Snippet #2305599

Kaelyn sat with the takeout container in her lap. She had moved from the desk chair to the bed to sit next to Ryan. The room was still dimly lit. She was using a fork to pull her noodles out of the container, though he was deftly using chopsticks on his.

“You know it is easier with a fork right?” Kae took another bite.

Ryan didn’t blink, didn’t shift his eyes, “You know it isn’t that hard to use chopsticks, right?”

She rolled her eyes, “Thanks for going down to get it, by the way.” She slurped in a stray noodle.

He smirked, “As if it were different than any other time?”

“Hey, everytime I go answer the door you are right behind me anyway. What is the point of both of us going? You want to see who is out there so bad then you might as well be the one to answer it. That doesn’t mean I can’t thank you for it.” Kae huffed and took another bite.

Ryan shrugged. He could still remember every detail about the delivery boy. He was no more than eighteen. Black hair that hadn't been washed that day. Clean fingernails, like he cared about hygiene when delivering. He seemed indifferent to who answered the door until he looked in Ryan's eyes. At that point the boy became nervous. Something Ryan was used to. Not many people enjoyed his intense stare. The boy wasn't armed, which was odd for delivery, but then he also didn't carry much cash and even prompted Ryan to pay with a chip rather than cash. Ryan had agreed, only to keep the boy safe. If he had no cash he wouldn't be a target.

Ryan didn't think the boy was anything more than what he appeared but he still felt more comfortable having made that determination himself. Kae was a little too trusting sometimes as she didn't always have her entire focus on the real world around her.

Ryan, "If I am supposed to keep you safe then I need to be aware of threats. One of us should be."

Kae huffed again. “I get it, Patrice wants to make sure no one figures out that I move the money and I know things but come on. I am nothing but a tiny blip in the system no one wants after me.”

She slid to the edge of the bed and tossed the now empty container in the garbage. “If the ISI hasn’t bothered to care what I do and hasn’t come looking for me I doubt some delivery kid is going to be a hired killer from another gang.”

Kae looked at Ryan. “I think you go to the door so that you can have human interaction with someone other than me.” The corners of her mouth lifted just a little.

Ryan raised an eyebrow, "Why would I go looking? I get more than enough socializing by talking to you. And delivery is one of the easiest ways to get access to a target. Hired killer is just one of the possible threats."

He went back to eating, the chopsticks smoothly bringing food to his mouth.

Kaelyn laughed gruffly, “No one is out to threaten me.”

Ryan didn't look up, "And that is why Patrice has me here. To protect you from your own naivete."

Kae shook her head. “You are watching me because he wants to make sure I don’t fuck him over. You know it and I know it Ryan.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “It’s okay. I don’t plan to screw him over and I don’t mind your company.” Blue eyes shifted to look at him. “I should get back at it. I need to double check a couple of things for him.”

She licked her lips and slid off the bed. A slight frown formed as she sat in her chair and turned to face the computer screens. “You know I really don’t mind your company right?”

Ryan looked up at her without his typical intensity, "It can't be because of my amazing conversation skills. Must be because I'm quiet and don't break your focus." He grinned slightly then went back to eating. He finished his meal and, without looking, tossed the container into the garbage. He then flipped each chop stick so that they landed perfectly in the recently tossed container.

Kae turned her head at his comment. “Oh yeah, that’s it entirely.” She watched the container land in the garbage followed by the small thunk of the perfectly placed chopsticks in the open container. “Show off.”

She chuckled and turned back to the screen. Her fingers began to move over the keyboard. Her eyes scanned her screens. Information flew past and she scanned it all. Numbers, names went past as she checked on Patrice’s numerous accounts. None were in his name of course. She had set up everything so that unless you took the time to really dig and follow the trail nothing could be linked to Patrice.

Kae opened a separate window and loaded the chat.


Theo1-Hey darlin’ Where'd you disappear to?

Glitch-I do have to eat you know and I didn’t realize I had to report all my activities to you. You my mom?

Theo1-Now, now come on...didn’t mean anything by it was just wondering where you up and vanished to.

Glitch-Food, work stuff. Same old, same old. What are you up to?

Theo1-Just looking over that bit of fun you had earlier. School records? What does that do?

Glitch-Nothing, just puts them out there and people act all dumb. Do you not see the way people are going apeshit over ten years worth of old grades that mean nothing now?

