Katrina and I scurried down a cramped avenue in a part of the city I'd never visited before. For the record, I haven't seen much of Ikigai II outside Patch's workshop. This is all so new to me, it's kind of overwhelming. This neighborhood appeared to be mainly populated by cyborgs. They stared at me and murmured amongst themselves.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6Ob1nmVfW
"Is that a human?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGhN779cLw
"What's a human doing in this part of the city?
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCK7GXAswc
"Is she lost?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO2QiV3Kxd
"Who's that with her? Isn't she in a band or something?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjFnMvHiLI
The weight of their gaze bore into me, and a growing sense of panic blossomed inside me. My heart palpated, so violently my chest ached, and I broke out into a cold sweat. "Where are we going?" I asked as Katrina pulled me in a new direction.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm5oftHhut
"We need to catch up with the boys fast, so we're going to need a ride."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0bX55Fca5
We stopped outside a large shipping container. Katrina pulled a crowbar out of her purse.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKit10PiBfl
I gawked at her. "Why do you carry around a crowbar?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1nSe0ubdi
She raised her shoulders in a half shrug. "Lots of reasons, opening crates, self-defense, and taking my stupid ex's car for a joyride."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRm2mA5aoF
"Excuse me, what?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUokz1Bg4Oi
She shoved her crowbar underneath the shipping container door and attempted to force it open.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE4GBXoACR
"Are you crazy? You can't break into someone else's shipping container, with all these people watching. You shouldn't be breaking in at all!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2erSlDeqV
She scanned the surrounding area, then waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine, everyone here knows better than to snitch on me." Katrina let out a triumphant laugh as she finally pried open the door. She lifted the door, revealing a red, well-kept, vintage, car. It looked as if it cost more than Patch made in a year.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB6Mbh9ZXc
"I thought you were joking about the car theft!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tTFfVSJMj
"I never joke about stealing my ex's car."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSoevnNEh9
"Katrina!" I scolded.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE4wzcSMUw
"Relax, I do it all the time."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbm7b23C3f
"How is even possible? I didn't think there were any cars on Ikigai II." I said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSjIgIGKxb
"There's not supposed to be, but my stupid ex, Marc, loved breaking rules. So, he smuggled one onto the island."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5ggezygxo
I crossed my arms sourly. "I can't believe we're doing this."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KpyjyPvs9
"Believe it, sister!" Katrina said, as she used a long hook to slide down the window through the window seal. She shimmied her arm into the newly created opening, then pulled open the lock from the inside.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS1jzbyXJK
"How are we supposed to turn it on?" Didn't know much about cars, but I do know you need a key to start the ignition.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaayRpROkr
"Don't worry, Stupid Marc always leaves a spare key in the glove box." Katrina reached across the seat and pulled out the key.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdHBlhvNAQ
I rolled my eyes. "Of course he does." I was hoping there was a way I could get out of this.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjPjS1EjHh
"Well, we don't call him Stupid Marc for nothing."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2NYitbZ9L
Katrina hopped into the driver's seat and motioned for me to sit in the passenger seat.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSiG5IpuBf
I let out a reluctant sigh and climbed into the car. "Alrighty then, let's get out of here."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXipAIZOda
"You have nothing to worry about, I'm an excellent driver. " Katrina reassured me, as she backed into two trash cans. "Whoops." She did a three-point turn and knocked over three more trash cans. She stomped on the gas pedal and sent us speeding down the cramped street, most likely knocking over several more trash cans in the process. She took a sharp left turn, causing my entire body to slam against the car door.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGKnnJzwP7
"What the hell, Katrina?" I asked in annoyance.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGRh8zOmqI
She turned to me. "Sorry about that. Are you okay?" While she focused on me, she drove directly into a fruit cart, causing fruit to splatter across the windshield.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNwHhJgh8n
A vendor shouted at her, as she zoomed away from the scene.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdyN7SFPRY
"You're a menace," I said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc76hmpiqk
"Hey, my driving instructor said the same thing."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBFIWP2o13
