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  “Will do, sir.” Ari recognized the man as Kari’s boss, President Higgins from the Icelandic States.

  He stopped mid-step, turning to stare at Kari.

  Ari kept her nerves buried and turned. “What is it, sir?”

  A small smile crept on his face. “Nothing. Keep up the good work, Ms. Trenton.”

  “Of course.” She turned back to the screen and began scanning the tasks set out for her today. Ari had worked on a similar process to prepare for this, but she knew she couldn’t possibly do them as quickly as someone who had worked here for years.

  The morning was filled with scheduling meetings, returning correspondence, and other menial tasks. Most authorities didn’t conduct business outside of the VR because outside everything was traceable. Traceable meant hackable, and both meant possible to track down and assassinate. In the VLEX, hacking was significantly more difficult. Ari didn’t want to contemplate the hoops VisionTech had to jump through to get her there.

  Once President Higgins headed off for his mid-morning meetings, Kari could finally breathe for a moment and do her real job. She pulled up the bill 1070A. They had security protocols in place to detect unauthorized file transfers back to the real world. This is where her skills came in handy. This was all one big program.

  As she re-focused her vision, lines of codes appeared before her. Reading it like a blue print or recipe card, she manipulated the program to give herself the clearance to send the file. Changing which office it came from, she sent it off to an untraceable account Niomi gave her.

  Before she closed the program, she scanned the bill. The political jargon made it hard to follow, but words like studies and virtual reality caught her attention. They were doing experiments of some kind to study the effects of certain drugs.

  The monitor beeped, and she flinched back from the screen. Calm down. I’m not a kid caught in the cookie jar. Checking the monitor, she realized she had a lunch at Milano’s with a representative from President Tremblay’s office. The meeting said it had to do with sharing notes from the latest energy crisis meeting, but Ari couldn’t figure out why they didn’t just meet over video feed.

  Either way, she gathered the small purse Kari kept in her top drawer and headed out. Kari’s office was on the thirtieth floor of a sleek building. Once outside, she recognized some of the buildings around her from the limited photos VisionTech had of the VLEX. A variety of buildings with different architectural styles circled around a town square.

  Ari had studied maps of the VLEX but, experiencing it first hand, it all felt different. On a perfectly paved cobblestone street, she walked to the center town square, which appeared to have been built with every single country wanting their say. A hodgepodge of restaurants flashed a variety of food, most Ari had never heard of. She passed a fountain with a very large naked statue of a man holding a spear of some shape in his upheld hand.

  Ari also knew that once inside a store they could go on for miles. A cool magic trick written into code. So, while it only took fifteen minutes to walk through the town center, one could spend many more hours exploring all the space. When she took a minute to look beyond the illusion to the code involved, a web of characters appeared that were so complex even Ari couldn’t unravel it easily. She blinked a few times to focus on the program again.

  Another few minutes and Milano’s appeared up ahead. When she entered the restaurant, a wave of garlic and other spices she couldn’t identify flooded her senses. Even though she knew the food wasn’t real, her mouth watered in desire.

  “How can I help you?” A beautiful hostess greeted her.

  “I’m meeting with Antoine.” Ari scanned the crowd for a familiar face even though Antoine wasn’t a name she remembered from training.

  After the hostess glanced at a screen, her gaze lifted. “This way.” The women wove through a maze of tables and alcoves of people deep in conversation. They headed to a very secluded table in the back.

  A gentleman stood up catching Ari’s, really Kari’s, gaze. His warm smile and beautiful features made Ari smile back instinctively, despite not recognizing him at all. When she went to greet Antoine, before she could reach out her hand for him to shake, he pulled her into a strong hug.

  A very small and undignified squeak escaped Ari’s lips, as he lifted her briefly into the air.

  “It has been too long,” he mumbled into her neck.

