Nora
I don’t search for lost dogs.
Tess
You’re a private eye.
Nora
But not a pet detective.
Tess
I went to the police. They won’t help.
Tess
I just came from the pound. Coco is not there.
Tess
I’ll pay double your rate.
Nora
It’s not a matter of money.
Nora
I wouldn’t know where to start.
Tess
This is a DOGNAPPING! Please help me.
Nora
Did you receive a ransom note?
Nora
Maybe your dog ran away.
Tess
Impossible. Coco loves me. She’s my emotional support animal.
Nora
Cute. You take it on flights?
Tess
SHE goes everywhere with me. I’m offering a $5K for you to find her.
Tess
Never mind, I found someone else who can help me. Lou Bates.
Nora
Bates has a horrible reputation.
Tess
He’s a bounty hunter.
Tess
He seemed nice on the phone.
Nora
He’s a con man. Don’t hire him.
Tess
I haven’t. We just talked. Will you take the case?
Nora
Don’t do anything until I consult with my partner.
Tess
Well, I need help NOW.
Nora
Give me ten minutes. I’ll get back to you.
Nora switches to her text chain with Mike.
Mike
What do you need now?
Nora
You and your dog. But mostly your dog.
Mike
But Hunter is chilling out right now. See?
Mike
He can’t be bothered.
Nora
I need Hunter’s help finding a missing dog.
Nora
He’s got a nose on him. You said he can track anything.
Mike
Why do you contact me only when you need something?
Mike
It’s never…hey let’s grab a bite and hang out.
Nora
I’ve been super busy.
Mike
You’ve been avoiding me.
Mike
Face it, you’re choosing to be lonely and miserable.
Mike
Don’t forget lonely.
Nora
Listen, I’ve got a client offering $5K. She wants to hire Bates.
Mike
The dude that worked with your dad?
Nora
Yeah, until he betrayed us.
Nora
Embezzling — I found out after dad’s funeral.
Mike
You never told me that.
Nora
At one time, dad said Bates was the son he never had.
Mike
And yet he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Nora
Yeah. I think Bates used the stolen money to open his bail bonds business.
Nora
Yeah. That’s why we’ve got to move on this thing.
Mike
Wish we could help but the game just started.
Mike
Haven’t I done you enough favors?
Nora
It's not a favor. We’re in business together.
Nora
You know I always pay you fairly.
Mike
And you know I don’t cash your checks.
Nora
That’s your stupid choice.
Nora
Come on, Mike, you have to help.
Nora
Why are you so mad at me?
Mike
Let’s just say I’m tired of being used.
Nora
You think I use you?
Nora
Mike! Can’t we talk about this? Call me.
Mike
I’ve moved on. Gotta go.
Mike
It’s over between us.
Nora
What does that mean?
Nora
Thanks for nothing, partner.
Nora switches back to her text chain with Tess.
Nora
So where was Coco was last seen?
Tess
So you’ll take the case?
Nora
Yes. There’s a link on my website to PayPal for the retainer.
Nora
A deposit. In good faith.
Tess
I’m offering $5,000 when she’s returned. No retainer.
Nora
I can’t work for free.
Tess
Bates has agreed to my terms.
Tess
I told you, I’m desperate—
Tess
I’m hiring both of you.
Tess
He didn’t ask for a retainer. Bounty hunters collect upon results.
Nora
This complicates things.
Tess
Are you taking the case or not?
Nora
Email me the details. And I’ll need something with Coco’s scent
Nora
Her bed, or a dog toy.
Nora
I’ll get back to you.
Nora clicks on her text chain with Mike.
Nora
Mike, my client hired Bates.
Mike
I’m watching the game.
Nora
Hunter is our secret weapon.
Nora
Please? Let’s work together one last time. I have to beat Bates.
Mike
Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement.
Nora
I’m always emotional about my work.
Mike
Yeah right. You buried your emotions long ago.
Nora
What does that mean?
Nora
Mike, come on. This is my one chance to settle the score.
Mike
By beating him to the punch?
Nora
Please help me. Just this one last time.
Mike
We had a good thing going. You broke it off.
Nora
Maybe I’m the stupid one.
Mike
In many ways you are…
Nora
I’m not perfect. I admit it.
Mike
And yet you’re quick to criticize me.
Nora
I need your help. Seriously. Don’t make me beg.
Mike
OK, but after this case I’m blocking you from my phone.
Nora
I’ll never bother you again.
Mike
Whatever you say. But Hunter’s onto you.
Mike
So what do you want us to do?
