Not willing to waste any time, she hurried to his office. As much as she hated meeting with that man, she had a tiny hope that he’d found her original program. She wanted to squeeze it out of Wake’s little throat.
“Ms. Mendez,” Advisor Williams greeted her, seated behind his large antiqued desk. “Take a seat.”
She lowered herself into the leather chair and placed her bag on her lap. The familiarity of this office officially bothered her.
“I’ve been reviewing your complaint and the incident in your class today.”
“Did you find my program?”
Williams shook his head. “There was no evidence of the accusations you made against your fellow student.”
Ari’s mouth opened, but she had nothing to say. She closed it and lowered her head, struggling to keep her gut-wrenching disappointment tucked away until she was alone and could afford a meltdown.
Advisor Williams ignored her silent pain. “We searched Wake’s system, and nothing was to be found. The accusation will stay on his record in case this happens again. But reviewing your hacked drive, I discovered something else.”
Her eyes flashed up, as her self-pitying turned into fear.
He glanced to the screen on his computer. “You never finished your VR evaluation before coming to our program. How is that?”
“I have, I mean, I’ve a great fear of VRs ever since I was ten.”
“Due to the business with your father, no doubt. No wonder about your brother. With your exceptional scores on all of your written tests, your phobia may have done you a favor. Yet, this unfinished virtual needs to be completed as soon as possible. I’ll schedule it for tomorrow.” He turned to his computer.
“No,” Ari blurted out before she could stop herself. She couldn’t think of a reason why she couldn’t take the test, but there was a problem. She was a warper. Maybe could just not use her power? But the government tests went way beyond normal, and no one was exactly sure how they worked.
Advisor Williams peered over his sharp nose. “Excuse me?”
“Sorry, I just meant that I have to finish my project first. All my work for finals is wiped, and I have to finish, or I will fail. If I’m kicked out, I won’t need the eval anyway.”
He paused a moment. “You can complete the evaluation on Monday.”
She released a shaky breath. “Okay.”
“It is procedure mostly. But looking over the recording of your time in Dr. Coleman’s class, I think it would benefit everyone to make sure you are in the right assignment.”
“The right assignment? You mean they can change my assignment.”
“Not usually, but it is a possibility. We all have to serve our government where needed.” For the first time, Advisor Williams smiled. And the freak smile unnerved Ari more than his usually grim expression. “Please schedule the exam with my assistant. Good day.”
Without another look, Ari was excused. After scheduling the test, she left the building. The sidewalks were already cleared from the previous snowfall, piled up on the lawns with icy perfection. Light snowflakes continued to drift down. She felt like one of those swirling flakes; despite her best intentions she had no clue where she would land.
Ari could almost relate to Marco and his desire to escape from the reality of others wanting to make choices for you. Maybe the control of a virtual world could give something that the real world couldn’t. Choice.
Continuing towards the student center in a bit of a daze, it took her a moment before she realized someone was calling to her. Garrett was wrapped up in a green down jacket and a blue striped beanie.
“Oh, hi.” She turned to face him, huddling down deeper into her own jacket.
“So, you’ll still acknowledge me on campus? How very gracious of you.” He gave a mock bow. His movements were theatrical, but his face remained sober.
“Sorry, I’ve had a lot on my mind.” Ari’s blue scarf escaped the confines of her jacket, one side flying in the wind and heading to freedom. She reached up to tuck it back in and her bag slid down her arm. She dropped the bag on the sidewalk and ripped off the stupid scarf, balling it into a wad. Her frustration from class, the jerk Wake, Advisor Williams, and everything else boiled inside of her. She wanted to scream into the wind but, instead, threw her scarf on the ground.
Garrett hesitantly bent down to pick it up. “Want me to carry that?”
Ari’s breath came out in gasps, forming into clouds of mist in front of her. She needed to pull it together. If she lost it ... well, she couldn’t think like that. She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, embarrassed about her mini-meltdown. She picked up her bag and reached out to take the scarf. “Thanks, but I got it.”
“Things can’t be that bad for an up-and-coming star like yourself.” He gave her a kind smile.
“Thanks.” Her hair continued flying about her face, and she was forced to pull it back into a tight bun.
“You look like you could use a break,” Garrett tucked a strand of hair she’d missed behind her ear. “I’d suggest a trip to the beach or something, but you have a boyfriend for that?”
His hand lingered a bit too long near her face as his eyes darted to someone behind her. Suddenly his expression turned haughty and patronizing, making Ari’s stomach sink. She brushed his arm away roughly and turned around to find Reed.
Reed’s eyes narrowed. “Keep your hands to yourself, Garrett.”
Garrett stepped back. “Just helping.”
“Help somewhere else.”
“Don’t worry, she’s all yours. Have fun,” Garrett scoffed and turned to leave.
Reed shoved his hands in his pockets, his body tight and angry.
Ari stepped towards him. “Nothing happened. He grabbed my scarf for me and was screwing around to make you mad.”
“You didn’t seem to object too much.”
His comment put her on the defensive. “He caught me off guard. It was nothing.”
“I know. Still doesn’t mean I have to like him.”
