The Third Degree

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<> <div id="game-map-menu" class="map-menu"> <div class="map-menu-top"> <<if $protagonist is "KC">>  <div class="map-widget kc-level-widget"> <div class="kc-level-text"> LEVEL <<print $kcLevel>> </div> </div>  <div class="map-widget kc-inventory-widget"> <div class="kc-inventory-info"> INVENTORY <<print setup.getKCInventoryItemCount()>> <<if setup.getKCInventoryItemCount() is 1>>Item<<else>>Items<</if>> </div> <<button "View">> <<goto "KC Inventory">> <</button>> </div>  <div class="map-widget-right"> <<button "Quest Log">> <<goto "KC Quest Log">> <</button>> </div> <<elseif $protagonist is "Allison">>  <div class="map-widget-left"> <<button "Police Station">> <<goto "Police Station">> <</button>> </div>  <div class="map-top-center"></div>  <div class="allison-case-widget"> RYAN KANE CASE <div class="case-progress-bar"> <div class="case-progress-fill" style="width: <<print $ryanCaseProgress>>%;" ></div> </div> <<print $ryanCaseProgress>>% </div> <</if>> </div>  <div class="map-screen-area"> <div class="world-map"> <img src="images/maps/world/city-map.webp" class="world-map-image" alt="" >  <div class="map-visual-filter"></div>  <svg class="world-map-regions" viewBox="0 0 1672 941" preserveAspectRatio="xMidYMid meet" >  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Residential North" data-passage="Map - Residential North" points=" 0,0 470,0 495,45 500,110 488,170 463,229 430,291 389,343 341,385 281,414 215,433 142,444 74,443 0,430 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Downtown" data-passage="Map - Downtown" points=" 692,0 812,41 917,104 1012,159 1077,193 1094,276 1105,363 1118,445 1102,511 1074,545 1018,535 950,499 857,477 781,470 695,447 617,422 560,385 535,341 548,281 575,213 609,147 637,90 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Outskirts" data-passage="Map - Outskirts" points=" 812,0 1672,0 1672,200 1582,189 1480,171 1383,157 1290,157 1202,173 1138,195 1077,193 1012,159 917,104 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="College District" data-passage="Map - College District" points=" 1077,193 1138,195 1202,173 1290,157 1383,157 1480,171 1582,189 1672,200 1672,567 1587,572 1485,570 1390,565 1295,560 1210,548 1150,521 1110,486 1118,445 1105,363 1094,276 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Residential South" data-passage="Map - Residential South" points=" 283,425 360,425 452,437 546,449 646,464 744,478 820,497 812,541 798,580 770,607 699,623 617,634 530,639 441,639 344,632 249,620 174,606 155,579 169,533 190,490 225,454 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Police Department" data-passage="Map - Police Department" points=" 845,488 907,482 967,492 1009,518 1014,559 1002,592 967,607 915,604 872,585 842,551 838,516 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Hospital District" data-passage="Map - Hospital District" points=" 824,532 842,551 872,585 915,604 967,607 1002,592 1027,606 1059,633 1082,669 1103,710 1127,755 1113,793 1073,814 1021,823 970,817 921,799 886,772 862,730 846,685 833,634 816,582 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Entertainment District" data-passage="Map - Entertainment District" points=" 1027,606 1050,586 1072,560 1091,525 1110,486 1150,521 1210,548 1295,560 1390,565 1485,570 1587,572 1672,567 1672,941 1300,930 1214,902 1134,876 1062,852 1021,823 1073,814 1113,793 1127,755 1103,710 1082,669 1059,633 " ></polygon>  <polygon class="map-region" data-name="Southside" data-passage="Map - Southside" points=" 174,606 249,620 344,632 441,639 530,639 617,634 699,623 770,607 812,541 816,582 833,634 846,685 862,730 886,772 921,799 970,817 1021,823 1062,852 1134,876 1214,902 1300,930 1340,941 76,941 62,902 77,846 93,787 107,726 126,670 150,625 " ></polygon> </svg>  <div id="map-district-label" class="map-district-label"> <<if $protagonist is "Allison">> SECTOR IDENTIFIED <<else>> DISTRICT <</if>> </div> </div> </div> </div> <>

<<districtmap "residentialNorth">>

<<districtmap "residentialSouth">>

<<districtmap "downtown">>

<<districtmap "hospital">>

<<districtmap "entertainment">>

<<districtmap "southside">>

<<districtmap "college">>

<<districtmap "outskirts">>

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> <<set $kcLevel = 1>> <<set $kcInventory = []>> <<set $quests = {}>> <<set $quests.KQ001 = { state: "available", stage: 0 }>> <<set $shiftActions = 3>> <<set $hustleActions = 3>> <<if $kcBattleOutfit is undefined>> <<set $kcBattleOutfit = 1>> <</if>> <<if $kcLevel is undefined>> <<set $kcLevel = 1>> <</if>> <<if $kcXP is undefined>> <<set $kcXP = 0>> <</if>> <<if $kcHP is undefined>> <<set $kcHP = 120>> <</if>> <<if $kcGrit is undefined>> <<set $kcGrit = 40>> <</if>> <<if $money is undefined>> <<set $money = 0>> <</if>> <<if $kcIntel is undefined>> <<set $kcIntel = 0>> <</if>> /* ========================================================= GLOBAL HUD DATA ========================================================= */ <<if $day is undefined>> <<set $day = 1>> <</if>> <<if $time is undefined>> <<set $time = "Early Morning">> <</if>> <<if $month is undefined>> <<set $month = "September">> <</if>> <<if $weekday is undefined>> <<set $weekday = "Monday">> <</if>> /* ========================================================= JASON SOCIAL STATS Ranks are currently 1–5. ========================================================= */ <<if $jasonExperience is undefined>> <<set $jasonExperience = 1>> <</if>> <<if $jasonNerve is undefined>> <<set $jasonNerve = 1>> <</if>> <<if $jasonTechnique is undefined>> <<set $jasonTechnique = 1>> <</if>> <<if $jasonHeat is undefined>> <<set $jasonHeat = 1>> <</if>> <<if $jasonGame is undefined>> <<set $jasonGame = 1>> <</if>> /* ========================================================= KC ========================================================= */ <<if $money is undefined>> <<set $money = 200>> <</if>> <<if $kcEquippedWeapon is undefined>> <<set $kcEquippedWeapon = "Bare Hands">> <</if>> <<if $kcParty is undefined>> <<set $kcParty = ["KC"]>> <</if>> /* ========================================================= ALLISON ========================================================= */ <<if $goodCop is undefined>> <<set $goodCop = 50>> <</if>> <<if $allisonCaseUpdate is undefined>> <<set $allisonCaseUpdate = "No new case developments.">> <</if>> <<if $pendingInterrogations is undefined>> <<set $pendingInterrogations = []>> <</if>> <<set $weekday = "Monday">> <<set $month = "September">> <<set $day = 14>> <<set $time = "Daytime">>

<> <div id="kc-battle-results"></div> <<timed 0s>> <<run setup.renderBattleResults()>> <</timed>> <>

<> <<set $protagonist = "KC">> <<set $kcShopReturnPassage = "World Map">> <div id="kc-shop" data-shop-id="kcMainShop" ></div> <>

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> <<allisonpolicestation>>

The radio cracked to life while Allison and Marcus were stopped at a red light. They had been driving for almost twenty minutes without anything more interesting than a broken taillight when dispatch finally gave them something. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 418 Hawthorne Avenue. Possible domestic disturbance. Caller reports two adult males screaming inside the residence, sounds of furniture being thrown. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy. En route.<</speech>> Marcus hit the lights and pulled through the intersection. <<speech "Marcus">>Finally.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You say that now.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'm tired of traffic stops.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You'll miss them when one of these idiots throws a chair at you.<</speech>> Marcus glanced at her. <<speech "Marcus">>You think we're getting a chair?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm feeling optimistic.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC001 - Arrival]]

The house was a narrow two-story rental squeezed between nearly identical homes. A woman in a bathrobe stood on the neighboring porch watching them arrive. Before Allison had even shut the cruiser door, the woman was pointing toward the house. <<speech "Neighbor">>That's them. They've been going at it for twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Anybody hurt?<</speech>> <<speech "Neighbor">>I don't know. I heard something hit the wall.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You see either of them with a weapon?<</speech>> <<speech "Neighbor">>No. They're always loud, but this was different.<</speech>> Another crash came from inside the house. <<speech "Marcus">>There goes your chair.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stay here, ma'am.<</speech>> Allison and Marcus crossed the lawn. Marcus knocked hard enough to shake the door in its frame. <<speech "Marcus">>Police department! Open the door!<</speech>> The shouting inside stopped immediately. A few seconds later the door opened and a shirtless man with messy brown hair appeared. He looked somewhere around thirty. There was a red mark along his cheek, but no blood. <<speech "Man">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Step outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes. Seriously.<</speech>> The man looked over his shoulder. <<speech "Second Man">>Tell them what you fucking did!<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Shut the fuck up, Tyler.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Both of you, stop. You come outside. He stays inside.<</speech>> The first man reluctantly stepped onto the porch. Marcus moved him toward the driveway while Allison entered the house. [[Continue|AC001 - Inside]]

The living room looked like the aftermath of a bad college party. A lamp was on its side, one couch cushion had been thrown across the room, and a small end table had been knocked over. The second man stood near the stairs wearing jeans and a gray T-shirt. He was taller than the first and visibly angrier. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Tyler Walsh.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Ask fucking Evan.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm asking you.<</speech>> Tyler looked toward the front door. <<speech "Tyler">>My ex came over yesterday to pick up some of her stuff. Apparently she stayed longer than I thought.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>And he fucked her.<</speech>> Allison waited. <<speech "Tyler">>That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's why somebody called 911?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>I didn't call anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you hit him?<</speech>> Tyler hesitated. <<speech "Tyler">>I shoved him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did he hit you?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>He shoved me back.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody punch anybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Weapons?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked around the room. <<speech "Allison">>What got thrown?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>The cushion.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And the table?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>I kicked it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Lamp?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Evan knocked it over.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Allison">>So the violent domestic disturbance is two grown men shoving each other because one slept with the other's ex-girlfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>When you say it like that-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's exactly what you just told me.<</speech>> Tyler rubbed the back of his neck. <<speech "Tyler">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Are you injured?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do you want him arrested?<</speech>> Tyler looked toward the front door again. <<speech "Tyler">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do you want to leave for the night?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>It's my house too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you're going to have to figure out how to be in the same building without kicking furniture.<</speech>> Marcus appeared in the doorway. <<speech "Marcus">>Evan says pretty much the same thing. Says Tyler shoved him first. Doesn't want charges.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any injuries?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Nothing worth photographing.<</speech>> Evan appeared behind Marcus. <<speech "Evan">>Can I come back inside now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>If the two of you can act like adults.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Ask him if sleeping with my ex counts as acting like an adult.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>She broke up with you three months ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>You're my roommate.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>She came onto me.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Oh, fuck off.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Enough.<</speech>> Both men stopped. <<speech "Allison">>Neither of you wants charges. Neither of you is injured. Nobody has a weapon. So here's what happens next. One of you goes upstairs, one stays down here, and you don't speak to each other until you've both calmed down.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Whatever.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll talk to the neighbor and let dispatch know we're clear.<</speech>> Marcus stepped back outside. Tyler headed upstairs without another word while Evan started picking up the living room. [[Continue|AC001 - Aftermath]]

Allison stayed long enough to make sure Tyler actually remained upstairs. Evan picked up the lamp and put the couch cushion back where it belonged. <<speech "Evan">>Sorry about all this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Tell your neighbor. She's the one who called us.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>She's hated us since we moved in.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Tonight didn't exactly help your case.<</speech>> Evan gave her a tired smile. <<speech "Evan">>Probably not.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the stairs. <<speech "Allison">>How long have you two lived together?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>About two years.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you thought sleeping with his ex was going to go well?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I wasn't exactly thinking about Tyler at the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Clearly.<</speech>> Evan looked at her for a second longer than necessary. <<speech "Evan">>You always this judgmental?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Only when somebody makes me drive across town because they can't keep their dick out of their roommate's problems.<</speech>> Evan laughed. <<speech "Evan">>Fair.<</speech>> Tyler appeared halfway down the stairs. <<speech "Tyler">>Are we done?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Almost.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Because I'd really like to stop discussing my ex with the police.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You brought her up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't start again.<</speech>> Tyler came the rest of the way down. <<speech "Tyler">>I'm not starting anything.<</speech>> He looked at Allison. <<speech "Tyler">>Sorry you had to come out here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then don't make me come back.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Trust me, I don't want that.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Speak for yourself.<</speech>> Tyler looked at him. <<speech "Tyler">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>What?<</speech>> Allison noticed the look Evan gave her. Tyler noticed too. <<speech "Tyler">>You're unbelievable.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>You didn't have to.<</speech>> Tyler looked Allison over, then gave a short laugh. <<speech "Tyler">>Actually, for once I understand you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do the two of you ever stop?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Not really.<</speech>> Allison should have left. Marcus was outside finishing the call, the disturbance was over, and there was no reason for her to remain inside. <<choice "End the call professionally.">> <<goto "AC001 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay a little longer." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC001 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Allison pulled out one of her cards and placed it on the table. <<speech "Allison">>If either of you starts fighting again, separate yourselves before somebody else has to do it for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Understood.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Yeah.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the front door. <<speech "Evan">>Officer?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Right. Detective.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Evan">>Nice meeting you under terrible circumstances.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Try making the next meeting unnecessary.<</speech>> She stepped outside and found Marcus leaning against the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>Everybody friends again?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not even remotely.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Good enough.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC001">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]

Allison didn't move toward the door. Evan noticed first. <<speech "Evan">>Something else?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm deciding whether the two of you are actually finished acting like idiots.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Same.<</speech>> Allison looked between them. <<speech "Allison">>Five minutes ago you were trying to put each other through a wall.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>It wasn't that serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>He gets dramatic.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>You slept with my ex.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And we're back.<</speech>> Tyler sighed. <<speech "Tyler">>I'm done. Seriously.<</speech>> Evan leaned against the wall. <<speech "Evan">>You know, you're a lot more fun than the cops usually sent out here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How often are cops sent out here?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That sounded worse than I meant it.<</speech>> Tyler laughed. <<speech "Tyler">>Smooth.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Shut up.<</speech>> Allison smiled despite herself. <<speech "Tyler">>See? She likes me better.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>She was laughing at you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm beginning to understand how tonight happened.<</speech>> There was a brief silence. The mood had changed completely now that nobody was angry. <<speech "Evan">>Can I ask you something inappropriate?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You can ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Are you married?<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>That's your inappropriate question?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I was easing into it.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>He's asking if he has a chance.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I was not.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the front window. Marcus was still outside talking to the neighbor. <<speech "Allison">>You two were trying to kill each other ten minutes ago and now you're competing over me?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>We're versatile.<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Evan">>So that's not a no.<</speech>> She looked at him, then at Tyler. <<speech "Allison">>You're both idiots.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Still not a no.<</speech>> The smarter choice was obvious. Allison knew exactly where the front door was. Instead, she glanced toward the stairs. <<speech "Allison">>Your bedrooms upstairs?<</speech>> Both men went quiet. <<speech "Evan">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Why?<</speech>> Allison started toward the stairs. <<speech "Allison">>You've got about thirty seconds before I remember I'm supposed to have better judgment than this.<</speech>> Evan looked at Tyler. <<speech "Evan">>Are we still fighting?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Not currently.<</speech>> They followed her upstairs. <<set $corruption += 1>> [[Continue|AC001 - Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC001">>

Several minutes later, Allison fixed her uniform in front of Tyler's mirror while both men tried to make themselves look less like they had just done something incredibly stupid with an on-duty detective. <<speech "Evan">>So... are we still getting a warning?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You weren't getting anything in the first place.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>That's good.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And if either of you tells anyone about this, I'll deny knowing what you're talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Fair.<</speech>> Tyler opened the bedroom door. <<speech "Tyler">>You think your partner noticed how long you've been in here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't worry about my partner.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs, crossed the living room, and stepped outside. Marcus was already sitting in the passenger seat of the cruiser filling out the report. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>They're calm now.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took you long enough.<</speech>> Allison opened the driver's door. <<speech "Allison">>They needed a very thorough explanation.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Uh-huh.<</speech>> Allison got behind the wheel before he could ask anything else. <<completecall "AC001">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

The music was audible from the street. It wasn't party music either. Slow rock poured from a small one-story house with every downstairs light turned on. The neighboring porch light flashed twice as Allison and Marcus climbed out of the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>Divorced dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't celebrate yet.<</speech>> A middle-aged woman stepped out of the house next door before they reached the sidewalk. <<speech "Neighbor">>Thank God. He's been doing this for hours.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You called earlier too?<</speech>> <<speech "Neighbor">>Yes. Another officer came by and told him to turn it down. He did for maybe twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Any yelling? Fighting? Anybody else inside?<</speech>> <<speech "Neighbor">>Not that I've seen. Just him.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the house. <<speech "Allison">>We'll talk to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Neighbor">>Please do more than talk this time.<</speech>> Marcus gave Allison a look as they crossed the yard. <<speech "Marcus">>Friendly neighborhood.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You wanted divorced dad.<</speech>> Allison knocked hard on the front door. Nothing happened. She knocked again, louder this time. <<speech "Allison">>Police department!<</speech>> The music dropped suddenly. A few seconds later the door opened. A white man in his mid-thirties stood there wearing sweatpants and an old college T-shirt. He wasn't visibly drunk, but the half-empty glass in his hand explained part of the evening. <<speech "Man">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You Dan Mercer?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We've had another noise complaint.<</speech>> Dan looked past them toward his neighbor's house. <<speech "Dan">>Of course we have.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You already had an officer out here tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>About an hour ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you already know what we're going to tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Yeah. Turn it down.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Correct.<</speech>> Dan opened the door wider. <<speech "Dan">>It's down now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How much have you had to drink?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Two.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Two what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Whiskeys.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody else here?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked past him. The living room was a mess, but not in a dangerous way. Cardboard boxes were stacked near the wall. Framed pictures had been taken down and leaned against the floor. Half the shelves were empty. <<speech "Allison">>You moving?<</speech>> Dan glanced back into the house. <<speech "Dan">>Something like that.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC002 - Inside]]

Dan stepped aside and let them into the living room. Marcus remained near the doorway while Allison took a quick look around. There was no sign of anybody else, no damage, and nothing that suggested the complaint was anything more than exactly what dispatch had said. <<speech "Allison">>What's with the boxes?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>My wife moved out.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Recently?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Three days ago.<</speech>> Marcus looked at Allison. <<speech "Dan">>Before you ask, no, she isn't here. Nobody hit anybody. Nobody threatened anybody. She took her stuff and left.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I wasn't going to ask all of that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>The last cop did.<</speech>> Dan set his glass on the coffee table. <<speech "Dan">>I'm not trying to piss anybody off. The house is just really fucking quiet now.<</speech>> That took some of the edge out of the call. <<speech "Allison">>I get it, but your neighbor still has to sleep.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Keep the music down and we don't have a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Done.<</speech>> A sharp knock sounded against the open front door. The neighbor stood outside with her arms folded. <<speech "Neighbor">>Is he getting cited this time?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dan, stay here.<</speech>> Marcus stepped outside before the argument could restart. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll talk to her.<</speech>> He pulled the door mostly closed behind him, leaving Allison alone with Dan. [[Continue|AC002 - Conversation]]

Dan dropped onto the couch and rubbed both hands over his face. Without the music filling the room, the house felt even emptier than it looked. <<speech "Dan">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For the music or the neighbor?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Both.<</speech>> Allison remained standing near the coffee table. <<speech "Dan">>You can write the ticket if you want.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You want a ticket?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>No. I just don't feel like arguing about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then don't make us come back a third time.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Fair enough.<</speech>> Dan picked up a photograph from beside him. It showed him with a blonde woman at what looked like a wedding. <<speech "Allison">>Bad breakup?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Depends which one of us you ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm asking you.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Then yeah.<</speech>> He placed the picture facedown on the table. <<speech "Dan">>Twelve years together. She decides she's done, takes half the house with her, and now apparently I'm the neighborhood asshole because I wanted music on.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You had it loud enough to hear from the street.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I said apparently.<</speech>> Allison smiled despite herself. <<speech "Dan">>There. You almost feel bad for me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't push it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Worth a shot.<</speech>> He leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Dan">>Can I ask you something?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Do you ever get tired of showing up at people's houses when they're having the worst night they've had all year?<</speech>> Allison considered it. <<speech "Allison">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>And then you go home and forget about them?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's probably healthy.<</speech>> Dan looked at her wedding ring. <<speech "Dan">>You're married.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Happy?<</speech>> Allison raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Dan">>Too personal.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Sorry.<</speech>> Outside, Marcus was still talking to the neighbor. Allison could hear pieces of the conversation through the window. <<speech "Dan">>He's going to be out there awhile. Brenda can complain professionally.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Brenda?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Apparently we're on a first-name basis after two police calls.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the door. The call was effectively finished. Dan was calm, the music was off, and there was nothing else requiring police involvement. <<choice "End the call." >> <<goto "AC002 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay with Dan a little longer." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC002 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Allison straightened her uniform while Dan sat back on the couch trying to catch his breath. The room was quiet now for an entirely different reason. <<speech "Dan">>So I'm guessing this doesn't go in the report.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What do you think?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'm thinking no.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good answer.<</speech>> Dan glanced toward the front window. <<speech "Dan">>For what it's worth, I'm definitely not turning the music back on.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You'd better not.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door. <<speech "Dan">>Allison?<</speech>> She stopped. She hadn't remembered telling him her first name, but her nameplate had been visible all night. <<speech "Dan">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Honestly? I'm not sure yet.<</speech>> Allison shook her head and stepped outside. Marcus had finally escaped the neighbor and was standing beside the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>That woman could complain about winning the lottery.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You survive?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Barely. What took you so long?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Making sure he understood the warning.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the house, then back at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>He understand it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very clearly.<</speech>> Allison opened the driver's door before he could ask anything else. <<completecall "AC002">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison had barely finished closing out the last report when the radio came back to life. Marcus reached for the volume knob as dispatch read out another residential address. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 907 Westbridge Lane for a noise complaint. Caller reports loud music coming from the residence next door. This is the second complaint tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Marcus looked over at Allison as she turned onto Westbridge. <<speech "Marcus">>Second complaint. Think we're about to ruin somebody's party?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At this hour? Probably six college kids and one terrified landlord.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'm betting divorced dad with a stereo.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's weirdly specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You'll see.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC002 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed where she was. Dan noticed her looking toward the front window. <<speech "Dan">>You don't have to babysit me. I'm not turning it back on.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Then why are you still here?<</speech>> There wasn't much accusation in the question. Mostly curiosity. <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I haven't decided yet.<</speech>> Dan studied her for a moment. <<speech "Dan">>About the ticket?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Sure.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Dan">>I don't think this is about the ticket anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're getting confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'm sitting on my couch while a beautiful detective decides whether she wants to leave. I'm trying to read the room.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the window again. Marcus still had his back to the house. <<speech "Allison">>And what does the room say?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That saying anything else could either go very well or get me arrested.<</speech>> Allison laughed quietly. <<speech "Allison">>At least you're learning.<</speech>> Dan shifted over on the couch, leaving an open spot beside him. <<speech "Dan">>You can sit down. That's not illegal, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not yet.<</speech>> Allison sat at the opposite end. For a few seconds neither of them said anything. <<speech "Dan">>This is the strangest night I've had in a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your standards are low.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>My wife left Tuesday. The bar's pretty low right now.<</speech>> That should have been enough to end the conversation. Instead, Allison stayed. <<speech "Dan">>You're really not going to answer whether you're happy?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're really not going to stop asking?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Probably not.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Dan">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You apologize a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Bad week.<</speech>> He was close enough now that the flirting was obvious. Allison could still stand up and walk outside. <<choice "Leave before this goes further.">> <<goto "AC002 - Professional Late">> <</choice>> <<choice "Fuck him." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC002 - Sex Scene">> <</choice>>

Allison took one of her cards from her pocket and placed it on the coffee table. <<speech "Allison">>Keep the volume reasonable. If she calls again tonight and it's actually loud, you're probably getting cited.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Understood.<</speech>> Allison headed for the door. <<speech "Dan">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Thanks for not treating me like an asshole.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't make me regret it.<</speech>> Dan smiled. <<speech "Dan">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Night.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside. Marcus was waiting beside the cruiser while Brenda returned to her house. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He's fine. Music's staying off.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Divorced dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were right. Don't get used to it.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC002">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison stood before either of them could make the situation worse. <<speech "Allison">>Keep the music down, Dan.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Yeah. Probably smart.<</speech>> He looked embarrassed, but not offended. <<speech "Allison">>Have a better night.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'll try.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind her. <<completecall "AC002">> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC002">>

The rear parking lot was poorly lit and mostly empty. Allison spotted the man almost immediately. He was standing beside a dark sedan with one hand inside his jacket while checking the doors of two cars parked beside it. <<speech "Allison">>There.<</speech>> Marcus stopped the cruiser across the lane. Allison stepped out. <<speech "Allison">>Police. Hands where I can see them.<</speech>> The man turned around and slowly raised both hands. Allison recognized him before he recognized her. <<speech "Allison">>You've got to be kidding me.<</speech>> The man stared at her for a second, then smiled. <<speech "Man">>Detective Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You two know each other?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>That's not how I remember it.<</speech>> Allison walked closer. <<speech "Allison">>Hands on the car, Mason.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Still bossy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still giving cops reasons to search you.<</speech>> Mason turned and put his hands against the sedan. <<speech "Marcus">>What's the history?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I arrested him last year.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>She enjoyed it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Keep talking.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>See?<</speech>> Allison checked him for weapons while Marcus ran his identification. <<speech "Mason">>You always this thorough with repeat customers?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're always this annoying when somebody has you against a car?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Depends who's doing it.<</speech>> Allison stopped for half a second. <<speech "Allison">>You're really trying that right now?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Worth a shot.<</speech>> Marcus looked over from the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>He's clean.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What are you doing out here, Mason?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Trying to find my fucking car.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>By opening other people's doors?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>They're identical company cars. My boss gave me the wrong row number.<</speech>> Mason nodded toward the sedan he was leaning against. <<speech "Mason">>Check the registration.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC003 - Cleared]]

Five minutes later, the story checked out. The sedan belonged to the company Mason worked for, his name was listed as an authorized driver, and security footage showed him arriving in another identical vehicle earlier that morning. The caller had seen him testing doors and assumed the rest. <<speech "Marcus">>You're clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Great. Can I stop hugging the car now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You could've stopped three minutes ago.<</speech>> Mason turned around. <<speech "Mason">>You didn't tell me that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Didn't think I needed to.<</speech>> He looked Allison over without bothering to hide it. <<speech "Allison">>Eyes up.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You weren't this sensitive last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Last time you were handcuffed in the back of my cruiser.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I remember.<</speech>> The way he said it made Marcus glance between them. <<speech "Marcus">>I'm going to talk to the caller and let them know their master criminal has been apprehended.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He's not apprehended.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Even better.<</speech>> Marcus headed toward the apartment building. <<speech "Mason">>He always leave you alone with dangerous men?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That's disappointing.<</speech>> Allison folded her arms. <<speech "Allison">>You're free to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I heard him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then go.<</speech>> Mason didn't move. <<speech "Mason">>You first.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm working.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Exactly.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Mason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You have some kind of problem with uniforms?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Quite the opposite.<</speech>> There was nothing subtle about it. Mason wasn't trying to get out of a charge anymore because there was no charge. He was free, he knew it, and now he was standing in a dark parking lot openly checking out the detective who had once put him in handcuffs. <<speech "Allison">>You're fucking shameless.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You're still standing here.<</speech>> That shut Allison up for a second. <<speech "Mason">>Thought so.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC003 - Tension]]

Allison should have gotten back into the cruiser. Instead, she leaned against the driver's door while Mason stayed several feet away. <<speech "Allison">>You flirt with every cop who stops you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Only the hot ones.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Terrible answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Still true.<</speech>> Mason stepped closer. Allison didn't move. <<speech "Mason">>You know what I remember most about getting arrested?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm sure you're about to tell me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You pushing me against this exact kind of car.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That did it for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Pretty much immediately.<</speech>> Allison laughed once, mostly because of how bluntly he admitted it. <<speech "Allison">>You're fucked up.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Maybe.<</speech>> He looked toward the cruiser. <<speech "Mason">>Tell me you never thought about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Don't do that.<</speech>> Mason was close now. Close enough that Allison could smell his cologne. <<speech "Mason">>You know exactly what I'm talking about.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the apartment building. Marcus was still inside speaking with the caller. <<speech "Mason">>There you go again.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Checking where your partner is.<</speech>> Allison looked back at him. <<speech "Allison">>You're very confident for somebody I arrested.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You already said it yourself. I'm free to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You are.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>So if I stay, that's my choice.<</speech>> That landed exactly where it needed to. <<choice "Tell Mason to leave.">> <<goto "AC003 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Pull him closer." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC003 - Sex Scene">> <</choice>>

Allison climbed out of the back seat first and immediately began fixing her uniform. Mason followed a moment later, straightening his jacket while looking far too pleased with himself. <<speech "Mason">>That was significantly better than my first ride in there.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You said that last time too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I absolutely did not.<</speech>> Mason laughed. <<speech "Mason">>You're probably right.<</speech>> Allison shut the rear door. <<speech "Allison">>You should leave before Marcus comes back.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Afraid he's going to arrest me?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Afraid you'll open your mouth.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Fair.<</speech>> Mason started toward his sedan. <<speech "Allison">>Mason.<</speech>> He turned around. <<speech "Allison">>If you ever tell anybody about this-<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I know. Never happened.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Mason">>Still going to think about it, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go.<</speech>> Mason got into his car just as Marcus emerged from the apartment building. Marcus watched the sedan leave, then looked at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He's clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I know he's clear. Why was he still here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He talks too much.<</speech>> Marcus looked at the cruiser, then back at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>Uh-huh.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Nothing.<</speech>> Allison opened the driver's door. <<speech "Allison">>Then get in.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC003">> <<set $corruption += 3>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were halfway across town when dispatch sent them toward an apartment complex near the edge of Downtown. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1820 Calder Street. Caller reports a suspicious male attempting to enter vehicles in the rear parking lot. White male, approximately thirty, black jacket, jeans.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned the cruiser onto Calder. <<speech "Marcus">>Car burglar?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Or somebody forgot where they parked.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You always ruin the exciting version.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Experience.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC003 - Parking Lot]]

Allison opened the driver's door and put enough distance between them to end whatever had been building. <<speech "Allison">>Go home, Mason.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Mason">>Probably smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And stop trying random car doors.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I'll work on it.<</speech>> Mason started toward his car. <<speech "Mason">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Still thought about it.<</speech>> Allison shook her head and climbed into the cruiser. <<completecall "AC003">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC003">>

The house sat at the end of a short residential street with its porch light off and every upstairs window lit. Allison and Marcus parked two houses down so the headlights wouldn't wash across the property. Allison pulled her jacket closed as they approached the side gate. <<speech "Marcus">>Rear yard?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll take left.<</speech>> They moved around opposite sides of the house. Allison reached the backyard first and immediately saw a man crouched beside a sliding glass door. He had one hand pressed against the glass and appeared to be trying to get somebody's attention inside. <<speech "Allison">>Police. Don't move.<</speech>> The man spun around. <<speech "Man">>Whoa. What the hell?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Hands where I can see them.<</speech>> He raised them immediately. Marcus came around the other side of the house. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For now.<</speech>> The man stared at Allison's outfit, then at Marcus. <<speech "Man">>You're police?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't worry about what I'm wearing. Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Chris Dalton.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What are you doing behind this house, Chris?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Trying to get inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Bad answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>I live here.<</speech>> Allison looked at the sliding door. <<speech "Allison">>Then why aren't you using the front door?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Because my girlfriend locked me out.<</speech>> Marcus looked at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>Of course she did.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC004 - Inside]]

Allison fixed her skirt and smoothed the fishnets back into place while Chris sat on the couch trying to make himself presentable again. The kitchen conversation was still going, though it sounded like Marcus was finally wrapping things up. <<speech "Chris">>I think undercover police work might be my new favorite thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You don't know anything about undercover police work.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>I know enough.<</speech>> Allison grabbed his duffel from beside the couch and shoved it into his chest. <<speech "Allison">>You need to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Definitely.<</speech>> Chris stood and headed toward the front door. <<speech "Chris">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Those fishnets were a really good decision.<</speech>> Allison pointed toward the door. <<speech "Allison">>Out.<</speech>> Chris laughed and left. A few seconds later Marcus stepped into the living room. <<speech "Marcus">>Where'd he go?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Hotel, probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>She finally calmed down.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Marcus looked at Allison for a moment. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything okay in here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why wouldn't it be?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No reason.<</speech>> Allison grabbed her jacket from the chair. <<speech "Allison">>Let's get back before vice starts wondering where we disappeared to.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC004">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison hated undercover vice work mostly because of the waiting. She and Marcus had been sitting in an unmarked sedan behind a cheap motel for almost forty minutes while another team watched the front entrance. Allison had traded her usual clothes for a short black skirt, boots, fishnets, and a jacket that barely covered the holster clipped at her waist. <<speech "Marcus">>You look thrilled.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm freezing.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You picked the outfit.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I picked an outfit that wouldn't make me look like a cop.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Mission accomplished.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Marcus">>I'm stopping now.<</speech>> The radio interrupted before she could answer. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, are you available for a priority call approximately three blocks from your location?<</speech>> Marcus grabbed the radio. <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve. Go ahead.<</speech>> <<speech "Dispatch">>Possible prowler at 611 Mercer Street. Female caller reports a male attempting to enter through the rear of the residence. Caller is currently upstairs. No weapons observed.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the motel. <<speech "Allison">>We're the closest.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>And backup can take our spot here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Great. I'm serving and protecting in fishnets.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I've seen worse uniforms.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Drive.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC004 - Arrival]]

After checking Chris's license and confirming the address, Allison had the caller come downstairs and open the front door. The woman who answered looked furious rather than frightened. <<speech "Woman">>I told him to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You told me to sleep somewhere else tonight. You didn't say you were changing the locks.<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>Because I didn't think you'd climb the fence like a psycho.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>My wallet and keys are inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Both of you stop.<</speech>> Chris stayed near the front hall while Marcus spoke with the woman in the kitchen. Allison checked the residency information again. Chris had lived there for more than a year and received mail at the address. Whatever argument had happened between them, simply locking him out had not magically removed his right to enter. <<speech "Allison">>Chris, you're not under arrest. But you're not going anywhere near her while we're sorting this out.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What started the argument?<</speech>> Chris looked toward the kitchen. <<speech "Chris">>Do you really need to know?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Depends whether somebody committed a crime.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Nobody committed a crime.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then make this easy.<</speech>> Chris lowered his voice. <<speech "Chris">>She found messages from another woman.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You cheating on her?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Not technically.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's usually a yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Nothing happened.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the kitchen. <<speech "Allison">>And she threw you out.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Pretty much.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you came around back.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>My stuff's here. I wasn't breaking in.<</speech>> Marcus stepped back into the hallway. <<speech "Marcus">>She doesn't want charges. Says she just wants him to grab clothes and leave for the night.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's probably the smartest option.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Fine by me.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll stay with her while you take him upstairs.<</speech>> Allison nodded toward the stairs. <<speech "Allison">>Let's go.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC004 - Bedroom]]

Chris led Allison upstairs and into the bedroom. Half the closet door stood open, and several shirts had already been dumped onto the bed. He grabbed a duffel bag from the floor and started stuffing clothes into it. <<speech "Chris">>This is humiliating.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then maybe don't give your girlfriend reasons to throw you out.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You really enjoy judging people.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Occupational hazard.<</speech>> Chris glanced at her legs again. This time he didn't look away quickly enough. <<speech "Allison">>Something interesting?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You want the honest answer?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Then I won't say it.<</speech>> Allison leaned against the dresser while he continued packing. <<speech "Chris">>You undercover or something?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Something like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Explains the fishnets.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You done looking at them?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Not really.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Chris">>You asked.<</speech>> There was no sadness or vulnerability behind it. Chris was simply attracted to her and apparently stupid enough to say so while a cop supervised him packing a bag. <<speech "Allison">>Your girlfriend is downstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Soon-to-be ex-girlfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>She locked me out.<</speech>> He zipped the bag. <<speech "Chris">>I'm done.<</speech>> They headed downstairs. Marcus had convinced the woman to stay in the kitchen while Chris passed through the living room. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk her through the rest. Make sure he's actually leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Got it.<</speech>> Chris put the duffel beside the front door while Marcus returned to the kitchen. The call was basically over now. Nobody wanted charges, Chris had his belongings, and the two of them were being separated for the night. [[Continue|AC004 - Living Room]]

Chris sat on the edge of the couch to put his shoes back on. Allison remained near the front door. <<speech "Chris">>So do I get some kind of prize for not being a prowler?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You get to leave without handcuffs.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>That's disappointing.<</speech>> Allison raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Chris">>Bad joke.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Chris tied his second shoe and looked up at her. <<speech "Chris">>Can I say something else stupid?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You've been doing pretty well so far.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You look insanely hot dressed like that.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Chris">>There. Got it out of my system.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Feel better?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Not particularly.<</speech>> His eyes dropped toward her legs again. <<speech "Allison">>You're really not subtle.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Wasn't trying to be.<</speech>> The bluntness caught Allison more than any smooth line would have. He knew she was on duty. He knew his girlfriend was one room away. He knew Marcus was somewhere nearby. He was still looking at her like none of that mattered. <<speech "Chris">>You want me to leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're supposed to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the kitchen doorway. Marcus and the woman were still talking quietly out of sight. <<choice "Tell Chris to grab his bag and go.">> <<goto "AC004 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in the living room." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC004 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Allison didn't hand him the duffel. Chris noticed. <<speech "Chris">>You didn't answer me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're pushing your luck.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Probably.<</speech>> He stayed seated on the couch while Allison stepped closer. <<speech "Chris">>If you want me gone, say it.<</speech>> Allison stopped directly in front of him. <<speech "Allison">>You really think this is a good time to hit on a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good place?<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>Definitely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you're still doing it.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You're still standing there.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the kitchen again. Nothing had changed. Marcus was occupied. The girlfriend was occupied. Chris was legally free to leave and very clearly choosing not to. <<speech "Allison">>You're an idiot.<</speech>> <<speech "Chris">>You keep saying that like it's stopping you.<</speech>> Allison grabbed him by the shirt and kissed him. <<speech "Chris">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Quiet.<</speech>> Chris pulled her closer. Allison pushed him back onto the couch before he could stand, the fishnets that had been annoying her all night suddenly becoming the thing he couldn't stop staring at. <<speech "Chris">>I've been thinking about those since you walked into the backyard.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I noticed.<</speech>> There was nothing sweet about it. Chris was horny, Allison was horny, and both of them knew exactly how stupid the timing was. That only made Allison less interested in stopping. <<speech "Chris">>Your partner-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Forget about him.<</speech>> Chris grinned. <<speech "Chris">>Yes, ma'am.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC004 - Sex Scene]]

Allison picked up Chris's duffel and dropped it beside his feet. <<speech "Allison">>Take the hint. Go find somewhere else to sleep tonight.<</speech>> Chris smiled and stood. <<speech "Chris">>Worth trying.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Barely.<</speech>> He picked up the bag and headed outside. <<speech "Chris">>Have fun with whatever the fishnets are actually for.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight, Chris.<</speech>> Allison shut the door behind him just as Marcus came out of the kitchen. <<speech "Marcus">>He gone?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yep.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Everybody survive the breakup?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>So far.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC004">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC004">>

Allison should have pointed Vanessa toward the lobby and gone back to work. Instead, she closed the interview-room door behind them and leaned against it. <<speech "Allison">>What conversation?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>The one you've been trying not to have since you walked in.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You think very highly of yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You kept staring at my mouth.<</speech>> Allison's expression changed. <<speech "Vanessa">>There. You did it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're awfully confident for somebody who almost spent the night being questioned for theft.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I'm not being questioned anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I'm not detained.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>And I can walk out that door whenever I want.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes.<</speech>> Vanessa stepped closer. <<speech "Vanessa">>Good. I wanted to make sure we agreed.<</speech>> Allison didn't move. <<speech "Vanessa">>You know what I like about you?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm sure you're going to tell me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You spent twenty minutes trying to make me uncomfortable and got pissed off when it didn't work.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I wasn't pissed off.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You were a little.<</speech>> Vanessa reached up and lightly touched the front of Allison's shirt. Allison caught her wrist. <<speech "Vanessa">>There she is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You like pushing people.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Only when they push back.<</speech>> Allison released her wrist. <<choice "Send Vanessa home.">> <<goto "AC005 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in the room." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC005 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Vanessa fixed her dress in the reflection of the dark observation window while Allison straightened her clothes on the other side of the room. <<speech "Vanessa">>You know this room probably has cameras.<</speech>> Allison stopped. <<speech "Vanessa">>I'm joking.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's not funny.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>It was a little funny.<</speech>> Allison checked the recording panel anyway. The interview recording had been shut off when Vanessa was released. <<speech "Vanessa">>See? Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're still here.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Taking the hint.<</speech>> Vanessa picked up her coat. <<speech "Vanessa">>If Caroline asks, I hated the entire police experience.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Caroline isn't going to be asking you anything for a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Even better.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Vanessa">>Goodnight, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> Vanessa disappeared down the hallway. Allison waited several seconds before stepping out herself. Marcus was standing at his desk with another folder open. <<speech "Marcus">>Vanessa leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took her awhile.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>She talks a lot.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the interview room. <<speech "Marcus">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Nothing.<</speech>> Allison picked up the Caroline file. <<speech "Allison">>Let's go find our actual suspect.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC005">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were called back to the station. A patrol unit had brought in a woman connected to a stolen-property case, and the desk sergeant wanted Allison to handle the interview because the woman had already gone through two officers without giving either of them a straight answer. <<speech "Marcus">>Two officers?<</speech>> <<speech "Desk Sergeant">>She hasn't assaulted anybody. She just keeps making them look stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What's the actual case?<</speech>> <<speech "Desk Sergeant">>High-end jewelry reported stolen from a hotel suite this afternoon. Victim claims she was one of three people with access. We found one of the missing pieces in her purse.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That seems pretty straightforward.<</speech>> <<speech "Desk Sergeant">>Go tell her that.<</speech>> Allison took the file. <<speech "Desk Sergeant">>Name's Vanessa Cole. Thirty-one. No warrants. No record worth mentioning.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Is she under arrest?<</speech>> <<speech "Desk Sergeant">>No. Voluntary interview right now. She agreed to come in.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll pull the hotel footage.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Send anything useful to the room.<</speech>> Allison headed toward Interview Two. [[Continue|AC005 - Interview]]

Vanessa Cole was sitting comfortably when Allison entered, which immediately separated her from most people who ended up in an interview room after midnight. She wore a fitted black dress beneath a light coat, her dark hair pulled behind one shoulder, and she looked more annoyed than nervous. <<speech "Vanessa">>You're number three.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Lucky me.<</speech>> Allison sat across from her and opened the file. <<speech "Allison">>Vanessa Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Detective Allison Shaw.<</speech>> Allison looked up. <<speech "Vanessa">>Your name's on the door outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. Saves introductions.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I was hoping number three would be better-looking.<</speech>> Allison stared at her. <<speech "Vanessa">>Relax. That was a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Tell me about the bracelet.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Straight to business.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's why you're here.<</speech>> Vanessa leaned back. <<speech "Vanessa">>I already told the other two. It was put in my purse.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>By who?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>If I knew, we'd both be home right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Who had access to the room?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Me, Caroline, and her boyfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Caroline is the victim.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>According to Caroline.<</speech>> Allison flipped through the report. <<speech "Allison">>You don't sound particularly fond of her.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then why were you in her hotel room?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Work.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What kind?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Event planning.<</speech>> Allison looked up again. <<speech "Vanessa">>Disappointed?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You looked like you were hoping for something more interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You spend a lot of time watching people's faces.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You spend a lot of time pretending yours doesn't say anything.<</speech>> Allison closed the folder. <<speech "Allison">>You enjoy this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Being suspected of theft?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>No. Watching cops decide whether I'm scared of them.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Are you?<</speech>> Vanessa smiled. <<speech "Vanessa">>Not you.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC005 - Pressure]]

Allison let the silence sit. Vanessa held eye contact without fidgeting. <<speech "Allison">>The bracelet was in your purse.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>We've established that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>The victim says she saw you near the jewelry case.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I was working in the suite all afternoon.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Her boyfriend says the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Her boyfriend says whatever Caroline tells him to say.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You know him well?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Well enough.<</speech>> Allison noticed the answer. <<speech "Allison">>You sleep with him?<</speech>> Vanessa's smile widened slightly. <<speech "Vanessa">>There she is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Answer the question.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Once.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Caroline know?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I assume that's why I'm sitting here.<</speech>> That changed the shape of the case immediately. <<speech "Allison">>You think she planted the bracelet.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Finally.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why didn't you say that to the first two officers?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I did. They heard “woman slept with boyfriend” and stopped listening after that.<</speech>> Allison opened the file again. <<speech "Allison">>You have proof?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Check the hotel hallway camera between four-ten and four-twenty. Caroline came back after she claimed she left.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You know the exact time?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Because I was downstairs arguing with catering when she did it.<</speech>> Allison's phone buzzed on the table. Marcus had sent a message. <<speech "Marcus">>Found something. Check 16:14.<</speech>> Allison stood. <<speech "Vanessa">>Am I winning?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>This isn't a game.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>You keep saying things like that while clearly enjoying yourself.<</speech>> Allison gave her a look and left the room. [[Continue|AC005 - Evidence]]

Allison closed the door again. Vanessa watched her do it without saying anything. <<speech "Vanessa">>That doesn't look like sending me home.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You can still leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>I know.<</speech>> Vanessa stepped closer until almost no space remained between them. <<speech "Vanessa">>Are you always this careful?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Boring.<</speech>> Allison grabbed her by the waist and kissed her. <<speech "Vanessa">>Much better.<</speech>> Vanessa kissed her back immediately, pushing Allison against the interview table before Allison reversed them and put Vanessa against it instead. <<speech "Vanessa">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You ever stop talking?<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Make me.<</speech>> There wasn't anything romantic about it. Vanessa had spent the entire interview trying to get a reaction out of Allison, Allison had spent the entire interview refusing to give her one, and now that there was no case keeping Vanessa in the room, neither of them had much interest in pretending anymore. [[Continue|AC005 - Sex Scene]]

