Axe and Grind

There she is. Oh, my God. Kimmy.

Really?

What is going on with you?

She's never done anything like this before, never.

She's a straight-A student.

She's always got her nose in a book.

I don't know what to tell you, ma'am.

She was caught red-handed.

A thief?

You know better than this, Kim.

I-I'd say I'm disappointed,

but that doesn't even begin to cover it.

What happens now?

Well, when the merchandise in question

is over $20 in value,

it is company policy

to call the police.

The police?

You know what? Maybe that's for the best.

Nip it in the bud.

I mean, protecting her

from the consequences of her actions--

I do have some discretion here.

Our main concern is we just don't wanna see

the same faces over and over.

So if you can promise me

that this was a one-time thing...

Well, Kim, you heard Mr. Pearson.

Are you going to do it again?

No. I'd like to believe that.

And what was so wonderful that you just had to steal it?

Earrings. What?

I-- I can't even hear you.

Earrings and a necklace.

Earrings and a necklace?

Unbelievable.

It's part of our new Starlight collection.

Priced at 34.50, but that one is unsellable.

The chain was broken when she tried to hide it in that purse.

My God. 34.50? What about tax?

No, I don't expect you to... I'm not paying for it. She is.

This is coming out of your allowance.

I don't care if it takes 10 years.

She's going to wish we called the police.

Well, including sales tax, it's $35.53.

Thirty-five...

It's really not necessary. Well, this is...

I can-- I can give you $13 right now.

And we'll come back with the rest.

Ma'am, really, it's fine.

You've been very, very kind.

Well, Kim, what do we say?

Thank you.

You know, you've got a fine mother there.

You don't wanna disappoint her again.

Thank you for being so understanding.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

Best of luck.

"Nip it in the bud." Heh.

I didn't know you had it in you.

Here. I got you something.

See? Your mom's good for something, huh?

Hey, kiddo, relax.

You got away with it.

Hi. Morning.

How did you sleep?

Good. And you?

All right, I think.

Didn't you say something about

replacing the mattress out there?

It's fine.

That is for you.

Thanks.

We should talk about the Abramson fundraiser.

Is that coming up? Next Friday.

I can't believe it's been a whole year.

How do you wanna handle it?

Well, however you want. You could go, or I could go.

Or, if it's easier, we could both go.

I'll go.

Sure.

Probably for the best.

Actually, there is something you should know

about a situation I'm dealing with.

You remember what was going on with Chuck's brother, Jimmy?

You mean, with the bowling balls and so on, that's not over with?

I think it's getting worse.

In fact, it's possible you might hear or see something.

I couldn't say what.

Just know that, if you do, whatever it is,

I'm handling it.

I will put an end to this, whatever it takes.

I thought you should know.

Duly noted.

I'm having dinner with the Appels tonight,

so you've got the house to yourself.

Tell them I said hello. I will.

He saw clients starting at 9 a.m.

One tried to bring a pet cockatiel

into the waiting room.

That caused a bit of a ruckus.

Then, it was more clients until lunch at 1:15.

Takeout for him and the receptionist, Taco Cabeza.

After that, another four clients.

He left the office around 2.

Made a quick stop for coffee,

same place as the day before.

2:30 to 3:20, he was down at the courthouse

for a bail hearing, then back to the office.

Home at 10 after 8.

Wednesday was more of the same.

Out at 8:30, got to the office,

by a quarter of, clients all day.

That takes us to the second composite,

case you wanna check them out.

He got lunch for himself and his receptionist at around 1:30,

the Vietnamese place again.

Then in the-- What's this?

Yeah, I was just getting to that.

That was three days ago, only time he broke the pattern.

Stopped at Cradock Marine over on Central

instead of going straight to the office.

Looked like he made a cash withdrawal.

I couldn't get a good angle through the window,

but I counted four, maybe five stacks.

I'd say somewhere in the ballpark of 20 grand.

I'm not a lawyer.

But is there any reason he'd need that much cash

in the normal course of business?

No legitimate reason.

Thank you so much, doc.

Of course, of course. Come on in.

We'll take a look. It's gonna be okay.

Gonna be okay.

Come on.

Okay, Fernando's gonna be fine.

The shot I gave him will settle his stomach,

but I wanna keep him for a few more minutes,

make sure he doesn't have any reactions.

After that, you're all set.

That's a relief. We were worried.

We're lucky you were able to see us.

Oh, it's no problem.

I was already here with another patient.

All right, be back.

All right, how are we doing here?

I don't know. I guess my skin's a little dry

where you put that stuff on, but otherwise...

Are you sure you used enough?

Absolutely.

Just give it a little more time.

Look all the way to the right. Look to the left.

What's it gonna feel like?

Depends on how used to caffeine you are.

You're not gonna be tripping balls,

but it's gonna feel like

two Red Bulls on an empty stomach.

And how long is it gonna last?

A guy roughly your size? Yeah.

An hour, two.

And if there's a blood test?

This is not showing up

on any blood panel they run in this town.

You're gonna do this, this is the way to go.

Here.

Whoa-whoa!

Promise me this has been sterilized.

It's brand-new.

And for you, it goes under the armpit.

Okay. Sorry.

I cannot wait to be done with all of this.

I hear you.

You know, I read somewhere

that vets are even more depressed than lawyers.

Depressed? No, no, no.

I love being a vet.

Look over there. See that?

That's what it's all about.

Animals are my life.

It's this other stuff

that's getting to be too much, no offense.

Anyway, a guy's gotta know when he's bagged his limit.

So you're closing up shop? Yep. Leaving town.

Once I sell my little black book,

it's gonna be all animals all the time.

Black book? Yeah, keys to the kingdom.

You call me up, you're looking for a someone.

Keep all my someones in here.

Can I see it?

Knock yourself out.