  Ari stiffened realizing Niomi’s information wasn’t completely up to date. Kari must have found a recent boyfriend given this dark secluded table not that many people knew about it. Recovering from her shock and surprise, Ari tried to soften against his hold. “It’s good to see you too.”

  He kissed her neck briefly then stepped back and offered her a seat. Despite the uneasiness crawling along her skin, she forced a smile and sat down, smoothing out the beige skirt she wore. She had only kissed two guys in her life, one only in the VR, so having this strange man kiss her neck sent shivers up her spine—no matter how attractive he was.

  He had a foreign look to him with dark heavy brows, a sharp nose, and a chiseled jaw. His dark hair had a wave to it, as if the wind happened to blow it naturally perfect. There was no way this man looked this good in person. He had to have some upgrade to his program skin to make him look like a model. Changing clothes was one thing inside a virtual, but skins were trickier and usually required extra programs and costs ahead of time—unless one is a warper like Ari.

  “So how has your day been? Higgins still on your back.”

  Ari tried to look for the answer he wanted and give it to him. “Of course. The work never stops.”

  He reached across and grabbed her hands before she could stop him. Man, this guy was fast. “If you’re not feeling particularly hungry, I scheduled a back room for us.” He kissed her top knuckle.

  She jerked back, holding her hand against his chest.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Crap. Niomi hadn’t prepared Ari for anything like this. She remembered her words though. I am Kari. So how would Kari get out of this?

  He leaned back in his chair, the lines in his brow deepening. “You seem off today, Kari. What’s going on?”

  Ari closed her eyes for a second. She’d never been an actress, never wanted to, but now she had to sell this lie better than anything before. “Sorry, Antoine.” This time she reached for his hand. Ignoring what this meant, she held his hand tight.

  “Higgins has been riding me hard. I barely got away today and in fact I have to get back right away.” She glanced at the HUB on her wrist. “I sneaked away, because I just had to see you for a moment. I’m so sorry.”

  Slowly the lines on his face smoothed and the same softness and desire in his eyes returned. “I can’t wait until we need to meet outside this program.”

  “Me too.” Unsure of what was happening, she hoped that wasn’t possible. Representing different countries, she went on the assumption they lived thousands of miles away.

  “I know. This is enough for now, but you need to find extra time inside before then.”

  Extra time inside VLEX was expensive, which paid for the program. Any other similar programs were just as expensive. But Ari didn’t want to force him to be suspicious. “I’ll do my best, but I really need to go now.”

  Pushing out of the chair she turned to leave. Before she made it a step, he grabbed her shoulder, turning her around and gathering her into a hug. “You must be in a hurry if you forget to kiss me good bye.”

  Ari tried to step back and figure out an excuse, but he leaned forward pressing his lips against hers. It was over as quickly as it began, but it was intense.

  “I’ll see you soon.” His dark eyes shone with the promise of tomorrow, and Ari’s insides twisted.

  Speechless, she nodded and then hurried out of the restaurant. After she broke free of the town center, she slowed and caught her breath. Guilt gnawed at her conscience. She’d kissed another man, and not any man, but a freaking gorgeous man. She didn’t want to
. Antoine was probably an overweight bald man who cooked numbers for his country. She shook out the feeling of him on her body and rubbed at her lips. Even if it was a VR, it felt very real and very much like a betrayal to Reed. But it really wasn’t her choice. Or was it?

  She’d talk to Niomi when she got back. For now, she’d finish her day, and hope no other surprises jumped out at her.

  Chapter Nine

  Ari awoke from the VR with a gasp. Something pulled at her arm. A patch pinned into her flesh with a clear tube connected. She reached to tear it off.

  “Just wait a sec,” Niomi said from her computer station nearby.

  “Why did you patch me?” Ari had seen plenty of those while visiting her dad in the hospital.

  “You’ve been under for eight hours. You needed fluids.”

  Slumping against the chair, Ari realized she was right. The working day flew by so quickly that she forgot about the real world. Anxiety gripped her throat. She’d never been inside the program for so long. How long was too long before she forgot completely about reality like her father?

