Disclaimer: I don't own the songs I can Tell and Ghost of You and Me by BBmak.
Laura slapped the elevator button. 'Come on. All I want to do it get out of here. Please hurry up.'
Finally the doors opened. Standing in it was Ken, Davis, Cody, Yolei, Kari, Sora, Joe, Izzy, and Tai.
"Laura! Hey. How s Matt doing?"
"Better now that I am out of his life." She pushed past the others and hit the down button. The doors closed, possibly on their friendship forever.
"Is anyone else wondering what that comment meant?" asked Sora.
"Yeah, it doesn't sound too good." Tai replied.
"She was crying."
" What Kari?"
"She had tears coming down her face. Guys something is seriously wrong."
"Let's go see Matt and TK. Maybe they know what is going on."
************************************************************************
Laura slowed down her pace once she was outside. She couldn't go home yet. She had too much on her mind. Seeing Genni right now would only add more stress to her life. She couldn't got to work for the very same reason. Instead, she ended up at the Rose café.
"Hey Laura. Meeting Matt?" asked Mia.
"No, I won't be here ever again with Matt. We broke up."
"What? No way. You too were perfect for each other."
'I thought so too, but once again secrets have managed to destroy my life. And this time, I have no one to blame but myself.' "I thought so too."
"What happened?" she asked, sitting down across from her.
"Difference of opinions. We had an argument."
"Maybe you'll work it out."
"I highly doubt it."
"You won't if you think this way. Now, I am going to get your usually. Then, I am telling my boss I am talking a break so we can talk this over if you want. Or anything else for that matter. Okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks Mia."
Laura sighed to herself. 'Man I have really screwed up this time. What am I going to do? First thing, I need to stop thinking of Matt and concentrate on Jenson's. Yeah right, like I could do that.' Instead, Laura started to listen to the café radio.
It's in the way you caress my face.
Like you always used to, but differently.
We can smile to hide the shame.
Here in the pouring rain, waiting for the sun.
I'm crying more and more standing next to you.
You have done your best to see it through
But, oh Baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burnin' out.
Moving down an open road, asking our hearts for direction
Cuz we're so close
I can see the faded signs, leading to the same direction
But, your not there.
We're dancing to the music that ended long ago
You've done everything that you can do.
But oh Baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burin' out.
Oh, I. Oh, I. Oh, I. Oh, I.
My heart is in the wind.
Drifting over you.
I've done everything that I can do.
Oh, baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burin' out.
'Well that song pretty sums up my relationship with Matt. As soon as I walked into the room, I knew that we were going to break up. He didn't move to hug me or show any sign of emotion. Well, neither did I. I should have realized that our relationship was going to end as soon as I started keeping secrets again. I've watched enough soap operas to know that couples never stay together if they are keeping secrets from one another. But I kept my stalker a secret to protect my friends, right? Or did I keep it because I was scared to admit that I had a problem? How did I ever get into this mess? I swear, if I ever met up with my stalker, he will pay. He had destroyed my life. Jenson s may be in ruins and now he took Matt from me. Then again, I guess I m to blame for my ruined relationship. I've I had only told the truth, Matt and I would stay together. But if I had told them the truth, they would be in even more danger. So did I do the right thing or not? I guess the only good thing to come out of all of this is that the gang will be safe now that they stopped hanging around me.'
********************************************************
"Hey Matt, how are you feeling?"
"I'm physically okay Tai. How did all of you get in here?"
"Lucky provided a distraction. Speaking of, what s wrong with her. She was crying when we saw her." asked Joe.
"Matt glanced at TK. "Um, we sort of had a small fight." TK said
"Yeah and I said some things that I probably shouldn't have."
"Like what?" asked Kari.
"It's over."
"You broke up." screeched Yolei.
"He has a good reason Yolei. We were right about Lucky all along"
"What do you mean TS?"
Matt turned away from his friends to look out the window. "She was hiding a secret from us again. She admitted it."
"What? Did she say what the secret was?"
"No, Ken. She gave us some lame excuse that she couldn't and we had to trust her.
And I told her that I couldn't trust her. Her secret caused me to end up here. So, I told her it was over. Written in the stars huh? I guess this prophecy was wrong."
