Hard Wired Trilogy

by DeAnna Pearce

  She pursed her lips. “Just picked it up along the way.”

  Ari’s eyes narrowed, glancing at her mom before speaking in a hoarse whisper. “Is that sacramental wine?”

  Tessa averted her eyes for a moment. “Maybe.”

  “There were other options,” Cynthia added, watching Tessa and Ari closely. “But when Tessa mentioned this, I thought it was time for us to go back to church. Refocus our lives to what’s important.” Ari’s mom sat next to her on the bed, clutching Ari’s hand in hers, as she had since they arrived.

  Ari had no intention of letting go.

  “And you’ve survived here without being plugged in?” Ari asked her brother.

  “I’ve survived.” His reservation and lack of jokes told Ari it wasn’t as easy a transition as his mother made it out to be. “What about you? You’re living in a mountain?” Marco glanced at Patrick with an apprehensive gaze.

  Ari had introduced Patrick to the others but gave them the least information possible. She wouldn’t threaten Patrick’s security after everything he did in getting her here. Patrick had been great in giving Ari and her family their space too. Ari recognized his uneasy stance with his tight shoulders and watchful eyes, ready to run at the first sign of trouble.

  Ari turned back to Marco. “I’m safe. Patrick gave me a place to live in a secure location with others.”

  “The church is safe. Why don’t you stay here with us?” Her mom squeezed her hand.

  Marco rolled his eyes, which thankfully his mother didn’t catch.

  “I don’t think spending the rest of our lives in this church is realistic,” Ari said. “And I have important work I do.”

  “With Patrick?” Marco asked, pushing for information she didn’t want to give.

  “Yes.”

  “You guys can’t stay here long term. People that actually come to this church may one day mention the family all working here.” Tessa set her drink down on the floor.

  “I agree with Ari,” Marco leaned forward from his spot on the other bed, placing his elbows on his knees. “Why don’t we get lost in a big town? Between the three of us, we can figure it out.”

  “I have a better solution,” Patrick interrupted. “Why don’t you and your family come back with us? We are always in need of help.”

  “Who are you again?” Marco turned to Patrick. “I mean beside a first name. Why are you helping my sister?”

  “Marco!” Ari scolded. “Patrick is a friend I met when I worked with VisionTech. He has helped me more than you know.”

  “That’s what worries me,” Marco stood. “Why are you interested in my sister?”

  Patrick stood up. “I think that is between me and your sister.”

  Ari stood as well, hating where this was going. She turned to Tessa and mouthed, “Help.”

  “Hey, I’ve been wondering the same thing, and I’m waiting to see how this plays out.” She put her foot on the bed and leaned back on the chair.

  With an impatient huff, Ari turned back to Marco. “I have no right giving away other’s secrets. Let me just say Patrick, as well as many others, has given me a safe place to live. He helped me find Tessa and you both and is our best bet to help get Reed back.”

  Marco’s jaw tightened at the mention of Reed. “And how exactly did he get left behind?”

  Reed was his best friend, and Marco did not take it well when Ari first told him what happened with VisionTech. Ari didn’t blame him.

  “Niomi, my old trainer, could only hide me on the boat. Security had already taken Reed and reported him.” Ari said again. “Patrick didn’t have anything to do with it. We had to get ourselves off the island. But we’ll get him back. The more I learn about my abilities, the more power and resources I’ll have to get Reed. I’m not forgetting about him.”

  Marco didn’t relax his tight posture, but nodded curtly and turned to his dresser. Ari had seen her brother mad more times than she could count. He’d be okay.

  She glanced at Patrick, gratitude in her eyes. He had done a great deal for her. Of course, in the last several months she had pulled her weight on the team. Somehow this felt like a gift, though. His face remained blank, not giving anything away.

  “We need to stay together as a family,” her mother said.

  Ari turned her attention to her mother. “I know, but it won’t be safe here, and—”

  Her mother lifted a hand, silencing her. “If we must leave, we will. I just can’t lose my daughter again.” Her voice wavered with emotion.

