Hard Wired Trilogy DeAnna Pearce (if you give a mouse a cookie read aloud txt) 📖

“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