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

I have a connection that can help. It’s dangerous, staying off-grid is the safest route.”

“We know.” Reed didn’t seem happy about that but didn’t want to live out their days in a wasteland.

Ari knew if she could get online, they would have more resources.

“I’ll come get you when we’re near the major Asian Islands,” Manu said. “They are a major trafficking port for black market items around the world. Be careful though. You’ll need weapons more than masks.”

“We appreciate your help.”

“Don’t thank me until you get off at the Land of Smiles.”

“Wait, what? The Land of Smiles?” Ari asked.

“Well, the real name is,” Manu said a long name that Ari couldn’t understand at all. “But it is a land of pleasure or sin however you consider it. It’s the land where you can even die smiling, they say.”

Ari’s mouth opened but couldn’t think of a response.

“Just don’t die,” Manu said as he left the room.

Once he left, Reed turned to Ari. “Do you think we’re doing the right thing?”

“I do.” Ari reached for his hand. “Between your skills with security and mine, we can get what’s needed to create ourselves new identities anywhere, and with them, the money and power to get our families back. We may not have much, but what we do have is worth a lot. We just need to find the right people.”

“That’s what worries me.” Reed reached an arm around Ari and held her tight, which was perfect because she had no plans of letting go.

Chapter 37

As the boat unloaded supplies in the morning, Ari and Reed left their room with Manu. He gave them directions to someone who could find them identities. They thanked him again and headed off. The storm had passed but not without obvious damage. Tree limbs and debris littered the shoreline, puddles and trash lining the landing.

As they ventured further into town, life looked undisturbed by the storm. Granted, living out here, most people were used to the violent behavior of mother nature. Only damp awnings and wet debris littering doorways showed the presence of a storm last night, along with a scattering of heavy clouds in the distance.

In the light of day, the Land of Smiles sounded creepily close to its name. She imaged some haunted carnival and wasn’t far off. Flashing neon lights offered perverse activities for a variety of addictions, sins, and fetishes. And if you couldn’t find it here, VR bars lined the streets able to take you anywhere. Even though most of the city spoke an Asian dialect she couldn’t understand, the pictures did plenty of the talking.

“Are you okay?” she asked Reed.

It was obvious how uncomfortable he was from his stiff stance. “No, but neither are you. I’m just trying not to look at anything and pretend I’m not really here.” He motioned to a man standing at a booth, offering up services of a variety of women. “He deserves to get hit or worse.”

“Ugh. Most definitely.”

“Let’s just get our IDs and off this island as soon as possible.” Reed gripped Ari’s hand and pulled her close to him.

Her skin crawled with the dirt and sadness that lined the city. It didn’t matter what the drunken crowds on the street thought. Their alcohol-induced exuberance was deplorable.

They followed the directions through the streets that Manu had given them. Finally passing the swarm of VR dens and brothels, they found the address on a two story brick building. Vines crawled up the walls as the wet climate gave bravery to Mother Nature. A tall man stood at the door.

“We’re looking for Fetu,” Ari told the man.

Without even looking at them he pointed to the side of the building. “Take the stairs up.”

“Ummm, thanks.” Reed led the way around the side of the building into the alley.

They climbed the metal stairs that wound their way to a door. Once above the street, shouts emerged from within. Standing on a shaking metal balcony, they glanced at each other.

“Are we sure about this?” Reed asked, his hand posed to knock when there was no sign of a bell.

“We don’t have a lot of options, unless you want to make a home here,” Ari pointed out. “I think I saw a for rent sign next to that den of women.”

“Don’t joke.” Reed knocked on the door, but no one could have heard with the racket inside. So instead of waiting, he opened the door, and they both slipped inside.

An irate woman screamed in a foreign language at a tall man who looked like he had his share of a rough life. He glanced at Reed and Ari briefly, and the woman’s pitch increased even more. The room looked like a small apartment but instead of a living room, a desk and a couple chairs had been set up a makeshift office of sorts.

After another minute of trying to talk her down, he finally grabbed her arm and led her to the door. Reed and Ari stepped to the side, and he gently pushed her out. Once shut, he locked it, turned and leaned against it, saying something Ari didn’t understand.

She pulled out the translators and placed a set in Reed’s hand. Even though they were old tech, they were a much needed tool. While they put in the translators, the man straightened and made his way to his desk.

He clicked a button near his ear, to probably activate his own translator. “I can see you two are not natives. What brings you here?”

Ari straightened. “We need new identities for travel. Are you Fetu?”

“I am.” He gave a short chuckle. “So, you want to start over with a fresh digital thumbprint. The dream of everyone here.” He motioned for them to sit. “It won’t be cheap.”

Reed took the chair next to Ari. “We know, and brought something you may be interested in.” He pulled out the ring.

Fetu leaned forward in his chair, obviously interested in it. “May I?”

Reed handed it over but didn’t take his eyes off it. The rock