‘I’m talking about the Romeo and Juliet effect – how it’s somehow terribly romantic to be willing to die for love.’
Petra had thought that, just for a moment, but she wasn’t going to admit the frisson of dark excitement she’d felt when she first heard of the teenage death pact.
‘No way,’ she said.
Her mother didn’t look convinced. ‘One can only hope Rick Lawrence is as sensible as you appear to be,’ she said dryly.
‘I’ll be able to tell you after I see him. That is, if I ever manage to get there.’
‘Oh, go,’ said her mother with a dismissive wave of her hand. ‘I’ve got plenty to occupy me here, tracking down Maryann.’ With a scowl she added, ‘I’ve a good mind to front up to Lois Dodd right now and set her straight about her noxious daughter.’
‘You’re not serious!’ said Petra, appalled at the thought of the scene that would inevitably follow such a confrontation.
She chuckled. ‘I may not be.’
Petra relaxed. Her mother’s sense of humour surfaced at the oddest times. ‘Mum, for a moment you really had me believing you.’
‘Okay, so I was joking, but give me some hard evidence, and I’ll get very serious. You cannot know how much I’d love to wipe that superior smile off Lois Dodd’s face.’
Tal ran into Rob in the kitchen the next morning. He didn’t expect to see his mother, as a storm of criticism against Farront had already been gathering force on the web, and Audrey had made it clear that Grace was to be in the office early on Sunday to assist with damage control.
Tal had been hoping Rob had left early too, because he didn’t want to give him any opportunity to raise the subject of moving in, but no such luck.
‘Morning,’ Tal mumbled, thinking he’d grab something to eat and get out of there.
Rob yawned and stretched. He hadn’t shaved, and was wearing ratty old shorts and a faded FinagleAlert T-shirt with the words NO STONE LEFT UNTURNED under the website’s logo. ‘I’ve made coffee. Want some?’
‘No thanks.’
‘How about scrambled eggs?’
‘You’re cooking for me?’
Rob grinned at his scathing tone. ‘I’m not trying to offend you, Tal. Actually, I’m cooking for myself. It seemed rude not to offer you some.’ His grin widened. ‘I’ll throw in bacon and toast if that will win you over.’
Tal’s stomach rumbled. ‘Okay, thanks,’ he said, sounding if not friendly, at least civil.
While collecting the eggs and bacon from the fridge, Rob said over his shoulder, ‘What did you think of Joe Villabona when you met him yesterday?’
‘He was okay.’ Tal hesitated, then said, ‘I did a search on Villabona’s name last night. There are lots of Villabonas, but when I narrowed it down to the Villabona working for Farront it didn’t turn up much.’
Rob grinned. ‘He’s a man of mystery, all right. Grace is worried about the growing influence Villabona has on Audrey, because it could affect her promotion, so last week she tried his name with several search engines. Basically she got the same result as you, so she’s asked me to use FinagleAlert’s resources to find out more about the guy. The fascinating thing is that Villabona doesn’t seem to have much of a past. He was born in Bogotá, Colombia, into a rich family. He was educated in England. That’s about it.’
Tal raised his eyebrows. ‘Are you saying he’s got protected status?’
‘Could be. If he has, that’ll make it very difficult to find out much more, but I’ve got access to the latest search technologies, so it’s not an impossible task.’
Personal information about an individual with protected status was sealed. Most people had very little expectation of privacy because of the volume of detailed information freely shared between huge databanks, both government and private. However, in some rare circumstances – usually national security reasons were cited – someone would be granted protected status. Rumours that the very rich could buy this desirable status were rife, but government spokespeople consistently denied them.
Tal said, ‘You know how Uncle Ian was videoing everything that moved at the barbecue yesterday? Villabona made a big deal about not being photographed.’
‘He isn’t on the personnel page of the Farront website either. I’m going to check today to see if FinagleAlert has Villabona’s image stored in our databanks, so I can run a facial recognition scan. If he’s ever held a licence to drive, fly a plane, or if he’s appeared on a terror watch list or been found guilty of a crime, a match should come up.’
‘Uncle Ian got some shots of Villabona on the sly.’