Theo1-So what? People whine about all kinds of shit. This isn’t going to get you known out there darlin’.

Glitch-Who said I wanted to be known? I never said that. In fact I rather like my cozy, dark hidey hole. I don’t need the attention. No one gives a shit what I do on my own time and that is the way I like it.


In her chair Kaelyn huffed and made a face at her screen. “Dummy, missing the point.” She murmured.

Ryan had lain back on the bed and closed his eyes. He often did that and just listened to her type. He'd learned to guess what kind of work she was doing by her typing cadence. He chuckled and opened his eyes to look at who she was chatting with, then frowned.

"I don't know why you let that guy break your flow."

Kae looked over at Ryan. “He talks to me more than everyone else does. Sometimes he isn’t annoying and has good ideas. Other times he is off base. I think he wants to make a name for himself but that just brings trouble. I have enough trouble with you.”

She smirked at little at him.

"Well, some people know better than to interrupt you with idle chatter when you're busy. I just mentioned my conversation skills. I'm here to keep you out of trouble. Not cause any. Making a name for yourself isn't what Patrice wants. And I happen to agree."

“I just told him I don’t want to make a name for myself. It is just funny. I posted ten years worth of school records. You should see the reactions. It is hilarious and I rather enjoy making people look like idiots when it is funny.” Kaelyn shrugged. ‘Okay pretty much all the time but you know when I get to laugh about it it is so much better.” She turned and faced Ryan. “I am not trying to make trouble or get attention. Not my M.O. And if I do we both know Patrice will have you put a bullet in my brain.”


Theo1-Where are you darlin’? You mad at me now?


Kae glanced at the screen.

Ryan flinched, slightly, almost imperceptibly, before he regained control. The intensity returned, "Right. Easier to stay out of trouble when you stay away from trouble." He stood up and walked to the window. The small apartment that Kae had did not allow for him to go far, so he opened the window and stuck his upper body outside.

Kaelyn frowned and looked at him. “What the hell are you doing?”

The screen flashed with another message but she ignored it.

"This place needs a balcony. I should ask Patrice for a raise. I'm getting air."

She was torn. On one hand there was the screen and the world online calling to her. On the other was the only other human being she could actually stand and spent every waking and sleeping moment with. “Air?” The concept seemed foreign to her. “Out there? Really?”

Ryan sighed and came back inside and closed the window, "See, a balcony wouldn't seem odd and I wouldn't distract you. You have work? Or your funny, semi annoying friend? I just need something to do. I wouldn't want to get complacent. Patrice wouldn't be happy if I wasn't always sharp and ready. Never know what trouble might come."

He frowned again and found a chair in the corner by the small table. He started laying out his various weapons to inspect and clean them. Even though he kept them impeccable.

Kae turned back to the screen unsure what to do or say to Ryan. She cast one more confused look at him before going back to typing.


Glitch-I’m here. Don’t go getting your shorts in a knot. I am not mad and it isn’t my fault you can’t appreciate a good laugh. The school thing, it is funny.

Theo1-Right funny.

Glitch-You got a better suggestion?

Theo1-Hell yes darlin’. You ever hear of Ligmata Games and Technologies?

Glitch-Who hasn’t? Big game designer and some of the developers of the best tech to run that stuff ever. Why?

Theo1-I have it on very good authority that they are announcing some brand new software early next week. And wouldn’t it be fun to scoop them and let that little announcement out early?

Glitch-....



Kae sat back in her chair and stared at the screen. She worried her lower lip.



Theo1-What’s the matter darlin’ that not fun enough for you?

Glitch-No it’s fun but a bit more public than I do.

Theo1-Ah, I see. A little more challenge than high school security and it's too much for you. I understand. I'll see if I can rustle up some serious hacker then, yeah?

Glitch-Fuck off. You think I am some fucking script kiddie? No, I just tend to stay away from things that will be so big that ISI will come breathing down my neck. I got a job to keep in mind and there is a bullet with my name on it if I am not careful.

Theo1-Okay, so you sold out to the man and don't want to rock the boat. I get it. Too bad. Someone with your alleged skills could be in and out of this thing without anyone knowing. If you don't want the credit all you'd need is someone willing to take it for you. I think I might know someone who fits that bill.



Kaelyn pushed away from the computer in a huff and walked away. She went into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Ryan glanced up, concerned. He started reassembling his gun.