Allison opened the door and stepped aside. <<speech "Allison">>Go home, Vanessa.<</speech>> Vanessa smiled. <<speech "Vanessa">>Probably smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Vanessa walked into the hallway. <<speech "Vanessa">>For what it's worth, Detective, you were definitely better than the first two.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Vanessa">>Goodnight, Allison.<</speech>> Allison watched her leave before returning to Marcus. <<completecall "AC005">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC005">>

The front door of Murphy's was propped open when they arrived. A bartender stood outside waving them over while several customers crowded near the windows. Somebody inside was still shouting. <<speech "Bartender">>Back by the pool tables! Two guys started going at it and everybody piled in!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody have a weapon?<</speech>> <<speech "Bartender">>Not that I saw.<</speech>> Allison and Marcus moved inside. A table had been knocked over near the back wall. One white man was sitting on the floor holding a bloody nose while another was being restrained by two customers. A tall Black man in a dark T-shirt stood between them with one hand raised, keeping the second man from charging again. <<speech "Marcus">>Police! Everybody back up!<</speech>> The room settled quickly. Allison pointed toward the man with the bloody nose. <<speech "Allison">>Stay where you are. Marcus, take him.<</speech>> Marcus moved toward the injured man while Allison turned toward the second combatant. <<speech "Allison">>You. Hands behind your back.<</speech>> <<speech "Second Man">>He fucking started it!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You can explain it after you stop trying to restart it.<</speech>> The Black man stepped away and let Allison take control. <<speech "Black Man">>He swung first, but they both kept going after staff tried to break it up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You work here?<</speech>> <<speech "Black Man">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then why were you in the middle of it?<</speech>> <<speech "Black Man">>Because nobody else was stopping them.<</speech>> Allison looked him over. His knuckles were uninjured and his shirt wasn't torn. He had apparently managed to get between two drunk men without joining the fight himself. <<speech "Allison">>Name?<</speech>> <<speech "Black Man">>Darius Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't leave yet, Darius.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC006 - Statements]]

Twenty minutes later, the story was mostly clear. The two men had started fighting over a pool game, both had thrown punches, and Darius had stepped in after one of them crashed into another table. Several witnesses backed him up. Marcus stayed inside dealing with the two actual fighters while Allison finished taking Darius's statement outside. <<speech "Allison">>So you grabbed Miller first?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>After he tried to go around me and hit the other guy again.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How'd you get him down?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Didn't. Just held him against the wall until your partner came in.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You do security somewhere?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Used to box.<</speech>> Allison looked at him again. <<speech "Darius">>That answer something?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Explains why you weren't the one bleeding.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I try not to get punched when I'm helping people.<</speech>> Darius leaned back against the brick wall beside the bar entrance. <<speech "Allison">>Anything else you saw?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Nothing useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you're clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's it.<</speech>> Darius didn't move. <<speech "Allison">>You can leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I heard you.<</speech>> Allison slipped her notebook back into her pocket. <<speech "Allison">>Then why are you still standing here?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Same reason you are.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>I'm working.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You finished my statement.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still working.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Doesn't mean you're not looking.<</speech>> There was nothing shy about the way he said it. Allison had been looking. Darius knew it. <<speech "Allison">>Confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You haven't told me I'm wrong.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC006 - Outside]]

Allison glanced through the front window. Marcus was still talking to the bartender while another patrol officer dealt with the two fighters. <<speech "Darius">>Your partner busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very interested in my partner all of a sudden.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I'm interested in how much time I have.<</speech>> Allison laughed once. <<speech "Allison">>You do this often?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Get questioned by married detectives?<</speech>> Allison looked down at her ring, then back at him. <<speech "Darius">>Didn't notice until now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Does that change anything?<</speech>> Darius looked her over again. <<speech "Darius">>You asking because you want it to?<</speech>> Allison stepped closer. <<speech "Allison">>Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I was careful in there.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>This isn't the bar fight.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I noticed.<</speech>> There was no attempt to make the conversation respectable anymore. Darius wanted her. Allison wanted him. The only real question was whether she was going to do something stupid about it while still on the clock. <<speech "Darius">>My place is across the street.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's convenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Very.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the cruiser. <<choice "End the call and go back inside.">> <<goto "AC006 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Follow Darius." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC006 - Sex Scene">> <</choice>>

Allison fixed her uniform near the apartment door while Darius stood a few feet away pulling his shirt back into place. Neither of them looked particularly ashamed of what had just happened. <<speech "Darius">>You always leave this fast?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm on duty.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You were on duty ten minutes ago too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And yet here we are.<</speech>> Darius laughed. <<speech "Darius">>Fair enough.<</speech>> Allison reached for the door. <<speech "Darius">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Next time there's a bar fight, I'll try to be around.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't make me arrest you.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Would that really be so bad?<</speech>> Allison opened the door. <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight, Darius.<</speech>> She crossed the street and returned to Murphy's. Marcus was standing outside with the last patrol officer as one of the fighters was loaded into a cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>Where'd you disappear to?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Finishing the witness statement.<</speech>> Marcus looked across the street. <<speech "Marcus">>In an apartment?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He remembered something.<</speech>> Marcus stared at her for a second. <<speech "Marcus">>Must've been important.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Extremely.<</speech>> She started toward their cruiser. <<completecall "AC006">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were a few blocks from the entertainment district when dispatch sent them toward a bar on Jefferson Street. The call had already been upgraded once while they were driving. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to Murphy's on Jefferson. Multiple subjects fighting inside. One reported injured. No weapons seen at this time.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy. Two minutes out.<</speech>> Allison hit the lights and accelerated through the intersection. <<speech "Marcus">>Friday night finally woke up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't sound so happy.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'm not the one throwing punches.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yet.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC006 - Arrival]]

Allison stepped back before the situation got any dumber. <<speech "Allison">>Go home, Darius.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Darius">>Probably the right call.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Definitely.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Still would've been fun.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> Darius crossed the street while Allison headed back into the bar. <<completecall "AC006">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC006">>

The security guard met them beside the elevators. He looked tired, annoyed, and very eager to make the problem belong to somebody else. <<speech "Security Guard">>Eighth floor. Marketing firm. They've been screaming at each other for maybe fifteen minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You know who they are?<</speech>> <<speech "Security Guard">>Yeah. Owen Hart and Ruby Bennett. Both work there.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Anybody else upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Security Guard">>Not that I know of.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You hear anything that sounded like somebody getting hit?<</speech>> <<speech "Security Guard">>No. I heard something smash, though.<</speech>> The elevator doors opened. <<speech "Marcus">>Stay down here.<</speech>> Allison and Marcus stepped inside and rode to the eighth floor. [[Continue|AC007 - Office]]

The suite doors were unlocked. Allison could hear the argument before she reached the main office. A broken coffee mug lay near the entrance, and papers were scattered across the floor. A white woman in a blouse and skirt stood near one desk while a white man in rolled-up shirtsleeves paced several feet away. <<speech "Ruby">>You said nobody would find out!<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Because nobody was supposed to go through my fucking emails!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Police. Both of you stop.<</speech>> They turned immediately. <<speech "Owen">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Who called you?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Building security.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Separate. You stay here. Marcus, take him into the conference room.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>This is ridiculous.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then it'll be over quickly.<</speech>> Marcus took Owen toward the glass-walled conference room while Allison stayed with Ruby. <<speech "Allison">>Anybody hit anybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody threaten anybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then what happened?<</speech>> Ruby looked toward the conference room. <<speech "Ruby">>He screwed me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Physically or professionally?<</speech>> Ruby stared at her. <<speech "Ruby">>Both.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Start with professionally.<</speech>> Ruby let out a frustrated breath. <<speech "Ruby">>We're sleeping together. Have been for months. He's married.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>And he's also been moving numbers around on one of our accounts because he thought the company was going to cut his department.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Moving numbers how?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Nothing stolen. He delayed expenses, shifted some budget lines, made his team look healthier than it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you found out tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>I found the emails tonight. Including the ones where he told his boss I'd approved it.<</speech>> Allison looked toward Owen. <<speech "Allison">>So you confronted him.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And the mug?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>I threw it at the wall.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not at him?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked at the broken pieces. <<speech "Allison">>You want him arrested for anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You want to make a report about the financial stuff?<</speech>> Ruby hesitated. <<speech "Ruby">>I don't know yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then right now this is mostly an office argument with a broken mug.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Pretty much.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC007 - Owen]]

The office went quiet. Ruby rubbed her temples, then looked up at Allison. <<speech "Ruby">>This is probably the most embarrassing night of my life.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I've seen worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>That doesn't help.<</speech>> Allison looked over the scattered papers. <<speech "Allison">>You two always fight like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>No. Usually we're doing something much less angry after hours.<</speech>> Allison raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Ruby">>Sorry. Too much information.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little late for that.<</speech>> Ruby laughed and leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Ruby">>You know what the stupid part is?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>There's only one?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>I'm still attracted to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That does sound stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Thank you.<</speech>> Ruby looked Allison over. <<speech "Ruby">>You married?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Ever do anything stupid anyway?<</speech>> Allison looked at her. <<speech "Allison">>You ask cops that often?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Only when they're standing in my office looking like they're judging me while also clearly understanding exactly what I'm talking about.<</speech>> Allison didn't answer. <<speech "Ruby">>That's what I thought.<</speech>> The elevator dinged. Owen stepped back into the office alone. <<speech "Allison">>Why are you back?<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Forgot my phone.<</speech>> He grabbed it from the conference table, then looked between Allison and Ruby. <<speech "Owen">>Everything okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Perfect.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>That sounds dangerous.<</speech>> Ruby looked him over, then looked back at Allison. <<speech "Ruby">>You know, Detective, you're exactly his type.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Ruby.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>What? She is.<</speech>> Allison looked at Owen. <<speech "Allison">>Is that right?<</speech>> Owen didn't answer quickly enough. <<speech "Ruby">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Can we not do this with the police here?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>She's not arresting anybody.<</speech>> That changed the room. [[Continue|AC007 - Shift]]

Allison should have ended the call right there. Instead, she stayed near Ruby's desk while Owen stood several feet away holding his phone. <<speech "Allison">>Your partner already walked you out.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>I came back for this.<</speech>> He held up the phone. <<speech "Ruby">>And now you're staring at her.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>You're staring too.<</speech>> Ruby smiled. <<speech "Ruby">>Maybe.<</speech>> Allison looked between them. <<speech "Allison">>You two were screaming at each other fifteen minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>We do other things aggressively too.<</speech>> Owen looked at her. <<speech "Owen">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>What? You wanted me to calm down.<</speech>> Ruby stood and came around the desk. <<speech "Ruby">>Besides, she keeps looking at both of us.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You seem very sure of that.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Am I wrong?<</speech>> Allison glanced toward Owen. He was openly looking at her now. <<speech "Owen">>No.<</speech>> Ruby laughed. <<speech "Ruby">>At least one of us is honest tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're both insane.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Probably.<</speech>> Ruby stepped closer. <<speech "Ruby">>But you're still here.<</speech>> Ruby was still pissed at Owen, Owen was still annoyed with Ruby, and somehow both of them had redirected all that energy toward Allison. <<speech "Owen">>If you want us to leave, say it.<</speech>> Allison looked at him, then at Ruby. <<choice "End the call.">> <<goto "AC007 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC007 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Allison fixed her uniform beside the conference table while Ruby adjusted her blouse and Owen stood near the office door trying to make himself look normal again. The room was considerably quieter than when Allison had first entered it. <<speech "Ruby">>Well. That resolved the argument.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Temporarily.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Don't ruin it already.<</speech>> Allison looked at both of them. <<speech "Allison">>If I get called back here tonight, I'm arresting somebody out of principle.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Understood.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Very understood.<</speech>> Ruby picked up her bag. <<speech "Ruby">>Are we still supposed to leave separately?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I don't care what you do as long as security doesn't call us again.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Good enough.<</speech>> Owen opened the office door. Ruby stopped beside Allison before leaving. <<speech "Ruby">>For what it's worth, I feel a lot better now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go home.<</speech>> Ruby grinned and followed Owen toward the elevator. Allison gave them enough time to get downstairs before taking the next elevator. Marcus was waiting near the security desk. <<speech "Marcus">>What took you so long?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Had to make sure they weren't going to start again.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>They calm down?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the elevator as Ruby and Owen crossed the lobby together. <<speech "Marcus">>Those two were ready to kill each other twenty minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>People work things out.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Apparently.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the garage before he could think about it too hard. <<completecall "AC007">> <<set $corruption += 3>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were passing through Downtown when dispatch sent them toward an office building on Mercer Avenue. Security had called after hearing shouting from one of the upper floors long after the building was supposed to be empty. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 260 Mercer Avenue. Security reports a male and female arguing inside Suite 804. Possible workplace disturbance. Caller reports objects being thrown, no weapons seen.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy. En route.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward Allison as she turned into the parking garage. <<speech "Marcus">>Office fight after midnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Either somebody got fired or somebody got caught fucking someone they shouldn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You always go straight to the fun version.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Experience.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC007 - Lobby]]

Marcus returned with Owen a few minutes later. His story matched Ruby's in all the important ways. Nobody had been assaulted, nobody had threatened anybody, and the accounting issue looked like something the company would probably deal with internally unless Ruby decided to make a formal report later. <<speech "Marcus">>No crime I can put cuffs on tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Can we go now?<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>You can go whenever you want.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>I'm talking to them.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Both of you stop before we get another call in ten minutes.<</speech>> Owen went quiet. <<speech "Allison">>Here's what's happening. Ruby, you stay on this side of the office. Owen, you pack whatever you need and leave for the night. If either of you wants to make a formal complaint tomorrow, call us when you're sober, calm, and not screaming across a conference table.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Fine.<</speech>> Marcus nodded toward the elevator. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk Owen downstairs and talk to security.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll finish with Ruby.<</speech>> Marcus left with Owen. Ruby watched the elevator doors close, then dropped into the chair behind her desk. [[Continue|AC007 - Ruby]]

Allison didn't move toward the elevator. Ruby noticed first. <<speech "Ruby">>That's not a no.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You really like hearing yourself talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>Usually Owen shuts me up.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Ruby.<</speech>> <<speech "Ruby">>What?<</speech>> Ruby stepped right up to Allison. <<speech "Ruby">>You want me to stop?<</speech>> Allison grabbed her by the waist and kissed her. Ruby kissed her back immediately. Owen stared at them for half a second before Allison looked over at him. <<speech "Allison">>You just going to stand there?<</speech>> That was all he needed. [[Continue|AC007 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stepped away from Ruby and pointed toward the elevator. <<speech "Allison">>Both of you go home before somebody makes another bad decision tonight.<</speech>> Ruby smiled. <<speech "Ruby">>Probably smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Owen">>Definitely smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. Try it sometime.<</speech>> Owen grabbed his jacket. Ruby collected her bag and followed him toward the elevator. <<speech "Ruby">>Goodnight, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> The elevator doors closed. Allison waited a moment before heading downstairs to find Marcus. <<completecall "AC007">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC007">>

The studio occupied the first floor of an old brick building with tall front windows and a faded gold sign above the entrance. The lights were still on inside even though it was nearly ten at night. Allison could see two women arguing through the glass before she reached the door. <<speech "Marcus">>Looks active.<</speech>> Allison opened the door. <<speech "Allison">>Police. Everybody stop.<</speech>> The argument died immediately. One woman, probably in her forties, stood near the front desk with her arms folded. The other was younger, athletic, and dressed in rehearsal clothes with a warm-up jacket tied around her waist. She looked somewhere in her mid-twenties and was breathing hard like she'd just finished dancing or yelling, possibly both. <<speech "Older Woman">>Thank God.<</speech>> <<speech "Dancer">>You seriously called the cops?<</speech>> <<speech "Older Woman">>You wouldn't leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Dancer">>Because you replaced me two days before the performance.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Names.<</speech>> <<speech "Older Woman">>Elaine Porter. I own the studio.<</speech>> <<speech "Dancer">>Maya Ellis. I'm twenty-six, since apparently we're doing introductions now.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Maya, step over here with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Why me?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Because right now you're the one yelling.<</speech>> Maya looked at Allison, then reluctantly moved toward the mirrored wall. [[Continue|AC008 - Separate]]

Marcus came back into the studio a few minutes later. <<speech "Marcus">>Elaine doesn't want charges. She just wants Maya gone for tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That work for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I guess.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>She's willing to talk tomorrow when everybody's calmer.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Of course she is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't start again.<</speech>> Maya grabbed her bag from beside the wall. <<speech "Maya">>Fine.<</speech>> Elaine appeared in the doorway. <<speech "Elaine">>Maya, just go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I'm going.<</speech>> <<speech "Elaine">>We'll talk tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Sure.<</speech>> Maya slung the bag over her shoulder and walked past her. Elaine looked exhausted. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll finish with her and get the report number.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll walk Maya out.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC008 - Outside]]

Maya pushed through the front door harder than necessary and stopped on the sidewalk. Allison followed her out. The street was quiet, and the studio lights threw long reflections across the pavement. <<speech "Maya">>You can stop babysitting me. I'm leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Maya looked at her. <<speech "Maya">>You're kind of a bitch.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You just made police come to a ballet studio.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Fair.<</speech>> Maya laughed despite herself. <<speech "Maya">>You always this calm when people are screaming at you?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I would've lost my mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You did.<</speech>> Maya laughed again. <<speech "Maya">>Okay, I deserved that.<</speech>> She leaned back against the brick wall beside the entrance. <<speech "Maya">>Do you dance?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>You should.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> Maya looked Allison over slowly. <<speech "Maya">>You'd look good doing it.<</speech>> Allison noticed immediately. <<speech "Allison">>That where we're going now?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were screaming at your instructor five minutes ago and now you're checking me out.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I'm still pissed.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently not enough.<</speech>> Maya smiled. <<speech "Maya">>Maybe I like being pissed off.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC008 - Tension]]

Allison glanced through the studio window. Marcus and Elaine were still talking at the front desk. Maya noticed where she looked. <<speech "Maya">>Your partner busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Curious.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>About him?<</speech>> Maya looked directly at Allison. <<speech "Maya">>No.<</speech>> That answer was immediate. <<speech "Allison">>You're bold.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I just got replaced in a show I've been training six months for. I'm not really in the mood to overthink things tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That usually ends well.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Didn't say it was smart.<</speech>> Maya stepped closer. <<speech "Maya">>You keep looking too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm a cop. I look at people.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Not like that.<</speech>> Allison stared at her. <<speech "Maya">>See?<</speech>> Maya had been angry since Allison walked into the studio, and now that the argument was over, all that restless energy had nowhere to go. Allison could feel exactly what direction Maya wanted to send it. <<choice "Tell Maya to go home.">> <<goto "AC008 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay with her." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC008 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC008">>

Maya sat on the edge of the rehearsal floor fixing her warm-up jacket while Allison straightened her uniform. The anger that had been pouring off Maya earlier was mostly gone. <<speech "Maya">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Okay what?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>I feel significantly less homicidal.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. Saves paperwork.<</speech>> Maya laughed. <<speech "Maya">>You're really going back out there like nothing happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's the plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Impressive.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the side door. <<speech "Maya">>Allison.<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Maya">>If Elaine asks, I went home.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You should actually go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Yeah. Probably.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside and walked back around the building. Marcus was just leaving through the front door. <<speech "Marcus">>There you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everything settled?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah. Elaine's done for the night. Where'd Maya go?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Around back to cool off.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>She calm down?<</speech>> Allison looked toward the side of the building. <<speech "Allison">>Eventually.<</speech>> Marcus gave her a look but didn't push it. <<completecall "AC008">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were heading back toward Downtown when dispatch sent them to a small dance studio near the college district. The call sounded minor, but the dispatcher added that one of the people involved was refusing to leave. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1148 West Elm Street, Vale Dance Studio. Caller reports an adult female refusing to leave after an argument with the instructor. Possible property damage. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned toward West Elm. <<speech "Marcus">>Ballet emergency.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't underestimate angry dancers.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Speaking from experience?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No. I'm just assuming anybody who can stand on one foot for that long is dangerous.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC008 - Arrival]]

Marcus took Elaine toward the lobby while Allison stayed in the studio with Maya. The room was large and mostly empty, with mirrors covering one wall and a row of wooden barres running along the other. A broken water bottle lay near the floor by the sound system. <<speech "Allison">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>She cut me from Saturday's performance.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Because I missed two rehearsals.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then what are we arguing about?<</speech>> Maya stared at her. <<speech "Maya">>You sound exactly like her.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's probably not good for your side.<</speech>> Maya exhaled sharply. <<speech "Maya">>My mother had surgery. I told Elaine why I was gone. She said it was fine, then tonight I came in and somebody else was doing my part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did she tell you beforehand?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you threaten her?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Touch her?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Break anything?<</speech>> Maya looked toward the bottle. <<speech "Maya">>I threw that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At her?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>At the floor.<</speech>> Allison looked at the bottle, then back at Maya. <<speech "Allison">>So you got pissed, yelled, threw a bottle, and refused to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>That sounds worse when you say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually does.<</speech>> Maya crossed her arms. <<speech "Maya">>I'm not some psycho. I've danced here for six years.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then act like someone who wants to come back.<</speech>> Maya looked away. <<speech "Maya">>I know.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC008 - Marcus Returns]]

Allison didn't tell her to leave. Maya noticed immediately. <<speech "Maya">>That's interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>You were very good at telling me what to do inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not causing a disturbance anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>No.<</speech>> Maya stepped closer until there was barely any room between them. <<speech "Maya">>I'm doing something else now.<</speech>> Allison looked her over once more. <<speech "Allison">>You're really wound up.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>You have no idea.<</speech>> Maya grabbed the front of Allison's jacket and kissed her. Allison caught her at the waist and pushed her back against the brick wall. <<speech "Maya">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still angry?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Very.<</speech>> Allison kissed her again. <<speech "Maya">>Come inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your instructor is inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>There's another rehearsal room in back. Separate entrance.<</speech>> Allison should have ended it there. Instead, she followed Maya around the side of the building. [[Continue|AC008 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stepped back and nodded toward the parking lot. <<speech "Allison">>Go home, Maya. Come back tomorrow when you're not angry enough to get yourself kicked out permanently.<</speech>> Maya smiled. <<speech "Maya">>Probably good advice.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Definitely.<</speech>> Maya started toward her car. <<speech "Maya">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Maya">>Still think you'd look good dancing.<</speech>> Allison shook her head and headed back toward the studio. <<completecall "AC008">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

The house was dark except for a television flickering behind the living-room curtains. A pickup truck sat in the driveway, which meant Malcolm was either home or had left without it. Allison and Marcus climbed out into the rain and hurried toward the porch. <<speech "Marcus">>Truck's registered to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Knock.<</speech>> Marcus knocked hard on the front door. <<speech "Marcus">>Police department! Malcolm Reed!<</speech>> No answer. <<speech "Allison">>Again.<</speech>> Marcus knocked harder. Still nothing. <<speech "Marcus">>Want to check around back?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> Allison stepped off the porch and followed the side of the house. Within seconds the rain had soaked through the shoulders of her uniform. She reached the backyard and found a sliding door cracked open several inches. <<speech "Allison">>Marcus.<</speech>> Marcus came around the opposite side. <<speech "Marcus">>Open?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Looks like it.<</speech>> Allison pulled the door wider. <<speech "Allison">>Malcolm! Police department!<</speech>> A large dog exploded through the opening. <<speech "Allison">>Shit!<</speech>> The dog wasn't aggressive. It was excited. It jumped against Allison before she could get out of the way, covering the front of her already soaked uniform with muddy paw prints. <<speech "Marcus">>Oh, that's bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't.<</speech>> A man's voice came from inside. <<speech "Man">>Bruno! Get your ass back here!<</speech>> A tall Black man appeared at the sliding door wearing sweatpants and a white T-shirt. He stopped when he saw Allison and Marcus. <<speech "Man">>What the hell is going on?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Malcolm Reed?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Your sister thinks you're dead.<</speech>> Malcolm stared at them. <<speech "Malcolm">>Oh, shit.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC009 - Inside]]

Malcolm let them into the kitchen while he grabbed a towel for the dog. The house looked lived in but normal. No signs of a struggle, no blood, no overturned furniture, and Malcolm himself looked perfectly healthy aside from several days of stubble and the exhausted expression of someone who had been sleeping at strange hours. <<speech "Allison">>Your sister says nobody's heard from you in four days.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>My phone died.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>For four days?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Charger broke. I've been working nights, sleeping during the day, and honestly enjoying nobody being able to reach me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You missed work.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Called out from my computer. I work maintenance at the hospital. Hurt my back moving equipment.<</speech>> Malcolm nodded toward a heating pad on the couch. <<speech "Marcus">>Any medication?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Ibuprofen. That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any reason your sister should be worried about you hurting yourself?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>No.<</speech>> His answer was immediate and clear. <<speech "Malcolm">>Seriously, I'm fine. I just didn't realize she'd panic like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Call her.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Phone's dead.<</speech>> Marcus handed him his. <<speech "Marcus">>Make her day.<</speech>> Malcolm stepped into the living room and called his sister. Allison looked down at herself. Her uniform shirt was soaked through and streaked with mud from the dog. <<speech "Marcus">>You look great.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Keep talking.<</speech>> Malcolm returned and handed the phone back. <<speech "Malcolm">>She's crying now.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Better than thinking you're dead.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>True.<</speech>> Malcolm looked at Allison's uniform and grimaced. <<speech "Malcolm">>Jesus. Bruno did that?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Mostly.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>I'm sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I've had worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>You're soaked.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It's raining.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>I gathered that.<</speech>> Marcus checked his radio. <<speech "Marcus">>Dispatch needs somebody to take a statement two streets over. It's probably another twenty minutes before backup gets here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go. I'll close this out and meet you there.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He's alive. We're done.<</speech>> Marcus nodded and headed for the door. <<speech "Marcus">>Try not to get attacked by any more dogs.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Get out.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC009 - Dry Clothes]]

Once Marcus left, Malcolm grabbed another towel from the laundry room and handed it to Allison. <<speech "Malcolm">>You can't seriously go back out like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I've worked in worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Your shirt is dripping on my floor.<</speech>> Allison looked down. He wasn't wrong. <<speech "Malcolm">>I've got a dryer. Throw the shirt and pants in for ten minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And wear what?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Robe.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Malcolm">>It's clean.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's not really the concern.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>You're a grown woman. I'm sure you've seen a bathrobe before.<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Allison">>Fine. Ten minutes.<</speech>> Malcolm pointed down the hallway. <<speech "Malcolm">>Bedroom's at the end. Robe's hanging behind the door. I'll stay out here.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC009 - Robe]]

A few minutes later, Allison came back down the hallway wearing Malcolm's dark robe with her damp uniform bundled under one arm. The robe reached halfway down her thighs and was much too loose around the waist until she tightened the belt. Malcolm was standing beside the dryer when he looked up and stopped. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That wasn't nothing.<</speech>> Malcolm took the uniform from her and put it into the dryer. <<speech "Malcolm">>I'm trying to be respectful.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're doing a terrible job with your face.<</speech>> Malcolm laughed. <<speech "Malcolm">>You want the honest answer?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>You look really fucking good in my robe.<</speech>> Allison looked down at herself. <<speech "Allison">>Better than covered in dog mud?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Significantly.<</speech>> Allison leaned back against the counter. <<speech "Allison">>You were half asleep when we showed up and now you're hitting on a cop.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Welfare check's over.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It is.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>I'm alive.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>And you're standing in my kitchen wearing my robe.<</speech>> His eyes moved down her body again. <<speech "Malcolm">>I'm working with the situation I've been given.<</speech>> Allison smiled. <<speech "Allison">>That's your excuse?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Don't need one.<</speech>> That answer was better. [[Continue|AC009 - Bedroom Tension]]

The dryer hummed behind them. Malcolm stood close enough now that neither of them could pretend the conversation was still innocent. <<speech "Malcolm">>Tell me I'm reading this wrong.<</speech>> Allison didn't answer. <<speech "Malcolm">>Yeah. That's what I thought.<</speech>> He stepped closer. Allison stayed where she was. <<speech "Allison">>Confident all of a sudden.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>You keep looking at me too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I'm making sure you're still alive.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Want to check my pulse?<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Allison">>That was terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Still worked.<</speech>> Malcolm's hand settled carefully at her waist, over the robe instead of underneath it. Allison could move away easily. She didn't. <<speech "Malcolm">>Your clothes have about eight minutes left.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You keeping count?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Starting to.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the bedroom hallway, then back at him. <<choice "Wait for the uniform and leave.">> <<goto "AC009 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Use the eight minutes." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC009 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC009">>

Allison sat on the edge of the bed tightening the robe again while Malcolm lay beside her catching his breath. The dryer had stopped somewhere during the middle of everything. <<speech "Malcolm">>Your clothes are definitely dry now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Helpful.<</speech>> Malcolm laughed. <<speech "Malcolm">>You always make welfare checks this thorough?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Keep talking and I'll reconsider whether you're okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>I'm feeling fantastic.<</speech>> Allison stood. <<speech "Allison">>I noticed.<</speech>> She returned a few minutes later dressed in her uniform again and carrying the robe folded over one arm. <<speech "Malcolm">>Keep it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Looks better on you.<</speech>> Allison tossed it at him. <<speech "Allison">>Call your sister.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Yes, Detective.<</speech>> Allison stepped out into the rain, which had finally started to ease. Her phone showed two messages from Marcus. <<speech "Marcus">>You alive?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And did the dog eat you?<</speech>> Allison typed back while walking toward the cruiser. <<speech "Allison">>Fine. Uniform got soaked. Had to dry it.<</speech>> Marcus responded almost immediately. <<speech "Marcus">>Sure.<</speech>> Allison stared at the message. <<speech "Allison">>Asshole.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC009">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Rain had been coming down hard for almost an hour when dispatch sent Allison and Marcus toward the north side of town. Visibility was bad enough that Allison had the wipers running at full speed as she turned onto a quiet residential street. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, welfare check at 3821 Briarwood Drive. Caller is requesting contact with her brother, Malcolm Reed, age thirty-four. Says she hasn't heard from him in four days and he's missed two shifts at work. No known medical conditions. No history of violence.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Four days is a long time.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Could be sleeping. Could be ignoring his family.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could be dead.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You always pick the cheerful option.<</speech>> Allison pulled up in front of the house. [[Continue|AC009 - Arrival]]

Allison removed Malcolm's hand from her waist. <<speech "Allison">>Nice try.<</speech>> Malcolm smiled and stepped back. <<speech "Malcolm">>Had to ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, you really didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Still glad I did.<</speech>> The dryer finished a few minutes later. Allison changed back into her uniform, which was still slightly warm when she returned. <<speech "Malcolm">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Much.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>Tell your partner I apologize about the delay.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Call your sister tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Malcolm">>I will.<</speech>> Allison headed for the door. <<completecall "AC009">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison caught Malcolm by the front of his shirt and kissed him. He responded instantly, one arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her against him. <<speech "Malcolm">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Bedroom.<</speech>> Malcolm didn't need to be asked twice. He took her hand and led her down the hallway. [[Continue|AC009 - Sex Scene]]

The office sat in a small strip of professional buildings between a dentist and an accounting firm. Only one suite still had lights on. A white man in his late thirties unlocked the front door as Allison and Marcus approached. <<speech "Man">>Detective Shaw?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Allison Shaw. This is Detective Marcus Hill.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Grant Keller. Thanks for coming.<</speech>> Grant stepped aside and let them in. He was still dressed for work, though his tie had been loosened and his sleeves were rolled to his elbows. Papers covered the reception desk and a laptop was open on one of the conference tables. <<speech "Marcus">>What exactly is missing?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Six thousand four hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Cash?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Electronic transfer. Company operating account.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you think an employee took it.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I think my office manager did.<</speech>> Allison pulled out her notebook. <<speech "Allison">>Why her?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>She's the only person besides me with access.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Name?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Melissa Crane.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>She still here?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No. She left around six.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You confronted her?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC010 - Office]] ```

Grant led them into his office. Two computer monitors sat behind a wide desk, both filled with transaction histories and spreadsheets. Allison pulled a chair closer while Marcus started photographing the account information. <<speech "Allison">>Show me the transfer.<</speech>> Grant leaned over beside her and pointed at the screen. <<speech "Grant">>There. Yesterday afternoon. Sixty-four hundred moved out of operating expenses.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Destination?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Vendor account. Company called Harbor Systems.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You recognize them?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That doesn't automatically mean Melissa stole anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do you?<</speech>> Grant looked at her. <<speech "Grant">>You're enjoying this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Enjoying what?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Telling me I'm probably wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little.<</speech>> Grant smiled despite himself. <<speech "Marcus">>Found Harbor Systems.<</speech>> Marcus turned his phone around. <<speech "Marcus">>IT contractor. Registered locally.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>We've never used them.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Positive.<</speech>> Allison scrolled farther down the account history. <<speech "Allison">>What's this?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Same company. Three smaller payments over the last year.<</speech>> Grant leaned closer to the screen. <<speech "Grant">>I don't remember those.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Could be recurring service.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Or somebody's been stealing from you very slowly.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>That's comforting.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC010 - Search]]

For the next twenty minutes, Allison worked through invoices while Marcus called the number listed for Harbor Systems. Grant paced behind the desk until Allison finally found a folder buried inside an archived email account. <<speech "Allison">>Grant.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Come here.<</speech>> He leaned over her shoulder. <<speech "Allison">>Last November. You approved a twelve-month cybersecurity contract.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No, I didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your name is right there.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I sign a lot of things.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently.<</speech>> Marcus ended his phone call. <<speech "Marcus">>Harbor Systems confirms it. Annual renewal hit yesterday. Melissa didn't initiate anything.<</speech>> Grant stared at the screen. <<speech "Grant">>You've got to be kidding me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You almost accused your office manager of stealing because you forgot about a contract.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I didn't accuse her yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Only because we got here first.<</speech>> Grant dropped into the chair across from Allison. <<speech "Grant">>I'm never telling her about this.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Smartest decision you've made tonight.<</speech>> Allison closed the folder. <<speech "Allison">>No crime. No report beyond the call notes unless you want one.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> Marcus checked his phone. <<speech "Marcus">>Dispatch wants me downstairs. Patrol found a car matching that hit-and-run from earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go. I'll finish here.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We're done anyway.<</speech>> Marcus headed out, leaving Allison alone with Grant in the office. [[Continue|AC010 - Aftermath]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC010">>

Allison and Marcus were finishing coffee in the cruiser when dispatch sent them toward a small insurance office on the south side. The business was already closed, but the owner had stayed behind after discovering several thousand dollars missing from one of the company accounts. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 742 South Mercer Street. Business owner reporting suspected employee theft. Caller is waiting inside. No immediate threat reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison pulled away from the curb. <<speech "Marcus">>Employee theft at eleven at night.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Means somebody stayed late and scared themselves with a spreadsheet.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You have no faith in people.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I have plenty. Just not in bookkeeping.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC010 - Arrival]]

Grant leaned back in his chair and rubbed both hands over his face. <<speech "Grant">>That was embarrassing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You could pretend it wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> Grant laughed. <<speech "Grant">>You really enjoy making people squirm.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Only when they earn it.<</speech>> He looked at her for a moment. <<speech "Grant">>You know, I was trying really hard not to stare at you while you were sitting behind my desk.<</speech>> Allison looked up. <<speech "Allison">>Were you?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Trying? Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Successfully?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Not even close.<</speech>> There was no embarrassment in his voice now. The case was over, Marcus was gone, and the whole office was empty except for the two of them. <<speech "Allison">>That's a pretty bold thing to admit to a detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You're off my case.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I was never on your case.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Even better.<</speech>> Grant stood and walked around the desk. <<speech "Grant">>You kept looking at me too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I was making sure you weren't hiding another six thousand dollars somewhere.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Want to search the office again?<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Allison">>That was awful.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Still worked.<</speech>> He stopped several feet away, leaving the decision entirely with her. <<choice "Close the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC010 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in Grant's office." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC010 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

Allison didn't pick up her notebook. Grant noticed immediately. <<speech "Grant">>So you're not leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Didn't have to.<</speech>> Grant stepped closer. Allison stayed against the edge of the desk. <<speech "Allison">>You always this confident after making yourself look like an idiot?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Usually takes me longer to recover.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Impressive.<</speech>> His eyes moved over her again, much more openly this time. <<speech "Grant">>You know what's really distracting?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You sitting in my chair ordering me around for the last half hour.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the closed office door. <<speech "Grant">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You checking if we're alone.<</speech>> Allison looked back at him. <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I don't like interruptions.<</speech>> That erased the last bit of hesitation. <<speech "Grant">>Neither do I.<</speech>> Allison grabbed his tie and pulled him into a kiss. Grant caught her at the waist and kissed her back hard, pushing her against the edge of the desk. <<speech "Allison">>Lock the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Already is.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Grant">>Office policy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Convenient.<</speech>> He kissed her again. There was no emotional buildup to work through and no attempt to turn it into something meaningful. Grant had been staring at her all night, Allison had noticed, and now that the fake theft case was dead they were both interested in something much simpler. <<speech "Grant">>Desk or couch?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You ask too many questions.<</speech>> Allison pushed him backward toward the desk. <<speech "Grant">>Desk it is.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC010 - Sex Scene]]

Allison picked up her notebook and headed toward the door. <<speech "Allison">>Call your office manager tomorrow and thank her for not actually stealing from you.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I was hoping we'd skip that part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't accuse innocent employees and you won't have this problem.<</speech>> Grant smiled. <<speech "Grant">>Goodnight, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> Allison stepped into the hallway and headed downstairs. <<completecall "AC010">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison fixed her uniform beside Grant's desk while he straightened his shirt and searched the floor for his tie. The spreadsheets were still open on both monitors, making the whole thing look even more ridiculous. <<speech "Grant">>So this is definitely not covered by my cybersecurity contract.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> Grant laughed and found his tie beneath the chair. <<speech "Grant">>Worth asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, it wasn't.<</speech>> Allison grabbed her notebook. <<speech "Grant">>You going to tell your partner why that took so long?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm going to tell him you needed help understanding basic accounting.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Technically true.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Exactly.<</speech>> Grant opened the office door for her. <<speech "Grant">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>If I find another suspicious charge-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Call your accountant.<</speech>> Allison left him laughing and headed downstairs. Marcus was waiting near the cruiser when she stepped outside. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything handled?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No theft. He forgot he signed a contract.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>And that took another twenty minutes?<</speech>> Allison opened the driver's door. <<speech "Allison">>He's slow.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC010">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were barely five minutes into their next patrol loop when dispatch sent them toward a small apartment complex on the east side. The leasing office was still open even though the rest of the property had gone quiet for the night. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 680 Willow Park Drive. Disturbance inside the leasing office. Caller reports an adult male tenant yelling at the property manager and refusing to leave. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned into the complex. <<speech "Marcus">>Tenant dispute.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Meaning everybody's angry and nobody understands what police can actually do.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You sound excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm thrilled.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC012 - Arrival]]

The caller was waiting on the porch when they arrived. She introduced herself as Lauren Hayes and immediately started explaining the situation before Allison had fully stepped out of the cruiser. <<speech "Lauren">>My mother's bracelet is gone. I know it was upstairs this afternoon.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Slow down. Anybody force entry?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Anyone else live here?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>My brother. Dan.<</speech>> A white man in his early thirties appeared in the doorway behind her wearing jeans and a dark long-sleeve shirt. <<speech "Dan">>I already told her nobody broke in.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>Then where is it?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>How the hell would I know?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Both of you stop.<</speech>> Allison looked at Lauren. <<speech "Allison">>When did you last physically see the bracelet?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>Around three. It was in the jewelry box in my room.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody come inside after that?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>A delivery guy dropped off food around seven. Dan's friend stopped by for maybe ten minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>He never went upstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>That you know of.<</speech>> Dan rolled his eyes. <<speech "Allison">>Any windows open upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>One in my room. Screen's intact.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Let's take a look.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC011 - Search]]

Allison and Marcus checked the first floor before heading upstairs. There were no damaged locks, no broken windows, no pry marks, and nothing else appeared to be missing. Lauren's bedroom was at the end of the hall. Her jewelry box sat open on the dresser. <<speech "Allison">>Show me exactly where it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>Right there. Bottom drawer.<</speech>> Allison checked the drawer, then the dresser, floor, nightstand, and the space beneath the bed. <<speech "Marcus">>Anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not yet.<</speech>> Dan leaned against the doorframe. <<speech "Dan">>She loses things constantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>I do not.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You called me from work last month because you thought somebody stole your keys. They were in your purse.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>That was one time.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>It was three times.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not helping.<</speech>> Allison checked behind the dresser while Marcus looked through the attached bathroom. <<speech "Lauren">>I know it was here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you wear it today?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yesterday?<</speech>> Lauren paused. <<speech "Lauren">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>Shut up.<</speech>> Marcus stepped back into the bedroom. <<speech "Marcus">>Bathroom's clear. No signs of entry anywhere upstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dan, your room next.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Sure.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC011 - Dan Room]]

Dan's bedroom was across the hall and considerably messier than Lauren's. A laptop sat open on the bed, clothes were piled over a chair, and a gym bag rested near the closet. <<speech "Allison">>Anybody else been in here today?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Just me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your friend?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Stayed downstairs.<</speech>> Allison checked the window. Locked. Screen intact. <<speech "Marcus">>I'm going to get the friend's name and call him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do that.<</speech>> Marcus headed downstairs with Lauren, leaving Allison and Dan upstairs. <<speech "Dan">>You really think somebody climbed through my bedroom window, ignored every expensive thing in here, walked across the hall, stole one bracelet, and left?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I think your sister probably misplaced it.<</speech>> Dan smiled. <<speech "Dan">>I like you already.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Don't what?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Get comfortable.<</speech>> Allison crouched beside the bed and looked underneath it. <<speech "Dan">>You know, if you're trying to make this difficult for me, you're doing a great job.<</speech>> Allison looked back at him. <<speech "Allison">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's what I thought.<</speech>> Dan laughed. <<speech "Dan">>You're enjoying this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Searching your bedroom?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Ordering everybody around in my house.<</speech>> Allison stood. <<speech "Allison">>You're getting bold.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You're still here.<</speech>> Before Allison could answer, Lauren shouted from downstairs. <<speech "Lauren">>OH MY GOD.<</speech>> Allison and Dan looked toward the hallway. [[Continue|AC011 - Found]]

They found Lauren standing at the bottom of the stairs holding the missing bracelet. Marcus stood beside her trying not to laugh. <<speech "Allison">>Where was it?<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>My coat pocket.<</speech>> Dan closed his eyes. <<speech "Dan">>Of course it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>I forgot I wore it yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Mystery solved.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Nobody broke in. Nothing was stolen. We're done.<</speech>> Lauren looked embarrassed. <<speech "Lauren">>I'm really sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Next time, check every pocket before you call 911.<</speech>> <<speech "Lauren">>I will.<</speech>> Marcus checked his radio. <<speech "Marcus">>Dispatch wants one of us to call back about that vehicle complaint from earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go ahead. I'll finish the notes here.<</speech>> Marcus stepped outside with Lauren to confirm her information. Dan stayed near the stairs. <<speech "Dan">>So I was right.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't enjoy it too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'm going to enjoy it for at least a week.<</speech>> Allison headed back upstairs to grab the notebook she'd left in Dan's room. <<speech "Dan">>You forgetting something too?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Careful.<</speech>> Dan followed her upstairs. [[Continue|AC011 - Bedroom After]]

Allison picked up her notebook from the edge of Dan's bed. When she turned around, he was standing in the doorway watching her. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You keep saying that while staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You keep noticing.<</speech>> Allison slipped the notebook into her pocket. <<speech "Allison">>You hit on every cop who searches your bedroom?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>First time I've had one this hot in here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Terrible line.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Wasn't really a line.<</speech>> He looked her over again. <<speech "Dan">>You've been bending over my bed for the last fifteen minutes. I'm doing my best.<</speech>> Allison laughed once. <<speech "Allison">>Your best isn't very professional.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'm not the professional here.<</speech>> That one landed better. <<speech "Allison">>The call's over.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Nothing was stolen.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not being detained.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Definitely know that.<</speech>> Dan stepped closer. <<speech "Dan">>And your partner's outside.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Allison">>You've been paying attention.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Very closely.<</speech>> The bed was directly behind Allison. Dan knew it. She knew it. Neither of them was pretending the room felt innocent anymore. <<choice "End the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC011 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in the bedroom." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC011 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC011">>

Allison and Marcus were heading back toward Residential North when dispatch sent them to a house on Oakridge Drive. The caller reported missing jewelry and said she believed someone had entered the home while she and her brother were downstairs. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 2214 Oakridge Drive. Possible residential burglary. Caller reports jewelry missing from an upstairs bedroom. No suspect on scene. Residence is currently occupied by caller and one adult male.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Oakridge. <<speech "Marcus">>Actual burglary this time?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's optimistic.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm learning.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC011 - Arrival]]

