“I’m not!” I say defensively. “I’m doing my own research.”

“Research into what?”

My stupid screen has frozen. I press ENTER again, jabbing at it in my impatience.

“Luke, you must have influence!” Mum interjects. “You know the prime minister. Can’t he help?”

“The prime minister?” Luke sounds flabbergasted.

Suddenly my screen starts filling with Google results. And as I scan down the type, I feel an inner whoop. It’s him! It’s Corey from Dad’s trip!

Local artist Corey Andrews…signature eagle…was exhibiting at the Las Vegas Gallery…

It has to be him, surely?

I quickly tap in Corey Andrews and hold my breath. A few moments later, a page of entries appears. There’s a Wikipedia page, business reports, property news, some company called Firelight Innovations, Inc.—all the same guy. Corey Andrews of Las Vegas. I’ve found him!

“Or that chap you know from the Bank of England,” Mum is persisting.

“You mean the Governor of the Bank of England?” says Luke, after a pause.

“Yes, him! Ring him up!”

I almost want to laugh at Luke’s expression. I honestly think Mum expects him to marshal the whole British cabinet to come out here and hunt for Dad.

“I’m not sure that will be possible,” says Luke politely, and turns to Alicia. “Do you really have no more leads?”

“No.” Alicia sighs. “I think we’ve reached the end of the road.”

“I have a lead,” I begin nervously, and everyone turns to look at me.

“You do?” says Suze suspiciously.

“I’ve tracked down Corey from the trip. Corey Andrews, he’s called. Mum, does that sound right?”

“Corey Andrews.” Mum frowns. “Yes, it might have been Andrews….” Her frown lifts. “Becky, I think you’ve got it! Corey Andrews. He was the wealthy one, Dad always said. Wasn’t he an artist too?”

“Exactly! And he lives in Las Vegas. I’ve got his address.”

“Well done, Becky, love!” says Janice, and I can’t help feeling a little glow.

“How did you work that out?” demands Alicia, looking almost affronted.

“Just…um…you know. Lateral thinking.” I hand my phone to Luke. “Here’s the zip code. Let’s go.”


From: [email protected]

To: Brandon, Rebecca

Subject: Re: Applying to Be a Bounty Hunter

Dear Ms. Brandon,

Thank you for your email. If you would like to join the International Association of Fugitive Recovery Operatives, please fill out the attached form and return it, together with the $95 membership fee. You will receive an ID card, together with other benefits outlined on our website.

However, in answer to your query, we do not issue “Bounty Hunter” badges or other “bounty hunter accessories.”

We do provide an Apprentice Program; however, I regret we do not offer specific workshops on “How to Track Down a Missing Dad.” Nor indeed “How to Stay Friends with Your Fellow Bounty Hunters.”

Good luck with your endeavors.

Yours kindly,

Wyatt Underwood

Membership Manager

International Association of Fugitive Recovery Operatives


FOUR

As we travel toward Corey’s Las Vegas address, the mood in the RV is subdued. Mum and Janice are silent. Suze and Alicia are sitting opposite me, still talking away in low voices. And I’m playing stickers with Minnie and thinking about Bryce.