Two Can Play (Entangled Ignite) (10 page)

“So why did they want you out?” he asked her. “Last night you said something about some accounts. Did you see something they didn’t want you to?”

She studied him for a long moment. “If I tell you, you have to do something for me. Bring me some E. The one decent thing Rena did was smuggle me out some.”

“How’d she get it out of the Lounge with the scanners?”

“They turn them off at midnight.”

“Ah.” Without Quarters, he couldn’t be in the residence past then. Nardo owed him a favor. Maybe he’d buy some bootlegged cans from the guy. “I’ll get you some. Tell me what happened.”

She leaned forward, planting her palms on the table. “A week ago, I needed some figures, right? To save a trip to my desk, I dropped into Leland’s chair to use his system and I see this ledger with hundreds of dollars coming in every month from a bunch of credit card accounts, which is no big deal, except I recognize one name—BoyLuv—the screen ID of a total perv. He got banished—no kinks allowed in
EverLife
—but why’s money still coming in?”

“Good question.”

“I wrote down a few of the other names and looked them up. All banished. So why are we still collecting their cash?” She ate a fry. He pushed his untouched burger closer to her. She picked it up and took a bite, made a face and spit the bite into a napkin.

“So did you find out?” he asked her.

“Before I got a chance to ask, I got kicked out.”

“You think he reported you? Leland?”

“No. If he saw my search trail, he’d have talked to me. Leland likes me. If he weren’t married, we’d have a dealio. But he’s the only one who could have known what I did. That can’t be why.” She shook her head.

“Would Leland talk to me about this? Can he be trusted?”

“You’re asking me? I just got fucked over by my best friend and maybe my boss. What do I know about who to trust?”

“Who else would know about the accounts?”

“The CFO, Mason Rockingham. Probably Rick Bondurant, the GM. He’s all about the revenue stream. What a prick.”

“I’ve heard that about him.”

“The Game Masters know who got banished, but they, like, don’t talk. Some secret agent code of silence BS. So lame.”

“They must talk to someone.”

“They love Rena. She’s always picking up on griefers for them.”

Griefers were players who got off on hanging at the spawn spot to kill off new players and steal their goods. “You think Rena would help us?”

“Rena’s all about the Life. If you had proof the Lounge was being hurt by what’s going on, or NiGo, or the Blackstones, she’d be all over it.”

What if NiGo was doing the hurting?
When cherished beliefs were challenged, the faithful could get irrational. He’d seen that investigating sex abuse at a preschool. The parents refused to accept the evidence that beloved teachers had fondled their kids. He didn’t get that. The truth counted. You honored truth above all. Considering how Rena bristled over his questions about the Life, it was too soon to tip her to what he was up to.

“Anyone else might know about the money?” he asked.

“Deanne. A secretary in the department and a slut, but I doubt she knows much. Only managers have major access. Leland gave me unlimited time codes because he trusted me.” She grabbed her stomach.

“You’re not well.” Gage took the hundred from the table and put it in her palm. “I’ll bring you the E, but you should see a doctor.”

She grabbed the bill, shoving it into her bra. “Don’t feel sorry for me, asshole.”

“I don’t,” he lied. “What will you do, Cassie?”

“Stay at the shelter ’til they kick me out. Sleep in the park. Weather’s good. Rain’s over. March is okay at night.” She shrugged, life draining from her eyes. “I’ve done it before.”

“What about going home?”

“Never.”

Rena and Cassie’s mother had been right about that.

“Look, if you’re not going to buy me a real drink, let’s get out of here.”

He left money on the table and they walked out.

On the bike, she shivered in his jacket, even at the stoplights. Most of the way, she flopped so loosely across his back he kept reaching behind to hold on to her. At the shelter he helped her off the bike. She handed him his jacket, blinking hard, as if the mild sun hurt her eyes.

“Can I help you inside?”

“Just get me the E. Soon.”

“I will. If Maya does contact you, don’t tell her I came. I don’t trust her any more than you do.”

She nodded. “Deal.” She hugged herself, hunched over and ill. She looked like a refugee from a rainstorm in the middle of a gorgeous day—soft sun, a light breeze, the smell of flowers and new growth everywhere.

“You sure I can’t take you to a hospital? Or home? You’d have a bed.”

“Some things mean more than a bed.” She looked him dead on, serious and stubborn, reminding him of Rena.

“Rena really is worried about you, Cassie.”