Allison stepped around Dan and headed for the hallway. <<speech "Allison">>Enjoy being right about your sister.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's it.<</speech>> Dan smiled. <<speech "Dan">>Had to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, you didn't.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs and joined Marcus outside. <<completecall "AC011">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison didn't step around him. Dan noticed immediately. <<speech "Dan">>That's interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You're still standing in my bedroom.<</speech>> Allison looked at the bed behind her, then back at him. <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I'm waiting for you to stop staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Not happening.<</speech>> Dan stepped closer. <<speech "Allison">>Your sister is downstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Outside with your partner.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That doesn't make this smarter.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Wasn't aiming for smart.<</speech>> Allison grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him. Dan immediately pulled her against him, and Allison pushed him backward until the backs of his legs hit the bed. <<speech "Dan">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Quiet.<</speech>> Dan sat back on the mattress and looked up at her. The same bed Allison had been searching around ten minutes earlier was suddenly useful for something completely different. <<speech "Dan">>You know how hard it was not to stare when you were under there?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I noticed you staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Then why didn't you say anything?<</speech>> Allison pushed him farther back onto the bed. <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I liked it.<</speech>> That shut him up for about two seconds. <<speech "Dan">>That's fucking hot.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I told you to be quiet.<</speech>> Dan pulled her down with him. There was no emotional reason for it and neither of them needed one. The police call was already dead, Allison had spent the whole search catching him checking her out, and now they were alone in the exact room where the tension had started. <<speech "Dan">>Your partner going to come looking for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then stop wasting time.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC011 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stood beside the bed fixing her uniform while Dan sat against the headboard looking entirely too satisfied with himself. <<speech "Dan">>Best burglary investigation I've ever been part of.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>There wasn't a burglary.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Even better.<</speech>> Allison grabbed her notebook. <<speech "Dan">>So if my sister loses something again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Wasn't going to say call you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes, you were.<</speech>> Dan smiled. <<speech "Dan">>Probably.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door. <<speech "Dan">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You left something.<</speech>> Allison looked back. Dan held up her pen from the nightstand. <<speech "Allison">>Give me that.<</speech>> He handed it over, still smiling. <<speech "Dan">>Would've been funny if you called the police about it later.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're pushing your luck.<</speech>> Allison went downstairs and stepped outside. Marcus was leaning against the cruiser while Lauren stood on the porch. <<speech "Marcus">>Find your notebook?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yep.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Room was messy.<</speech>> Marcus looked through the front window toward the stairs. <<speech "Marcus">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Get in the car.<</speech>> <<completecall "AC011">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

The leasing office sat beside the complex pool with bright fluorescent lights shining through the front windows. Allison could hear the argument before she opened the door. A tenant stood near the front desk shouting at a white man in a dress shirt and loosened tie. <<speech "Tenant">>You can't just throw me out with five days' notice!<</speech>> <<speech "Manager">>That's not what the notice says.<</speech>> <<speech "Tenant">>It says I have to leave!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Police. Both of you stop talking.<</speech>> The room went quiet. <<speech "Tenant">>Good. Tell him he can't do this.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>We're going to figure out what happened first.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You come with me. Marcus, take him.<</speech>> Marcus guided the tenant toward the lobby seating area while Allison stayed behind the desk with the property manager. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Manager">>Ethan Hale.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You manage the property?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Yeah. About six years.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What started this?<</speech>> Ethan picked up a folded notice from the desk and handed it to her. <<speech "Ethan">>He's three months behind on rent. Corporate finally sent a notice to cure or quit. He came in thinking I personally evicted him tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No. I don't even have that authority.<</speech>> Allison read the notice. <<speech "Allison">>This isn't an immediate lockout.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you threaten him?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Touch him?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did he touch you?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No. He slammed his hand on the desk and knocked over that chair.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the chair lying on its side near the wall. <<speech "Allison">>You want charges?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No. I just want him to leave for tonight.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC012 - Civil Matter]]

Marcus returned a few minutes later. The tenant had calmed down enough to speak normally, and his version matched Ethan's in all the important ways. No threats, no assault, and no actual illegal eviction had taken place. <<speech "Marcus">>He's pissed, but there's nothing criminal here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's what I figured.<</speech>> <<speech "Tenant">>So you're just taking his side?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No. I'm telling you this is a civil issue. If you think the notice is improper, you challenge it through the housing process. You don't scream at the property manager until somebody calls police.<</speech>> <<speech "Tenant">>This is bullshit.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe. Still not something you're fixing tonight.<</speech>> The tenant looked toward Ethan. <<speech "Tenant">>We're not done.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Fine. Come back tomorrow when you're calm.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. That's exactly what's going to happen.<</speech>> Marcus nodded toward the door. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk you back to your building.<</speech>> The tenant muttered something under his breath but followed Marcus outside. Allison stayed behind with Ethan. [[Continue|AC012 - Office After]]

Ethan picked up the fallen chair and set it back beside the wall. The tension in the office disappeared almost instantly once the tenant was gone. <<speech "Ethan">>Sorry you had to come out for that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You didn't call?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Receptionist did. She went home before you got here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably smart.<</speech>> Ethan laughed and leaned against the desk. <<speech "Ethan">>You deal with this kind of thing all night?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Pretty much.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>People screaming over stuff you can't actually fix?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's most of police work.<</speech>> Ethan looked her over, then caught himself. <<speech "Allison">>Something wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You looked like there was.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I was trying not to stare.<</speech>> Allison raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Allison">>How's that going?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Poorly.<</speech>> At least he was honest. <<speech "Allison">>You always hit on cops after tenant disputes?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>First time I've had the opportunity.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's your defense?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Pretty much.<</speech>> Allison glanced through the front windows. Marcus and the tenant were walking toward one of the apartment buildings on the far side of the complex. <<speech "Ethan">>Partner busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very interested in my partner all of a sudden.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Just trying to understand the timeline.<</speech>> Allison smiled. <<speech "Allison">>Confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You're still here.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC012 - Tension]]

The call was already over. No one had been arrested, the tenant was being escorted back to his building, and Ethan had no reason to remain anything more than the property manager Allison had just interviewed. That didn't stop him from looking at her like the office had become something else entirely. <<speech "Ethan">>You know what the worst part is?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You standing behind my desk ordering everybody around for twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That did something for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>A lot more than it should have.<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Allison">>At least you're honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I'm trying.<</speech>> He stepped closer, stopping before touching her. <<speech "Ethan">>You want me to stop?<</speech>> Allison looked toward the windows again. Marcus was still nowhere near the office. <<choice "End the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC012 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in Ethan's office." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC012 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC012">>

Allison picked up her notebook and headed toward the front door. <<speech "Allison">>Lock up and go home before somebody else decides to yell at you.<</speech>> Ethan smiled. <<speech "Ethan">>Probably smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Definitely.<</speech>> Allison opened the door. <<speech "Ethan">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Had to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, you didn't.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside and headed toward the cruiser. <<completecall "AC012">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison didn't move toward the door. Ethan noticed immediately. <<speech "Ethan">>That's not exactly telling me to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You talk too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Nervous habit.<</speech>> He stepped closer. <<speech "Allison">>You don't look nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I'm getting over it.<</speech>> Allison grabbed his loosened tie and pulled him into a kiss. Ethan caught her around the waist and kissed her back hard, pushing her against the edge of the desk. <<speech "Ethan">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Quiet.<</speech>> He kissed her again. The leasing office was empty, the blinds were half closed, and Marcus was somewhere across the complex finishing the exact call Allison was supposed to be finishing too. <<speech "Ethan">>You know how hot you looked standing behind this desk?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I think you mentioned it.<</speech>> Allison pushed him backward until he hit the desk chair. <<speech "Ethan">>So what now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You stop asking questions.<</speech>> Ethan smiled. <<speech "Ethan">>I can do that.<</speech>> There was no romance to it. Ethan had been staring at her from the moment the tenant stopped yelling, Allison had noticed, and the empty office gave both of them exactly the excuse they didn't need. [[Continue|AC012 - Sex Scene]]

Allison fixed her uniform beside Ethan's desk while he straightened his shirt and rolled his chair back into place. The office looked almost exactly the same as it had before, which somehow made the whole thing worse. <<speech "Ethan">>That definitely wasn't in the tenant handbook.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't make jokes.<</speech>> Ethan laughed. <<speech "Ethan">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Not really.<</speech>> Allison grabbed her notebook. <<speech "Ethan">>So if another tenant loses their mind-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Call dispatch like everybody else.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Worth asking.<</speech>> Allison opened the office door just as Marcus came walking back across the lot. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. He understands it's civil.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took you awhile.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He had questions.<</speech>> Marcus looked through the office window toward Ethan, then back at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>A lot of questions?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the cruiser before Marcus could ask anything else. <<completecall "AC012">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were a few minutes from the station when dispatch sent them toward a residential neighborhood on the south side. The caller had reported a neighbor threatening him during an argument over a damaged fence. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1442 Chandler Avenue. Neighbor dispute. Caller reports an adult male threatened him during an argument over property damage. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Chandler. <<speech "Marcus">>Fence fight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could be exciting.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You don't believe that.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not even a little.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC013 - Arrival]]

Two men were already standing in separate yards when Allison pulled up. One was an older white man in pajama pants pointing angrily toward a wooden fence between the properties. The other was a Black man in his early thirties wearing a fitted gray T-shirt and jeans, standing several feet away with his arms folded. <<speech "Caller">>That's him! That's the guy who threatened me!<</speech>> <<speech "Black Man">>I didn't threaten anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Both of you stop. Nobody talks until I ask.<</speech>> The caller immediately tried to talk again. <<speech "Caller">>But he-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Especially you.<</speech>> Marcus hid a smile. <<speech "Allison">>Marcus, take him. I'll talk to the neighbor.<</speech>> Marcus guided the caller toward the sidewalk while Allison crossed the yard toward the other man. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Black Man">>Andre Brooks.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What happened, Andre?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>He backed his truck through part of my fence yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Intentionally?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>No. He's a terrible driver.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the broken section. Several boards had been snapped loose near the driveway. <<speech "Allison">>And tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I told him he needed to pay for it. He told me it was already damaged. We argued.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you threaten him?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Raise your voice?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Get in his face?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What exactly did you say?<</speech>> Andre sighed. <<speech "Andre">>I told him if he came onto my property again, we'd have a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's the threat?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Apparently.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC013 - Caller]]

Marcus brought the caller over a few minutes later. His version of events was significantly louder but not significantly different. <<speech "Caller">>He told me there would be consequences if I stepped on his property again.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I said we'd have a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>Same thing!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, it isn't.<</speech>> The caller stared at her. <<speech "Allison">>Did he say he was going to hit you?<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Shoot you?<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Damage your property?<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then what you're describing is an angry neighbor telling you to stay off his property.<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>He was intimidating me.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You drove through my fence.<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>It was already leaning!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We're not doing this again.<</speech>> Both men stopped. <<speech "Marcus">>The fence issue is civil unless somebody deliberately damaged it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Which nobody is claiming happened. Take pictures, exchange insurance information if applicable, and deal with the repair without screaming across the yard.<</speech>> <<speech "Caller">>So you're not doing anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm telling you exactly what to do.<</speech>> The caller looked dissatisfied. <<speech "Caller">>I want it documented.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll give you the incident number.<</speech>> Marcus motioned him toward the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>Come with me.<</speech>> The caller followed him reluctantly. Andre watched them walk away. <<speech "Andre">>He's going to talk for another twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You didn't call us.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC013 - Inside]]

Allison took a few photographs of the damaged fence, then followed Andre inside so she could get his contact information out of the wind. His house was clean and quiet, with a large sectional couch facing the television and a half-finished basketball game playing with the sound muted. <<speech "Andre">>You want water or something?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm fine.<</speech>> Andre grabbed his wallet from the coffee table and handed over his license. <<speech "Andre">>I swear I wasn't trying to scare the guy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're bigger than he is. You were angry. He probably got scared anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That's not really my fault.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Didn't say it was.<</speech>> Allison copied down his information. <<speech "Andre">>You believe me?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That I wasn't threatening him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>His own story doesn't sound like a threat.<</speech>> Andre smiled. <<speech "Andre">>Good.<</speech>> Allison handed the license back. <<speech "Andre">>You want to sit down while your partner gets trapped out there?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm working.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Sitting doesn't stop that.<</speech>> Allison glanced through the front window. Marcus was still beside the cruiser while the neighbor talked with both hands. <<speech "Allison">>Fine.<</speech>> She sat at one end of the couch. Andre took the other. [[Continue|AC013 - Conversation]]

For a minute neither of them said much. The game continued silently on the television while Marcus remained stuck outside. <<speech "Andre">>You watch basketball?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That's a dangerous answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Means I don't know whether you're about to say something terrible about my team.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm not that invested.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Even worse.<</speech>> Allison smiled. <<speech "Andre">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You've looked annoyed since you got here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your neighbor is exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Imagine living beside him.<</speech>> Andre leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Andre">>You always work this late?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Most nights lately.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That sounds terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You get used to it.<</speech>> Andre looked at her for a moment. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Trying to decide if saying what I'm thinking is going to get me in trouble.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually means you shouldn't say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Probably.<</speech>> He smiled. <<speech "Andre">>You're fine as hell.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Andre">>There. Said it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You feel better?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>A little.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the window again. <<speech "Andre">>Your partner still stuck?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Looks like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That's unfortunate.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You don't sound upset.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I'm not.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC013 - Tension]]

Andre shifted closer on the couch, not enough to touch her but enough that Allison noticed. <<speech "Allison">>You're pretty comfortable for somebody who had police in his yard ten minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You already said I didn't do anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I said I didn't hear a crime.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Close enough.<</speech>> His eyes moved down her body, then back to her face. <<speech "Allison">>You're not even trying to hide it now.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Should I?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You want me to?<</speech>> Allison didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Andre">>That's what I thought.<</speech>> Andre rested one arm along the back of the couch behind her, still leaving space between them. <<speech "Andre">>If I'm reading this wrong, tell me.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the front window one more time. Marcus had moved closer to the neighbor's porch and was still nowhere near finished. <<choice "Finish the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC013 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay on the couch." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC013 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC013">>

Allison sat near the edge of the couch fixing her uniform while Andre leaned back against the cushions catching his breath. The television was still silently showing the same basketball game. <<speech "Andre">>I missed half the fourth quarter.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You seemed distracted.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Very.<</speech>> Allison stood. <<speech "Andre">>You sure you have to go?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm literally working.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Had to ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everybody tonight apparently has to ask.<</speech>> Andre laughed. <<speech "Andre">>Hey, if that fence gets damaged again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Fix it yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Wasn't going to say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Sure.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door. <<speech "Andre">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Tell your partner thanks for taking his time.<</speech>> Allison shook her head and stepped outside. Marcus was finally walking back toward the cruiser. <<speech "Marcus">>You would not believe how many photographs that guy has of this fence.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How many?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Forty-three.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Jesus.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward Andre's house. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good in there?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. Got his statement.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took awhile.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He had a lot to say too.<</speech>> Marcus looked exhausted enough not to question it. <<completecall "AC013">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison stayed where she was. Andre looked at her, then at the small gap still separating them. <<speech "Andre">>You going to keep pretending you don't know what I'm asking?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I like making you ask.<</speech>> Andre smiled. <<speech "Andre">>Alright. You want me to kiss you?<</speech>> Allison looked him over. <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> Andre leaned in and kissed her. Allison grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him closer before he had a chance to be careful about it. <<speech "Andre">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Nothing. Just wasn't expecting you to go that hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You complaining?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Not even close.<</speech>> He kissed her again and pulled her across the couch toward him. Allison shifted closer until one of her legs was pressed between his and his hands had settled firmly around her waist. <<speech "Andre">>Been trying not to stare since you walked across my yard.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You weren't trying very hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Didn't see much reason to after you came inside.<</speech>> Allison pushed him back into the cushions. <<speech "Andre">>Damn.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still think I'm intimidating your neighbor?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Right now I'm more worried about you.<</speech>> Allison laughed and kissed him again. <<speech "Andre">>Your partner gonna walk in?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you better hope your neighbor keeps talking.<</speech>> Andre glanced toward the window. <<speech "Andre">>For once, I hope he never shuts the fuck up.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC013 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stood and slipped her notebook back into her pocket. <<speech "Allison">>Fix the fence. Stay out of his yard. Try not to give him another reason to call us.<</speech>> Andre smiled. <<speech "Andre">>That's a no, then.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's me leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Had to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, you didn't.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door. <<speech "Andre">>Have a good night, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You too.<</speech>> She stepped outside and headed back toward Marcus. <<completecall "AC013">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were cutting through Residential South when dispatch sent them toward a house on Belmar Street. The caller sounded frightened enough that the dispatcher marked it priority. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 903 Belmar Street. Caller reports an adult male attempting to force entry through the front door. Caller knows the subject but states he is not welcome inside. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy. En route.<</speech>> Allison hit the lights and turned onto Belmar. <<speech "Marcus">>Ex-boyfriend?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You sound disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm just hoping somebody actually understands who lives in the house this time.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC014 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed on the couch. Jake noticed immediately and moved closer. <<speech "Jake">>So I'm not completely fucking this up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You haven't succeeded at anything yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Give me a minute.<</speech>> Jake leaned toward her, but Allison caught the front of his shirt before he could close the distance and pulled him in herself. <<speech "Jake">>Fuck.<</speech>> He kissed her back and shifted closer until they were pressed together on the couch. <<speech "Allison">>You really spent this whole call staring at me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Pretty much from the second you walked up the porch.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Even while your mother was yelling?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Especially then.<</speech>> Allison laughed and pushed him back into the cushions. <<speech "Jake">>You know she's going to lose her shit if she comes back and sees this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you'd better hope she doesn't.<</speech>> Jake looked toward the window. <<speech "Jake">>Your partner's still outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stop checking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>You checked first.<</speech>> Allison grabbed him again and kissed him harder. <<speech "Allison">>You're talking too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Then shut me up.<</speech>> Allison pushed him farther back along the couch while Jake pulled her with him. [[Continue|AC014 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stood and slipped her notebook into her pocket. <<speech "Allison">>Don't start another argument when your mother comes back tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>I'll try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Try harder than you did with the door.<</speech>> Jake smiled. <<speech "Jake">>Had to take a shot.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You really didn't.<</speech>> Allison headed for the front door. <<completecall "AC014">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison sat upright on the couch and fixed her uniform while Jake stayed leaned back beside her, still breathing hard and looking far too satisfied with himself. <<speech "Jake">>I'm having a much better night now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>You sound annoyed.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm about to walk outside and pretend I spent this entire time taking your statement.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Technically you did take my statement.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Jake">>Earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Exactly.<</speech>> She stood. <<speech "Jake">>Think my mom's still out there?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>If she is, you're explaining why your couch is a mess.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Worth it.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door. <<speech "Jake">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>If she locks me out again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Use a locksmith.<</speech>> Jake laughed as Allison stepped outside. Marcus was just finishing with Jake's mother near her car. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good in there?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. He's staying put tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>He calm down?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Eventually.<</speech>> Marcus glanced toward the house. <<speech "Marcus">>You two had a lot to discuss?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the cruiser before he could ask anything else. <<completecall "AC014">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

A white man in his early thirties was standing on the front porch when Allison pulled up. He had one hand against the door and was arguing through it with someone inside. The moment he saw the cruiser, he stepped away and raised both hands. <<speech "Man">>I live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good start. Stay where you are.<</speech>> Allison approached while Marcus moved toward the side of the porch. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Jake Miller.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What are you doing here, Jake?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Trying to get into my house.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Caller says you aren't welcome.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Caller is my mother.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the door. <<speech "Allison">>You live with your mother?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Temporarily. I'm between apartments.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How long?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Four months.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Mail here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>ID address?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Still my old place, but I can show you bills.<</speech>> The door opened a few inches. A woman in her late fifties looked out. <<speech "Woman">>He needs to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Mom, I fucking live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Jake, stop. Ma'am, open the door and talk to my partner.<</speech>> The woman reluctantly opened it wider. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll speak with her inside.<</speech>> Marcus stepped in while Allison kept Jake on the porch. [[Continue|AC014 - Porch]]

Jake sat on the porch rail while Allison checked his identification and ran his name. Nothing came back beyond an old speeding ticket. <<speech "Allison">>What started the argument?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>She found out I brought somebody home last night.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>A woman.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your mother's house?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>My room.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still her house.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>I know.<</speech>> Jake rubbed a hand over his face. <<speech "Jake">>She lost her shit this morning, told me I was disrespectful, we argued, I left for work, and when I came back she'd locked the deadbolt.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You try to break the door?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>No. I pushed on it because she wouldn't answer me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Kick it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Threaten her?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked at the doorframe. No damage. <<speech "Jake">>She's pissed. I get it. But all my shit is in there.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>If you actually live here, she can't just decide you don't tonight because she's mad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't sound too happy. You still created the argument.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Fair.<</speech>> Marcus opened the door and stepped back onto the porch. <<speech "Marcus">>She confirms he lives here. She wants him gone, but she understands she can't lock him out tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any threats either way?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No. Mostly yelling.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Can I go inside now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>In a minute.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC014 - Resolution]]

Allison brought them both into the living room and kept them on opposite sides of the room while Marcus stood near the doorway. Jake's mother looked exhausted more than angry now. <<speech "Allison">>Here's what we're doing. Jake stays because this is currently his residence. That doesn't mean either of you needs to keep fighting tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>I don't want him bringing strangers into my house.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Fine. I won't.<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>You said that before.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>No, I didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We're not restarting this.<</speech>> Both of them went quiet. <<speech "Marcus">>Do you have somewhere else you can stay tonight, ma'am?<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>My sister lives ten minutes away.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Might be the easiest way to get some space until tomorrow.<</speech>> She thought about it, then nodded. <<speech "Woman">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Mom-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Let her go.<</speech>> Jake sat back on the couch. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk her out and get the last of her information.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll finish with him.<</speech>> Marcus followed Jake's mother toward the front door. A few seconds later, the door closed behind them. [[Continue|AC014 - Living Room]]

Jake stayed on the couch while Allison finished writing down his contact information. The house became noticeably quieter once his mother was gone. <<speech "Jake">>That went well.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Nobody got arrested. That's a win.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Low bar.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You'd be surprised.<</speech>> Jake leaned back and looked at her. <<speech "Jake">>She really called the cops because I brought somebody home.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>She called because you were trying to get through a locked door while screaming at each other.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>That sounds less stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Only slightly.<</speech>> Jake smiled. <<speech "Jake">>You always talk to people like they're idiots?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Only when they're acting like idiots.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>So yes.<</speech>> Allison closed her notebook. <<speech "Allison">>We're done here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What else were you expecting?<</speech>> Jake looked her over. <<speech "Jake">>Nothing I should probably say out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then don't.<</speech>> Jake smiled again. <<speech "Jake">>You noticed though.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Noticed what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Me checking you out.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>You weren't exactly hiding it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Didn't seem worth trying.<</speech>> He shifted slightly on the couch. <<speech "Jake">>You want to sit down while your partner finishes?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>You're staring too.<</speech>> Allison raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Allison">>You're confident for a guy whose mom just called the police on him.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Rough night. Might as well recover.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC014 - Tension]]

Allison glanced through the front window. Marcus was still standing beside Jake's mother near her car, listening while she continued explaining the argument. <<speech "Jake">>He's going to be out there a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You know your mother well.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Very.<</speech>> Allison finally sat at the opposite end of the couch. <<speech "Jake">>See? That's already better.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Too late.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Jake">>You said not to lie.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I did not say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>Feels implied.<</speech>> Jake moved a little closer. <<speech "Allison">>Your mother left because she was angry about you bringing a woman home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And your response is to hit on the detective she called.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>When you say it like that, it sounds worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It is worse.<</speech>> Jake laughed. <<speech "Jake">>Still doing it.<</speech>> His eyes dropped to her legs before returning to her face. <<speech "Allison">>You're fucking shameless.<</speech>> <<speech "Jake">>You're still sitting here.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the window again, then back at him. <<choice "Finish the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC014 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay on the couch." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC014 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC014">>

Allison and Marcus were cutting through Residential South when dispatch sent them to a two-story home on Beckett Avenue. The caller reported an argument inside the house and said an adult man had locked himself in the upstairs bathroom and refused to come out. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1187 Beckett Avenue. Caller reports an adult male locked inside an upstairs bathroom following a verbal domestic dispute. No weapons reported. Caller is concerned because subject has stopped responding.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Beckett. <<speech "Marcus">>Think he's hurt?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe. Or maybe he doesn't want to keep arguing.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'd choose the bathroom too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Depends on the bathroom.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC015 - Arrival]]

Allison reached behind her and pushed the bathroom door shut. Ryan watched the latch click into place. <<speech "Ryan">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't make me regret it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> Ryan stepped closer and kissed her. Allison grabbed his shirt and pushed him backward against the bathroom counter. <<speech "Ryan">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Quiet.<</speech>> He kissed her again, harder this time. The steam hadn't completely cleared from the room yet, and the air still felt warm from his shower. <<speech "Ryan">>You know how fucked up this is, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You want me to stop?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Hell no.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC015 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stepped into the hallway and nodded toward the stairs. <<speech "Allison">>Stay upstairs until Kara leaves. Let both of you cool off tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Probably smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Ryan stayed by the bathroom. <<speech "Ryan">>Detective?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Had to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No, you really didn't.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs. <<completecall "AC015">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison stood in front of the mirror fixing her uniform while Ryan sat on the edge of the tub behind her. The fog had mostly disappeared from the glass, which made it much easier to see how bad of a decision the room had just hosted. <<speech "Ryan">>You know this is going to make bathrooms weird for me now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's your problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Worth it.<</speech>> Allison straightened her collar. <<speech "Ryan">>Think Kara's gone?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>She'd better be.<</speech>> Ryan stood. <<speech "Ryan">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>If she ever calls again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't finish that sentence.<</speech>> Ryan laughed while Allison opened the bathroom door. <<speech "Ryan">>Had to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently everybody does.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs. Kara was gone, and Marcus was sitting near the front door checking something on his phone. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. He's staying upstairs tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Took awhile.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He had a lot to say.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the staircase. <<speech "Marcus">>He was locked in a bathroom for twenty minutes. Guess he had time to think.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Something like that.<</speech>> Allison headed for the door. <<completecall "AC015">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were heading through Residential North when dispatch sent them toward a large house on Grove Street. Several people could be heard yelling in the background of the 911 call, and the caller had hung up before giving much useful information. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 3118 Grove Street. Domestic disturbance involving multiple adults. Caller reports property being thrown during an argument. No weapons reported at this time.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy. En route.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Grove Street. <<speech "Marcus">>Multiple adults at dinner time.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Family gathering.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>How can you tell?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Nobody ruins your night faster than relatives.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC016 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed beside the table. Adam looked toward the front window, then back at her. <<speech "Adam">>So how bad of an idea is this?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Good.<</speech>> Allison grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. Adam caught her around the waist and pushed her back against the edge of the dining table. <<speech "Adam">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Keep your voice down.<</speech>> Adam kissed her again and slid one hand around her waist while Allison pulled him closer. The ruined dinner was still spread across the table beside them, plates pushed out of the way as the reason police had been called became increasingly irrelevant. <<speech "Adam">>Been trying not to look at you since you walked through the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You weren't trying very hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Didn't think you noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I notice everything.<</speech>> Adam smiled and kissed her again. <<speech "Adam">>That's hot.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stop talking.<</speech>> Allison pushed the remaining plates farther down the table while Adam stayed pressed against her. <<speech "Adam">>Here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You've got a better idea?<</speech>> Adam looked at the dining table. <<speech "Adam">>Not anymore.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC016 - Sex Scene]]

Allison slipped her notebook into her pocket and stepped toward the hallway. <<speech "Allison">>Clean up the glass and don't call your father again tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's it.<</speech>> Adam smiled. <<speech "Adam">>Can't blame me for trying.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I absolutely can.<</speech>> Allison headed for the front door. <<completecall "AC016">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison fixed her uniform beside the dining table while Adam hurriedly moved the dishes back into place. The room somehow looked even messier now than it had after the argument. <<speech "Adam">>Nobody is ever eating at this table again.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>They're going to wonder why you're buying a new one.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>I'll tell them Dad ruined it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Technically he started everything.<</speech>> Adam laughed. <<speech "Adam">>That's good enough for me.<</speech>> Allison checked through the window. Marcus was finally walking back toward the house. <<speech "Allison">>He's coming back.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Shit.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Relax.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Easy for you to say.<</speech>> Allison straightened her collar and grabbed her notebook. <<speech "Adam">>Do I look normal?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Great.<</speech>> The front door opened downstairs. <<speech "Marcus">>Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dining room.<</speech>> Marcus walked in and looked at the half-cleaned table. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything settled?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. He's staying here. Everybody else left.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Good. His dad can talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>You have no idea.<</speech>> Marcus looked between the two of them. <<speech "Marcus">>You two get all this cleaned up?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Most of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>She was very helpful.<</speech>> Allison gave Adam a warning look. <<speech "Marcus">>Alright then.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the door before Adam decided to become any more helpful. <<completecall "AC016">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were halfway through Residential North when dispatch sent them toward a house on Briar Lane. The caller reported being bitten by a neighbor's dog and claimed the animal was still loose. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 2740 Briar Lane. Caller reports dog bite following a neighbor dispute. Adult male victim, minor injury reported. Dog possibly loose in the area.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Briar Lane. <<speech "Marcus">>Loose dog.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Finally. Somebody on these calls who might actually listen.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You're assuming the dog's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm not.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC017 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed on the couch. Gavin moved closer until his knee touched hers. <<speech "Gavin">>Still waiting for you to tell me I'm wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're getting annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Doesn't sound like a no.<</speech>> Allison grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him. Gavin caught her around the waist and pulled her closer, kissing her back immediately. <<speech "Gavin">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>You.<</speech>> Allison smiled and kissed him again. <<speech "Gavin">>Been thinking about that since you walked inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were staring before I walked inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Then longer than that.<</speech>> Gavin pulled her toward him, but Allison pushed him backward instead. He caught the edge of the couch wrong and slipped down onto the carpet. <<speech "Gavin">>Shit.<</speech>> Allison looked down at him. <<speech "Allison">>Smooth.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>I had help.<</speech>> He reached for her hand. <<speech "Gavin">>Come here.<</speech>> Instead of helping him up, Allison lowered herself onto the floor with him. <<speech "Gavin">>Guess we're staying down here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Looks that way.<</speech>> Gavin kissed her again, pulling her across his lap as Allison pushed him flat onto the living-room carpet. <<speech "Gavin">>Your partner can see through that window.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then stop looking at the window.<</speech>> Gavin immediately looked back at her. <<speech "Gavin">>Much better view anyway.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC017 - Sex Scene]]

Allison stood and grabbed the folder from the coffee table. <<speech "Allison">>Keep Duke inside until animal control clears everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>So that's a no.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's me doing my job.<</speech>> Gavin smiled. <<speech "Gavin">>Can't blame me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I can a little.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the front door. <<completecall "AC017">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison sat on the living-room floor fixing her uniform while Gavin lay beside her with one arm behind his head. The couch was directly behind them, completely unused. <<speech "Gavin">>We had a couch.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Just checking.<</speech>> Allison stood and straightened her clothes. <<speech "Gavin">>You know, Duke's going to come down here later and smell everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why would you say that?<</speech>> Gavin laughed. <<speech "Gavin">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Not really.<</speech>> Allison checked through the front window. The ambulance was gone, and Marcus was walking back toward the house. <<speech "Allison">>Get up.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Yes, Detective.<</speech>> Gavin got to his feet and grabbed the paperwork from the coffee table just before the front door opened. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. Vaccinations are current. Footage backs him up.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Neighbor's getting checked out, but he's fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Good.<</speech>> Marcus looked at the slightly disturbed rug beneath Allison's feet. <<speech "Marcus">>What happened to the carpet?<</speech>> Gavin looked at Allison. <<speech "Gavin">>Dog.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dog.<</speech>> Marcus looked between them. <<speech "Marcus">>Right.<</speech>> Allison headed for the door before either man could say anything else. <<completecall "AC017">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were heading through Residential North when dispatch sent them to a house on Norwood Drive. The caller reported hearing movement upstairs after coming home and believed someone might be inside. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1906 Norwood Drive. Possible burglary in progress. Caller is outside the residence and reports hearing movement from an upstairs bedroom. No suspect description. No weapons seen.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Norwood and killed the siren before they reached the block. <<speech "Marcus">>Finally sounds like an actual burglary.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't get excited yet.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC018 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed near the foot of the bed. Eric looked at her for another second before standing. <<speech "Eric">>Tell me if I'm about to make tonight worse again.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You probably are.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>That's not quite a stop.<</speech>> He stepped closer. Allison grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. <<speech "Eric">>Fuck.<</speech>> Eric caught her at the waist and kissed her back, all the hesitation disappearing immediately. <<speech "Eric">>Okay. Definitely didn't expect this part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were doing plenty of staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Didn't think it was working.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently it was.<</speech>> Allison pushed him backward until his legs hit the mattress. <<speech "Eric">>Your partner going to come upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not if you stop talking.<</speech>> Eric sat back on the bed and pulled her closer. <<speech "Eric">>You know what's fucked up?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>You pointing a gun at me earlier somehow made this hotter.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>You're an idiot.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Runs in the family.<</speech>> She pushed him farther back onto the bed. [[Continue|AC018 - Sex Scene]]

Allison slipped her notebook into her pocket and headed toward the door. <<speech "Allison">>Next time, call your sister before letting yourself into her house.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Lesson learned.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Eric smiled. <<speech "Eric">>Still glad I tried.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You almost got shot and somehow learned the wrong lesson.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs. <<completecall "AC018">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison stood beside the bed fixing her uniform while Eric sat against the headboard looking extremely pleased with how his night had turned around. <<speech "Eric">>My sister can never know about this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>She'd actually kill me this time.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then don't tell her.<</speech>> Eric laughed. <<speech "Eric">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> Allison checked the hallway. <<speech "Eric">>Think they're still outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>You look way too calm.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Practice.<</speech>> She grabbed her notebook from the dresser. <<speech "Eric">>So if my apartment floods again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Call maintenance.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Wasn't going to say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Sure.<</speech>> Allison headed downstairs. Marcus and Natalie had just come back inside. <<speech "Natalie">>Everything okay upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. Nothing disturbed. No entry issues.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Good. We're clear then.<</speech>> Eric appeared halfway down the stairs. <<speech "Natalie">>And you are buying me a new deadbolt.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Why? I have a key.<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>That's exactly the problem.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the front door before the argument could restart. <<completecall "AC018">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were heading through Residential South when dispatch sent them toward a house on Lenox Street. The caller reported a loud argument inside and claimed an adult male was refusing to let her leave. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 1604 Lenox Street. Domestic disturbance. Female caller reports an adult male refusing to let her leave the residence following an argument. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned onto Lenox. <<speech "Marcus">>That could be bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC019 - Arrival]]

Allison stayed where she was. Nathan looked at her for a second, then leaned forward on the couch. <<speech "Nathan">>That's promising.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't get ahead of yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Trying not to.<</speech>> Allison crossed the room and stopped directly in front of him. <<speech "Nathan">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>You're actually doing this.<</speech>> Allison grabbed his shirt and kissed him. Nathan caught her around the waist and pulled her down onto the couch with him. <<speech "Nathan">>Jesus.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Keep your voice down.<</speech>> He kissed her again, one hand tightening around her waist while Allison shifted over him. <<speech "Nathan">>You know I've been staring at your ass this whole time, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Didn't bother you?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Would I be here if it did?<</speech>> Nathan smiled and pulled her closer. <<speech "Nathan">>Good point.<</speech>> Allison pushed him farther back into the cushions. <<speech "Nathan">>Your partner still outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stop asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Right.<</speech>> He kissed her again and stopped worrying about the window. [[Continue|AC019 - Sex Scene]]

Allison headed toward the front door. <<speech "Allison">>Next time your ex shows up, don't block the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Yeah. Lesson learned.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Nathan smiled. <<speech "Nathan">>Can't blame me for the other part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I can.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside. <<completecall "AC019">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison sat on the edge of the couch fixing her uniform while Nathan leaned back beside her, still catching his breath. <<speech "Nathan">>That was a much better ending to this night.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For you.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>You looked like you were having a pretty good time too.<</speech>> Allison gave him a look. <<speech "Nathan">>I'll shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Smart.<</speech>> She stood and straightened her shirt. <<speech "Nathan">>Think she's gone?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Hopefully.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>I really don't want her walking back in right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then maybe don't keep talking while I'm trying to leave.<</speech>> Nathan laughed. <<speech "Nathan">>Fair.<</speech>> Allison headed toward the front door. <<speech "Nathan">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>If she shows up again-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't block the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Wasn't what I was going to say.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I know.<</speech>> Allison stepped outside. Marcus was standing near the cruiser while Nathan's ex pulled away from the curb. <<speech "Marcus">>Everything settled?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. He's staying here. She's gone.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Good.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the house. <<speech "Marcus">>He calm down?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Marcus looked at her for a second. <<speech "Marcus">>Alright.<</speech>> Allison opened the cruiser door before he could ask anything else. <<completecall "AC019">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison nodded toward the gate. <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. Go home before management decides they want to make this worse.<</speech>> Luke grabbed his shirt. <<speech "Luke">>Can't blame me for trying.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everybody says that.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Maybe everybody has a point.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go.<</speech>> Luke smiled and headed toward the gate. <<speech "Luke">>Goodnight, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Goodnight.<</speech>> Allison finished checking the deck and headed back toward the leasing office. <<completecall "AC020">> <<set $goodCop += 1>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Luke climbed out of the pool first and grabbed a towel from one of the lounge chairs. Allison stayed near the edge long enough to make sure the courtyard was still empty before getting herself back together. <<speech "Luke">>That was a lot better than getting a noise citation.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You might still get the lease violation.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Worth it.<</speech>> Allison fixed the last of her uniform and looked toward the leasing office. <<speech "Luke">>Think your partner noticed anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not unless you gave him a reason to.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>I was extremely quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Congratulations.<</speech>> Luke picked up his shirt. <<speech "Luke">>So if there's another pool complaint-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Wasn't going to say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> Luke laughed and headed toward the gate. <<speech "Luke">>Goodnight, Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go home, Luke.<</speech>> Luke disappeared toward Building C just as Marcus came out of the leasing office carrying his notebook. <<speech "Marcus">>Manager's satisfied. Camera footage doesn't show anything worse than noise and alcohol.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Marcus looked around the now-empty pool deck. <<speech "Marcus">>Where'd our resident idiot go?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Home.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>He clean everything up?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Eventually.<</speech>> Marcus looked at the water, then at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>Did you get wet?<</speech>> Allison looked down at herself. <<speech "Allison">>Pool deck.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Right.<</speech>> He didn't sound convinced, but Allison was already heading toward the cruiser. <<completecall "AC020">> <<set $corruption += 2>> <<spendallisonaction>> [[Return to Patrol|World Map]]

Allison and Marcus were nearing the end of their patrol loop when dispatch sent them toward an apartment complex in Entertainment District. The caller reported several people inside the community pool after closing and said alcohol bottles had been left around the deck. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, respond to 4400 Grandview Terrace. After-hours disturbance at the community pool. Property manager reports multiple adults trespassing inside the fenced pool area, loud music, possible alcohol. No weapons reported.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Unit Twelve, copy.<</speech>> Allison turned into the complex. <<speech "Marcus">>Pool party.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At this hour?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I hate people who are having more fun than me while I'm working.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC020 - Arrival]]

Allison didn't tell him to leave. Luke smiled. <<speech "Luke">>Fourteen.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Shut up.<</speech>> Allison grabbed him by the back of the neck and kissed him. Luke caught her around the waist immediately and pulled her against him. <<speech "Luke">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Didn't think you'd actually do it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then why'd you keep pushing?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Hoping.<</speech>> He kissed her again. Allison pushed him backward until his legs touched one of the lounge chairs. <<speech "Luke">>Your partner's right there.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Still pretty fucking close.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then keep your voice down.<</speech>> Luke smiled and pulled her against him again. <<speech "Luke">>You're still in full uniform.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>It's doing something for me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I noticed.<</speech>> Luke looked toward the water. <<speech "Luke">>Pool's still warm.<</speech>> Allison followed his eyes. <<speech "Allison">>You're suggesting we get back in?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>I'm suggesting you already shut the party down. Might as well get something out of it.<</speech>> Allison looked at him for a second. <<speech "Allison">>Get in.<</speech>> Luke immediately stepped backward into the shallow end. <<speech "Luke">>Yes, Detective.<</speech>> Allison glanced once toward the office before following him toward the water. [[Continue|AC020 - Sex Scene]]

A woman in her late twenties opened the front door before Allison and Marcus reached the porch. She looked more angry than frightened. <<speech "Woman">>He's upstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Slow down. What's your name?<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>Kara Willis.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Who's upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Kara">>Ryan Mercer. My boyfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Kara">>We had a fight. He went upstairs, locked the bathroom, and told me to leave him alone. I kept knocking and now he won't answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Any threats to hurt himself?<</speech>> <<speech "Kara">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any drugs? Alcohol?<</speech>> <<speech "Kara">>He had two beers.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Weapons in the bathroom?<</speech>> <<speech "Kara">>Not unless he plans to attack you with shampoo.<</speech>> Allison looked at Marcus. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll stay with her.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll go up.<</speech>> Allison headed upstairs and found the bathroom door closed at the end of the hall. [[Continue|AC015 - Bathroom Door]]

Allison knocked twice. <<speech "Allison">>Ryan? Police department.<</speech>> Nothing. <<speech "Allison">>Ryan, if you're conscious, answer me.<</speech>> A few seconds passed. <<speech "Ryan">>I'm fine.<</speech>> Allison exhaled. <<speech "Allison">>Good. Open the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Because your girlfriend called 911.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Of course she did.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Open it.<</speech>> The lock clicked. The door opened a few inches and a white man in his early thirties looked out. He was wearing jeans and an undershirt, hair still damp from what looked like a shower. <<speech "Ryan">>I'm not hurt.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Clearly.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Can I close the door now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> Ryan opened it wider and stepped back. <<speech "Allison">>What happened downstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>We argued.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>About?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Does it matter?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Depends what the argument was about.<</speech>> Ryan rubbed a hand over his face. <<speech "Ryan">>She thinks I'm cheating on her.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Threaten her?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Touch her?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Break anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked around the bathroom. Nothing was damaged. A towel was hanging over the edge of a large bathtub, and the mirror was still fogged from the shower. <<speech "Allison">>Then why stop answering?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Because she wouldn't stop yelling through the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That was a bad decision once she got worried enough to call us.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Yeah. I figured that out when you started knocking.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC015 - Separate Stories]]

Marcus came upstairs a few minutes later after talking with Kara. <<speech "Marcus">>Stories match. No assault. No threats. She's just pissed because she found messages from another woman.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>My coworker.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's what she said too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>She staying here tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No. She's packing a bag and going to her sister's.<</speech>> Ryan looked relieved. <<speech "Ryan">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't say that when she can hear you.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Fair.<</speech>> Marcus looked toward the stairs. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll make sure she gets out without round two starting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll finish with him.<</speech>> Marcus headed back downstairs. [[Continue|AC015 - After Conflict]]

Ryan stayed near the bathroom doorway while Allison finished writing down his information. The house had become noticeably quieter now that Kara was downstairs packing instead of yelling. <<speech "Ryan">>Sorry you got dragged into this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's the job.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Still embarrassing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could've been worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You could've actually been naked when you opened the door.<</speech>> Ryan laughed. <<speech "Ryan">>That almost happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good thing you found pants.<</speech>> Ryan looked at her for a second. <<speech "Ryan">>You disappointed?<</speech>> Allison looked up from her notebook. <<speech "Allison">>You're hitting on the cop who got called because your girlfriend thinks you're cheating?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>When you say it like that, it sounds bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It is bad.<</speech>> Ryan smiled. <<speech "Ryan">>Still didn't answer.<</speech>> Allison closed the notebook. <<speech "Allison">>You're clear. No report beyond the call notes unless something else happens.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>So I'm not being detained.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>And Kara's leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently.<</speech>> Ryan leaned against the bathroom doorframe. <<speech "Ryan">>Then I guess things could be worse.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC015 - Bathroom Tension]]

Allison glanced toward the staircase. She could hear Marcus talking to Kara below, but neither of them was coming upstairs. <<speech "Ryan">>You keep looking downstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm working.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Call's over.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Mostly.<</speech>> Ryan stepped back into the bathroom. <<speech "Ryan">>You want to know something stupid?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Watching you stand in my bathroom telling me what to do is doing a lot for me right now.<</speech>> Allison looked him over. <<speech "Allison">>You have terrible timing.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Yeah.<</speech>> Ryan stepped closer. <<speech "Ryan">>But you're still here.<</speech>> The bathroom door was open behind Allison. She could walk out and end the call whenever she wanted. <<choice "Head downstairs and finish the call.">> <<goto "AC015 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Close the bathroom door." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC015 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC015">>

The front door was already open when they arrived. Allison could hear shouting from somewhere deeper inside the house. A broken wineglass lay near the hallway, and an older woman stood near the stairs crying while two men argued in the dining room. <<speech "Allison">>Police! Everybody stop talking!<</speech>> Nobody stopped. <<speech "Older Man">>He has no right to that money!<</speech>> <<speech "Younger Man">>It's not your fucking money anymore!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I said stop.<</speech>> The room finally went quiet. <<speech "Marcus">>Everybody separate. Now.<</speech>> Marcus took the older man toward the living room while Allison remained in the dining room with the younger man. He was white, somewhere in his mid-thirties, wearing a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. A plate of food had been knocked onto the floor near his chair. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Adam Pierce.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What happened, Adam?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>My father decided Thanksgiving came early.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Try again.<</speech>> Adam exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck. <<speech "Adam">>My grandmother died six months ago. She left the house to my mother and some money to me and my sister. Dad thinks everything should've gone to my mother first.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And tonight that became a police call because?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>My sister mentioned she's using her share to move across the country. Dad lost it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Who threw the glass?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>No. Into the sink. It bounced.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody hit anybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Threats?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Just the usual family bullshit.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC016 - Statements]]

Marcus spent the next ten minutes separating the rest of the family while Allison checked the dining room and kitchen. The broken glass was exactly where Adam said it would be, and nobody had any injuries. By the time Marcus returned, the entire incident had shrunk from a possible domestic assault into four angry relatives who should have stopped drinking an hour earlier. <<speech "Marcus">>Everybody agrees nobody got hit. Dad threw the glass, Mom called us because she thought it was about to get worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Anybody want charges for the property damage?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>It's their glass.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Can we arrest him for ruining dinner?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Worth asking.<</speech>> The older man appeared in the doorway again. <<speech "Older Man">>I'm leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's probably the best idea anybody's had tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Older Man">>My wife is coming with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Older Woman">>Gladly.<</speech>> Adam's sister grabbed her bag from the living room. <<speech "Sister">>I'm going too. I'm done.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everybody leaves separately, nobody follows anybody, and nobody continues this argument tonight. Understood?<</speech>> They all muttered some version of yes. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk them outside and get everyone's information.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll finish here.<</speech>> Marcus followed the others toward the front door. Within a minute, Allison and Adam were the only people left in the dining room. [[Continue|AC016 - Cleanup]]

