Thomas

Lieutenant Tanaka reluctantly shared the details of Isaac's capture, partially because it related directly to Daisy's safety, and partially because I would have kept bugging him until he did. It was clear to me that he was going out of his way to keep me in the loop, and I appreciated that. Tiger fans stand up for each other.

"He's waiting on a psych evaluation, but there are enough charges—carrying a weapon, hijacking a vehicle, endangering the public and assault—that we've got plenty to charge him with," Tanaka sighed. "Full name is Isaac Daniel Kaminsky and he's a lawyer from the mainland. Works at the firm out on Rodeo Drive no less so he's got money."

That wasn't good news, but at least he was in custody and looked to stay that way for a while at least.

"The pilot? The copter?"

"Pilot's shook up but all right. Copter's been confiscated and we're processing it now, not that I expect much. Best we can figure, Kaminsky slipped inside before it left the charter tours office out of Inouye International."

"And the Golden Doll people?" I asked, wondering if they were going to press charges.

Tanaka gave a half-smirk. "Oh their PR office is dealing with it I'm sure, but they haven't said if they want to be involved or not. We'll see how the local news spins it I guess. But Magnum—" he gave me a sharp look. "Nice as Miss Munro is, don't let word get out that she's a nawashi. The Inagawa-kai already have a foothold here in Honolulu and if they knew about her, she'd be working for them before you could turn around."

I nodded.

Higgins was already at the hospital and much as I wanted to go myself, I wasn't sure they'd let me in—I wasn't a relative or listed as a contact, so I'd have to wait to hear how she was doing. To keep myself from overthinking things, I headed to pick up my check for the couple's counseling case and deposit it. I picked up a few groceries, and stopped myself short when I found a jar of peanut butter and a red onion in my bag. Clearly Daisy was starting to influence my food choices. Still, I figured I might as well try it her way and discovered that yes, they actually do taste pretty good together.

I tried to do some reading, but when I heard Higgins return, I nonchalantly wandered into the main house, trying to look casual.
He wasn't fooled.

"Miss Munro is fine. They reset her shoulder and are holding her overnight for observation. She will be released in the morning," he told me as he moved past to the kitchen. "In the meantime, we need to have a chat."

Uh-oh. Chatting with Higgins means something is up. Usually it's more like 'being lectured by Higgins' which I can handle. Chatting is one level up and it means I'm probably not going to like where the discussion goes.

I reluctantly followed him to his study and stayed standing. Cheap tactic, but I needed any edge I could get.

He sat behind his desk and looked at me, those basset hound eyes making me nervous. "Magnum . . . Thank you."

THAT was unexpected. "You're . . . welcome?" I bluffed.

He sighed and continued.

"I first met Miss Munro when she was eight years old," Higgins told me in that quiet voice that means he's dead serious. "She came to Robin's Nest with her parents as guests for an extended vacation. It was the first time I'd met the Munros, and they were . . . are . . . in a word, appalling. I understand that Robin Masters appreciated their professional achievements but as parents, they lacked any sort of familial instinct or bond with their daughter. It wasn't uncommon for them to leave her to the care of others for days at a time, and with that neglect came the sort of emotional indifference that bordered on abuse."

"Ohhh," I muttered, realizing that Higgins had just confirmed Daisy's confession to me. It hit hard, hearing it from another witness.

"I called today to let them know their daughter was in the hospital. They told me . . . it was not their concern."

The sheer callousness of that left me stunned, and I could see Higgins was just as shocked as I was. He gave a curt nod.

"Precisely. I was not prepared to encounter such indurate apathy, but it confirms for me that they have not changed in the least. Because of that, I have urged Miss Munro to stay at Robin's Nest as long as she would like. To that end, I would appreciate your . . . support."

He looked a little uneasy, so I gave a nod. "I'll help," I assured him.

"Thank you. Be . . . her friend," Higgins murmured. "She is a decent, kind young woman with a great deal of good in her. Emotionally, however, she is vulnerable. Please just . . . be aware of that as well. You're not the sort to take advantage but others are."

There it was; the little warning I expected. Higgins generally doesn't comment on my love life; we're both good at respecting that boundary, but Daisy was in a different category, being a guest at Robin's Nest as well.

Higgins gave me another sharp look. "Miss Munro is no longer a child and is fully entitled to choose whom she associates with. That being said, I expect you to . . . continue to be kind, and respect her choices. It is the least we can do for the time being."

I was quiet for a moment, and then I knew I had to speak up. "I saw the suitcase in the attic."

Higgins blinked, but his expression didn't change. "I suspected you would."

"And you knew?" I shot back, feeling a sense of surprise.

"I . . . did. It's not the practice that bothers me," Higgins replied quietly. "We both know the world is full of . . . darker corners. No, I worry far more about the few dangerous individuals who are drawn to it, particularly when done by someone like Miss Munro."

Daisy

I was glad to see Higgins. He brought flowers too—some tropical blooms that weren't daisies, thank goodness. I don't mind being named for a flower, but when everyone tries to make it your motif, it gets old, you know? I expected him to chide me about taking the Golden Doll job but he didn't, and that helped.

"The authorities have assured me that your stalker is in custody and will be facing numerous charges," he told me as he settled into the visitor's chair. "Given the seriousness of his offenses I doubt he will be free for quite a while. How are you feeling?"

"Achy," I admitted. "It's been a while since I dislocated anything, but they told me it will be fine in a few weeks. Are the commercial people upset?"

"They were concerned," Higgins told me. "More about their own publicity than your welfare, alas. However, I was given to understand that they had enough footage to edit that the commercial will go on as planned and that you will be compensated for your stunt."

I sensed that either Higgins or Robin had intervened on my behalf and felt grateful. "Thank you!"

"You carried out your performance under extenuating circumstances," Higgins reminded me. "Therefore, you are due your wages."

"I appreciate you for being in my corner," I murmured gratefully.

He cleared his throat and looked down, maybe a little embarrassed, but seriously, Higgins was one of the best. When he looked up again, he spoke in a low tone.

"Miss Munro—Daisy—in light of this incident, I called your parents."

A rush of bitterness hit me. "Let me guess what they said-thanks for letting us know. Goodbye."

He pursed his mouth. "Something along those lines. I'd rather hoped . . ."

"For a different outcome? It would have been nice," I sighed. "But let's face it; they're never going to change, not at this point."

"Regrettably, no," Higgins commiserated. "But I felt making the attempt was the right choice."

"And I appreciate it," I told him. "Even if they didn't."

"To that end," he went on, "I have arranged for you to stay at Robin's Nest until such time as you choose to leave. This is not out of charity," he warned me, but with warmth in his gaze. "There are several projects that need undertaking that I expect you to assist with, along with daily routines including exercising the Lads and acting as hostess for various functions. Is this agreeable to you?"

"I . . ." oh, tears were threatening at this generosity. Being able to stay at Robin's Nest meant more to me than I wanted to admit. "Uh, yeah. I would be happy to. Honored, even."

"Very well," Higgins smiled. He doesn't do it often but it's a good one when he does. "If you have anything you need shipped from the mainland, please let me know and I will arrange it. And I have taken the liberty of adding myself and Magnum as your contacts for your medical insurance. I realize this is a bit presumptuous, but . . ."

"No it's good," I assured him. "Works for me."

"All right then. I'll be back in the morning to bring you home. In the meantime, please rest."

He rose up and reached to pat my hand, but I grabbed his and gave it a squeeze, smiling up at him. "Thank you."

Higgins nodded.