by Terry Schott
Ariel looked out the side window for a moment, then faced him again. “Sorry, Ewan. If you’re not the one, then I have to make this quick and get back to work.”
“Make what quick?”
Her hand lashed out with the flat of her hand, fingertips striking his windpipe. Her other hand grabbed the back of his head while the first clamped him under the chin. She twisted until she heard a loud crack, then released her grip as Ewan slumped forward, his head striking the steering wheel with a thud.
Ariel got out of the car and walked toward the alley. A man stood in the shadows, the tip of his cigarette brightening as he took a drag.
“All done?”
“Yeah.”
“Was it him?”
She shook her head.
“Damn.”
“I know.”
“I’ll clean it up.”
“Wipe down only. Don’t need fire.”
“No problem. Making any other stops tonight?”
“No.”
The cleaner threw his cigarette onto the ground and reached down to retrieve his case. He walked toward the car while Ariel disappeared into the darkness of the alley.
14
And finally, we end with a strange bit of news today. Sticks and Stones, a novel which has become one of the highest-selling pieces of literature around the world in decades, is no longer for sale.
Brave World Publishing made the announcement earlier today. It is not known why the decision was made but, effective immediately, customers won’t be able to purchase physical copies from stores.
Some claim this is a result of government interference because the personality calling him or herself ‘the Harbinger’ has been promoting the book as an instruction guide for revolution.
If you haven’t read a copy of Sticks and Stones and still want to, the only way to do so is by picking up a used or digital copy; both of which are still available from select websites.
Tris Blanchette, Financial News Daily
Curtis sat at his desk, sipping coffee as he read the morning news on his computer. Cool morning breeze and sounds of traffic blew in through the window behind one side of his desk. In a few hours, the sun would move so that it shone directly on him, forcing him to pack up the laptop and travel to a local coffee shop to continue working, but he didn’t mind. The break of pace enabled him to write more than when he attempted to stay glued to his apartment desk all day long.
Warm hands caressed his shoulders and he felt the wet, soft touch of a woman’s lips against his neck. “Good morning.”
He smiled. “It is now.”
The hands lifted and Ariel’s naked form appeared as she walked to a side window and pushed aside the curtains, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as the sunlight touched her muscular, toned body.
“Exhibitionist.”
Her smile widened and she spread her arms to her sides. “Let the neighbours look. They deserve a show.” One eye opened and she sighed. “Oh thank god. This window still faces a solid brick wall.”
Curtis laughed. “One morning I will crawl up on that fire escape so that you will open your eyes and see a face leering in at you.”
Ariel turned and walked toward him, her movements lithe and smooth like a panther’s. “Why would you do that when you get a much better view from where you are now?”
They kissed, Curtis wrapping his arms around her and Ariel pressing against him. When they paused to breathe, he drank her in with his eyes. “Remind me again how I managed to get so lucky.”
“You write awesome books.”
“And you are one of the only book groupies on the planet.”
She pushed against his chest and walked toward the bedroom, smiling as he reached for her and missed. “Don’t worry, babe. I’m not a book groupie. I liked your books, but I fell for you.”
She disappeared from view and he picked up his coffee mug. “Want a coffee?”
“I’ve got time to do breakfast, if you want,” she called from the bedroom.
“That sounds good.”
“You sure? If there are chapters in your head and they are eager to come out, I don’t want to interrupt your flow.”
“Don’t be silly. I love spending time with you.”
Ariel emerged from the bedroom, tucking her blouse in at the back. “I know you like to spend time with me. I also know that, given the opportunity, you would spend too much time with me and get no writing done.”
“That’s not true.”
One corner of her mouth twitched.
“Maybe you’re right.”
They both laughed.
“Honestly, I have time to get breakfast.”
“Yay.” She took the cup from his hand and carried it to the kitchen. “I saw you reading the news when I came in. Anything interesting?”
“No.” Curtis went to the front door and put his shoes on. “Maybe.”
“Which?” She joined him and nodded as he reached for her shoes and handed them to her.
“Apparently that book with the unknown author is being taken off the market.”
“You mean it’s stopped selling?”
“No. The publisher has stopped distributing it.”
“Why?”
“No one is certain, but they think the government made them do it. Because of the Harbinger.”
Ariel stood and adjusted her long black hair. “Huh. Did they find the author yet?”
“No.”
“What’s the guy’s commission up to now?”
“Twenty million.”
“Wow.” She grabbed two sets of keys from the holder attached to the wall. “That’s a lot of cash.”
“Yeah.” He reached for his set of keys, opened the door, and gestured outside. “After you, milady.”
“So valiant.” She kissed him on the cheek as she walked past. “A shame your writing wasn’t more similar in style to that book. I would encourage you to step forward and claim the money.”
Curtis’ eyes widened and he coughed, trying to regain his composure before entering the hallway.
“If anyone deserves that cash, it’s you.” She locked the door and put her keys in her pocket, then placed one arm in his as they walked down the hallway.
