Dangerous Intelligence
Chapter Two: Revealed Secret
Weeee, isn't this fun? I tried to think how this would work out, and I THINK this is logical.... Be kind! Be kind! I have a strange way of going through bursts of description, then almost nothing but conversation. Anyone else have that problem? Sorry if you don't like it, but I find it difficult to write in any other style.
Adrian had decided to forego the usual coffee break with Lucas after school-students sometimes dropped by, and he really didn't want to run into James Williams. The morning's incident had not been forgotten, and he was still being cautious. If anyone found out that, underneath his literature teacher exterior, he was really Cybersix, beautiful and mysterious escaped prisoner of Von Reichter, that would be the end of his - well, HER stay in Meridiana.
So, he headed directly back to his apartment, avoiding the routes most students took, sticking to backstreets and alleys-something he'd become familiar with while trying to escape Fixed Ideas. Adrian did not expect, in the slightest, to run into James. The air seemed colder.
Mr. Seidelman? Good. I had a question or two to ask you.
Did you really? I thought today's lesson was clear enough...
Well, no, that's really not the point, sir... James motioned for Adrian to come closer. Looking back on it, Cybersix wondered why she had done so. The point is, he hissed, I know what you are.
What I am? Adrian forced a laugh. James, surely that's plain to anyone?
The way you go about, it's a wonder that it hasn't been noticed yet, Cybersix!
Cybersix dropped her facade. All right, she asked through Adrian, Supposing I am this Cybersix. How would you, hypothetically, have found out?
It's simple, sir-I mean, ma'am. I was watching you last night, and you'd be surprised at how amazingly similar your body tones are. For instance, as my teacher, you're almost exactly proportionate to Cybersix. Did you do that yourself?
Cybersix remained silent.
Also, take a look at your nails. No self respecting guy keeps his nails THAT well cared for. Look at mine, for crying out loud.
I'd rather not, James.
Ha. I'm right, and you know it.
So what will you do about it?
Don't worry. James smiled dangerously. I'll not tell anyone...provided you do some things for me.
Blackmail. The word fluttered through Cybersix's mind, leaving her chilled. What sort of....things?
You'll find out. I'll let you know when I think of something that could benefit us. James saluted. See you Monday, Mr. Seidelman! His tone was filled with mocking as he darted out of the alley.
Cybersix slumped against the wall. This is really, really not good.
Data 7 paced the length of his sister's window frame.
Yes, I know, I'm not happy about it either, Brandon, but he said to come alone. Cybersix held a note in her hand, which she'd found stuck in the mail slot shortly after her dinner. Do you want to read it or something?
Data 7 looked at her and shook his head, leaping onto the bed. Sooo, what do we do? he seemed to be asking.
Cybersix shrugged. You wait here. I've got to go meet this kid. She turned to her dresser and lifted her hat. Go find Julian if you have to. He'll keep a secret. But under no circumstances are you to go to Lucas, understand?
I'm smarter than that. Data 7 growled an affirmative; yes, he understood quite clearly.
Cybersix stepped out onto her balcony.
Be careful, sister, thought Brandon as she leaped out of sight.
Lucas hadn't expected to be out so late. It was nearly 9:00, and he still hadn't gone home after school. Not that you could really call his grungy apartment home, exactly, but it was there, at least.
A dark shadow flew across the pavement. Lucas looked up, just in time to catch a glimpse of the red underside of Cybersix's cape. Well, what's she doing out tonight? he found himself wondering aloud. Odd, too, she'd been heading for the abandoned warehouse section of town.
No matter. A late dinner sounded very good right about now, and Lucas was in no mood to complain about food, even if it was just a microwave dinner.