Determined Debbie

Columbo is not broody, let me clarify this before yet another kid story. This is about one of the many nieces and nephews with whom Columbo's contact is almost entirely restricted to phone calls. It's a good thing Columbo likes to ask penetrating questions, or phone conversations with the younger ones would consist mostly of silence.

Determined Debbie is becoming a mini-adult and hence has had more interesting conversations with Columbo lately. She is also a hard core negotiator innately. "Backing down" is not really in her vocabulary, or perhaps is becoming a learned behavior over the years... Alternatively, Columbo may bring out the hard-core negotiating elements of Debbie's personality.
When Determined Debbie was little, she was the one who kicked Columbo out of the play room, where Columbo had peacefully been taking a nap while all the munchkins played outside and the adults who had gathered to celebrate GoGo Girl's graduation from university were visiting elsewhere in the rented house. Not only did Debbie take charge when the munchkins decided to move indoors (rather than the three elder ones), but she also unceremoniously pushed Columbo out of the bed when Columbo took her/his time about vacating the premises. In Columbo's defense, Debbie was and is quite strong despite her tender years, and Columbo had been living a life of smoking cigars and interviewing dodgy candidates in not so salubrious gin joints. Columbo grabbed the trench coat and stomped off to a quieter location. However, Columbo did not forget this incident.
Anyway, years have passed since then. Determined Debbie is hoping to visit Columbo with her cousin Sweetpea next summer. Both girls really want to go, but how they express their sentiments varies hugely and reflects their differing personalities. (Luckily, they are also genuinely fond of each other, or Columbo would have a challenging visit.) Debbie told Columbo yesterday evening that she loves doing research and will be creating 3 or 4 schedules/itineraries that she and Sweetpea will discuss and agree on before presenting them to Columbo as choices upon their arrival. "Egads" thought Columbo, "Determined Debbie is only 12 (ish)." Commendable and very organized--she must get this from her mother--but tricky (see description of DD's negotiating skills above, which I suspect may be encouraged by playing poker or other games with her father, no mean negotiator himself). The negotiations began. Columbo praised Debbie's researching and approach, which was sincere but would hardly put Debbie off her game. Teasing ensued and various suggestions were proposed for consideration.
"Columbo, you want me to visit don't you?" was the quick retort. "I am only going to come if we get to do what I want."
"Listen kid, there are plenty of nieces and nephews... I could always drop you and take the next on the list."
Shocked silence. Determined Debbie has always thought Columbo was a pushover but there are times when Columbo needs to up the game to match his/her opponent. After a bit, Columbo reminded Debbie that her father, Gambling Boy, had to learn his own negotiating skills somewhere.