“If I did, then I’d have it.”
She chuckled. “My innocent author. That’s not the way the world works, sweetie. I can think of three of your books that should be movies by now.”
They stopped in front of the elevator and he pressed the button on the wall. “I sell enough to live a good life and remain mostly off the radar.”
“You don’t want to walk down the red carpet for a movie premiere of one of your books?”
He smiled. “With you on my arm, absolutely.”
“Please.” She snorted. “We would have to get you a movie star or model. An insurance adjuster like me would be boring for the press.”
“I bet models get nervous around you.”
Ariel grinned. “I’m the ugliest girl in my office.”
“Yeah?”
She nodded. “People have no idea.”
Curtis laughed as the elevator door opened and they stepped inside.
15
“Excuse me?”
Gavin looked at the teenager. “Yes?”
“I’m supposed to meet someone and you’re the only one sitting alone, so…”
“You Wayne?”
“Gavin?”
The older man nodded and the teenager plopped into the seat across from him.
“Want something to drink?”
“Beer.”
Gavin shook his head and Wayne laughed. “Worth a try.” The waitress appeared. “Cream soda, please.”
“Been waiting long?” Wayne looked around, scanning the other tables. He stopped for a second to consider two men dressed in suits, then moved on.
Gavin saw the pause and chuckled. “Would the danger come from suits?”
Wayne turned to face Gavin. “What do you mean?”
“You gave those guys in the suits a hard stare.”
Wayne shrugged. “Trying to be careful.”
“That’s my point.” Gavin stopped talking as the waitress returned with the bottle of cream soda.
“You boys need anything else?”
Gavin shook his head.
“If you do, just give me a shout.”
She left and Gavin raised his chin towards the suited men. “Wouldn’t you expect the trouble to come from men dressed in suits?”
“Yeah.”
“And don’t you think the bad guys would know that?”
“I guess.”
“Then isn’t it a better guess that, if there was someone watching us, it would be anyone but the two men in suits?”
Wayne took a swig of his drink and shook his head. “That’s exactly what they want you to think. We know that they know how they would dress, so they think we don’t suspect them. If that’s true, then the best way to hide is dressed exactly like they were in the first place.”
Gavin raised his eyebrows and tilted his head. “That make sense to you?”
Wayne winked. “For sure.”
“Hmm.”
“My friend tells me you’re interested in getting access to the Shadow Web.”
“That’s right.”
“What do you know about it?”
“That it’s secure. Navigating the Shadow web makes it impossible to track your browsing activity.”
“And you like that thought, do ya?”
Gavin nodded.
“There’s more to it than that. Plenty of interesting sites to visit. Things you can’t find on the regular web.”
“Not interested in that.”
Wayne laughed. “Why not?”
“Drugs, hookers, weapons.” Gavin shook his head. “No thanks.”
Wayne poured his cream soda into the glass. He watched the liquid pour. “There’s a lot more than illegal stuff, Gav.”
“Gavin.”
Wayne looked up. “Huh?”
“I don’t think someone your age should be calling me ‘Gav’.”
Wayne laughed. “That’s cute. Anyway, there’s a lot of things you would love on the Shadow Web, all of it legal.”
“For example.”
“You travel?”
“A few times a year, yes.”
Wayne looked back at his glass and finished filling it. “There ya go. You can find last-minute flights, cheap hotel accommodations—and I mean low price, not low quality—or cruises. You name it, the deals are over there. Real estate, vehicles, clothes. In the past few years, all the major retailers have set up sites on the Shadow Web, and they offer crazy deals.”
“Why?”
“Techbills.”
“What’s that?”
“A Techbill is the currency used to buy things.”
“How is it different from regular money?
“Well, it can’t be traced.”
“Which means they don’t pay taxes on any of it.”
Wayne raised his bottle toward Gavin. “There ya go.”
“How big is the economy?”
“Since it’s untraceable, there’s no way to know for sure.”
“Ballpark.”
“Trillions.”
Gavin whistled.
Wayne threw a glance at the two men in suits before leaning forward and lowering his voice. “It’s gonna cost you five hundred cash for me to set you up. That gets you the browser file installed on your hard drive, plus access to my help line for three months. Real people are available twenty-four/seven whenever you have questions. It’s mostly the same as the regular web, but there are some differences that can be confusing at first.”
“How much for only the technical assistance?”
Wayne frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I already have the browser loaded up on my laptop.”
The teenager’s eyes narrowed and he leaned forward to whisper. “You serious?”
Gavin nodded.
“How you do that?”
“It was easy. I searched for a website and then downloaded the browser.”
Wayne stared at Gavin for a second, then rested his head against one hand. “Tell me you’re joking.”
“I’m serious.” Gavin frowned. His gaze swept over the two men in suits. Are they watching us?
“Stupid.”
“I beg your pardon?”
Wayne finished his drink and set it on the table before he stood. “Was nice meeting you, Gavin. Do me a favour and forget any of this happened.”