"What else did Laura say?" asked Sora.
"Not much. Just that she told us about her heritage, and that we have to believe her when she says that she couldn't tell us this one."
"Why didn't you believe her?" inquired Izzy.
Matt paused. "Look where I am at Izzy. I was attacked because she was to weak and scared to tell us her secret."
"Laura? Weak? Bad comparison Matt."
"I know Tai, but still, she should have told the truth."
"Maybe we are looking at this from the wrong angle."
"What do you mean Cody?" asked TK.
"I mean everyone is automatically assuming that Matt's attack is related to Lucky's lack of telling us the truth."
"We know this to be true. She told us this much."
"No, she said she couldn't tell you the truth. If you were injured from her not telling the truth, then why not tell now? Why keep hiding it?"
It was a good question and everyone knew it.
"I'll tell you. Remember when we were at the café and Lucky promised to tell us something important? I bet anything that it was her secret. But then she got that phone call. It was probably Matt's attacker, that digimon threatening her to keep her mouth shut, which is why Laura fled so quickly afterwards. She didn't want to endanger any of us anymore. But, the digimon wanted to make sure Lucky never got the idea to tell anyone again, which is why it still attacked Matt. To show Laura that it meant business."
"So the attack on me wasn't revenge, but a warning. One Laura couldn't control."
"Right."
"Oh man, I really messed up. But there are still some major questions here that need answered."
"Like?" asked Davis.
"One, who is stalking Laura? Two, who is attacking Jenson's? Three, how do Jenson's and Laura relate? Or do they? Four, how do we stop that virus? Five, how do we protect Lucky, now that she probably not speaking to any of us?"
"Unfortunately Matt, I don t think we can answer any of those questions with Laura s help. She s the key to all of this." Izzy replied.
"I guess that I'll call her later and apologize."
"Well don't wait to long Matt. Not only does the fate of this world depend on this, but probably her sanity."
"I know Tai. Besides, I can't stand having her mad at me, especially with the Winter Dance in a little over two weeks."
"The Dance. I totally forgot." said Sora.
"I didn't. My band is playing a couple of sets."
"That means you wouldn't be able to help as often right?" You'll have to practice?" said Joe
"Practice can wait, we have the world to save."
"And a relationship to save. added Kari."
Matt smiled. 'Somehow, I really don't think mine and Lucky s relationship can be saved.'
***********************************************************************
Matt stared at the ceiling above him. It had been two days since he last saw Lucky and the others of that matter. Each had a job to do. Izzy was searching the web for information on Jenson's and the virus. Tai and Davis were searching Eleventh Street for clues. Kari, Yolei, and Sora were looking for Laura in hope to fix a mistake. Girl talk as they put it. Joe, Cody, and Ken were downtown at Jenson s, trying to find out information. TK was keeping his parents at bay, and checking his mom's past articles for anything relating to Jenson's to find out why they were attacked and not another business. Meanwhile, he was just trying not to think about Lucky. 'We broke up two days ago and already I miss her. I didn't mean to hurt her, but I know that I did.' Matt turned on the television. He hoped that it would distract him some. He turned on a music video station. The song playing was a slow, romantic one, but he found that he could not turn it off.
What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what s left
Of my heart and soul
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
'So true' thought Matt. 'That song really hits home. I am haunted by the past. What I said to Laura keeps repeating in my mind, so I guess I am sleeping with the ghost of our fight. Plus, that line about it s isn't love, it s robbery. I know Laura loved me, but her past and present did rob us of a deeper relationship. I can t let go, just like the song said. Amazing. I guess songs can really reflect a person s life. This one definitely shows my feelings on Laura and mine s fight. I need to call her. I have to talk to her. But she doesn't answer her phone. I don t leave a message because I want to talk to her and her alone. Not some machine. But maybe getting the machine could work to my advantage.
***********************************************************************
"Still no luck with the virus yet Scott?"
"None Laura. But the good news is that the virus is moving more slowly for some odd reason. It isn't depleting our hard drive as fast."
"Why is that?"
"It may have eaten to much information. When a system gains to much information at once or even over a period of a time, it can slow down."
"That is good news."
"Yeah, but it is only a temporarily solution. The hacker could change the virus again and then we would really be screwed."
