by D. B. Goodin
Nozomi left Rick, who looked like he was having trouble untangling the leather outfit. She took out a red leather duffel bag and entered the next room of her suite. Nozomi removed her white leathers. She paused when she saw a red leather suit, mask, and pointy high heels hanging in the open closet.
Rick is in for a treat.
She rejoined Rick, who was sitting in the center of the floor, half-naked.
“I’m ready to play,” she said. “Are you a big enough boy to teach me a lesson?”
Rick stared at her in stunned silence.
She took a clump of his hair and pulled it back.
Oh yes, he will pay for his mistreatment of others. People like him never learn.
Nozomi’s cybernetic interface filled her vision; Dr. Ash was trying to contact her.
“I’m in the middle of something, can it wait?” Nozomi said.
“Judging from your tone of voice, I take it you’re not alone?” Dr. Ash said.
“You know me so well.”
“You can have your fun later, meet me in my room as soon as possible.”
Argh, I was so looking forward to making this worm pay.
“Sorry, lover, duty calls. Our playtime will have to wait.”
Rick reached out but could only touch a leathery thigh.
Perhaps I have an extra moment before meeting Dr. Ash.
Nozomi removed her whip and started lashing Rick. His screams and cries for more put a smile on her face.
Twenty minutes later, Dr. Ash opened her door to find Nozomi. She was wearing her usual white leather outfit.
“What couldn’t wait?” Nozomi said.
“There has been a recent development. Meeka has been spotted.”
“Where?” Nozomi demanded.
That bitch is like a cat with nine lives. I’ll put her down for good this time, Nozomi thought.
“In New York City, Chinatown.”
“How did you find her?”
“I’m locked out of Leviathan, but I still have access to my mainframe in London. I received an alert about a mass killing in Chinatown. I wouldn’t have cared, but the news article described the assailant as an Asian woman in her early twenties wielding a samurai sword,” Dr. Ash explained.
“Who was her target?”
“Members of the Gratzano and Chen crime families.”
“Any idea why they were meeting?”
“Not yet, but I suspect our host is not telling us everything. Keep an eye out as the conference resumes.”
“I will, Mother. I always have your back.”
“There’s one other development. Without direct access to my lab, there is little I can do to reverse engineer the data cores. Give this to the doctor you met. I don’t trust him, but if he can get us closer to our goal, an information trade might prove useful,” Dr. Ash said as she gave Nozomi a tiny flash drive.
“I’ll set up the exchange.”
Freeman assembled the last piece of code for his planned attack. He had been working on it for hours and didn’t feel comfortable working in new environments.
By now all of my bots should be in place. They will help me spread the nasty zero-day exploit code, Freeman thought.
He connected his computer to the gigantic flat-screen television that took up most of one wall of his hotel room. After considerable fiddling with the televisions controls so his computer would connect to it, he brought up a dashboard and sent the results to the big screen.
“I hate traveling,” Freeman said to his empty hotel room.
At least this hotel is pleasant. It’s old. But it has one hell of a Wi-Fi connection.
A rapping at his hotel room door interrupted his train of thought. He tapped a few keys on his keyboard and a video feed of his hotel door appeared. An older woman dressed in black, and a young red-haired girl appeared. He opened the door.
“Hello, Freeman,” the girl said, “may we enter?”
Freeman locked eyes with her. His heartbeat rose and other parts of his anatomy went rigid at the sight of her. She appeared disinterested.
“Yes . . . come in,” Freeman said.
“Are you ready to deliver?” Dahlia asked.
“Ah . . . yeah, I can monitor the malware’s progress from here. I’ll also monitor various dark web news feeds for chatter about the worm,” Freeman said.
“Worm?” the girl asked.
“A worm is a piece of software that scans infected machines’ connections for other connected machines. If it finds a compatible match, it will infect it. Once it is installed, the process replicates. When enough machines are infected, I can send the instructions to detonate. Once that happens, all infected machines will destroy all data on the machine, rendering it useless.”
“How long will it take to delete everything?”
“It will wipe the machines in seconds. If it disrupts enough computers, the affected businesses cannot function. I have excluded certain medical devices that run the High Tower OS. We don’t want to kill people in hospitals,” Freeman said.
“Exclude nothing, we need to affect as many businesses as possible. We need to keep the worker bees busy while we collect our prize,” Dahlia said.
Do I want to be responsible for the deaths of innocents? He shifted uncomfortably at this thought.
“Is that a problem?” Dahlia asked.
“No . . . not a problem,” Freeman said.
The red-haired girl gave him a faint but noticeable smile. Freeman’s heart soared at the girl’s reaction. An excitement overcame him as a tingling sensation embraced the more sensitive areas of his body.
Maybe I can get close to her later? I would love to touch her—
“Freeman, are you with us?” Dahlia said.
“What?”
“You seemed to fade out for a moment. I need you sharp.”
“Sorry, it’s jet lag, I’m more than ready. I was born for this,” Freeman said.
“Just be sure not to become overconfident. You don’t want to end up like Gregor.”
Freeman nodded, then held out a red flash drive.
Dahlia took the drive. “What’s this?”
