Dear readers, tonight with us is a private investigator. She’s here to tell us about being drawn into a court case starting with the severe injury of a mother at her daughter’s sweet sixteen party — followed by her even more suspicious death.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

I’m a military brat.  My father served in the US Army Special forces.  So I’ve lived in various places in the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

Following in my father’s footsteps, I also served in the military and ultimately became a private investigator when I retired. 

What do you do now?

As a private investigator, I work with law firms and individual clients.  Sometimes, it’s the run of the mill divorce case spying on cheating spouses and catching them in the act.  But when I work for law firms, it can vary depending on the assignment.  I may have to spy on the firm’s clients to ensure they’re on the up and up.  Or I may have to investigate and interview witnesses to a murder scene.  It all depends.  That’s why I love my job.  It varies day by day. 

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

In my latest adventure, I work with the Mendoza law firm to find out why a hotel guest unexpectedly injured herself by falling down the stairs.  Complicating things is she ultimately died under suspicious circumstances.  Inevitably, I have to investigate in various states including, Las Vegas, NYC, and Phoenix, Arizona.

What did you first think when you when to saw the scene of the accident?

The luxury hotel premises were lush and beautiful.  I wished I was staying there myself rather than working.  But what I found there, wow, it changed the whole investigation.  I’m skilled but sometimes luck plays a big part of it.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Being a private investigator can be scary.  You never know when someone points a gun at your or wants to pick a fight.  Luckily, I’ve trained in Aikido since I was a child along with my military dad.  It’s saved me several times and compliments my military background. 

What is the worst thing about being a private investigator

I’ll be honest, the hours suck.  Sometimes it’s boring doing a stake out.  But you never know when you catch someone in the act or find a lead that can help your client out.  The stale food doesn’t help.

What is the best thing about it?

I get to help people in need who want answers or closure.  The look on their faces makes it all worth it.  Believe me.

Tell us a little about your friends.

My friends are mainly attorneys.  You know attorneys.  They can be boring.  Need I repeat a lawyer joke?  But the money pays. 

Any romantic involvement?

Look, I’m not revealing any crushes or anything like that in my line of business.  You have to keep that private.  But I’m a woman with needs as well.  And, well… Daniel Mendoza, he’s such a cute guy.  A little old for me but what’s the harm in a little flirting. 

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

I hate it when you get close to someone, you find out how great they are as a person, and like that, they change on you.  They stab you in the back or betray you.  For what?  Money? Fame?  Prestige?  That’s part and parcel of the job. You never know whose going to take advantage of the little guy. 

What’s your favourite drink, colour, and relaxing pastime?

Relaxing at the beach with a cool Pina Colada is my favorite.  Daniel Mendoza got me hooked on them.  They were invented in San Juan, Puerto Rico where his family is from. 

What does the future hold for you?

The future finds me in Tokyo investigating another legal case with the Mendoza law firm.  Luckily, I’ve trained there during Aikido competitions.  Things can be heart wrenching when the attorneys you work for are at risk.  But I have to be open and professional and do my job.  . 

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

Don’t tell.  Keeping secrets is a big part of my job.  It’s why I get paid the big bucks.  Knowing others’ secrets is also my job.  But I’ve booked a flight to Puerto Rico because Daniel…well… we haven’t heard from him and we don’t know why.  Everyone says it’s another fling but I’m seriously concerned about him after his last case in London where a witness mysteriously died. 

Mr. Maldonado is senior counsel for the global law firm, Clyde and Co. and previously worked as a high impact litigation attorney for Liberty Mutual Group Field Services. He was a former partner with the insurance coverage boutique firm of Kunz Plitt Hyland & Demlong, P.C. He authors the Daniel Mendoza Thrillers series as well as the literary drama series, Chamber Lanes. Mr. Maldonado loves to travel internationally, including his native Puerto Rico. He also enjoys cooking exotic meals.

You can find Pamela Williams on the pages of May It Please the Court.

Join us next time to meet a woman fighting to save her world and people from enslavement, while fighting her drug addiction. Please follow the site by email (bottom-right) to be notified when the next interview is posted.

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