“Yeah?” She hesitated. “You got that photo of her and me?” He handed it over. She studied it, a wisp of a smile on her lips, before giving it back. “Tell Rena I don’t blame her. I stepped in shit. That’s not on her.”

“Those sound like last words.”

“Nah. I’m like a cockroach. I’ll live forever.” But she looked deathly pale. Then she drilled him with eyes on fire. “Something’s wrong with the Life, Gage. Figure it out in time, would you?”

“I’ll do what I can, Cassie.”

“I’ll hold you to that. And to the E.”

He watched her head into the shelter. Cassie deserved better than being abandoned, sick and scared, by the people who’d sworn to take care of her.

His mission was to rescue Beth, but if he could help Cassie and Rena and the other Lifers he would do it.

Chapter Seven

Even knowing Nigel had good news, Rena jittered while she waited for the Asian woman to open the red dragon door, her brochure sticking to her sweaty palm. At the last second, she pulled out her phone and set it on silent. It had been holding up pretty well, she realized. Maybe she’d wait a while to replace it. When the woman appeared, Rena took a deep breath before returning her bow and entering the Quarters.

It was familiar now—the airy openness, the flashing game screens, the chimes, the bubbling Buddha, the sandalwood smell, which filled her nose and almost made her sneeze. The table held the delicate teapot and cups as before, but this time there also was a black enamel tray of two spring rolls. Closer, she smelled chamomile—the tea—and garlic and sesame oil from the food. Yum.

She wondered if the Asian woman had made it. She must be their cook and housekeeper. She wasn’t a Lifer, but she must be close to the Blackstones. She was lucky to be in their presence so often, right in their home.

Also on the table was a shiny black folder with the NiGo lightning-brain logo and a photo of NiGo Charter School students working on computers. A tiny noise made her look up in time to see Nigel step through a door that opened invisibly from the wall—no knob, no hinge—like a secret entrance. He came to her, squeezed her hand in both of his, and bowed low. “Honor to you on the completion of your Quest. Sit and enjoy.”

She sat on a cushion—ruby like Naomi’s tunic in Rena’s photo—and placed her damp Girl Power brochure on the table.

Nigel poured the tea with the grace of tai chi master. Again, he watched as Rena sipped. Though not peach-flavored, the tea tingled as the first cup had all the way down her throat.

“Good, good,” he said. “Now eat.”

She nibbled at one roll, too nervous to enjoy it. Nigel ate, too, touching the corners of his mouth with a napkin after each delicate bite, smiling at her each time. When he’d finished, Rena placed her napkin on the table, signifying she’d had enough, too. She started to pick up the brochure, but decided to wait. She was more nervous than she thought. Her mind had slowed and her tongue seemed too big for her mouth.

“As to your Quest,” Nigel said, “you demonstrated your loyalty, your wisdom, and your willingness to rise above personal feelings to act for the greater good.” He refilled her teacup, setting down the pot without a sound. Again, his cup was empty.

“It was difficult, Nigel. Cassie is my friend. I’m worried about her.”

“Villains are the heroes of their own stories. They always have their reasons.” He leaned across the table, giving off an earthy smell of sweat and cigar smoke. Nigel smoked? She shook away that idea.

“You know that Naomi and I love every member of our Family, even those who fall from grace?”

She nodded.

“You are a loyal friend. Be assured that Cassie is where she belongs.” He looked down at her teacup, urging her to enjoy more of the tea. She sipped. “Mercy is the enemy of growth. Always remember that.”

She nodded.

“Naomi and I have so much faith in you and your future, Genevieve.” His words thrilled her. Except he’d used “Genevieve” again. Uneasiness flicked like a snake’s tongue down her spine.

“Yours was a Threshold Quest, bringing you higher in the NiGo Family.”

She’d never heard of a Threshold Quest. She felt a little woozy and so warm.

“Now for your reward.” He smiled. “Tomorrow you begin your new duties as Dome Commander.”

Her jaw dropped. “Dome Commander? You’re kidding.”

“I never kid.” His smile went wry.

“But that’s so important. It’s a manager’s job, and—”

“And a perfect fit for one so skilled in battle as you.”

She took a deep breath. “But I can’t believe it. Are you sure?”

“You are more than equipped for the task.”

“I do have some ideas for the Dome.” She fought to gather her thoughts. Why was her mind so sluggish? It had to be her nervousness around Nigel, along with the effect of the sandalwood on her sinuses.

“Such as?”

