‘I’m sorry,’ she wrote.
What the hell? Don’t kill yourself, and you’d have nothing to be sorry about. Why did you do it? The doctors said you were better.
Obviously, she wasn’t. My anger drains, and I shake my head in defeat. She was sick. I should have helped her more.
“I can’t face him,” she had written.
I can only imagine what horrors she hallucinated.
That symbol, though. Why take the time to draw it? “Chim, search for an eye symbol with lines.”
A series of images appear above my q-link. I scroll through, scanning the different drawings. The eye of providence. A symbol associated with secret societies. Also known as the all-seeing eye of God, which has many religious connections. It’s similar but not quite right. I keep scrolling.
Here. The eye of Ra. It’s exactly the same. I touch the image.
A violent force that subdues Ra’s enemies. Ra, God of the Sun. A creator god from ancient Egyptian religion.
What the…it makes no sense, but I guess hallucinations probably don’t. Still, I’ll have to think more about it later in case it does mean something. I set up an alert on my q-link for any news articles about Barbra. I’ll want to read how they spin this and make sure I’m not mentioned.
My stomach growls and twists in pain.
I haven’t eaten since the day before yesterday and realize that in my haste to leave, I didn’t take food. Pain in my overfull bladder reminds me of my other needs. “Let’s go find a bathroom.”
Sunny grabs his bag and follows me.
“What do we do after that?” I ask him, knowing that I could figure it out, but wishing he’d take charge.
“You need food and shelter.”
I sigh. Obviously. “Do you have any ideas?”
“You could call child services. You’ll get food and somewhere to sleep then.”
I can’t stomach the thought. “No. We’re better off alone. People are trouble.” I force my mind to focus on solutions. “I just bought my new q-link, but I’m sure I have more royalties from my apps by now.”
He stops and turns to me. “Check.”
My stomach grumbles as I log into my bank account and scan my balance.
It’s zero.
“This is weird. I should have something,” I say, panic rising inside me. “Let me check my apps.”
A hologram of my app page materializes in front of me. All my apps are gone, and my Progs account is nonexistent.
My skin tingles with anxiety. What the hell. “I have no money,” I say, trying to wrap my head around it. For years, I survived from my programming income, but now that’s over. “What’s going on?”
He shrugs his small shoulders. “I don’t know.”
I contact customer service at my bank, then at Progs. Both tell me there’s no record of an account under my name.
I want to argue, but I just don’t have it in me.
“You could go back to the house and get food,” says Sunny.
My body shakes. Blood. So much blood. “Don’t ever suggest that again.”
He looks away, his glowing mouth turning down.
“Come on.” I drag myself down the sidewalk, feeling like I’m in full military gear.
We reach a convenience store and enter. A few customers stand in line at the automatic checkout, while others browse various goods.
I walk up and down the rows until I find the manager. “Do you have a bathroom, sir?”
He glances at Sunny, then points to a sign that reads, ‘Restroom for paying customers only.’
I drop my head and sigh. My bladder is ready to explode. I pull Sunny outside and walk around the building to the back alley. It’s empty besides two dumpsters and a crushed soda can.
I duck behind a dumpster. “Keep watch. I don’t want anyone to see me.”
“You can count on me.”
When I’m done, I say, “Let’s go find a bench and think about our next steps.”
We return to the park, and I move to the tree-lined walkway to avoid a scruffy looking beggar. A pair of blue jays zip from branch to branch in an old oak tree. I wish I were like them and could fly away.
I stumble and nearly trip on a branch that lies on the sidewalk. A weapon. I pick it up, break off some smaller twigs, and I have a staff.
Sunny looks up at me and tilts his head.
“Just in case we run into trouble.”
We find a faded wooden bench. I prop my staff on it and sit.
Two young men in baseball caps stand by a tree, chatting. One wears an older model q-link, but the other has none. He must have the Evo. I scowl and turn to watch two kids throw a holographic football. Another boy slashes a holographic sword to cut down incoming flying aliens. A breeze blows by, ruffling my hair and bringing the smell of someone’s floral perfume.