  Once unhooked from the wires, Ari stood and stretched out her limbs, trying to soothe her nerves as well as her muscles. “Kari has a new boyfriend. It was a nightmare.”

  Niomi pushed a stool towards her. “Write down everything you did and everything you can remember.”

  “What? I sent the needed documents. Don’t you have cameras there?”

  “No. They are banned and do regular sweeps for monitoring devices. If all the information can come back so easily, then it would be easier to steal.” Niomi turned away from the screen. “Just finish your reports, we’ll get a twenty-minute workout in, and then you can call it a day.”

  Ari checked the time, and her shoulders slumped. In the VR for over eight hours, then more paperwork and exercising? The idea made her want to crawl into bed. Her stomach grumbled at the lack of substantial food.

  “Okay. At least Kari will have to deal with her own handsy boyfriend tomorrow.” She pushed her hair out of her face and pulled the stool towards the desk.

  “Sorry, that’s you again, Ari.”

  “What?” She stopped. “He’s going to figure it out. And what will happen when she returns?”

  “Let us deal with Kari. You deal with the boyfriend.” Niomi had gone back to working at her station, her eyes glued to the screen. “It’s part of the job, sweetheart. And trust me, it’s not bad in comparison.”

  An unsettling sensation resided in her neck and she rubbed her port. Maybe she was just tired. Exhaustion pulled at her limbs, and she headed towards the door.

  “Where are you going?” Niomi’s sharp words carried a threat.

  “I’m going to grab some food if that’s something I’m allowed to handle.” She didn’t even bother to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

  “Don’t be long.”

  Ari stormed down the hall, every step echoing through the empty corridors.

  “Can I help get some food started for you?” the AI said from the communications panel in her suit.

  “No.”

  “Okay. I’d recommend a meal high in protein since your patch mainly covered fluids—”

  “Shut up.” She slapped at the panel on her forearm.

  Since she didn’t give it the correct command to silence itself, it kept rambling. “Your pulse and blood pressure are rising. Try slow deep breaths to lower your—”

  “I said, shut up!” She tore at the panel.

  Her fingers were useless against the tough flexible fabric. Her nail tore on the panel’s lining. Frustration boiled in her veins as she started to take off her suit. The button near the neck panel released the suit. Yanking off the arms, she didn’t realize she had nothing else to wear until she stood in her bra, the suit hanging on her waist.

  Granted, being alone in this section of building she didn’t worry about modesty. Out of the suit, she finally could take a deep breath. The AI continued to ramble on health tips.

  “Silence.”

  The machine quieted.

  “New name: Antoine.” Her lips tightened. She could practice new evasive tricks on her AI and pretend it was Kari’s boyfriend.

  She made her way into the kitchen, as it was closer than her room, and ordered a pizza and soda. Halfway through the pizza, she realized Reed would be on his lunch break. This VLEX time was already throwing her. She should talk to him now because she’d be passed out by the time he was done with the day.

  After several rings he picked it up. “Hey, Ari.”

  “Man, it’s good to hear your voice.”

  “Rough day?”

  “Definitely. How about you?”

  “Good but busy. They have me running scans on their firewalls, trying to break them. I haven’t gotten through yet, but I hit a few weak points. That always impresses the boss.” He sounded happy, and Ari couldn’t help but imagine cuddling against his chest.

  “And your art?”

  “Ehh. I’m loving it, but not good enough to join the team full-time.” He paused for a moment. “It sounds like you’re avoiding talking about your day.”

  “There is only so much I can say. I was in a program for eight hours, and now I have to head back for paperwork and a workout. Niomi is her normal pleasant self.”

  “I understand. Ming rides my butt, too, most days. I think that’s just part of being a manager.”