"I know. We ordered more computers but I am terrified to set them up. They too could be infected by the virus."
"Not could be. Would be."
" Figures. Okay, take a break for a bit. Let's go talk to Tyler about all of this."
"Nah, I'm okay. I'll keep working. You go on ahead."
"Alright. Good Luck."
"Thanks Laura." Scott shouted as she walked out the door and down the hall to Tyler s office.
It had been a normal routine for Lucky now. Spend half the day working with Scott, the rest in meetings with Tyler and foreign diplomats. It had been two days since she last saw Matt and the gang. Since then, she had literally thrown herself into her work. When she reached Tyler's door, she knocked and then walked in.
"Hey Tyler. What's on the agenda today?"
"The Americans want us to call them."
"Great. I really don't have the patience to deal with them today."
"I know, but we have to do it anyway."
"Fine place the call. Flip you for who has to do all the talking."
"No go. They want to speak with you and you alone."
"Goody."
Tyler motioned for her to be quite. "Yes Mr. Thompson, I have her right here. I'll put her on speaker. Hold on for one moment."
He nodded at Laura.
"Mr. Thompson, I am delighted to hear from you again. Now what can I do for you today?"
"Well Miss Li you can tell me what the hell is going on with your business over there."
"Call me Laura. Now why don't you tell me what you have heard about my business. I can't have false rumors spread about Jenson's."
"These rumors as you call them say that your business has been rendered helpless by a virus."
"A virus, well that is news to me. Business has been normal as usual for us." It was a true statement, to an extent.
"Really? Then why did you stop researching new games?"
"Temporally finical cuts. We had to stop researching new games because we had to upgrade 50 of our computers. We are looking to upgrade a few more as well. We haven't fired anyone, rather gave them a vacation."
"Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"Yes, it is the truth."
"You're a worse liar than Tyler and Simon."
"I will remind you Mr. Thompson of who supplies your company with their equipment and merchandise only once. Insult me, my workers, or my father ever again and I will pull out of our agreement. I assure you that would be quite damaging to US Computers if I am not mistaken."
"It would be just as costly for you."
Laura gave a small laugh. "True, you are a big backer to our business and would be missed if you left us, but we have several other companies that could keep us well afloat. We also have a lot more businesses wanting our backing as well as our business. So you can see that it wouldn't be quite as costly for us."
"Do you really want to try it?"
"Do you? Can your business afford the risk?"
Mr. Thompson did not answer.
"I thought as much. Now, if that is all Mr. Thompson, I have a business that I need to get back to running. Is there anything else?"
"No, Miss Li. I'll be in touch soon about any another order. Good bye."
"Good bye."
Tyler hung up the phone. "You amaze me sometimes. I thought for sure that he was going to pull out."
"Me too, but I guess I managed to get him see the error of his way."
"But he is right about one thing."
"The virus? I know. But hopefully by the time he realizes that he's right, the problem will be fixed."
"And if isn't?"
"Not only will the Americans pull out of their contact, but all of our partners will."
"And that means no more Jenson's."
She nodded. Just then, Tyler s phone rang. He put it on speaker.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Barnaby, it is Barnes. Is Angela there?"
Lucky gave Tyler a weird glance. Why did Chelsea call herself Barnes and her Angela? They hadn't done that since Laura first took over the business. They used her middle name when reporters came by to interview her. Since Lucky was only eight, she couldn't handle both the press and the stress of the job. So Chelsea told everyone that Laura had hired a woman name Angela, who came in to the office every once in awhile to help out. Of course her time was valuable and never had a time for an interview. In actuality it was just Lucky. But Chelsea had never called herself Barnes. And never had she called Tyler, Mr. Barnaby. What is going on?
"Yeah Barnes. She is here. What s up?"
"She has a call."
"Okay, put it through." He handed Laura the phone. "I'll go see what s up with Chelsea, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
He nodded and walked out of his office.
"Hello, Laura Li speaking."
"You sound quite cheerful, maybe I didn't hurt your boyfriend enough."
"I knew my day was going too well."
"It is only going to get better."
"Oh yeah? How? Intrigue me."