Ari leaned into him, hoping to lighten the mood. “I’ve seen some of the girls you’ve dated. They weren’t all winners.”
His body softened, and he wrapped an arm around her. “That is why I am no longer with them.”
“Good.”
He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. Even with the cold whipping around her, a little kiss from Reed could warm her heart. She stood on her tiptoes to prolong the kiss for one more moment.
“I hate to stop.” Reed pulled back, rubbing her arms. “But it’s really cold, and you may need all ten fingers to finish the term.”
A rock pummeled to the bottom of her stomach as he reminded her of all the work she needed to make up.
He must have noticed. “What’s wrong?”
It was a long story, one she didn’t really have time to go into. If she was going to survive the next few days, she would need some sustenance. “Let’s grab something to drink and I’ll catch you up.”
CHAPTER 28
The night went by in a blur of homework. Despite constant temptation, Ari coded her program the painstakingly slow method. The next morning her HUB flashed a reminder of the meeting scheduled with Dave after classes. She should cancel. She didn’t have the time to meet with him but talking it over with Reed the previous night had reminded her how important it was. Reed had agreed to come along for moral support.
“What is it?” Tessa asked from across their room.
Ari must have been staring off into space for a while.
“Just thinking about the meeting with Dave.” She didn’t think it hurt to say his name aloud.
Tessa ruffled her purple hair and put on her bracelet and rings. “I’ll meet you at security after classes.”
Ari started to tell Tessa she didn’t have to, but her friend quieted her with a look. “I’ve worked on contracts since I could code. I’ll be there.”
Classes went by slowly, and she worked in the library through lunch. When Ari
arrived at security, she was happy to see Reed and Tessa waiting for her. Tessa wore a bright blue shirt and tall buckled boots. Reed looked good as always in his dark jeans and a gray shirt.
“Hey.” He reached for Ari’s hand. A soothing touch that tethered her in place and helped her fight the chaotic emotions warring inside.
They passed through security and then continued on the path to a restaurant in town. The falling sun peeked out through the heavy clouds, giving a fabulous display in the sky, much better than the slushy mush on the streets that the snow left behind.
Outside the café, Tessa warned Ari, “Don’t forget what you’re worth. Ask for the world.”
“I’m not quite sure what to ask for. Or if they can even help me.” She had so many questions, she wasn’t sure where to start.
“Nothing is too high, remember that,” Tessa replied.
The sleek and modern café contained a variety of beautiful paintings projected on their computerized walls. The pieces looked expensive. Ari suddenly felt self-conscious in her faded jeans and self-designed shoes. Guess I’m ordering water. Reed squeezed her hand as if he sensed her discomfort.
A tall, sleek girl with platinum hair showed them to their seats. Their table was one big screen with menus and more. Not hungry, Ari folded her arms to keep her hands still.
“Relax, Ari. It’s really not that big of a deal. If this company doesn’t work out, there will be others.” Tessa flipped through the menu.
Ari started to disagree, when a man approached. Ari recognized Dave from the gaming store. He had tanned skin, probably Hispanic like she was. She wondered if whoever sent him did that on purpose.
“Hello, Ari.” He reached out to shake her hand and then reached out to Reed. “You must be Reed.”
Hesitantly, Reed returned the hand shake.
“How did you know?” She shouldn’t have been surprised in this digital age, but she still found that he knew her boyfriend’s name disturbing.
“We research our candidates thoroughly. I know a lot, just like I know this must be your roommate—”
“Tessa.” She cut him off. “Her roommate, best friend, and representation.”
“Yes, I’m familiar with your father.”
If Dave really had known Tessa, he wouldn’t have brought up her father. She ran a hand through her purple bangs but didn’t reply.
“Okay then. We better order something.” Dave pulled up the menu on the table. “Please, it’s on me.”
Tessa entered her order.
“No, thanks,” Reed said.
Ari wasn’t interested in food either. She wanted information.
“Oh, please,” Tessa huffed. “I’ll order for the both of you.”
“Thanks,” Dave commented. “If nothing else, we need to keep up appearances.”
Once orders were entered, he turned to Ari. “You’re probably wondering what VisionTech can do for you?”
“For starters.”
A wide smile spread on Dave’s face. “We would love to offer you a job, with immediate on-site training.”
“Terms,” Tessa said before Ari could even respond.
“Okay then.” He pulled out a small screen and uploaded a document. “This is our standard employee contract. Who wants it first?”
Tessa grabbed it. “Ari is not your standard employee so this better not be insulting.”
She dove right into reading over the agreement.
Dave raised an eyebrow to Ari. She nodded. Dave appeared to be a regular guy, more like an uncle or neighbor, not someone who was trying to steal kids to work for his employer. Maybe “steal” was too harsh of a word, for if things were as bad as he’d told Ari, then he might use the word “rescue.”
Ari coughed briefly to clear her throat. “There are some ... umm ... complications also?”
Dave remained silent and waited for her to continue.
“I have a mom and brother that I will need to take care of.”
“Many of our employees financially assist their families. We can assist in sending money without it being traced.”