I regret leaving home. Why didn't I stay home where I was safe? Then I remembered, the apartment wasn't safe anymore. Just thinking about the break-in made me shiver. Even though I hated it, I'm probably safer with Katrina than I am at home.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15l8dnY97i
After five turbulent minutes on the road, we reached the boardwalk. As soon as we stopped, I flung open the door and climbed out on wobbly legs. I clutched my stomach. I felt like I was going to throw up.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonFzdAz2bf
"That was fun! We should do that again sometime!" Katrina said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffuNMckPNE
"No, thanks." I don't think I'm ever getting in a car again. I think I just unlocked a new phobia.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIQQHbo5As
"Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWemTyXJ4Kw
"I was born without one of those," I confessed. "I need some fresh air," I said as I ducked behind a series of tents. I stopped when I reached the boardwalk's edge. My gaze drifted to the crashing waves beneath us, and I took a deep inhale of the salty sea air. I leaned over the railing, but I wasn't afraid to fall. There was a force field preventing anyone from falling off the boardwalk's edge. I wish there were force fields everywhere, then everything would be much safer. I wonder if I'd feel less anxious if that were the case.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2BTMHbPmC
"Are you okay?" Katrina asked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiijuIzrc8u
I haven't been okay once in the past six years. "I'm fine." I lied.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9m0XeUtIr
That answer seemed to satisfy her, and she didn't ask any more questions.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kriZA8z4H
I heard the loud sound of footsteps approaching and turned around to see who was coming. Several people dressed in Bionic Corp uniforms marched toward us.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHmbtPQvH4
Now my stomach churned so violently, it made audible sounds. They'll probably just walk right past us. I tried to console myself.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjgGkzuefF
My last shred of hope flew out the window when the group of Bionic Corp employees halted right in front of us.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnPO2U9ERv
One of them stepped forward. "Hello there, my name is Quentin Holgate, and I'm an ambassador of the Bionic Corporation. I'd like to have a private chat with Miss Contreras."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrRYCeycMK
Katrina clenched her fists. "I'm not leaving her alone with you, creep!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rbNBWGRs9
Quentin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Please escort Miss Madden away from here."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcjriV6JKe
The other Bionic Corp employees grabbed a hold of Katrina and dragged her away.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym1OfiAAcj
"Unhand me, miscreants! My lawyers will hear about this!" Katrina yelled at the staff, but they remained unfazed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d01p3G3ne
Now Quentin and I were alone. I clenched my hands into fists. This interaction could take a turn for the worst, and I don't have any weapons. I never should've left the house.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtaomw2VE7
"I'm here to ask you some questions about your uncle." Quentin opened up the notes' section on his Holowatch and began typing.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA13LkcYlo
I wrapped my arms around myself. "What about him?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX809mvebDD
"Do have any idea where he is right now?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF7ZcegAue
"No," I said, truthfully.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUpZ8aQf1i
"When was the last time you saw him?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XxjEn5pmk
"I'm sorry, are you a cop?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaETypyRHcH
"I beg your pardon."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ790ppZoqiX
"Because if you're not, you have no right to interrogate me!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r4rrtOjAj
He pursed his lips into a thin line. "I'm questioning you for the safety of all of Ikigai II."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtwjsZXw9l
I raised a disbelieving eyebrow. "Please tell me how all of Ikigai II is in danger because of my uncle's actions.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEeyiGsf77
"He's an army deserter and a fugitive of the law. Who knows what he's capable of."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9xC75gnON
"Patch doesn't want to hurt anyone. He just wants to be left alone."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfhXfiCwRY
Quentin shot me a challenging glare. "Are you sure about that?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XxAkiNbR9
"Yeah...I'm sure." I stammered. Patch wouldn't hurt anyone, would he? I didn't want to believe Patch would willfully harm someone, but after hearing what the man in the skull told me about Atlas, I don't know anymore. There's so much I don't know about my own family. I have no idea what they're capable of.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCm3jQzwjn
"You don't sound very certain, Miss Contreras."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEvJiJCJxo
