Riley didn't waste her time getting back into the action. After a few more days of enjoying the ability to sleep in and not have to go to work, she deemed herself fit enough to return to the hackerspace to take up her mission once again. It felt…freeing…to not have to slog through a day dealing with customers and their loans all day, instead heading to a secret headquarters for a rogue hacker group for work. All she could focus on was what she wanted to do, not what her front of a job deemed her to.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Yxn24kZp 維尼
Wasn't that strange? It certainly was exciting. Feeling like maybe she could surprise the others by not telling them she was coming, Riley took her painkillers—the pain was still fairly strong, since her cracked ribs would take a few weeks to heal properly—and went to take a shower. Doing so with the cast was a hassle, but she wouldn't be able to have it taken off for at least five or six weeks according to the doctor. Oh well. They knew what was best.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKe5CxtRgK 維尼
She felt like wearing her hair down for once, and didn't bothering putting it up in a ponytail like she normally did. Then, with a touch of makeup to make herself feel better—some spots of her face still had lingering bruises from the Bratva attack—Riley smiled to herself in the mirror. For once, despite having no job to do and still with the impending deadline of figuring out how she wanted to stay in San Francisco, she felt happy. Really…actually…happy. No deadlines or looming assignment to worry about. No stuck-up coworkers or policies to follow.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSeVyQutVP 維尼
It was so liberating.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fPP03bYQ9 維尼
Her new colleagues and friends were miles better than those at ProviBlue. Riley actually liked spending time with them, for one. And was genuinely interested in getting to know them better.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv5AiOjDeC 維尼
Grabbing a few more things, she made sure that Pants was fed and well cared for, then left to go to the hackerspace.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hhgDL2mZX 維尼
Marcus stared at the masked hacker incredulously. "…You're serious?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDmCAQHZTW 維尼
"Does it sound like I'm joking?" Wrench replied with equal signs on his mask, displaying his irritation. Did he ever joke about things like this?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYNq3uMJg9 維尼
"No, but you've gotta be kidding me." Marcus shook his head as they approached the door to the hackerspace, showing how disappointed he was. "That was the perfect opportunity."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs1EcjapO2 維尼
Wrench spread his hands wide, trying to defend himself. "It didn't feel like the right time at all!"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4tRtXr5oy 維尼
After inputting the code to the door, they waited for it to open, and Marcus turned to his friend while ticking down his fingers. "The two of you, alone? You saved her life? You showed her your face? What part of that didn't scream 'the right moment' to you?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1cRDisbRn 維尼
"I'm…I don't know…It just didn't, ok?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZuYSk84An 維尼
If this were any other situation, Marcus might have felt bad for putting him on the spot like this. Wrench was obviously inexperienced in everything associated with relationships, but come on. At some point, common sense and just plain romantic tension had to come into play. Any guy could figure that much out. The door opened and they stepped inside.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NKJpadPZj 維尼
"Also…why the hell didn't you tell me this the day of?" The hacker stood off to the side at the top of the stairs. He crossed his arms, tilting his head in mock anger. "Here I thought we were friends that shared everything to each other."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AbPOeByFw 維尼
"We are!" He assured quietly, not wanting to alert the others downstairs to the conversation. This was just between them. "I just…forgot?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsj0QRhMtG 維尼
Marcus seemed unconvinced. "Uh huh. We're gonna have a talk about that later. But honestly, Wrench. I'm trying to help you out here," he spread his hands with a pointed look, "but you have to learn to help yourself."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4UjD4HZNB 維尼
Wrench didn't know what to say to that, instead pacing in a small circle as he thought through his emotions. Marcus waited as he sorted them out, knowing he'd say something when he cleared them. "I know I'm probably an idiot for it but…fuck, Marcus, I really wanted to just kiss her right then. You have no idea…" The anarchist leaned against the wall, his mask turned upward to look at the ceiling. It switched to an expression of dejection, feeling like he'd fucked up no matter what he would have done.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAavfK0rTW 維尼
Marcus felt a bit of pity. Wrench was obvious way in over his head here, but he was glad that his friend was able to openly admit it now. "Then why didn't you?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡrib7aDEMGY 維尼
He sighed, shaking his head. "It felt like I would have been taking advantage of her or something…or-"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3nDGxbaNG 維尼