“Like, I thought we could create multiple-player battles. They would be performances. We’d have to work out the routines during lag times and have full rehearsals on Lifer Mondays. We’d need strong fighters, of course. That means Watchers—” She stopped, feeling sheepish. “Sorry to babble.”

“Not at all. Your energy is proof you will be a stellar commander.”

“I’m so honored. I don’t know what to say except I’ll do my best.”

“You always do, Genevieve.” He patted her hand. “And further news…after your shift, a Watcher will provide you with a key card to your new Quarters. Your things are being moved to Level Eight as we speak.”

“Eight? But that’s three levels. You’re kidding! I mean, you don’t kid, but that’s huge.” Eight was the first manager level.

“You completed a Quest that
challenged
your faith. You’ve been
tested
and you
won
. For that you deserve
great honor
.” He was talking to her as though she was a child…kind of odd, but who was she to question such a great man?

“Thank you so much… I never dreamed… This is amazing…”

He looked serious now. “With honor comes duty, Genevieve. Prepare to attend the management meeting in Seattle beginning on Monday. There you’ll share your Dome plans with the Lounge managers in the western half of the country.”

“Share my plans? But that’s just six days. What will I have by then?”

“Knowing you as we do, you’ll have plenty.” He smiled. “One more item…” He spun the shiny black folder to face her, his fingers poised above it, like a spider on black glass. “This contains a prospectus and forms for contributors.”

“Contributors?” She picked up the folder.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. Managers solicit investors for our Lounges and donations from the community for NiGo’s charities. Two thousand each month is the required amount.” He smiled warmly.

Her stomach turned over. “I have to get donations?”

“NiGo presents exceptional investment opportunities. Our investors feel privileged to join us.”

“I don’t know any investors.” Her upside-down stomach bottomed out.

“Many begin with family members,” he said, tilting his head.

“I’m not close with family.” For all Bingham knew, she could be dead. That was why she’d refused all but the first check he’d sent. She’d called the housekeeper to say she was safe, so caller ID must have shown the Phoenix hostel number because the check arrived two days later. Two thousand, two hundred, signed by Bingham’s lawyer, Geoffrey Harris.

She’d spent it on a car. Mass transit was for shit in Phoenix and she’d had to get to work. She’d lived in the tiny Civic until she’d earned rent, but the debt to Bingham had burned like magma inside. When the envelope had come the second month, she’d returned it unopened and had never returned to the hostel.

“There is pain in your past?” Nigel asked gently.

“I can’t ask.” She shook her head hard. “I can’t.”

“The Life often is the bridge to reconciliation.”

She’d wanted no link to Bingham, no obligation to the man who never wanted her, certainly not a penny of his guilt money. Except now… Two K would meet her monthly quota. Plus, she would be in Seattle in a few days…

Never. No way.

“I don’t see how,” she said. Not even for Nigel. Even if it meant she’d lose all she’d just been promised.

“Meditate on this, Genevieve. See what comes into your heart.”

Nigel stood, so she stood, too, feeling twisted up inside. She should be happy. She had new Quarters, new status, a new job—and a new debt she had no idea how she would pay. She swallowed, feeling light-headed and heavy with dread at the same time.

Nigel bowed. As she lowered her own head, she noticed her Girl Power brochure on the table and picked it up. “I don’t know if you’ve heard of our efforts,” she said, handing it to him.

Nigel unfolded the brochure and studied it, clearly for the first time. Rena had asked Maya to talk to him, but she obviously hadn’t.

“We very much need your support and Naomi’s,” she said, “since we require funds to train girl Lifers. Also, a word from you about boosting girl managers would mean everything to our cause.”

Lifting his eyes from the paper, Nigel put a hand on her shoulder. “This is a worthy effort that will touch Naomi deeply. She has suffered from the restrictions of race and gender in the past. And now, in your position as a new manager, you will be able to advance this mission of yours.”

“So, you agree? About the quotas? And the training and all?”

“In fact”—he pressed a finger to his lip and widened his eyes as if with a happy surprise—“you must speak of your ideas at the Seattle meeting.”

“Oh, I would love that.” Excitement replaced the floaty feeling in her head. “So we have your backing? Yours and Naomi’s?”

“You will be our vanguard, a new leader for the new NiGo.” He held out the brochure to her.

She raised her hand. “No. Please keep it for Naomi. It has our website there, too, to look over.”

He smiled, clasping the brochure between his hands in prayer. “A lovely meeting.” He bowed.

