Bounty Hunter [REWRITTEN VERSION]

Chapter 40: Misconception

RYDER

Kota ran ahead through the back door of the house before he did. Going through the door that had been left open—not by him, mind you—most likely to let in some of the fresh air.

If they want fresh air they should go outside, he thought to himself begrudgingly. Just another reminder of his unwanted 'house guests'.

Of all the things to do after cutting ties with a mafia syndicate and Maize just had to go ahead and sign up with the cops. His second least favourite group of people, next to those higher ups in the military. And damn did he hate the higher ups in the military.

He heard conversation taking place between three voices as he neared the living room.

"Has anyone seen Alec?" The male one, the FBI agent Maize had explained was the root of their mission. And also the one who seemed to have an odd lack of seriousness that agents of the bureau tended to possess.

He heard the most recognizable voice as Maize. And from the tone of her voice he could guess she was frowning to herself in thought. "You mean he hasn't come back yet?" She usually didn't let emotions slip when she spoke, but to the trained ear he could tell that there was troubling in her voice as though she was worried this was something to be concerned about.

Only if the detective has a fear of heights, Ryder thought to himself. Though from how he had behaved, he doubted that was the case.

The female FBI agent—the more closed off one—carried on. "I don't think I've seen him since he went to go find you," she said. "And your friend is not back either..."

And just like that Ryder saw it as his cue to walk into the room. Pretending as though he hadn't heard a thing of their short conversation as he walked casually up the the connected kitchen and sought a glass to fill with water from his cupboards. He could feel each pair of eyes as they followed his movements. In turn he shot a glaring look over his shoulder which was only returned by one.

"And where've you been?" Maize asked with her arms folded over her chest.

He thought for a minute. "Out," he replied, taking a leisurely sip of water to hydrate his slightly parched throat.

Maize tilted her head to the side considering. "Out working a quick job or something?"

He hide his mouth behind the glass of his drink as he smiled to himself. "Or something," he replied.

"Hey dog-wrangler, you haven't seen West have you?" The male agent asked. Ryder hadn't bothered to learn any of their names—and he didn't regret it seeing how they seemed incapable of learning his as well.

He didn't need to feign his disinterest, it was genuine, and he didn't let anything give away on his face. "Why do you ask?"

They didn't seem to notice that he hadn't exactly said 'no'.

"Because he hasn't come back in a while," the same agent asked. "None of us have seen him anyway."

If only I had that luxury, Ryder thought to himself with a mental roll of his eyes.

"I wouldn't worry too much," he replied indifferently, without much concern showing on his part. It was true, he wouldn't worry too much. Because he just didn't care.

The loud FBI agent sighed forcefully, obviously to his disinterest towards the subject. "Yeah but where could he be? We checked the training spot he and Maize had been at and the woods around the property. He's just gone!" The man exclaimed, a tad too dramatically in his opinion.