Both hackers were startled as the door to the hackerspace opened suddenly. Wrench's mask flashed exclamation points and Marcus backed away from the entryway as Riley stepped through, looking up with her own surprise to see them just inside the entrance. "Oh, hi guys."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eW2SuyZ9p 維尼
"Riley, nice to have you back!" Marcus perked up, offering her a quick hug. He was gentle, remembering about her injuries. She smiled and returned it, glad to see her friends again.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzBCUqY2id 維尼
"It's honestly nice to be back. I was getting bored sitting at home all day." She admitted, finally turning to Wrench who stood off to the side. Her smile grew a little wider. "Hey, Wrench."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6lI3VDxLL 維尼
"Hey." He said casually, quickly switching his expression to one of happiness for her benefit. He didn't want her thinking anything was wrong, or that he'd been talking about her. No way. But he also didn't indicate he was up for a hug either. He didn't know what he'd be feeling if he actually did so. Better to keep a bit of distance until he figured this all out for himself.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLpiBJ0WCs 維尼
"Sorry if I'm interrupting anything, I'll just scoot past you." She said, feeling like she wasn't welcome to whatever conversation had been taking place before she arrived. The two of them seemed to try playing it off like she hadn't, but Riley could read social cues well enough to get the situation.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdJYYhoJ2P 維尼
"No worries. Oh, and you should probably talk with Josh." Marcus responded, clasping his hands together with an apprehensive expression.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkYtUA9eSp 維尼
"Why?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6yD45igeL 維尼
"He dug up some data you might want to know about." Was all he said. She flashed them both a confused but grateful smile, walking down the stairs when Marcus moved out of the way for her.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUbb3Pl9u0 維尼
They both watched as she reached the bottom of the stairs, before looking back at each other. Marcus raised his brows and jerked his head where she'd walked off to, but Wrench sighed again, shooting another glance in her direction. Marcus rolled his eyes. Ok, this had to stop. He pointed at Wrench for emphasis, whispering his next words.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡltdqHt74hI 維尼
"I swear to you, if you don't tell her soon, I'll fucking do it for you." Then, he pointed towards the hackerspace with his thumb over his shoulder. "Get your ass down there and do something about Riley. I can't stand seeing you two constantly miss each other like this."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHgu409Utc 維尼
Wrench looked back at him. His mask flicked over to wide circles. "You wouldn't dare."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCiAwkUUpb 維尼
"I would, bitch. Try me." Was Marcus' reply, one eyebrow raised in challenge.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCgqslLetg 維尼
"…" He stared by with a blank expression.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvMJ7EslzM 維尼
Marcus waited for Wrench to realize that he indeed would do something about it if the anarchist didn't. He wanted what was best for both of his friends, and because it was so painfully obvious that they were both what was best for each other, Marcus felt the need to knock both of their heads together to get them to realize it. Maybe even lock them in a small room until they finally confessed. At this rate, he might just have to turn to such drastic measures.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvYKicuR9t 維尼
It didn't take Wrench long before he came to the same conclusion, and with a frustrated shake of his head, he walked past Marcus to descend the stairs to the hackerspace. He let his friend get a head start, knowing he probably wanted some space now. You could only push The Wrench so much before he starting pushing back with less and less restraint. Marcus didn't want to cross that line.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VoOVW5hw7 維尼
After greeting both Ray and Sitara on her way to Josh, she approached the green-hooded hacker and smiled. "Hey Josh." She said, and he glanced back at her in surprise, obviously not expecting to see her.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXiZkvaz5k 維尼
"You're back early." He said with a pleased smile, rising from his chair. He too closed in for a soft hug, and Riley felt a surge of pride. She wasn't quite sure where her and Josh stood relationship-wise. He didn't talk much and seemed to keep a respectful distance to everyone, but this hug was pretty reassuring that they'd at least gotten to be good friends. He was a complicated person, but really when she thought about it, he wasn't all that hard to figure out.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwnsJ1qJFE 維尼
"It seems everyone forgets how impatient I can really be." She said jokingly, returning the hug with as much strength as she could manage without causing her pain, and he let her go. "Marcus said you had some data I'd want to look at."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE25tqT7w6 維尼
"Yeah." His smile fell a little, returning to his seat and tapping away at the keys. Within a minute or so, a text message window popped up, with several messages displayed. "After your attack, I looked into the Bratva to see if I could find who they'd been working with. And, well…" Josh leaned to the side so she could see.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NUq5h90y1 維尼