"Shut up!" I snapped. I don't usually yell at strangers like this, but I don't have any patience left today, especially not for Bionic Corp. "I don't know where Patch is, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4LeG8tEdp
"Watch your temper, Miss Contreras, we don't want things to get messy."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLPpMoGWfr
"No, you made things messy when you sent Oblivion to threaten me in my own home!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfN2uDNtdD
A brief look of guilt spread across his face, but he quickly wiped it off. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You must be mistaken. We are a highly reputable corporation, we would never do such a thing."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfcPWvYKCC
I gritted my teeth. He's such a liar. It makes me sick.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBXmns2LqQ
He cleared his throat. "As I was saying, your uncle has evaded the law for almost twenty years, and I think it's time he's held accountable for his actions. Don't you?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE8zHqf3yM
I didn't dignify him with a response.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JKqBmG16A
"You know, Miss Contreras, if you know where your uncle is hiding, and you don't tell us you could be charged with obstruction of justice, and land yourself in prison for up to three years. You don't want that do you?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthbGA7XsuR
"I thought we established that you aren't a cop and don't have that type of authority. You're just trying to scare me. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told you before, I don't know where Patch is, but even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6jGl9MYUa
He grimaced. "I'm disappointed to hear you say that. I was hoping you'd be more cooperative." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. "Contact us if you change your mind." He forced the card into my hands. Then stomped away, muttering something foul under his breath.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHjvzSbZ3T
As soon as he was out of eye shot, I chucked his business card into the sea. I'd rather saw off my arm than betray Patch. He made so many sacrifices to take care of us. The least I can do is try to protect him now, wherever he is. If Bionic Corp is still searching for him, that means he's safe for now, but he can't avoid them forever. Oh, Patch, where are you? I glanced around the pier for Katrina, but she'd seemingly disappeared. The entire boardwalk had gone eerily quiet. I peered through the fog, searching for any sign of life, but there were none. A shiver traveled down my spine. Something wasn't right here.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIKIH4PQlc
I took a deep breath and trekked in the direction Katrina was dragged off to. I wrapped my arms around myself as I strolled along the abandoned dock. Where the hell is everyone?
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2AzYIhZ6E
An army of cleaning droids sped towards a tent at the end of the pier, as they made frantic beeping sounds.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxXhlvjN5f
They sure seem to be in a hurry. Maybe I should follow them and see what's gotten them so worked up.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nXMO1Vv1G
I crept up behind the cleaning droids and stalked them to their destination. All the tiny droids zoomed in and out of one specific tent. I noticed a gooey dark red substance leaking through the tent's fabric. As I tiptoed closer, a caught a whiff of something metallic, it was reminiscent of the smell of rusty pennies. It was blood! The realization hit me like a tidal wave. I was going definitely going to hurl this time. Even from the outside, I could tell the entirety of the tent was soaked with blood. I gasped for air and my fingers trembled. Someone died here! Someone was killed right in front of me! Someone died! Someone died! Someone died! The words played over and over in my head like a broken record. Someone died! Someone died! Someone died! This wasn't the first time I'd witnessed gore like this, but I'd hoped I'd never have to see it again. Someone died! Someone died! Someone died! It's official, I'm never going outside again.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ8fNC0MoJ
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see who was touching me. Behind me stood two men drenched in blood. Are they the murderers? Am I their next victim? I reached for the butter knife I'd stuffed into my pocket for self-defense. It was all I could find on short notice. One of the guys was pretty short and skinny, I could probably take him in a fight. The other guy was taller and had a more athletic build. I was much less sure about taking him on, but I had to defend myself from these assailants. I clenched my fist around the butter knife and aimed for the eye.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52vWapYAy4
Before I could strike, Katrina jumped between us and wrenched the knife out of my hand at lightning speed. I had no idea she was that fast. "What are you doing?" She shouted.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZk1zIkeCy
"I—" I stammered. What was I doing? Did I misread the situation somehow?
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyie6sWX8T9
Katrina gently released her grip. "Calm down, killer."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBJlfg2mjh
One of the bloody men spoke up. " I'll be honest, that was kind of scary." I recognized that voice. It was Chase!