Adam looked around at the destroyed dinner table. One chair was tipped over, mashed potatoes were smeared across the tablecloth, and the roast that had probably taken hours to make sat untouched in the middle of everything. <<speech "Adam">>Great fucking dinner.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I've seen worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>At family dinners?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At crime scenes.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> Adam picked up the fallen chair and started collecting dishes. <<speech "Allison">>Leave the glass. I'll make sure there isn't anything else we need first.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Yes, ma'am.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Adam">>Sorry. That sounded different in my head.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did it?<</speech>> Adam smiled and carried two plates toward the kitchen. <<speech "Adam">>Maybe not.<</speech>> Allison finished the last of her notes while Adam came back with a trash bag. <<speech "Adam">>You want some food?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm working.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Cops don't eat?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Not food that's been sitting beside a family screaming match.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Fair.<</speech>> Adam leaned against the dining table. <<speech "Adam">>You know, you're handling this better than I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It's easier when they're not my family.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Probably.<</speech>> His eyes moved over her for a second longer than necessary. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's usually a lie.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>I was trying not to stare.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How's that going?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Not great.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC016 - Dining Room]]

Allison closed her notebook. Through the front windows she could see Marcus standing beside the cruiser with Adam's parents, apparently trapped in another round of explanations. <<speech "Adam">>Your partner looks busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't get ideas.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Already had them.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Adam">>You asked why I was staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I didn't ask what you were thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Probably better that way.<</speech>> Adam gathered the tablecloth and stopped when Allison stepped around the other side of the dining table. <<speech "Adam">>You're married.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Observant.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>Still staring at me.<</speech>> Allison smiled slightly. <<speech "Allison">>Maybe I'm making sure you don't throw any dishes.<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>I've been very well behaved.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For the last ten minutes.<</speech>> Adam came around the end of the table, closing some of the distance between them. <<speech "Adam">>How many more minutes do I need?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Adam">>You know.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the front windows again. Marcus was still occupied. <<choice "End the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC016 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in the dining room." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC016 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC016">>

An older man was waiting near the curb holding a towel against his forearm. The injury didn't look serious, but he was furious. Across the yard, a white man in his early thirties stood on his porch holding the collar of a large German shepherd. <<speech "Caller">>That's the dog! That thing came straight at me!<</speech>> <<speech "Homeowner">>Because you opened my fucking gate!<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everybody stop.<</speech>> The dog barked once. <<speech "Allison">>Including you.<</speech>> The homeowner looked down at the dog. <<speech "Homeowner">>Inside, Duke.<</speech>> The dog immediately went through the front door. <<speech "Marcus">>At least somebody listens.<</speech>> Allison looked at the homeowner. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Homeowner">>Gavin Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Secure the dog somewhere inside and come back out.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Yeah.<</speech>> Gavin disappeared inside while Marcus moved toward the injured neighbor. [[Continue|AC017 - Statements]]

Gavin returned a moment later without the dog. Allison kept him near the porch while Marcus spoke with the neighbor by the cruiser. <<speech "Allison">>Start from the beginning.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>His grandkid kicked a ball into my backyard. He came over to get it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You let him in?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>No. I wasn't outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>So how did he get into the yard?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Opened the gate himself.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Was the dog outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Yeah. In my fenced yard.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any warning sign?<</speech>> Gavin pointed toward a metal sign fixed directly beside the latch. <<speech "Gavin">>Big one.<</speech>> Allison read it. <<speech "Allison">>BEWARE OF DOG.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Hard to miss.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Apparently not.<</speech>> Marcus walked over. <<speech "Marcus">>He admits opening the gate. Says he thought the dog was inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>He was barking at him through the fence.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That part he left out.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How bad is the bite?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Looks superficial. EMS is coming anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Duke barely got him. If that dog wanted to hurt him, we'd be having a very different conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Let's not say that around the guy who got bitten.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Fair.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC017 - Camera]]

Gavin pointed toward a small security camera above the garage. <<speech "Gavin">>Camera caught the whole thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. Show me.<</speech>> He brought Allison and Marcus inside. The living room opened into the kitchen, with a large television mounted above the fireplace and a sectional couch along one wall. Gavin pulled up the camera application on his phone. The footage showed the neighbor approaching the fence, looking directly at Duke, opening the gate anyway, and stepping into the yard. The dog rushed toward him. The neighbor threw up an arm, Duke caught his sleeve for less than a second, and Gavin came running outside almost immediately afterward. <<speech "Marcus">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He definitely opened the gate.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't sound so excited. Animal control still gets to decide whether they need anything from you.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Duke's vaccinated. I've got all his records.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Get them.<</speech>> Gavin headed toward a cabinet while Marcus's radio went off. <<speech "Dispatch">>Unit Twelve, EMS arriving on scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll deal with him outside and get the bite information.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll get the dog's records and footage.<</speech>> Marcus headed back outside. [[Continue|AC017 - Records]]

Gavin handed Allison a folder containing vaccination records and veterinary paperwork. Everything was current. <<speech "Allison">>Looks fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Told you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You say that like I accused your dog of something.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Everybody always assumes the big dog did something wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your neighbor climbed into his yard.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Exactly.<</speech>> A heavy thump came from upstairs. <<speech "Allison">>What was that?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Duke throwing himself on my bed because he's pissed I locked him up there.<</speech>> Another thump followed. <<speech "Allison">>Dramatic.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Very.<</speech>> Allison finished photographing the records. <<speech "Gavin">>So what happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably nothing exciting. Animal control documents it, verifies his vaccinations, and decides whether anything else is necessary.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>And me?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't let the dog out until we're gone.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's it.<</speech>> Gavin relaxed for the first time since they'd arrived. <<speech "Gavin">>Good.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC017 - Living Room]]

Allison closed the folder and set it on the coffee table. Gavin dropped onto the couch and looked through the front window toward Marcus and the ambulance. <<speech "Gavin">>He's really getting loaded into an ambulance for that?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>He's getting checked.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>He's going to tell this story like he survived a bear attack.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> Gavin looked back at her. <<speech "Gavin">>You believe me, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I believe the camera.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>I'll take it.<</speech>> Allison slipped her phone back into her pocket. <<speech "Gavin">>You can sit down, you know.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>You've been standing in my living room for twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Occupational hazard.<</speech>> Gavin leaned back and looked her over. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Yeah.<</speech>> The answer was immediate enough to make Allison smile. <<speech "Allison">>Not even going to pretend?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Wouldn't be convincing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably not.<</speech>> His eyes moved over her again. <<speech "Gavin">>You walked into my house looking like that and started ordering me around. I've been distracted.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Sounds difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Extremely.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC017 - Tension]]

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC017">>

Allison finally sat at the opposite end of the couch. Gavin turned slightly toward her. <<speech "Gavin">>That's dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Me sitting?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>You sitting that close after catching me staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>This isn't close.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Could fix that.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the front window. Marcus was still outside with EMS and the neighbor. <<speech "Allison">>You're very confident for a guy whose house currently has police outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>You already cleared me.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I cleared the call.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Even better.<</speech>> Gavin shifted closer. <<speech "Allison">>You do this often?<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>Hit on detectives?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>While they're working.<</speech>> <<speech "Gavin">>First time one's been sitting on my couch looking interested.<</speech>> Allison stared at him. <<speech "Gavin">>Tell me I'm wrong.<</speech>> She didn't. <<choice "Finish the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC017 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay with Gavin." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC017 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

A woman in her early thirties was waiting beside a parked SUV across the street. She hurried toward Allison the moment she stepped out. <<speech "Woman">>Someone's upstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>Natalie Ford.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Anybody supposed to be inside?<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>No. I live alone.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Doors locked when you got home?<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>Front door was. I came inside, heard something upstairs, and left.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Any family have keys?<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>My brother does, but he lives an hour away.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the dark second-floor windows. <<speech "Allison">>Stay here with Marcus.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll hold the front. Call it if you need me.<</speech>> Allison drew her weapon and crossed toward the house. [[Continue|AC018 - Clear House]]

The front door showed no damage. Natalie had left it unlocked when she ran outside. Allison entered quietly and moved through the first floor. Nothing looked disturbed. <<speech "Allison">>Police department! If anyone is inside, announce yourself now!<</speech>> Something moved upstairs. <<speech "Allison">>Police! Show me your hands!<</speech>> A man's voice answered from the hallway. <<speech "Man">>Whoa! What the fuck?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Hands where I can see them. Come down slowly.<</speech>> A white man in his early thirties appeared at the top of the stairs wearing sweatpants and no shirt. Both hands immediately went up. <<speech "Man">>Why is there a cop in my sister's house?<</speech>> Allison kept her weapon trained low. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Eric Ford.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Natalie's brother?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stay there.<</speech>> Allison keyed her radio. <<speech "Allison">>Marcus, ask Natalie if her brother is Eric Ford.<</speech>> A few seconds passed. <<speech "Marcus">>Confirmed. She says that's him. Also says she's going to kill him.<</speech>> Allison holstered her weapon. <<speech "Allison">>Congratulations. You're not a burglar.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Great.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Your sister called 911 because you decided to surprise her.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Less great.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC018 - Explanation]]

Eric came downstairs while Natalie marched through the front door behind Marcus. <<speech "Natalie">>What the hell are you doing here?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>My apartment flooded.<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>And phones stopped existing?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Mine died.<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>So you just let yourself into my house and went to sleep?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>You gave me a key.<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>For emergencies.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>My ceiling leaking into my bed felt pretty emergency-ish.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Enough.<</speech>> Natalie looked at Allison. <<speech "Allison">>He's your brother. He has a key. Nothing is missing, nothing is damaged, and there's no burglary.<</speech>> <<speech "Natalie">>I know that now.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You want him removed from the house?<</speech>> Natalie looked at Eric. <<speech "Natalie">>No. He can stay. He's just an idiot.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Love you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good. Then we're basically done.<</speech>> Natalie rubbed both hands over her face. <<speech "Natalie">>I'm going outside before I actually strangle him.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I'll get the last of your information and clear the call.<</speech>> Marcus followed Natalie outside. Eric looked toward Allison. <<speech "Eric">>That could've gone worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You had a gun pointed at you five minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Exactly. Could've gone worse.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC018 - Upstairs]]

Allison headed back upstairs to finish checking the room Eric had been using. Eric followed her. <<speech "Eric">>You still need to search?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I need to make sure nothing upstairs was actually disturbed before I clear it.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Fair.<</speech>> The bedroom at the end of the hall looked more like a guest room than anything else. A duffel bag sat open near the dresser, clothes were scattered across a chair, and the bed was unmade. <<speech "Allison">>This where you were?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were asleep?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Trying to be.<</speech>> Allison checked the window and closet. <<speech "Eric">>You know, this is a very weird way to meet somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually I prefer introductions without drawing my gun.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Usually?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't push it.<</speech>> Eric smiled. <<speech "Eric">>Noted.<</speech>> Allison finished checking the room and turned back toward him. <<speech "Allison">>Everything looks fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>So I'm officially not a criminal.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>I'll take it.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC018 - Bedroom Tension]]

Eric sat on the edge of the bed while Allison finished her notes. He looked her over once, then again. <<speech "Allison">>You keep staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>You keep noticing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're in a very good mood for somebody who almost got arrested in his sister's house.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>I'm appreciating the recovery.<</speech>> Allison closed her notebook. <<speech "Eric">>You scared the shit out of me, by the way.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>And somehow that didn't make you less attractive.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>That's what you're going with?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>I nearly got shot. I'm not wasting time being subtle.<</speech>> Allison smiled. <<speech "Eric">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>You think this is funny.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little.<</speech>> Eric leaned back on his hands. <<speech "Eric">>Your partner outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Eric">>Sister too?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah.<</speech>> Eric looked around the bedroom. <<speech "Eric">>And you're still up here.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the open bedroom door, then back at him. <<choice "Finish the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC018 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay in the bedroom." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC018 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC018">>

The front door opened before Allison reached it. A woman in her late twenties stepped onto the porch immediately, angry and crying at the same time. <<speech "Woman">>He's inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You hurt?<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Did he touch you?<</speech>> <<speech "Woman">>No, but he wouldn't let me leave.<</speech>> Allison looked past her into the house. A white man in his early thirties stood in the living room several feet from the doorway. <<speech "Man">>That's not what happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stay where you are.<</speech>> He raised both hands. <<speech "Allison">>Marcus, take her outside. I'll talk to him.<</speech>> Marcus guided the woman toward the cruiser while Allison stepped into the house. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Nathan Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What happened, Nathan?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>She showed up here without calling. We argued. She tried to take a box of my stuff, and I stood in front of the door because I wanted the box back.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You physically stop her from leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>I blocked the doorway for maybe ten seconds. Then she put the box down and walked out.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Touch her?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Threaten her?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why was she here?<</speech>> Nathan exhaled. <<speech "Nathan">>She's my ex.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How long?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Three months.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>She saw me out with somebody and decided we needed to have a conversation.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC019 - Separate Stories]]

Marcus returned a few minutes later. Nathan stayed near the couch while Allison compared notes. <<speech "Marcus">>Her story mostly matches. She came over angry, grabbed a box she says had some of her things in it, and he stood in the doorway.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any assault?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't celebrate yet.<</speech>> Nathan went quiet. <<speech "Marcus">>She says he told her she wasn't leaving with the box.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Because it was mine.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Was anything in it actually hers?<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Maybe some clothes. I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then you're both making this harder than it needs to be.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the front door. <<speech "Allison">>Here's what's going to happen. She leaves tonight. If she believes property here belongs to her, she arranges a time to collect it without showing up unannounced and starting another screaming match.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>She's already agreed to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> Marcus nodded toward the porch. <<speech "Marcus">>I'll walk her to her car and get the rest of her information.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll finish with Nathan.<</speech>> Marcus headed outside. [[Continue|AC019 - Living Room]]

Nathan sat on the edge of the couch and rubbed both hands over his face. The living room looked like the argument had been mostly verbal. A throw pillow was on the floor and a cardboard box sat beside the front door, but nothing was broken. <<speech "Nathan">>This is humiliating.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could've been worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>You keep saying that to people?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Usually because it's true.<</speech>> Nathan looked toward the window. <<speech "Nathan">>She's really leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Looks like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Good.<</speech>> Allison gave him a look. <<speech "Nathan">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You blocked the door during an argument. Don't sound too pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>I know. Bad move.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very.<</speech>> Nathan leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Nathan">>Still glad you're the one who came in here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Why?<</speech>> He looked her over. <<speech "Nathan">>You really need me to answer that?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably not.<</speech>> Nathan smiled. <<speech "Nathan">>You've been noticing me staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're not subtle.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Wasn't trying very hard.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC019 - Tension]]

Allison closed her notebook and slipped it back into her pocket. Nathan stayed on the couch, watching her. <<speech "Nathan">>Are we done?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>With the call? Pretty much.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>So I'm not being detained.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>And she's outside with your partner.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes.<</speech>> Nathan shifted slightly, leaving more room beside him on the couch. <<speech "Nathan">>You can sit down.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>You keep saying that while looking at me.<</speech>> Allison looked him over once. <<speech "Allison">>You're very confident all of a sudden.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>Not really. Just horny.<</speech>> Allison laughed. <<speech "Allison">>At least that's honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>You want honest?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Go ahead.<</speech>> <<speech "Nathan">>I've been thinking about getting you on this couch since you walked in.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the front window. Marcus was still outside beside the ex's car. <<choice "Finish the call and leave.">> <<goto "AC019 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay with Nathan." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC019 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC019">>

The pool sat behind the main leasing building, surrounded by a tall metal fence. Music was still playing from a portable speaker when Allison and Marcus approached, but the place was nearly empty. A few people were disappearing through the far gate while one man remained standing near the edge of the water. <<speech "Marcus">>Police! Everybody stay where you are!<</speech>> Two people kept running. <<speech "Allison">>Of course.<</speech>> The man who stayed put raised both hands. He was a white man somewhere around thirty, shirtless and wearing swim trunks, with water still running down his chest. <<speech "Man">>I'm not running.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good decision.<</speech>> A property manager hurried out from the leasing building behind them. <<speech "Manager">>They're not supposed to be in here after ten.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>We'll handle it.<</speech>> Allison looked at the man by the pool. <<speech "Allison">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Man">>Luke Bennett.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You live here?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Building C. Apartment 312.<</speech>> <<speech "Manager">>He does live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then why are we being told you're trespassing?<</speech>> <<speech "Manager">>Residents aren't allowed in the pool after ten either.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>That's not trespassing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Don't argue definitions right now.<</speech>> Luke smiled slightly. <<speech "Luke">>Yes, Detective.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC020 - Pool Deck]]

Allison walked the deck while Luke collected the bottles and towels his friends had abandoned. Most of the containers were empty beer bottles, though none were broken. <<speech "Allison">>How many people were here?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Six.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And everybody except you ran.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Apparently I'm the smart one.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're standing barefoot beside an apartment pool at midnight talking to police.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Smartest one here, then.<</speech>> Allison looked toward the gate. <<speech "Allison">>Who opened it?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Me. Residents have access cards.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>So nobody climbed the fence.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Damage anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Fight with anybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Drugs?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>No.<</speech>> Marcus walked over after talking with the property manager. <<speech "Marcus">>Management doesn't want charges. They want everybody out, the trash cleaned up, and Luke gets whatever violation notice the lease allows tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Fantastic.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could've been worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>You people say that a lot?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>More than you'd think.<</speech>> The property manager waved Marcus back toward the office. <<speech "Manager">>Detective, can I show you the camera footage?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah.<</speech>> Marcus looked at Allison. <<speech "Marcus">>You good here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yeah. I'll finish with him and make sure the deck's clear.<</speech>> Marcus followed the manager toward the leasing office. [[Continue|AC020 - Cleanup]]

Luke carried the remaining bottles toward a trash can while Allison checked the tables and lounge chairs. The pool lights made the water glow pale blue in the otherwise dark courtyard. <<speech "Luke">>Sorry about all this.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You should be apologizing to the guy who has to write your lease violation.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>He's going to enjoy it too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then don't make it easy for him.<</speech>> Luke threw the last bottle away. <<speech "Luke">>Done.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good.<</speech>> He picked up his shirt from one of the lounge chairs but didn't put it on. <<speech "Allison">>You planning on wearing that?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Eventually?<</speech>> Luke looked her over. <<speech "Luke">>You haven't exactly complained.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Allison">>You're hitting on the cop who just shut down your pool party.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>You shut down everybody else's pool party.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were part of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Yeah, but I stayed.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Because you live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Still stayed.<</speech>> Allison shook her head. <<speech "Luke">>You're smiling.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Barely.<</speech>> [[Continue|AC020 - Poolside]]

Luke sat on the edge of the pool and dropped his feet into the water. Allison remained standing several feet away. <<speech "Allison">>You're supposed to be leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>I'm cooling off first.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You were already in the pool.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Still hot.<</speech>> His eyes moved over her again. <<speech "Allison">>Subtle.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Didn't think subtle was working.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What made you think anything was working?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>You keep looking back.<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the leasing office. Through the glass, she could see Marcus standing beside the property manager watching camera footage. <<speech "Luke">>Partner busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For the moment.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>I'm sitting here half naked and you've looked at me about twelve times.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You counted?<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Got bored while cleaning.<</speech>> Allison stepped closer to the pool. <<speech "Luke">>Thirteen.<</speech>> She laughed. <<speech "Allison">>You're an asshole.<</speech>> <<speech "Luke">>Yeah.<</speech>> Luke stood from the edge of the pool. Water dripped from his legs onto the concrete. <<speech "Luke">>Want me to leave?<</speech>> Allison looked toward the office one more time. <<choice "Send Luke home.">> <<goto "AC020 - Professional">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay by the pool." "corrupt">> <<goto "AC020 - Corrupt">> <</choice>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_AC020">>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> <<set $kcPoolReturnPassage = "KC Bar">> <<kc8ball>>

KC goes back through the rear entrance mostly because she wants five minutes somewhere with air conditioning before heading out. The kitchen is closing down, chairs are already going upside down on tables, and the man from the counter is somehow still there. <<speech "Diner Guy">>So. Everything okay back there?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You waited around to ask me that?<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Maybe I like the fries.<</speech>> KC looks at the untouched plate in front of him. <<speech "KC">>Those fries have been dead for an hour.<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Maybe I like interesting company.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You don't know me.<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Didn't say I did.<</speech>> KC takes a slow drink from the glass of water somebody left near the register. He does not stop looking at her. <<speech "Diner Guy">>You always this friendly after work?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>This is friendly.<</speech>> That gets a laugh out of him. KC starts toward the hallway by the bathrooms. A few seconds later, footsteps follow. [[GO INTO THE BATHROOM->KQ001 - Bathroom Start]]

Victor does not call it stealing. Not yet. He says the diner drop has been coming up light for three nights straight, small enough that whoever is doing it probably thinks nobody has noticed. That is usually when people get comfortable. <<speech "Victor">>I don't care who it is. I care that it stops.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How short?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Enough that I'm sending you instead of asking nicely.<</speech>> He gives KC three places to start: the diner itself, an employee's apartment, and a runner who spends too much time around the back lot. None of them are guaranteed to have the whole answer. Together, they should have enough. <<if setup.getQuestState("KQ001").state is "available">> <<link "TAKE THE JOB">> <<startquest "KQ001">> <<setqueststage "KQ001" 1>> <<tutorial "OPEN-AREA JOBS" "KC's jobs can place several leads on the map at once. You do not always need to clear every lead. KQ001 needs two of the three leads before the finale unlocks.">> <<goto "World Map">> <</link>> <<else>> [[BACK TO MAP->World Map]] <</if>>

The diner is busy enough that KC can sit at the counter without looking like she came to interrogate anybody. She orders coffee she does not want and watches the register, the kitchen door, and the employees drifting in and out of the back hall. Whoever is shaving money off the drop has to touch the process somewhere. <<speech "KC">>Who handles the night deposit?<</speech>> The manager pauses with a coffee pot still in his hand. Too long. <<speech "Manager">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I'm asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Manager">>You with Victor?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You really want to make me answer that?<</speech>> He looks toward the kitchen, lowers his voice, and gives her a name: the delivery driver who closes most weeknights and keeps finding reasons to hang around after everybody else leaves. <<speech "Manager">>That's all I know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You remembered plenty once you tried.<</speech>> A man two stools down catches part of the exchange. White guy, late twenties maybe, half a plate of fries in front of him. He looks at KC a second too long. She notices. He notices that she noticed. <<speech "Diner Guy">>You always ask people questions like that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Only when I want an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Seems effective.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You volunteering for something?<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Not yet.<</speech>> KC lets that sit and finishes the coffee anyway. <<if not setup.hasKQ001Lead("diner")>> <<kq001lead "diner">> <</if>> <div class="kq001-progress-card"> KQ001 · TABLE FOR TROUBLE <<print setup.getKQ001StatusText()>> </div> [[RETURN TO MAP->World Map]]

The employee's apartment is on the second floor of a tired brick building with one dead hallway light and a door that has seen better years. KC knocks once, waits, then knocks harder. Nothing moves inside. <<speech "KC">>Of course.<</speech>> She checks both ends of the hallway. Quiet. <<tutorial "CRIME LIFE" "KC can sometimes get what she needs without being invited in. Crime options may create shortcuts, evidence, money, or extra risk.">> <<link "TRY THE DOOR">> <<goto "KQ001 - Apartment Search">> <</link>> <<link "LOOK AROUND FIRST">> <<setquestdata "KQ001" "apartmentCautious" true>> <<goto "KQ001 - Apartment Search">> <</link>> [[LEAVE->World Map]]

<<if setup.getQuestData("KQ001", "apartmentCautious", false)>> KC takes a minute before touching anything. No cameras in the hall. No neighbor peeking through a door. The cheap lock gives enough when she tests it that she does not need to make noise getting inside. <<else>> The lock is cheap and the frame is worse. KC works it until the door gives just enough to slip inside, then closes it behind her before anybody in the building gets curious. <</if>> The apartment smells stale and lived-in. KC ignores everything that cannot explain missing money. A drawer beside the kitchen has diner deposit envelopes shoved beneath takeout menus and unopened mail. One is already torn open. The amount written on the front does not match what is left inside. <<speech "KC">>There you are.<</speech>> A burner phone sits beside the envelopes. Same outgoing number, over and over, mostly late at night. KC takes a picture of the call log and puts the phone back exactly where she found it. <<if not setup.hasKQ001Lead("apartment")>> <<kq001lead "apartment">> <</if>> <div class="kq001-progress-card"> EVIDENCE FOUND Deposit envelopes + burner-phone contact </div> [[RETURN TO MAP->World Map]]

The runner is exactly where Victor said he would be, posted beside the Southside lot with another guy leaning against the hood of a car. Both of them watch KC approach. Neither looks happy about it. <<speech "KC">>I need a name.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Then you came to the wrong place.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Funny. Victor said you'd know exactly what I was talking about.<</speech>> The runner's expression barely changes. His friend pushes off the car. <<speech "Runner">>Victor says a lot of things.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. People usually listen.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Maybe you should try it sometime.<</speech>> His friend steps between them. <<speech "Friend">>She heard you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I did.<</speech>> KC looks past him at the runner. <<speech "KC">>Still need the name.<</speech>> <<tutorial "COMBAT" "Some leads turn into fights. Use ATTACK, GRIT, GUARD, ITEM, ANALYSIS, and NEGOTIATE to control the fight. Hitting a weakness can earn PRESS and give that character another action.">> [[MAKE HIM TALK->KQ001 - Runner Fight]] [[BACK OFF FOR NOW->World Map]]

The runner becomes much more cooperative once his friend is on the ground trying to remember how breathing works. KC wipes the back of her hand across her mouth and looks at him again. <<speech "KC">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Fine. Jesus. It's the delivery driver.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What's he doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Skims the drop before it gets counted. Couple hundred here, couple hundred there. Figured nobody would notice.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who gets his cut?<</speech>> The runner hesitates. <<speech "KC">>Wrong time to grow principles.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Nobody. Far as I know, he's keeping it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Yeah. Back of the diner after close.<</speech>> KC gives the guy on the ground one last look. <<speech "KC">>See? That wasn't hard.<</speech>> <<if not setup.hasKQ001Lead("runner")>> <<kq001lead "runner">> <</if>> <div class="kq001-progress-card"> KQ001 · TABLE FOR TROUBLE <<print setup.getKQ001StatusText()>> </div> [[RETURN TO MAP->World Map]]

The fight turns before KC can get anything useful. She gets out before a bad lead becomes a hospital bill. The runner is still out there, and so is the answer. [[RETURN TO MAP->World Map]]

<<set _kq001 = setup.ensureKQ001Data()>> KC waits behind the diner after close, posted near the dumpster where the security light does not quite reach. The delivery driver finally comes through the back door with an envelope tucked under his jacket. He spots her immediately and stops. <<speech "Driver">>Victor send you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know he did.<</speech>> <<speech "Driver">>I can explain.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everybody can explain after they get caught.<</speech>> His eyes move toward the alley exit. KC notices. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> He stays where he is. <<if setup.hasKQ001Lead("apartment")>> <<link "BLACKMAIL HIM WITH THE ENVELOPES">> <<kq001resolution "blackmail">> <<goto "KQ001 - Finale Resolved">> <</link>> <</if>> <<if setup.hasKQ001Lead("runner")>> <<link "MAKE A DEAL">> <<kq001resolution "deal">> <<goto "KQ001 - Finale Resolved">> <</link>> <</if>> <<link "SCARE HIM STRAIGHT">> <<kq001resolution "threat">> <<goto "KQ001 - Finale Resolved">> <</link>> <<if _kq001.allLeads>> FULL LEVERAGE: KC found all three leads. She knows where the money went, who talked, and where the driver has been keeping proof. There is not much left for him to lie about. <</if>>

<<set _resolution = setup.getQuestData("KQ001", "resolution", "")>> <<if _resolution is "blackmail">> KC pulls a photo of the opened deposit envelope up on her phone and holds it where he can see it. <<speech "KC">>Apartment drawer. Under the junk mail.<</speech>> The driver's face empties. <<speech "Driver">>You went into my place?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's what you're worried about?<</speech>> <<speech "Driver">>How much do you know?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Enough that Victor gets the picture if I don't get his money.<</speech>> The missing cash comes out of his pocket, then another folded stack from inside his jacket. He does not bother denying anything after that. <<elseif _resolution is "deal">> KC lets the silence stretch until he starts filling it himself. <<speech "Driver">>I can pay it back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are paying it back.<</speech>> <<speech "Driver">>Then we're good?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. Then you're useful.<</speech>> She gives him one chance to keep his job and his teeth. The money comes back tonight. From now on, if he wants to run anything on the side, KC hears about it first. <<speech "Driver">>And Victor?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends how useful you are.<</speech>> <<else>> KC steps close enough that he has to decide whether backing away will make him look scared. <<speech "KC">>You took money that wasn't yours.<</speech>> <<speech "Driver">>I was gonna put it back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then this should be easy.<</speech>> She holds out her hand. <<speech "KC">>Money.<</speech>> He hands over the envelope. KC keeps her hand out. <<speech "Driver">>That's all of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Try again.<</speech>> A second stack appears from his pocket. <<speech "KC">>See? Easy.<</speech>> <</if>> The money is recovered. The leak is identified. More importantly, everybody involved now knows somebody was paying attention. [[GO BACK INSIDE->KQ001 - Back Inside]]

<<if setup.getQuestState("KQ001").state is not "completed">> <<completequest "KQ001">> <</if>> KC fixes her clothes, checks herself in the mirror, and looks at her phone. No missed calls from Victor. No new emergency waiting for her. That alone almost counts as a good night. <<speech "Diner Guy">>You gonna tell me your name now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> She walks out before he can ask again. Victor's money is recovered, the thief knows better than to try it twice, and KC has one completed job behind her. [[RETURN TO MAP->World Map]] <<usekcaction>>

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason's alarm had been going off for long enough that it had stopped sounding urgent. He opened one eye, stared at the ceiling for a second, then reached under the blanket until he found his phone. 8:06 AM. He killed the alarm and stayed exactly where he was. His phone buzzed again. <<speech "Leah">>You awake?<</speech>> Jason stared at the message for a few seconds before answering. <<speech "Jason">>Technically.<</speech>> The typing bubble appeared almost immediately. <<speech "Leah">>Rossi moved the quiz to today.<</speech>> Jason sat up. <<speech "Jason">>What quiz?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Exactly.<</speech>> He rubbed a hand over his face and looked toward the pile of clothes sitting on the chair beside his desk. Whatever plan he had for easing into Monday was already gone. [[GET UP->Jason Ch1 - Getting Ready]]

Jason swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat there for a second, trying to remember how much of Rossi's class he had actually paid attention to last week. Not enough, apparently. His room looked about how he felt: clothes on the chair, a half-open notebook on the desk, charging cable hanging off the edge of the nightstand, and his backpack sitting where he had dropped it Friday. <<speech "Leah">>You better not be late.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like a threat.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>It is.<</speech>> Jason tossed his phone onto the bed and stood. He had just enough time to get dressed, grab what he needed, and pretend he had been awake for longer than five minutes. [[Continue-->Jason Ch1 - Getting Ready CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "WHAT DO YOU DO?" "Jason has a few minutes before he needs to get downstairs." "GET DRESSED" "images/choices/jason/get-dressed.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Ready to Leave" "Stop wasting time and get moving." "CHECK THE DESK" "images/choices/jason/check-desk.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Check Desk" "See if anything useful was left there." "CHECK THE BACKPACK" "images/choices/jason/check-backpack.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Check Backpack" "Make sure everything for class is actually inside." >>

Jason crossed to the desk and moved a half-empty water bottle out of the way. Underneath it were two notebooks, a couple loose worksheets, his wallet, and the English notes he had apparently decided Friday-Jason would never need again. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. That's actually useful.<</speech>> He flipped through the notes quickly. Most of it looked familiar enough to be reassuring, which was probably better than nothing. He folded the relevant pages and slid them into his backpack before grabbing his wallet. <> <<set $jasonHasWallet = true>> <<set $jasonReviewedEnglishNotes = true>> <<tutorial "PREPARATION" "Small interactions can sometimes give Jason an advantage later. Checking his surroundings may uncover items, information, or opportunities before moving on.">> <> [[BACK->Jason Ch1 - Getting Ready CHOICE!]]

Jason pulled the backpack onto the bed and opened it. Laptop. Charger. Math notebook. History folder. Three pens, only one of which he trusted. He dug farther down and found the English book wedged beneath everything else. <<speech "Jason">>Good enough.<</speech>> He was about to zip it back up when he noticed yesterday's unopened granola bar sitting in the side pocket. After a second of consideration, he left it there. That sounded like a problem for later. <<set $jasonCheckedBackpack = true>> [[BACK->Jason Ch1 - Getting Ready CHOICE!]]

Jason changed quickly, pulled on his shoes, and stuffed his phone into his pocket. He checked the time again. He wasn't technically late yet, but he was close enough that the distinction didn't feel important. <<if $jasonHasWallet>> He grabbed his backpack, gave the room one last look, and headed for the door. <<else>> He grabbed his backpack and headed for the door without giving the room another thought. <</if>> [[GO DOWNSTAIRS->Jason Ch1 - Breakfast]]

Jason came downstairs with his backpack over one shoulder and his phone still in his hand. The kitchen smelled like coffee and toast. His dad was already dressed for work, standing near the counter with one hand around a mug while Allison sat at the table scrolling through something on her phone. <<speech "Dad">>Morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Debatable.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're up earlier than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's insulting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It's 8:15.<</speech>> Jason dropped his backpack beside a chair and reached for a piece of toast. <<if $jasonHasWallet>> <<speech "Allison">>Wallet?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Already got it.<</speech>> Allison looked up from her phone. <<speech "Allison">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't like the way you said that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>Neither do I. Feels like growth.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Allison">>Wallet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I have it.<</speech>> Allison pointed toward the far end of the counter without looking away from her phone. <<speech "Allison">>Then what's that?<</speech>> Jason followed her finger. His wallet was sitting beside the fruit bowl. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>Strong start.<</speech>> <<set $jasonHasWallet = true>> <</if>> Jason grabbed the wallet and shoved it into his pocket before sitting down. His dad was halfway through checking the time on his watch when Allison finally put her phone aside. <<speech "Allison">>You have that quiz today, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How do you know about that?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You complained about it last week.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I complain about a lot of things.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>That's true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thank you for the support.<</speech>> Allison took another drink of coffee and gave him a look that was more amused than concerned. <<speech "Allison">>Just don't bomb it because you stayed up too late.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't stay up that late.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>You were still awake when I went to bed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That doesn't prove anything.<</speech>> His dad laughed under his breath and picked up his keys. <<speech "Dad">>I'm leaving before this turns into a trial.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dinner tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll be here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm serious. Don't disappear after class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I said I'll be here.<</speech>> Jason finished the last bite of toast and reached for his backpack. At the moment, dinner sounded like the easiest part of his day. [[HEAD TO CAMPUS->Jason Ch1 - Leave Home]]

Jason stepped outside and pulled the front door shut behind him. The morning air was cooler than he expected, and for a second he just stood there adjusting the strap of his backpack while checking the time on his phone. He had enough time to make it to campus without running, assuming nothing slowed him down. <<speech "Leah">>Where are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Leaving now.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm literally outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That is not the reassuring answer you think it is.<</speech>> Jason slipped his phone back into his pocket and started toward campus. Monday had barely started and Leah was already acting like she had been assigned to keep him alive. [[HEAD TO CAMPUS->Jason Ch1 - Campus Arrival]]

Jason stepped off to the side and pulled out the English notes he had shoved into his bag earlier. He skimmed the pages fast, looking for anything Rossi had emphasized more than once. <<if $jasonReviewedEnglishNotes>> The material came back quicker this time. He had already looked through most of it that morning, and now a few of the details finally started sticking. <<set $jasonQuizPrepared = true>> <<else>> Most of it looked familiar in the frustrating way where he recognized the words without being completely sure what they were supposed to mean. <<set $jasonQuizPrepared = false>> <</if>> <<speech "Leah">>Thirty seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's plenty.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>No, it isn't.<</speech>> [[GO TO CLASS->Jason Ch1 - English Class]]

Jason made it to campus with enough time left that he could still pretend the morning had gone according to plan. Students moved between buildings in loose groups, most of them carrying coffee or looking just as tired as he felt. Leah was waiting outside Rossi's classroom with her bag at her feet and her phone in one hand. <<speech "Leah">>You made it.<</speech>> <img class="game-image" src="images/girls/leah/leah01.jpg"> <<speech "Jason">>You sound surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I was giving you another five minutes before I took your seat back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You saved me a seat?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Don't make it weird.<</speech>> Jason stopped beside her and glanced through the classroom door. Most of the seats were already filling up. <<speech "Jason">>How bad is this quiz supposed to be?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I don't know. I studied.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>It's extremely helpful. You just chose not to benefit from it.<</speech>> Jason adjusted his backpack and checked the time again. There was no point pretending he had enough time to learn an entire week's worth of material now. <<if $jasonReviewedEnglishNotes>> At least he had gone over the notes before leaving. Not enough to feel confident, but enough that some of Rossi's material was still fresh in his head. <</if>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Before Class CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "BEFORE CLASS" "Jason has a minute before Rossi starts the quiz." "ASK LEAH FOR HELP" "images/choices/jason/ask-leah.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Leah Quiz Help" "Try to get one useful thing out of her before class starts." "CHECK YOUR NOTES" "images/choices/jason/check-notes.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Last Minute Notes" "Use the last minute to look over Rossi's material." "JUST GO IN" "images/choices/jason/enter-class.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - English Class" "Accept your fate." >>

Jason glanced toward the classroom, then back at Leah. <<speech "Jason">>Alright. Give me one thing I should absolutely know.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>One thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm working with limited time and limited ambition.<</speech>> Leah sighed, pulled her notebook against her chest, and gave him a quick rundown of the point Rossi had spent the most time on last week. Jason listened closely enough to catch the important part. <<speech "Leah">>If that shows up and you still miss it, I'm not helping you anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say that like this is a recurring service.<</speech>> <<set $jasonQuizHelpFromLeah = true>> [[GO TO CLASS->Jason Ch1 - English Class]]

Jason followed Leah inside and took the seat she had saved for him. Professor Robin Rossi was already at the front of the room with a stack of papers in one hand, waiting for the last few students to settle down. <<speech "Rossi">>Phones away. Bags under your chairs. You have fifteen minutes.<</speech>> A low wave of complaints moved through the room as Rossi started passing the quizzes down each row. <<speech "Leah">>Good luck.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded sincere. I don't trust it.<</speech>> The paper reached him. Jason looked over the first few questions and felt slightly better than he expected. Slightly. <<if $jasonQuizHelpFromLeah>> One of the questions was almost exactly what Leah had warned him about outside. <</if>> <<if $jasonQuizPrepared>> A couple of the details he had skimmed through were still fresh enough to be useful. <</if>> [[START THE QUIZ->Jason Ch1 - Quiz Question]]

Jason looked at the classroom, looked at Leah, and decided there was no point cramming information into his head thirty seconds before Rossi handed out the quiz. <<speech "Jason">>Whatever happens, happens.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's a terrible academic philosophy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's gotten me this far.<</speech>> [[GO TO CLASS->Jason Ch1 - English Class]]

<<choicepopup "QUIZ QUESTION" "Rossi asks which interpretation best matches the passage discussed last week." "THE NARRATOR IS RELIABLE" "images/choices/jason/quiz-answer-1.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Quiz Answer Wrong" "The narration should be taken at face value." "THE NARRATOR CONTRADICTS HIMSELF" "images/choices/jason/quiz-answer-2.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Quiz Answer Correct" "The inconsistencies are intentional." "THE SETTING IS THE MAIN CONFLICT" "images/choices/jason/quiz-answer-3.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Quiz Answer Wrong" "The environment drives the meaning of the passage." >>

Jason circled the second answer and moved on. For once, something from the last week of class had actually stayed in his head. <<if $jasonQuizHelpFromLeah>> Leah had practically handed him that one. <<elseif $jasonQuizPrepared>> Checking his notes had actually paid off. <</if>> [[FINISH THE QUIZ->Jason Ch1 - After English]] <<set $jasonQuizScore = 1>>

Jason picked the answer that sounded the least wrong and kept moving. By the time he reached the bottom of the page, he was no longer confident about any of it. [[FINISH THE QUIZ->Jason Ch1 - After English]] <<set $jasonQuizScore = 0>>

Rossi collected the last of the quizzes and set the stack on the desk. <<speech "Rossi">>If you are currently trying to calculate whether guessing counts as a strategy, the answer is no.<</speech>> A few people laughed. Jason leaned back in his chair and looked over at Leah. <<speech "Leah">>How bad?<</speech>> <img class="game-image" src="images/girls/leah/leah02.jpg"> <<if $jasonQuizScore is 1>> <<speech "Jason">>I might actually survive.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Jason">>Ask me again when grades come back.<</speech>> <</if>> <<speech "Leah">>So bad.<</speech>> Jason packed his notebook away while the room started emptying into the hallway. The rest of the day still had three classes left in it, which somehow felt longer now than it had that morning. [[CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAY->Jason Ch1 - School Day]]

The rest of Jason's morning blurred together faster than he expected. Theatrics was mostly warm-ups and scene work, Math was forty-five minutes of trying not to look as lost as half the room, and History was the only class where he felt fully awake. By the time he stepped back into the hallway, the quiz already felt like something that had happened hours ago. <<speech "Leah">>You alive?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Barely.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Good. I need food.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like a you problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You were going to eat anyway.<</speech>> Jason checked the time. He had a little while before the afternoon started properly, which meant he could either spend it being productive or make the much more realistic choice. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Midday CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "FREE TIME" "Jason has a little time before the next part of his day." "EAT WITH LEAH" "images/choices/jason/eat-with-leah.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Lunch With Leah" "Spend the break with Leah." "STUDY" "images/choices/jason/study.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Midday Study" "Use the time to get ahead for once." "WANDER CAMPUS" "images/choices/jason/wander-campus.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Wander Campus" "Kill some time before heading back." >>

Jason gave in and followed Leah toward one of the food spots near campus. They found a small table off to the side, and for a few minutes the conversation stayed on the usual stuff: classes, people they both knew, and whether Rossi enjoyed making everyone miserable on purpose. <<speech "Leah">>You know, you could just admit you like hanging out with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That would set a dangerous precedent.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'll survive.<</speech>> Jason finished eating while Leah checked something on her phone. It was easy, familiar, and completely uneventful. At that point, uneventful was still the default. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<transitiontime "afterSchool" "Jason Ch1 - End of Classes">> <</link>>

The last part of the school day went by without anything worth remembering. By the time Jason packed up after his final class, the campus had started thinning out and most of the morning rush was gone. <<speech "Leah">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Walk with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>My apartment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's like twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You say that like you're busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I am deeply busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>With?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Going home.<</speech>> Leah picked up her bag and started walking before he answered properly, apparently deciding the conversation was already over. [[GO WITH HER->Jason Ch1 - Walk With Leah]]

Jason found an open seat in a quiet corner of the student center and pulled out his notes. He actually managed to get through a decent amount before his attention started slipping, which was better than he usually expected from himself during a break. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Productive enough.<</speech>> He packed everything back into his bag before he could talk himself into doing another twenty minutes. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<transitiontime "afterSchool" "Jason Ch1 - End of Classes">> <</link>>

Jason decided against doing anything useful and took the long way across campus instead. He passed the student center, cut behind one of the older classroom buildings, and spent a few minutes watching people hurry between places like they all had somewhere more important to be. <<speech "Jason">>This counts as exercise.<</speech>> By the time he checked his phone again, enough time had passed that standing around any longer would start looking intentional. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<transitiontime "afterSchool" "Jason Ch1 - End of Classes">> <</link>>

Jason caught up with Leah a few steps outside the building and fell into pace beside her. The walk toward her apartment cut along the edge of campus, past a few side streets and quieter blocks where the afternoon foot traffic thinned out. <<speech "Leah">>You know, most people don't complain this much about walking twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Most people aren't being kidnapped under the pretense of friendship.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You're free to turn around.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You'd complain.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Probably.<</speech>> Jason looked over at her. <<speech "Jason">>Exactly.<</speech>> Leah smiled and kept walking. For a while, neither of them said much. Jason checked his phone once, mostly out of habit, then put it away again. <<speech "Leah">>You doing anything later?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dinner at home.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Exciting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I live dangerously.<</speech>> They reached the next corner just as someone came around it too fast. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - The Collision]]

Jason barely had time to react before someone slammed into his shoulder hard enough to knock him sideways. A dark canvas bag hit the pavement between them. <<speech "Jason">>Jesus-<</speech>> The girl who had run into him caught herself against a parked car. She was breathing hard, one hand braced on the hood, the other already reaching for the bag. Jason noticed the bruise along her cheek before anything else. Then the blood at the corner of her mouth. <<speech "KC">>Move.<</speech>> It wasn't an apology. She grabbed for the bag. <<speech "Leah">>Are you okay?<</speech>> KC looked past both of them instead. A man had just turned the corner behind her. Late twenties. Dark jacket. Blood under one nostril. He wasn't running anymore. He didn't need to. KC saw him and immediately let go of the bag. <<speech "KC">>Fuck.<</speech>> Then she took off down the block. The man followed. Jason looked down. The canvas bag was still sitting at his feet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Bag CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "THE BAG" "KC left the bag behind. The man chasing her is already disappearing down the block." "PICK IT UP" "images/choices/jason/pick-up-bag.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Pick Up Bag" "Grab it before somebody else does." "CALL AFTER HER" "images/choices/jason/call-after-kc.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Call After KC" "Try to get her attention." "LEAVE IT" "images/choices/jason/leave-bag.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Leave Bag" "This has nothing to do with you." >>

