“Keep it a secret until we know for sure that Jam-man is your brother. I don’t even know how much my sister has shared with him. It could be a lot. The two of them were always chatting with each other. Here, use Junebug's computer. It's encrypted. I don’t want to risk anyone finding out that Bugs is missing.”
He nodded and followed her over to the computer. She powered everything on and signed in. Information from around the world poured onto the screens. He was shocked to see some of the conversations—especially ones he knew to be top secret.
“Ignore all of this. Most of it is just talk. Junebug says monitoring the source helps her stay a step ahead, but she’s also hoping our president will finally confess to there being aliens here.” She smiled.
The bottom left screen had an anime series playing. He didn’t know how Junebug’s head didn’t explode with all the information pouring in. He focused on the large window in the middle that was pinging with a new message.
Hey, beautiful. You're up early. Is everything okay?
This isn’t Bugs,he typed.Is this Jam-man?
The cursor flashed with no response. Junayd debated whether he should post his name or not. He was ninety-nine percent sure it was Jameel, but he always believed in being on the side of caution. A message appeared.
Who is this and where is Bugs?
You helped me find my mystery lady,he replied.
Another pause. Then a new message.
Finish this sentence: ‘You know that you are supposed to be'…
A frown creased his brow before he chuckled and answered.
... the sane one out of the four of us.
Jameel replied instantly.
What the hell are you doing on this system? Where's Bugs?
We think she is coming to see you.
Silence greeted him again for several seconds before two pings announced quickly typed messages.
She knows who I am?
How are you on her account?
Her sister is my mystery lady. She is worried that Bugs will be in danger because she... is not used to being out in the world alone. Have you heard from her?
No, but I’ll find her. I promise.
Let me know when you do.
I will.
Midnight was standing next to him with her eyes closed.
"So... sheischasing a prince, not a creeper in a basement lair." She paused. "He'snota creeper in a basement lair, right?"
"No, definitely not."
"Good. That's good."
She did not look as reassured as her words indicated. He reached out to comfort her, but she shook her head and turned away from him, walking back to the kitchen area with her arms wrapped protectively around her waist. He followed her and wrapped his arms around her too.
"It will be alright. Nothing is going to happen to her, and she won't be alone. Jameel will find her. I know she took a ride-share, and I know the time and location of the pick-up. That, along with a physical description of her, is a good lead that I can send Jameel. He'll look out for her."
"There are a few IDs she could have used, but I... I don't want to send them to Jameel... just in case.” She rubbed her brow.