  Ari found her own emotions made it hard to talk. How could she have ever doubted them? “Okay, Mom. We’ll stick together.”

  It took another hour of planning, emotion, and short temper on Marco’s part for them to figure out the next step.

  “I just don’t get why we can’t get Reed now?” Marco asked. “You should be able to figure out where the island is located, and money isn’t an issue.”

  “It’s more than money,” Patrick explained. “We studied VisionTech for the past year for some of their business deals that seemed a bit too… easy, let’s say. They are secured for anyone that gets within a hundred miles. Connections run deep in nearby government agencies as they employ hundreds. We couldn’t ever extract Ari. She had to escape on her own.”

  “Can we help Reed escape?” Marco asked.

  “I doubt they left that option available to him.” Ari remembered the islanders and hoped none of them suffered for their help. “What about his mother?”

  “Last I talked to her, she still has the same job back at home. Her official position is that she disowned her son for running off with his trampy girlfriend.” Marco looked at Ari.

  “Hey.”

  “It’s what she had to tell the authorities to keep them off her back. They are watching her closely. She can’t accept any extra cash, but she doesn’t need it either. She has a new boyfriend and between the two of them, they do well.”

  The news cut Ari. Not that Reed’s mom had a boyfriend. She deserved it. Reed’s dad left the picture a long time ago. Ari was happy for her. The guilt of separating her from her son and putting him in danger ate at Ari. She needed to make it right.

  “Maybe Marco is right?” Ari’s thoughts sped along.

  “Even I think going to the island is stupid,” Tessa said. “And I’ve done stupid.”

  “No, not that,” Ari said. “But maybe the way to get back is to contact VisionTech directly. Put pressure on their practices, threaten to expose them. I’m living proof of their illegal manipulation and possible murder of political threats.”

  “La muerte?” Cynthia muttered softly.

  “We can’t do that here.” Patrick rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze distant, like during their planning meetings.

  “What about Tessa?” Marco suggested.

  “I’m not in that league. Even with my dad’s coverage, I can’t pull something like that off. Not that I’m not up to helping.”

  Ari watched Patrick. He had run these types of ops all the time. If they had a chance, he would know.

  “I’m not saying, it’s a go, but we can do some recon on it. Tricky has been working in VLEX lately going after Maxim, maybe she’ll have some leads.”

  “Tricky?” Cynthia asked.

  “Long story. We’ll fill you in when we get there,” Ari turned back to Patrick. “You think it will work?”

  “It’s worth trying, but we have other work as well, you know.”

  Ari nodded. They had lists of agencies they watched, trying to keep people in check, while searching for people like them, and making money to keep their peace and security intact. Patrick had a lot more to worry about than Ari and her boyfriend, but she had to ask. “I’ll work extra hours, and Marco is good at security as well. He can help.”

  “We can work it out.” Patrick’s gaze softened as he watched her excitement grow.

  A soft knock sounded on the old door. Marco opened it just enough for her to see the small boy. He spoke in Spanis
h. Ari could only catch something about policia. Marco obviously had better Spanish than Ari, and replied before turning to the others.

  “Is everything okay?” their mom asked.

  “Yeah. I just have to check on something while the pastor welcomes in the next mass. I’ll be right back.” Marco’s tight smile told Ari he was more worried than he let on, but he hurried out the door behind the boy.

  “Is that normal?” Patrick asked.

  “Yes,” Ari’s mother said. “He helps the pastor with the local authorities. That boy could sell pictures to the blind.”

  “Good,” Patrick said absently and moved to look out behind the curtain.

  “I did want to ask you something while Marco is gone.” Her mom turned to her.

  “Anything.” Ari turned on the small bed and hitched up a knee.

  “I want to check on your father before we leave the country.” Her large eyes pulled on Ari’s heart.