‘There’s no stopping that uncle of yours,’ said Rob, laughing. ‘If I come up empty, I’ll see if he’s got anything usable.’
‘What about the Biobond system? Villabona’s face has to be registered, or he couldn’t operate any electronic equipment. I know that the Biobond databanks are closed to the public, but what about FinagleAlert?’
‘No go, I’m afraid,’ said Rob, shaking his head. ‘Not only is their security second-to-none, it happens to be a federal crime to even attempt to hack into Biobond’s files.’
Cracking eggs into a basin, Rob went on. ‘By the way, there’s something positive you can tell your friend, Rick. FinagleAlert’s web-watch system picked up that the would-be suicide kids are no longer disconnects. During the night Commdat sent automated reconnection notifications to their parents – no explanation or apology. Tell Rick it could happen to him, too.’
‘Does anyone know why they were made disconnects in the first place?’ Tal asked.
‘Anyone who does isn’t talking.’
‘It seems to me,’ said Tal, ‘that the whole disconnect-reconnect thing is deliberate. For whatever reason, someone turns them off, then, when the shit hits the fan, turns them on again, to get rid of all that media attention.’
Rob rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘You could be right,’ he said, ‘but we need the who and the why.’
‘Someone who’s got it in for Farront?’ Tal suggested. ‘The suicide note’s all over cyberspace. Farront’s blamed for ruining their lives.’
Raising his voice over the sizzle of the cooking bacon, Rob said, ‘Okay, let’s say a master hacker gets past Farront’s massive security and disconnects the young lovers. How can this hacker possibly know that Ruth and Barry will be unstable enough to attempt joint suicide, and second, be so obliging as to specifically blame Farront International?’
‘So much for that theory,’ said Tal. ‘There has to be a reason, unless it’s all a series of coincidences that just happen to make Farront look bad.’
Rob put out two plates. ‘Can you handle the toast? The eggs are almost ready.’
‘I’m on it.’ Tal realised he was enjoying the discussion. As he got the bread, he said, ‘I’ve been thinking Audrey’s overreacting a bit. It’s bad publicity for Farront right now, but how long will it last? Soon there’ll be some new sensational story and people will forget about it.’
‘There are any number of lawyers out there looking for clients who feel they’ve been wronged and want to sue to set it right. I imagine high-powered legal firms are rubbing their hands together in anticipation of the lawsuits Ruth and Barry’s families will bring. They’ll claim substantial damages, saying Farront contributed to their kids’ attempt at suicide by disconnecting them and then doing nothing to fix the problem.’
Tal fed sliced bread to the toaster, which swallowed it up with a whirring sound.
‘By the way,’ Rob said as he dished out the scrambled eggs, ‘Grace mentioned you had reservations about me moving in. Let’s discuss that.’
TWELVE
Rick’s grandparents lived in an unpretentious little house with a wide verandah and sandstone steps. Inside the picket fence the front garden was filled with beautifully kept rosebushes with blooms of different colours arranged in complementary tones. For all her protestations to her mother, Petra was the first to arrive there. Rick met her at the front door, reli
ef replacing his woebegone expression when he saw who it was.
‘Thank God you’re here, Petra! I need help. Maryann Dodd turned up an hour ago, and I can’t get rid of her.’
‘Dodder? You’re kidding me!’
He looked back over his shoulder, as though she might materialise behind him, then said in a half whisper, ‘When the doorbell rang, I thought it was one of you coming early, but it was Maryann. She invited herself in before I could stop her.’
Petra felt like shaking him. Maryann wouldn’t even get her nose through the door if Petra had anything to do with it. ‘What were you thinking, Rick? You know she’s a nightmare.’
‘Maryann’s always been quite nice to me,’ he said defensively.
‘That’s because she likes you. Didn’t anyone tell you she’s Princess Avenger in Worldstrider?’
‘David said she was, but I’m not sure it’s true.’
‘It’s true. Why else do you think Princess Avenger tries to hook up with your avatar every chance she gets?’
‘I thought it was you or Jennie, fooling around.’
Petra rolled her eyes. ‘As if!’
‘Thanks a lot.’