A few minutes later she came back out. “Sold out? I will show him sold out...fucking hack no talent....” She grumbled as she sat back down.

Ryan pushed the magazine back into his gun with audible force, "Kae, no trouble."

She looked over at him. She was clearly angry. “But he....I....” Kaelyn practically growled out the words.

Ryan sighed and shook his head. He knew it wouldn't be worth trying to reason with her currently. He just hoped she'd come to her senses before doing anything too stupid.

Kaelyn frowned at him but turned quickly to the computer screen.


Glitch-Why not just hack the thing yourself if you want all the glory? Why are you passing the work on or are you not capable of something like this? Hmm?

Theo1-Darlin' when you have access to the best, why not ask?

Glitch-So first you insult me and now you are trying to charm your way around this? Fuck off. And you know I hate it when you call me darlin’

Theo1-Got your attention didn't I? I know I'm not going to flatter you into anything. I'll do it just fine by myself. You'll miss out on the fun and laughs. Or, you and I work together and it gets done faster and cleaner. Maybe I just like the idea of talking to you more?

Glitch-You’re an asshole. You know that right? Let’s find a back door to them.

Theo1-That's my girl. And, guilty as charged. I think I know just the place.



Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she and Theo1 began working on a backdoor into the site. Kae took every precaution, covered her tracks every step and was confident that nothing could be tracked back to her.

It took time but the two finally managed to breach the security. They slipped in and got the files and information they wanted. Kaelyn copied hers to her encrypted drive. They left, no one the wiser to the hack.

Glitch-Alright, you got the info. Go for it but remember nothing can get tied to me unless I want it to. You even hint I was involved and I will....

Theo1-Darlin’ simmer down. Come on, what kind of guy do you think I am? I’d just sell you out? Don’t worry. Nothing will come at you from me.

Glitch-Better not. Have fun. I look forward to the fireworks.

Theo1-Catch you later darlin’


Kaelyn stretched. She was smiling. She shifted and focused on her other screen. She accessed her encrypted drive and began to sort through all the data she had taken. Her eyes flew across the screen. Line after line of information. Kaelyn hit a button.

“What the hell?” She leaned forward. “Oh fuck no.....shit.....”

Kaelyn turned. “Ryan?” Her voice sounded unusually strained. “I didn’t know...maybe I can stop it...”

Her eyes went to the other screen where it was already blowing up with Theo1’s leaked information. Yes there was information about the software release and that Ligmata was hacked but at the end of the posting was a single line.

We got it too. You want it back before we release that to the world you better get in contact. You have 24 hours.

Kaelyn paled. “Oh no.” It was too late.

Ryan closed his eyes, "What proof does he have that you joined him?"

Kaelyn shook her head. “I covered my own tracks but I have a copy of that file too. If he logged the convo, his system logs...a few ways.”

"What is it? And how long did he give them?"

“He gave them 24 hours and it is some sort of military software. I didn’t look at it fully yet I just noticed it and that it isn’t part of the game data. It was hidden with the files I thought I was hacking to steal.”

She looked up at Ryan. “This is trouble isn’t it?”

Ryan opened his eyes and gave her a look that told her all she needed to know.

Kaelyn’s shoulders dropped, “Fuck.”

Ryan stood, "I give him 10 hours max, before he's been found, tortured and his body unceremoniously dumped in a back alley. You have 9 to erase all his data on you. If you can't do it we need to move and you hold that data as leverage. You might be able to negotiate... Who am I kidding. This needs to blow over. They need to know you don't know what you found. Make it look like you never accessed your copy and leave the drive. If they find it they might be convinced you didn't know what it was. We'll lie low and never, ever mention it and they will forget in a year or so."

Kaelyn flinched when he stood. Her eyes were on his hands. She was listening but watching him closely. “If they torture him he is going to say I did it all. I will do what I can to clean it up.” There was wariness in her voice.

Ryan noticed her split attention. He tried to soften his words, but her reminding him that he would be expected to clean up her mistakes had rattled him like nothing ever before. He turned his back on her and crossed his arms.

"Clean this up and his squealing will mean nothing. They will just assume he was trying to buy leniency. If Patrice gets wind of you being involved...." He trailed off.

“I’ll clean it up Ryan. I promise.” Kaelyn’s voice broke slightly.