  She wished she could take back her last word. That wasn’t something she would be in a position to do. “Mom, it’s too dangerous. If they see any of us there…”

  Patrick let the curtain go and turned to the conversation. “I agree with Ari. I’m so sorry that—”

  “What about Tessa checking? They don’t know her.” Her mother’s pleas broke her heart. How could she tell her mother about the last time she went to see her father? He was mentally gone, in a different world. Even if he was still alive, he was just another vegetable fallen into a VR coma not wanting to return to the real world.

  “They are looking for me too,” Tessa said honestly. “And if they find me, then I can’t help you guys.”

  Looking smaller somehow, her mother dropped gaze to her hands. “Okay.”

  Ari squeezed her hands. “Maybe not today, but someday. I promise.”

  “Okay.” Her mother repeated, obviously not buying it.

  Before she could do anything else, Marco swung open the door. “We gotta move now. These guys aren’t the typical cops looking for extra cash. They’re tracking someone.” He eyes focused on Ari. “Someone worth tracking.”

  Chapter 10

  Tessa knocked over the wine as she hurried to her feet. “Grab anything you can’t live without.”

  “Anything identifying,” Patrick added.

  Ari’s mother jumped up in a flurry of Spanish as she emptied the top drawer of a nearby dresser into a purse.

  “Don’t you need to get anything?” Patrick asked her brother.

  Marco stood by the open door watching outside. “Nope. I’ve learned to not carry much and live on less.”

  “Good for you,” Tessa said. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve had my fill of church for the decade.”

  Ari would have laughed or made some comment about Tessa’s soul, but there was no time. She grabbed her mother by the arm and followed the others out the door.

  Marco led them through the back of the church.

  “Is there a back way out?” Ari whispered to Tessa, who was right in front of her. The church looked pretty cornered in.

  Marco must have heard her. “I always have an exit.” Pushing away a rich, red velvet curtain, there stood a small door. “After you.”

  The door led them through the kitchen of a neighboring building. People rushed about, the smell of food and detergent welcoming them. Tessa led the others, not bothering the reply to the shouts of surprise. Once outside, they slowed down, tying to not draw attention as they maneuvered the crowded streets. Marco cut a quick path, avoiding security like he knew their route, which he probably did.

  Tessa stuck close to Ari. “I guess our reunion is cut short.”

  “I wanted to tell you thanks for everything you’ve done and—”

  Tessa held up her hand. “No time for sentimental blabbering. Marco knows how to get a hold of me through my games. I’ll get you back to the plane. If no one’s there, take it as far as you need. It’s untraceable on my end, but I’m sure you know not to trust anything too far.”

  “We’ll be fine.” Patrick spoke behind them. “I have arrangements.”

  They made it to the platform and said their goodbyes, and the four of them left on Tessa’s plane. As it took off, Ari couldn’t help but watch Tessa on the roof. How could she ever repay her friend? She may not know now, but one day she would.

  The plane took them to another city nearby, which then led to another time zone before they finally headed to the correct country. Her mom stayed close during the trip, leaving the details to Patrick. Marco remained unusually quiet as well. Ari tried to push away the guilt at turning his life inside out.

  The commercial plane they were on was large, with two decks carrying up to three hundred people. They didn’t want to draw attention by sitting together, so they sat in pairs. Patrick and Ari in front and Marco and their mom behind them. At one point when Patrick left to use the restroom, Marco slid into the empty seat next to Ari. A quick glance behind, showed their mom asleep in her chair.

  “Hey,” Ari nudged Marco. “You’ve been quiet.”

  “Just thinking.”

  “Be careful. You may break something,” she joked, one they both used repeatedly.

  “I might have.” Marco voice had a serious edge. “How much do you trust Patrick?”

  Ari took a deep breath, really considering the question. “I trust him, Marco. He saved me from VisionTech.”

  “Saved you or stole you?”

  She started to object, but he cut her off. “He just watches you with an intensity that tells me he wants you for more than your ability.”