"You still haven't closed Jenson's. I guess you need another punishment. And don't think your friends are safe either. Just because you are not around your boyfriend doesn't mean that they won't be used against you."
"Leave my friends alone. Do you hear? Lay one finger on them and I will personal kill you. And you know I could."
"You are not in any position to threaten me Laura."
Lucky didn't respond. She knew that the stalker was right.
"Now, I will give you 24 hours to close down Jenson's. If you do not, I will hurt one of your friends. Am I clear?"
"Crystal."
"Good. Nice doing business with you Laura."
Laura didn't hang up the phone right away. She was too deep in thought. 'What am I going to do now? I can t close the business, but I can't keep it open either. There is too much at stake here. I guess this is what mom always meant when she said "I standing at the Crossroads with no idea which road I should take." I never knew what that meant till now. Which road should I chose? The one were I keep Jenson's open, and return, one of my friends is attacked or the other one where I destroy my employees lives and still have my friends threaten. Well looking at those options, neither one is very good. What to do?'
"Hey Laura, who was that?" asked Tyler walking back into the room.
"Reporter. What is up with Chelsea?"
"Some kids came by, acting real weird. She didn't want them learning any of our names, just in case they were the hackers."
"Oh. Tyler, is Scott still around?"
"Yeah, he should be. Why?"
"Can you get him and Chelsea and met me in my office? "
"Sure, why?"
"We have a problem, a big one. I think I may have a solution, but I want to run it by all of you. Kay?"
"Sure, met you in fifteen."
************************************************************************
"Well did anyone learn anything today?" asked Matt. The team had met in his room to discuss what they had discovered.
"Well, the internet wasn't too helpful. All I could find about Jenson's is that it was found by two men, Simon Li and Tyler Barnaby. It was rumored when Simon died, he left the business to Tyler and woman named Angela. No body has ever met her though. She travels and works for several businesses apparently. Anyway, Jenson's has several partnerships; an American company, a German, an Italian, a French, a Canadian, and several more. I am guessing this is why Jenson's is so concerned about the news of the virus getting out. The company has a lot to lose. I checked Jenson's web page. They are still accepting orders and things like that. I tried hacking into their systems, but their defense system is incredible. I couldn't get in. Either the virus is stopping me or they got the system back up. That is all I found though."
"It is okay Izzy. Tai? Davis?"
"We had as much luck as Izzy, Matt. I searched the alley, but found nothing. I guess the police already searched and took things into evidence. Davis D-terminal didn't pick up anything strange either. Whoever did this to you cleaned their tracks pretty well."
"Davis?"
"I questioned a couple of people who lived in the area. No one saw anything. They couldn't believe what had become of the neighborhood though. A couple of people had seen you walk the street before, but no one was out that night. Many said it was too cold and stayed inside, away from the windows."
Matt nodded. "Sora, Kari, and Yolei. Any luck in finding Laura"
"None. Mia said she saw her last two days ago. We roamed her local hangouts, but she wasn't there. Tried calling her, she didn't answer. We would have gone to her house, but with no last name, we couldn't find it."
"Ken, Cody, and Joe. What did Jenson's say?"
"Couldn't get any information out of the receptionist. Her name was Mrs. Barnes. She had us kicked out before we could do any real investigating. Though, that Angela was there." said Joe.
"You saw her?" exclaimed Izzy.
"No, but a call came in for her. Mrs. Barnes called that Tyler and asked if Angela was there." explained Ken.
"But we didn't hear anything else. She had us escorted out then." finished Cody.
"TK, please tell me you found out something."
"I only found one article on Jenson s that Mom wrote. It wasn't anything big though. I guess Jenson's donated a lot of money to a hospital. The article was mainly about that. A picture was included though."
"Who was in the picture?"
"Simon and Jennifer Li, and their newborn son. No name for the baby boy."
"So in other words, we're back at square one?"
"Sorry Matt. But it looks like that we really need Lucky s help."
"I know Tai, but how can we reach her if she refuses to answer her phone?"
"I don't know. But we'll keep searching on our own for now. Meanwhile, you keep calling her until she picks up the phone. Okay?"
"Yeah, but what if that doesn't work?"
"Don 't think that way Matt. She'll help. But if she doesn't, the whole world may suffer."