Jason bent down and grabbed the canvas bag before he had much time to think about it. It was heavier than he expected. <<speech "Leah">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Why are you picking that up?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because she dropped it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>She also just ran away from a guy with blood on his face.<</speech>> Jason looked down the street. KC and the man chasing her were already gone. <<speech "Jason">>Exactly. I can't exactly hand it back to her now.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That is somehow the opposite conclusion I reached.<</speech>> Jason adjusted the strap in his hand. Leaving it in the middle of the sidewalk suddenly felt worse than taking it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Leah Questions Bag]] <<set $jasonBagChoice = "picked-up">>

<<speech "Jason">>Hey! You forgot your-<</speech>> KC did not look back. Neither did the man following her. Within seconds they disappeared around the next corner. <<speech "Leah">>I don't think she's coming back.<</speech>> Jason looked at the bag sitting between his shoes. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. I got that.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>So leave it.<</speech>> A couple walking past slowed when they noticed the unattended bag. One of them glanced at Jason, then at Leah, then back at it. Jason sighed and picked it up. <<speech "Leah">>Why did you do that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because now everybody's staring at it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>And your solution was to make it yours?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Temporarily.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Leah Questions Bag]] <<set $jasonBagChoice = "called-after-kc">>

Jason stepped around the canvas bag. <<speech "Jason">>Not my problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Finally, a good decision.<</speech>> They made it several steps before Jason looked back. The bag was still sitting there in the middle of the sidewalk while people passed around it. One guy slowed, stared at it, and started toward it. Jason stopped. <<speech "Leah">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I know that look.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What look?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>The one where you're about to make this our problem again.<</speech>> Jason watched the stranger get closer to the bag. <<speech "Jason">>She'll probably come back for it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And if that guy takes it, she can't.<</speech>> Leah stared at him as Jason walked back and picked it up first. <<speech "Leah">>Unbelievable.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Leah Questions Bag]] <<set $jasonBagChoice = "left-then-returned">>

Jason held the bag at his side as they started walking again. It had a thick strap, dark canvas, no visible logo, and nothing on the outside that explained why somebody had apparently been willing to chase KC through campus over it. <<speech "Leah">>Are you actually taking that home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not keeping it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>If she comes back looking for it, I can give it to her.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You don't know her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know what she looks like.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Great. Very secure system.<</speech>> Jason glanced back once more. There was no sign of KC or the man who had followed her. <<speech "Leah">>Do you at least know what's in it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>And that doesn't bother you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's starting to.<</speech>> They kept walking, but the conversation had changed. Jason could feel the weight of the bag against his leg every few steps now. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Leah Apartment Corner]]

By the time they reached Leah's block, neither of them had come up with a better answer for what Jason was supposed to do with the bag. <<speech "Leah">>You could take it to campus security.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And tell them what?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Some girl dropped it while being chased by a bleeding man.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds worse out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>It was already bad.<</speech>> They stopped at the corner near her building. <<speech "Leah">>Just don't open it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I said I wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Text me when you get home.<</speech>> Jason watched her head toward the building before turning in the opposite direction. He looked down at the canvas bag again. For something he had owned for less than twenty minutes, it was already starting to feel like a bad decision. [[HEAD HOME->Jason Ch1 - Home With Bag]]

Jason let himself inside, shut the door behind him, and stood there for a second with the canvas bag hanging from one hand. The house was quiet. His dad was still at work, and Allison wasn't home yet. He carried the bag upstairs and set it on the floor beside his bed. For a moment, he considered doing exactly what Leah told him and leaving it alone. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. Sure.<</speech>> Jason crouched down and pulled the zipper open. [[LOOK INSIDE->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "WHAT DO YOU CHECK?" "The bag is packed tightly. Jason can inspect the contents one piece at a time." "WRAPPED PACKAGES" "images/choices/jason/bag-packages.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Inspect Packages" "Several tightly wrapped bricks sit at the bottom of the bag." "CASH" "images/choices/jason/bag-cash.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Inspect Cash" "A thick bundle of bills is stuffed into one side pocket." "PREPAID PHONE" "images/choices/jason/bag-phone.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Inspect Phone" "A cheap phone with a dead screen." "AMMUNITION" "images/choices/jason/bag-ammo.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Inspect Ammo" "A small box of loose rounds is wedged beneath everything else." >>

Jason pulled one of the wrapped packages out and set it carefully on the floor. It was heavier than it looked. The wrapping was tight, layered in plastic and tape, with a small stamped symbol pressed into one corner. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> He stared at it for another second. <<speech "Jason">>That's definitely drugs.<</speech>> He didn't know what kind, and he had no intention of finding out by opening it. The important part was that there were several more exactly like it still inside the bag. [[KEEP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]] [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection Continued]] <<set $jasonInspectedPackages = true>>

Jason opened the side pocket and found a thick roll of bills held together with two rubber bands. He pulled it out, thumbed through the edge, and stopped before he got very far. <<speech "Jason">>Jesus.<</speech>> There was too much money there for any explanation he wanted to believe. He put it back exactly where he found it. [[KEEP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]] [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection Continued]] <<set $jasonInspectedCash = true>>

The phone was cheap, scratched, and completely dead. Jason held the power button down anyway. Nothing. <<speech "Jason">>Of course.<</speech>> There was no case, no lock-screen information, and no obvious charger in the bag. Whoever owned it clearly wasn't using it like a normal phone. [[KEEP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]] [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection Continued]] <<set $jasonInspectedPhone = true>>

Jason moved one of the packages aside and found a small box wedged underneath it. He opened the top, saw the brass inside, and immediately stopped moving. Bullets. <<speech "Jason">>Nope.<</speech>> He closed the box again and sat back on his heels. The drugs were one thing. The cash was bad. The ammunition made the entire situation feel different. [[KEEP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]] [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection Continued]] <<set $jasonInspectedAmmo = true>>

<<if $jasonInspectedPackages and $jasonInspectedCash and $jasonInspectedPhone and $jasonInspectedAmmo>> [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Hide Bag]] <<else>> [[KEEP SEARCHING->Jason Ch1 - Bag Inspection CHOICE!]] [[STOP LOOKING->Jason Ch1 - Hide Bag]] <</if>>

Jason zipped the bag shut and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at it. Whatever KC had been involved in, it was a lot worse than he had guessed on the sidewalk. <<speech "Jason">>I should've left this there.<</speech>> He stood, opened the closet, and pushed the bag behind a stack of old boxes where it couldn't be seen from the room. Then he checked the time. Allison and his dad would be home soon. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Before Dinner]]

Jason stayed in his room until he heard the front door open downstairs. A few minutes later came the familiar sounds of cabinets opening, his dad moving around the kitchen, and Allison calling something to him from the hallway. Jason looked toward the closet once before getting up. <<link "GO TO DINNER">> <<transitiontime "Evening" "Jason Ch1 - Dinner">> <</link>>

Dinner was already on the table by the time Jason came downstairs. His dad had changed out of his work clothes, and Allison was halfway through telling him about somebody at work who had apparently managed to make a simple problem much harder than it needed to be. <<speech "Dad">>There he is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Debatable. We mostly see you when food is involved.<</speech>> Jason pulled out a chair and sat down. For the first few minutes, nobody asked him anything important, which somehow made it easier to think about the bag upstairs. <<speech "Dad">>How'd the quiz go?<</speech>> <<if $jasonQuizScore is 1>> <<speech "Jason">>Better than expected.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Jason">>I completed it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's the answer you're getting.<</speech>> <</if>> <<speech "Allison">>Did Leah save you again?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why does everybody assume I need saving?<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>Pattern recognition.<</speech>> Jason took another bite and tried to keep his attention on the conversation. Every now and then his eyes drifted toward the stairs without meaning to. <<speech "Allison">>You alright?<</speech>> <img class="game-image" src="images/girls/allison/allisondinner01.png"> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You sure?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You keep staring behind me.<</speech>> He glanced toward the stairs again and immediately wished he hadn't. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Dinner CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "WHAT DOES JASON SAY?" "Allison has noticed that Jason is distracted." "PLAY IT OFF" "images/choices/jason/play-it-off.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Dinner Play It Off" "Act like nothing is wrong." "BLAME THE QUIZ" "images/choices/jason/blame-quiz.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Dinner Blame Quiz" "Give her an easy explanation." "GET DEFENSIVE" "images/choices/jason/get-defensive.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Dinner Defensive" "Push back and make the conversation awkward." >>

<<speech "Jason">>I'm fine. Just tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's all?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's usually enough.<</speech>> Allison watched him for another second, then let it go. <<speech "Dad">>He did wake up eight minutes before leaving the house.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not true.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>Nine?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Dinner End]] <<set $jasonDinnerResponse = "played-it-off">>

<<speech "Jason">>I'm still thinking about that quiz.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Potentially life-ending.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>One English quiz?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't know Rossi.<</speech>> Allison smiled and went back to eating. <<speech "Allison">>You'll survive.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Dinner End]] <<set $jasonDinnerResponse = "blamed-quiz">>

<<speech "Jason">>Can I just be distracted without it becoming a whole thing?<</speech>> The table went quiet for half a second. <<speech "Allison">>I asked if you were okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dad">>Alright.<</speech>> Jason looked down at his plate. He hadn't meant for it to come out that sharp. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry. Long day.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're fine.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Dinner End]] <<set $jasonDinnerResponse = "defensive">>

The conversation drifted onto other things after that. His dad talked about work, Allison complained about traffic, and Jason did his best to stay present until his plate was empty. <<speech "Allison">>You doing anything tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably homework.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm leaving room for disappointment.<</speech>> Jason carried his plate to the sink, said goodnight, and headed back upstairs. The second his bedroom door closed behind him, he looked toward the closet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - After Dinner]]

The bag was still where he had left it. Jason stood in front of the closet for a moment, then shut the door again. He had no idea what he was supposed to do with it, but doing nothing for one night suddenly felt like the easiest option. <<link "GO TO BED">> <<nextday "Jason Ch1 - Next Morning">> <</link>>

Jason slept badly. Not because anything happened, but because every time he started drifting off he remembered the bag sitting in his closet and imagined somebody knocking on the front door asking for it. By morning, nothing had happened. The house was still there. The bag was still upstairs. His phone had no messages from Leah about anything unusual. For a few minutes, that was enough to make the whole thing feel less serious than it had the night before. [[GO DOWNSTAIRS->Jason Ch1 - Morning After Dinner]]

Jason came downstairs expecting the usual rushed morning. His dad was already gone, and Allison stood near the counter with a travel mug in one hand and her keys in the other. <<if $jasonDinnerResponse is "defensive">> <<speech "Allison">>You feeling less homicidal this morning?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't homicidal.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You snapped at me over potatoes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That feels exaggerated.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>A little.<</speech>> She smiled just enough to make it clear she wasn't actually upset. <<elseif $jasonDinnerResponse is "blamed-quiz">> <<speech "Allison">>Still mourning the quiz?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying to move on.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Very brave.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Allison">>You look less dead than you did last night.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>High praise.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Take it where you can get it.<</speech>> <</if>> Jason grabbed something quick to eat and tried not to think about the bag upstairs. Allison checked the time, picked up her keys, and headed for the door. <<speech "Allison">>Have a normal day today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's the plan.<</speech>> Neither of them knew how badly that plan was about to go. [[HEAD TO CAMPUS->Jason Ch1 - Locker Hallway]]

Jason had barely made it through the morning before somebody stepped into his path near the lockers. KC. She looked worse up close than she had the day before. The bruise along her cheek had darkened overnight, and there was a small split at the corner of her lip. She didn't look embarrassed about any of it. She looked annoyed. <<speech "KC">>Where's the bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good morning to you too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where is it?<</speech>> Jason glanced around the hallway. A few students moved past them without paying much attention. <<speech "Jason">>You disappeared.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. I noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There was a guy chasing you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I noticed that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who was he?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where is the bag?<</speech>> Jason stared at her for a second. <<speech "Jason">>At my house.<</speech>> KC went completely still. <<speech "KC">>You took it home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You left it in the street.<</speech>> <<if $jasonBagChoice is "called-after-kc">> <<speech "Jason">>I tried to call after you.<</speech>> <<elseif $jasonBagChoice is "left-then-returned">> <<speech "Jason">>I actually tried to leave it there.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Jason">>What was I supposed to do with it?<</speech>> <</if>> <<speech "KC">>Not take it to your fucking house.<</speech>> That landed differently than everything else she had said. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did you open it?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer quickly enough. <<speech "KC">>You opened it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wanted to know what I was carrying.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say that like I'm the problem here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right now? You are.<</speech>> She stepped closer and lowered her voice. <<speech "KC">>Go home. Get the bag. Bring it back here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm in class.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't care.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I do.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then care faster.<</speech>> Jason looked at the bruise on her face again. <<speech "Jason">>What happens if I don't?<</speech>> KC looked at him for a second, then glanced down the hallway. <<speech "KC">>Nothing good.<</speech>> She started to turn away, then stopped. <<speech "KC">>And don't tell Leah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why would I tell Leah?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you look like you tell Leah everything.<</speech>> Jason watched her walk away before he could think of a response. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<transitiontime "afterSchool" "Jason Ch1 - Return Home">> <</link>>

Jason got home faster than he usually did, let himself inside, and headed straight upstairs. The house was empty. He barely bothered setting his backpack down before crossing to the closet. He pulled the door open and reached behind the stack of boxes where he had hidden the bag. Nothing. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Jason moved the boxes aside and checked again, even though there was nowhere else for it to be. <<speech "Jason">>No, no, no.<</speech>> The bag was gone. [[LOOK AROUND->Jason Ch1 - Missing Bag Search]]

Jason checked under the bed, behind the desk, and every stupid place he knew he had not put it. The room looked almost exactly the way he had left it that morning. The window was open a few inches. <<speech "Jason">>What the hell?<</speech>> Jason crossed the room and looked closer. The latch was bent slightly out of place, and there was dirt along the sill that had not been there before. Somebody had been inside his room. [[CHECK THE WINDOW->Jason Ch1 - Window Evidence]]

Jason pushed the window open farther and leaned out. The ground below was scuffed near the side of the house, and one of the shrubs beneath the window had been flattened down. This was not his dad moving the bag. It was not Allison finding it and deciding to wait until later to ask questions. Somebody had climbed into his room and taken it. <<speech "Jason">>Fuck.<</speech>> His phone was already in his hand before he really decided what he was doing. [[CALL KC->Jason Ch1 - Call KC]]

KC answered on the fourth ring. <<speech "KC">>You have it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> There was a pause. <<speech "KC">>What do you mean, no?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Gone where?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know. Somebody came through my window.<</speech>> Silence. <<speech "Jason">>KC?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't touch anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm coming over.<</speech>> The line went dead. [[WAIT FOR KC->Jason Ch1 - KC Arrives]]

KC showed up less than fifteen minutes later. Jason had barely opened the front door before she pushed past him and headed upstairs. <<speech "Jason">>You could've said hi.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Show me the window.<</speech>> Jason followed her into his room. KC crouched near the sill, looked at the bent latch, then leaned outside without touching much of anything. <<speech "KC">>Anybody else been home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your dad?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Work.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Work too.<</speech>> KC looked back at him. <<speech "KC">>She's a cop, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Detective.<</speech>> For the first time since she arrived, KC looked genuinely irritated in a way that had nothing to do with Jason. <<speech "KC">>Perfect.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You knew that already?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know enough.<</speech>> She checked the window again, then stood. <<speech "Jason">>Who did this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Probably the guy from yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The one chasing you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who is he?<</speech>> KC ignored the question and looked around the room one more time. <<speech "KC">>If he came here, he knows where you live now.<</speech>> Jason felt his stomach drop. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - What Now]]

<<speech "Jason">>So what do we do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We find him before he decides to come back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You brought the bag here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You dropped it in front of me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And somehow we're both still having this conversation.<</speech>> KC pulled out her phone and started checking something. <<speech "Jason">>Where would he even go?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know a couple places.<</speech>> Jason looked at the open window again. Going with KC sounded like a terrible idea. Staying home and waiting for the man who had already broken into his bedroom sounded worse. [[GO WITH KC->Jason Ch1 - Track Ryan]]

KC spent most of the walk looking at her phone and saying almost nothing. Jason followed beside her, trying not to think about the fact that the person who had broken into his room apparently knew exactly where he lived. <<speech "Jason">>You said you know where he might be.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You want reassuring, go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You literally just told me not to stay there.<</speech>> KC looked over at him. <<speech "KC">>Then stop asking for reassuring.<</speech>> She checked the screen again and changed direction at the next corner. <<speech "Jason">>Where are we going?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Parking lot first.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Parking Lot]]

The lot sat behind a row of closed storefronts, mostly empty except for a few cars pushed toward the far end. KC slowed down before they entered and scanned the spaces one by one. <<speech "Jason">>What are we looking for?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Gray sedan. Cracked tail light.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know his car?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know enough.<</speech>> Jason spotted it first, parked near the back fence. <<speech "Jason">>That one?<</speech>> KC followed his line of sight and stopped. <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> The driver's door was unlocked. KC opened it and looked inside without sitting down. <<speech "Jason">>Are you allowed to do that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> Jason looked around the empty lot. <<speech "Jason">>Great.<</speech>> There was no bag inside, but the passenger floor was dirty with dust and broken plaster. KC noticed it immediately. <<speech "KC">>He's been at the old commercial block.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How do you know that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because nothing else around here looks like it's falling apart that badly.<</speech>> She shut the door. <<speech "KC">>Come on.<</speech>> [[FOLLOW KC->Jason Ch1 - Old Commercial Block]]

The old commercial block had been mostly empty for years. Half the storefront windows were boarded over, and the building KC stopped in front of looked like it had not been open in a long time. <<speech "Jason">>This is where we're going?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm going in.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And I'm doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Staying out here.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He broke into my house.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Which is exactly why you should stay outside.<</speech>> KC stepped toward the side entrance. <<speech "Jason">>What if something happens?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then you'll be thrilled you listened to me.<</speech>> She slipped through the doorway and disappeared inside. Jason stood there alone, staring at the entrance. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Follow KC CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "WHAT DOES JASON DO?" "KC told him to stay outside. He can either listen or follow her in." "WAIT OUTSIDE" "images/choices/jason/wait-outside.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Wait Outside" "Do what KC said and stay out of the building." "FOLLOW KC" "images/choices/jason/follow-kc.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Follow KC" "Ignore her warning and go in after her." >>

Jason stayed where he was. At first, all he could hear was traffic from the next block and the occasional sound of something shifting inside the building. Then somebody shouted. Jason waited another second. Then came a crash. <<speech "Jason">>Fuck this.<</speech>> [[GO INSIDE->Jason Ch1 - Inside Building]] <<set $jasonFollowedKCImmediately = false>>

Jason's finger tightened against the trigger, but nothing happened. Ryan kept coming. <<speech "KC">>Jason!<</speech>> Ryan reached for the gun. [[SHOOT->Jason Ch1 - The Shot]]

Jason gave her maybe ten seconds before deciding that standing outside was worse. He crossed to the side entrance and slipped in after her. The hallway beyond was dim and smelled like dust, old drywall, and damp carpet. <<speech "Jason">>Terrible idea.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Inside Building]] <<set $jasonFollowedKCImmediately = true>>

Jason moved deeper into the building, following voices from somewhere ahead. One was KC's. <<speech "KC">>Give me the bag.<</speech>> The other voice belonged to the man from campus. <<speech "Ryan">>You think that's how this works?<</speech>> Jason slowed down near the end of the hallway and stayed behind the corner. <<speech "KC">>You already got what you wanted.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No. I got back what you lost.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we're done.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>We're done when I say we're done.<</speech>> Jason leaned just far enough to see into the room. Ryan had the canvas bag sitting on a table beside him. KC stood several feet away. Neither of them looked relaxed. [[KEEP LISTENING->Jason Ch1 - Ryan Confrontation]]

<<speech "Ryan">>You dragged some college kid into this too?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He has nothing to do with it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Then why'd I find my bag in his bedroom?<</speech>> Jason felt his stomach tighten. <<speech "KC">>Leave him out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You don't get to decide that anymore.<</speech>> Ryan stepped closer to her. <<speech "KC">>Back up.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Or what?<</speech>> KC didn't answer. Ryan grabbed her arm. Jason moved before he had fully decided to. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> Both of them looked toward him. <<speech "KC">>Jason-<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>There he is.<</speech>> Ryan let go of KC and turned toward Jason. <<speech "Ryan">>You know, I was wondering if you'd show up.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Jason Discovered]]

Ryan looked Jason over for a second, then glanced back at KC. <<speech "Ryan">>You really did bring him into this.<</speech>> <<if $jasonFollowedKCImmediately>> <<speech "KC">>I told you to stay outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah, I heard you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently not.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "KC">>You heard that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I heard something break.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You should've stayed outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That stopped feeling like a good idea.<</speech>> <</if>> Ryan took another step toward him. <<speech "Ryan">>You opened the bag?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. <<speech "Ryan">>Yeah. Thought so.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't want anything to do with this.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Bit late for that.<</speech>> KC shifted slightly behind him. <<speech "KC">>Ryan.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. That was the first time he had heard the man's name. <<speech "Ryan">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Take the bag and go.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You still think this is about the bag?<</speech>> Ryan turned back toward her. The smile on his face disappeared. <<speech "Ryan">>You made me chase you halfway across town. Then you lose the thing. Then I find it sitting in some kid's bedroom.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And now you have it back.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>That's not the point.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Ryan Escalates]]

Ryan moved toward KC again. She held her ground. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Or what?<</speech>> KC's eyes dropped briefly toward the table. Jason followed the look. The canvas bag was open. Inside, half-covered by one of the wrapped packages, was a handgun. Ryan noticed where Jason was looking. <<speech "Ryan">>Don't even think about it.<</speech>> Jason froze. KC didn't. She shoved Ryan hard enough to knock him sideways into the edge of the table. The bag hit the floor. The gun slid out across the concrete. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Fight Breaks Out]]

Ryan recovered faster than Jason expected. He grabbed KC by the front of her shirt and drove her backward into the wall. <<speech "Jason">>Hey!<</speech>> Ryan ignored him. KC hit him once in the ribs, then again, but he caught her wrist and twisted it hard enough to make her drop to one knee. <<speech "KC">>Get off me.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the gun lying a few feet away. He had never held one before. Ryan saw him looking at it. <<speech "Ryan">>Don't.<</speech>> Jason moved anyway. [[GRAB THE GUN->Jason Ch1 - Jason Has Gun]]

Jason picked the gun up with both hands. It felt heavier than he expected and completely wrong in his grip. <<speech "Jason">>Let her go.<</speech>> Ryan looked at him. For a second, nobody moved. <<speech "Ryan">>Put that down.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Let her go.<</speech>> KC was still pinned against the wall. <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> Ryan glanced at her, then back at him. <<speech "Ryan">>He even know how to use that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Doesn't matter.<</speech>> Ryan shoved KC away from him and turned fully toward Jason. <<speech "Ryan">>Give me the gun.<</speech>> Jason took a step back. <<speech "Jason">>Stay there.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You're not going to shoot me.<</speech>> Ryan stepped forward. <<speech "Jason">>Stop.<</speech>> He didn't. <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> Ryan took another step. <<speech "Jason">>Stop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Shoot him.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Shoot him.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Pull Trigger CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "PULL THE TRIGGER?" "Ryan is still moving toward Jason." "SHOOT" "images/choices/jason/shoot-ryan.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - The Shot" "Pull the trigger." "HESITATE" "images/choices/jason/hesitate.jpg" "Jason Ch1 - Hesitate" "Freeze." >>

The gun went off. For a second, Jason didn't understand what had happened. Then Ryan stopped moving. He hit the floor hard. The room went quiet except for a high ringing in Jason's ears. Jason was still holding the gun. <<speech "Jason">>I-<</speech>> KC moved first. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - After The Shot]]

Jason stared at Ryan's body. The gun was still in his hands, but he barely seemed aware of it. <<speech "Jason">>Is he-<</speech>> KC crossed the room, dropped beside Ryan, and checked him. <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> Jason swallowed. <<speech "Jason">>We need to call somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you mean, no?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I mean put the gun down.<</speech>> Jason looked at it like he had forgotten he was holding it. <<speech "KC">>Carefully.<</speech>> He set it on the floor. <<speech "Jason">>He was coming at me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me to shoot him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> KC stood and looked around the room. <<speech "Jason">>So we call the police.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - No Police]]

<<speech "Jason">>He broke into my house. He attacked you. He came at me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And there's a bag full of drugs sitting three feet away.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the table. <<speech "KC">>You want to explain that part too?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's not mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You took it home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you dropped it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You opened it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That doesn't make it mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You think that's going to matter right away?<</speech>> Jason said nothing. <<speech "KC">>We need to leave before somebody else shows up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're talking about this like it's normal.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's not normal. It's just happening.<</speech>> She pointed toward the gun. <<speech "KC">>Pick that up with your sleeve.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because your prints are all over it.<</speech>> Jason looked down at his hands. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Cleanup]]

KC moved quickly. She pulled the canvas bag off the table, checked inside, then started looking around the floor and nearby surfaces. <<speech "Jason">>What are you doing?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Finding everything we touched.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're serious.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very.<</speech>> Jason stood in the middle of the room while KC wiped down the edge of the table, the door handle, and part of the wall where she had been shoved. <<speech "KC">>Did you touch anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Think.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I just shot somebody.<</speech>> KC stopped for half a second and looked at him. <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> Then she went back to work. <<speech "KC">>That's why I need you to think.<</speech>> Jason looked around the room, trying to reconstruct the last few minutes through the ringing still stuck in his ears. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Evidence Check]]

Jason forced himself to focus. He remembered touching the doorway when he came in, the edge of the wall near the hall, and the gun. <<speech "Jason">>The doorframe. I touched that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> KC wiped it down. <<speech "Jason">>I think that's it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Think harder.<</speech>> Jason looked toward Ryan again and immediately looked away. <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fine. We don't have time to make this perfect.<</speech>> She picked up the gun with part of her sleeve and tucked it into the bag. <<speech "KC">>Let's go.<</speech>> [[LEAVE->Jason Ch1 - Outside After Ryan]]

They left through the side entrance and moved quickly away from the building. Jason kept expecting somebody to stop them. Nobody did. For the first block, neither of them said anything. <<speech "Jason">>Who was he?<</speech>> KC kept walking. <<speech "Jason">>You know his name. Who was he?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ryan Kane.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>And that means what exactly?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It means this just got worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Worse than me shooting him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Victor Kane]]

KC finally slowed down once they were far enough from the building that she stopped checking behind them every few seconds. <<speech "KC">>Ryan has a brother.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor Kane.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Am I supposed to know who that is?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. That's probably been good for you.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "KC">>Ryan didn't work alone. Victor has people. Money. Connections. If Ryan doesn't come home, they're going to start asking questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About you.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>About whoever killed him.<</speech>> Jason stopped walking. <<speech "Jason">>That's me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> For the first time since the shot, KC had nothing else to say. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch1 - Chapter End]]

That morning, Jason had been worried about a quiz. By the end of the day, a dead man had a name, his brother was coming, and Jason had no idea what his life looked like anymore. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<rewindday "KC Ch1 - Opening">> <</link>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> The day before, KC was already halfway across town with a dark canvas bag slung over one shoulder and somebody else's problem weighing it down. She cut through a narrow side street behind a row of shops, checked the time on her phone, then looked up at the building ahead. She was late, but not late enough for anybody to start panicking yet. <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> The bag shifted against her side when she adjusted the strap. She knew what was inside. Product, cash, a burner, and enough other shit that getting stopped with it would turn an annoying morning into a very bad one. That part didn't bother her. What bothered her was the message she had received ten minutes earlier. <<speech "Unknown">>Ryan's asking about the drop.<</speech>> KC had read it twice and ignored it both times. <<speech "Unknown">>You should probably hurry.<</speech>> She locked her phone and slipped it back into her pocket. <<speech "KC">>Yeah. No shit.<</speech>> The meeting spot was around the next corner, behind an old convenience store where nobody asked questions unless they were being paid to. [[HEAD TO THE MEET->KC Ch1 - Contact Meet]]

The meeting spot was a narrow service lane behind the convenience store, boxed in by a dumpster on one side and a chain-link fence on the other. A guy KC knew as Marco was already waiting beside the back door, smoking and checking the street every few seconds. <<speech "Marco">>You're late.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're still here.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>That's not the same thing.<</speech>> KC dropped the bag onto an overturned milk crate between them. <<speech "KC">>You got the count?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Mostly.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Mostly isn't a number.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>I'm short.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How short?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Enough that you're not gonna like it.<</speech>> KC folded her arms. <<speech "KC">>Try me.<</speech>> Marco pulled a folded envelope from his jacket and held it out. KC took it, counted once, then again. <<speech "KC">>You're missing four hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why am I counting it?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Because I was hoping you'd be in a good mood.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bad strategy.<</speech>> Marco looked toward the mouth of the alley again. <<speech "Marco">>Look, I can get it. I just need until tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You said that last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>And I paid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Late.<</speech>> KC tucked the envelope into the bag and kept staring at him. <<speech "Marco">>Ryan's been asking about this drop too.<</speech>> That got her attention. <<speech "KC">>What exactly did he ask?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Who had the bag. Where it was going. Who was counting.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And what did you tell him?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Marco CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "HOW DOES KC HANDLE IT?" "Marco is short on the drop, and Ryan has been asking questions." "PRESS HIM" "images/choices/kc/press-marco.jpg" "KC Ch1 - Press Marco" "Make it clear that lying is worse than being short." "CUT HIM A DEAL" "images/choices/kc/deal-marco.jpg" "KC Ch1 - Deal With Marco" "Give him until tonight in exchange for information." "BLUFF" "images/choices/kc/bluff-marco.jpg" "KC Ch1 - Bluff Marco" "Act like KC already knows what he told Ryan." >>

<<speech "KC">>Here's the part where you stop wasting my time.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>I'm not-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are. You're either short and stupid, or short and talking to Ryan. Pick one.<</speech>> Marco's jaw tightened. <<speech "Marco">>I told him you were carrying it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>He already knew you were involved.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You just made sure he knew where to look.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Incoming]]

<<speech "KC">>You get until tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't sound happy yet. You're buying the extension with information.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>What do you want?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everything Ryan asked. Everything you answered.<</speech>> Marco looked down the alley. <<speech "Marco">>He asked who had the bag. I told him you did.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Where you were headed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You told him that too?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>I needed him off me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great. Now he's on me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Incoming]]

<<speech "KC">>You wanna try that again before I tell you what Ryan already told me?<</speech>> Marco's face changed just enough. <<speech "Marco">>He talked to you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So what'd you give him?<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>Your name. That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And where I was going.<</speech>> Marco didn't answer. <<speech "KC">>Yeah. Thought so.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Incoming]]

KC was already reaching for the bag when she heard footsteps at the mouth of the alley. Marco looked past her and went pale. <<speech "Marco">>Shit.<</speech>> KC turned. Ryan was standing at the entrance to the service lane with another man behind him. <<speech "Ryan">>Morning.<</speech>> KC picked up the bag. <<speech "KC">>You stalking me now?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Depends. You planning to make this difficult?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wasn't planning on talking to you at all.<</speech>> Ryan stepped into the alley. <<speech "Ryan">>Hand me the bag.<</speech>> KC didn't move. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Confrontation]]

Ryan stopped a few feet away. The man behind him stayed near the mouth of the alley, close enough to block the easiest way out. <<speech "Ryan">>I'm only asking once.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then you're about to be disappointed once.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>That's not your bag.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Didn't say it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Then hand it over.<</speech>> KC shifted the strap higher on her shoulder. <<speech "KC">>Not happening.<</speech>> <<speech "Marco">>KC-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Stay out of it.<</speech>> Ryan looked at Marco, then back at her. <<speech "Ryan">>You know what Victor's gonna think when he hears you lost control of the drop?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good thing I haven't.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Looks like you're working on it.<</speech>> KC glanced toward the man behind him. He had already started moving closer. <<speech "KC">>You really brought backup for this?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>I brought somebody in case you got stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So that's why you're here.<</speech>> The other man reached for the bag. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Combat Intro]]

KC knocked his hand away. <<speech "Thug">>Don't make this harder than it needs to be.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You first.<</speech>> He swung. [[FIGHT->KC Ch1 - First Fight]]

The thug stumbled backward and hit the fence hard enough to rattle it. KC stepped toward him before he could recover. <<speech "KC">>Done?<</speech>> He looked at Ryan. Ryan did not look impressed. <<speech "Ryan">>Cute.<</speech>> KC turned toward him. <<speech "KC">>You wanna try next?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No.<</speech>> Ryan moved before she expected him to. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Hits KC]]

Ryan caught KC across the face hard enough to knock her into the side of the dumpster. The bag slipped down her arm, but she caught the strap before it hit the ground. <<speech "Marco">>Ryan, what the fuck?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Stay out of it.<</speech>> KC wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. There was blood on it. <<speech "KC">>Alright.<</speech>> Ryan stepped toward her again. KC kicked him in the knee, shoved past the thug near the fence, and ran. [[RUN->KC Ch1 - Chase Begins]]

KC cut through the alley and hit the sidewalk at a sprint. She could hear Ryan behind her before she reached the next intersection. The bag bounced against her side with every step. <<speech "Ryan">>KC!<</speech>> She ignored him. The college district was only a few blocks away. More people, more buildings, more ways to disappear. KC turned toward campus. [[KEEP RUNNING->KC Ch1 - Campus Chase]]

KC hit the edge of campus at a run and immediately cut toward the busiest walkway she could find. Students moved in every direction between buildings, enough bodies to slow Ryan down if he kept following. She checked over her shoulder once. He was still there. <<speech "KC">>Persistent asshole.<</speech>> KC pushed through a cluster of students near the corner of one of the classroom buildings and nearly made it through clean. Then somebody stepped directly into her path. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Collision]]

KC slammed shoulder-first into a guy carrying a backpack. The impact spun both of them sideways, and the canvas bag slipped off her shoulder and hit the pavement. <<speech "Jason">>Jesus-<</speech>> KC caught herself against a parked car and immediately reached down for the bag. The guy looked about her age. College student. Confused. Completely useless to her. <<speech "KC">>Move.<</speech>> Some girl standing a few feet away looked between them. <<speech "Leah">>Are you okay?<</speech>> KC barely heard her. Ryan had just turned the corner. He saw her. KC looked at the bag. Then at Ryan. Going back for it meant letting him close the distance. <<speech "KC">>Fuck.<</speech>> She left it. [[RUN->KC Ch1 - Lose Ryan]]

KC cut across the next street, slipped between two parked cars, and doubled back through an alley behind a row of apartments. She kept moving until she could no longer hear Ryan behind her. Only then did she stop. She leaned against the wall, caught her breath, and reached automatically for the bag that was no longer there. KC closed her eyes. <<speech "KC">>Fuck me.<</speech>> She checked the alley entrance. No Ryan. That was the good news. The bad news was sitting somewhere back on campus next to a college kid who had no idea what he had just picked up. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Retrace Steps]]

KC waited long enough to make sure Ryan was gone before circling back toward campus from another direction. She did not return to the exact corner immediately. If Ryan was waiting there, walking straight back would be stupid. She approached from across the street instead. The bag was gone. So was the guy she had run into. <<speech "KC">>Of course.<</speech>> KC scanned the area. A few students were still nearby, but nobody looked like they were waiting around with a bag full of drugs and cash. She thought back to the collision. The guy had been walking with a girl. Dark hair. Student backpack. They had come from the campus side together. That was enough to start. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Find Jason]]

It took KC less time than she expected. She started with the building they had been walking away from and asked around without making the question sound important. Two students remembered seeing the pair. One knew the girl. <<speech "Student">>Leah?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe. Who was the guy with her?<</speech>> <<speech "Student">>Jason. I don't know his last name.<</speech>> KC nodded like that was all she needed. <<speech "KC">>What classes does he have around here?<</speech>> The student gave her a strange look. <<speech "Student">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He owes me something.<</speech>> That answer apparently made enough sense. By the time KC left campus, she had a first name, a rough idea of where Jason spent his day, and confirmation that he and Leah were usually together. Finding him tomorrow would not be difficult. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - After Losing Bag]]

KC spent the rest of the afternoon trying to solve two separate problems at once. Ryan knew she had lost the bag. A college kid named Jason probably had it. She was not sure which one was going to become the bigger problem first. <<link "NEXT DAY">> <<nextday "KC Ch1 - Locker POV">> <</link>>

KC found Jason exactly where she had been told he would be. He looked less useful than he had the day before. Which was impressive. <<speech "KC">>Where's the bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good morning to you too.<</speech>> He was nervous already. That told her plenty. <<speech "KC">>Where is it?<</speech>> Jason glanced down the hallway before answering. <<speech "Jason">>At my house.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>You took it home?<</speech>> There it was. The worst possible answer. <<speech "Jason">>You left it in the street.<</speech>> KC studied him for a second. He was not lying about that part. Then she noticed something else. He did not ask what was in the bag. <<speech "KC">>Did you open it?<</speech>> Jason hesitated. That answered that. <<speech "KC">>You opened it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wanted to know what I was carrying.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> He did not catch that she meant the opposite. <<speech "KC">>Go home. Get it. Bring it back here.<</speech>> KC glanced farther down the hallway. Leah was nowhere nearby, but Jason had been with her yesterday and clearly knew her well enough to talk. <<speech "KC">>And don't tell Leah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why would I tell Leah?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you look like you tell Leah everything.<</speech>> KC walked away before he could argue. She had no intention of actually trusting him to come back. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Follow Jason]]

KC gave Jason a head start before leaving campus. She stayed far enough back that he would have to be looking for her to notice, which he wasn't. He checked his phone twice, stopped at a crosswalk, and never once looked over his shoulder. <<speech "KC">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> He made it easy. KC followed him through the residential blocks until he turned into a quiet neighborhood and headed toward a two-story house near the end of the street. She stopped across the road before he reached the door. Jason went inside. KC stayed where she was. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Check Jason House]]

KC waited a few minutes, then crossed the street and walked past the house without slowing down. There were no obvious cameras on the front. Two cars normally used the driveway, but only one was there now. She checked the mailbox as she passed. Same last name Jason had finally given somebody at school. Good enough. KC kept walking until she reached the next corner, then pulled out her phone. A quick search of the address gave her more than she expected. Allison Shaw. Detective. KC stared at the screen for a second. <<speech "KC">>You've got to be fucking kidding me.<</speech>> The college kid who had taken home a bag full of drugs and ammunition lived with a detective. KC looked back toward the house. Somehow Jason had managed to make the situation worse without even trying. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Wait Nearby]]

KC moved far enough away that she could still see the street without sitting directly in front of the house. She had told Jason to bring the bag back to campus, but trusting him to do that without creating another problem felt stupid now. Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. KC checked her phone. Nothing. <<speech "KC">>Come on.<</speech>> She was starting to consider walking up to the front door when Jason finally called. [[ANSWER->KC Ch1 - Jason Calls]]

<<speech "KC">>You have it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> KC stopped moving. <<speech "KC">>What do you mean, no?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Gone where?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know. Somebody came through my window.<</speech>> KC looked toward the house. For a second, all the irritation disappeared. <<speech "Jason">>KC?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't touch anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm coming over.<</speech>> KC ended the call and started moving before the phone was fully back in her pocket. [[GO TO THE HOUSE->KC Ch1 - Jason Room]]

Jason opened the front door before KC reached it. <<speech "Jason">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Upstairs.<</speech>> He followed her to his room and pointed toward the open window. KC crouched beside the sill without touching it. Bent latch. Dirt on the frame. Scrape along the outside edge. Not subtle. <<speech "KC">>Anybody else been home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your dad?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Work.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Work too.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>She's a detective.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> That caught him. <<speech "Jason">>How do you know that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because unlike you, I check things before walking into them.<</speech>> Jason looked like he wanted to argue, but KC was already looking back at the window. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Confirm Ryan]]

KC leaned out far enough to check the ground below. One shrub was crushed down, and the dirt beneath it had been disturbed recently. Ryan had never been especially careful when he thought fear would do the work for him. <<speech "Jason">>You know who did it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably who?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The guy from yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The one chasing you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the closet where the bag had been. <<speech "Jason">>Why would he come here?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you took something he wanted and then carried it straight to your house.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> KC stood. <<speech "KC">>That's not the part I'm worried about anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What part are you worried about?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He knows where you live.<</speech>> Jason went quiet. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Track Ryan]]

KC knew two places Ryan was likely to use if he wanted time alone with the bag. The first was a parking lot behind a row of dead storefronts. His gray sedan was sitting near the back fence exactly where she expected it to be. Jason spotted the dust and plaster on the passenger floor before she had to point it out. <<speech "Jason">>That mean something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> There was only one place nearby Ryan used that looked bad enough to leave that much building on somebody's shoes. The old commercial block. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Before Building]]

The building was exactly where KC expected Ryan to go when he wanted privacy and nobody asking questions. She stopped outside and looked at Jason. <<speech "KC">>You stay here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very.<</speech>> She did not need him inside. She needed the bag, Ryan contained, and one problem at a time. <<speech "Jason">>What if something happens?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then you'll be thrilled you listened to me.<</speech>> KC went inside. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Building Confrontation]]

The inside of the building smelled like dust, wet drywall, and old carpet. KC moved through the front hall slowly, listening for movement until she heard Ryan somewhere deeper inside. <<speech "Ryan">>Took you long enough.<</speech>> KC stepped into the open room. The canvas bag sat on a table beside him. <<speech "KC">>You got it back. Congratulations.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You say that like we're done.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We are.<</speech>> Ryan looked at her for a second, then laughed once under his breath. <<speech "Ryan">>You lost the drop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For about an hour.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Long enough for some random kid to take it home.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got it back.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You're really stuck on that part.<</speech>> KC kept her eyes on him. <<speech "KC">>Because that's the part that matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Not to Victor.<</speech>> KC's expression tightened. <<speech "KC">>Victor doesn't need to hear about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>That's cute.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got your bag. Your money's there. Product's there. Nothing's missing.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Except control.<</speech>> Ryan stepped away from the table. <<speech "Ryan">>You let Marco come up short. You let me chase you through half the city. You drop the bag on campus, and then I have to pull it out of a college kid's bedroom.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And whose fault is it that you were chasing me through half the city?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Yours.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure.<</speech>> Ryan's jaw tightened. <<speech "Ryan">>You think because Victor lets you move a little product that you're somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. I think because you keep saying Victor's name every thirty seconds, you're trying really hard to sound like somebody.<</speech>> Ryan stepped closer. <<speech "Ryan">>Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm being careful. That's why I'm trying to leave.<</speech>> KC reached toward the bag. Ryan put one hand on it first. <<speech "Ryan">>You're not taking this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why am I here?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Because we need to talk about what happens next.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Threatens Jason]]

<<speech "KC">>There is no next. Keep the bag if that's what this is about.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>It stopped being about the bag when you handed it to somebody outside the business.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I didn't hand him anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Does Victor care about the difference?<</speech>> KC said nothing. <<speech "Ryan">>Kid opened it too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He doesn't know anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>He knows what was inside.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That isn't the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You don't get to decide that.<</speech>> KC took another step toward him. <<speech "KC">>Leave him out of it.<</speech>> Ryan smiled slightly. <<speech "Ryan">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There what is?<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>You care.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I care that you're making a simple problem expensive.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Then maybe you should've thought about that before you lost the bag.<</speech>> KC glanced toward the doorway. Jason was supposed to be outside. Ryan noticed. <<speech "Ryan">>You bring him with you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Good.<</speech>> That answer did not make KC feel better. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Crosses Line]]

Ryan stepped closer until there was barely any room left between them. <<speech "Ryan">>Here's what's going to happen. I tell Victor you fucked up. He decides whether you're still useful. And the kid gets handled separately.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're not touching him.<</speech>> Ryan's expression changed. <<speech "Ryan">>You really don't understand where you are right now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I understand perfectly.<</speech>> KC reached for the bag. Ryan grabbed her wrist. <<speech "KC">>Let go.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Or what?<</speech>> KC twisted free and shoved him back. Ryan hit the edge of the table hard enough to move it. The bag slipped sideways. Somewhere behind KC, a floorboard creaked. Ryan looked toward the hallway. So did KC. <<speech "Ryan">>You said you came alone.<</speech>> KC already knew who it was. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Jason Appears]]

Jason stepped into view at the end of the hall. <<if $jasonFollowedKCImmediately>> <<speech "KC">>I told you to stay outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah, I heard you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why are you in here?<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "KC">>You heard that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I heard something break.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You should've stayed outside.<</speech>> <</if>> Ryan looked between them. <<speech "Ryan">>There he is.<</speech>> KC saw the way Ryan's attention changed. Jason was not just some anonymous kid anymore. He was standing here. He had seen Ryan. Ryan had seen him. That made everything worse. <<speech "Ryan">>You know, I was wondering if you'd show up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't want anything to do with this.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Bit late for that.<</speech>> KC shifted slightly, putting herself between them without making it obvious. <<speech "KC">>He's leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>No, he's not.<</speech>> Ryan moved. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Fight For Gun]]

KC shoved Ryan before he could get past her. He caught her by the front of her shirt and drove her into the wall. She hit him in the ribs once, then again. Ryan caught her wrist and twisted. The table shifted behind them. The canvas bag fell. The gun slid across the concrete. KC saw it stop a few feet from Jason. <<speech "Ryan">>Don't.<</speech>> Jason stared at it. KC knew exactly what was about to happen if Ryan reached it first. <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> He picked it up. Ryan let go of KC. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - KC Sees Gun]]

Jason held the gun with both hands. Bad grip. Locked elbows. Shaking enough that KC could see it from across the room. <<speech "Jason">>Let her go.<</speech>> <<speech "Ryan">>Put that down.<</speech>> Ryan started toward him. <<speech "Jason">>Stay there.<</speech>> Ryan kept moving. KC watched the distance between them disappear. Three steps. Then two. If Ryan got his hand on the gun, this was over. <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> Jason looked at her instead of Ryan. Wrong move. <<speech "KC">>Shoot him.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> Ryan stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>Shoot him.<</speech>> Jason still wasn't moving. Ryan reached for the gun. <<speech "KC">>Jason!<</speech>> The shot cracked through the room. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Ryan Dead]]

Ryan hit the floor before the echo finished bouncing through the room. For half a second, KC just stared. Then she moved. She crossed the room, dropped beside him, and checked for a pulse she already knew she wasn't going to find. <<speech "Jason">>Is he-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> Jason was still holding the gun. <<speech "KC">>Put it down.<</speech>> He didn't move. <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> His eyes finally dropped to the gun in his hands. <<speech "KC">>Carefully.<</speech>> Jason lowered it to the floor. <<speech "Jason">>I shot him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I fucking shot him.<</speech>> KC looked at Ryan again. There was no fixing that part. Everything else still had to be handled. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - KC Takes Control]]

<<speech "Jason">>We need to call the police.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you mean, no?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I mean no.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He attacked us.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There's a dead guy on the floor, a gun with your prints on it, and a bag full of product sitting next to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's not my bag.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You took it home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you dropped it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You think that sounds better out loud?<</speech>> Jason looked like he wanted to argue, but nothing came out. <<speech "KC">>We leave now, or we explain all of this to whoever gets here first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're talking like you've done this before.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Not this.<</speech>> That was the truth. <<speech "KC">>But I know what happens if we stand around waiting.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Cleanup Plan]]

KC forced herself to stop looking at Ryan and started looking at the room instead. Door handle. Table. Wall. Gun. Bag. Anything either of them had touched. <<speech "KC">>Think. What did you touch?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You need to know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I just shot somebody.<</speech>> KC stopped. For a second, she wanted to tell him to get over it. She didn't. <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> Her voice came out quieter than she expected. <<speech "KC">>But if we miss something, this gets worse.<</speech>> Jason looked around the room. <<speech "Jason">>Doorframe. I think.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> KC pulled the sleeve of her jacket over her hand and started wiping down anything obvious. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - What KC Removes]]

KC wiped the inside door handle first, then the edge of the table where Jason had grabbed for balance. She cleaned the gun as carefully as she could without standing there all night, then wrapped it in part of an old plastic sheet she found near the wall and put it back into the bag. She spotted the spent casing a few feet from Ryan and picked it up with the edge of her sleeve. <<speech "KC">>Anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> KC looked around again. There was no way to make the room clean. Not really. She could remove the obvious stuff. That was it. What she did not notice was the scuff Jason had left near the doorway, the partial shoe impression in the dust, or the faint drag mark where Ryan's heel had shifted after he fell. She also did not know somebody in the building across the street had already looked out their window when they heard shouting. <<speech "KC">>We're done.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're not done.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We're done being here.<</speech>> [[LEAVE->KC Ch1 - Outside After Ryan]]

KC led Jason out through the side entrance and away from the building without looking back. She did not let herself slow down until they were several blocks away. Jason had barely said a word. <<speech "Jason">>Who was he?<</speech>> KC kept walking. <<speech "Jason">>You knew him. Who was he?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ryan Kane.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And that means what?<</speech>> KC stopped. There was no point keeping this part from him anymore. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Victor Kane]]

<<speech "KC">>Ryan's brother is Victor Kane.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. Not okay.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "KC">>Victor runs more than Ryan ever did. People move product for him. People owe him money. People do things because he tells them to and don't ask why.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And Ryan worked for him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ryan was family. That's worse.<</speech>> Jason went quiet. <<speech "KC">>When Ryan doesn't answer his phone, somebody's going to check. When they find him, Victor starts asking who he was with, where he went, what he was doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>About everybody.<</speech>> KC looked directly at him. <<speech "KC">>Including you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because I killed him.<</speech>> KC did not soften the answer. <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - New Problem]]

KC had started the day trying to finish a drop. Now Ryan Kane was dead, Victor would eventually start looking, and a college kid with a detective in his house was tied directly to all of it. The bag was back in KC's hands. That was the only part of the problem that had actually improved. <<speech "Jason">>So what happens now?<</speech>> KC looked down at the bag. <<speech "KC">>Now I figure out how much damage this did before somebody else does.<</speech>> Jason looked like he expected more. <<speech "KC">>And you go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> KC started walking again. <<speech "KC">>That's just what you do right now.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - Free Roam Unlock]]

For KC, problems did not disappear because they got worse. Rent still existed. People still owed money. Jobs still needed doing. If anything, Ryan's death meant she needed more cash, more information, and fewer people thinking she was weak. <<tutorial "KC FREE ROAM" "KC's gameplay centers on criminal jobs, combat, negotiation, money, equipment, and contacts across the city. Main-story events can unlock new threats, locations, and opportunities while side jobs remain available between major story beats.">> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch1 - KQ001 Available]] <<resetkcactions>> <<setkcstorycontinue "Allison Ch2 - Morning">> <<giveitem "firstAidKit" 2>> <<giveitem "energyDrink" 2>>

KC's phone buzzed before she made it halfway home. Another problem. This one, at least, sounded normal. <<speech "Victor Contact">>Need somebody to check a diner drop. Money's coming up short.<</speech>> KC stared at the message for a second. <<speech "KC">>Of course it is.<</speech>> [[VIEW JOB->KQ001 - Start]] <<availablequest "KQ001">>

KC pushes through the bathroom door and turns when the man follows her inside. He pauses just past the threshold, giving her plenty of room to tell him to get lost. <<speech "Diner Guy">>Still following?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Looks like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Diner Guy">>Want me to leave?<</speech>> KC looks him over once. <<speech "KC">>Lock the door.<</speech>> <<link "CONTINUE">> <<startsexscene "KQ001_DINER">> <</link>>

<<kcshoptalk "kcMainShop">>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> <<kcbar>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> <<kcrumor>>

The bartender wipes down the same patch of counter twice before looking at KC. <<speech "Bartender">>You buying something or asking questions?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends what the answers cost.<</speech>> This passage can become the bartender conversation / contact screen. [[BACK TO THE BAR->KC Bar]]

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> <<set $kcDealReturnPassage = "World Map">> <<kcdealdrugs>>

<<nextday>> <<set $protagonist = "Allison">> Allison woke up because somebody was moving around beside her. Not getting up. Just moving enough to make the mattress shift every few seconds. She kept her eyes closed. <<speech "Allison">>If you're trying to wake me up without technically waking me up, it's working.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I wasn't doing anything.<</speech>> Allison opened one eye. Dan was already looking at her. <<speech "Allison">>You're staring at me from six inches away.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's not illegal.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Depends how long you've been doing it.<</speech>> He smiled and moved a little closer. <<speech "Dan">>You have time?<</speech>> Allison glanced toward the clock on the nightstand. 6:41 AM. <<speech "Allison">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's not a no.<</speech>> Allison looked at the clock again. She could get up now, shower without rushing, grab coffee, and actually leave the house on time. Or she could not do any of those things. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Morning CHOICE!]]

