Digital Heretic by Terry Schott Read Free Book Online

would want to meet me.” Then I walk away.
      I expect her to follow me, to say something, but she doesn’t. She stands calmly in line waiting for her turn to order.
      Sam is beside me as I get to the door and open it. We silently walk out and turn towards our hotel. He can tell from my face that things didn’t go well, but we both know better than to talk out in the open. I’m horribly disappointed; it’s doubtful that I’ll ever be able to get that close to them again, now that they know what I look like. Maybe I should just float up to her window, risk be damned.
      As we turn the corner, a car pulls up and  comes to a halt in front of us. The passenger door opens and a muscular man in jeans and a tee shirt gets out and starts to walk towards us. His eyes look just like Stephanie’s. He’s looking right at me, and his expression doesn’t look terribly friendly.
      I stop walking and take a short step backwards, ready to fly if I have to. Yeah, I’ve gotten that quick during my years of practice. “Can I help you, sir?” I ask.
      He smiles charmingly, nodding his head. “Yes, you can get in the car, please. Stephanie said to tell you she is interested in hearing more about you. We would like to have a quick and safe little chat with you. If we like what we hear, then we’ll take you to Danielle. How does that sound?”
      I look quickly at Sam; he shrugs his shoulders. I can tell from his posture that he’s good with running or with going with this guy, my choice. If there was any real danger he wouldn’t be so relaxed about it. His instincts have saved us more than a few times. I nod. “Sounds like it’s worth trying. I’m Melissa; my friend is Sam.”
      The man walks to the car and opens the back door. 
      “I’m Raphael.  We’re very interested in meeting you as well, Melissa.”

 
    Chapter 11
      “It is with sadness that Tygon says farewell to a great player of the Game.
      Brandon Strayne, Zack’s Patron, sadly confirmed what we learned through Danielle. Zack didn’t get to celebrate one of the best plays we’ve ever seen, especially the final events that resulted in his achieving Rank One. We’ve learned that Zack’s body is still being kept alive by machines, but his brain is fully absent of any function.
      Today is the fifth day since ending his play, and sources close to Zack’s camp tell us that he will be taken off of life support today.
      From the bottom of our hearts, Tygon thanks you for your efforts, Zack.  You will not be forgotten.”
    Lisa Rohansen,  Game Channel 42
     
      “ Just press tha t button, sir,” the doctor said. “All the machines are linked and will turn off at the same time.”
      Brandon looked at the button, then nodded. The doctor stepped back and Brandon gazed down at Zack. He lay peacefully on the bed, breathing at a normal rate. It was difficult for Brandon to believe he wasn’t simply sleeping. But Zack was gone; he’d never made it out of the Game.
      Brandon gently stroked Zack’s hair. This wasn’t how it was supposed to turn out, Brandon thought sadly. Finishing his last play was only the beginning. Brandon stood silently, looking down at
    Zack for a few moments, then straightened his back and turned to face the small group behind him.
      Michelle, Lilith and Angelica stood silently in the room. None of them wanted Brandon to be alone for this.
      “ Would anyone like to say anything?” Brandon asked. He met each of their eyes. They shook their heads slightly; everyone had spent a few moments alone with Zack. Goodbyes had already been said.
      “ He was a good boy — a good man , ” Brandon said. “We all wish things had turned out differently, but the Game is life, and neither one is fair. You can play everything perfectly and still fail. I sincerely hope that your soul finds peace, Zack. We will miss you.”
      Brandon reached towards the button, paused briefly, and pressed it. The sounds of the machines went