The FBI? Police? He walked off with your money (stole it)... so getting them involved wouldn't be unwarranted.

No, that would be a last-ditch resort. I think it is more a misunderstanding than anything else. He may fully believe that we are even right now, as our "business" arrangements were informal and on a handshake basis. I think if I can just find him and lay out in detail the work done, the promises made, and payments received, he will realize that he does indeed owe me and will make good. He did not skip town to avoid his creditors or anything like that. He closed his shop because the landlord sold the building and he used that as an opportunity to explore other areas for employment.

tanstaafl.