By the time Allison came downstairs, the coffee machine had finished making something that smelled stronger than it tasted. Dan was behind her somewhere getting dressed. Jason wasn't downstairs yet, which wasn't unusual. She poured coffee into a travel mug, checked Marcus's message, and read the address twice. 1847 Mercer Industrial. Vacant storefronts. Warehouses. A few buildings the city had been threatening to condemn for years. Her phone showed another message from Marcus. <<speech "Marcus">>Crime scene's holding it. Nobody touched much.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Witnesses?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Maybe one across the street. Patrol's getting a statement.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any ID?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Not yet.<</speech>> Footsteps came down the stairs. Jason appeared around the corner looking like he'd slept badly. <<speech "Allison">>Morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Morning.<</speech>> He opened the refrigerator and stood there staring inside it. Allison watched him for a moment. <<speech "Allison">>You okay?<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. Just tired.<</speech>> Nothing about the answer was strange enough to challenge, so she didn't. <<speech "Allison">>I'm getting called in early. Tell your dad I left before he accuses me of disappearing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She picked up her keys. <<speech "Allison">>And eat something that isn't cereal straight out of the box.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That happened one time.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It happened yesterday.<</speech>> Jason shut the refrigerator. <<speech "Jason">>Still one time.<</speech>> Allison shook her head and headed out. Jason waited until the front door closed before his expression changed. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Crime Scene Arrival]]

The first thing Allison noticed was the number of uniforms outside. Two patrol cars sat crooked along the curb, lights turning silently against the windows of an abandoned furniture store. Yellow tape stretched from a parking meter to the metal frame of a busted glass door. Marcus stood just inside the tape holding two coffees. <<speech "Marcus">>I got you one.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I already have one.<</speech>> He looked at the travel mug in her hand. <<speech "Marcus">>Mine's better.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's a low bar.<</speech>> She took his anyway and ducked under the tape. <<speech "Allison">>What've we got?<</speech>> Marcus turned toward the building. <<speech "Marcus">>Male. Probably late twenties. One gunshot wound to the head. No wallet that patrol could find, but there's cash in one pocket, so robbery's not my favorite theory.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Weapon?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Casing?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No.<</speech>> Allison looked at him. <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah.<</speech>> They stepped inside. The place smelled like dust, wet drywall, and old wood. Somebody had once painted the interior white. Most of it had gone gray years ago. The body was near the back of the room: male, dark clothes, one shoe partially off, blood dried against the floor behind his head. Allison stopped several feet away. She didn't look at the wound first. She looked at everything around it. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Crime Scene Investigation]]

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> <<investigationscene "RYAN_SCENE_01">>

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> The witness lived across the street above a laundromat. By the time Allison and Marcus walked over, she was already standing outside in a winter coat thrown over a robe, smoking beside the entrance. <<speech "Allison">>Detective Shaw. This is Detective Reed.<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>I already told the other officer what I heard.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's okay. We're difficult. We like hearing things twice.<</speech>> The woman looked at Marcus for a second, then took another drag. <<speech "Allison">>You heard shouting last night?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Around what time?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Eleven. Maybe a little after.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Could you make out what anybody was saying?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>No. Just yelling.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>One person yelling?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>More than one.<</speech>> Allison glanced across the street toward the building. <<speech "Allison">>How long did it go on?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Not long. A minute or two. Then I heard something hit the floor. Or the wall. Something heavy.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then what?<</speech>> The woman hesitated. <<speech "Witness">>There was a bang.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Gunshot?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>I know that now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What did you think it was then?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Something falling over. This block makes noise all night.<</speech>> Allison nodded. Nothing about the answer felt rehearsed. <<speech "Allison">>Did you look outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How eventually?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Maybe thirty seconds. Maybe a minute.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>And?<</speech>> The woman flicked ash toward the curb. <<speech "Witness">>I saw somebody running.<</speech>> Allison's attention sharpened. <<speech "Allison">>From the building?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>From that direction.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Man or woman?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Guy, I think.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>How old?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Young.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How young?<</speech>> She thought about it. <<speech "Witness">>College age. Early twenties maybe.<</speech>> Marcus looked at Allison. <<speech "Allison">>Could you see his face?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Hair? Jacket? Anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>It was dark and he was running. I wasn't exactly taking notes.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Which way did he go?<</speech>> She pointed toward the corner at the end of the block. <<speech "Witness">>That way.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Did you see anybody else leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Any cars?<</speech>> The woman frowned. <<speech "Witness">>There was one.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>What kind?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Couldn't tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You saw it leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>I heard it first. Tires. Then I caught the back of it going through the intersection.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Color?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Dark.<</speech>> Marcus wrote it down anyway. <<speech "Allison">>How long after the kid ran?<</speech>> <<speech "Witness">>Pretty quick. Couple seconds maybe.<</speech>> That made Allison look back toward the building again. A young man running from the scene. A vehicle leaving immediately afterward. Fresh signs of a fight inside. More people than one. <<speech "Allison">>If you remember anything else, even if it feels stupid, call the number on the card.<</speech>> She handed the woman one. <<speech "Witness">>You think the kid did it?<</speech>> Allison paused. <<speech "Allison">>I think he was there.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - After Witness]]

They crossed back toward the crime scene. Marcus waited until they were halfway across the street before speaking. <<speech "Marcus">>College kid runs. Car leaves right behind him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe together.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Maybe chasing him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Maybe neither.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You always this helpful?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm trying not to marry the first version of the story we hear.<</speech>> Marcus slipped his notebook into his coat pocket. <<speech "Marcus">>Fresh fight injuries. Different shoe print. Witness hears multiple people. Kid runs. Car takes off.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And somebody took the gun and casing.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Assuming there was a casing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Fair.<</speech>> They stopped at the curb. <<speech "Marcus">>So how many people are you putting in the room?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At least two.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Victim plus shooter?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>At least.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You think the runner's our shooter?<</speech>> Allison looked through the broken storefront window. <<speech "Allison">>I think people who just shot somebody usually have a reason to run.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's almost an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It's as much as you're getting right now.<</speech>> Marcus's phone started ringing. He checked the screen and answered. <<speech "Marcus">>Reed.<</speech>> He listened for several seconds. <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah. Send it.<</speech>> He ended the call. <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Prints came back.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Victim ID]]

Marcus opened the message as it came through. <<speech "Marcus">>Ryan Kane. Twenty-eight.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What do we know about him?<</speech>> Marcus scrolled. <<speech "Marcus">>Assault. Possession. A couple arrests that went nowhere. Narcotics flagged him a few years back for suspected distribution.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Conviction?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Known associates?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Give me a second.<</speech>> Allison waited while he worked through the file. <<speech "Marcus">>That's interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>His brother.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Who?<</speech>> Marcus turned the phone toward her. <<speech "Marcus">>Victor Kane.<</speech>> Allison knew the name. Most detectives who had been around long enough did. Victor Kane had never been important because of what police could prove. He was important because of everything they couldn't. Drugs, stolen property, money moving through businesses that somehow never quite connected back to him. People around Victor got arrested. Victor generally didn't. <<speech "Allison">>That's not ideal.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Understatement of the morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Ryan work for him?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Looks like it. At least according to Narcotics.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then somebody just killed Victor Kane's brother.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Which means we're probably not the only people looking for whoever did it.<</speech>> Allison looked back at the abandoned building. A young man had run from it less than a minute after Ryan Kane was shot. Somewhere behind him, a dark vehicle had peeled away from the block. And now Victor Kane was going to find out his brother was dead. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Station Arrival]]

The station was already fully awake by the time Allison and Marcus got back. Phones ringing, printers running, somebody arguing with somebody else near booking, two uniforms carrying takeout past the front desk like they'd forgotten what time it was. Marcus held the door open for her. <<speech "Marcus">>You want the good news or the bad news?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I don't actually have either yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then why ask?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Conversation.<</speech>> Allison walked past him toward their desks. <<speech "Allison">>You're bad at it.<</speech>> Her desk looked almost exactly how she'd left it the night before, except somebody had dropped a thin evidence folder across the keyboard. Marcus's had two empty coffee cups, a stapler sitting upside down, and a case file balanced on top of a stack of forms that probably should have been finished three days ago. Allison set her bag down and opened the evidence folder. <<speech "Marcus">>Crime scene photos?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Preliminary.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Anything useful?<</speech>> She flipped through them slowly. Ryan's body. The entryway. The floor. The chair. The partial print. The mark across the dust. <<speech "Allison">>Useful enough to make more work.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's usually how useful works here.<</speech>> Allison pulled a rolling whiteboard closer to her desk and uncapped a marker. <<speech "Marcus">>Oh, we're doing the board.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We're doing the board.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I hate the board.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You hate writing.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>I can hate two things.<</speech>> Allison wrote the victim's name across the top. RYAN KANE - HOMICIDE [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Ryan Case Board]]

Allison divided the board into sections. Victim. Scene. Witnesses. Unknowns. Under VICTIM, she wrote: Ryan Kane, 28. Known narcotics ties. Brother: Victor Kane. Under SCENE: Gunshot to head. Fresh fight injuries. No weapon. No casing. Cash left behind. Partial shoe print. Door impact. Drag mark. Under WITNESSES: Shouting. Multiple voices. Young male seen running. Dark vehicle leaving seconds later. Then she stepped back. <<speech "Marcus">>Looks depressing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>It's a murder board.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Could've used a nicer marker.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You volunteering to decorate?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> Allison tapped the marker against her palm. <<speech "Allison">>We've got three immediate directions.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Eventually?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm not walking into Victor Kane's day with half a scene report and a witness who saw somebody's back in the dark.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>We find out who Ryan was meeting. We identify the runner. We figure out what left in that car.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>And somewhere in there we do the fifty other things people are about to put on our desks.<</speech>> As if summoned by the sentence, a uniform approached holding a clipboard. <<speech "Officer">>Shaw?<</speech>> Allison looked at it. <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Officer">>You haven't even seen it yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's how confident I am.<</speech>> He put the clipboard down anyway. <<speech "Officer">>Lieutenant wants somebody to take a house call if patrol can't settle it.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>There it is.<</speech>> Allison looked from the clipboard to the Ryan board. The case wasn't going anywhere. Neither was the rest of the city. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Shift Begins]]

<<set $allisonActionsMax = 3>> <<set $allisonActionsUsed = 0>> Allison capped the marker and sat down. Three hours of paperwork were already waiting for her, Marcus had started digging into Ryan's contacts, and dispatch had decided their morning wasn't busy enough. <<speech "Marcus">>So what first?<</speech>> Allison looked at the Ryan board. [[CONTINUE->Police Station]] <<set _policeShiftTutorial = "Allison has 3 Actions available during each police shift. Major investigative work, interrogations, and dispatch calls consume actions. Some conversations and administrative screens are free.\n\nAdvancing the Ryan Kane investigation raises the Investigation Meter. Reaching important thresholds unlocks new leads, witnesses, suspects, and story events.\n\nYour choices also affect Allison's Good Cop standing. Careless, abusive, or unjustified police work can lower it. Corruption may open alternative options, but it can also create consequences.">> <<tutorial "POLICE SHIFTS" _policeShiftTutorial>> <<setallisonstorycontinue "Allison Ch2 - End First Shift">> <<rollallisoncalls 3>>

<<choicepopup "BEFORE WORK" "Allison doesn't have much time. What does she do?" "FUCK DAN" "images/choices/allison-dan-morning.jpg" "Allison Ch2 - Stay With Dan" "Forget the clock for a few minutes and stay in bed with her husband." "GET READY FOR WORK" "images/choices/allison-work-morning.jpg" "Allison Ch2 - Get Ready" "Get moving now and avoid starting the morning already behind." >>

Allison looked at the clock one more time, then reached over and turned it facedown. <<speech "Allison">>You've got ten minutes.<</speech>> Dan smiled, stripping out of boxers. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Dan Morning Scene]] <<set $allisonStayedWithDan = true>>

<<startsexscene "ALLISON_DAN_MORNING">>

Allison was halfway through looking for one of her socks when her phone started vibrating across the nightstand. <<speech "Dan">>That sounds important.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Everything sounds important when you're already late.<</speech>> She grabbed the phone and checked the screen. MARCUS. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Marcus Call]]

<<speech "Allison">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's optimistic.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You dressed?<</speech>> <<if $allisonStayedWithDan>> Allison looked down at the shirt she'd managed to get halfway on. <<speech "Allison">>Working on it.<</speech>> <<else>> Allison glanced down at the clothes in her hand. <<speech "Allison">>About to be.<</speech>> <</if>> <<speech "Marcus">>We've got a body.<</speech>> That changed the morning immediately. <<speech "Allison">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Old commercial property off Mercer. Patrol found him about twenty minutes ago. Male, late twenties. Looks like a gunshot.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Robbery?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Doesn't look like one.<</speech>> Allison reached for her badge. <<speech "Allison">>Send me the address.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Already did.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll meet you there.<</speech>> She hung up. <<if $allisonStayedWithDan>> <<speech "Dan">>Worth being late?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Ask me when I'm not trying to find my other shoe.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "Dan">>So I'm guessing tonight just became questionable.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Probably.<</speech>> <</if>> [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Before Leaving]]

Allison pushed the blanket back and sat up. <<speech "Allison">>Nope. If I stay here, I'm not getting up.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's kind of the idea.<</speech>> She leaned down and kissed him once. <<speech "Allison">>Try again tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>I'm writing that down.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Of course you are.<</speech>> Allison grabbed the clothes she'd left over the chair and headed toward the bathroom. Her phone started vibrating before she'd made it through the doorway. She looked at the screen. MARCUS. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Marcus Call]] <<set $allisonStayedWithDan = false>>

By the time Allison looked up again, most of the morning was gone. Her coffee had been cold long enough to qualify as evidence, three different reports were open on her computer, and Ryan Kane's name had started appearing on enough pieces of paper to make the case board look less empty than it had a few hours earlier. Marcus dropped a thin printout onto her desk. <<speech "Marcus">>Got something.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Please don't say another neighbor heard a car.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Better than that.<</speech>> Allison pulled the pages toward her. Phone records. Not much detail yet, but enough to establish a pattern. <<speech "Allison">>This his cell?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>The one registered to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Which means he probably had another one.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Narcotics thinks so too.<</speech>> She scanned the timestamps. Most of it was ordinary traffic. Calls lasting twenty seconds. Forty seconds. A few texts. Then the last several hours before Ryan died narrowed down considerably. <<speech "Allison">>He called the same number three times.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>First two didn't connect.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Third one did.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Four minutes and twelve seconds.<</speech>> Allison checked the timestamp. <<speech "Allison">>How long before patrol found him?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Little under two hours.<</speech>> She leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Allison">>Whose number?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's the fun part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Disconnected?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Prepaid.<</speech>> Marcus pointed farther down the page. <<speech "Marcus">>Activated six weeks ago. Cash purchase. No subscriber information worth anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Location?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Working on it.<</speech>> Allison looked back toward the case board. Ryan had fought with somebody. Somebody else had moved through that room. A young man had been seen running from the property, a vehicle had left moments later, and now Ryan had spent part of his last two hours repeatedly trying to reach a burner phone. <<speech "Allison">>He was trying to get somebody there.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Or warn somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Or find out where somebody was.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm narrowing it down.<</speech>> Marcus pulled the empty chair from the neighboring desk and sat. <<speech "Marcus">>There's something else.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>There always is.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Ryan wasn't exactly popular with Narcotics.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I got that impression when nobody wanted to call us back.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>He'd been doing side work.<</speech>> Allison stopped reading. <<speech "Allison">>Define side work.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Depends which cop you ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm asking you.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Using department information for his brother.<</speech>> That landed differently. <<speech "Allison">>Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's the rumor.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Rumor from who?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Two detectives who suddenly got very interested in telling me none of this was ever proven.<</speech>> Allison looked at Ryan's photograph on the board. <<speech "Allison">>So either Ryan was feeding Victor information, people thought he was feeding Victor information, or somebody wanted people to think that.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Now you're narrowing it down.<</speech>> She ignored him and stood, taking the phone records with her. <<speech "Allison">>Get me everything Narcotics has on Ryan for the last six months. Complaints, assignments, informants, disciplinary notes. I don't care if somebody wrote his name on the back of a lunch receipt.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You planning to go through all of that today?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>No.<</speech>> She pinned the burner number beside Ryan's photograph. <<speech "Allison">>But I want to know what he was doing before somebody put a bullet in his head.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Leaving Station]]

Allison didn't leave the building until early afternoon. Marcus stayed behind to chase the burner through records while she headed for the elevator with Ryan's case still running through her head. <<speech "Marcus">>Shaw.<</speech>> She turned. <<speech "Marcus">>You going home?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>For about five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's not what home is for.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Tell that to whoever keeps leaving laundry there.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Pretty sure that's you.<</speech>> The elevator doors opened. <<speech "Allison">>Find the phone.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Yes, Mom.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You're older than me.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Still felt right.<</speech>> Allison stepped into the elevator and hit the ground-floor button. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Home Afternoon]] <> <<addryanevidence "Ryan's Final Calls" "Ryan attempted to contact the same prepaid phone three times shortly before his death. The third call lasted four minutes and twelve seconds.">> <<addryancasenote "Ryan Kane was rumored to be passing police information to his brother Victor Kane. The allegation was never formally proven.">> <<setryanlead "TRACE RYAN'S BURNER CONTACT" "Ryan repeatedly contacted an unidentified prepaid phone shortly before his death. Trace the number and determine who was on the other end." "Allison Ch2 - Trace Burner">> <<setryancap 50>> <<set _newLeadTutorial = "Major discoveries can raise the current Investigation Meter cap and unlock new story leads. Ryan's case can now progress beyond 25%. The new lead, TRACE RYAN'S BURNER CONTACT, is available from the Police Station.">> <<tutorial "NEW LEAD" _newLeadTutorial>> <>

Jason's shoes were by the front door when Allison came in. That wasn't unusual. The time was. <<speech "Allison">>Jason?<</speech>> No answer. She set her keys on the counter and checked the living room. Empty. His backpack was on the floor beside the couch, one strap twisted underneath it. <<speech "Allison">>You home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> His voice came from upstairs. <<speech "Allison">>You skip class?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> A beat. <<speech "Jason">>I got out early.<</speech>> Allison opened the refrigerator. <<speech "Allison">>You want anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm good.<</speech>> She found a bottle of water, shut the refrigerator, and stood there for a second. Something about him had been off that morning. She'd noticed it then and dismissed it because she was leaving for a homicide scene. Hearing him now didn't do much to change her mind. <<speech "Allison">>Everything okay?<</speech>> This time the pause was longer. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That sounded convincing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm just tired.<</speech>> Allison took a drink. <<speech "Allison">>Okay.<</speech>> She didn't push. Not yet. Upstairs, Jason waited until he heard her bedroom door close before looking back at the dark canvas bag hidden inside his closet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Upstairs]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason stood in front of his closet with the door open, staring at the bag like it had personally offended him. It hadn't moved. That should have made him feel better. It didn't. He reached past a pile of shirts and pulled the dark canvas bag forward just enough to make sure everything was still inside. Cash. Packages. Ammunition. The prepaid phone. All of it exactly where he'd left it. <<speech "Jason">>Great.<</speech>> He pushed it back into the corner and covered it again. Down the hall, he could hear Allison moving around in her bedroom. She'd spent the morning standing over Ryan Kane's body. Jason knew that without her having to tell him. He sat on the edge of his bed and rubbed both hands over his face. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the abandoned room again. Ryan turning toward them. KC shouting. The gun moving in his hands. The sound afterward. His phone buzzed. Jason froze before looking at it. Unknown number. <<speech "Unknown">>You alone?<</speech>> Jason stared at the message. <<speech "Jason">>Who is this?<</speech>> The reply came almost immediately. <<speech "Unknown">>Who do you think?<</speech>> Jason closed his eyes. <<speech "Jason">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Congratulations.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why are you texting me from another number?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I enjoy wasting money on prepaid phones.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yes seriously. You alone?<</speech>> Jason glanced toward his bedroom door. <<speech "Jason">>Allison's home.<</speech>> The typing bubble disappeared. Then came back. <<speech "KC">>Cop Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's only one Allison in my house.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why is she home?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know. She came in like five minutes ago.<</speech>> Another pause. <<speech "KC">>Did she say anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No. She didn't say anything.<</speech>> Jason watched the typing bubble appear again. <<speech "KC">>We need to talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About last night?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What the fuck else would it be about?<</speech>> Jason looked toward the door again. <<speech "Jason">>Not here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll send it.<</speech>> A location appeared a few seconds later. Small parking lot behind a closed laundromat, a little over a mile away. <<speech "KC">>Twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can't just disappear.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then come up with something.<</speech>> Jason stared at the screen. <<speech "Jason">>You are incredibly helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Twenty minutes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leave House]]

Jason changed his shirt, shoved his phone into his pocket, and stood outside his room for a few seconds trying to think of a reason to leave that didn't sound like something a person says immediately before committing a second murder. He made it halfway down the stairs before Allison appeared at the top of them. <<speech "Allison">>Going somewhere?<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Good start.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was gonna meet Leah.<</speech>> Allison looked at him for a second. <<speech "Allison">>Thought you were tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you're going out anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's usually how being twenty works.<</speech>> That got the smallest hint of a smile out of her. <<speech "Allison">>You eating dinner here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes. I'll be back.<</speech>> He reached the front door. <<speech "Allison">>Jason.<</speech>> His hand stopped on the knob. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You sure you're okay?<</speech>> For half a second, he wondered if she knew. Then he looked at her and realized she was just being Allison. <<speech "Jason">>I'm fine.<</speech>> She didn't look completely convinced, but she nodded. <<speech "Allison">>Okay.<</speech>> Jason stepped outside and shut the door behind him. He didn't breathe normally again until he reached the sidewalk. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Laundromat]]

The laundromat had been closed long enough for somebody to tape a handwritten FOR LEASE sign inside the window. Jason found KC behind the building, leaning against a concrete post beside a row of dumpsters. She looked better than she had the night before. Not good. Just better. <<speech "Jason">>You pick really nice places.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You came.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said we needed to talk.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We do.<</speech>> Jason stopped a few feet away from her. <<speech "Jason">>Is this about the body?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>You mean Ryan.<</speech>> Jason's stomach tightened. <<speech "Jason">>You knew his name?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know it now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who was he?<</speech>> KC pushed away from the post. <<speech "KC">>Ryan Kane.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor Kane's brother.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Jason">>Am I supposed to know who that is?<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Sometimes I forget how little you know about anything useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm sorry my criminal networking isn't up to your standards.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor runs half the people running shit on the west side. Drugs, collections, stolen inventory, people who owe the wrong person money. He's not some guy selling pills out of a backpack.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the mouth of the alley. <<speech "Jason">>And I shot his brother.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could've led with that last night.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I didn't know last night.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't know who the guy chasing you was?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I knew his face. I knew who he worked around. I didn't know his fucking family tree.<</speech>> Jason paced two steps away and stopped. <<speech "Jason">>So what happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor asks questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And then?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends what answers he gets.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm not trying to reassure you.<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>My stepmom is investigating him.<</speech>> KC's expression changed. <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's a detective. That's why she got called out this morning. There was a body.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You didn't think that was worth texting me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I found out you knew Ryan's name thirty seconds ago.<</speech>> KC looked away and swore under her breath. <<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your cop stepmom investigating the guy you shot while I was standing next to you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>When you say it like that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There isn't a good way to say it.<</speech>> Jason shoved his hands into his pockets. <<speech "Jason">>She doesn't know anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She asked if I was okay. That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then keep it that way.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - KC Warning]]

KC pulled out her phone and checked the screen. <<speech "KC">>There's another problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course there is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>People are already talking about Ryan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>People where?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>People I listen to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful again.<</speech>> KC ignored him. <<speech "KC">>Victor doesn't know who killed him. But somebody saw an older car near the building last night, and somebody else apparently thinks Ryan was meeting somebody connected to a cop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Connected how?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nobody knows. That's the problem with rumors. Everybody fills in the parts they don't have.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Jason">>What does that have to do with me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought me out here because maybe nothing is happening?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I brought you out here because Victor Kane doesn't need to be right before somebody gets hurt.<</speech>> That shut him up. <<speech "Jason">>You think he's looking for me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I think he's looking for anybody he can make fit.<</speech>> Jason thought about Allison upstairs. His dad at work. Leah walking across campus without knowing any of this existed. <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For now? Nothing stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's very specific.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Go to class. Go home. Stop acting like somebody who's hiding a body.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not hiding a body.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly. See? You're getting better already.<</speech>> Jason didn't laugh. KC put her phone away. <<speech "KC">>And get rid of the bag.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to move it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That was before your house became part-time homicide headquarters.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where am I supposed to put it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll figure that out.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's what you said about everything else.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you're still alive.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a really low bar.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's the important one.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Return Home]]

Jason got back a little before dinner. His dad's car was already in the driveway, which meant whatever excuse he'd been planning to use for being gone no longer mattered. He stepped inside. <<speech "Dan">>There he is.<</speech>> Dan was in the kitchen with the refrigerator open, staring into it like something new might appear if he waited long enough. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You eat?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Good. Allison said she might actually be home for dinner, which means I'm legally required to pretend I had a plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the plan?<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Ordering something and taking credit for it.<</speech>> Jason almost smiled. <<speech "Dan">>You good?<</speech>> There it was again. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why does everybody keep asking me that?<</speech>> Dan shut the refrigerator. <<speech "Dan">>Because you look like you haven't slept since Thursday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I had a quiz.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>That's your story?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's not a story.<</speech>> Dan watched him for another second, then let it go. <<speech "Dan">>All right. Go do whatever college students do before dinner now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Mostly avoid our families.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>Good. Tradition's alive.<</speech>> Jason headed upstairs. The second his bedroom door closed, he went straight to the closet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Move The Bag]]

The bag was still there. Jason pulled it out and set it on the floor beside his bed. It somehow looked worse in daylight. Less like something he'd found by accident and more like something the police would photograph after arresting him. He unzipped it. Cash. Packages. Ammunition. The dead prepaid phone. He picked up the phone and pressed the power button again out of habit. Nothing. <<speech "Jason">>Great.<</speech>> He put it back. KC had said she'd figure out where to move the bag. Until then, it still had to exist somewhere. Jason looked around his room. Under the bed was stupid. The closet was already stupid. His car was worse. Then he heard footsteps in the hallway. He zipped the bag so fast the metal pull caught against the fabric. <<speech "Allison">>Jason?<</speech>> He shoved the bag back into the closet and stood up just as she knocked. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dinner in twenty.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She didn't leave immediately. <<speech "Allison">>You need anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>All right.<</speech>> Her footsteps moved away. Jason stayed completely still until he couldn't hear them anymore. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Dinner]]

<<speech "Allison">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked up. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You haven't said anything in like five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm eating.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>He does look pretty committed to that rice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still?<</speech>> Jason felt his shoulders tense. <<speech "Jason">>Yes. Still tired.<</speech>> Allison held up one hand. <<speech "Allison">>Okay.<</speech>> That was worse somehow. No questions. No suspicion. Just okay. <<speech "Dan">>You want me to tell the rice to back off?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Please.<</speech>> Dan pointed his chopsticks at the plate. <<speech "Dan">>You heard him.<</speech>> Jason laughed once despite himself. For about thirty seconds, the room felt normal again. [[CONTINUE->Victor Interlude - Garage]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason waited until the house went quiet before checking his phone again. No messages from KC. He lay on his bed staring at the ceiling for another minute, then sat up. The bag was still in the closet. He hated knowing exactly where it was. His phone buzzed. <<speech "KC">>Tomorrow morning. Don't bring the bag to campus.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what am I doing with it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll come get it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Here?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Before class. I'll send you a spot.<</speech>> Jason typed, deleted it, then typed again. <<speech "Jason">>Allison knows his name.<</speech>> The response took longer this time. <<speech "KC">>Ryan?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's her job.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She said Victor's name too.<</speech>> Another pause. <<speech "KC">>Did she say anything about me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then stop fishing for a reason to panic.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not fishing.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're practically using a net.<</speech>> Jason put the phone down. Across the street, a dark sedan rolled past the house. He noticed it only because the headlights crossed his bedroom wall. By the time he looked out the window, it was already gone. <<link "CONTINUE">> <<nextday "Jason Ch2 - Next Morning">> <</link>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> The garage looked closed from the street. Inside, every light over the service bays was on. Victor Kane stood beside an open toolbox while a man named Ellis sat on the hood of an unfinished sedan scrolling through photos on his phone. <<speech "Ellis">>Still nothing clean.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Then show me the dirty version.<</speech>> Ellis turned the phone around. Grainy traffic-camera stills. A side street near the abandoned property. Two vehicles. One useless angle. One partial plate. <<speech "Victor">>That's from last night?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>About eleven minutes before somebody called patrol.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Whose car?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>First one comes back to a company fleet. Doesn't help us.<</speech>> He swiped. <<speech "Ellis">>Second one's local.<</speech>> Victor took the phone. <<speech "Victor">>Daniel Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Registered address puts him about four miles from the scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Cop?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>No. Wife is.<</speech>> Victor looked up. <<speech "Victor">>What kind?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Detective.<</speech>> The room went quiet. <<speech "Victor">>Working Ryan?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Looks like it.<</speech>> Victor handed the phone back. <<speech "Victor">>That's interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Could be nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Most things are nothing until they aren't.<</speech>> Ellis locked the screen. <<speech "Ellis">>You want somebody on him?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Quietly.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Just him?<</speech>> Victor thought about it. <<speech "Victor">>House too.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Wife included?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Especially the wife.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Night]]

Jason woke up before his alarm. That hadn't happened voluntarily in years. He checked his phone. One message from KC. <<speech "KC">>Parking garage. North side of campus. 7:40.<</speech>> Jason checked the time. 7:12. He got dressed, grabbed his backpack, then stopped in front of the closet. The bag had to come with him. KC had specifically said not to bring it to campus. The parking garage was technically campus. He stared at the message again. <<speech "Jason">>This is already going well.<</speech>> He pulled the bag out. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Morning Downstairs]]

Dan was making coffee when Jason came down with his backpack over one shoulder and the canvas bag tucked close against his leg. <<speech "Dan">>Morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> Jason kept moving. <<speech "Dan">>What's in the bag?<</speech>> Jason stopped. For one completely useless second, his brain produced nothing. <<speech "Jason">>Stuff.<</speech>> Dan looked at him. <<speech "Dan">>Strong answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's for class.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>What class?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Theatrics.<</speech>> Dan nodded. <<speech "Dan">>Yeah, that tracks. Theater people carry weird shit.<</speech>> Jason almost laughed from relief. <<speech "Dan">>You want coffee?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No, I'm late.<</speech>> <<speech "Dan">>You're twelve minutes earlier than yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I'm improving.<</speech>> Jason opened the front door. <<speech "Dan">>Later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> He stepped outside. The dark sedan was parked half a block away. Jason didn't recognize it. He didn't think anything of it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Parking Garage]]

The upper level of the parking garage was mostly empty. KC was standing beside a concrete column with her hands in the pockets of her jacket. Jason walked toward her carrying the bag. <<speech "KC">>You brought it like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me to bring it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I told you not to bring it to campus.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me to meet you in the campus parking garage.<</speech>> KC looked around. <<speech "KC">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thank you.<</speech>> She took the bag from him. <<speech "KC">>Nobody saw you leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>My dad.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>Your dad saw the bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He asked what it was. I said it was for class.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And he believed that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why wouldn't he?<</speech>> KC looked past him toward the garage entrance. Her expression changed. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't turn around.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That always makes me want to turn around.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> He stayed still. <<speech "Jason">>What is it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Dark sedan. Bottom ramp.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Was it near your house?<</speech>> Jason thought about the headlights across his wall. The car half a block away that morning. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I saw one.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>When?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Last night. And this morning.<</speech>> She swore quietly. <<speech "Jason">>You know it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why are we panicking?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We're not.<</speech>> She picked up the bag. <<speech "KC">>We're leaving separately.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Watched]]

KC shifted the canvas bag into one hand and stepped closer to Jason, keeping her voice low. <<speech "KC">>You're going downstairs. I'm taking the other stairwell.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And then what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You go to class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What are you doing?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Finding out if that car is actually watching you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like something I should be involved in.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It really doesn't.<</speech>> Jason glanced toward the open side of the garage. From where they stood, he could only see a slice of the street below. <<speech "Jason">>What if they're watching you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then that's useful too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How is that useful?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because then I know they're watching me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's your whole plan?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right now my plan is to get you away from me while I'm holding a bag full of shit that can ruin both our lives.<</speech>> Jason looked at the bag. <<speech "Jason">>Good plan.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thank you.<</speech>> She started toward the opposite stairwell, then stopped. <<speech "KC">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>If that car follows you, don't go home.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>Where am I supposed to go?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Somewhere public. Somewhere crowded. Call me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not making me feel better.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wasn't trying to.<</speech>> She disappeared through the stairwell door with the bag. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Garage Exit]]

Jason took the long way down, using the stairs instead of the elevator because standing inside a metal box suddenly felt like a bad idea. By the time he reached the ground floor, he'd convinced himself twice that KC was overreacting and three times that she wasn't. He stepped outside and headed toward the main campus walkway without looking toward the street. For the first thirty seconds, nothing happened. Then a dark sedan rolled past the garage entrance. Jason kept walking. The car didn't stop. It didn't slow down. It disappeared behind the science building. He pulled out his phone. <<speech "Jason">>Car just passed me.<</speech>> KC answered a few seconds later. <<speech "KC">>Did it follow?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It drove past. I don't have detective vision.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keep walking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Already doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Go somewhere with people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm on a college campus.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. Try not to get kidnapped between sociology majors.<</speech>> Jason lowered the phone and kept moving. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Campus Morning]]

Campus was busy enough to make him feel stupid for being nervous. Students moved between buildings with coffee cups, backpacks, headphones, and exactly zero concern about whether someone might be following them because their criminal acquaintance had misplaced a drug bag. Jason spotted Leah near the student center. <<speech "Leah">>There you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Here I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You look terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good morning to you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>No, seriously. Did you sleep?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's not what sleep is supposed to be.<</speech>> She fell into step beside him. <<speech "Leah">>You disappear yesterday, you barely answer your phone, and now you look like somebody threatened your family.<</speech>> Jason glanced at her. <<speech "Jason">>That's weirdly specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Am I wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very.<</speech>> Leah watched him for a moment. <<speech "Leah">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was definitely something.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm deciding whether to keep asking questions or wait until you crack on your own.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's comforting.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm a comforting person.<</speech>> Jason looked over his shoulder. No dark sedan. Leah noticed. <<speech "Leah">>Who are you looking for?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nobody.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You are doing a really bad job of being normal today.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Following The Car]]

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> KC waited until Jason was out of sight before taking the west stairwell down. The canvas bag stayed close against her side, hidden under her jacket as much as something that size could be hidden at all. The sedan was still there when she reached street level. Not parked. Moving slow. KC stayed behind a delivery van and watched it pass the garage entrance. She couldn't see the driver clearly through the windshield, but she could see the passenger looking toward campus. The car continued down the block. KC waited three seconds, stepped out, and memorized the plate. Then she called someone. <<speech "Kelly">>You know what time it is?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I need a plate.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Of course you do.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I was asleep.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So no.<</speech>> KC read off the plate. <<speech "Kelly">>Give me a minute.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's why I called you.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>One day you're gonna say thank you before asking me to commit a felony.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keep dreaming.<</speech>> Kelly hung up. KC watched the street until the sedan disappeared completely. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Plate Result]]

Kelly called back nine minutes later. <<speech "KC">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I accept apologies in cash.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Whose car?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Registered to a shell company.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What shell company?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>North Valley Property Services.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Never heard of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You have heard of who pays their insurance.<</speech>> KC stopped walking. <<speech "KC">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Kane Holdings.<</speech>> KC went quiet. <<speech "Kelly">>That mean something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Good something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You want me to keep digging?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>What did you do?<</speech>> KC looked down at the bag in her hand. <<speech "KC">>Nothing I'm explaining over the phone.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Message Jason]]

KC opened Jason's messages. <<speech "KC">>Car belongs to people connected to Victor.<</speech>> No response. She checked the time. He was probably in class. KC typed again. <<speech "KC">>Do not go home after class.<</speech>> She hesitated, then added one more message. <<speech "KC">>And don't call your dad.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Victor Ch2 - Surveillance]]

Ellis set a tablet on the workbench in front of Victor. The screen showed several photos taken from inside the sedan: Daniel leaving the house that morning, Allison's car in the driveway, Jason walking out with the canvas bag, and a blurry shot of him entering the campus parking garage. <<speech "Ellis">>Kid's Daniel Shaw's son.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Biological?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Detective's stepson.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Yeah.<</speech>> Victor swiped to the next photo. <<speech "Victor">>And that's the same bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Looks close.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Looks close isn't the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>You asked me to watch the house. I'm showing you what came out of it.<</speech>> Victor enlarged the image. Jason's face was partially visible as he crossed the sidewalk. <<speech "Victor">>Where'd he go?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>College.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>With the bag.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Then he met a girl in the garage.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>What girl?<</speech>> Ellis swiped again. The next photo caught KC from behind as she took the bag from Jason. Victor stared at it. <<speech "Victor">>You know her?<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>Working on it.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Work faster.<</speech>> Ellis leaned against the bench. <<speech "Ellis">>You still think the father did something?<</speech>> Victor looked back at Daniel's photo. <<speech "Victor">>I think somebody in that house knows more than they're supposed to.<</speech>> <<speech "Ellis">>That's not the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>No.<</speech>> Victor tapped Jason's picture. <<speech "Victor">>It's worse.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Class Ends]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason checked his phone the second class ended. Two messages from KC were waiting for him. <<speech "KC">>Car belongs to people connected to Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do not go home after class. And don't call your dad.<</speech>> Jason read the second message twice, then called KC. <<speech "KC">>I specifically said don't call your dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're not my dad.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why can't I go home?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because they're watching it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't know yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just said the car is connected to Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Connected. Not driven by him personally with a giant sign that says I'M FOLLOWING YOU.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what am I supposed to do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Stay on campus.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For how long?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Until I tell you otherwise.<</speech>> Jason looked around the hallway as students moved past him. <<speech "Jason">>My dad is at home later.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And Allison.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So maybe I should warn them.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Warn them about what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That somebody's watching the house.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And when Allison asks how you know that?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Interrupts]]

Jason lowered the phone just as Leah walked out of the classroom behind him. <<speech "Leah">>Who are you whisper-fighting with?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nobody.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Nobody seems exhausting.<</speech>> Jason shoved the phone into his pocket. <<speech "Leah">>You heading home?<</speech>> He hesitated. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Library?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You are really bad at answering questions today.<</speech>> Leah adjusted her backpack. <<speech "Leah">>Come to my place.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You clearly don't want to go home, you're acting weird, and if I leave you alone you're probably going to spend the afternoon staring at a wall somewhere.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a lot of assumptions.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Are any of them wrong?<</speech>> Jason looked toward the campus entrance. He couldn't see the sedan. <<speech "Jason">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Wow. Very convincing enthusiasm.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I said yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I heard you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Apartment]]

Leah lived close enough to campus that walking there normally took about twenty minutes. Jason spent most of those twenty minutes checking every parked car they passed without trying to look like he was checking every parked car they passed. <<speech "Leah">>You're doing it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Looking behind us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You just turned around.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There was a car.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>There are usually cars outside.<</speech>> Jason shoved his hands into his pockets. <<speech "Jason">>Can we not do this?<</speech>> Leah looked over at him. <<speech "Leah">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The whole thing where you keep asking what's wrong until I eventually say something.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I haven't asked what's wrong in like six minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've been asking without saying it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's impressive. I didn't know I could do that.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. <<speech "Leah">>Okay. Fine.<</speech>> She faced forward again. <<speech "Leah">>I won't ask.<</speech>> They walked the rest of the block in silence. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Apartment Inside]]

Leah's apartment was small, clean, and familiar enough that Jason usually stopped noticing it five minutes after coming inside. Today he noticed everything. The front window. The blinds. The lock on the door. The narrow hallway leading toward the bedroom. Leah dropped her backpack beside the couch and kicked off her shoes. <<speech "Leah">>You want something to drink?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Water.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's depressing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I have soda.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Water's fine.<</speech>> She disappeared into the kitchen. Jason walked toward the front window and moved one slat in the blinds just enough to see the street. No sedan. <<speech "Leah">>Seriously?<</speech>> Jason let the blind fall back into place. Leah was standing behind him with two glasses. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You're checking my window now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was looking outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Yeah. Very casually.<</speech>> She handed him a glass. <<speech "Leah">>I'm not going to interrogate you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>But if somebody is following you, I would like to know before they follow you to my apartment.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Nobody's following me.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Okay.<</speech>> She sat on the couch. <<speech "Leah">>Then sit down and stop guarding the window.<</speech>> Jason sat at the opposite end. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Presses]]

For a while, Leah actually kept her word. She turned on the television, complained about an assignment Rossi had posted, and showed Jason a video on her phone that he barely processed. Jason nodded in the right places and checked his own phone every couple of minutes. Nothing from KC. <<speech "Leah">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You haven't heard a word I've said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I have.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>What did I just say?<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>Something about Rossi.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That was ten minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Close enough.<</speech>> Leah set her phone down. <<speech "Leah">>I'm trying really hard not to be annoying right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're doing great.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Thanks.<</speech>> Neither of them smiled. <<speech "Leah">>Did something happen yesterday?<</speech>> Jason looked down at his glass. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Because yesterday you were normal, and then you vanished for a while, and now you're acting like every car outside belongs to the FBI.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The FBI doesn't care about me.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That wasn't the important part of what I said.<</speech>> Jason rubbed his thumb along the side of the glass. <<speech "Leah">>You don't have to tell me everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>But don't sit in my apartment and tell me nothing is happening when you're clearly freaking out.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. For a second, he considered telling her something. Not the truth. Just enough of it to stop lying completely. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah CHOICE!]]

