Subterfuge

'Alright, Austin? Can I come in for a chat?'

'Oh, hey. You're the one who does MMA, right? Seen you around before. Forgot your name, sorry.'

'Seth Masters.'

'Ah yeah, that was it. Sure, mate, come in.'

'Cheers.'

'What can I do for you?'

'Was wondering if you'd be able to help me with something. See, I ain't been able to get hold of one of my fighters in a while. They ain't answering the phone or nothing. Think they might be avoiding me. I'm gonna need to dig up some info on 'em so I can track 'em down.'

'Okay...? You want me to do it?'

'Nah, I can do it myself, if you can give me any sources.'

'Why you asking me? Sure I'll help, just wondering why me and not Blake.'

'Eh, you know what it's like. Blake's a busy man. Don't wanna bother him with shit like this when I can just as easily ask someone else. Besides, I'm sure you've seen what he can be like when he's pissed. Unnecessary hassle.'

'True. I'm just kinda surprised. Thought you'd know this kinda thing. You've been in Sunset Valley a lot longer than me, right?'

'Yeah, but I ain't needed to do this before. Sure, I've been in the gang a long while now, but I didn't get my own gig until a couple of years ago, and most of my fighters are smart enough to know not to fuck me around.'

'Ah, I get you. What'd you think it is? Pussied out?'

'It's looking like it.'

'What a pain in the ass. Okay, well, you can get info from the mayor. He don't do it for free, mind, but it's legit stuff. He's got access to public records, that kinda shit. Just slip some money his way and he'll prolly help.'

'You done it before?'

'Yeah, not long back. Needed my ex's address. And he doesn't care what you do with it, either, just as long as he gets his cash.'

'Right, great. Sounds like that'll work. I'll get onto seeing him, then.'

'Good luck.'

'Cheers, mate. I owe you.'

'Nah, it's nothing, man. Happy to help.'

'I'd better be going, got shit to sort out for tonight. See you around.'

'Hey Mum, is Stanley living with us for good now?'

'No, sweetie, it's just for a little while. He's going back to his own house afterwards.'

'Why's he staying here then?'

'Because... I don't know. I guess we just wanted to try it. It doesn't always work out, living with someone, even if you like them. Sometimes they do annoying things like making messes and not cleaning up, making too much noise late at night, that kind of thing.'

'Is Stanley like that?'

'No, not at all. But you don't know until you try it.'

'If he likes it enough, will he move in properly?'

'Maybe. How would you feel if he did?'

'That'd be cool. I like Stanley.'

'Aww, that's good.'

'He's funny. And I like that he lets me make him flower crowns.'

'He definitely likes you, that's for certain.'

'Sooo... if he moves in, will that mean he's my new dad?'

'No, I don't think it will.'

'That's a shame. 'Cos I'm never meeting my real dad, am I? It sucks, not having one.'

'I know, darling.'

'Do you think he ever gets sad that he can't be my dad?'

'Feli... it's complicated, okay? I can't really explain it to you. He's not good for either of us. He can't be around. But Stanley is here for you. He's been around ever since you were born. He helped me have you, you know.'

'Oh wow, really? That's amazing! That makes him, like, a doctor!'

'It was pretty impressive. Scary too.'

'Did it hurt?'

'Oh God. Yeah, a fair bit! But it was over quickly, and well worth it for the end result.'