“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.

His full name is Bryce Perry and he was—is—the “personal-growth leader” at Golden Peace. I came across him a lot when I was attending classes there, and what I’m pondering is: Why has Tarquin fallen under his spell? Why has Dad asked him along on the mission? Why do the pair of them trust him? And I think I’ve hit on the answer: Bryce is really good-looking.

Which is not about being gay or anything. There’s just something compelling about very beautiful people. Especially strong-jawed men with stubble and intense eyes. You fall under their spell and believe anything they say. Like, if I met Will Smith tomorrow and he told me he was on the run from corrupt government officials and I must help him, no questions asked, I’d totally believe it.

Well, Bryce is the same. He has those captivating eyes that make you go weak-kneed. When he talks, it’s mesmerizing. You start thinking, Bryce, you’re so right! About everything! Even if he’s only telling you the times of yoga classes.