<<choicepopup "WHAT DOES JASON TELL HER?" "Leah knows something is wrong. Jason can give her part of the truth or shut the conversation down." "GIVE HER SOMETHING" "images/choices/jason-leah-truth.jpg" "Jason Ch2 - Partial Truth" "Tell Leah he's mixed up in something dangerous without explaining the shooting." "SHUT IT DOWN" "images/choices/jason-leah-deflect.jpg" "Jason Ch2 - Shut Leah Out" "Insist nothing is wrong and keep Leah completely outside of it." >>

Jason put the glass on the coffee table. <<speech "Jason">>I got mixed up in something.<</speech>> Leah's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Leah">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can't really explain it.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That's not an explanation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Are you in trouble?<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>With who?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can't tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious. The less you know, the better.<</speech>> Leah stared at him. <<speech "Leah">>Do you hear how insane that sounds?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Did you do something?<</speech>> Jason answered too slowly. <<speech "Leah">>Oh my God.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's not what you think.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I don't even know what I think yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Leah leaned forward. <<speech "Leah">>Are you safe?<</speech>> Jason looked toward the window again. <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - KC Calls]] <<set $jasonToldLeahPartialTruth = true>>

Jason's phone started vibrating on the coffee table. He grabbed it before Leah could see the screen and stood up. <<speech "Jason">>I need to take this.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Obviously.<</speech>> He walked into the kitchen and answered. <<speech "Jason">>Hello?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You somewhere private?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good enough. I know why they're watching the house.<</speech>> Jason turned toward the kitchen doorway. Leah couldn't see him from the couch. <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They've got your dad's name.<</speech>> Jason went still. <<speech "Jason">>What do you mean they have his name?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't know all of it yet. But Victor's people are looking at Daniel Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For Ryan?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Looks like it.<</speech>> Jason lowered his voice. <<speech "Jason">>He wasn't even there.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then tell them.<</speech>> There was a short silence. <<speech "KC">>You want me to walk up to Victor Kane and explain that his brother was actually shot by his detective's college-kid stepson?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what do we do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm working on it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I keep working on it.<</speech>> Jason pressed his fingers against his forehead. <<speech "Jason">>Is my dad in danger?<</speech>> KC didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Jason">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Dad In Danger]]

Jason shook his head. <<speech "Jason">>There's nothing to tell.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>So am I.<</speech>> She picked up her phone again. <<speech "Jason">>Are you mad?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound mad.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm annoyed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Leah">>If you don't want to tell me, don't tell me. Just stop pretending I'm stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think you're stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Then quit treating me like I can't tell when you're lying.<</speech>> Jason looked down at his hands. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - KC Calls]] <<set $jasonToldLeahPartialTruth = false>>

Jason closed his eyes. <<speech "Jason">>That's not good enough.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's the answer I have.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He's going home after work.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Stop saying you know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then stop telling me things I already know.<</speech>> Jason lowered the phone and took one slow breath before bringing it back to his ear. <<speech "Jason">>What do you need?<</speech>> KC was quiet for a second. <<speech "KC">>There's a guy I can talk to. He hears things from Victor's side.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can you trust him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fantastic.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I didn't say I was asking him to babysit.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What happens if he knows they're planning something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we figure out what.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And if it's my dad?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we keep him away from it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>One problem at a time.<</speech>> Jason looked through the doorway at Leah. She was pretending not to listen. <<speech "Jason">>Call me when you know something.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't go home yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I mean it.<</speech>> The call ended. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - After KC Call]]

Jason stayed in the kitchen for another few seconds before going back into the living room. Leah was still on the couch, but the television was muted now. <<speech "Leah">>Everything okay?<</speech>> Jason almost laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<if $jasonToldLeahPartialTruth>> Leah watched him carefully. <<speech "Leah">>Is this the thing you can't tell me about?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Is it getting worse?<</speech>> Jason sat down again. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<else>> Leah stared at him for a moment. <<speech "Leah">>Still nothing going on?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You basically did.<</speech>> Jason sat down again. <<speech "Jason">>Can we not fight right now?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm not fighting with you.<</speech>> <</if>> Jason looked at the clock on the wall. It wasn't even two in the afternoon. His dad wouldn't leave work for hours. For the first time all day, that felt like good news. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Find The Contact]]

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> KC left the canvas bag locked inside Kelly's trunk and headed south. The person she needed wasn't a friend, wasn't exactly a customer, and wasn't someone she enjoyed talking to, but he occasionally heard about Victor Kane's business before everyone else did. His name was Leon Price. He ran bets out of the back room of a convenience store and spent most of his day pretending that wasn't what he did. <<speech "KC">>You working?<</speech>> Leon looked up from behind the counter. <<speech "Leon">>Depends who's asking.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Me.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Then no.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. We need to talk.<</speech>> Leon glanced toward the customer standing near the refrigerators. <<speech "Leon">>About?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ryan Kane.<</speech>> His expression changed just enough for KC to notice. <<speech "Leon">>You should probably leave.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So you've heard something.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>I heard you should probably leave.<</speech>> KC rested both hands on the counter. <<speech "KC">>Leon.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Back room.<</speech>> He stared at her, then looked toward the security camera in the corner. <<speech "Leon">>Five minutes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Leon Back Room]]

The back room smelled like cardboard, cigarette smoke, and the cheap air freshener Leon kept plugged into an outlet beside a shelf of canned soup. He shut the door behind them. <<speech "Leon">>Whatever you think I know, I don't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor looking for somebody named Daniel Shaw?<</speech>> Leon didn't answer. <<speech "KC">>That's a yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>That's me deciding whether you're worth getting killed over.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Glad we're on the same page.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why Shaw?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>No idea.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bullshit.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>You want the truth? People think Ryan got set up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>By a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Maybe. Maybe somebody connected to one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Daniel isn't a cop.<</speech>> Leon looked at her. <<speech "Leon">>You know him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know names.<</speech>> Leon leaned back against a stack of boxes. <<speech "Leon">>Victor's people found a car tied to the house. Detective wife. Dead brother with Narcotics problems. Now some kid comes out of that same house carrying a bag and hands it to somebody in a parking garage.<</speech>> KC's jaw tightened. <<speech "KC">>They got pictures?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>That's what I heard.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of the kid?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of me?<</speech>> Leon gave her a look. <<speech "Leon">>You asking like you already know the answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Bad News]]

KC stepped away from the counter. <<speech "KC">>What are they planning?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Nothing yet.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Victor wants to know who Shaw is, who the kid is, and who the girl in the garage is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anybody identify her?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Not that I've heard.<</speech>> KC nodded once. <<speech "Leon">>You know her too?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nope.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>You're terrible at this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much time?<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Before Victor stops asking questions.<</speech>> Leon thought about it. <<speech "Leon">>If he thinks Shaw killed Ryan?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>Not long.<</speech>> KC pulled out her phone. <<speech "Leon">>You owe me for this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Put it on my tab.<</speech>> <<speech "Leon">>You don't have a tab.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we're even.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Leon">>KC.<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Leon">>If you're mixed up in this, get unmixed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good advice.<</speech>> She left without taking it. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Call Jason]]

KC waited until she was half a block away before calling Jason. <<speech "Jason">>What did you find out?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They've got pictures.<</speech>> Silence. <<speech "Jason">>Of what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your house. Your dad. You.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Me doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Leaving with the bag. Meeting me in the garage.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They saw you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do they know who you are?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And my dad?<</speech>> KC looked both ways before crossing the street. <<speech "KC">>They're trying to figure out if he had something to do with Ryan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jason, I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So we need to fix it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> KC didn't answer immediately. <<speech "KC">>We keep your dad somewhere Victor can't get to him until we figure out how far this goes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It means we may have to move him.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Move him where?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Away.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He's not going to just leave because I ask him.<</speech>> KC stopped walking. <<speech "KC">>Then we don't ask him.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - What Do You Mean]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason stood up from Leah's couch. <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly what it sounds like.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No. Explain it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>If Victor decides your dad killed Ryan, asking Daniel nicely to stay somewhere else isn't going to solve anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what are you suggesting?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We make sure he isn't where Victor expects him to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you talking about kidnapping my dad?<</speech>> Leah looked over from the other side of the room. Jason immediately lowered his voice. <<speech "KC">>I wouldn't call it kidnapping.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what would you call it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Temporary involuntary relocation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's kidnapping.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Okay. Fine. Little bit.<</speech>> Jason covered his face with one hand. <<speech "Jason">>This is your solution?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's an option.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's a terrible option.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then come up with a better one before Victor does something worse.<</speech>> Jason looked across the room at Leah, who was now very clearly pretending she hadn't heard the word kidnapping. <<speech "Jason">>I hate this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll call you back.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Heard That]]

Jason ended the call and slowly lowered the phone. <<speech "Leah">>So.<</speech>> He looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>How much of that did you hear?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Enough that I really wish I'd heard less.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's not what it sounded like.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You said kidnapping.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Quietly.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That doesn't make kidnapping better.<</speech>> Jason sat back down. <<speech "Leah">>Jason, what the hell is happening?<</speech>> This time, he didn't have an answer ready. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Confrontation]]

Jason rubbed both hands over his face while Leah waited for him to say something that made what she'd heard sound less insane. <<speech "Leah">>I'm waiting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You said kidnapping.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Then help me out here.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the window again, then caught himself doing it. <<speech "Jason">>My dad might be in trouble.<</speech>> Leah's expression changed. <<speech "Leah">>What kind of trouble?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>From who?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>People I don't want you involved with.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm already involved if you're hiding in my apartment.<</speech>> Jason hadn't thought about it that way. <<speech "Jason">>I'm not hiding.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You checked my blinds four times.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Three.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Great. Everything's fine, then.<</speech>> Jason leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. <<speech "Jason">>Nobody's trying to kidnap my dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That is somehow not reassuring after what I just heard.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>KC was talking about getting him somewhere safe.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>KC?<</speech>> Jason realized his mistake immediately. <<speech "Leah">>Who's KC?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Somebody I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Clearly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Leah.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>No. You don't get to say my name like I'm the one making this difficult.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the floor. <<speech "Leah">>Are you in some kind of drug trouble?<</speech>> His eyes came back up a little too quickly. <<speech "Leah">>Oh my God.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That was the worst no I've ever heard.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not on drugs.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>That wasn't what I asked.<</speech>> Jason said nothing. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leah Draws Line]]

Leah stood and walked into the kitchen. Jason heard a cabinet open, then shut harder than it needed to. When she came back, she was holding her glass again. <<speech "Leah">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay what?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm done asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're mad.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't want you involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You keep saying that like it fixes everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It might keep you safe.<</speech>> That made her stop. <<speech "Leah">>Is it actually that serious?<</speech>> Jason thought about Ryan on the floor. He thought about the sedan outside his house and KC telling him Victor Kane had his father's name. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Leah sat back down. <<speech "Leah">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm not going to force you to tell me something that's going to put me in danger.<</speech>> Jason relaxed slightly. <<speech "Leah">>But you don't get to vanish for three days and then show up pretending nothing happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> Jason couldn't argue with that. <<speech "Leah">>And if you think your dad is actually in danger, tell somebody who can help.<</speech>> That almost made him laugh. <<speech "Leah">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Your stepmom is literally a detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. That's kind of the problem.<</speech>> Leah stared at him. <<speech "Leah">>I'm choosing not to ask what that means.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good choice.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - KC Update]]

Jason's phone buzzed again. This time it was a text. <<speech "KC">>Don't leave yet. I need another hour.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Checking something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About my dad?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's all you're giving me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For now.<</speech>> Jason stared at the screen before typing again. <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to do for an hour?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Something normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You have classes. Friends. Homework. Go be boring.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>My dad might be in danger.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you pacing around isn't making him safer.<</speech>> Jason didn't reply. <<speech "KC">>I'm serious. Stay somewhere public. I'll call you when I know whether they're just watching or planning something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And if they're planning something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we deal with it.<</speech>> Jason read the message twice. <<speech "Leah">>Good news?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Bad news?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently I have an hour to be normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You might need more time than that.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Leave Leah]]

Jason stayed another fifteen minutes before deciding that sitting on Leah's couch checking his phone every thirty seconds wasn't helping either of them. Leah walked him to the door. <<speech "Leah">>Where are you going?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Back to campus.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Is that safe?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>KC said stay somewhere public.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Still weird hearing you say a name I didn't know existed an hour ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You'll survive.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Apparently that's the theme today.<</speech>> Jason opened the door, then stopped. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Don't mention any of this to anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I wasn't planning to put it on Instagram.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious.<</speech>> Leah's expression softened slightly. <<speech "Leah">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>Text me later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I will.<</speech>> He stepped into the hallway and pulled the door shut behind him. [[CONTINUE->Allison Ch2 - Burner Trace]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> By the time Jason reached campus again, the afternoon crowd had thinned out. He checked the street before crossing and saw nothing that looked like the sedan. For the moment, there was nothing he could do about Victor, nothing he could do about his dad, and apparently nothing KC wanted him doing except staying visible and waiting for his phone to ring. It was the first time since yesterday that Jason had nowhere he absolutely needed to be. [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]] <<set $seenfreetimetutorial = false>> <<setjasonstorycontinue "KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel">>

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> Marcus found Allison at the dining-room table with her laptop open and half of Ryan Kane's file spread beside it. <<speech "Marcus">>Tell me you're not working from home.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm not working from home.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Great.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm reading from home.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Much healthier.<</speech>> Allison leaned back in the chair. <<speech "Allison">>What did you get?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Burner wasn't dead as long as we thought.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Location?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Not precise. Three towers handled it the night Ryan died.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Give me the useful part.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Last outgoing connection puts it somewhere around the college corridor.<</speech>> Allison looked up. <<speech "Allison">>The university?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Could be. Could also be six blocks of apartments, businesses, and traffic around it.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Still better than the whole city.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah.<</speech>> Marcus flipped a page in the file. <<speech "Marcus">>And Ryan's regular phone pinged the same general area twice last week.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>That's tomorrow's problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I hate tomorrow's problems.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>They probably hate you too.<</speech>> Allison took the page from him. The college district wasn't evidence of anything yet, but it was the first geographic overlap Ryan had given them. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Campus Return]] <> <<addryanevidence "Burner Tower Cluster" "The prepaid number Ryan called stayed active longer than expected. Its last outgoing connection on the night of Ryan's death placed it somewhere in the college corridor.">> <<addryanevidence "College Corridor Overlap" "Ryan's personal phone also pinged the same general college-corridor area twice in the week before his death, creating the first geographic overlap in the case.">> <<addryancasenote "The unidentified burner contact and Ryan's regular phone both point toward the college corridor. The university district and its surrounding apartments/businesses now need to be treated as a priority area in the Ryan Kane investigation.">> <<setryancap 75>> <<addryanprogress 6>> <<setryanlead "IDENTIFY RYAN'S COLLEGE CORRIDOR CONNECTION" "The burner contact and Ryan's own movements both converge on the college corridor. Keep building the case and determine who or what tied Ryan to that area.">> <>

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> <<jasonfreetimehub>> <<if $seenfreetimetutorial = false>> <<set _JasonFreeTime = `Jason's life doesn't stop just because the main story does. During Free Time, you can choose how Jason spends his available time. Meet friends, strengthen Social Links, study, work on personal stats, or handle other everyday activities around campus and the city. Some people and activities are only available at certain times, and spending time may advance the current time slot. Story events will resume when Jason reaches the required time or when a major event interrupts his day.`>> <<tutorial "JASON'S FREE TIME" _JasonFreeTime>> <<set $seenfreetimetutorial = true>> <</if>>

Jason spent the next hour at the gym, keeping his headphones on and his attention on the workout in front of him. By the time he finished, his arms hurt and his head was at least a little quieter. <<completejasonactivity "gym">> [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]]

Jason bought a ticket, found a seat near the back, and spent the next couple of hours letting somebody else's problems occupy his attention. It worked better than he expected. <<completejasonactivity "movie">> [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]]

Jason took the long path through the park and stayed where other people were around. The walk didn't solve anything, but it gave him enough room to think without staring at his phone every thirty seconds. <<completejasonactivity "park">> [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]]

Jason found an open table near the back of the library and pulled out his notes. Studying should have been simple, but every few minutes his attention drifted back toward his phone before he forced himself to focus again. <<completejasonactivity "library">> [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]]

The theatre classroom had mostly emptied out by the time Jason finished stuffing his notebook into his backpack. A couple of students were still talking near the door, but Professor Vega was already erasing notes from the board. <<speech "Vega">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped with one strap of his backpack over his shoulder. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Stay a minute.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the door as the last two students left. <<speech "Jason">>Did I do something?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You performed today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So yes.<</speech>> Vega put the eraser down. <<speech "Vega">>Come here.<</speech>> Jason reluctantly walked toward the front of the room. <<speech "Vega">>What did you think of the exercise?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which part?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>The part where you stood in front of everyone and tried very hard to disappear.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>I don't think that was in the instructions.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I improvised.<</speech>> She almost smiled. <<speech "Vega">>You understand scenes better than you perform them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like a polite way of saying I'm bad at this.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>If I thought you were bad, this conversation would be much shorter.<</speech>> Jason shifted his backpack higher on his shoulder. <<speech "Jason">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It shouldn't be.<</speech>> She walked around the desk and leaned against the front edge of it. <<speech "Vega">>You know what your problem is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I have several. You'll have to narrow it down.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You decide how embarrassed you're going to be before you do anything.<</speech>> Jason's expression changed. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Before you say a line, before you move, before you commit to anything, you're already watching yourself do it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think I do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You absolutely do.<</speech>> She pointed toward the center of the room. <<speech "Vega">>Stand there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because I'm proving a point.<</speech>> Jason sighed and moved to the center of the classroom. <<speech "Vega">>Say the line from earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which one?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You know which one.<</speech>> He did. <<speech "Jason">>"I would've stayed if you'd asked."<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>"I would've stayed if you'd asked."<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That is definitely the line.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>The words are correct. You're not.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to do differently?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Stop trying to sound like someone performing a line.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I am performing a line.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That's why it sounds bad.<</speech>> She stepped away from the desk. <<speech "Vega">>Pick someone.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Someone you actually wouldn't want to leave.<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Vega">>There. That.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You started thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked me a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I asked you to feel something. You immediately tried to solve it.<</speech>> Jason folded his arms. <<speech "Jason">>I'm starting to understand why people hate acting classes.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Good. You're finally participating.<</speech>> This time she did smile. <<speech "Vega">>Try it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And if it's still bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then I'll make you do it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Great system.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Very efficient.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the floor for a second, then back up. <<speech "Vega">>Don't look at me like I'm grading you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You are grading me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not right now.<</speech>> That helped more than he wanted it to. <<speech "Jason">>"I would've stayed if you'd asked."<</speech>> Vega didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Jason">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You want applause?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> Jason shook his head. <<speech "Vega">>You're not bad, Jason.<</speech>> He looked back at her. <<speech "Vega">>You're careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>For accounting? Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For theatre.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Terrible.<</speech>> Jason laughed despite himself. <<speech "Vega">>You spend too much time worrying about how you're coming across. That's going to keep killing every scene you're in unless you learn to shut that part of your brain off.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Practice.<</speech>> She went back to her desk and picked up a folder. <<speech "Vega">>Come by after class Wednesday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I'm giving you an assignment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is this an actual assignment or one of those theatre assignments where you tell me to stare at strangers in public?<</speech>> Vega looked at him over the folder. <<speech "Vega">>Interesting that you guessed that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Oh no.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Wednesday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do I have a choice?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Of course.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Vega">>You can come Wednesday, or continue being mediocre.<</speech>> Jason stared at her for a second. <<speech "Jason">>Wednesday.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Good.<</speech>> He started toward the door. <<speech "Vega">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked back. <<speech "Vega">>Stop thinking so much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll think about it.<</speech>> Vega closed her eyes for a second. <<speech "Vega">>Get out.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 1>>

Jason found Vega sitting on the edge of the stage after class with a clipboard balanced across one knee. Most of the room had cleared out already, leaving behind half-stacked chairs, a few abandoned scripts, and the faint smell of dust from the curtains. <<speech "Vega">>You came back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You made it sound like the alternative was academic failure.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mediocrity.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right. Much worse.<</speech>> She held out the clipboard. <<speech "Vega">>Take this.<</speech>> Jason took it and looked down at the blank sheet clipped to the front. <<speech "Jason">>This is paper.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Very good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm improving already.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Your assignment is to go somewhere busy and watch people.<</speech>> Jason looked up. <<speech "Jason">>You actually were going to make me stare at strangers.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Observe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds less creepy because you said it professionally.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Student center. Coffee shop. Park. Anywhere people naturally gather.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And then what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Write down what you notice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Anything that tells you something without anyone saying it directly.<</speech>> Jason looked back at the clipboard. <<speech "Jason">>That's vague.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It's supposed to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Posture. Eye contact. Distance. What people do with their hands when they're uncomfortable. Who talks over who. Who checks their phone when they're bored. Who leans in when someone they like starts speaking.<</speech>> Jason glanced at her. <<speech "Jason">>You really watch everybody like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's unsettling.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It's useful.<</speech>> She stood and adjusted the strap of her bag. <<speech "Vega">>Actors who only listen to words miss half the scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And this is supposed to help me stop thinking?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Vega">>This teaches you to think about someone other than yourself.<</speech>> That landed harder than he expected. <<speech "Jason">>You really know how to make assignments sound insulting.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It's a gift.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 2 Observation]]

Jason ended up in the student center twenty minutes later with the clipboard resting on his knee. For the first few minutes, he felt exactly as ridiculous as he'd expected. Then he started noticing things. A guy at one table kept angling his chair toward a girl who wasn't sitting with him. Two friends were having what looked like a normal conversation, except one of them hadn't looked up from her phone once. A couple near the windows weren't arguing, but the space between them said enough. Once Jason started looking for it, people were constantly telling each other things without opening their mouths. He filled half the page before realizing he had stopped worrying about whether anyone thought he looked strange. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 2 Return]]

Vega was still in the theatre when Jason came back. She was standing beside one of the prop tables sorting through a stack of scripts when he dropped the clipboard beside her. <<speech "Jason">>Done.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That quickly?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I watched people. Nobody died.<</speech>> She picked up the clipboard and read. <<speech "Vega">>You wrote that this man was interested in someone sitting across the room.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He kept looking at her.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>People look at each other.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He moved his chair twice so he could keep seeing her without turning his head.<</speech>> Vega looked up. <<speech "Vega">>Good.<</speech>> She continued down the page. <<speech "Vega">>And these two?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Couple.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>How do you know?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then why write it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They were sitting close enough to be together, but neither one of them was touching the other. She kept turning her cup in circles. He kept checking the door. Whatever was happening, neither of them wanted to be there.<</speech>> Vega stopped reading. <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Better than what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Low bar.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Still cleared it.<</speech>> She handed the clipboard back. <<speech "Vega">>What did you notice about yourself?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't part of the assignment.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It is now.<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>I stopped caring if people were looking at me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because I was looking at them.<</speech>> Vega smiled slightly. <<speech "Vega">>There you go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's the whole lesson?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>For today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could've just told me that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You wouldn't have believed me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jason tucked the clipboard under his arm. <<speech "Vega">>Keep doing it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Watching strangers?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Observing people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still sounds creepy.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then learn to be subtle.<</speech>> Jason started toward the door. <<speech "Vega">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked back. <<speech "Vega">>Next time you're in a scene, stop asking yourself how you look.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And do what instead?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Watch the other person.<</speech>> Jason nodded once. <<speech "Jason">>That actually sounds useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't sound so surprised.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 2>>

The theatre classroom looked different after everyone left. The overhead lights were off, only the stage lamps were on, and half the room had disappeared behind flats, prop furniture, and pieces of an unfinished set. <<speech "Vega">>Careful with that.<</speech>> Jason stopped halfway through moving a wooden chair. <<speech "Jason">>It's a chair.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It's a prop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It looks like a chair.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That's generally the goal.<</speech>> He carried it the rest of the way across the room and set it beside the stage. <<speech "Jason">>Why am I doing this again?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because you offered to help.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I said, 'Do you need anything?'<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And I answered honestly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was my first mistake.<</speech>> Marisol was kneeling beside a cardboard box filled with old scripts, sorting them into two piles. <<speech "Vega">>You complain a lot for someone who keeps showing up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I contain multitudes.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've been waiting to use that somewhere, haven't you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> She shook her head and handed him another stack. <<speech "Vega">>Put these on the back shelf.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes, ma'am.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't call me that.<</speech>> Jason glanced back at her. <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because it makes me feel eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Professor Vega, then.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You are technically allowed to say Marisol when we're not in class.<</speech>> Jason stopped walking. <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Try not to make it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You already did.<</speech>> He carried the scripts to the shelf. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 3 Backstage]]

They worked for another twenty minutes before Jason realized Marisol had stopped giving him instructions. She was sitting on the edge of the stage with her shoes off, rubbing one foot through her sock while reading through a marked-up script. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That looked convincing.<</speech>> She looked up at him. <<speech "Vega">>My feet hurt.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's less dramatic than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You spend six hours walking around a room correcting posture and see how glamorous you feel.<</speech>> Jason leaned against the stage. <<speech "Jason">>You always wanted to teach this?<</speech>> Marisol looked down at the script again. <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Really.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did you want to do?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Act.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Vega">>Professionally.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I acted professionally.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Sometimes.<</speech>> She closed the script. <<speech "Vega">>I did regional work. Touring productions. Commercials. A few things where my mother called everyone she knew and told them I was going to be famous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Were you?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Obviously.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Vega">>No. I was working. There's a difference.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why stop?<</speech>> Marisol looked out toward the empty rows of seats. <<speech "Vega">>I got tired of waiting for someone else to decide whether I was allowed to work that month.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you started teaching.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you miss it?<</speech>> She thought for a second. <<speech "Vega">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>What answer were you hoping for?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know. Something dramatic.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Wrong teacher.<</speech>> Jason looked around at the theatre. <<speech "Jason">>You literally teach drama.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And that's why I know when not to perform it.<</speech>> Jason went quiet for a moment. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 3 Honest]]

<<speech "Vega">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've been around me long enough to know that doesn't work.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>You're different when nobody else is here.<</speech>> Marisol raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Vega">>Different how?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Less... professor.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I'm still your professor.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Good.<</speech>> There was enough emphasis on the word that Jason immediately understood the boundary. <<speech "Jason">>I didn't mean it like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Marisol looked back at the script. <<speech "Vega">>You aren't exactly the same person in here either.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're less worried about being watched.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's nobody here.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jason considered that. <<speech "Jason">>So I'm improving?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You still think too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> Marisol smiled, then slid off the stage and put her shoes back on. <<speech "Vega">>Come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>We're done.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've been here almost an hour.<</speech>> Jason checked his phone and realized she was right. <<speech "Jason">>Didn't feel that long.<</speech>> Marisol looked at him for a second. <<speech "Vega">>That's usually a good sign.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 3>>

Jason expected Marisol to be in the theatre when he arrived. Instead, the stage was dark and a handwritten note had been taped to the classroom door. <<speech "Vega">>Office.<</speech>> Jason stared at the single word for a second before heading down the hall. <<speech "Jason">>Very welcoming.<</speech>> Marisol's office door was open. She was behind her desk with a stack of folders in front of her, glasses lower on her nose than Jason had ever seen them in class. <<speech "Jason">>You summoned me?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That makes it sound much more dramatic than it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You left a one-word note on a door.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And yet you found me.<</speech>> Jason stepped inside. <<speech "Jason">>What's up?<</speech>> Marisol closed the folder she had been reading. <<speech "Vega">>Before anything else, we're clearing something up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds promising.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Your remaining assessed work in my course is being reviewed by Professor Keller.<</speech>> Jason blinked. <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because I'm removing myself from grading you directly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did I do something wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I'm confused.<</speech>> Marisol stood and walked around the desk. <<speech "Vega">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Jason, I'm trying very hard to do this correctly.<</speech>> That changed his expression. <<speech "Jason">>Do what correctly?<</speech>> Marisol leaned back against the front edge of the desk. <<speech "Vega">>You really need everything said out loud, don't you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually helps.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Fine.<</speech>> She looked at him for a moment before continuing. <<speech "Vega">>The time you've been spending here hasn't felt entirely academic for a while.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Vega">>And before you panic, I'm not accusing you of anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was I panicking?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Internally? Almost certainly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Marisol folded her arms. <<speech "Vega">>You're an adult. I'm an adult. But I was responsible for evaluating your work, and that matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Professor Keller is responsible for it now.<</speech>> Jason finally understood where the conversation was going, which immediately made him wish he didn't. <<speech "Jason">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>The realization.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm processing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Try faster.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the hallway, then back at her. <<speech "Jason">>So why am I here?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because avoiding this conversation was becoming ridiculous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could've just said something.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>So could you.<</speech>> Jason opened his mouth, then closed it again. <<speech "Vega">>Exactly.<</speech>> Marisol stepped closer. <<speech "Vega">>I'm going to ask you something once, and I need an actual answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Do you want me to stop this here?<</speech>> Jason knew what she meant. There wasn't a joke available that wouldn't sound like hiding, and for once he decided not to look for one. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Marisol watched him carefully. <<speech "Vega">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> She nodded once, then reached back and closed the office door. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 4 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "VEGA_RANK4">>

For a few seconds afterward, neither of them said anything. Jason was still trying to process how quickly the entire relationship had changed, while Marisol looked considerably less rattled by it. <<speech "Jason">>So.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Excellent start.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm working with limited material here.<</speech>> Marisol straightened herself and leaned back against the desk. <<speech "Vega">>This doesn't change what happens in class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I figured.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Professor Vega in class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Marisol outside of class.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're learning.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Slowly.<</speech>> Jason picked up his backpack. <<speech "Vega">>And Jason?<</speech>> He looked back. <<speech "Vega">>Don't start acting strange around me tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> Marisol smiled. <<speech "Vega">>Go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>See you tomorrow, Professor Vega.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 4>>

Jason found Marisol alone in the theatre, sitting sideways in one of the front-row seats with a script folded open across her lap. She looked up when he came in, but didn't say anything immediately. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're getting better at noticing when people aren't saying what they mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I had a good teacher.<</speech>> Marisol closed the script. <<speech "Vega">>Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was that too much?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That depends. Were you trying to flatter me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then yes.<</speech>> Jason walked down the aisle toward her. <<speech "Jason">>You asked me to come by.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because you've developed a bad habit.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Only one?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Around me.<</speech>> Jason stopped beside the row. <<speech "Jason">>What am I doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Acting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're in a theatre.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't be cute.<</speech>> Jason sat two seats away from her. <<speech "Vega">>You're trying very hard to behave like nothing has changed between us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said things shouldn't change in class.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>In class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>This isn't class.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the empty stage. <<speech "Jason">>I just don't want to make it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then stop trying so hard not to make it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds backwards.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Most useful things do when you're overthinking them.<</speech>> Marisol shifted in her seat and turned more toward him. <<speech "Vega">>Do you regret what happened between us?<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then why are you acting like you need permission to speak to me now?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> Marisol stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Maybe a little.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>An honest answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 5 Exercise]]

Marisol stood, walked onto the stage, and tossed the script onto a nearby chair. <<speech "Vega">>Come up here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're doing an exercise?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Apparently you need one.<</speech>> Jason climbed onto the stage. <<speech "Jason">>What am I doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Lying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's vague.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Tell me something that isn't true and make me believe you.<</speech>> Jason thought for a second. <<speech "Jason">>I love this class.<</speech>> Marisol stared at him. <<speech "Vega">>Terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't even give me a chance.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You smiled before you finished the sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I'm happy about how much I love the class.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Again.<</speech>> Jason tried another. <<speech "Jason">>I don't think you're intimidating.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Your shoulders tightened.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're proving my point.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>My point, actually.<</speech>> Jason folded his arms. <<speech "Vega">>You're trying to perform dishonesty instead of believing it while you say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't that what lying is?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Bad lying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you teach this to everybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not like this.<</speech>> Jason noticed the answer. <<speech "Jason">>Why not?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because most of my students aren't currently pretending they don't know how to talk to me.<</speech>> Jason laughed under his breath. <<speech "Jason">>You really weren't going to let that go.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 5 Honest]]

<<speech "Vega">>Try something true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I thought the point was lying.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>The point is commitment.<</speech>> Jason thought about what to say. <<speech "Vega">>And there you go again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Trying to find the safest possible answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make conversations stressful.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Good. Use that.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Fine.<</speech>> Marisol waited. <<speech "Jason">>I like spending time with you.<</speech>> She didn't respond immediately. <<speech "Jason">>Was that convincing enough?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mostly because I don't think you were lying.<</speech>> Jason looked away. <<speech "Jason">>You said say something true.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And you finally followed directions.<</speech>> Marisol stepped a little closer. <<speech "Vega">>For the record, I like spending time with you too.<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>Was that part of the exercise?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> For a moment, neither of them said anything. The silence wasn't uncomfortable this time. <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>This.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 5 Mina]]

Marisol picked the script back up and flipped through several pages. <<speech "Vega">>Speaking of people who avoid taking things seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That transition sounds dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mina.<</speech>> Jason glanced at her. <<speech "Jason">>What about her?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>She's good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>At acting?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>When she stops pretending she doesn't care about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She'd probably hate hearing you say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Which is why I'm saying it to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems unfair.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>She'll survive.<</speech>> Marisol marked something in the script. <<speech "Vega">>You two work well together.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We do?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You haven't noticed?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> Marisol gave him a look. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Saying 'nothing' when it's obviously something.<</speech>> Marisol smiled. <<speech "Vega">>Look at that. The observation assignment worked.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 5>>

The theatre was almost completely dark when Jason came in, except for the work lights over the stage and one lamp glowing near the front row. Marisol was standing onstage with a roll of tape in one hand and a pencil tucked behind her ear. <<speech "Jason">>You said you needed help.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You always say that like I'm about to regret showing up.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You usually do complain.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That doesn't mean I regret it.<</speech>> Marisol looked at him for a second. <<speech "Vega">>Interesting distinction.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What are we doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Marking positions for tomorrow's rehearsal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Disappointed?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Suspicious.<</speech>> She tossed him the roll of tape. <<speech "Vega">>Stage left. Three feet from the chair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes, Professor.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>We're alone.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right. Marisol.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> Jason climbed onto the stage and crouched beside the chair. Marisol read measurements from a page while he marked each position, and for several minutes the only sounds in the room were ripping tape and their footsteps across the boards. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 6 Work]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why don't you make whoever's actually in the scene do this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because then I'd have six people asking me six different questions about where their feet go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And I only ask four.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've matured.<</speech>> Jason pressed another strip of tape against the floor. <<speech "Jason">>You know, I'm starting to think you only invite me here because I'm free labor.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I can think of other reasons.<</speech>> Jason looked up. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded deliberate.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Did it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know it did.<</speech>> Marisol folded the paper in half and set it down on the front-row seat. <<speech "Vega">>Then maybe all that observation practice is paying off.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You really get a lot of mileage out of that assignment.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because you keep proving it was necessary.<</speech>> Jason stood and brushed dust from his jeans. <<speech "Jason">>Anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>One more mark.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> Marisol stepped onto the stage and pointed near center. <<speech "Vega">>There.<</speech>> Jason crouched again, tore off another piece of tape, and pressed it into place. <<speech "Jason">>Done.<</speech>> When he stood, Marisol was much closer than she'd been a second earlier. <<speech "Jason">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>What was?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Vega">>Bad answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 6 Turn]]

Jason glanced toward the empty seats and then back at her. <<speech "Jason">>You know we're standing in the middle of your theatre.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I'm aware.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just checking.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're doing that thing again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Talking because you're nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not nervous.<</speech>> Marisol raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Less nervous than I used to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Progress.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>You going to turn this into another lesson?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not everything has to be a lesson.<</speech>> For once, Jason didn't have anything smart to say back. <<speech "Vega">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're learning.<</speech>> Marisol reached past him and switched off one of the work lights, leaving the stage dimmer than before. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "VEGA_RANK6">>

By the time Jason was dressed again, most of the stage lights were off. Marisol was sitting on the edge of the stage, looking out over the empty seats like the room hadn't just become considerably less professional. <<speech "Jason">>You seem very calm about this.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Should I be running around screaming?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No. That'd be worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then we're fine.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Jason">>You ever worry someone's going to walk in?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Constantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>There's a lock on the exterior door.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very reassuring.<</speech>> Marisol looked over at him. <<speech "Vega">>You're getting more comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Around you?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>In general.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know about that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I do.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the taped marks on the stage. <<speech "Jason">>You know, this started with you telling me I was bad at acting.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I never said you were bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You heavily implied it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I said you were careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Same difference.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not anymore.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Was that a compliment?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 6 Mina]]

Marisol reached for the folded rehearsal notes she had left on the seat. <<speech "Vega">>Speaking of people improving.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Please don't make this another lesson.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mina surprised me.<</speech>> Jason glanced over. <<speech "Jason">>With what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>She stayed after rehearsal and ran the same scene three more times without anybody asking her to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Mina?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She'll deny that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why are you telling me?<</speech>> Marisol looked at him over the paper. <<speech "Vega">>Because she listens to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>More than she listens to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's because you're scary.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And you're not?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not even slightly.<</speech>> Marisol smiled. <<speech "Vega">>Encourage her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Take herself seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She'll hate that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you still want me to do it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason shook his head. <<speech "Jason">>You really enjoy making my life harder.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You keep coming back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently I have terrible judgment.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I've noticed.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 6>>

Jason found Marisol standing alone onstage with two pages of a script in her hand. There were no set pieces out, no rehearsal marks on the floor, and nothing waiting for him to carry. <<speech "Jason">>This looks suspiciously organized.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You say that like organization is unusual for me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually when you ask me to come by, there's furniture involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not today.<</speech>> She held one of the pages out to him. <<speech "Jason">>What's this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>A scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I gathered that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then we're already ahead.<</speech>> Jason took the page and skimmed it. <<speech "Jason">>Two people arguing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Very observant.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've really stopped praising me lately.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You became harder to impress.<</speech>> Jason glanced over the dialogue again. <<speech "Jason">>Who am I?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not normally how scripts work.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Today it is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 7 Exercise]]

Marisol stepped downstage and faced him. <<speech "Vega">>The scene is simple. Your character wants something. Mine doesn't want to give it to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do I want?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Doesn't matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Feels like it matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not as much as whether I believe you want it.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the page. <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Put it down.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just gave it to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And now I'm taking it away.<</speech>> Jason set the paper on a chair beside the stage. <<speech "Jason">>So we're improvising.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're improvising.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems unfair.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Life is cruel.<</speech>> Marisol folded her arms. <<speech "Vega">>Convince me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Anything.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>You know this is exactly the kind of vague theatre nonsense I complained about when this started.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>And yet you're still here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep using that against me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because it keeps being true.<</speech>> Jason took a second, then stepped closer. <<speech "Jason">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Fine isn't conviction.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want conviction?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason looked directly at her. <<speech "Jason">>I think you enjoy pushing me around because you like seeing whether I'll push back.<</speech>> Marisol's expression changed slightly. <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think half these exercises stopped being about acting a while ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Keep going.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think you know exactly how far you can push me, and every time I get comfortable, you move the line again.<</speech>> Marisol watched him carefully. <<speech "Vega">>And how do you feel about that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You already know.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Say it anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I like it.<</speech>> For once, Jason didn't look away after saying it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 7 Turn]]

Marisol let the silence sit between them for a moment. <<speech "Vega">>Do you remember the first exercise I made you repeat?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You couldn't say one line without checking my face to see whether you were doing it right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was trying not to embarrass myself.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Now you tell me I'm manipulating you while standing three feet from my face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Growth.<</speech>> Marisol laughed quietly. <<speech "Vega">>Yes, actually.<</speech>> She moved closer until the distance between them was considerably smaller than three feet. <<speech "Vega">>You're finally learning that confidence isn't knowing what happens next.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is it then?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Being comfortable enough to find out.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Was that the lesson?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Part of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the other part?<</speech>> Marisol reached past him and shut off the brighter stage lights. <<speech "Vega">>You're still thinking too much.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "VEGA_RANK7">>

Jason sat on the edge of the stage afterward while Marisol gathered the abandoned script pages from the floor. Whatever lesson she'd originally intended had clearly gone off course somewhere along the way, although neither of them seemed particularly bothered by that. <<speech "Jason">>Do all your private acting lessons end like this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Most students are much less interesting.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Was that another compliment?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're getting soft.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> She set the pages on the chair beside him. <<speech "Vega">>You did well today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>At which part?<</speech>> Marisol gave him a look. <<speech "Jason">>Right. Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>The exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm listening.<</speech>> Her expression softened slightly. <<speech "Vega">>You don't apologize for taking up space anymore.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Jason">>I used to?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Constantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It was.<</speech>> Jason laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 7 Mina]]

Marisol picked up the second script and looked at the cover. <<speech "Vega">>There's something else.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That usually means trouble.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I want you and Mina together for an exercise.<</speech>> Jason looked over. <<speech "Jason">>What kind of exercise?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Scene work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why us?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because you have good chemistry.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because you keep proving it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does Mina know about this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's going to complain.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Almost certainly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you're looking forward to that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>A little.<</speech>> Marisol handed him the script. <<speech "Jason">>Romeo and Juliet?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Something wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing subtle about you, is there?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You needed subtlety once.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the title again. <<speech "Vega">>Now I think you'll survive without it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>When are we doing this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>When both of you are ready.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That sounds ominous.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 7>>

The theatre was already unlocked when Jason arrived. Only the stage lights were on, leaving the seats in darkness and the rest of the room quiet enough that he could hear someone turning pages before he even reached the front row. <<speech "Mina">>You're late.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the stage. Mina was sitting on the edge with a script in her lap. <<speech "Jason">>I'm two minutes early.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then she's late.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where is she?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No idea.<</speech>> Jason walked closer. <<speech "Jason">>She didn't tell you what this was about either?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>She texted me, "Theatre. Evening. Don't make plans."<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's basically what I got.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Very normal professor behavior.<</speech>> Jason climbed onto the stage and sat beside her. <<speech "Jason">>What's the script?<</speech>> Mina held it up. <<speech "Mina">>Guess.<</speech>> Jason read the title. <<speech "Jason">>Romeo and Juliet.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I hate her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You haven't even done anything yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know what she's doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Mina">>But whatever it is, I'm against it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Wonderful attitude.<</speech>> Both of them turned. Marisol was coming down the aisle carrying a second script and a bottle of water. <<speech "Mina">>You did that on purpose.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Walked into my own theatre?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Waited until we started talking about you.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I didn't need to wait very long.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Setup]]

Marisol stepped onto the stage and handed Jason the second script. <<speech "Vega">>Balcony scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Excellent. Strong emotional choice already.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>So am I.<</speech>> Jason flipped through the pages. <<speech "Jason">>Why this scene?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Because the two of you have spent an impressive amount of time learning how to avoid sincerity.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I am extremely sincere.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You make a joke every time something makes you uncomfortable.<</speech>> Mina looked at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>I don't like her anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said you hated her thirty seconds ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Now it's official.<</speech>> Marisol ignored them. <<speech "Vega">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're Romeo.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mina, Juliet.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Can I be Romeo?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sexist.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Start at the marked section.<</speech>> Mina reluctantly got to her feet. <<speech "Jason">>Where am I supposed to stand?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're an actor now. Figure it out.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You wanted independence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't remember saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've been demonstrating it for several ranks.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Several what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Nothing.<</speech>> Mina stared between them. <<speech "Mina">>You two are weird.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 First Attempt]]

They took their places. Jason tried to commit to the scene, but Mina lasted approximately three lines before delivering one of Juliet's speeches with enough exaggerated tragedy to make him break character. <<speech "Vega">>Stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That was acting.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That was a hostage situation.<</speech>> Jason looked down, trying not to laugh. <<speech "Vega">>And don't encourage her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Your face did.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>His face agrees with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Again.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Marisol-<</speech>> Mina stopped. Jason noticed it too. Marisol raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Vega">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You hate when people do that to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Again.<</speech>> Mina sighed and returned to her mark. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Second Attempt]]

