The Search for Sam is the first story in chapter 5 of Sluggy Freelance, Valerie. Kiki manages to convince Riff and Torg to search for her missing owner Sam. At first Bun-bun claims he killed Sam, but it turns out to be just a telemarketer. Zoë experiences some lapses in judgement regarding Sam, especially when Sam returns to his apartment, with his new wife Valerie. Torg finds himself drawn to Valerie, and she seems to be drawn to him as well. Valerie forces Sam to throw out Kiki for breaking vases, and the ferret finds refuge with Riff, despite his earlier misgivings regarding the combination of her curiosity and his dangerous inventions.