With the uneasy feeling that she’d thoughtlessly hurt him, Petra quickly changed the subject back to Maryann. ‘So where is Dodder?’
‘In the kitchen, chatting up Thelma. I think she’s trying to get herself invited to lunch.’
‘No way am I having lunch with Maryann Dodd!’
‘But how do we get rid of her?’
Petra sighed impatiently. ‘Tell her you’ve already got a girlfriend. Manda’s her name, isn’t it?’
Rick blushed. ‘How do you know about Manda?’
‘Jennie mentioned it. How come you never told me?’
‘You have to ask?’ Rick snapped. ‘I know you’d make fun of the whole thing.’
‘I would not!’
‘And don’t expect me to say anything to Maryann about Manda. It’d just give her ammunition.’
‘You’re hopeless, Rick. You know that?’
Petra brushed past him and set off for the kitchen, Rick hurrying to keep up. ‘Petra, what are you going to do?’
‘Get rid of her.’
The kitchen was a favourite place in Rick’s house. Whenever the Five were there they usually ended up sitting around the big wooden table that was so old it was probably an antique.
Closely followed by Rick, Petra swept into the kitchen, which was filled with the delicious smell of a roast dinner cooking. Maryann was leaning against the table, chatting to Thelma as she checked the oven.
While Rick hovered anxiously, Petra gave Rick’s grandmother a warm hug and Maryann a cool nod.
Maryann said sweetly, ‘I had a good look at BrawnBlasters. Sorry to say this, Petra, but it was so lame.’
‘Like I care what you think,’ Petra snarled.
‘Oh dear,’ said Rick’s grandmother.
Petra fixed Maryann with a hostile glare. ‘Those hate messages I’ve been getting? You’re responsible.’
Maryann gave a petulant toss of her long brown hair. ‘I can’t begin to imagine what you mean.’
‘My mother has hired an expert in cyber bullying,’ Petra lied. ‘He says he can prove you’re the key person in the cyber attack. My parents are considering legal action.’
‘Oh, gracious,’ said Thelma, her face creased with concern, ‘how very unpleasant. But surely Maryann has nothing to do with it.’
Petra gave a contemptuous snort. ‘Stabbing people in the back is what she does best.’
‘Just try and prove it was me,’ said Maryann, her pretty face made ugly with malice. ‘And anyway, it’s not against the law to send anonymous messages.’
‘Girls, please,’ said Thelma, uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking.
‘Maybe you should go, Maryann,’ said Rick, his tone more hopeful than commanding.
‘Why should I go?’ Maryann glowered at Petra. ‘What about her?’ When Rick didn’t respond, Maryann exclaimed, ‘Don’t tell me you believe what she’s saying about me!’
‘Petra’s been my friend forever.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘That I believe what she says,’ said Rick firmly.
Maryann hesitated for a moment, then grabbed her things and marched in the direction of the door. ‘You’ll be sorry,’ she tossed back over her shoulder.
‘That’s what little kids say,’ Petra observed.
‘Oh, shut up!’
As Maryann disappeared into the hallway, Thelma hurried after her, saying, ‘I’ll see Maryann out.’
‘You were great,’ said Petra.
Rick shook his head ruefully. ‘Thanks, but now Maryann’s going to do something horrible, I just know it.’
David was next to arrive. Petra thought he was far from his usual joking self, so while Rick went off to set the dining room table for lunch, Petra took him aside and said, ‘Something the matter?’
‘Not really. It’s just my parents’ divorce. Not that they’re fighting or anything like that, but everything’s changing. Nothing’s ever going to be the same again.’
She gave him a quick hug. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘So, what’s up with you?’
‘Nothing much, unless you count my mother playing cyber detective. It’s Dodder, of course, and there’s no chance Mum will ever be able to prove it, but just try and stop her. And she’s talking of going to the school next week to confront Mr Constanza about cyber bullying.’
The doorbell sounded. ‘Someone get that,’ Thelma called out.
‘I’ll do it,’ said David. In a few moments he was back with Jennie, Tal and Allyx. Jennie was serious; Tal was morose. Only Allyx was upbeat.
