Capital Hilton was a haven for the rich folks in the modern world. It was where they hung out and talked about things ranging from serious work proceedings like the signing of contracts to casual outings like birthdays and anniversaries.
This was Detective Hanson's first visit here and he had chosen the venue partly because he had always been looking forward to having a drink here and partly because the guest he was expecting seemed like the typical aristocratic folk who would like to hang out in this kind of place.
As the beautiful woman sitting across from him greeted him with a smile, he found that he wasn't wrong after all for bringing the meeting here.
She was beautiful, very beautiful, with long flowing hair resting on her neck like a mane and sharp witty eyes that seemed to see through his soul.
In her eyes, he could see a hidden sadness that could not be explained. Such sadness was not to be found behind such a pretty face.
While he tried to sort out his thoughts about her, the woman said something to him. Was that a greeting? The response came shortly.
"I understand that this is not the kind of meeting you were expecting, so I will be quick. You see, I'm a very busy woman."
His eyes studied her, searching for any trace of resemblance from the eyes that stared back at him. There was none. Just the uneasy feeling that they'd met somewhere before without any idea of where exactly that was.
"Who are you?" He managed to ask, finally regaining his composure.
"Marianne Hartman. I was sent by Vanessa Winthrop." She paused for a moment and added, "Judging by the look on your face, I assume you know who that is."
For the second time today, Detective Hanson was overcome with shock. He searched her face for any trace of amusement but there was none. She was serious then.
"Vanessa Winthrop?" He repeated with total disbelief registered in his voice. "Why does she need my services? Are you quite sure you're not mistaken somehow? I'm a private investigator, woman. I'm not in some secret agent that goes about__"
The woman's voice caught him off guard.
"Listen to me, Detective. I__Vanessa told you last night that you came highly recommended. I think you should reserve your objections for whoever recommended you. My job here is to give you the description of your job and find out how soon you can get it done and how much you're willing to charge for it."
So, she does know what I do, Detective Hanson thought to himself.
Outwardly, he said, "I understand your point. What I'm trying to understand is why somebody like Vanessa would need the services of a private detective. Is her cat missing or something?"
The woman ignored his question. She was running her hands through a sealed envelope and trying to open it. When she finally did open it, she removed a crisp white paper from it and stretched it before him.
"Have a look at this contract," She said. "Are the terms on it okay for you?"
Detective Hanson received the document with his eyes still fixated on her face, questioning her. Marianne leaned back on the chair, a solemn look on her face.
The waitress who had hovered around him when he'd arrived returned, this time, with a more determined look on her face.
"Are you ready to order now, sir?"
Detective Hanson looked up at once, his face awash with confusion.
"No__uhm, come back later."
The lady's face began to change, registering displeasure at his words. But just then, the woman's voice called to her.
"Can I see your menu, please?" She asked courteously.
A bright smile spread across her lips. "Of course, ma'am."
She handed a menu over to Marianne who had a quick glance at it. When she raised her face to look back at the waiter, she was smiling expectantly at her.
"Your menu doesn't look appetizing," Marianne said bluntly.
The smile on her lips died.
"Get me a martini instead. And make it two glasses, please. My host would like to have a drink too."
The waitress nodded without a word and left to bring her order.
While she was gone, Marianne looked back at Detective Hanson. Her face bore a questioning look.
"So, does the contract look good?"
Detective Hanson was not sure how to respond to her question. He had gone through the contract and even though the pay looked very good, he was finding it difficult to understand what the job description was.
"I don't understand. Why me? Who in their right senses would attack someone like Vanessa Winthrop?"
Marianne had a small smile on her lips. "It doesn't matter. Will you take the job or not?"
Detective Hanson shook his head slowly. "Look, I just don't want to mess with the wrong people, and this contract, I don't know what consequences it will bring in the future. I__I'm not__"
"The contract you're going to sign is only for the purpose of this job. It will not be used elsewhere for blackmail or anything. You have my word."
Detective Hanson was not convinced. His instincts were blowing blaring alarms in his head. That was not a good sign.
"I see," He said, his eyes twitching as he spoke. "I have a very important question to ask."
"Ask away."
"You see, I don't involve third parties in my business. If this is coming from Vanessa Winthrop herself, why isn't she here herself? Why send you?"
Marianne chuckled slowly at his words.
"You know, for someone as intelligent as you are, I wasn't expecting such a question from you. But I'll answer it anyway."
Just then, the waitress returned with her order. She paused in her words and waited for her to pour the drink into the two glasses.
"Enjoy your drink, ma'am__and you too, sir."
Marianne resumed her speech as she left.
"Vanessa Winthrop could not come here herself for the same reason Abraham Lincoln could not dare show his face at a pub in broad daylight. Have I answered your question?"
"Yes. But like I said, I don't deal with third parties. My services are very confidential and I like to keep it that way," His tone was final.
Marianne's heart sank. "So you're not signing the contract then."