What Brothers Are For

In spite of looking, neither Arthur nor Gaius has spotted the claw.

The rain has eased but this has not helped them to find it.

The claw has been washed off the road and lies in a ditch.

Gaius and Arthur have now given up, having passed the spot they calculated Kant made the call from.

They arrive in Victor.

Terence is waiting outside the bike shop, with Roo-kai.

Did you find it? asks Terence.

Sadly no, says Gaius.

Boo! says Terence. 

Where are the others? asks Arthur.

Here, says Terence showing Arthur his four fingers and the space for the claw.

Not your fingers, says Arthur. Sweezus and Kant.

Over there in the car, says Roo-kai. They're talking philosophy.

Then we won't disturb them, says Gaius. 

He and Arthur wheel the bikes into the bike shop.

Hello guys, says the bike shop guy. How'd it go?

Very successful, says Gaius. We collected some useful information.

Good stuff, says the bike shop guy. Bikes go okay?

Yes, says Gaius. How much do we owe you?

The bike guy calculates the amount owing, less the deposit.

Gaius pays. 

I lost my claw, says Terence.

That was bad luck, says the bike guy. 

Yes, says Terence. It was my blood brother's.

No kidding! says the bike guy. When I was a kid I had a blood brother. We did the whole blood brother thing.

My claw belonged to Baby BB says Terence. He gave it to me, and he's got my finger.

Maybe he'd give it back if you ask him, says the bike guy. That's what brothers are for.

Neither Gaius nor Arthur thinks that is likely, or what brothers are for, but Terence thinks it could happen.

Can we look for Baby BB ? asks Terence.

Not really, says Gaius. We have to make immediate preparations for Lille.

You guys going to the Tour de France? asks the bike guy.

We are, says Gaius. 

Half your luck, says the bike guy. 

What does half your luck mean? asks Terence.

I wish I had half your luck, says the bike guy. 

Me too, says Terence.

Thanks, says the bike guy.