“What do we do now?” I ask. “I’m starving.”
One of the kids throws the football, but his friend misses it. It hits the ground next to me, disappears, and reappears back in the kid’s hands.
“There are some plants over there. You could eat those,” says Sunny, pointing to some shrubs.
Yite. What am I a rabbit? “I can’t eat just any plant. Only certain ones.”
“Oh. I’ll research edible weeds.”
“No. We need something more.”
What can I do? Beg? No. I don’t need anyone. Rob a store? No, think clearly. Images of code appear in my mind. I know I could get money with my hacking skills. I might even be able to break into Barbra’s bank account.
I swore I wouldn’t hack again, though. I almost did to help Blaze, but I didn’t, and this is different. Although I’m sure I wouldn’t hurt anyone, I’m still too upset about the last time. It’s too risky, anyway. If I were caught, they might suspect me of killing Barbra. I did touch the scissors.
I push on my stomach, trying to dismiss my hunger pains that suddenly feel worse. It doesn’t work. I circle back to my original thought. I could steal money from someone. Or just food, I guess. Oh, the convenience store would be perfect.
“Come on, Sunny. I have a plan.” I push myself up with my staff.
“Does it involve breaking the law again?”
“Maybe.”
“I don’t like this, Fae. I wish we could think of something else. The Foster Buddy manual says that I should hug you when you’re upset, but that’s no good.” He looks away and shakes his head. “How about farming?”
I snort a nervous laugh. “That takes a little longer than I’d like.” I tug at my shirt. I’ve been cautious my entire life, but I’m too hungry to care anymore. “Remember the fourth law. Sometimes you have to break rules.”
“So what’s the plan?”
“We’re going to steal food.”
“I don’t need any,” he says in all seriousness.
“Really, since when?”
“I’m not biological. I only require—” He cuts off as he sees my smile. “Oh, you know I don’t need food. Good one.”
☼☼☼
We stop across the street from the convenience store. Not only do they seem like an easy mark, but I’m also mad that they didn’t let me pee.
I eye the twenty-something security guard, who walks the block with a holstered handgun. He looks alert and fit, but he’s only one person, and I doubt he’d shoot me for shoplifting. Besides, I won’t be caught.
“Chim,” I whisper. “Show me all networked devices at Family Convenience.”
A list appears in front of me. I scan it and see that they don’t have any cameras. It’s on.
I bring up a holographic map and search for an escape path. “Sunny, wait behind this building.” I point to a location. “If something happens, meet me here.” I indicate another area.
“I hate to leave you. What if you need me?”
“I’ll be fine. Just hold my staff.” I rub his head to try to calm my anxiety. “Now go.”
Sunny’s glowing eyes look up at me for a moment, then
he turns and leaves.
I pull my bag strap further up my arm and walk toward the store, my nerves spiking. I take a breath and try to appear relaxed as I enter.
There are a few people inside but not many. I look around until I see the security mirrors so I can find a location, which isn’t as visible. I pass by the bathroom and into the aisles of food.
All right, what should I take? I pass some chips and cookies and then find packs of protein bars. That’s it. I stretch and casually look around, then reach for a box, my heart racing.
An old woman with a gigantic nose strolls into the aisle.
Diablo! I drop my hand to my side.
Why is she looking at me? Wait, does she know? No. Just try to look normal for once. I bend down and examine a pack of soy jerky.
She looks past me, then turns to leave.
Now! I open my bag and shove in two boxes of protein bars.
I look around me again. No one saw. Hell yes. This is easy. I should get a toothbrush too.
I slip down the next aisle and wait for my opportunity. When no one is around, I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
This is hardly even stealing. Mouth hygiene is very important. I pass by a survival knife and grab that too. It’s always smart to upgrade weapons. I wait at the end of the aisle until the manager turns away, and then I slip out of the building. I’m a master!
