“Really?”

“Based on the information you just gave us, then yes, we have a suspect.”  Carter nodded at Stiff.  “Suspect four.”
”Suspect four?”

“Police talk for a certain man who we’ve been watching for the better part of a year.  Been in the crime world since age eleven.  Zoie, we thank you for your information; we will get back to you as soon as possible.  Carter”—

“Hang on a minute.  You expect me to hang around while you guys go chase him?  He killed my parents, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Zoie, you are in no condition to accommodate us”—

“Does that matter? I need to get out of a bed—I’ve been in one for probably a week by now.”

“Three days, actually, to be exact.”

“Don’t try to divert the subject.  My father did that when I was little.” Zoie allowed a smile to take control of her face, the memories of childhood overtaking the present.

“He used to place me on his thigh and tickle me.  I remember he used to joke around when I pleaded for him to stop.  That was when he wasn’t drunk”—She stopped.  Thinking of her father’s faults was painful.

Stiff glanced around uncomfortably.  “Alright, Zoie.  But no doing wild things; remember—we’re supposed to be your bodyguards, in a manner of speaking.”

“Stiff!  Steve said to leave her be!”

“Yeah, well…times come when generals can’t control soldiers in the line of combat.  Come off it Carter, he could be halfway to the airport right now if he’s smart.”

“I-well”—

“Zoie, let’s go,” Stiff moved forward to help her out of bed.  Zoie immediately felt tired, and, well, stiff.

“You-arg—I’m trying to help you Zoie!”

“Yeah, yeah I can actually walk you know,” she snapped, pulling her arm out of Stiff’s grip.

“Fine.  But move faster; it’s more than your vengeance that’s in jeopardy.”

“Oh, really.  And what else exactly is—my life?”

“No, much more important; my salary.”

It took ten minutes for all three of them to be in the car.