The Role of a Good Private Investigator (part 2)

There was another case where the victim was shot. The defense lawyer and I talked about the matter and I suggested that I go speak with him. (I would rather go out, give it my best shot, and fail than have to admit I didn't try.) Words like "can't" and "impossible" are not in my dictionary. I am tenacious and will stop only when the last stone is turned.

To this end, I put on my best suit and traveled to the twelfth floor office of the shooting victim. His receptionist greeted me and I told her who I was and whom I wanted to see. She asked if I had an appointment and I had to admit that I did not but I requested a brief meeting, anyway. I worked my way through several secretaries until I finally was able to meet with the victim's personal secretary. As I was escorted into the inner office, I put out my hand and gave the man a big smile and a vigorous handshake.

At first, the man took me to be a representative of the district attorney's office. When he found out I represented the shooter, he came up out of his chair rather quickly. Prior to becoming a P.I., I spent fourteen years as the Director of Security for a Fortune 50 Company. It has been my experience that when people come unglued, they launch themselves out of their chairs. I have always thought we should make this an Olympic event. In this matter, the gentleman earned a score of at least 8 out of 10.

Now, he was standing upright in front of me (of course, being taller.......almost everyone is) and I found myself facing his pointed index finger. He began to castigate me and I responded by listening, calmly and quietly. When there was a break in his diatribe, I chimed in and told him how good it was to have his side of the story as well as that of the defendant. He wasn't in the mood to give me much time but from our conversation I did glean information as to his state of mind and was able to form and communicate some of my own ideas concerning what would be a good result for all concerned. The bottom line is that the prosecution and defense were able to work out a compromise and my client received probation and rehabilitation instead of jail time.

A private investigator has to be readily adaptable to any and all changing circumstances. It is one the most important tools to have in your toolbox.