  Silence permeated the connection as Ari sagged back against the chair. She ached to tell him what really happened in her day. The boyfriend and the espionage were only the start. Constantly acting like another person, being careful with every word and action, was exhausting. He didn’t need or probably want to hear all her whining though.

  He spoke next. “I miss you. Want to video chat?”

  She glanced down, still in her sports bra, fingers covered in pizza sauce, and she could only guess how bad her hair and face looked. “Not right now. I have to head back. We’ll talk soon.”

  “Okay. Want to call me tonight?”

  “I’ll try, but since I’ve been up since three and have to wake up that early tomorrow, I’m not sure I’ll make it.”

  “True.”

  “Bye, Reed. Love you.” She ended the connection. Folding two pieces on top of each other, she picked up her double slice and started back down the hall. She pulled her suit back on with one hand while eating with the other. Her thoughts traveled to Reed, and she wondered what he’d say if he knew the whole truth—that she is stealing another person’s life and kissing a different boyfriend.

  The next day started in the VR while it was still dark outside. Niomi insisted she eat a good-sized breakfast before she plugged in. Once inside VLEX, the same office materialized. This morning her work went a touch more smoothly. Finding an additional file requested by Niomi, she sent it to a different electronic address. Hopefully nothing out of the ordinary when people reviewed her actions. Ari had a list of files she needed to find before closing this case.

  As the day sped by, Ari watched the clock with dread. Already finding her lunch date with Antoine on the schedule, a myriad of thoughts ran through her mind of how to put him off. Niomi said just to break it off. Then they would let Kari believe Antoine broke it off with her. That might be the simplest way, but not the kindest.

  Ari had a hard enough time taking over Kari’s life, she didn’t want to ruin it as well, and hoped Kari would be back rather sooner than later. So, when the clock struck noon VLEX time, Ari messaged Antoine. Busy at work today, probably won’t make it. Can we do tomorrow?

  It didn’t take long for Antoine to reply.

  No worries. I’m running behind, too. I can make it by 1. Does that work?

  She rolled her eyes, wondering how to gently let him down.

  I can try, no promises.

  If you have to, remind your boss that by VLEX regulations you’re allowed a 30 min break for every 4 hours worked, inside or outside of the VR.

  Great, she thought. Instead she replied:
Will do. An odd sensation still crept down her spine every time she saw a picture of Kari as herself, but it was a good reminder. Acting like her old self was too easy. It took work to remember what she was doing here.

  When it hit one, she headed outside to the market not quite sure how to handle Antoine. She did have one other option, but it wasn’t something she had mastered very well inside the program. Inside the same restaurant with the delicious smells made her stomach grumble. Antoine sat at the same table with two meals and glasses of wine at the table.

  His dark almond eyes lit up when he noticed her. Ari wondered what he looked like in real life, but could only read the program, not his mind. Standing to greet her, she stepped forward slightly and then focused on the code around them. She attempted to separate her consciousness from the image of Kari she projected. It helped when all she saw were numbers and letters, not images.

  Ari manipulated the code to have Kari hug Antoine and then when he leaned down for a kiss, Ari didn’t even flinch. She felt sick, lying to this man and to her own boyfriend. Trying not to think about what was happening, she was grateful it didn’t last long.

  “I can’t stay, but I ordered you your favorite.” The edges of his lips pulled down in a pout. “I’m expected back but had to see you briefly if I could. I can’t wait until our vacation together.”

  “Vacation?” Her initial surprise pulled her back into the images, wrapped in his arms with thoughts of how bad this could be.

  “Yes. Remind your boss of your time off next month, okay? No excuses. It is the slow season for him, and you earned this time. I can’t wait to see you and show you my home.”

  “Me too.” She lied, and prayed she’d be long gone before that happened.

  “Have a good weekend, and we’ll catch up on Monday. You okay?” One of his perfectly shaped brows arched in question.

  “Yeah. Just stressed.” She wasn’t as quick as she needed to be with the coding.