Mervin’s mouth hangs open. “Jesus Christ,” he says. “What the hell are you doing here? How did you find us?”
“It wasn’t easy,” Jamie says. “But I figured it was worth it.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Mervin growls.
“I came here today to offer Hank a training opportunity, with a guaranteed job at the end of it, if he wishes it of course.”
Hank snorts. “No, thanks. I already got a job.”
Stewart nods. “I know. But waiting tables at The Lamppost Diner doesn’t seem a very fitting occupation for someone with your particular skills.”
Mervin stands in stony silence for a second. “That’s it. I’m calling the cops.” He starts to turn away.
“Mervin, don’t do that,” Stewart says calmly. “I’m offering Hank a place in a government-sponsored program. He’ll have the finest training money can buy. And afterwards, he’ll be offered a job with a starting salary of—well, let’s just say that in a few years he’ll be driving a car like mine.”
“Shut the door, Hank,” Mervin says. “I’ll call the cops.” He takes his cell phone from the pocket in his jeans and slides his finger across the screen. “Damned thing’s dead,” he mutters. “I’ll use the landline.” He turns and walks away, calling back over his shoulder, “Shut the door, Hank.”
Hank looks down and starts to close the door, but Stewart steps forward and presses his hand firmly against the door, preventing it from closing. “Don’t throw your life away, Hank. This is a fantastic opportunity.”
Hank looks the man in the eye. “Maybe you are who you say, but I want you to leave us alone. My dad needs to take it easy. I don’t want him getting upset.”
Stewart lets go of the door and steps back. “Of course. I’ve no wish to cause any upset, and I can see it’s a lot to take in. But let me leave you my card, OK?” He rummages in his jacket pocket and brings out a gleaming silver card case. He flips the case open and holds out a white business card. “There’s a website on there. Check it out. Take your time.”
Hank hesitates.
“It’s just a card,” Stewart says. “What harm can it do? And by the way, if you were to take up this opportunity, you’d be paid a generous training allowance. Very generous. Enough perhaps for your father to see a good doctor.”
Hank narrows his eyes. “What would you know about that?”
“Nothing really. But you said he needs peace, and I thought he looks a little under the weather. I put two and two together, that’s all.”
Hank grimaces. “Just go.”
“Certainly. Take the card, and I’ll leave. Have a look at the website. If you don’t like what you see, throw the card away. Forget you ever saw me. I won’t bother you again.”
Hank glances back over his shoulder. His dad’s voice echoes down the hall. “Would you believe it? Damned landline’s out too.”
“Please,” Stewart says, “take the card, and I’ll get out of your hair.”
Hank shakes his head, but he reaches out and takes the card, stuffing it hurriedly into his pocket. “Goodbye,” he says pointedly and closes the door.
He stands in the hallway for a moment, wondering what the hell just happened, until he hears his dad stomping across the kitchen, grumbling, “I’ll deal with this asshole myself.”
“Forget it, Dad,” Hanks calls out. “He’s gone. I got rid of him.”
“Oh.” Mervin appears in the kitchen doorway, looking a little deflated. He frowns, furrowing his brow. “I guess that’s all right then.”
“Sure, Dad. Don’t worry about it.”
Mervin’s expression clears. “You’re right, Son. Best forgotten. Come on—dinner’s ready.”
“Sure, Dad,” Hank says. And suddenly, the TV comes back to life, the music station blaring out into the empty room. “What the hell!” Hank marches into the lounge and turns off the TV.
“Are you coming for dinner, Hank, or what?”
“Just coming, Dad.” Hank heads for the kitchen.
“Oh, there you are,” Mervin says as he carries a steaming pot over to the table. “Hey, guess what? The phones are working again. Must’ve been a power out somewhere.”
“Yeah,” Hank says as he takes his seat at the table. “I guess so.”
Outside, Stewart walks smartly back to his car. It’s a relief to climb into the cocoon of hand-built luxury. His driver watches him in the rearview mirror. “ That’s another one done, Anthony,” Stewart says. “Shall we move on to the next candidate or call it a day?”
Anthony turns his head to speak. “That’s your call, Colonel. Personally, I could use a hot meal and a cold beer, but it’s up to you, Sir.”
Stewart smiles. “Yes, me too. How’s your local knowledge? Know somewhere good in town?”
“Always,” Anthony says. “You can count on it.” He’s kept the engine running, and now he swings the Mercedes out into the road, accelerating smoothly as he drives toward the town.
***
After dinner, while Mervin watches the sports news, Hank slips up to his room. He closes the door behind him then takes Stewart’s card from his pocket and smoothes out the wrinkles. One side is labeled with the name Stewart Headingley-Clarke; the other side is blank except for a string of letters and numbers: 746865646f776e6c6f646574727573742e636f6d0d0a.
“What is this bullshit?” Hank mutters. “There’s no goddamned website here.” He throws the card in the trash can and heads back downstairs. A couple hours watching TV with Dad, then it will be time to hit the sack. Hank’s on the breakfast shift tomorrow, and he has to be up at the crack of dawn.