Riley leaned in to take a closer look, eyes skimming through the messages.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgkYR2Yooh 維尼
I'm told you're the person to go to for a hands-on approach to solving problems.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk0QKEBSbd 維尼
And who told you this?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmLByvFzEg 維尼
A good friend of mine, who just so happens to be very wealthy.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6Xr9hVkjn 維尼
Alright, I'm listening.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ETS4vdBS 維尼
I've got a potential problem sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. She's hired out to a news station, so you can see why I have to keep my hands clean of this. I want this kept under wraps, out of the public eye. No connections whatsoever.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡUReDpcbKdW 維尼
You want me to do a little persuasion, is that it?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlTymP9Mh5 維尼
Not quite yet. But, I'd appreciate getting your cooperation if and when the time comes.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZT3MLVcu2 維尼
I can be quite reasonable when the need arises.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09DpGWOapM 維尼
"Who are these two people?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡHizOiWp6Re 維尼
"The original recipient was Isaak Yanovich, a Bratva member. The other is Dušan Nemec."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DVuKSTVdX 維尼
That got her attention, and certainly wasn't what she'd been expecting. But…well, she supposed it wasn't too surprising now that she thought about it. That man seemed to have his hands dipped into everything here in Silicon Valley. But…what did he want with her investigation? "Nemec? How is he involved?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCtlnRc6RN 維尼
Josh shook his head, pointing to the screen where another screenshot of text messages appeared.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb15YWinKo 維尼
Don't think for one second I don't know about the spies you've sent to tail her.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpHvYghxOt 維尼
What does it matter?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmKYWMJ1xK 維尼
I want this done at a specific time when the circumstances require it. For now, she's useful. Call them off now, or the deal is finished.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtw7sArQ7e 維尼
That's not much of a threat. You've payed us partially in advance anyway.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCXfj4TXmc 維尼
And if I added another $50,000 to the pot to ensure it gets done right?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA3LM3Gogo 維尼
See, this is what I like about you. You know how to negotiate properly.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIH8XHghqM 維尼
And the spies?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5SNcnQnGd 維尼
They'll be called off.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsnzfu9sL8 維尼
See that it stays that way until I give you further instructions.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡml4UgnhH2L 維尼
Then, after that one:8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBq5SGLqXW 維尼
We've reached a point where your service are needed.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mhcziF0ng 維尼
About time. I've been anticipating that payment.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGvoG5a4Uk 維尼
Do it discreetly. If you can find the data, do so, but the more important thing is to send the message for her to stop. Scare her a little.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAbGBcJpG5 維尼
Why not find a more…permanent solution?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡD60eKRLZlc 維尼
There's no need. Just get it done, and don't get any ideas.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jbLkJg8QR 維尼
Riley straightened up, processing all of that. Josh tapped out of the message and next pulled up a few email windows. He turned to look up at her, a pained expression on his face.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrLZFFGviV 維尼
"After finding those, I looked into Dušan's communications and everything I could get my hands on. I wanted to see how he was involved. That's when I found these emails. You won't like what they say."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhLNG5LkHo 維尼
She frowned, trying to gauge what he meant by that. To her disgust and dread, it was addressed to her boss, Bill. Based on the dates of the email, it was sent prior to the text messages to the Bratva.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡilB2J0xaiV 維尼
To whom it may concern,8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B4lah1V9a 維尼
It has come to my attention that one of your agents is currently investigating businesses in San Francisco, one of which I happen to be associated with. I'm sure this news may be alarming to you, but there is no need to panic. I'm not out to expose your agent, or even do her any harm, despite the admittedly awkward and legally troubling position she might be in. There are many other companies that would seek to prosecute her for her actions immediately.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wp5L1l3AV 維尼
However, I'm not interested in that course of action, if it can be helped. I'm positive you and I can discuss this civilly and come to some sort of…agreement. After all, a news station caught up in a scandal is sure to have an audience questioning their authenticity.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSMes4YHfR 維尼