Laura slapped the elevator button. 'Come on. All I want to do it get out of here. Please hurry up.'
Finally the doors opened. Standing in it was Ken, Davis, Cody, Yolei, Kari, Sora, Joe, Izzy, and Tai.
"Laura! Hey. How s Matt doing?"
"Better now that I am out of his life." She pushed past the others and hit the down button. The doors closed, possibly on their friendship forever.
"Is anyone else wondering what that comment meant?" asked Sora.
"Yeah, it doesn't sound too good." Tai replied.
"She was crying."
" What Kari?"
"She had tears coming down her face. Guys something is seriously wrong."
"Let's go see Matt and TK. Maybe they know what is going on."
************************************************************************
Laura slowed down her pace once she was outside. She couldn't go home yet. She had too much on her mind. Seeing Genni right now would only add more stress to her life. She couldn't got to work for the very same reason. Instead, she ended up at the Rose café.
"Hey Laura. Meeting Matt?" asked Mia.
"No, I won't be here ever again with Matt. We broke up."
"What? No way. You too were perfect for each other."
'I thought so too, but once again secrets have managed to destroy my life. And this time, I have no one to blame but myself.' "I thought so too."
"What happened?" she asked, sitting down across from her.
"Difference of opinions. We had an argument."
"Maybe you'll work it out."
"I highly doubt it."
"You won't if you think this way. Now, I am going to get your usually. Then, I am telling my boss I am talking a break so we can talk this over if you want. Or anything else for that matter. Okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks Mia."
Laura sighed to herself. 'Man I have really screwed up this time. What am I going to do? First thing, I need to stop thinking of Matt and concentrate on Jenson's. Yeah right, like I could do that.' Instead, Laura started to listen to the café radio.
It's in the way you caress my face.
Like you always used to, but differently.
We can smile to hide the shame.
Here in the pouring rain, waiting for the sun.
I'm crying more and more standing next to you.
You have done your best to see it through
But, oh Baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burnin' out.
Moving down an open road, asking our hearts for direction
Cuz we're so close
I can see the faded signs, leading to the same direction
But, your not there.
We're dancing to the music that ended long ago
You've done everything that you can do.
But oh Baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burin' out.
Oh, I. Oh, I. Oh, I. Oh, I.
My heart is in the wind.
Drifting over you.
I've done everything that I can do.
Oh, baby
I can tell, by the way that you love me.
I can tell, that the fire's burning out.
I can tell, by the way the you hold me.
I can tell, that the fire's burin' out.
'Well that song pretty sums up my relationship with Matt. As soon as I walked into the room, I knew that we were going to break up. He didn't move to hug me or show any sign of emotion. Well, neither did I. I should have realized that our relationship was going to end as soon as I started keeping secrets again. I've watched enough soap operas to know that couples never stay together if they are keeping secrets from one another. But I kept my stalker a secret to protect my friends, right? Or did I keep it because I was scared to admit that I had a problem? How did I ever get into this mess? I swear, if I ever met up with my stalker, he will pay. He had destroyed my life. Jenson s may be in ruins and now he took Matt from me. Then again, I guess I m to blame for my ruined relationship. I've I had only told the truth, Matt and I would stay together. But if I had told them the truth, they would be in even more danger. So did I do the right thing or not? I guess the only good thing to come out of all of this is that the gang will be safe now that they stopped hanging around me.'
********************************************************
"Hey Matt, how are you feeling?"
"I'm physically okay Tai. How did all of you get in here?"
"Lucky provided a distraction. Speaking of, what s wrong with her. She was crying when we saw her." asked Joe.
"Matt glanced at TK. "Um, we sort of had a small fight." TK said
"Yeah and I said some things that I probably shouldn't have."
"Like what?" asked Kari.
"It's over."
"You broke up." screeched Yolei.
"He has a good reason Yolei. We were right about Lucky all along"
"What do you mean TS?"
Matt turned away from his friends to look out the window. "She was hiding a secret from us again. She admitted it."
"What? Did she say what the secret was?"
"No, Ken. She gave us some lame excuse that she couldn't and we had to trust her.
And I told her that I couldn't trust her. Her secret caused me to end up here. So, I told her it was over. Written in the stars huh? I guess this prophecy was wrong."
