Everyone else had left—except the two of us.
“What about you, Karson?” Kelvin asked, stifling a yawn. “If you’re done, I need to get to work.”
“Actually, I couldreallyuse your help.” I paused, staring at him. “What’s your rate for hacking services?”
He leaned back. “And who says I do that?” He crossed his arms.
“Wild guess,” I said, leveling my gaze. “Look, I’ve got an urgent job, and I promise you’ll get a bonus that’ll make it sweet for you. So, what’s your rate?”
“That depends,” he mumbled, looking around to make sure nobody else was within earshot. “What’s the gig?”
“Long story short, my father set up a company in my name. Withoutmy consent. I need you to access the encrypted files.”
He eyeballed me.
“Look, I need your help. So, can you do it?” I pressed.
“Is that it?” He seemed bored. “I was hoping it’d be something interesting.”
I threw my head back and let out a laugh. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“When do you need it done by?” He stared off into the distance.
“Yesterday.”
“Got it.” He rose to his feet. “Here, give me your number and I’ll be in touch,” he promised, handing me his phone.
I tapped in the number for my secret phone, then handed it back.
“Look, you should know my father is—”
“It’s all good, man,” he said, meeting my gaze. “I know who you are. And I know who he is.Karlos Wells.Pretty shitty dude, from what I can tell.”
“You’re not wrong there.”I frowned.And you don’t even know half of it.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed his helmet. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Hey, thanks for this, Kelvin.”
He nodded once.
As I watched him walk away, a glimmer of hope sparked inside me.
***
IVY
A sense of renewal flowed through me as Miki and I sat eating our lunch on our towels beside a natural freshwater pool, surrounded by the sound of trickling water.
The day had been almost perfect, except we’d forgotten our swimsuits.
“Who needs a swimsuit?” Miki asked. “No one else is even around. We can’t miss swimming in this paradise.” She laughed, peeling off her clothes and tossing them onto her towel.
I shook my head and laughed. “You’re crazy.”
“Maybe. But it’s more fun than being sane.” She giggled. “Come on, the last one in is on dish duty tomorrow!” she cried, launching herself into the crystal-clear pool. “It’s freezing!” she shrieked, waving her arms.
A buzz of excitement built as I watched her swim. I peeked around for anyone else heading down the track, but the coast was clear.