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZp5g0kR2B
I stared at the other blood-soaked man and with a starting realization, I recognized him as Atlas.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRojm4y9zR
I let out a relieved sigh. This wasn't a murder attempt. "What the hell happened to you guys?" I asked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iK6AXdGuT
"Don't worry, this isn't our blood," Chase said, gazing down at his blood-soaked clothes.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiSUnK2We6
Atlas refused to make eye contact. "Someone used The Code." He signed. He looked so distraught, it broke my heart. It took all my willpower to stop myself from pulling him into a warm embrace. I resisted because he was covered in blood, and I was still mad at him for being an idiot.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTcGVJgXme
I glanced him up and down, checking for injuries.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtLwvQu1t0
"I'm fine, Marisa. You can stop worrying about me." He signed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne2wLWLU1P
My lips tightened into a firm line. "I'm never going to stop worrying about you, Atlas. Especially, if you keep putting your life in danger. Why can't you just live a safe, normal life?
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCMZ5NM7Cg
Atlas gave me a sorrowful look but didn't answer.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYrdbAvUbw
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Why does he have to be like this? Why can he give up this life? It's clear that this life is tearing him apart. Trouble is a drug he refuses to quit, just like those damn cigarettes.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKtrgNK1im
Once the silence became uncomfortable, Katrina chimed in. "So did you guys get the third piece of the map?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwAi1EBW1G
Chase reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device. When he pushed a button on the side of the device, the third piece of the map projected itself onto the air in front of us.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiUccU44Xp
Atlas projected the other two-quarters of the map on top of Chase's projection. When they were pieced together, the map was almost complete.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwoMnIuaKY
Katrina reached out to touch it.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywC6Et2Jdj
"Be careful, it might self-destruct or do something else evil."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtJ7Ha7kCN
I hid behind Katrina. "What do you mean, it might self-destruct?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJu6kbw2AW
"It was a gift from our old buddy Oblivion," Chase said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO7mzZTqkc
I raised an eyebrow. "Oblivion let you get away with the map."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX24wUVDoc
"Yeah, pretty much."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wkAnF4Vta
"That seems out of character." I thought back to being strangled by Oblivion in my kitchen and shivered. There's no way that monster just let them go.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnjGNwfiZd
"It was strange. Oblivion wanted us to have it. They insisted on us taking it." Atlas signed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj8dMJM3qr
"I don't trust it," I said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouUsoNf5O9
Katrina scrutinized the map, examining it from all angles. "As the resident map expert, I have to say, it appears genuine."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwhCnxFDEi
Atlas merged the three separate pieces of the map. It was coming together now. I could finally make out the shape of the island and parts of the pathway the map wanted us to follow. It wasn't enough to fully discern what the map lead to, but we were getting close. Only one-quarter of the map is still missing. "This still seems sketchy to me."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefZzyQIJSs
Chase rolled his eyes. "Yeah, we know. You worry about everything. If Oblivion wanted to kill us right now, we'd already be dead. For whatever reason, Oblivion decided to give us the map, and I say, why bite the hand that feeds?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHj7ORzLDO
"Instead of telling me to worry less, maybe you guys should worry a little more!" I snapped. I look to Atlas, hoping he'd jump to my defense, but he remained silent. You know he's really starting to get on my nerves!