Please do not misunderstand, however. I will make sure this matter is taken care of regardless of your participation. I only want to extend the invitation for you to do so on your own terms that would benefit everyone involved. Consider this my only offer.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡthAhCJPqy7 維尼
Should you wish to have this matter taken care of, contact me anytime at my information attached.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZwTyqWPbF 維尼
Dušan Nemec8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIReBwzb2H 維尼
She stared at the screen, slowly going through the information that was presented to her. Things were beginning to click into place, slowly. Maybe Bill refused the offer, and that was why Dušan had sent the Bratva to attack. Maybe Bill had tried calling off her investigation for her own safety, in an attempt to get her out of San Francisco before anything could happen to her. Assuming he had only done so to look out for her, Riley smiled a little.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF8hjj2jCi 維尼
Ray came up beside them, holding a laptop with the screen facing him. "There's more." He admitted in his gruff tone. Riley watched as he spun the device to face her, and she saw various banking information. Ray explained quickly so she wouldn't have to sit there and interpret it for herself.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUfZFBm5EZ 維尼
"The Tri-Valley Herald received a mysteriously large donation of $500,000 within the past month from an anonymous source. Of course, anonymous doesn't mean much to us, so we did a bit of digging, and-"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Q1LxWWWB 維尼
"It's an off-shore bank account affiliated with Blume." Sitara jumped in, sauntering up to join the conversation. Her arms were crossed, and she tried looking as sympathetic as possible. "When you put two and two together…" She trailed off, leaving the rest up in the air.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1aCnMI0i3 維尼
The hope she'd felt after reading the email instantly shattered, and a sick feeling of disgust replaced it. She couldn't fucking believe it. Swallowing down the list of expletives that would have followed, Riley glared at the screen Ray continued showing her silently.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYpRQV0dvp 維尼
"There was one other email chain I found." Josh interrupted from his desk, and she leaned closer to see. She had a feeling her mood was about to sour further.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6fS2i2HRO 維尼
I trust you've kept your end of the agreement?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8c1BMVNhz 維尼
-D8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyndx3te0l 維尼
Yes, everything should be fine now without raising suspicion. She's definitely upset, but I know her. She'll follow my directions without much complaint. The matter should be taken care of.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA4De78Q9B 維尼
Wonderful. I've followed through with my end, and you should see the results deposited by the end of the day. It's been a pleasure working with you.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VUeowm48s 維尼
-D8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a4vweBBA3 維尼
Then, about a week later as part of the same chain:8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXr2u2U1gz 維尼
I thought I made myself very clear when it came to my instructions, Bill. Riley was to cease her investigation, but here I see her continuing to snoop around in my business practices. I didn't want to have to take things further, but you've forced my hand.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUthShVhbB 維尼
-D8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHIVFE8RMG 維尼
I did exactly as you said. She's impulsive, but I didn't think she'd continue it after I stopped the funding. She's a good person…please, just don't hurt her. She doesn't deserve that.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLugh2uW8Z 維尼
There was no reply after that email. Maybe it should have reassured her that he didn't want anything bad to happen to her, but right now she could care less. Something did happen to her, regardless, and she couldn't help but blame Bill for it.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡy761ZXZ4zl 維尼
Sitara stepped forward, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Riley. I know it probably isn't what you wanted to hear."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMgnSraaZr 維尼
Stewing in her own emotions, she furiously glared at the screen for several more seconds. Curling her lip, Riley turned away to put some distance between herself and all the damning evidence. Sitara's hand fell from her shoulder loosely. She missed the concerned glance that the others shared amongst themselves.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp8zILQRGF 維尼
Her head shook silently while she ran fingers through her hair. She couldn't. Fucking. Believe. It. Bill sold her out. He fucking sold her out instead of just exposing Dušan's email. How stupid was he? How could he even do that to her? Here she thought he was someone who had the public's interest at heart. Someone who believed in the sort of mission Riley was out to accomplish. That was why she'd gone to work for Bill. She'd seen a kindred spirit and someone who would readily provide her with the resources she'd need to achieve her goal.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1fNkSEnoU 維尼