  “Maybe he does,” she admitted. Denying his feeling was stupid. “But he respects my boundaries and knows my feelings for Reed. He’s even willing to help me get him back.”

  “So he says.” Marco’s dark mood bothered Ari. “I’ve worked enough jobs in my life that I can read people pretty well. I just like to have as much information as possible up front. Like where does he get all his money? Rich playboys don’t grow on trees, despite what your romance novels tell you.”

  She chuckled. “True. I’m not sure where all the money comes from, but he tries to do good. We go after bad guys and try to protect people like us.” The money thing worried Ari, but she knew Patrick was one of the good guys. Right? A nagging voice reminded her she had thought the same thing of VisionTech at one time.

  “If this is the way we have to do things, we can do it. The more we know the better, though. Just don’t get sucked into his altruistic side. Everyone has a motive.”

  “I get that.” Ari hated to think that way, but maybe Marco was right. “This was my decision though, and you’re going to have to trust me.”

  “I trust you, sis. Your boyfriend’s coming back.” He motioned to Patrick walking down the long isle.

  “Please don’t call him that.” Ari hoped her mother was still asleep.

  “Don’t worry, sis. Your secret is safe with me.” He winked at her and returned to his seat.

  Patrick sat down. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. Just my annoying brother bringing out the worst in himself.” She spoke loud enough for Marco to hear.

  “It was your idea to get him,” he reminded her.

  “I have a feeling you won’t let me forget that either.”

  “Nope.” He smiled and buckled himself in.

  The rest of the flight was smooth and uneventful. They arrived in town the next day and retrieved one of their four-person all-terrain vehicles stashed in storage. It looked sturdy but well worn.

  The road back was quiet, and they made it by nightfall. They parked the vehicle in the detached garage and walked to the cabin. They timed just right for dinner.

  Harini rushed up to Ari and Patrick, welcoming them with big hugs, before moving onto the new guests. “You must be Marco, and Ari’s mom?”

  “Call me Cynthia.” She reached out a hand, but Harini hugged her instead.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you. I feel like we’re already family.” She even hugged
Marco, who took it in stride. “Are you moving in?”

  “That’s the plan,” Ari said, taking in the curious faces around the room.

  Patrick set down the pack and turned to face the room. “This is Ari’s mother, Cynthia, and her brother, Marco. They will be joining us. We’ll get them integrated starting tomorrow. Blur?”

  The blond warper looked up from his meal. “Yes?”

  “I’m going to have him with you for now. He has a history in security and may be an asset.”

  “Great. I can always use another set of hands.” Blur gave Marco a brief nod and went back to his food.

  Not that Ari blamed him; she was hungry herself. Blur was never one to get worked up about much. He left that to Tricky, who was taking the arrival of Ari’s family surprising well.

  Patrick continued. “Sue, can you help Cynthia get acclimated? She will be working with you, mostly. Oh, and thank you for keeping this place standing while I was gone. I’m glad to see everyone, but I’m going to head to my rooms.” Patrick rubbed his neck as if it was sore, and Ari realized how tired he looked.

  She had been so caught up with her family, she never found a chance to say thank you.

  Before she could say anything, Tricky stood. “Can I have a minute of your time? I’ve made some interesting strides with my work.”

  “Of course. Walk with me.” He pulled up his pack, and headed out of the dining room, with Tricky hurrying to catch up.

  The others stood to welcome the newcomers. After the introductions, Joe and Sketchy brought another bed into Ari’s room for her mother. Marco got the small guestroom for now.

  By the time everything settled down for the night, Ari found herself in the bathroom thinking about Patrick. He had done so much for her, finally getting her family back. Since she never got a chance to say thank you, she headed towards his rooms. Set off away from the others, he had a couple of rooms for himself. One set aside specifically for their group meeting, and the other a mixture of an office and bedroom.

  In front of the door, she froze for a moment, wondering if he would be already asleep. He looked exhausted, and here she was bothering him again. Hand lifted to knock, she dropped it ready to leave when the door opened.