"What else did Laura say?" asked Sora.
"Not much. Just that she told us about her heritage, and that we have to believe her when she says that she couldn't tell us this one."
"Why didn't you believe her?" inquired Izzy.
Matt paused. "Look where I am at Izzy. I was attacked because she was to weak and scared to tell us her secret."
"Laura? Weak? Bad comparison Matt."
"I know Tai, but still, she should have told the truth."
"Maybe we are looking at this from the wrong angle."
"What do you mean Cody?" asked TK.
"I mean everyone is automatically assuming that Matt's attack is related to Lucky's lack of telling us the truth."
"We know this to be true. She told us this much."
"No, she said she couldn't tell you the truth. If you were injured from her not telling the truth, then why not tell now? Why keep hiding it?"
It was a good question and everyone knew it.
"I'll tell you. Remember when we were at the café and Lucky promised to tell us something important? I bet anything that it was her secret. But then she got that phone call. It was probably Matt's attacker, that digimon threatening her to keep her mouth shut, which is why Laura fled so quickly afterwards. She didn't want to endanger any of us anymore. But, the digimon wanted to make sure Lucky never got the idea to tell anyone again, which is why it still attacked Matt. To show Laura that it meant business."
"So the attack on me wasn't revenge, but a warning. One Laura couldn't control."
"Right."
"Oh man, I really messed up. But there are still some major questions here that need answered."
"Like?" asked Davis.
"One, who is stalking Laura? Two, who is attacking Jenson's? Three, how do Jenson's and Laura relate? Or do they? Four, how do we stop that virus? Five, how do we protect Lucky, now that she probably not speaking to any of us?"
"Unfortunately Matt, I don t think we can answer any of those questions with Laura s help. She s the key to all of this." Izzy replied.
"I guess that I'll call her later and apologize."
"Well don't wait to long Matt. Not only does the fate of this world depend on this, but probably her sanity."
"I know Tai. Besides, I can't stand having her mad at me, especially with the Winter Dance in a little over two weeks."
"The Dance. I totally forgot." said Sora.
"I didn't. My band is playing a couple of sets."
"That means you wouldn't be able to help as often right?" You'll have to practice?" said Joe
"Practice can wait, we have the world to save."
"And a relationship to save. added Kari."
Matt smiled. 'Somehow, I really don't think mine and Lucky s relationship can be saved.'
***********************************************************************
Matt stared at the ceiling above him. It had been two days since he last saw Lucky and the others of that matter. Each had a job to do. Izzy was searching the web for information on Jenson's and the virus. Tai and Davis were searching Eleventh Street for clues. Kari, Yolei, and Sora were looking for Laura in hope to fix a mistake. Girl talk as they put it. Joe, Cody, and Ken were downtown at Jenson s, trying to find out information. TK was keeping his parents at bay, and checking his mom's past articles for anything relating to Jenson's to find out why they were attacked and not another business. Meanwhile, he was just trying not to think about Lucky. 'We broke up two days ago and already I miss her. I didn't mean to hurt her, but I know that I did.' Matt turned on the television. He hoped that it would distract him some. He turned on a music video station. The song playing was a slow, romantic one, but he found that he could not turn it off.
What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what s left
Of my heart and soul
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
'So true' thought Matt. 'That song really hits home. I am haunted by the past. What I said to Laura keeps repeating in my mind, so I guess I am sleeping with the ghost of our fight. Plus, that line about it s isn't love, it s robbery. I know Laura loved me, but her past and present did rob us of a deeper relationship. I can t let go, just like the song said. Amazing. I guess songs can really reflect a person s life. This one definitely shows my feelings on Laura and mine s fight. I need to call her. I have to talk to her. But she doesn't answer her phone. I don t leave a message because I want to talk to her and her alone. Not some machine. But maybe getting the machine could work to my advantage.
***********************************************************************
"Still no luck with the virus yet Scott?"
"None Laura. But the good news is that the virus is moving more slowly for some odd reason. It isn't depleting our hard drive as fast."
"Why is that?"
"It may have eaten to much information. When a system gains to much information at once or even over a period of a time, it can slow down."
"That is good news."