‘Jeez, guys,’ said Petra, ‘what’s wrong with you? We’re supposed to be a cheer squad for Rick, but you look like you’ve just come from a funeral.’
‘Rob Anderson’s talking of moving in with Tal’s mother,’ said Allyx cheerfully, putting an arm around his waist and giving him a squeeze. ‘Tal isn’t all that keen on the idea.’
‘But I’m guessing his mum is really keen,’ said Petra.
That got smiles from Jennie, Allyx and David, but an irritated frown from Tal. ‘It’s okay for you lot to be so happy about the situation,’ he said. ‘You don’t have to live in the same house as the guy.’
Allyx grinned. ‘Hey, I wouldn’t mind. Rob is pretty hot.’ Tal gave her such a disgusted look that she laughed aloud.
‘So when’s he moving in?’ Jennie asked.
‘He’s not, until I agree.’
‘Well, problem solved,’ said David. ‘You never agree and Anderson never moves in.’
‘Oh, sure. Like no one’s leaning on me to change my mind.’
‘Lighten up, guys,’ said Jennie. ‘We’re supposed to be cheering Rick up.’ She looked around. ‘Where is he?’
‘Setting the table for lunch,’ said Petra.
‘Okay, remember not to talk about texting or games or videos in front of him. It’ll just make him feel even more out of it.’
‘Hey, speaking of videos,’ said Petra, ‘did any of you catch Kimba Nash’s stab at acting on EgoWild? She sniffed, like, a hundred times. Nearly wet myself laughing. It was so bad it was awesome!’
Having set the table, Rick headed for the kitchen. He could hear his friends laughing as they discussed someone’s attempt at acting. Then Allyx mentioned George’s mini-blog plus video segments, which he’d started sending to everyone, twice a day, whether they wanted them or not.
‘Even teachers, would you believe! I heard Babbage went totally ballistic when he saw the video George made of him at the local gym. It was gross!’
‘Is everyone on for Mutant Bloom tonight?’ David asked. ‘Should be a blast.’
Mutant Bloom was the very latest interactive game, and it was already a bestseller. Rick had been looking forward to playing on the Five team, but now they were going ahead without a th
ought that he was missing out.
He paused outside the kitchen door, bleak resentment flooding through him. It wasn’t fair. His friends were living in another world, one he’d belonged to only a few days ago. Hearing them talking about it made him feel even more isolated and alone.
Rick took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. ‘Hey,’ he said, coming into the room.
‘Hey, yourself,’ said Jennie. ‘How’s it going, Rick?’
‘Okay. Did Petra tell you about Maryann?’
‘She’s bad news,’ said Tal. ‘What did she want?’
‘Rick,’ said Petra with a hoot of laughter. ‘She wanted Rick, but she didn’t get him. In fact, he told her to get lost.’ She gave Rick a big, cheesy grin. ‘My hero.’
‘I’m proud of you, dude,’ said David. ‘But watch out when you play Worldstrider. Don’t turn your back on Princess Avenger. She won’t have love on her mind this time. More likely she’ll be aiming to sink her pink dagger right between your shoulder blades.’
Rick’s stomach felt hollow. ‘I can’t play Worldstrider, remember? I’m a disconnect.’
‘Sorry, I forgot.’
Unexpected rage suddenly filled Rick. His voice shook as he said, ‘Easy for you to forget, David. Easy for all of you. You’re still connected. If it happens to you, see how you like it!’
Petra sat beside Rick at lunch. ‘About Manda,’ she began.
‘Don’t want to talk about her.’
‘Well, excuse me! I was going to offer to contact her for you. She must be wondering what the hell’s happened to you.’
‘I’m on it. You don’t need to worry.’
Frowning, Petra said, ‘What do you mean, you’re on it? Come on, spill the beans. I won’t give up until you do.’
Clearly reluctant, Rick said, ‘If you must know, George says he can get hold of a phantom comm that acts as if it’s a properly connected iZod. There’s no Biobond recognition system on the phantom, but it still sends the correct signal to Farront to indicate a valid user.’
Petra stared at him accusingly. ‘Hello? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I seem to remember you saying there was no way you’d do anything illegal.’
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