“Where are you going?”
“It’s not your fault, man. I look at it more as natural selection in the age of computers. Downloading the browser from the regular web told them you intend to surf the Shadows.”
“Told who?”
“Because of how you downloaded it, the people you want to hide from know you are accessing the Shadow Web.”
“They won’t know where I go.”
“Maybe not, but you gave up your anonymity. You may as well wear a sign that says, ‘Hey look at me, I’m doing stuff I want to hide’.”
“You’re being paranoid.”
Wayne shrugged. “I’m being smart, which is the opposite of what you’re doing. Don’t try and contact me again.”
Wayne walked away.
How bad of a mess have I gotten myself into? Gavin finished his drink.
16
Luke entered the Talon Clubhouse, a large office space located in the centre of the massive compound which was his gaming company headquarters, and took a seat at the head of the table. He waited for the twelve leaders of other game club chapters—who ranged in age from fourteen to thirty—to stop talking. Standing behind his chair, he nodded to the boy on his right who stood and removed a small white device from his pocket. A red light flashed on its side as he circled the table, leaning in to pass it over each person before moving on. He completed the circuit stopped in front of Luke, who raised his arms at his sides while he was scanned.
“Everyone’s clean.”
Luke nodded as he sat, flipping a black switch under the table. A faint humming sound filled the room, then faded. “No one is carrying tech, and now no one can listen from outside. I appreciate you all making the journey here today. When you go back to your individual clubhouses, share the information you learn by word-of-mouth and personal contact only. No e-mails, no voice calls, no online chats. No tech.” Heads nodded and he continued. “A month ago, government agents of some kind visited and asked what I knew about someone called ‘the Harbinger’. At the time, I hadn’t heard of him, but he’s all over the news now. Seems like this guy”—Luke paused—“or girl is causing a lot of trouble around the globe. Economies of many countries are declining. Countries who have been friends are suddenly starting wars with each other. People all over the world are losing their jobs and going bankrupt. The Harbinger seems to be taking credit for every single issue and, based on the visit I got, at least one government agency thinks that I have something to do with it.”
“Is our cover blown?” a girl with short blonde hair asked.
Luke raised his eyebrows and looked around the table. “Anyone hearing that out there?”
No one spoke and Luke sighed. “I think the club is fine. Maybe they only suspect me of something.”
“That’s not possible.” The girl laughed. “You’re clean. All of us are.”
Luke nodded. “Let’s make sure. I want inquiries made at all chapters. I would very much like to know who this Harbinger is. If anyone can find him, it’s us.”
A black-haired kid with patchy stubble on his chin sat forward. “How subtle do you want us to be?”
“I want direct. Tell everyone that we want to know the identity of the Harbinger. When leads start coming in, filter them. If we operate as we always have, then the true purpose of the Talon Game Club will remain secret. Light the gaming community up and promise whatever it takes to get results.” He stood and looked
around the table. “Any questions?”
No one spoke.
“Good. Let’s get this done. The sooner I know the identity of this person, the better.
17
Aleksy rapped on the door and entered the office. Victor sat behind his desk, a phone pressed against his ear, eyes closed. He opened his eyes, motioned for Aleksy to sit across from him, then closed them again.
Aleksy did not speak. Minutes passed in silence, with Victor shaking his head occasionally, opening his mouth to speak and closing it without saying a word.
Finally he spoke. “I understand.” His eyes opened and he leaned forward to return the phone to its cradle. Then he leaned back, placing both hands behind his head as he sighed and looked at the man sitting across from him.
“Bad news?”
He tapped the phone. “When have you ever known us to get good news from this?”
Aleksy shrugged.
Victor shook his head. “History.”
“Huh?”
“History. It’s a problem.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
Victor leaned forward and grabbed a copy of Sticks and Stones from his desk. “This.” He half-turned and threw the book across the room. It struck the wall with a loud thunk and fell to the ground. “Those in charge know that stories are the most powerful form of control that has ever existed. They use them daily, in every level of society, to manipulate the masses.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe that they let this one get away from them.”
“It was pulled from circulation,” Aleksy said. “In a few weeks—months at most—it will be forgotten.”
“Pulled from circulation?” Victor raised his eyebrows. “Only the paper copies.”
“That’s what most people read, right?”
“Wrong.”
Aleksy frowned. “Digital? But the news says e-books sales are declining.”
Victor snorted. “Lies written by traditional publishers. Fat, lazy men and women who deny that their day has come and gone. The truth is the opposite. People are buying more digital books than ever, and paper book publishers will soon be out of business unless they find a way to become profitable.”
“Like the music industry.”
“And movies. Think about it. Buy a paper book for thirty dollars, or get the same story for five bucks. It’s a no-brainer. Idiots in the media can write news articles declaring that people want, no, demand to buy paper books and list ridiculous reasons, while intelligent people laugh and download the story for five dollars, wondering how everyone else can be so dense.”