"Yeah, but it is only a temporarily solution. The hacker could change the virus again and then we would really be screwed."
"I know. We ordered more computers but I am terrified to set them up. They too could be infected by the virus."
"Not could be. Would be."
" Figures. Okay, take a break for a bit. Let's go talk to Tyler about all of this."
"Nah, I'm okay. I'll keep working. You go on ahead."
"Alright. Good Luck."
"Thanks Laura." Scott shouted as she walked out the door and down the hall to Tyler s office.
It had been a normal routine for Lucky now. Spend half the day working with Scott, the rest in meetings with Tyler and foreign diplomats. It had been two days since she last saw Matt and the gang. Since then, she had literally thrown herself into her work. When she reached Tyler's door, she knocked and then walked in.
"Hey Tyler. What's on the agenda today?"
"The Americans want us to call them."
"Great. I really don't have the patience to deal with them today."
"I know, but we have to do it anyway."
"Fine place the call. Flip you for who has to do all the talking."
"No go. They want to speak with you and you alone."
"Goody."
Tyler motioned for her to be quite. "Yes Mr. Thompson, I have her right here. I'll put her on speaker. Hold on for one moment."
He nodded at Laura.
"Mr. Thompson, I am delighted to hear from you again. Now what can I do for you today?"
"Well Miss Li you can tell me what the hell is going on with your business over there."
"Call me Laura. Now why don't you tell me what you have heard about my business. I can't have false rumors spread about Jenson's."
"These rumors as you call them say that your business has been rendered helpless by a virus."
"A virus, well that is news to me. Business has been normal as usual for us." It was a true statement, to an extent.
"Really? Then why did you stop researching new games?"
"Temporally finical cuts. We had to stop researching new games because we had to upgrade 50 of our computers. We are looking to upgrade a few more as well. We haven't fired anyone, rather gave them a vacation."
"Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"Yes, it is the truth."
"You're a worse liar than Tyler and Simon."
"I will remind you Mr. Thompson of who supplies your company with their equipment and merchandise only once. Insult me, my workers, or my father ever again and I will pull out of our agreement. I assure you that would be quite damaging to US Computers if I am not mistaken."
"It would be just as costly for you."
Laura gave a small laugh. "True, you are a big backer to our business and would be missed if you left us, but we have several other companies that could keep us well afloat. We also have a lot more businesses wanting our backing as well as our business. So you can see that it wouldn't be quite as costly for us."
"Do you really want to try it?"
"Do you? Can your business afford the risk?"
Mr. Thompson did not answer.
"I thought as much. Now, if that is all Mr. Thompson, I have a business that I need to get back to running. Is there anything else?"
"No, Miss Li. I'll be in touch soon about any another order. Good bye."
"Good bye."
Tyler hung up the phone. "You amaze me sometimes. I thought for sure that he was going to pull out."
"Me too, but I guess I managed to get him see the error of his way."
"But he is right about one thing."
"The virus? I know. But hopefully by the time he realizes that he's right, the problem will be fixed."
"And if isn't?"
"Not only will the Americans pull out of their contact, but all of our partners will."
"And that means no more Jenson's."
She nodded. Just then, Tyler s phone rang. He put it on speaker.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Barnaby, it is Barnes. Is Angela there?"
Lucky gave Tyler a weird glance. Why did Chelsea call herself Barnes and her Angela? They hadn't done that since Laura first took over the business. They used her middle name when reporters came by to interview her. Since Lucky was only eight, she couldn't handle both the press and the stress of the job. So Chelsea told everyone that Laura had hired a woman name Angela, who came in to the office every once in awhile to help out. Of course her time was valuable and never had a time for an interview. In actuality it was just Lucky. But Chelsea had never called herself Barnes. And never had she called Tyler, Mr. Barnaby. What is going on?
"Yeah Barnes. She is here. What s up?"
"She has a call."
"Okay, put it through." He handed Laura the phone. "I'll go see what s up with Chelsea, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
He nodded and walked out of his office.
"Hello, Laura Li speaking."
"You sound quite cheerful, maybe I didn't hurt your boyfriend enough."
"I knew my day was going too well."
"It is only going to get better."
"Oh yeah? How? Intrigue me."