But as he stomps down the stairs, something nags at the back of his mind. Numbers and letters, he thinks, but no letter beyond F. It can only mean one thing. He reaches the bottom of the stairs and stands still as a statue, his hand on the stair rail. “It’s hexadecimal,” he murmurs. All he has to do is convert it back to a string and then... what? Will it really achieve anything? Will he find out what this Stewart character is really up to? Not likely, but it’s a possibility.
The sound of a crowd cheering a home run filters out from the front room, and Hank knows he has a choice. He can watch TV, then go to bed and get up early to spend the day pouring coffee and wiping the counter. Or he could work on this puzzle, decode the message on the card and find out if the offer of a training program is real. If it’s genuine and it really is a government program, it would be stupid to turn it down, wouldn’t it?
Hank thinks back to the moment he first saw Stewart on the doorstep. Why had it been so unsettling? After all, when he knew the guy as Jamie, he trusted him. It was weird that Stewart tracked him down, but if he really worked for the government it probably wasn’t so hard. Hank pays his taxes, he has a Social Security number and the names Hank and Mervin probably aren’t all that common a combination at the same address. So why had he been so freaked out to find Stewart at the door? Perhaps it was just the shock of meeting someone from the game in person. Yes. Maybe that’s all it was.
“Hey, Hank,” Mervin calls, “you’re missing the game.”
Hank walks toward the front room, but instead of going in, he stands in the doorway. “Sorry, Dad. I got an early start tomorrow. I think I’ll turn in.”
Mervin looks up at him. “Oh. Sure.”
Hank sees the disappointment on his dad’s face and almost changes his mind. “I’ll watch TV with you tomorrow, Dad.”
“Just as well—they’re not playing worth a damn anyhow.” Mervin heaves a sigh. “ Don’t sweat it, Son. We can watch TV anytime. There’s always another game. Goodnight. Sleep well.” And he turns his attention back to the screen.
“Goodnight,” Hank says and heads for the stairs. That’s right, he thinks. There’s always another game. Stewart’s weird card with its mysterious code is just a warm-up: level zero. He’s trying to pull me in, Hank thinks, as he walks slowly up the stairs.
Hank’s bedroom is smaller than the one in their old house, but wit
h only a bed, a desk and chair, and a chest of drawers to take up floor space, it feels bigger. He sits at his desk and looks down at the computer keyboard. He folds his arms across his chest then changes his mind and drums his fingers against the desk. “It’s just another game,” he murmurs. “The question is, do I want to play?”
Keep Reading!
Want to Know What Happened to Jerry?
Find Out in This Free and Exclusive CHEATC0DE Story
Visit the Link Below to get a Free Bonus CHEATC0DE Story that is not available to buy anywhere
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Thank You for Reading CHEATC0DE
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING CHEATC0DE. I’ve loved reading sci-fi for as long as I can remember so this story has been absolute blast to write although it has had its own special challenges. I put a lot of thought into creating the world of the game, but my main priority was to write the book in such a way that the story is about the characters and their journey rather than about the technology behind the game. I hope I’ve given enough detail pique your interest in the game world—the rest, I leave to your imaginations.
Don’t forget - You Can Keep Reading!
Remember that you can keep reading in the CHEATC0DE universe (and find out what happens to Jerry) by grabbing the free and exclusive story C0NTINUE? over on my website at: mikeycampling.com/freebooks
SciFi Fans are Very Clever People
THIS STORY IS INSPIRED by the classic fairy tale, The Silver Tinder Box. Did you spot the references to the Brothers Grimm in this story? There are several and although some are fairly obvious, others are more subtle. Go on have a look.
Also, did you get anywhere with the code on Stewart’s business card? Yes, it can be interpreted and it will actually lead you to a website. I would love to hear from you if you work it out. Email me at [email protected] with the answer. Sorry, but you’ll get no clues from me.
Where do we go from here?
I’d love it if you would stick around. I’ll do my best to make it worthwhile; I try to deliver extra value to my readers whenever I can. The first stop on our journey together is to visit my website:
Visit the Thank You Page
Author’s Note
THIS STORY CAME TO BE WRITTEN because of my involvement with a great group of writers called The Collective SciFi. We work together to support each other, for example sharing ideas and taking it in turns to contribute to the shared universe of The God Machine. To begin with, we set about writing stories inspired by classic fairy tales and folklore. I set out to write a short story inspired by The Silver Tinder Box. You may have come across the version set down by the Brothers Grimm. I decided to transpose the world of magic and witchcraft to the futuristic virtually reality arena known simple as the game. But I hadn’t counted on Hank coming alive to me. Suddenly, he developed into a fully-formed character and I had no choice but to follow at his heels. He’s taken me on a fascinating journey and I hope you enjoyed it alongside him. I can’t wait to write more stories for Hank and I have a whole new world to unleash on you all. I do hope you’ll join me in Hank’s next adventure.
