Chapter 18

Morgan dropped into Buzzwire hoping to see the blonde, maybe hear some new gossip. She had turned down their offer -- really she was worth more than that pittance -- but she couched it in more diplomatic terms. She was used to freelancing. How would it be if she would offer her pictures to Buzzwire on a case by case basis? They would be first on the list. Oh, and the money, they'd work that out later.

And would it be alright to use their computers from time to time for some research? She gave the humans a grateful smile. She nonchalantly looked around. Where was her friend, Beth, today?

Off helping her boyfriend. Who was her boyfriend? Josh Lindsey, Assistant D.A. Oh, a lover's tryst? Some girl named Melissa let out a choked sound. No. Some hush hush case, Buzzwire had orders not to touch it for fear of tainting the state's case! Morgan smiled again. So mysterious. She'll have to let us all in when she's allowed.

They all smiled back, thinking she was someone who had interests in common; someone they could trust.

She got out of there and called the shadow. No answer. Finally, late in the evening, came the call. His information was infuriatingly sketchy. She and the boyfriend had gone over to Mick's place early this morning then off to some place near the airport? Lots of police presence where he lost her.

Tonight he had once again picked up her cellphone's trail in the desert near Victorville. Her Prius had been followed back into L.A. by none other than one Mick St. John.

Well, at least the blonde wasn't remembering anything from the past, and Morgan was certain of Mick's reluctance to get too involved. Still, they were getting way too chummy. Maybe she had better go a little deeper and make some calls. She hesitated to use her new passcode to tap into Buzzwire's net. After all they had programs now to see who was using the system. Wouldn't pay to be seen lurking in the files too often.

Maybe she could get around that little problem? Morgan had heard through the grapevine about a Ryder England. Seems he knew a lot about phone systems and how to enter highly encrypted sites. She could hire him anonymously.

No one from the 50's other than Cynthia knew she was back in town. Or that she was human. No, that would fatal. So much so that Morgan had scrupiously kept her new life a secret. Cynthia was hissing at her already about ordering the lab equipment. And soon they would begin their duplication efforts on the compound.

But it was vitally important she know what Beth and Mick were doing so that nothing went wrong with the plan.

She made the call from a cheapo throwaway cellphone.