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The first story written (but second chronologically) in the Daphne Kay series, this story features the Writer, someone who is not based on myself, but was a convention born out of my usual long-winded tendencies. The Writer served as a check and balance to keep the story short.

An experienced Bounty Hunter, Daphne Kay and her partner Awes go on the hunt to find a missing person, while trying to figure out who double crossed them and why.

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It took Daphne half of her usual morning playlist to get to the bus stop outside of the homeless shelter. There was a tall skinny man sitting on the concrete bench, his arms were wrapped around his midsection in an unnatural manner. He was wearing a thin coat and track pants. Daphne stopped the car, reached over and popped the passenger car door open. She grabbed her bag, pulled the canned dog food out and threw the bag in the backseat. She put the can between her legs and motioned for the skinny man to join her.

The man didn’t appear to notice her at first, but when she honked her horn and yelled at him, he smiled a crisp white smile. He shivered in his own sweat, shambled over to her car and Awes growled.

“Common Daph, the dog’s gonna bite me again. Why you gotta bring the mutt?” The skinny man held his hand as if it were in pain and didn’t get into the car.

“Sam, get in the fucking car.” Daphne didn’t look at him.

“Not with that mongrel-“ He pointed at Awes, who barked sharply and drooled. His eyes were locked on the skinny man. “See, he’s gonna bite, rabies or some shit.”

“Get in the fucking car.”

“Now you listen to me-“

“Godammnit Sam, get in the motherfucking car or he will bite you, and I won’t explain to the paramedics that you were being a prick, I’ll explain how you were being violent and the dog was defending. Like last time, you asshole.” Sam used his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. Daphne looked at Awes and spoke softly. Awes laid on the backseat, but kept his eyes fixed on Sam. He continued to drool.

“If he bites-“ Sam’s voice was patronizing. Daphne revved the engine and the car squealed forward ten feet. “Hey! I called you because I need help, and I can help you so-“ The car slammed to a halt.

“Sam, you prick” Daphne whispered to herself. She shut off the engine, got out of the car and slammed the door shut. Awes followed her through the open window. He stayed next to her.

“Just because you need a fix doesn’t mean it’ll fix you.” She yelled at him. Either get in the car and deal with the fucking dog, or deal with me.””