"You still haven't closed Jenson's. I guess you need another punishment. And don't think your friends are safe either. Just because you are not around your boyfriend doesn't mean that they won't be used against you."
"Leave my friends alone. Do you hear? Lay one finger on them and I will personal kill you. And you know I could."
"You are not in any position to threaten me Laura."
Lucky didn't respond. She knew that the stalker was right.
"Now, I will give you 24 hours to close down Jenson's. If you do not, I will hurt one of your friends. Am I clear?"
"Crystal."
"Good. Nice doing business with you Laura."
Laura didn't hang up the phone right away. She was too deep in thought. 'What am I going to do now? I can t close the business, but I can't keep it open either. There is too much at stake here. I guess this is what mom always meant when she said "I standing at the Crossroads with no idea which road I should take." I never knew what that meant till now. Which road should I chose? The one were I keep Jenson's open, and return, one of my friends is attacked or the other one where I destroy my employees lives and still have my friends threaten. Well looking at those options, neither one is very good. What to do?'
"Hey Laura, who was that?" asked Tyler walking back into the room.
"Reporter. What is up with Chelsea?"
"Some kids came by, acting real weird. She didn't want them learning any of our names, just in case they were the hackers."
"Oh. Tyler, is Scott still around?"
"Yeah, he should be. Why?"
"Can you get him and Chelsea and met me in my office? "
"Sure, why?"
"We have a problem, a big one. I think I may have a solution, but I want to run it by all of you. Kay?"
"Sure, met you in fifteen."
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"Well did anyone learn anything today?" asked Matt. The team had met in his room to discuss what they had discovered.
"Well, the internet wasn't too helpful. All I could find about Jenson's is that it was found by two men, Simon Li and Tyler Barnaby. It was rumored when Simon died, he left the business to Tyler and woman named Angela. No body has ever met her though. She travels and works for several businesses apparently. Anyway, Jenson's has several partnerships; an American company, a German, an Italian, a French, a Canadian, and several more. I am guessing this is why Jenson's is so concerned about the news of the virus getting out. The company has a lot to lose. I checked Jenson's web page. They are still accepting orders and things like that. I tried hacking into their systems, but their defense system is incredible. I couldn't get in. Either the virus is stopping me or they got the system back up. That is all I found though."
"It is okay Izzy. Tai? Davis?"
"We had as much luck as Izzy, Matt. I searched the alley, but found nothing. I guess the police already searched and took things into evidence. Davis D-terminal didn't pick up anything strange either. Whoever did this to you cleaned their tracks pretty well."
"Davis?"
"I questioned a couple of people who lived in the area. No one saw anything. They couldn't believe what had become of the neighborhood though. A couple of people had seen you walk the street before, but no one was out that night. Many said it was too cold and stayed inside, away from the windows."
Matt nodded. "Sora, Kari, and Yolei. Any luck in finding Laura"
"None. Mia said she saw her last two days ago. We roamed her local hangouts, but she wasn't there. Tried calling her, she didn't answer. We would have gone to her house, but with no last name, we couldn't find it."
"Ken, Cody, and Joe. What did Jenson's say?"
"Couldn't get any information out of the receptionist. Her name was Mrs. Barnes. She had us kicked out before we could do any real investigating. Though, that Angela was there." said Joe.
"You saw her?" exclaimed Izzy.
"No, but a call came in for her. Mrs. Barnes called that Tyler and asked if Angela was there." explained Ken.
"But we didn't hear anything else. She had us escorted out then." finished Cody.
"TK, please tell me you found out something."
"I only found one article on Jenson s that Mom wrote. It wasn't anything big though. I guess Jenson's donated a lot of money to a hospital. The article was mainly about that. A picture was included though."
"Who was in the picture?"
"Simon and Jennifer Li, and their newborn son. No name for the baby boy."
"So in other words, we're back at square one?"
"Sorry Matt. But it looks like that we really need Lucky s help."
"I know Tai, but how can we reach her if she refuses to answer her phone?"
"I don't know. But we'll keep searching on our own for now. Meanwhile, you keep calling her until she picks up the phone. Okay?"
"Yeah, but what if that doesn't work?"
"Don 't think that way Matt. She'll help. But if she doesn't, the whole world may suffer."