‘I’ve changed my mind.’
‘How much is George asking for the phantom? A lot, I bet.’
Rick glared at her mutinously. ‘It’s none of your business. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. And don’t you mention it to anyone else.’
Petra put up her hands. ‘Okay, have it your own way, but you’re asking for big trouble.’
‘I can handle it.’
‘Sure you can,’ said Petra, not sure at all.
Audrey Farront had made her own control video early that morning, and it was appearing everywhere – television channels, social networking sites on the web, the whole range of news services and entertainment podcasts, and even on closed-circuit advertising screens in supermarkets and stores.
Rick’s grandmother had recorded the program, and announced as she was serving dessert that everyone could view it after lunch.
‘But why?’ said Rick, looking at the blank expressions around the table. ‘What’s the point?’
‘These are your friends, dear. They’re interested in anything that might affect you, and Audrey Farront will be talking about what her company’s doing to help disconnects.’
When Rick protested that no one would want to watch anything so boring, Thelma said severely, ‘None of us have seen it, so we have no idea whether it’s boring or not.’
‘It is boring,’ announced David. ‘I only watched a few moments on my iZod, but I felt my eyes glaze over.’
‘A few minutes is hardly long enough to make a fair judgement,’ Thelma pointed out.
Looking at the determined set of his grandmother’s mouth, Rick groaned. ‘Give in, guys. Resistance is futile.’
After the table had been cleared, everyone obediently trooped into the living room.
‘This is embarrassing,’ Rick whispered to Thelma as he sat down beside her. ‘You’re making out there’s something wrong with me, just because I’m a disconnect.’
‘Every day you’re getting more depressed. Don’t say you’re not. I can see it with my own eyes.’
He felt his face grow hot as he realised she’d spoken loudly enough for his friends to hear. He looked around, catching Jennie’s eye. She gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘Hang in there, Rick.’
The program began with an image of the Farront logo, an eagle in flight clutching lightning bolts in its talons, and the words: AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FARRONT INTERNATIONAL.
Then Audrey Farront appeared, calm and assured, in close-up. She wore a severely tailored navy blue dress. Her snow-white hair and caring expression made her seem reassuringly grandmotherly. Her voice was pleasantly modulated, her manner serious.
After introducing herself, she continued. ‘I know I speak for every person at Farront International when I say how dedicated we are to providing the highest standard of communication services to the millions of people of all ages and walks of life who have chosen our company for their communication needs. We are constantly working to enhance our clients’ communication experiences and to bring new and innovative products to the marketplace.’
‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ jeered David. ‘Same old story. I told you it was boring.’
On the screen Audrey had become more animated. ‘Now, exciting news. I’m proud to announce that Farront International will soon be releasing a radical new communicator, the iZod Excelsior, with matchless clarity, an expandable screen and three-dimensional projection. The iZod Excelsior also has an astonishing capability not offered by any other company. I refer to artificial intelligence, or AI, which can be customised to become your perfect companion. Your Excelsior will not only speak to you as one person to another, it will be your close personal friend, someone who is always there, who always cares about you as an individual.’
As Audrey went on to say that specifications and pre-ordering details were posted on the Farront website, Petra exclaimed, ‘Cool! Can’t wait to get one.’
‘Tal, did you know about this new iZod?’ David asked.
‘I knew Farront was coming up with something big, but Mum wouldn’t give me any details.’
Up on the screen, Audrey had become very serious. ‘Sadly,’ she said, ‘I now must turn to a darker issue. All of us at Farront International were profoundly shocked, as you were, to learn of Barry Lyons and Ruth Byrne’s impulsive attempt to take their own lives. Our hearts go out to family members and friends.’ She cheered up slightly to add, ‘We are immensely heartened by the most recent medical updates reporting that Ruth is out of danger and Barry is steadily improving.’
Two photographs appeared on the screen, one of Barry Lyons in tennis gear, proudly holding a trophy, the other showing Ruth Byrne with a tongue-lolling black Labrador.
‘Did I tell you?’ said Allyx. ‘I’ve only just realised that I know Ruth. I met her a couple of times when our band played with the Hawthorne school band.’
