The Non-adventures of Agent Smith... and Other Tales

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  The word was out. Joe Barnes had escaped from prison. Captain Wright was quickly distributing printed-out portraits to all the boys while giving his recommendations: “He’s got family around here, so he might be coming through town sooner or later. Keep your eyes peeled. He’s almost seventy now and in pretty bad shape: but don’t forget: he’s armed and dangerous and he probably doesn’t feel like going back to prison. So proceed with caution and don’t hesitate to call for back-up if you spot him.”

  Captain Wright handed Agent Smith a print-out and sighed: “Here ya go, Smith; just in case Barnes should walk in here, here’s what he looks like. No need to write a report, though, unless you actually see him.”

  “Got it, Captain,” answered Smith, studying the portrait and then adding: “I see that this here mug shot is over ten years old.”

  “Yes. Well I suppose that once they’re locked up, they don’t get their picture taken every week,” frowned Wright.

  “How about if I added a few wrinkles here and there – just to get a more convincing and accurate version of what Joe Barnes might look like now?”

  “Uhh, alright... Good idea, Smith. Go for it,” nodded Wright.

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  A HORRID LITTLE GIRL