“He taught you how to hack into people’s computers?” I want to tell her how cool that is, but I don’t since I get the feeling this story isn’t going in a good direction.
She nods. “Phoenix taught me everything.”
“His name was Phoenix?
“Yes, I always loved his name too. His username was Firebird.” She giggles, and a spark I’ve never seen before flashes over her eyes but vanishes faster than it appeared.
“He seemed like such a normal guy. Everything started innocently, like a game, but then the game turned serious. I got really good at it, and the worst part was I enjoyed it.” I can hear the shame in her voice and become even more engrossed as she continues her story. “Being college students, we had little money, so I started hacking. At first, it was for small amounts and nothing heinous, just here and there, but like anything, it spiraled out of control. Before I realized what I was doing, he had me hacking into the CIA database.”
“Wow, that’s… well, that’s crazy.”
“I know, and I almost went to prison for it, but I was able to cut a deal with Julian Moretti. He came to me and basically said if I do my hacking for him exclusively, he would help keep me out of prison. Of course, I did it. Prison wouldn’t have looked good on me.” She laughs. “He set me up with this job, and whenever he needs something hacked, I’m his girl.”
“I had no idea. In fact, I doubt anyone would have ever suspected you to be a hacker.”
“It’s the quiet ones you gotta watch out for.” She winks, and we both break out into laughter. Just talking to another human has made me feel so much better, and by the time we’re finished eating, I feel completely content.
“So, what happened to Phoenix and you?”
“Well… as it turns out, he was more than the sweet computer geek I thought he was. The deal with Moretti included making sure Phoenix ended up in prison, but he escaped when they were transferring him, which is one of the reasons I’m here.”
“Oh.”
“Yes,ohis right. Phoenix is looking for me, but I doubt he’ll find me here.” Brittney shrugs. “It’s not a bad deal, though. This place is still way better than prison, and I’ve made a pretty awesome friend here.”
“I’ve made a pretty awesome friend too.” I smile. This place would almost be bearable if it wasn’t for Quinton.
“Now, what’s your story?” she asks, her question catching me off guard. Am I ready to tell her about my father? I’m sure she already knows, so what am I really hiding?
“I don’t really have one. My father was an arms dealer; he’s in prison now, which I’m sure you’ve heard.” I try not to sound as disgusted as I feel while speaking about the revolving door of hate sent my way every day because of him. I wasn’t the one who turned my back on the Rossi family. I didn’t stab the knife into their backs, yet I’m paying the same consequence as my father…maybe worse.
“There are rumors spoken between staff, but I’m not a believer of that nonsense. I judge a person based upon what I know about them and how they treat me. I don’t care what someone else thinks about you. As long as you’re good to me, then I’m okay with you.”
That explains why she didn’t turn her back on me that night in the hall. She had heard the rumors and knew what people said, yet she formed her own opinion of me by spending time with me. It was something I wished more of the staff here would do. I wasn’t a bad person, and I wasn’tthe rateither.
“Thank you for not judging me and assuming I was a shitty person right off the bat. Every day since I arrived here has been hell, and the only reprieve I have is this place.”
“You’re welcome in the library whenever. I’m always here, doing something. I hardly sleep at night anymore.”
Night… oh, god. I look out the window and realize it’s now dark. How did the time pass by so fast?
“Shit, I need to get back to my room. I have to shower, do some studying, and then get to bed.” I scramble from my chair but pause before taking another step. “Thank you for dinner and for hanging out with me and sharing a little about yourself.”
“Please, it’s not a big deal. I enjoy spending time with you. It’s nice to have students use the library, even if there aren’t as many as I’d prefer.”
I smile and say, “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Already looking forward to it.”
I give her a tiny wave before I turn and start walking toward the exit leading back into the underground part of the school.
The large hallway is empty, which I’m normally thankful for, but today there is something in the air that doesn’t sit well with me. A shiver skates down my spine, almost as if the universe is trying to warn me about something.
I should have fucking listened.
I take the elevator down to the lower level, my irrational fear never leaving me. The door slides open with a ping, and I half expect someone to jump into the small space. When nothing happens, I step out and look both ways down the hall.
Empty.Heading toward my room, I run my palms over the front of my shirt nervously. My heart races, but I don’t know why. Maybe I should go back to the library? No, that’s ridiculous. I’m fine. Instead of letting my fear win, I push on like the foolish girl I am. Shaking the sixth sense away, I ignore all the signs… until it’s too late.