She'd trusted him, loyally sticking to her assignment for a year, and this was the sort of treatment she received? He caves in and forces her to abandon everything for a lump of cash? What sort of fucked up karma system was that? Was that all she was to him? Expendable to the highest bidder?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZv2ADFbnh 維尼
The others left her alone, wandering back to their normal places as they let her work out the swirling emotions on her own. She appreciated it, feeling crowded with them all standing around her. Wrench however, who'd stood back a ways while still keeping an eye on the conversation, watched Riley finally turn and head towards the stairs to the hackerspace. Marcus must have been watching too, because he caught Wrench's eye and jerked his head towards where she'd just run off. 'Do something!' the gesture said, and for once Wrench agreed with him without hesitation.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtFYSIgb7T 維尼
After searching the inside of the game store without success, Wrench found Riley sitting in the alley beside the building. Her back against the wall and knees tucked close to her chest, she sat there brooding and glaring at the opposite wall. She gave him a cursory glance but then returned to trying to burn a hole into the graffiti flower that was painted across from her using just her eyes.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqirLi3MHh 維尼
Wrench said nothing, deciding to sit beside her and wait for her to want to talk. He knew from experience that when he was mad, he wasn't really in the mood to have a lot of people trying to start a conversation with him. It tended to just make the problem worse. At least, in his case it did. Riley didn't seem quite as reactive as him though.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdq2MbbJIm 維尼
So, instead of trying to make her talk, Wrench waited beside her, letting her know he was there without being intrusive.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAA4HfFw0L 維尼
In her hands was cradled her media badge marking her as a journalist. It was well-taken care of. No dents on the edges and clear as day. She cherished that badge. But now all she did was glare at it, turning it every which way in anger. He was half surprised she hadn't chucked it against the wall yet or something.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡutOgmKJxnr 維尼
"Everything is so…fucked!" She finally yelled, predictably throwing the badge against the opposite building's wall. It bounced harmlessly against the brick and fell to the ground with a clatter. She let out a pent up breath and leaned her head back against the wall. "I hate this!"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP5NuOwxtq 維尼
Wrench's mask displayed his sympathy, two dejected slants looking back at her. "It is fucked," he agreed, nodding slowly, "but now you know what's been going on. Better to know than to remain ignorant."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOz5jNiC7g 維尼
"Maybe." She bit out shortly, trying not to lash out at him, but still upset and needing a way to vent it. He seemed to understand that though, and didn't accuse her of being unnecessarily rude. Riley was itching to hit or break something though.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4awXoH2Nw 維尼
"I trusted Bill." She said after some time, staring hard at the badge laying several feet away. Wrench glanced at it, but she kept talking. "I told him everything that happened to my dad, everything that happened to me, and he still…" Her nose crinkled in anger, shaking her head with a dismissive gesture of her hand, "just, fucking…sells me off to the highest bidder."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05hH7IU2XJ 維尼
"Riley-" Wrench tried, but she cut him off.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgrPPnPiEg 維尼
"I mean, I worked my ass off for him for an entire year of my life! A year!" She said, standing to her feet and pacing irritably. Now that she got going, it was difficult to stop. "I could have spent my time doing a million other things that were more worthwhile than working for his cheap ass!"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv4kyGuW22 維尼
Wrench stood too, noticing that her outburst was drawing attention from the passersby on the sidewalk. A few started to pull out their phones, maybe to film her for youtube or something, but Wrench shut that shit down with a discreet few codes in his phone, shutting off the nearby devices so they couldn't be used.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6BGL4JdOB 維尼
He turned back to Riley, who walked over to her badge and kicked it childishly across the pavement. It skittered to a stop further down the alley.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRsf1dZzbV 維尼
"Is that all I am to anyone? An errand girl that you can just toss aside when you're done with me? And fucking ProviBlue…I knew I was gonna get fired but they had the nerve to claim that I wasn't attacked because there wasn't a fucking police report. How fucking pathetic! Fuck Bill! And fuck ProviBlue and everybody else!" She yelled with clenched fists, then winced with a gasp when the excessive movement caused a sharp pain through her ribs.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRLkqYJIgp 維尼
"Easy there, Riley." Wrench said with concern, walking closer to make sure she was going to be ok. She let out a shaky breath, nodding mutely. Then, he walked over and picked up her badge. There were several scratches on the plastic where it had scraped across the pavement. It didn't look so well cared for anymore. He brushed off some of the dirt that dusted it and walked back to her side.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1pWo3fyCo 維尼