“Here is the other code you asked for. All you need to do is plug it into any free computer connected to the target’s network.”
“So, this will hack any network we plug this into?”
“It’s designed for one target. Once the drive is on the network, then the distraction will begin. Then I’ll download everything off of our target’s network.”
“Good. Make your final preparations. We will come back when it’s time,” Dahlia said.
“Will I see you at the celebration later?” the red-haired girl said to Freeman.
You better not screw this up if you want to get close to that girl again, Freeman thought, responding with a smile.
Chapter 18
Nigel and Jet worked in the security office of the medical lab facility Melissa rented for Dr. Brody. Without the doctor or his staff, the facility was quiet. The only other people in the building were Melissa and her guards. Nigel hadn’t finished exploring the lab but had an idea for its size.
“I’m on the right track, but I need more time for analysis—”
“Nigel, come quick!” Jet said.
Nigel hurried to her workstation. “What’s the matter?”
“Look,” Jet said.
He followed her gaze to one of many monitors on the desk. Nigel was looking at something that could only be described as a dancing bear dressed in a tuxedo wearing a top hat. The bear appeared to be bleeding from many wounds. A caption appeared below that read:
Don’t wallow in this bear’s despair, embrace the fun of the circus of the mind.
The bear faded, and another figure appeared. It looked like a man dressed like a magician. He waved a wand and another image appeared. It was an animated teenage boy tied to a chair. It reminded Nigel of Peter’s video.
This is crazy.
The image of the boy squirmed and wrestled. They tied
his arms and legs to unseen posts. A message with enormous letters appeared on the screen.
Do you want to save this boy?
For YES text 212-555-7283
For NO text 212-555-5455
“Where is it coming from?” Melissa asked.
“Something has infected this network,” Jet said.
“That means—”
“Someone is inside the building with us,” Jet completed Nigel’s sentence. Her eyes widened at the realization.
“I’ll have a look,” Nigel said.
“Take Klaus, the tall built guy with blond hair,” Melissa said.
“How many men do you have here?” Jet asked.
“Two. Klaus, and you already know George. He’s the guy that’s been driving us around,” Melissa said.
Nigel grabbed two handheld radios from a nearby table. “In case you need to get in touch.”
Jet gave him a thumbs-up signal. Nigel tested the radios, then headed toward the building’s entrance. Nigel flipped a nearby wall switch. The lights weren’t operational. He could see well enough without them, so he proceeded down the wide corridor.
Is it my nerves, or has someone turned off the lights? Maybe it’s just a fuse? Nigel thought.
George was standing next to the medical lab entrance.
“George, do you know where Klaus is?” Nigel asked.
George responded with a shrug.
Man of few words—that’s okay, I will find him myself.
The lab’s entrance was a large open area; a reception desk was visible opposite the double doors. There were three exits from Nigel’s current position. Since Nigel had just come from the hall next to the reception desk, he checked the hallway to the right of the entrance.
Not very well lit in here.
Nigel used the flashlight feature on his phone as he navigated the hallway. There were a few doors that led from the main hallway—all locked. At the end of the hallway was another closed door; Nigel could turn the doorknob, but it wouldn’t budge. He pushed harder. It was like someone had put something in front of the door. As he continued to push, he opened it enough to slide through. As soon as he did, the door slammed shut. It was pitch-black. Even with the aid of the flashlight, he could only see a few feet in front of him.
How big is this lab? I wish I had explored it earlier.
Nigel checked to see what was blocking the door, and to his horror he found Klaus. He was slumped over, and his white shirt was stained with something brown. He shook Klaus. The man’s head flopped back, revealing dead eyes.
Nigel’s mouth went dry. He grabbed the radio and tried to speak, but no words came. As Nigel tried to form the words, his lips moved, but it was like someone had switched his vocal cords off. Memories of Hunter flooded back. The man’s mischievous grin and knife paralyzed him and often caused a great deal of anxiety for Nigel, especially in stressful situations.
“Nigel, I didn’t get that,” Jet said on the other end of the radio.
He took in several deep breaths. After a few moments, he could speak.
“I found Klaus, and I think he is . . . dead!”
Nigel cringed at his words; he’d said the last a little louder than he intended.
“Dead? How?” Jet replied.
She sounded shocked as the awful truth gripped him. Nigel examined the body. His throat was cut. He turned and grabbed the door handle and yanked it as hard as he could, but it wouldn’t budge. It was locked.
The door must have auto locked! Nigel thought, on the verge of panic.
His hand was shaking so much the door handle rattled.
I must find another way out of here. Is the killer still here?
Nigel hugged the wall, looking for another way out of the room he was in. Although he couldn’t see the open area, it reminded him of an airplane hangar.
What was this place before Melissa converted it into a lab?
The room filled with light, and Nigel let out a yelp of surprise. He was in an enormous warehouse; it was so vast that he could barely see the other side. Various shelves and barrels made it difficult to navigate the area.
Is the killer still here? he thought again, panic rising.