‘Omigod! What was she like?’ Petra asked.
‘Quiet. I don’t remember anything particularly interesting about her.’
‘Well, Ruth’s interesting now,’ said Tal, ‘but what a way to do it.’
On the screen, Audrey had moved on to their disconnect status. ‘… this caused the two young people considerable distress. Farront International did provide iZod communication services to both Barry and Ruth, however our technical staff now believe the sudden disconnection was nothing to do with Farront, but entirely due to problems with the Commdat database, possibly in conjunction with malfunctions in the Biobond company’s biometric recognition system.’
David had his comm out. ‘The latest newsflash says Commdat is blaming Farront for the disconnections.’
‘No one wants to accept responsibility for anything anymore,’ tut-tutted Thelma. ‘It was a different and, frankly, a better world when I was growing up.’
There were suppressed grins all around, as they’d heard Thelma say this many times before.
David started to respond, but Thelma shushed him. ‘This is the bit I want to hear.’
‘… the exciting initiative mentioned yesterday by Dr Carter Renfrew – the Farront Clinics. The first of this chain of prestigious clinics, entirely funded by Farront International, will be under the supervision of noted psychiatrist, Dr Howard Unwin, and eminent psychologist Dr Carter Renfrew.’
Two images filled the screen. One was of Renfrew wearing a crisp white coat and solemn expression, the other a man with a shock of dark hair, fans of laughter lines at the corners of his eyes, and a deep cleft in his chin.
Audrey reappeared to say, ‘The Farront Clinics will provide services specifically tailored to meet the needs of those suffering from communication withdrawal stress syndrome, also known as CWSS, as well as more serious emotional disturbances that may lead to suicidal thoughts. As part of our ongoing service to the community, these clinics will provide treatment free of charge to individuals assessed as being in genuine need of urgent intervention.’
She paused, then said, ‘One final thought: Farront International is the world leader in the development and application of communication technology, such as the extraordinary iZod Excelsior. With such a position comes great responsibilities – responsibilities Farront has never, and will never shirk. In a society where it seems increasingly clear that profit alone is the driving force behind most companies, Farront International is proud, indeed honoured, to be widely acknowledged as a global corporate good citizen.
‘A sincere thank you for your time and attention. Please do not hesitate to contact Farront International if you require further information.’
As the screen scrolled contact details, Rick whispered to his grandmother, ‘I’m not going to that clinic, if that’s what you’re thinking.’
To his embarrassment, she didn’t lower her voice. ‘Rick, dear, the clinic is obviously of the highest standard. And free.’
Rick was relieved to see his friends were getting up and chatting to each other, but he still kept his voice at a near whisper. ‘It’s only free for serious
cases, and that’s not me.’
‘Don’t mumble, dear. Now, I know Dr Stein was helpful to you in the past, but he hasn’t specialised in this new syndrome, whatever it’s called.’
‘CWSS. And I haven’t got it.’
She patted his hand. ‘Whatever you say, but I find it a comfort to know there’s somewhere to go if you ever do happen to develop it.’
THIRTEEN
Early on Monday, Tal was on the sports field checking the final stats of his morning run – his shoes beamed information to a monitor on his wrist about distance, time, pace, heartbeat, blood pressure and respiration – when Jennie came jogging up to him.
‘Tal, hi. Have you heard about Rick? Allyx messaged me after she couldn’t get you.’
‘Is something wrong?’ he asked, immediately concerned. ‘I haven’t checked my iZod for a while.’
‘It’s an anonymous cyber attack like Petra’s, only this time it’s all about Rick’s mental state. Someone’s dug up how his family died and that he had to have psychiatric treatment.’
‘Maryann Dodd,’ Tal said with disgust.
‘I guess. It’s pretty vicious and it’s everywhere on the web. Makes out Rick’s crazy and likely to do something violent.’
Tal swore. ‘Rick won’t know a thing about it. We’ve got to get to him before he leaves for school.’
‘Allyx is calling Rick on his grandparents’ landline. She’s going to tell him to stay at home, and then get her dad to drop her off at Rick’s.’