Wooh. Wooh. Wooh. An alarm blares.
What the…. Oh, hell. They must have microchips in the boxes. I frantically search the area to find the security guard. He’s one store over and, unluckily, in the direction I planned on running.
Adrenaline pumping, I sprint the opposite way, catching a glimpse of Sunny’s glowing eyes where I told him to wait.
The security guard takes off after me. “Stop!”
I bolt down the street. My bag bumps against me and slows my run, so I grip it with one arm and pump the other.
I zip down another street, putting all my strength into my escape. Unfortunately, I don’t have much energy since I’m so hungry and tired. I’m also not nearly as fast as I am in-game or even as fast as I used to be since I’ve grown lax.
I glance back again, fear overwhelming me. The guard is catching up. I see a building across the street with a ladder and sprint over to it. Maybe he won’t climb after me. It’s just shoplifting.
I grip rail after rail, pulling myself up with urgency. When I’m about halfway up, I peek down.
The guard climbs after me, his thick hands propelling him upward. “Turn yourself in,” he yells. Then to himself, “Not paid enough for this.”
Turn myself in? Yite. I’m never going to jail again.
I crest the roof and pull myself over. I scan the area, looking for an escape ladder or door. There’s nothing to my left, but a few feet to the right, a paint-chipped door brings me hope. I run to it and twist the knob.
It won’t budge. I slam my hands into the door and yell in frustration.
The guard’s plume of black hair appears over the edge, then his scowling face. “You have nowhere to run. Just give up.”
Hell no. I glance around the area, trying to figure out what to do. I stand there frozen as he jumps onto the roof. He charges at me, and before I can react, he grabs for my arm. I twist away, and he stumbles off balance.
Hell, how do I escape? I’ll need to do something daring, but what? A crazy idea comes to me, and before I can talk myself out of it, I sprint across the roof, my sneakers squeaking.
The guard growls, and his footsteps accelerate. As I cut through the air, I feel like I’m back in Silent City, back in my element. I can do this.
My pumping adrenaline lends me speed as the gap between buildings emerges. With every step, it appears wider, and my nerves grow tenfold.
Five steps, four. The gap seems enormous now. Too big? I could bail by rolling against the edge, and it would be over.
No.
Three steps, Two. My eyes are wide now, my heart thumping in fear and exertion.
One. I launch myself toward the other roof. My stomach lurches, and the reality of my impulsive choice catches up with me.
The other edge gets closer. Maybe…
I begin to dip in the air, still feet from the other side. A burst of terror screams through me. I’m close now but falling fast. My legs and stomach pass below the peak of the roof. Then my chest and face.
I stretch both arms up and curl my fingers. They just manage to grip the sun-heated roof. My face smacks into the brick wall, and stars burst in front of me. My arms tremble but hold.
“Stupid kid,” says the guard.
I strain and pull, beginning to lift myself up. I can do this. The shaking in my arms magnifies, and my progress slows. My grip weakens, and I begin to slide. I peer at the street three stories down, fear coursing through me. There’s nothing but concrete to pad my fall.
Oh hell no.
“I can’t help you now,” he says.
I scramble my feet against the wall and lunge my arm up further. My one hand scrapes down while my other loses its grip.
I tumble, my arms flailing.
I’ve fallen in-game a hundred times, but in real life, it’s terrifying. Wind rushes by as the dread of what I’m facing strangles me. A thousand thoughts collide in my mind, but the impending pain is all I can focus on.
I just need to—
My foot smacks into the ground, and I throw myself into a roll. My shoulder collides into the street and grinds against the pavement, ripping my shirt. I roll once, then crash into the wall.
☼☼☼
I howl in pain, my jaw clenched tight. I try to breathe but choke on blood. After a moment of writhing in agony, my eyes open. I push myself onto my side with a groan and spit blood to clear my throat. I suck in a breath and grab my nose. Pain lances through it. It’s probably broken.