“So how often can I visit them or have them visit me?” Ari couldn’t even consider never seeing them again.
“Our offices are a twelve-hour flight from here, and the location is not open knowledge to the public. Once you join our company, you cannot leave for vacations or trips. There are families there, but they all work if they are capable. We have the highest level of security available and go to great lengths to protect our employees.”
Ari leaned back into her chair. Marco would never come live with her, and her mother would never leave Marco or her father. Her heart weighed heavily in her chest. It took effort to breathe. Was she exchanging one prison for another?
Despite her shocked reaction, he added, “I also can’t guarantee contact with the outside world.”
“I can’t leave my family, my life.” Ari couldn’t help but feel the presence of Reed next to her. She wasn’t sure she could walk away.
“You won’t have a choice, Ari. Once the government knows what you can do, you will be moved to a secure facility. Foreign governments and dark companies will kidnap warpers if necessary. VisionTech believes that incentives work better than coercion. We like people to choose to work for us, and we pay then handsomely for it.”
Ari reached for Reed’s hand under the table. A large lump was stuck in her throat and she struggled to swallow. With her free hand, she reached for the water on the table. A waitress arrived with an assortment of exquisitely plated food and drinks. Ari didn’t have an appetite. She stood on the top of a mountain, and any step might send her careening down.
Tessa set the electronic contract down and took a drink of the swirling peach and blue beverage in front of her.
“Of course, you won’t want to sign until you read it all thoroughly, but it looks pretty standard.” Tessa turned to Dave. “Ari will need triple the signing bonus to start as she is pretty broke and double the yearly salary. She wants it reviewed yearly as the market fluctuates and her skills increase.”
Before Ari could get a word in, Tessa continued, “Also, she must have contact with the outside world. You reached us without getting caught, so figure something out. Her family, boyfriend, and of course myself, must remain in contact so we know she is safe and happy.”
“Done,” Dave didn’t hesitate.
Tessa smiled and grabbed some sushi to eat. With some type of fish still in her hand, she turned to Ari, “Did I miss something?”
Miss? I’m still trying to figure out what you just said. Overwhelmed, Ari shook her head. Dave’s serious, yet kind face, let her relax a bit.
“One question,” Dave said. “How have you been able to hide what you do this long?”
“I never finished my school VR eval. I was terrified of VRs and couldn’t last longer than a few minutes until the last couple months.”
A look of doubt crossed over his face. “And they never finished your testing?”
“They never needed to,” Reed said.
Ari coughed lightly, interrupting him. “Advisor Williams wants me to take the eval on Monday, before I leave on break.”
Tessa spat chewed rice across the table before sputtering, “When did this happen?”
“Yesterday, after Wake stole my program, which I’m supposed to have completed by the end of this week.” Ari wondered if she would even make it to Christmas break. The project felt small in comparison to the rest of her problems.
“You can’t take that test.” Dave said. “We’ll rush the contract and you can sign it on the plane. I can get transportation here within the hour.”
Still in her chair, Ari pushed back from the table. “What are you talking about? I’m not getting on a plane in an hour going to who-knows-where with a man I just met. I’m sixteen, and you’re asking me to make major life decisions in a couple minutes. I need more than dinner to digest this all.”
“If you were my daughter, we would leave now.” Gone was t
he carefree Dave, instead, a serious, almost anxious Dave sat in his place. “If you’re worried about me or the company, contact Tessa’s father. He’s done work with our company, and they can verify I work for them. This isn’t a joke. This is my job.”
Tessa stuck her hand out. “Let me use your phone—I assume it’s untraceable—and I’ll confirm things with my father.”
Dave handed over the phone, and Tessa stepped away from the table to make the call.
Ari glanced at Reed, knowing he wouldn’t like the next part. “My dad is also in a VR coma. I have to try to get him out before I go.”
Reed’s grip tightened, but to his credit he remained silent.
“Remind me how long he’s been in?” Dave asked as if he already knew the answer.
“Seven years.”
“I’m sorry to tell you this, but he’s gone. I’ve never known anyone past six months to make it out.”
“I have to try.”
“Would your parents want you to risk it? Because it would be a risk. You won’t be able to continue with school once you take the evaluation or refuse it. And if you leave unexcused, they will send officers to come and retrieve you. You didn’t think they had all of those armed guards only to keep the bad guys out, did you?”
Tessa sat back down at the table. “My dad knows the CEO of VisionTech. He says the company is reputable with off shore outreach teams. He’ll look into Dave and message me if he pans out.”
“Thanks,” Ari said, though it didn’t make her decision any easier. Everyone’s gaze rested on Ari, waiting for her decision. Heat rose in her cheeks.
Reed spoke first. “Sounds like you need to go, Ari. You can’t help him, and you can’t risk staying.” The resignation in his eyes hurt her. Reed had wanted her to hide her gift, so she could stay as long as possible, but even he recognized the reality of the situation.
“Okay.” She would sign the contract, but she still had to try to help her dad. Not only for his sake, but for the sake of their family. She couldn’t abandon her family without trying.
“Tomorrow night.” Her words were hard and final. “I’m going home first, but then let me know where I need to meet you.”
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