The Hacker's Legacy

ragged gasps. The blaring alarms were a cover, but she knew it wouldn't last. The Enforcers were disciplined. They would resto

bscured by a hooded jacket. "Shut up if you want to live," he hissed, his voice a low growl. Sh

managed to mumble

dim light from a distant neon sign, she saw his eyes. They were sharp and intellige

old woman," Ava said,

es you OmniCorp's most interesting new person of interest. Congratulations." He wasn't being cruel, ju

a said, the words

hen it happened. They swept her clean. A digital execution." He let go o

ere the data-puck was hidd

ild the encryption," he

e rooftops. Kaito grabbed her arm. "This way. Now." He led her through a labyrinth of back alleys she

team and grease. "Thorne's not just a CEO," Kaito said, keeping his voice low. "He runs OmniCorp like a private kingdo

to do with the rain. "Why? What's

he raw data. The one thing Thorne can't scrub from the network because it's firewalled on a closed server. The data-puck is the key to that

heavy. This small piece of metal held the truth that had cost her

er suspicion returning. "Wh

't like seeing bullies win." He checked a small device on hi

and the district was buzzing with nervous energy. Enforcers were everywhere, their white armo

jacket lower. "Walk normall

nforcer behind her made her want to run. She forced herself to look at the st

ront of them, his hand r

htly. "Of course, officer," he said, his voice calm and respectful. He held out his datapad. As the Enforcer sca

ped. "ID verified. Kaito Tanaka. Data-courier." He

a breath she didn't realize she w

an," Kaito sa

nored. The people here had hollow eyes and worn faces. They were the city's forg

ge, scarred man stepped forward. "You don't belong he

o said, his hand moving subtly tow

grimy finger at Ava. "I saw you. On the news feed. You' re the one who c

desperate people. A bounty could change their lives. Ava felt trapped. The Enforcers

said, his voice dropp

hed. "You an

estion?" The voice was electronic, distorted. It came from a speaker mounted on a nearby wa

ened. "The Ghost?" he stam

bounty on her is a lie from OmniCorp. The real price is on your freedom. T

he unseen speaker. He was confused and scared. The name

e said, his voice ringing with authority. "Are you going to sell her

The fate of her mission, her life, rested on the decision of these desperate people. Then, the whole building shook from