games, so playing along seemed the best way to go – for now.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I would like you to do a favor for me," Ivan replied.

Thomas realized this might be his chance to get some information. "Favors are for my friends, and last I checked, you were not my friend. Something about trying to kill me…."

Ivan chuckled. "If you won't do me a favor, then how about doing it for the lovely Juliet Higgins?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, deciding to not let on about what he'd realized.

"When I had my men drop off the phone for you, they picked up a souvenir of their visit. She put up a good fight, but Ms. Higgins was no match for the three men I'd sent – or the tranquilizers that took down the dogs."

Thomas fought not to react. Even though he knew this was coming, it was still difficult to hear. He could only hope they hadn't been killed since then.

"Higgins and the dogs are alive?" Thomas asked, unable to stop himself from picturing a blood bath at the main house.

"For now," Ivan replied, sounding smug. "And they will stay alive as long as you do me that favor."

"I need proof, or I'm not doing anything—."

Ivan continued as if he'd not spoken. "There is a prosecuting attorney for the state of Hawai'i by the name of Gerry Rankin. I believe he has some information I need. You will be securing it for me."

Not knowing what had happened to Higgins, Magnum had to go along with Ivan's scheme – for now. "What information?"

"Recently, a defendant on trial for murder, named Asim Hazredi, was released due to a supposed lack of evidence. I believe the dismissal came about for another reason and that the state knows where Hazredi is currently located."

Thomas was absolutely certain Ivan was withholding a lot of important information from him, including why he was the one being tasked with the "favor" and not a hired goon. Hopefully, he would be able to figure that out soon, because he knew Ivan would probably kill Higgins – and him – before the end of whatever was really going on.

"If I do this for you, then you'll let Higgins go unharmed?"

Ivan chuckled, which sounded menacing. "Magnum, if you don't do this for me – and succeed – then you'll never see Ms. Higgins again."

Before Thomas could reply, the line went dead.

ooooooo

To find out what happens after the call ends in the "Magnum goes back to sleep" choice, go to Chapter Five.

To find out what happens after the call ends in the "Magnum investigates the source" choice, go to Chapter Six.

ooooooo

ooooooo