Simple by Dena Nicotra Read Free Book Online Page A

“So, like I said, my last attempt to breech the gateway was unsuccessful, but I did make some progress because it was a solid thirty seconds before I was locked out.”
    “Wait, you mean you made it in?” I asked, not really understanding what that meant.
    “Well, yes but it wasn’t long enough to do anything.”
    “What would you do if you got in longer?”  I asked, glancing back and forth between the men for an answer.
    “Remember when we met, Hailey?  I told you that if I can re-route the servers, I could set in a new data path with my own code and force a simp update that would wipe Yen’s virus.”
    “I remember you said something like that, but honestly at the time I just thought you were delusional.”
    “I’m not delusional.  It would have been done six months ago, but…”
    “It’s okay Giz, don’t go there,” Mic said, cutting him off.
    Eager to change the subject, I turned my attention to Mic. “Well, what about that fancy code you pulled off out there in the parking lot?”
    “What’s she talking about, Fish?”  Giz had an expression on his face like I’d just announced we’d all won the lottery.  His wide eyes, teamed with that wild hair made me laugh.
    “That’s why you hadn’t heard from me.  I finally finished writing the code that I was telling you about and I decided to try it out.  You have to understand, I’ve been locked away in my private suite since this all started, and I was getting pretty desperate for a way out.”
    “You mean you haven’t been out of the IDE building in two years?”
    “That’s what I mean.”
    I whistled low and shook my head.  “Man, have you missed the party out here!”  I knew I was being a smart-ass, but it was hard to be civil with the guy who’d cost me my friends and family.
    “Look, I get the hostility, but you know that’s kind of like blaming the rain for getting things wet.”
    “What?”  I shook my head.  “What kind of bullshit is that?  That doesn’t even make any sense!”
    “All I mean is that nature will take its course. I didn’t make this nightmare happen.  Truthfully, if you want to blame someone, blame Sam Yen.”
    “You’re deflecting, and you’re not taking responsibility,” I snarled.
    “No, I’m not deflecting.  Do you think that I’m not remorseful?”
    “Sure doesn’t sound like it.”
    “Well believe me, I am.  I’ve lost everyone I care about, and so has Giz. Why do you think we’re working so hard to fix this mess?”
    “Don’t try to make yourself out to be so righteous.  You are the one who made the mess!”  I stood up and pushed my chair back.  “That’s like shitting on the floor and then blaming it on the person who fed you!” I said.
    “Okay, okay, let’s all just calm down,” Giz said gently.  I walked to the trashcan and tossed my paper cup.  The coffee wasn’t cutting it. I needed something stronger.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything to be had.  No upstanding patient or doctor kept liquor on hand in a hospital, and I wasn’t the pill-taking kind of woman.  I sighed and pushed up to sit on a table closer to the doors. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration and exhaled loudly.  The men stopped talking.  Both were watching me with intense curiosity.
    “Are you always this tense?”  Mic asked.
    “No.”
    “Yes,” said Giz at the same time.  I made a “tsk” sound and crossed my arms.  “I’m not a people person.  I need a drink,” I mumbled under my breath.
    “I’ve got a pint of Jack in my backpack,” said Mic.
    “Can I have some, and another smoke?”  I asked.
    “Can I have some and another smoke?”  Giz repeated in a whiney voice. “So now you like me again, huh?” Mic said.
    “I never said I didn’t like you.” I hopped down from the table and crossed the room to them.  I did my best impression of a nice-girl smile.
    “Too late for apologies,” he said, reaching to unzip his pack. 
    “Who said I was