Nigel walked for a very long time; then he saw another door leading from the warehouse. He ran toward it. His heart was racing, and he thought he could hear footsteps behind him. He quickened his pace. He flung the door open so hard it slammed against the wall. A long, featureless hallway appeared before him. It wasn’t as lit as the warehouse, but he could see well enough without the aid of his flashlight. He picked up his pace and, before he reached the end, he noticed a door. When he opened it, he froze when he saw the silhouette of a female.
“Hello, Nigel,” the figure said.
“Who . . . are you?”
“A friend.”
“Whose friend?”
“Is Treeka here? I’m her friend.”
“What did you say your name was?”
“My name is Nozomi.”
At that moment, the hallway illuminated with light. The woman was shorter than Nigel; he estimated she was about five feet tall. Her white hair provided little contrast with her white leather outfit.
Where’s Treeka? I haven’t seen her since last night, Nigel thought before telling her, “She’s not here.”
Nozomi’s eyes lit up.
“Ahh, thank you for confirming,” she replied.
Nozomi closed the distance and, before Nigel could react, her lips locked with his. Her mouth was soft and inviting. She slipped her hands across his body and found his tender spot. He pushed her back.
“Don’t you want me?” Nozomi said.
“What? I don’t know you. What the hell are you doing in here, anyway?”
“Men cannot resist my charms,” Nozomi said as she unzipped her leather outfit.
Nigel froze as she undressed before him.
She’s beautiful, but who is she? And what the hell is she doing? Did she kill that guy? This is all too weird.
“I can tell you want me. I’ll do anything you want, and boys your age seem to want a lot. I will provide that—and more—if you help me.”
“Help with what?” Nigel said.
Why are you playing along? he asked himself. She’s psychotic.
Nozomi embraced Nigel again. He returned her embrace.
She’s different . . . oh, I want her. But I can’t . . . Jet!
Nigel pushed Nozomi back. She gave him a murderous look. Nigel’s heart got stuck in his throat. He didn’t breathe for a very long time. After a moment, Nozomi’s expression changed to the look of desire.
“What’s the matter? Am I ugly? Do you like guys instead?”
“No, it’s none of those. I think you’re beautiful. I . . .”
Just as Nozomi reached for his belt, the radio came to life.
“Nigel? What are you doing with that woman?”
He recognized the voice: it was Jet.
Holy shit, the surveillance system must have reactivated.
Nozomi laughed, grabbed the radio, and squeezed. It broke into pieces and crumbled into a ruined heap at Nigel’s feet. Nigel heard footsteps. He could see George rounding a corner, gun drawn. Nozomi charged him, and the gun went off. Nigel’s face was peppered with fragments as the wall burst into pieces.
Was I shot?
Nigel touched his face, and while he was bleeding, he realized he hadn’t been shot. The wall next to him had been. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A naked Nozomi was fighting George. She disarmed him, and then George landed several punches that would have caved in the head of a normal woman. It seemed like Nozomi was getting hit on purpose. This all made no sense.
“Playtime is over,” Nozomi said as she hit him hard in the throat. George dropped to his knees, grasping his throat.
She disassembled the gun and threw the pieces aside. As George was trying to gasp for air, Nozomi strode to her outfit and grabbed a small knife from her belt.
“No!” Nigel sai
d.
Nozomi gave him a playful smile. “Don’t worry, lover, I’ll be with you soon,” Nozomi said as she plunged the knife into George’s chest while maintaining eye contact with Nigel.
Blood spattered over Nozomi’s naked body. She smiled as George’s blood covered her body. She continued stabbing long after he was dead.
Nigel slipped out the door and ran into the warehouse. He had to get to Jet, and to safety. He ducked behind some barrels.
“Nigel, come out. Don’t you want to play?” Nozomi taunted.
What now? I hope Jet stays away from this psycho. She’s an assassin.
“Come on, Nigel, I just want to talk. I promise.”
Nigel snatched a glance. Nozomi skulked about the warehouse in her white leather outfit.
At least she got dressed. I wasn’t sure how long my willpower was going to last. She’s deadly, but captivating.
“If I come out, will you promise to leave my friends alone?” Nigel said in a weak voice.
“I promise—you have my word, Nigel.”
Nigel stepped from behind the barrels. Nozomi sauntered up to him.
“See, I’m not here to harm any of your friends, I just want to talk to Treeka.”
Resigned, Nigel led Nozomi to their impromptu command center; Jet gasped as they entered.
What a sight we must be, Nigel thought.
The blood on Nozomi had dried. It looked like a ruddy brown smear.
“I will not harm you, I promised Nigel,” she told everyone. “I just want to talk to Treeka.”
“She’s not here,” Melissa said.
“Where is she?”
“Why do you want to know? So you can kill her too?” Jet spat.
“I’m forbidden to kill Treeka, Dr. Ash wants her back.”
“Back where?” Nigel asked.
“To our mother, Dr. Ash,” Nozomi said.
“That’s impossible, Dr. Ash is dead, I saw her body,” Jet said.
“I secured Dr. Ash’s body. She lives once more.”
“What are you talking about?”
Nozomi brought Nigel and Jet up to speed with current events. She described how Dr. Ash’s consciousness had been downloaded into a machine before being reunited with her human body.