Dangerous Intelligence
Chapter Three: The First Action
Weeeeee! I plotted this whole story out in another document! I feel so WONDERFUL! And all you people reading this, I ASSUME you know that Cybersix IS Adrian. It just made me too uncomfortable trying to show when she's in masquerade and when she's herself. So I called Adrian NOBODY better yell at me for that. There, I'm done ranting. ^_^ Enjoy!
Cybersix landed on the wooden boardwalk. All right, James, I'm here, she called warily, the piles of boxes casting long shadows which, even though they gave her protection, sent chills through her.
said his voice, and he stepped out from a shadow. James was looking around him, foot tapping impatiently-or was he nervous? His eyes were almost like those of a lunatic, and Cybersix nearly recoiled at the sight of him.
I need you to go to the Old Gun Shop' and get me as many weapons and ammunition as you can carry. Not to sound like a kid in a candy store, but I supposed it won't matter to you if I tell the world about your secret....
Now she did recoil. How can I even TOUCH a gun? she thought in horror. To think what they can do...how am I going to handle this? What would you do with them?
That's my business.
If he hurts anyone....I'll never forgive myself. Never. And how, just HOW, would you tell the world my...secret?
James looked around him again. I have...ways....and contacts...friends in the right places...you know...Look, just get the stuff. I need it here tomorrow night. And I'm warning you-one false step in any direction...
I know- But James had already ran off into the shadows.
Cybersix shuddered in disgust. The thought of a life in blackmail was haunting her. For how long could she stand it? How long until she was caught? There were no answers to be found in the empty docks, and Cybersix turned, heading in the direction of the gun shop.
Adrian woke the next morning in a cold sweat, looking at the closet door in horror. He dressed in a hurry, purposely ignoring the paper outside his apartment door. The high school was only a few blocks away; Adrian figured if he hurried, he wouldn't have to listen to much gossip about the robbery.
He was wrong. Not only were people up and about this early, the entire high school was buzzing with the news. The teachers showed concern for the kids, wondering if maybe someone was planning a shooting. Adrian kept his mouth shut about the issue and retreated into his classroom, anxious to get away from the crowd.
But of course, 5th period brought James Williams, and that brought trouble. James looked extremely pleased with himself, and proceeded to keep his spirits high. Today, in fact, Lori decided the new kid was worth another try, James appeared to be flirting back with her-out loud, and in the middle of a lesson.
So, how's that new movie?
Oh, it's all right. Want to go see it with me sometime?
Well, maybe. I'd have to see what else I'm doing.
Adrian would normally have no intentions of letting it go on, but the thought of James leaping up on his desk and declaring to the classroom what their teacher WAS kept him from saying anything. Instead, he made up his mind to ignore the two and proceed with the lesson as best as he could. There was no possible way he could risk losing his only protection from Von Reichter. If the Fixed Ideas knew who Cybersix was by day, there would be nowhere to hide. And most certainly, Adrian-and Cybersix-were not willing to run.
So, in a depressed and agitated mood, Adrian reluctantly joined Lucas for lunch at the café. To his disappointment, Lucas held a copy of the Meridiana Times. The robbery had made the front page, along with a picture of the crime scene- an entire rack of firearms and ammunition missing. Just the way I left it, thought Adrian.
Look at this. It's amazing to think that a store with this sort of merchandise would have such....worthless security.
Most people don't put alarms on the roof, Lucas. Adrian shifted in his chair. Maybe the person had a good reason for doing it.
Oh, well then WHAT, I'd like to know! Holding up a bank? Shooting up a school? Adrian, come on, whoever did this has to be insane!
Adrian felt himself losing his appetite for the club sandwich sitting in front of him. That's overdoing it just a little.
Criminals are insane, Adrian. That's why they do what they do. Can you imagine just lifting a gun, pointing, and then another second later watching someone bleed to death in front of you?
It's a different situation every time. Adrian took a sip of his water.
Well, if it was a fist fight, then it might be fair, but if someone's unarmed and they get hurt...That's not right, Adrian.
No one said it was RIGHT, Lucas. What about the shades of gray? What if someone had no choice but to rob the store? What if there was blackmail involved?
What if there WASN'T? This just disgusts me, Adrian. Are you actually sticking up for this thief?
Adrian sighed and leaned back. No, Lucas. I just think you'd make a very biased police officer.
And you're perfect, I suppose.
Adrian grew increasingly more uncomfortable while Lucas continued to stress his point.
-can't believe anyone would do it, for any reason. You'd think the person would have higher morals.
Adrian shook his head and suddenly stood up. You have no idea, Lucas. He shoved in his chair, leaving the half-eaten sandwich behind, the glass door slamming roughly behind him.