As they headed for the changing rooms, Tal said, ‘I’ll go to Rick’s too. You coming?’
‘Try and keep me away.’
Ten minutes later Tal met Jennie outside the girls’ changing room. ‘I’ve just spoken to Allyx,’ he said. ‘She’s at Rick’s place with Thelma, but he isn’t there.’
‘He’s not? Where is he?’
‘Allyx said that when she called, Thelma answered the phone sounding really distressed. She told Allyx one of her friends had already emailed about the cyber attack. Thelma showed the email to Rick and he totally lost it. He went to his room and she heard him throwing things around, and then he stormed out of the house. Thelma has no idea where he’s gone.’
‘Oh, Tal,’ said Jennie, ‘Rick wouldn’t do anything stupid, would he?’
‘Of course not.’ He made a face. ‘But then, he is depressed …’
‘And this could be the final straw.’ She whipped out her iZod. ‘I’ll tell Petra and David. We’ve got to find him.’
They all met up at Rick’s place. Thelma’s face was drawn, but she had calmed down. ‘I’m terribly worried about Rick. He was in such a state when he left. I’ve talked to my next-door neighbour, Ron, who’s a retired cop. He told me there’s no point in reporting Rick missing to the police because they won’t do anything until he’s been gone for days. Ron says this happens all the time – kids getting upset and running away from home. Ninety per cent of them are back in a matter of hours.’
From their faces Tal could see his friends were thinking the same thing: what if Rick belonged to the ten per cent that didn’t return within hours?
‘We’ll find him,’ he said reassuringly to Thelma.
Had Rick been carrying his comm, it would have been simple to pinpoint his location using global positioning, but because he was a disconnect he’d left his iZod behind.
Keeping in touch with text messages, they split up and checked out anywhere Rick might go. Tal even went to Maryann Dodd’s house in case he’d decided to have it out with her, but no one was home. After a fruitless search, Tal suggested they meet at Braidworth High, on the off-chance that Rick had cooled down and gone to school.
The five of them arrived within a few minutes of each other to discover the main topic at lunchtime was Rick. Because of the cyber attack, the fact that he had been under psychiatric care had spread like wildfire, along with the idea that he was likely to be dangerously unbalanced.
There had been a school shooting in Germany earlier in the year, when a mentally disturbed boy had killed or wounded several teachers and classmates. That the same thing might happen at Braidworth High no longer seemed impossibly far-fetched.
Tal was infuriated by the snatches of conversation he heard, but it was pointless to argue with those people who seemed perversely thrilled with the thought that a fellow student could be deranged.
‘Certifiably crazy, that’s what Rick Lawrence is.’
‘Get out of here! He’s not, is he?’
‘They’re saying he hears voices telling him what to do.’
‘That happens to me all the time. Turns out it’s my parents.’
‘Oh, ha ha!’
‘Hey, how about Rick Lawrence? Mental as. And he’s got a gun.’
‘Who’s saying that?’
‘Like, everyone.’
Tal went from fury to resignation. ‘Guys, there’s no way we can do anything about this ourselves,’ he said to the others. ‘I think we should go to the principal and ask him to do something.’
‘Like what?’ said Allyx. ‘You can’t stop people gossiping.’
‘Red alert!’ said David. ‘Here comes Maryann with Kimba and Tiffany. She’s got to be behind it, and the other two always back her up. I vote we start by ripping into them.’
‘Excellent,’ said Petra, her expression militant. ‘Let’s do it!’
Jennie shook her head. ‘No, let’s not. We’d be doing exactly what she wants us to do.’
Tal agreed. ‘Maryann will play the innocent victim. We’ll be the ones in trouble.’
Maryann, Kimba and Tiffany sauntered up to them. ‘Look, Tiff,’ said Maryann with a smirk, ‘it’s the psycho’s little gang.’
‘You’re so unbelievably mean,’ Jennie said. ‘Rick’s never done anything to you.’
Maryann smiled mockingly. ‘Well, boo hoo.’