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r1ngE39Js
"I did a thorough inspection of the map, and it doesn't appear to be tampered with. Atlas signed. "I think we should focus on finding the final piece of the map."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymbPprLMVj
I'd already managed to track the location of the fourth piece of the map, but I was hesitant to share it with the boys because I knew they'd do something stupid. "Retrieving this last piece is going dangerous."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fsj3xQLqX
Chase cracked his cybernetic knuckles. "Not to brag or anything, but since yesterday, I've become an expert on surviving dangerous situations."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodq69YZ0Uf
"No, this one is much riskier than anything you've done before. I don't want to tell you where it's hidden because it's a death trap."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDqKRVirKn
"Why don't we take a vote," Katrina suggested. "If the majority wins we go, if not, we all go home."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6hEjf0zH5
I glanced around the circle. "You all agree to go home if the majority votes against it?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpeldhj0Tk
Everyone nodded.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkY3ttOvNZ
Fine," I grumbled. "It's in the home of Marjorie Spoketon, Bionic Corp's CEO.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgelGDf5IX
"Not Marjorie! Please anyone but her! She's the worst!" Chase whined.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4xtofmyqb
"Do you know her?" Atlas shot him a quizzical look.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFE4LpH1Ei
"Yeah, she's my great aunt," Chase confessed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDi2k2N1wu
Atlas shot him an accusatory glare. "Why didn't you tell me you were related to Bionic Corp's CEO?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFM96rMcB7
Chase threw his arms up in the air. "Do you really expect me to remember which company she worked for? I can't even remember my social security number. Plus, I thought Bionic Corp was just a boring old toaster company until yesterday."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDVStgYzxy
Atlas scowled. "We'll discuss this later. Right now, we need to vote."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyENmV2nclj
"I vote against it!" I chimed in."This is a stupid and reckless plan, and we're in way over our heads. Let's all go home."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULrMD8EIGa
Chase scoffed. "Wow, what a surprise! Marisa wants to quit, I'm shocked."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx5Ul4dr6f
"Hey! You don't have to be an asshole about it!" I had no patience for his sarcastic remarks right now. I turned to Atlas, hoping this time he'd stand up for me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmlfk8V2ZC
Atlas shot Chase a disapproving stare, but he didn't defend me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOovTY92b1
A pang of disappointment tugged at my heartstrings. It hurt, knowing my brother wouldn't defend me against someone he'd only known for a day. I thought we were closer than that, but I guess I was wrong.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8Y5Ta7clc
"I vote yes to the plan I hate Aunt Marjorie because she's always super passive-aggressive at family reunions. I look forward to robbing her." Chase said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnA2BwovOa
"I also vote in favor of the plan." Atlas signed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtolwibgWpv
I rolled my eyes. Of course, he did. Atlas can never quit.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZcI0w0Nvi
We all turned to Katrina. It was up to her now.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLI0f1x1HA
The corners of her lips turned downward in contemplation. "You guys keep talking about the plan, but we don't have one."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKf6HVhzdd
"Is that a no?" I asked, hopefully.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8vCcoxpfU
"Not necessarily." She replied.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBahDERSouL
My heart sank.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuZQ0QtNvq
"I just want to know exactly what we're doing before I commit." She said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND8Da7dkkD
"The map is secured in her safe within her Sydney vacation home," I explained. "The security is top-notch. There's no way we can get anywhere near the place without getting caught."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5d4LQSfV6
"What if we didn't have to sneak in?" Chase suggested.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKWAIY5dx8
"There's no way she'll willingly invite us in." Atlas signed.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkHqslPz4y
Chase let out a sheepish chuckle. "Actually, she did." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold crested slip of paper. He unfolded it and displayed it for all of us to see.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbelZkBOrN
It read; Marjorie Spoketon requests your presence to celebrate of the arrival her 72nd year on this earth. Join us May 6th at 7:00 pm at 101 Stoneleigh Place, Sydney, Australia. This invitation welcomes Chase Huxley and one guest to the celebration.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3igGb3aCZo
Chase rolled his eyes. "Have you ever read something so supercilious in your life? God, she's so pretentious."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFswyMsWDIW
"Have you been carrying that around the whole time?" Atlas looked surprised.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41yjcpbPc2
I was more surprised Chase knew what the word supercilious meant.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt5ojcGtYG
"Of course, I've been carrying it around. I never say no to the chance to party, even if I can't stand the host." Chase said.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctOdnS4wD1
"Hey! I got an invitation just like the one! We could take you guys as our dates!" Katrina bounced up and down.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL8vSUvAcf
I guess she was voting yes. "How long until Ikigai II docks in Australia?" I asked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CaoWETaK
Atlas squinted and peered over the horizon. "Roughly two days."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi80eIhx0cD
"Oh well, too bad, we won't make it in time for the party." I said, feigning disappointment.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yaRY2kYPl
Atlas smirked. "Not if we steal a boat."
ns18.217.106.29da2
