Chapter 3p4 – You're a Crazy Kid

"How could you help me with my problems?" said Tic, playing innocent.

Milly looked a bit sheepish. "I… Well, my parents were declared dead after the police investigation, and the life insurance payout was invested into a trust fund for me. I drained the account just before I left. In my note, I told my grandfather it was to pay for the rehab."

Tic gave a low whistle. "You're a crazy kid, you know that?"

"Finding my parents is more important to me than any amount of money," said Milly. "I need to get to Haddock. If you take me, and don't tell the cops, I'll pay off… 40% of your loans."

"That's all well and good," said Tic, "but I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable taking your parents' life insurance money, especially if they aren't really dead…"

"If it helps," said Milly, "think of my offer as… As an investment in your business."

"Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do, and how important this obviously is to you, but—"

"Tell you what," said Milly, cutting him off. "Why don't I expand my offer? You've been to Haddock before, right? If you act as my guide once we're there and help me find my parents, I'll pay off your entire loan. How does that sound?"

Tic was almost exploding with glee on the inside, but he kept his facial expression straight. All he had to do was play tour guide for a little while, and she was basically handing him a blank check!

"How can I refuse that?" said Tic. He shook Milly's hand. "You have a deal."

Just then, Pelly trilled a notification. "We're being hailed," she said, "by the Orbit Patrol."

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