‘Is the poor thing locked up yet?’ asked Kimba, her voice full of exaggerated concern.
‘I hope so,’ said Tiffany. ‘He’s off his head.’
Maryann was obviously enjoying herself. ‘And who knows what the nutso’s capable of?’
‘You’ll soon find out,’ said Petra with a grim smile. ‘Here he comes.’
Rick, pale and with fists clenched, came striding towards them, his burning gaze fastened on Maryann. Sensing a dramatic confrontation, students rushed over to see the show.
For a moment, Maryann looked disconcerted, then her sneering smile reappeared.
Tal said urgently to David, ‘Get ready to grab Rick if he tries to do something stupid.’
David started shoving his way through the growing crowd. ‘If we can get to him.’
Jennie was close enough to put a hand on Rick’s arm. ‘Rick, don’t.’
He brushed her aside. ‘What have I ever done to you?’ he demanded of Maryann.
‘Calm down,’ she said, adding with a snigger, ‘Anyone would think that you were off your rocker.’
Kimba clapped her hands. ‘Good one, Maryann!’
Rick growled deep in his throat and took a threatening step towards Maryann. Alarmed, she shuffled backwards, lost her balance and sat down hard, her legs splayed inelegantly.
There was a ripple of laughter. Her face brick red, Maryann struggled to her feet. ‘He pushed me! Everyone, you saw Rick Lawrence push me!’
‘I didn’t touch you.’
‘Loser!’ shrieked Maryann, flailing at Rick’s face. He grabbed her wrists to stop her raking her fingernails across his eyes. She gave a piercing scream. ‘Help! Help! somebody help!’
Alerted by the commotion, several teachers hurried towards the conflict.
Rick shoved Maryann away, then staggered as Tal and David seized him.
‘It’s over, Rick,’ said Tal. ‘Okay?’
‘Dude,’ said David, ‘don’t make it any worse.’
All the fight went out of Rick. He stood, head hanging, as Babbage, panting, pushed his way through the fascinated spectators.
‘Jesus, s
on,’ he said to Rick, almost in admiration. ‘You’ve really done it now.’
FOURTEEN
First thing Tuesday morning, Principal Constanza called a whole-school assembly in the main quad.
Nobody seemed to be listening to the teacher on the dais, who was reading out notices and room changes in a bored monotone.
‘Did you see that Ruth Byrne has got some big-deal agent to represent her?’ Allyx said to David. ‘There’s talk of a movie of her life.’
‘Yeah, and she’s being paid a fortune for the live interview she’s giving tonight. That’s one messed up way to make money.’
Allyx shot David a disbelieving look.
‘Stop talking down there,’ called Ms Ingram from the sidelines.
The teacher reading the notices was still droning on, not seeming to care if anyone was paying attention.
‘I’ve been asking around,’ Mike whispered to Petra, ‘but no luck finding anyone who knows for sure who started the cyber attack on Rick.’
‘Why don’t you believe me? It’s the same person who cyber bullied me. Dodder. And I bet Kimba and all the rest of that crowd helped out.’
‘What if it isn’t Maryann?’
Petra glared at him suspiciously. ‘Have you got something going with Maryann Dodd? You’re always rushing to defend her.’
Mike smothered a laugh. ‘Hell, no!’
‘Admit it, Mike, it has to be Dodder. She’s getting even with Rick for telling her to get lost.’
‘When was that? Sunday? She wouldn’t have had time to dig up all the stuff about his family dying and him seeing a head doctor.’
‘But what if all the web searches about the plane crash and Rick’s breakdown were done ages ago? She’s been keen on him forever, so it’d be natural for her to want to find out everything she could about him.’
‘Watch out,’ hissed Jennie. ‘Cabbage on the warpath.’
‘Silence!’ bellowed Mr Babbage. He glared at Mike and Petra. ‘Another word and I’ll have you both on detention.’
The teacher had finally finished reading the notices and stepped down. Principal Constanza, plump, round-faced and wearing a grey suit a little too small for him, shared a few words with an olive-skinned man, before climbing self-importantly onto the dais in front of the assembly.
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