She bowed. “Thank you.” She turned to leave, her feet barely touching the floor. Her worry about the money faded. The pain of Cassie, too. At the door, the Asian woman smiled, as if she knew all the good in store. Maybe Rena had earned her place. Maybe it hadn’t been too easy or too fast. She had gained Nigel and Naomi’s support for Girl Power, hadn’t she?
Everything was unfolding as it should.
If the Life was right, that had to be true.

…

Body Artist was closed when Gage swung by after leaving Cassie at the shelter. He would try again tomorrow. On the way back to the Lounge, he’d stopped at a business supply store for a prop he needed for his visit to the accounting office to learn what he could about Beth’s money and Cassie’s ouster.

Deanne, the secretary Cassie had warned him about, met him at the reception desk with a flirty smile. He leaned in, smiling back. “I’m hoping to steal a minute with Mr. Thomas if he’s available.”

“And you are…?”

“Gage Stone.”

“Wait! I saw you battle in the Dome. Verry nice.” She looked him up and down, a sex point offer flashing in her eyes. “I’m Deanne.” She wore a barely there shirt and an equally revealing skirt. “Mr. Thomas rarely leaves his desk, but I’ll see if I can talk him into seeing you.” She made the interoffice call. When she hung up, she said Thomas would be out shortly.

“So, have you been a Lifer long?” he asked.

“Level Three.” She sighed. “For too long. All my friends are Fours, but I just can’t leave the catalog alone.” She put her fingers against the thick gold necklace she wore.

“That’s pretty. You get that there?”

“I really wanted a tranquillity pendant like Naomi’s, but it was too much if I wanted these, too.” She lifted a leg to show a dangerous-looking heel.

“Very nice.”

“Worth thirty K, right?” She preened, holding out both legs for him to admire her shoes. And her legs, no doubt.

“Out of curiosity, while we wait, could you check to see if a payment from a friend has come through yet?”

“You’d have to ask Mr. Thomas.”

“You could save me some time…”

“Not with that. I don’t have access.” She scrunched up her nose, cute as a button. “Anything else though? I’d love to help you.”

“Actually, yeah. Some players complained they’d been overcharged for their
EverLife
subscriptions. Something about still paying after they’d quit?”

She tilted her head, puzzled. “Any concerns about subscriptions must be submitted in writing to Mr. Rockingham’s secretary.” She rolled her eyes at that.

“And you don’t think much of her,” he guessed.

“No one does. She sex-pointed her way into that job. Now she gets all Ice Queen with the rest of us. And I promise you, if a guy’s not Level Ten, she won’t give him the time of day. That is so not the Family way. We share and care.”

“Success spoils some people.”

“Whatever. Forget her. My friends are going up to a Level Five guy’s place tonight to play with his Wii.” She giggled. “That sounds sooo bad. Want to come with?”

“I’m booked tonight, but thanks.”

“I bet you’ve got a good stroke. In Wii golf, I mean.” She winked.

“May I help you?”

Gage turned to the voice, grateful to escape Wii jokes and sex-point talk.

“Leland Thomas.” The man was all business, dressed in a white oxford shirt and crisply creased khakis. Early thirties.

“Gage Stone. I appreciate your seeing me.” They shook hands and Gage stepped forward as if to move to Thomas’s office. Thomas hesitated, then gave in, leading Gage to a large room with several cubicles marked off by dividers.

Gage took a chair in front of Thomas’s desk, which held no pictures or personal items. Folders rested in a stand-up rack and there was a yellow pad and mechanical pencil by the phone. Squared off and neat as a pin. A guy this anal was unlikely to spill company secrets to a stranger.

“So, this is Accounting?” Gage pretended to look around the room, playing the eager, curious fool. “Where all the money goes, huh?”

Thomas kept his gaze steady. “You had a question?”

He needed to soften the man a little. “Cassie told me that you would help me. She said you’re a decent guy.”

Thomas visibly stiffened. “Cassie?”

“I met her yesterday. She works for you, right?”

“Not any longer, no.” He cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable.

“What happened?”

“Hell if I know,” he muttered. He shot Gage a glance, guilty that he’d revealed his feelings about Cassie’s ouster. “She said I was decent?” That seemed to please him. “She did good work here. She’ll be missed.”

“I bet.”

Thomas frowned, then forced it away. “So, how can I help you?”

“I’m a new Lifer and I want to sell my land. So, I got this agreement…” He took from his inside jacket pocket the multipart sales form he’d bought and laid it in front of Thomas. He’d mocked up a lowball offer on his land. “Do you think I should accept this?”