She crossed her arms, both in anger and to try lessening the pain through her chest, then decided that sitting down might help a bit. She returned to her place against the wall, brooding some more, but also starting to feel sorry for herself. She was still angry, but the doubts and fears that maybe she isn't much at all began to sink deeper. She hated feeling this way.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdLnmYFsgV 維尼
Wrench sighed and moved to crouch in front of her. She had no choice but to look at him directly. "I know sometimes I say the wrong thing, and you're free to punch me or something if I do, but don't let them get to you like this. You're just giving them what they want."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5icwiMevW 維尼
His mask displayed a glance to the right, and she followed his cue, seeing the small gathering of people standing at the edge of the alley watching them. She looked away, beginning to realize she probably looked ridiculous.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4kkjhGra6 維尼
"I know that might sound fucking hysterical coming from me of all people," Wrench admitted shrugging with a toss of his head, "but I'm serious. Don't let them know they're getting to you. That's when they win."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGE4bZGLQH 維尼
"I'm just so fucking done with all of this. It's infuriating!" She admitted, letting out a heavy sigh. She looked down, feeling suddenly ashamed of her loud outburst. Especially in public. But she was just so pissed and didn't know how to cope with it.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QyGzyaWTy 維尼
Wrench lifted her chin with one hand, displaying his default Xs on his mask. "You can be angry and scream and cry all you want. You gotta let that shit out, or it's not healthy. Fuck, be pissed! You deserve to be. No one's gonna stop you. Just make sure you brush yourself off and do something about it afterwards. You shouldn't take that kind of shit from anyone."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4IdCmUGJa 維尼
He held up the badge between them, drawing her attention to it. He'd be damned if he let all this get to her. She wasn't alone in taking these fuckers on. She had him, and the others, backing her up. "And you're not some replaceable errand girl, Riley. I know damn well that you're worth so much more than that."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7q2ejdllo 維尼
She stared down at the badge for a while, inspecting it mutely. Wrench was patient, watching with satisfaction as she finally, gingerly, took it from his grasp. She looked at the picture, wiping away a smudge she must have seen.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQZsravWIF 維尼
He looked to the side, seeing that most of the people who'd noticed her outburst had moved on, leaving just a few stragglers staring at their phones. Good. He might fight for their personal freedoms, but sometimes the general populace could really piss him off. Like right now.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbMT3kS3cM 維尼
"Remember when you offered to hack Bill after he cut my assignment?" Riley brought up randomly, eyes still fixed on the picture, and he nodded. "Is the offer still on the table?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡChYBbwZhts 維尼
That was better. A happy expression lit up his mask, and he laughed. "You bet. Why would I pass up an opportunity to cause trouble? She looked up at him with a sweet smile. That soul-killing smile. Wrench felt something in his chest.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEp5OVI06c 維尼
"We should get back at him somehow. Will you help me?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9nS95wWxJ 維尼
How could he say no to a request like that? In fact, the longer he thought about it, the more he realized he'd do anything to make sure she kept smiling like that. "Fuck yeah."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JFIIfHxN7 維尼
Wrench stood and held out a hand. She smiled and took it without hesitation, and he hefted her to her feet. Intent on leading them back towards the hackerspace, he kept hold of her hand and she followed behind him without complaint.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOosPGbLJW 維尼
Nobody gave them any strange looks as they entered, despite the fact that Wrench knew every single one of them had probably heard Riley's yelling outside. By this point, they were all used to DedSec's shenanigans and no longer thought anything of it. He cast a curious glance behind him, seeing her smiling softly. He turned ahead again, glad she was in better spirits.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8kHkMSdIB 維尼
They approached the door, and Wrench typed in the code. They waited for the door to open, and Riley took the opportunity to wrap her arms around him in a gentle hug. He was caught by surprise, but it was a pleasant one.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyhCOQVVJJ 維尼
"Thanks, Wrench."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡANuNHR3LYG 維尼
He reciprocated, loosely wrapping his arms around her, relishing this moment. "Anytime."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZPfxfBtxn 維尼
Riley and Wrench returned to the hackerspace to see Ray surrounded by the other members. He looked up when they approached, and nodded in her direction. "So, what's the plan from here, Riley?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0FNnGTxoB 維尼
