10: Vector

Vector stands at the open window, shaking his head. Sonic sits with both feet propped on his desk. His glasses are also on the desk, within reach should he decide to retrieve them.

"A missing screen is never any good," Vector says. He returns to the burgundy couch, his tail lying across the cushions and drooping over the armrest. "You'll have bugs coming in here and disturbing your patients."

Just then Charmy's face pops into view of the open window. "D'ya want Espio to bring it over now," the young bee chirps.

"No, Charmy! I said I'd tell ya when."

Charmy nods and buzzes merrily away.

Vector turns back to Sonic with a crocodile's grin. "See what I'm sayin'? You don't get yourself another screen soon, then you can just bet your patients will be complain' up a storm."

Sonic nods, knowing where this is going. Most of Vector's sessions consist of the crocodile trying to sell him something. "I've already put in a call to have the screen replaced."

"Aw, now why'd you do that? Me 'n the boys could'a put in another for you, real cheap."

"Well, nothing to be done about that now."

Vector heaves a great sigh and slumps back. "Charmy," he yells, "tell Espio to bring it round."

Sonic wonders if the crocodile has been able to pay this month's rent and asks, "Bring what around?"

Vector chuckles and rubs the back of his head. "Your missing screen."

"My missing screen?" Sonic's feet sweep to the floor.

Vector raises his hands defensively in front of himself, "Now before you go thinkin' things like I stole it, let me explain."

Sonic, more interested than angry, says, "Explain."

"I just happened to be walking by your office last night when I saw this giant robot go round back. After 'bout a minute or so, he came back round front. So I got curious, wonderin' what he was doing back there and went to take a look. I found your window screen lying on the ground and your window open. I peaked inside to see what the thing took, but everything looked alright, so I just took your screen home to keep safe till you needed it back."

Sonic nods, understanding completely. "So you stole it and tried to sell it back to me."

"Now why d'ya have to say it like that?"

Were Sonic dealing with anyone else, he'd have called the cops or sonic-spun him. But since it's Vector, "I'll give you five dollars to put it back in."

"Really?" Sonic nods. "Well, gee. Thanks, Sonic. You're a swell guy. I was telling Tails just that the other day, but he wouldn't listen. Kept goin' on and on 'bout how you don't do nothin' for no one." Vector stands. "I'll get my tools and have that screen back in, in no time."

Vector leaves and Sonic stares at the empty couch. "Tails said that?"