Much Appreciated—Your Review
If you can spare a minute to leave a review for CHEATC0DE it will make my day and help me to keep writing. Thank you.
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Also by Mikey Campling
Trespass: A Tale of Mystery and Suspense Across Time—The Darkeningstone Book I
Three stories, separated by five thousand years, united by one deadly secret: Somewhere, sometime, the stone is waiting.
Trespass combines gritty, edgy modern-day action with a thrilling adventure across time. Discovered over 5,000 years ago, the Darkeningstone affects everyone who finds it.
Jake was too smart to believe the rumours about Scaderstone Pit, but now he’s in more danger than he could ever have imagined.
In 1939, as World War II looms, the lives of two men will be changed forever.
Over 5,000 years ago, a hermit will keep the stone a secret. But someone is watching him—someone with murder in his heart.
When it finds you, what will you see when you look into The Darkeningstone?
Outcast—The Darkeningstone Book II
In Trespass, we saw Jake caught up in a chain of events beyond his control. Now, lost and alone in a nightmare world, he must learn to fight back, learn to survive. He’s determined–whatever it takes, he’s going home.
3,650 BC When Hafoc’s only family, his brother, is taken by the savage tribe known as the Wandrian, he’s determined to rescue him. But Hafoc is too young to face the Wandrian alone. Will his tribe fight alongside him? And can they rescue Brond before it’s too late?
2014 Tom lives a life of quiet, orderly routine. He needs it that way. But when he sees a mysterious stranger, his life begins to unravel. Who is watching him? And why do they seem hell bent on ruining his life? To find the answers, Tom must confront his inner demons. And finally, he must face his past.
2018 Cally is working hard on her studies at university, so when she’s instructed to drop her research, she’s devastated. Will she give in or will she rebel? The decision is taken out of her hands when she finds herself caught up in a conspiracy. Why are the authorities trying to stop her research? And who can she trust?
Breaking Ground—A Darkeningstone Story
A bonus story that adds extra detail to the Darkeningstone world but stands alone so it can be read before or after the full-length novels. Breaking Ground is widely available as a free download.
A Dark Assortment
Sometimes that noise you can hear upstairs is just the old floorboards creaking as they settle down for the night. Sometimes. But there’s no need to worry because, that face you saw at the window was just a reflection. There’s no one else here. You’re alone. But that’s OK because you’re safe in your bed. And all those things you fear deep down in the dark reaches of your soul... well, they only happen in stories, don’t they?
A Dark Assortment is a collection of seventeen stories: a chocolate box of handmade treats. But beware—beneath each richly decorated shell, there’s a seed of delicious darkness.
The God Machine
Areva dreams of the day when he will become a Scribe and contribute to The Collective—the tethered souls, connected to the God-Machine. The Scribes write the Universe into existence, and it’s Areva’s destiny to join them.
But as his time draws near, he hesitates. Perhaps the God-Machine serves a darker purpose.
Coming Soon
The Trust—The Sequel to CHEATC0DE
Hank is back, and this time, he’s playing for keeps. Hank’s next thrilling adventure is due for release in 2016.
Scaderstone Pit–The Darkeningstone Book III
In the year 3550 BC, a woman runs for her life. She must find shelter before nightfall. But why is she so afraid?
In 1919, the new owners of Scaderstone Rock prepare to open a quarry on the site. But what will they discover? Will the secrets of Scaderstone finally be unveiled?
And in the future, what lies in store for Jake? He needs answers. But where can he turn? There is perhaps one person who can help him.
Scheduled for release in 2016.
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About the Author
On Mikey's first day at school he discovered the wondrous world that is The Book Corner, and he has never really left it.
On writing, Mikey says: "I love the savage magic of wordcraft - it's edgy, exciting and much harder work than everyone thinks."
He lives in the UK
on the edge of the wilds of Dartmoor, with his wife, two children, and a Labrador called Lottie. He has more books than are strictly necessary, but not quite enough to have his house reclassified as a library. Apparently.
You can find out more on Mikey's website: mikeycampling.com
You can also get free books, free audio stories and free artwork by joining his mailing list at: mikeycampling.com/freebooks
Now we bring you the anecdote:
Mikey has had lunch with the late Sir Terry Pratchett a couple of times. And you'll be pleased to know that Sir Terry was just as warm and humorous as his books.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank my editor, Jason Whited, for his thorough edit and his helpful comments. You can find more about Jason’s services at: www.jason-whited.com
Also, this book was greatly improved with the help of sci-fi author and fellow scribe at The Collective SciFi, Saffron Bryant. You can check out Saffron’s books at: saffronbryant.com and you can learn more about The Collective SciFi at our site: thecollectivescifi.com
I was also very encouraged by my beta readers, especially Josie, who made a special effort to provide feedback.
As always, thanks go to my family for their support and understanding, and to my online family of friends, especially the members of The Tribe and The Awkward Squad (details on my website).
To all of you, please know that your kind words and encouragement mean more than I can say.
Copyright
© 2016 Mikey Campling All rights reserved.
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