She stopped, seeing everyone face her, wondering the same thing. She let out a breath, not nearly as upset as she was earlier, but still mad. "I'm not staying with that asshole any longer than I have to. I'll put in my two weeks."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFB4sBCylf 維尼
"And where does that leave you, finance-wise?" He followed up, raising a brow. That was the big question wasn't it?8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10eu7u1gus 維尼
Deciding to be candid about it, she shrugged. "I'll have to start looking for another job as soon as possible."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡBloFRcgYsO 維尼
"You so sure about that?" Sitara asked, a strangely amused smile on her face. Riley tilted her head, confused.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxqDpDDzB4 維尼
"Is…there another option?" She asked, genuinely curious. Riley couldn't see one. "I can't exactly be homeless, and as much as I love this place, I'd rather not have to live on the couch every night."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nzusZlRVy 維尼
Ray nodded, typing away at his keyboard. "As a matter of fact, there is. Of course, only if you want to do it."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPeeAlQ5k6 維尼
"Ok…?" In the short time she'd known him, Riley had come to learn that sometimes Ray liked to be melodramatic when the focus was on him. Maybe it worked so well because of his reputation, but there were times when she just wanted him to spit it out. Like right now.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNnxQAqASu 維尼
He gestured to his laptop, and she walked around to the screen to look. "I tracked down all the information used for the money transfer from Blume's account to the Tri-Valley Herald. So, with a little interference of our own, we should be able to take it out of their account and redirect it somewhere else."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ebJV7SL3u 維尼
"And that somewhere else being…?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4MdLcZ1SM 維尼
Ray raised a brow, figuring she'd have understood his meaning. "Yours."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61aSPIRzVd 維尼
"Oh." She blanked. After another glance at the $500,000 that had been recorded in the banking record, the reality seemed to hit her. Ray continued before she could respond.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn2Z8QY2Ux 維尼
"Think of it like a severance package. Both ProviBlue and Tri-Valley fucked you over, so why not take a little compensation for it? Blume's the one paying for it anyway."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDsRG8X0YB 維尼
"You're not really gonna turn away half a million dollars, are you Riley?" Marcus spoke up with an incredulous tone. To him, the answer to that was obvious. "I mean…you wouldn't have to work for years if you play it right."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZenqNfwZZ 維尼
"We could also track down the portion that went to the Bratva. So, realistically, it would be more than that." Josh added in helpfully.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvfqZKuJaf 維尼
"And," This time Sitara jumped in, looking proud, "you could dedicate all your time to working with DedSec."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dR9wR2aBm 維尼
The brunette didn't know what to say. This was all a bit overwhelming. How was she supposed to stay angry when all of this was on the table? "Wow. Uh-"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡURFDVBqvP7 維尼
"You don't have to make a decision now." Ray reassured, waving his hands to calm her down. "And we understand if you want to Just think about it. The offer will be there." And so saying, he rose from his seat and went back to his regular spot in the hackerspace. Riley looked around at the others, but they too dispersed from the table. Only Wrench stayed beside her, watching her curiously.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡIovlFIgvQd 維尼
He shifted on his feet, suddenly unsure what to say. Riley probably had a lot on her mind, maybe she wanted to be left alone, but Wrench still wanted to spend time with her if she'd allow it. "I was, uh, gonna go back to the garage and work on Marcus' bike a bit. Don't know how exciting it'll be but you can come if you want." He stuck a thumb towards the stairs, and she eventually nodded.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9u8Bk1QiN 維尼
"Ok. It might help me take some time to think about everything. I'd love to. Let me grab my bag real quick."8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnRuhk65Az 維尼
"Sure thing." He said, going to stand by the stairs to wait for her. She wandered back over to Josh's desk, leaning down to grab her stuff. Wrench's eye was caught by Marcus, who waggled his eyebrows suggestively. Wrench shot him two angry slashes, switching back to his happy expression when Riley approached. "Ready to go?"8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63d6yApA6t 維尼
"Yeah." She said, flashing him a distracted smile. She walked ahead of him, and he gently guided her with a hand. Then, flashing another irritated glance at Marcus, he discreetly flipped him off behind Riley's back.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3ql16RiK2 維尼
Marcus smirked and shook his head, but by that time Wrench had already rounded the corner and ascended the stairs.8964 copyright protection430ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnghgFn3Qm 維尼
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