I twist to look back at the other rooftop.
The security guard stares down at me, his eyebrows raised. He shakes his head. “You’re lucky you’re not more hurt. Stay there. I’m coming to you,” he says before leaving.
I try to push myself up, but my ankle spikes with pain and gives out. I slump against the wall and squeeze my eyes shut as I recover. “Chim, bring up a map of the area.”
A hologram appears before me. To my left is the back alley behind the main street.
I limp down the empty alley, careful to avoid putting too much pressure on my injured ankle. I catch my blood in my shirt so I don’t leave a trail. When I finally turn down the other alley, I see what I was hoping to find. A dumpster.
I crawl over, stand on one leg, and dive inside. The smell of rotting food overwhelms me. I gag but manage to keep from throwing up. I pull the top closed, and I’m engulfed in stinky, humid darkness.
Even though I’m amazing in Silent City, I’m pathetic in the real world. Weak, slow, small, and now hiding in a dumpster, like a piece of trash.
“Chi—” I try to speak, but I choke on blood again. I cough and tilt my head forward so the blood can drip from my nose. “Chim, contact Sunny. Give him my location.”
I pinch my nose, shut my eyes against the pain, and wait, hoping the guard leaves me alone.
“Kid. Kid. Where are you?” I hear him call from a distance.
Footsteps approach, and my breathing accelerates.
“Oh, who cares about this anyway,” he says and walks away.
I breathe a sigh of relief. At least there’s that. Luckily, he wasn’t a robotic security guard. They would never let anyone escape.
After a while, Sunny says, “Fae? Are you in there?”
I groan as I stand and push the top open.
“What are you doing in there?” he asks. “That’s for trash.”
I manage to pull myself over the edge and drop to the ground. My injured ankle strikes the pavement, and another wave of pain nearly makes me vomit.
“Fae, you’re bleeding. I knew I shouldn’t have left you.”
“It’s not bad, but my ank
le is hurt too.”
“Let me scan it to make sure it’s not broken. I’ll learn how to splint it if necessary.” He runs his eyes over my ankle and nods. “It’s not broken. It must be a sprain.”
“Good. We have to get out of here. Hand me that,” I say, pointing to my stick. “Help me up if you can too.”
His arm extends as he lifts me up. I push on my stick and manage to stand. Pain throbs in my ankle, but I grit my teeth and bear it. I’ve faced worse in my third hell.
I limp down the alley, leaning on Sunny and my staff.
“Did you get food?” he asks.
My stomach growls at its mention, but I can barely think about eating with all the blood in my mouth. “I got some. I’ll eat later.”
“We should find a house. Even though Stroudsburg has high occupancy rates, section L has several abandoned homes. We won’t have to walk far. I’ll lead us to them.”
With a hand resting on Sunny’s head and another on my staff, I hobble along in a jolting step-leap movement that sends waves of pain through my ankle. After a short but agonizing walk, we come across a boarded-up house. Bottles and other trash are strewn about in a yard of foot-high grass and weeds.
“Here?” asks Sunny.
I shake my head. It’s obviously abandoned, but something about it doesn’t feel right. “Let’s go a little further.”
After another painful distance, we find another abandoned house. The red and blue siding and sloping roof can’t help but remind me of my childhood home. “This is good.”
We sneak around to the back. One of the windows is missing two boards, but it’s still too small of a hole.
“We’ll need to pry off a board.” I tug at one, but it’s too strong. I sigh.
I scan the backyard, looking for something to use. Oh. I pick up one of the boards that has previously been removed and wedge it between the others. “Help me push this,” I say.
Sunny’s arms extend to grab our lever.
“One, two, three.”
We push, and the board pops off. I help Sunny inside and then jump in myself.
Sunny’s eyes offer just enough light to allow us to navigate through the dining room. The musty air makes me wrinkle my nose.
The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Page 6
