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

in an hour going to who-knows-where with a man I just met. I’m sixteen, and you’re asking me to make major life decisions in a couple minutes. I need more than dinner to digest this all.”

“If you were my daughter, we would leave now.” Gone was the carefree Dave, instead, a serious, almost anxious Dave sat in his place. “If you’re worried about me or the company, contact Tessa’s father. He’s done work with our company, and they can verify I work for them. This isn’t a joke. This is my job.”

Tessa stuck her hand out. “Let me use your phone—I assume it’s untraceable—and I’ll confirm things with my father.”

Dave handed over the phone, and Tessa stepped away from the table to make the call.

Ari glanced at Reed, knowing he wouldn’t like the next part. “My dad is also in a VR coma. I have to try to get him out before I go.”

Reed’s grip tightened, but to his credit he remained silent.

“Remind me how long he’s been in?” Dave asked as if he already knew the answer.

“Seven years.”

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but he’s gone. I’ve never known anyone past six months to make it out.”

“I have to try.”

“Would your parents want you to risk it? Because it would be a risk. You won’t be able to continue with school once you take the evaluation or refuse it. And if you leave unexcused, they will send officers to come and retrieve you. You didn’t think they had all of those armed guards only to keep the bad guys out, did you?”

Tessa sat back down at the table. “My dad knows the CEO of VisionTech. He says the company is reputable with off shore outreach teams. He’ll look into Dave and message me if he pans out.”

“Thanks,” Ari said, though it didn’t make her decision any easier. Everyone’s gaze rested on Ari, waiting for her decision. Heat rose in her cheeks.

Reed spoke first. “Sounds like you need to go, Ari. You can’t help him, and you can’t risk staying.” The resignation in his eyes hurt her. Reed had wanted her to hide her gift, so she could stay as long as possible, but even he recognized the reality of the situation.

“Okay.” She would sign the contract, but she still had to try to help her dad. Not only for his sake, but for the sake of their family. She couldn’t abandon her family without trying.

“Tomorrow night.” Her words were hard and final. “I’m going home first, but then let me know where I need to meet you.”

On the way back to school, Tessa’s dad sent a message that Dave checked out. It reassured Ari to know she wouldn’t be walking off to accidentally join a cult. It didn’t make saying goodbye to her life any easier though. While Ari wanted to walk in silence, holding Reed’s hand and preparing for the next couple days, Tessa had other ideas.

“Are you planning to ignore all of our advice and still try to save your dad? Some people don’t want saving.” Tessa didn’t mince words. It was one of Ari’s most and least favorite things about her.

Ari continued walking. “I know you guys don’t agree with me, but I’m not asking you too.” She kept her eyes forward, not ready for Reed’s reaction. “I appreciate your help with Dave, but I think we all know I have to do the rest by myself.”

Tessa pulled her to a stop. “Whoa, chica. While we don’t think it’s the smartest thing to go in after your dad, it doesn’t mean we’re abandoning you.”

Ari wrapped Tessa into a tight hug. She couldn’t have asked for a better roommate.

“Calm down.” Tessa awkwardly patted her on the back. “I’ve had my share of stupid. We’ll just remind you of that when we’re all arrested.”

Ari turned back and forth between her two best friends. “I don’t want you to be arrested. I can do this alone.”

Reed grabbed her hand again. “You don’t have a choice. I’m staying with you Ari, as long as I can.”

“Thanks.” It came out in a whisper.

“It sounds like it’s road trip time.” Tessa began walking again, with Reed and Ari beside her. “Let’s grab our stuff and head out tonight. We’ll check out with campus security and stay at my condo for the rest of the weekend.”

“Sounds good,” Reed replied.

They didn’t have time to make any more plans as they approached the security checkpoint.

Tessa spoke to guard as she went through. “Hey, we’re going to head up to my condo tonight. I need clearance for one night.”

The young guard was about as tall as Reed with thick arms that appeared out of place on his smooth childlike face. “Give me a minute, and I’ll enter it in the system.”

Reed walked through the scanner, his ID bracelet lighting up.

Tessa continue talking to the guard, standing closer than usual. “Yeah, we wanted some space to study for finals and my parents got their own VR link up.”

“Impressive.” The guard smiled at Tessa and then turned to work on the computer.

Ari walked through the scanner and a beep sounded. She paused, unsure of what that meant. “I don’t have any weapons.”

“Not weapons, miss.” The guard read something on his computer.

“Well, you two are welcome to leave tonight,” the guard point at Tessa and Reed. “But your friend Ari is flagged to remain on campus for the time being.”

“What does that mean?” Ari asked.

“It means you have to report to your student advisor for permission to leave campus.”

Ari’s mouth went dry as she stared at the guard’s weapon on his hip, a stun gun on the lowest setting or, at its highest, a deadly killing machine. Reflexively, Ari stepped back, wondering how quick he was. Would he really shoot her? Even if she avoided him, there were others guarding the perimeter, and those guys had weapons as well. Was it too late for her?

“Ari, you must have forgotten another assignment,” Reed teased, completely out of character