Or do I?
Yes. Of course I do.
There are a couple of small-time bail jumpers on the list. Easy to track down, but not worth the gas. Then a gangbanger catches my eyes. Reese Toper. A member of the 311 Boys, a white boy group of pricks who have more money than brains.
I click on his picture and all the particulars come up. Wanted for burglary and aggravated assault. Toper is always in trouble. He has a shit temper that he can’t control. I’ve never bagged him, but my competitors have. He’ll be a prize and I need to get to him first. The payday would send me and Oscar on a trip to Disneyland.
I mean, me and Henri.
I wonder if I can ditch Oscar for a while. Maybe take him to the murder room and then when the lights go out, sneak off. He probably won’t miss me for a couple of hours.
“Who’s that?”
I jump as Oscar looks over my shoulder.
“Don’t sneak up on me. I have quick reflexes and a reckless fist.”
“I’ll file that away,” he replies sounding like his dad. “What’re you doing?” He grabs a chair and pulls it up next to me.
“I was looking at the wanted list for bail jumpers and other deadbeats. I’m a Recovery Agent. I track down criminals and?—”
“You’re a bounty hunter. That’s cool.” He points to the picture on the screen. “That dude’s bad news. You should keep your distance from him.”
It’s like hearing Eight’s voice in my head. “I’ve got a gun and mad fighting skills. Also a license. It’s my job.”
“His gang will have his back. You arrest him, they’ll track you down.”
I scowl at him. “They won’t mess with me.”
He scowls back. “Because you’re a superhero?”
Sarcasm. I can’t wait to tell Eight that Henri’s rubbing off on his son. “No, because he’s small time. It’s not like in the movies.”
“What about Henri? They could easily get to her.”
I look at him. “Have you met my daughter?”
“Fair point,” he says with a slight smile. He looks at the picture again. “Maybe dad could help.”
I’m starting to get cranky with my mini-misogynist companion. “I’m capable of doing this on my own.”
I just gotta separate Toper from the pack.
“Well, if you’re going to do it, you gotta get him alone.”
Jesus. “Thanks, Einstein.”
At least he has the sense to look sheepish. “Sorry.”
“I’ve gotta jump on this fast or my competitors will get there before me.” I try to look placating. “You understand, right? You stay here for a few hours. Watch TV.”
“Uh, that’s a no,” Oscar says. “The rule is you can’t ditch me.”
“Yeah but think about it. There’s no way your dad would ever take you on one of his jobs.”
“Probably not, but that’s different don’t you think?”
He’s right. “Fine. I take you with me, you stay in the car.”
