Zedeck hurried to say, "No, no, none of that! You''re old friends with Mister Grayson. I should be showing you respect instead."


    It was clear that Zedeck already knew who Wilbur was.


    Wilbur did not know whether tough or cry.


    It was a little ridiculous that this higher-up was saying he should treat him with


    respect.


    Wilbur could also tell that this was definitely no ordinary dinner.


    There was no way Benjamin would just invite Wilbur all the way over to introduce him to Zedeck.


    Just then, Susie poured everyone a ss and Benjamin raised his. "Let''s have a little drink before anything."


    The crowd followed, draining their sses.


    Just then, Wilbur said, "Come on, Mister Grayson. Just say what it is you have to say. There isn''t a need to beat around the bush with me."


    "You know me best, young man," Benjamin chuckled. "Well, Zedeck here has run into a little trouble that he would like your help with."


    Wilbur cursed internally.


    What could a province chief need his help with? There was no way this would be a small matter.


    Well, there was no saying no now that he hade all this way. "Tell me what''s wrong, brother Zedeck, and I''ll do what I can."


    The term ''brother'' was considered a show of respect.


    After all, Wilbur and Benjamin were close friends and Zedeck was a pupil of Benjamin''s.


    Zedeck sighed. "Something strange has been happening in South Markettely. I''ve reached my wits'' end for me to be asking Mister Grayson for help here, and he rmended you."


    "What is it?" Wilbur frowned.


    "We''ve had several rich men who live in South Market disappearing in a row. All of their worth is in the billions. The police have been on the case since the first disappearance, but nothing''s been found. You know how much pressure a missing persons case like this would put on us. I really have no choice but toe to Mister Grayson."


    Wilbur nodded sympathetically.


    That was definitely a big case. If it were to hit the public, there would be widespread panic that would result in Northseecher being less than pleased.


    No wonder Benjamin had asked Wilbur toe over.


    At the thought, Wilbur said, "What a coincidence. I''m headed for South Market to settle something too. I would''ve been on the way if not for Mister Grayson, actually."


    "Really? Could you please help me out then? Mister Grayson said there''s nothing you can''t do," Zedeck said rather respectfully.


    This wasing out of both anxiousness to have the case solved, and also a genuine agreement with the fact that Wilbur was indeed skilled.


    Wilbur nodded. "I can help you, but I can''t promise I''ll be able to fix it."


    "I''m happy enough as long as you say yes! I won''tin whether or not it works out, I promise," said Zedeck.


    Wilbur nodded, and Benjamin raised his ss again. "Cheers to that." Everyone drained their sses, and Orin finally spoke up, "Faron''s been much more obedienttely, Mister Penn. It''s all thanks to you, so here''s to that."


    Orin was taking the chance to express his gratitude, and Wilbur hurried to reciprocate as the two shared another drink.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    Susie hurried to get up. "Let me have a look."


    She opened the door and said at once, "Dude, why do you look like that?"


    "Someone attacked me, Susie!" a voice said.


    Orin and Zedeck exchanged nces.


    Who had the nerve to attack Benjamin''s rtive? They must be out of their mind.


    "Who did that? Why? How dare they!" Susie shouted.


    "I don''t know him, but he said he was gonna bust my brains out! You''ve gotta help


    me out here, Susie," the same man''s voice said pitifully.


    Orin and Zedeck promptly shut up, knowing it was best they stayed out of something like this.


    Just then, however, Wilbur let out a cough. "Ahem. I was the attacker."