The second attempt went differently. Mina stopped performing for the empty room and started looking directly at Jason. Jason stopped worrying about whether he sounded ridiculous and responded to her instead of the page. Somewhere between the first exchange and the next, the exercise stopped feeling like an assignment. <<speech "Vega">>Closer.<</speech>> Jason glanced toward her. <<speech "Vega">>Not to me. To each other.<</speech>> Mina gave her a look. <<speech "Mina">>Subtle.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You've never responded to subtlety.<</speech>> Jason stepped nearer. Mina stayed where she was. <<speech "Vega">>Continue.<</speech>> They did. Jason barely looked at the script now. Mina wasn't looking at hers at all. <<speech "Vega">>Stop.<</speech>> Neither moved immediately. <<speech "Mina">>What now?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>That was better.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You dragged us here for that?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Partly.<</speech>> Mina lowered the script. <<speech "Mina">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There what is?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The part she's not saying.<</speech>> Marisol smiled slightly. <<speech "Vega">>Observation suits you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't change the subject.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Reveal]]

Mina folded the script in half and looked directly at Marisol. <<speech "Mina">>You know about us.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Us?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know what you mean. I'm asking why we're saying it out loud now.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because she knows.<</speech>> Marisol didn't bother pretending otherwise. <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>How long?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Long enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You two are not nearly as discreet as you think you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I told you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You absolutely did not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I implied it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different.<</speech>> Marisol looked between them. <<speech "Vega">>You communicate remarkably well for two people who avoid saying anything directly.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Okay, but here's the better question.<</speech>> Marisol looked at her. <<speech "Mina">>Does Jason know about you?<</speech>> Jason went very still. <<speech "Jason">>Mina.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe don't-<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Oh my God.<</speech>> She looked at Jason, then Marisol, then back at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>You have got to be kidding me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Apparently he didn't tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No. He definitely did not tell me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't exactly know how to bring that up.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe somewhere after "How was your day?" and before literally anything else.<</speech>> Jason covered his face for a second. <<speech "Jason">>This is going great.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Tension]]

Mina started pacing across the stage, although she looked more surprised than angry. <<speech "Mina">>Wait.<</speech>> She stopped. <<speech "Mina">>You knew about me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And you're not mad.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And you still invited both of us here.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Yes.<</speech>> Mina stared at her. <<speech "Mina">>You planned this.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I planned an exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Bullshit.<</speech>> Marisol actually laughed. <<speech "Vega">>Mostly an exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not helping.<</speech>> Mina turned toward Jason. <<speech "Mina">>And you're just standing there like this is normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing about this is normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> For a second, nobody spoke. <<speech "Vega">>We don't have to do anything.<</speech>> The tone changed immediately. <<speech "Vega">>The exercise can end here. No jokes, no pressure, no consequences. We walk out and that's it.<</speech>> Mina looked at her, then at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>You actually mean that.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Of course I do.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Jason">>Same.<</speech>> Mina looked between them again. <<speech "Mina">>You two are making this way too reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Stop apologizing.<</speech>> Marisol glanced at Jason. <<speech "Vega">>See? I'm not the only one telling you that anymore.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Decision]]

Mina walked back toward the center of the stage and picked up the discarded Romeo and Juliet script. <<speech "Mina">>So this whole thing was you trying to get us comfortable with each other?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You were already comfortable with each other.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what was the point?<</speech>> Marisol stepped closer. <<speech "Vega">>Getting the two of you to stop pretending.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You really do turn everything into theatre.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Occupational hazard.<</speech>> Mina looked down at the script, then tossed it onto one of the chairs. <<speech "Mina">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I am officially done pretending I don't know what's going on.<</speech>> She looked at Marisol. <<speech "Mina">>You?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I haven't been pretending for quite some time.<</speech>> Mina looked at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>And you?<</speech>> Jason glanced between them. <<speech "Jason">>I feel like I'm being graded again.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Answer the question.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> The empty theatre suddenly felt considerably smaller than it had when he walked in. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "VEGA_RANK8">>

The three of them remained in the theatre for a while afterward, surrounded by discarded scripts and the dim stage lights. Mina was the first one to finally break the silence. <<speech "Mina">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Strong opening.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Shut up.<</speech>> Marisol laughed quietly. <<speech "Mina">>You don't get to laugh. This was your fault.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Was it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You made us do Romeo and Juliet.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I didn't write it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You knew exactly what you were doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Eventually.<</speech>> Jason looked out over the empty seats. <<speech "Jason">>This might be the weirdest theatre class I've ever taken.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>How many have you taken?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>One.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then technically that's true.<</speech>> Marisol shook her head. <<speech "Vega">>Both of you are impossible.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And yet you invited us.<</speech>> Marisol looked toward Jason. <<speech "Vega">>He improved.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's what we're calling this?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I'm talking about the acting.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sure you are.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Closure]]

Mina stood and collected her things from beside the stage. <<speech "Mina">>For the record, if either of you gets weird after this, I'm pretending it never happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Define weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Whatever you normally do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> Marisol picked up the Romeo and Juliet script and handed it to Mina. <<speech "Vega">>Keep it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You finally finished the exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That was not the exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Depends where you think it ended.<</speech>> Mina stared at her. <<speech "Mina">>I understand why he likes you now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't before?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Not remotely.<</speech>> Marisol turned off another row of stage lights. <<speech "Vega">>Go home, both of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Back to Professor Vega already?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Someone has to maintain standards.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Little late for that.<</speech>> Marisol pointed toward the exit. <<speech "Vega">>Out.<</speech>> Jason and Mina headed toward the aisle together. At the door, Jason looked back. Marisol was already gathering the scripts like this had been another completely ordinary evening in the theatre. <<speech "Jason">>Marisol.<</speech>> She looked up. <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Vega">>You're welcome.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Marisol Vega - Rank 8 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "theatreTeacher" 8>>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "rebecca">>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "rachel">>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "pizzaGirl">>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "theatreTeacher">>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "viceDean">>

<<jasonsexlinkhub "cheerleader">>

<<set _churchClub = setup.ensureJasonChurchClubState()>> <<if _churchClub.visits === 0>> Jason wasn't completely sure what he'd expected from something called the Faith & Fellowship Club, but the room looked less formal than the name made it sound. Folding chairs had been pulled into a loose circle, snacks were spread across a table near the wall, and most of the people inside looked like they had come directly from class rather than a church service. Two girls stood out almost immediately. Rebecca was quieter, listening more than she talked, while Rachel seemed more willing to fill the silence even when she wasn't completely sure what she wanted to say. Jason didn't know either of them yet, but by the end of the meeting he had at least learned their names. <<unlockjasonsexlink "rebecca">> <<unlockjasonsexlink "rachel">> <<tutorial "NEW SEX LINKS" "Jason has met Rebecca Hale and Rachel Mercer through the Faith & Fellowship Club. Their availability changes depending on the day and time. Attending the Faith & Fellowship Club also increases Nerve.">> <<else>> Jason returned to the Faith & Fellowship Club. The meeting was familiar enough now that he didn't feel like he needed to hover near the door, and spending another hour around people he normally wouldn't have approached on his own was getting easier. <</if>> <<completejasonchurchclub>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Free Time]]

Jason was halfway through packing his bag when somebody dropped into the seat beside him hard enough to make the desk shake. <<speech "Mina">>You always leave this fast?<</speech>> Jason looked over. Mina Park was leaning back in the chair like she had been there the whole time. <<speech "Jason">>I was planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You look like someone who'd wait until everybody else left first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds insulting.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It sounded like it.<</speech>> Mina shrugged. <<speech "Mina">>Maybe a little.<</speech>> Jason zipped his bag. <<speech "Jason">>Did you need something?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Nothing. You're just really committed to ending conversations.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>You started this one.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And I'm doing all the work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said you didn't need anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>People are allowed to talk without needing something.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>I've heard rumors.<</speech>> Mina laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 1 Hallway]]

They ended up leaving the theatre room together. Mina walked backward for the first few steps, still facing him while Jason adjusted the strap of his backpack. <<speech "Mina">>So how long have you been in this class?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Since the beginning of the semester.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're in my class.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why'd you ask?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I wanted to see if you knew.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Mina">>You don't talk to anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I talk to people.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You answer people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's talking.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Technically.<</speech>> Mina turned around before she walked into someone and fell into step beside him. <<speech "Jason">>You always interrogate people after class?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Only the suspicious ones.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did I do?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You look like you're thinking about five things at once all the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's just my face.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Unfortunate.<</speech>> Jason smiled despite himself. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 1 Pizza]]

They reached the front of the building, and Mina checked her phone. <<speech "Mina">>Shit.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I have work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you do?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Deliver pizza.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You made a face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't make a face.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It was subtle, but it was there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's wrong with delivering pizza?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Nothing. That's why you're not allowed to make the face.<</speech>> She shoved her phone into her pocket. <<speech "Jason">>Do you like it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It's driving around listening to bad radio while people act surprised that pizza costs money.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds fulfilling.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Deeply.<</speech>> Mina started toward the parking lot, then glanced back. <<speech "Mina">>You work?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Lucky.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know about that.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Trust me. You haven't lived until somebody opens the door, looks directly at the receipt, and asks if they have to tip you.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Mina">>There. You do know how.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Have a normal conversation.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 1 Acting]]

<<speech "Jason">>What about theatre?<</speech>> Mina slowed down. <<speech "Mina">>What about it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you actually like it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The class?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Acting.<</speech>> She made a face like the question was more serious than she wanted it to be. <<speech "Mina">>It's fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's convincing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I like it enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Enough for what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Enough to be here.<</speech>> Jason looked at her for a second. <<speech "Mina">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The quiet thing where you look like you're analyzing me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe a little.<</speech>> Mina pointed at him. <<speech "Mina">>See? Suspicious.<</speech>> She started walking again. <<speech "Mina">>Anyway, I have to go put on a shirt with a cartoon slice of pizza on it, so this has been fun.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make that sound very dignified.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It has a visor too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Even better.<</speech>> Mina smiled. <<speech "Mina">>Later, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> Jason watched her cross the parking lot before heading the other way. He still didn't know Mina very well, but at least now she felt like somebody instead of another face from class. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 1>>

Jason knew something was wrong the second Professor Vega started reading names off a sheet. <<speech "Vega">>Park. Jason.<</speech>> Mina looked across the room at him. <<speech "Mina">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good start.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You two are partners.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Can I appeal?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I haven't even done anything yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Exactly. Suspicious.<</speech>> Vega handed them each a few stapled pages. <<speech "Vega">>You'll rehearse this scene together and perform it at the end of the session.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>How much effort are we talking?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Enough that I don't regret pairing you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's subjective.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Back of the room.<</speech>> Mina looked at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>Come on, partner.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 2 Rehearsal]]

They claimed a corner near the back wall. Mina flipped through the pages once, then held them up between two fingers. <<speech "Mina">>This is terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You read three lines.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know quality when I see it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's it about?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Two people arguing because neither of them knows how to say what they mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds realistic.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's why it's annoying.<</speech>> Jason looked at his page. <<speech "Jason">>You want to start?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Not particularly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We have to do it eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You really know how to motivate people.<</speech>> Mina stepped into position anyway. <<speech "Mina">>Fine. Start from the top.<</speech>> Jason read his first line. Mina answered immediately, but she exaggerated everything so much that he had to stop. <<speech "Jason">>What are you doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Acting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Rude.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound like you're making fun of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe the scene deserves it.<</speech>> Jason lowered the script. <<speech "Jason">>You're going to get us both yelled at.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can we do one real attempt first?<</speech>> Mina looked at him for a second. <<speech "Mina">>One.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 2 Real Attempt]]

They started again. This time Mina dropped the joke almost immediately. Her posture changed, her voice settled, and when Jason reached the next line, she was actually looking at him instead of the page. <<speech "Jason">>You could have told me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Would it have changed anything?<</speech>> Jason nearly missed his next line. <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then that's why I didn't.<</speech>> They kept going. Mina barely looked down now. Jason had expected her to break character or throw in another joke, but she stayed with the scene until they reached the end. There was a short silence. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're good.<</speech>> Mina's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Mina">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Make it serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I said you were good.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a weird thing to be upset about.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I'm not upset.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You look upset.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Your face is suspicious again.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>You really don't like compliments.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I like useful ones.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine. Your timing's good.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You stopped trying to make the scene stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you're way better when you actually care.<</speech>> Mina stared at him. <<speech "Mina">>Terrible.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 2 Vega]]

<<speech "Vega">>Park. Jason.<</speech>> They both looked toward the front. <<speech "Vega">>Your turn.<</speech>> Mina took a breath. <<speech "Mina">>If this goes badly, I'm blaming you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why me?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You made me try.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's apparently a crime now.<</speech>> They took their places. The first few lines felt stiff, but once Mina settled into the scene Jason found it easier to respond to her instead of worrying about everyone watching. When they finished, Vega didn't say anything for a moment. <<speech "Vega">>Better than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Wow. Glowing review.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Mina.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Stop throwing scenes away before they have a chance to work.<</speech>> Mina's smile faded slightly. <<speech "Vega">>And Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Stop watching yourself.<</speech>> Jason glanced at Mina. <<speech "Mina">>That sounds like a personal problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Interesting coming from you.<</speech>> Mina looked away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 2 After]]

Class emptied out a little later. Jason was putting his script away when Mina appeared beside him again. <<speech "Mina">>You weren't terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You did make it easier, though.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded dangerously close to a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Mina adjusted the strap of her bag. <<speech "Mina">>If she pairs us again, don't make a big thing out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why would I?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because you think too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've known me for like five conversations.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And I'm already right.<</speech>> Jason couldn't really argue with that. <<speech "Mina">>Later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> She headed toward the door, and Jason caught himself thinking that Vega had been right about one thing: Mina was much better when she stopped trying to convince everyone she didn't care. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 2>>

Jason was halfway across the parking lot when he heard someone call his name from behind him. <<speech "Mina">>Jason.<</speech>> He turned and found Mina standing beside a small hatchback with a stack of insulated pizza bags balanced against one hip. <<speech "Jason">>You weren't exaggerating.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The uniform.<</speech>> Mina looked down at the company shirt. <<speech "Mina">>You have ten seconds to make fun of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying to decide where to start.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Nine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The visor's strong.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Eight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very authoritative.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Seven.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Makes me trust you with food immediately.<</speech>> Mina opened the passenger door and shoved the bags inside. <<speech "Mina">>Time's up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was generous.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> She closed the door and checked her phone. <<speech "Jason">>Long shift?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Long enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You heading back?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>One more delivery.<</speech>> She glanced at him. <<speech "Mina">>You busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Wrong answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the right one?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good. Get in.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 3 Drive]]

Jason climbed into the passenger seat while Mina pulled out of the lot. The car smelled faintly like pizza, air freshener, and whatever drink had spilled into the cup holder at some point and never fully gone away. <<speech "Jason">>This is glamorous.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Try not to get overwhelmed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can see why you chose this career.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The benefits are incredible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Free pizza?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Until you've eaten enough of it that the smell makes you angry.<</speech>> Jason looked at the bags in the back. <<speech "Jason">>You always work this late?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Not always. Depends on the schedule.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And class?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I survive.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not really an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It's the only one you're getting.<</speech>> Mina turned onto another street. <<speech "Jason">>You like theatre more.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Than delivering pizza?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>High bar.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still.<</speech>> Mina kept her eyes on the road. <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's more honest than last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 3 Delivery]]

Mina pulled up outside a small house and killed the engine. <<speech "Mina">>Stay here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't planning to follow you to the door.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> She grabbed a pizza bag and stepped out. Jason watched her head up the walkway, knock, wait, hand over the order, and come back looking annoyed. <<speech "Jason">>Bad tip?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No tip.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Correct.<</speech>> She got back in and tossed the empty bag behind her. <<speech "Jason">>You seem calm about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Internally I'm committing crimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Healthy.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Very.<</speech>> She started the car again but didn't pull away immediately. <<speech "Jason">>That was the last one?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So why am I still here?<</speech>> Mina looked over at him. <<speech "Mina">>I don't know. You can leave if you want.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're parked twenty minutes from campus.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then I guess you're trapped.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Mina">>I need food.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You literally have pizza.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I said food.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 3 Food]]

They ended up at a convenience store a few blocks away. Mina bought a drink and a bag of chips, then sat on the hood of her car while Jason leaned against the passenger side. <<speech "Jason">>This is dinner?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't judge me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You are quietly judging me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe a little.<</speech>> Mina opened the chips. <<speech "Mina">>You know what's annoying?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A lot of things.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was quick.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're easy to talk to when you aren't trying so hard not to talk.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That sounds familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't steal my material.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's your problem.<</speech>> She ate another chip. <<speech "Jason">>You ever think about doing theatre for real?<</speech>> Mina stopped for half a second. <<speech "Mina">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No, I don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like professionally.<</speech>> Mina looked down at the bag in her hands. <<speech "Mina">>That's not really a plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why not?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because wanting something doesn't make it practical.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different from not wanting it.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>You're doing the thing again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Making me answer questions I didn't ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to answer.<</speech>> She was quiet for a moment. <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe I've thought about it.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Mina">>Don't look so satisfied.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You are.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 3 End]]

Mina finished her drink and slid off the hood. <<speech "Mina">>Come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I'm taking you back before you start asking about my childhood.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You were getting there.<</speech>> They got back into the car. <<speech "Jason">>For what it's worth, I think you're good enough to try.<</speech>> Mina started the engine but didn't say anything right away. <<speech "Mina">>That's dangerously supportive.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't apologize.<</speech>> She pulled away from the curb. <<speech "Mina">>Just don't start telling people I have dreams or something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wouldn't dream of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Terrible.<</speech>> Jason smiled and looked out the window. Mina still treated acting like something she could walk away from whenever she wanted, but he was starting to think that was mostly because admitting otherwise would mean admitting she had something to lose. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 3>>

Mina opened the front door before Jason had finished knocking. <<speech "Mina">>You're early.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>By like three minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Still counts.<</speech>> She stepped aside and let him in. <<speech "Jason">>You invited me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>For rehearsal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Just establishing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because you looked way too happy when I gave you my address.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I did not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You absolutely did.<</speech>> Jason followed her farther into the house. It was smaller than he expected, lived-in without being messy, with shoes near the door, mail stacked on a table, and the television playing somewhere deeper inside. <<speech "Jason">>Anybody else here?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>People who don't need to know my business.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's why we're upstairs.<</speech>> She started toward the stairs. <<speech "Mina">>Come on.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Room]]

Mina's room looked considerably more organized than Jason expected. Clothes were piled over one chair, but everything else had a place: scripts on a shelf, delivery uniforms hanging behind the door, a small mirror surrounded by old ticket stubs and photos. <<speech "Jason">>Huh.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No. You don't get to walk into my room and say "huh."<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I thought it'd be messier.<</speech>> Mina stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded worse out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Much worse.<</speech>> She tossed a script at him. <<speech "Mina">>Sit down before you insult my furniture too.<</speech>> Jason sat on the edge of the bed and flipped through the pages. <<speech "Jason">>Where are we starting?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Page six.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The argument again?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Vega likes watching people suffer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm starting to notice.<</speech>> Mina sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders touched while she looked over his copy. <<speech "Mina">>You're on the wrong page.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said six.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's nine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Strong start.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Rehearsal]]

They made it through the scene twice. The first attempt fell apart because Mina kept changing lines to make Jason laugh. The second was better, although by the end neither of them was paying much attention to the pages anymore. <<speech "Mina">>You're doing it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Watching me instead of the script.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't Vega always telling us to do that?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Not like that.<</speech>> Jason lowered the pages. <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You know exactly what you're doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I really don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's somehow worse.<</speech>> Mina took the script from his hands and dropped it onto the floor. <<speech "Jason">>Very professional.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>We're off the clock.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>This isn't your job.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Exactly.<</speech>> She leaned closer, and Jason stopped trying to think of something clever to say. A door shut somewhere downstairs. <<speech "Mina">>Shit.<</speech>> She immediately pulled back. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Nothing. Just-<</speech>> Footsteps moved through the hallway outside the room. <<speech "Mina">>Okay. Change of location.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> Mina grabbed his wrist. <<speech "Mina">>Come on.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Bathroom]]

Mina pulled Jason into the bathroom across the hall and shut the door behind them. The lock clicked. <<speech "Jason">>This is subtle.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Would you rather explain why you're in my bedroom?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair point.<</speech>> The bathroom was barely big enough for both of them without standing close together. <<speech "Jason">>So what's the plan?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Wait five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Probably.<</speech>> Jason leaned against the sink. <<speech "Jason">>Very exciting.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You complain a lot for somebody hiding in my bathroom.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't choose the bathroom.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You came upstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For rehearsal.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's literally what you said.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And you believed me?<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>Wait.<</speech>> Mina smiled. <<speech "Mina">>There it is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MINA_RANK4">>

Mina stood in front of the mirror afterward, fixing herself like the last few minutes had been nothing more complicated than another rehearsal break. <<speech "Jason">>So.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You were about to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I've spent enough time around you.<</speech>> Jason adjusted his clothes. <<speech "Jason">>What was I going to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Something awkward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> Mina looked at him through the mirror. <<speech "Mina">>We're not making this weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to make it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah, but you agreed really fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would you like me to make it weird?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then we're doing great.<</speech>> Mina tried not to smile. <<speech "Mina">>You're annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've mentioned that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Exit]]

Mina listened at the bathroom door before unlocking it. <<speech "Mina">>Coast's clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say that like we robbed the place.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Keep your voice down.<</speech>> They slipped back into her room. <<speech "Jason">>Are we still rehearsing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We barely finished the scene.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I think we've accomplished enough.<</speech>> Jason picked his backpack up from the floor. <<speech "Jason">>So I'll see you around?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just checking.<</speech>> Mina opened her bedroom door for him. <<speech "Mina">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't start acting different around me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> He made it two steps into the hallway. <<speech "Mina">>And don't tell Vega.<</speech>> Jason looked back. <<speech "Jason">>Why would I tell Vega?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I don't know. You two have your weird little theatre talks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We do not have weird little theatre talks.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sure.<</speech>> She shut the door before he could answer. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 4>>

Jason found Mina sitting on the edge of the stage with one leg swinging over the side and a script open beside her. She looked up when he came in, then immediately looked back down. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Hey.<</speech>> Jason stopped a few feet away. <<speech "Jason">>You asked me to come by.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Mina looked over at him. <<speech "Mina">>Why are you standing all the way over there?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to make things weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Exactly. And now you're standing six feet away from me like I'm contagious.<</speech>> Jason walked over and sat beside her. <<speech "Jason">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Slightly.<</speech>> She picked up the script. <<speech "Mina">>We need to rehearse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's why you asked me here?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The thing where "nothing" means very obviously something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was just checking.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Checking what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Whether this was actually rehearsal.<</speech>> Mina stared at him for a second. <<speech "Mina">>You're already making it weird.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 5 Rehearsal]]

They started from the middle of the scene. Mina made it through the first page without joking once, which Jason found more distracting than if she'd been screwing around. <<speech "Jason">>Hold on.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're actually trying.<</speech>> Mina lowered the script. <<speech "Mina">>I'm always trying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No, you're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I don't think I do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually you make a joke the second something starts feeling serious.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>That's not true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You literally did it five minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That was different.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because we're not talking about that.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't say it like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Like you're disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not disappointed.<</speech>> Mina studied his face. <<speech "Mina">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Am I what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Disappointed.<</speech>> Mina looked back at the script. <<speech "Mina">>See? Weird.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 5 Push]]

Jason let the silence sit for a moment. <<speech "Jason">>Can I ask you something without you immediately making fun of me?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious.<</speech>> Mina sighed. <<speech "Mina">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why are you so worried about this turning into something?<</speech>> Her expression changed. <<speech "Mina">>I'm not worried.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep telling me not to make it weird before I even do anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because I know you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That isn't an answer.<</speech>> Mina set the script down beside her. <<speech "Mina">>Because people do this thing where one thing happens and suddenly everything has to mean something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What if it does mean something?<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And I'm saying it doesn't have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not the same as saying it doesn't.<</speech>> Mina went quiet. <<speech "Jason">>You know that, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're annoying when you're right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've been told.<</speech>> She picked up the script again. <<speech "Mina">>We're rehearsing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And we're not having a relationship talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And you're not allowed to look smug.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You were thinking about it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 5 Vega]]

They started again. This time Mina stayed focused all the way through the scene, and Jason found himself doing the same. Neither of them noticed Marisol standing near the aisle until the scene was already over. <<speech "Vega">>Better.<</speech>> Mina jumped slightly. <<speech "Mina">>How long have you been standing there?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Long enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's not creepy at all.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>It's my theatre.<</speech>> Marisol stepped closer. <<speech "Vega">>Again.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>We just finished.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What was wrong with it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Nothing.<</speech>> Mina narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Mina">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>You two finally stopped performing at each other.<</speech>> Jason looked at Mina. <<speech "Vega">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Immediately check her reaction.<</speech>> Mina looked away. <<speech "Vega">>And Mina.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Stop pretending you don't care when something works.<</speech>> Mina folded her arms. <<speech "Mina">>I care.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>Then act like it.<</speech>> Marisol walked away before Mina could answer. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 5 After]]

<<speech "Mina">>I hate when she does that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Says one annoying thing and then leaves.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's usually right.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>Don't encourage her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You were about to.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>And stop doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What now?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Looking pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not pleased with myself.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're pleased with me.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Mina looked at him for a moment, clearly expecting a joke that didn't come. <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Don't what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Make me regret telling you to come here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not trying to.<</speech>> Mina looked down at the script in her hands. <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> Jason picked up his bag. <<speech "Jason">>Same time next rehearsal?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's almost a yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't push it.<</speech>> He started toward the door. <<speech "Mina">>Jason.<</speech>> He turned. <<speech "Mina">>This isn't a thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She frowned. <<speech "Mina">>You agreeing with me is getting annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I genuinely don't know what you want me to say.<</speech>> Mina tried not to smile. <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 5>>

Mina let Jason in without asking why he was there, which he took as a good sign. <<speech "Mina">>Shoes off.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hello to you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You tracked dirt in last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I did not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I would've noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You barely notice where you're standing half the time.<</speech>> Jason kicked his shoes off near the door. <<speech "Jason">>Happy?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Immensely.<</speech>> She started upstairs. <<speech "Jason">>Are we actually rehearsing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You still came.<</speech>> Jason followed her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Room]]

Mina's room looked about the same as Jason remembered it, except there were more scripts scattered across the bed and one of her delivery shirts had been thrown over the back of the chair. <<speech "Jason">>You know, for somebody who keeps telling me not to make this a thing, you invite me over a lot.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>You counting?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sounds like counting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm making an observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Vega would be proud.<</speech>> Jason sat on the edge of the bed. <<speech "Jason">>You didn't answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> She picked up a script and handed it to him. <<speech "Mina">>Page twelve.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So we are rehearsing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>For now.<</speech>> Jason looked at her over the page. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded deliberate.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Did it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very.<</speech>> Mina smiled and sat beside him. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Rehearsal]]

They made it through less than half the scene before Mina dropped her script onto the bed. <<speech "Jason">>Giving up?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Taking a break.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We barely started.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then it's a very early break.<</speech>> Jason lowered his own pages. <<speech "Jason">>You're terrible at pretending this is about rehearsal.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I wasn't pretending very hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe I'm growing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Vega really would be proud.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't bring her into this.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You have a very annoying face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've mentioned that before.<</speech>> Mina moved closer. <<speech "Mina">>And you keep coming back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep inviting me.<</speech>> She paused. <<speech "Mina">>Fair.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Turn]]

There was less hesitation between them now. Mina didn't look away when Jason moved closer, and Jason didn't bother pretending he wasn't watching her. <<speech "Mina">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>See what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>This is easier when you stop thinking about everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound like Vega.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Take that back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can't.<</speech>> Mina pushed lightly against his shoulder. <<speech "Mina">>You're ruining the mood.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There was a mood?<</speech>> She stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Right. Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're hopeless.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>You still invited me.<</speech>> Mina leaned closer. <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> For once, she didn't follow it with a joke. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MINA_RANK6">>

Mina sat against the headboard afterward with the discarded script somewhere near the foot of the bed. Jason was beginning to suspect it had never stood much of a chance. <<speech "Jason">>Productive rehearsal.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Extremely.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We learned a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Mostly that you're easily distracted.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I feel like that was mutual.<</speech>> Mina shrugged. <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>"Maybe."<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It's a useful word.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You use it whenever you don't want to admit something.<</speech>> Mina looked over at him. <<speech "Mina">>And what am I not admitting now?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That you like having me here.<</speech>> She stared at him for a second. <<speech "Mina">>You're getting very confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Am I wrong?<</speech>> Mina looked away. <<speech "Mina">>Annoyingly, no.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Acting]]

Jason picked the script up from the bed and handed it back to her. <<speech "Jason">>You still want to finish this?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You really are taking this more seriously.<</speech>> Mina looked down at the pages. <<speech "Mina">>Don't start.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not making fun of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's worse sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Mina rubbed her thumb along the edge of the paper. <<speech "Mina">>Because if I actually try and I'm bad, then I'm just bad.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Mina">>There. Happy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're not bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've seen you when you actually try.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>You're good.<</speech>> She went quiet. <<speech "Mina">>You make this very difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Not caring.<</speech>> Jason smiled slightly. <<speech "Mina">>Don't look pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Liar.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 End]]

Mina put the script on her desk and walked Jason toward the bedroom door. <<speech "Jason">>Kicking me out?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Eventually you have to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Harsh.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You'll recover.<</speech>> Jason stepped into the hallway. <<speech "Mina">>Jason.<</speech>> He turned. <<speech "Mina">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> She hesitated. <<speech "Mina">>You know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I really don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then don't worry about it.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>And don't make that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Go home.<</speech>> She shut the door, but Jason could hear her laughing on the other side. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 6>>

Jason opened the front door expecting pizza and got Mina instead. <<speech "Mina">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You really do live here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You have my address.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I have an address. I didn't know it was yours.<</speech>> She held the pizza box up between them. <<speech "Mina">>This is weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say that a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because weird things keep happening.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could just give me the pizza.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I could.<</speech>> She didn't. <<speech "Jason">>Mina.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Whether this counts as fate or bad scheduling.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably bad scheduling.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Boring answer.<</speech>> Jason took the box from her. <<speech "Jason">>Are you still working?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Technically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I have a gap.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How long?<</speech>> Mina checked her phone. <<speech "Mina">>Long enough.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Inside]]

Mina stepped inside before Jason could ask whether she actually meant to. He shut the door behind her while she looked around. <<speech "Mina">>So this is your house.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You already established that.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I'm judging it now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Anything good?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Still deciding.<</speech>> Jason carried the pizza toward the kitchen. <<speech "Mina">>Anybody else here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not right now.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was definitely something.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You learned too much from Vega.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You noticed too.<</speech>> Mina followed him into the kitchen. <<speech "Mina">>You actually ordered from my place.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was hungry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't know you'd be delivering it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's what someone who planned this would say.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You think I somehow rigged the delivery rotation?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I don't know what you're capable of.<</speech>> Jason opened the box. <<speech "Jason">>You want some?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still hate pizza?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I don't hate pizza. I hate smelling like it.<</speech>> Jason looked at her uniform. <<speech "Jason">>You do kind of smell like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Careful.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Talk]]

Mina leaned against the counter while Jason ate, checking her phone every so often but making no move toward the door. <<speech "Jason">>You know you don't have to stay.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just checking.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're doing that thing again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Giving me an exit like I'm going to panic if I don't have one.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't trying to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> She looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Mina">>That's why it's annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're impossible.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And yet.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>And yet what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You keep answering when I text you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep texting me.<</speech>> Mina went quiet for half a second. <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> Jason noticed she didn't make a joke after it. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Ruin what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Shift]]

Mina checked her phone again. <<speech "Mina">>My next order isn't up yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How much longer?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Long enough that I could probably disappear for a little while.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds responsible.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You didn't hire me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Technically I paid for the pizza.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That does not make you my boss.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>Good?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Why'd you say it like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Like you're trying to start something.<</speech>> Jason leaned back against the counter. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I am.<</speech>> Mina smiled slightly. <<speech "Mina">>Look at you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Confidence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You hate it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Haven't decided yet.<</speech>> She stepped closer. <<speech "Jason">>You seem like you're deciding pretty fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Shut up.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MINA_RANK7">>

Mina sat on the edge of Jason's bed afterward, still wearing enough of the delivery uniform to make the entire situation look significantly less believable than it already was. <<speech "Mina">>I cannot believe I'm still clocked in.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Technically.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't say technically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said it first.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That was different.<</speech>> Jason handed her one of her things from the floor. <<speech "Jason">>You're going back to work?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Strong employee.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I delivered your pizza.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Mission accomplished.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're doing the face again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The one where you think something means more than you're saying.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Does it?<</speech>> Mina went quiet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Honest]]

<<speech "Mina">>You really don't let anything go anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm asking a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's how it starts.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How what starts?<</speech>> Mina looked down at her uniform shirt and smoothed out one of the wrinkles. <<speech "Mina">>Making things complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe they're already complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That doesn't mean bad.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>You show up. I show up. We keep doing this.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Very poetic.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm serious.<</speech>> That took some of the joke out of her expression. <<speech "Jason">>I'm not asking you to call it anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But I'm also not going to pretend I don't like you.<</speech>> Mina stayed quiet for a moment. <<speech "Mina">>That's very inconvenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Because I like you too.<</speech>> Jason blinked. <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't do anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're about to look happy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would that be a problem?<</speech>> Mina tried not to smile. <<speech "Mina">>A little.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Acting]]

Mina's phone buzzed on the bed beside her. She checked it, then ignored it for the moment. <<speech "Jason">>Work?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You should probably go.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Probably.<</speech>> She still didn't move. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Vega mentioned auditions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>One of the department productions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You doing it?<</speech>> Mina immediately looked annoyed that he'd asked. <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought it up.<</speech>> Mina stared at him. <<speech "Mina">>You have become significantly more annoying since I met you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you're auditioning.<</speech>> She picked up her phone. <<speech "Mina">>I am considering possibly thinking about auditioning.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Huge step.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Shut up.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 End]]

Mina finished getting ready and stood near Jason's bedroom door. <<speech "Mina">>I actually have to go now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I figured.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>If my manager calls, you have never seen me before.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Perfect.<</speech>> She stepped into the hallway, then stopped. <<speech "Mina">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>About what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which part?<</speech>> Mina gave him a look. <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>We're still not making it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>But... yeah.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>Stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not doing anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're doing enough.<</speech>> She headed downstairs before he could answer. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 7>>

Jason found Mina sitting alone near the back of the theatre with a folded sheet of paper in her hands. She noticed him coming but didn't say anything until he reached the row. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Define okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I didn't say it was bad.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Jason">>Then what happened?<</speech>> Mina held the paper out. <<speech "Mina">>I got it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Got what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The part.<</speech>> Jason looked at the paper, then back at her. <<speech "Jason">>You auditioned.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you got the part.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That is what the paper says.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm happy for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That's the face I'm talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're upset that I'm happy for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No.<</speech>> She looked back down at the paper. <<speech "Mina">>That's the problem.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 Honest]]

<<speech "Jason">>What problem?<</speech>> Mina leaned back in the seat. <<speech "Mina">>I actually cared.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About getting the part?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> She laughed once, but there wasn't much humor in it. <<speech "Mina">>Like, really cared.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's allowed.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>Don't turn into Vega right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You have the same expression.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What expression?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>The one where you already know what I'm going to say and you're waiting for me to say it anyway.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Mina">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can take your time.<</speech>> Mina folded the paper again. <<speech "Mina">>I think I kept treating theatre like it didn't matter because then if nothing happened, I could say I never really tried.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You didn't have to agree that fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>No, you're not.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>And then you kept showing up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For rehearsal?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>For me.<</speech>> That stopped him. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 Us]]

Mina looked down at the folded paper in her hands. <<speech "Mina">>You make it really hard to pretend I don't care about things.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're definitely not sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> Mina smiled slightly. <<speech "Jason">>Can I ask you something?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are we still pretending this isn't a thing?<</speech>> Mina stared at him. <<speech "Mina">>You waited until now to ask that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've asked before.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>And I avoided answering.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Repeatedly.<</speech>> She looked away for a second. <<speech "Mina">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>It's a thing.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>Do not look that pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying not to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Try harder.<</speech>> She nudged his shoulder with hers. <<speech "Jason">>What kind of thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Don't push it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Worth a shot.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 Walk]]

They left the theatre together a little later. Mina still had the casting sheet folded in one hand, although she'd checked it enough times that Jason doubted she needed to read it again. <<speech "Jason">>You know it's not going to disappear.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think printed paper is pretty stable.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What if they made a mistake?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're trying to talk yourself out of being happy about it.<</speech>> Mina frowned. <<speech "Mina">>I hate that you know me now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Terrible mistake on my part.<</speech>> Jason looked at the paper in her hand. <<speech "Jason">>You earned it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Mina.<</speech>> She sighed. <<speech "Mina">>Fine. I earned it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There you go.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>That felt awful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You'll survive.<</speech>> Mina looked over at him. <<speech "Mina">>You busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not anymore.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 House]]

By the time they reached Mina's house, the casting sheet had disappeared into her bag and she seemed noticeably lighter than she had in the theatre. <<speech "Mina">>You want something to drink?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> She disappeared into the kitchen and came back with two bottles, handing one to him before dropping onto the couch. <<speech "Mina">>You know what's annoying?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You ask me that a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I was actually nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About the audition?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Stop being reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Mina looked at him. <<speech "Mina">>And when I got the part, the first person I wanted to tell was you.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Mina">>Don't make a face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying really hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You look unbearable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably fair.<</speech>> She moved closer. <<speech "Mina">>You know this doesn't mean you get to be smug forever.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How long do I get?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then stop talking.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MINA_RANK8">>

Mina reached toward the floor for her phone and checked the screen. <<speech "Mina">>Speaking of people who make my life difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Vega?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>How did you know?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Lucky guess.<</speech>> Mina read the message. <<speech "Mina">>She wants me in the theatre again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For rehearsal?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>She says she has a scene she wants me to work on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What scene?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Doesn't say.<</speech>> Mina frowned at the phone. <<speech "Mina">>Actually, she says you're supposed to be there too.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Me?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not ominous at all.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I already regret this.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Mina">>Stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not doing anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>You're thinking loudly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Mina Park - Rank 8 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "pizzaGirl" 8>>

Jason was cutting across campus when a cheer practice spilled out onto the grass beside the athletic building. Most of the group stayed clustered together, talking over each other while they gathered bags and water bottles, but one girl broke away from them and headed straight toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Hey.<</speech>> Jason slowed down. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You’re Jason, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> She waited. <<speech "Jason">>...What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That looked like something.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You seriously don’t know who I am?<</speech>> Jason looked at her more carefully. <<speech "Jason">>I’ve seen you around.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That might be the least impressive answer you could’ve given.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was there a correct one?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Usually people at least pretend.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretend what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That they know me.<</speech>> Jason glanced toward the rest of the cheer squad. <<speech "Jason">>You’re on the cheer team.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Strong recovery.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy, right?<</speech>> That got a smile out of her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay. Better.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 1 Walk]]

Cassidy fell into step beside him without asking where he was going. <<speech "Jason">>Did you need something?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just walked over here to test whether I knew your name?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Basically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You looked familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>From where?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Around campus. Theatre building sometimes. Student center. You’re usually with that blonde girl.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Leah?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don’t know her name?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Now you’re making fun of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Most guys get weird around me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Too nice. Too interested. Suddenly everything I say is hilarious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds exhausting.<</speech>> Cassidy glanced at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 1 Reputation]]

They crossed the quad together. A couple of people waved at Cassidy as they passed, and she answered automatically without breaking the conversation. <<speech "Jason">>You know a lot of people.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>A lot of people know me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Difference?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Huge difference.<</speech>> Jason looked over. <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don’t do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Look like you’re figuring something out.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn’t.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe a little.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>You’re weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You walked up to a stranger and got offended that he didn’t recognize you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I wasn’t offended.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I was surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> She bumped his arm with hers. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don’t get comfortable.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 1 Bench]]

Cassidy stopped near a bench outside the student center and sat down, stretching one leg out in front of her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Practice killed me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You looked fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That’s because I’m talented.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There’s the confidence.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You say that like it’s a bad thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn’t.<</speech>> Jason sat at the other end of the bench. <<speech "Cassidy">>So what do you do?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah. You know. Thing you’re known for.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don’t think I have one.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Everybody has one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What’s yours?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him like the answer was obvious. <<speech "Jason">>Besides cheerleading.<</speech>> That made her pause. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay. Annoying question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked first.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah, but I wasn’t expecting homework.<</speech>> She leaned back against the bench. <<speech "Cassidy">>I don’t know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don’t sound so shocked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seemed pretty sure everybody has one.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Everybody else does.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 1 End]]

Cassidy checked her phone and stood up. <<speech "Cassidy">>I have to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That’s it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I don’t know. “It was nice meeting you, Cassidy.” Something normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It was nice meeting you, Cassidy.<</speech>> She stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>You literally asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You’re terrible at this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>At what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I’ll figure that out later.<</speech>> She started walking backward. <<speech "Cassidy">>See you around, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know who I am now?<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don’t push it.<</speech>> She turned and disappeared back into the crowd. Jason watched her go, mostly because he still wasn’t sure why she had decided to talk to him in the first place. Cassidy seemed used to people knowing exactly who she was before she opened her mouth. Jason got the feeling that being treated like a stranger had interested her more than she wanted to admit. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 1>>

Jason was cutting past the athletic building when Cassidy spotted him from across the walkway and pointed like she'd been waiting for an excuse. <<speech "Cassidy">>You.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Come here.<</speech>> Jason looked behind himself. <<speech "Cassidy">>There is nobody behind you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just checking.<</speech>> He walked over. Cassidy was sitting on a low concrete wall outside the gym with two other girls from the cheer team, both of whom immediately looked him over. <<speech "Cassidy">>This is Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Cheerleader">>The guy who didn't know who you were?<</speech>> Jason looked at Cassidy. <<speech "Jason">>You told people that?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It was funny.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Mostly.<</speech>> One of the girls laughed. <<speech "Cheerleader">>She talked about it for like ten minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay, we're done with that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 Practice]]

The other girls eventually headed inside, but Cassidy stayed where she was, scrolling through her phone. <<speech "Jason">>So why'd you call me over?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I was bored.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Glad I could help.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You can.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> Cassidy stood. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come watch practice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because I'm asking you to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not really a reason.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It is when I say it.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come on. You clearly don't have anything better to do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's rude.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Is it wrong?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 Sidelines]]

Jason ended up sitting near the edge of the gym while the cheer team ran through the same sequence several times. Cassidy was different once practice started. Louder. Sharper. Every movement looked deliberate, and whenever somebody missed a count, she noticed immediately. <<speech "Cassidy">>Again.<</speech>> The group reset. <<speech "Cheerleader">>We just did it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And it looked bad. Again.<</speech>> Jason watched them restart. Cassidy smiled when she needed to smile, shouted when she needed to shout, and somehow managed to look like she had more energy than everybody else even when she was breathing just as hard. When they finally stopped, Cassidy grabbed her water bottle and walked toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Well?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Well what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>How was it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>"Good?"<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's all I get?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you want me to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I don't know. Something useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You looked tired.<</speech>> Cassidy blinked. <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 Honest]]

Cassidy sat beside him and took a long drink of water. <<speech "Cassidy">>Nobody says that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Says what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That I look tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You were running around for an hour.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not the point.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the point?<</speech>> She looked toward the rest of the team. <<speech "Cassidy">>People say I make it look easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then maybe that's why.<</speech>> Cassidy looked back at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're weirdly literal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've been told.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Most people would've just said I looked amazing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did look good.<</speech>> That got her attention. <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But you also looked tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And there he is.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>You really don't know how to flatter people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't trying to.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I know.<</speech>> She said it like that was somehow the part she liked. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 Walk]]

Practice ended a little later, and Cassidy walked with Jason toward the student center while the rest of the team scattered across campus. <<speech "Cassidy">>Do I really seem that different?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different from what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>From when I'm not practicing.<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're louder.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's cheerleading.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not just literally.<</speech>> Cassidy glanced at him. <<speech "Jason">>You pay attention to everybody. You keep checking where everyone is. Whether they're keeping up. Whether they're watching you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's called being good at it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say it was bad.<</speech>> She went quiet for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>You notice too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You noticed me first.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That was different.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I haven't decided yet.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 End]]

They stopped outside the student center. Cassidy checked her phone, then looked back at Jason instead of immediately leaving. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're coming again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To practice?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded less like a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It wasn't one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What if I'm busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Then don't be.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? That's better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You looked like you were going to argue for a second.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I was.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> She started backing away. <<speech "Cassidy">>Later, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> Cassidy turned and headed into the building. Jason was starting to understand why so many people knew her name. She was good at making herself difficult to ignore. What he wasn't sure about yet was how much of that was Cassidy and how much of it was something she'd learned to switch on whenever people were watching. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 2>>

Jason was sitting outside the student center when Cassidy dropped into the seat across from him without warning. <<speech "Cassidy">>You look busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was eating.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you want?<</speech>> Cassidy leaned back in the chair. <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep showing up and saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I enjoy your company.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>The one where you're trying to decide if I'm joking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> Jason went back to his food. <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing. Usually that works better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What works better?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 Attention]]

Cassidy watched him for a moment while he finished eating. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're really not a fan, are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Me.<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>That's not what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't care that I'm on the cheer team.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Should I?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>See? That.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm confused.<</speech>> Cassidy leaned forward. <<speech "Cassidy">>People usually have an opinion before they talk to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good one or bad one?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Both.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's convenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Guys think I'm hot. Girls think I'm either fun or annoying. People who know the team think they know everything about me because they saw me at a game once.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you think I don't?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You barely knew my name.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know it now.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Congratulations.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>For what it's worth, I don't dislike you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Amazing. I'll put that on my résumé.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 Image]]

A group of students passed nearby, and one of them called Cassidy's name. She smiled, waved, and answered without missing a beat. The expression disappeared almost as soon as they were gone. <<speech "Jason">>You do that fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Switch.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Switch what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That whole thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're going to have to be more specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The smile. The voice. You looked exhausted five seconds ago and then suddenly you were completely fine.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him long enough that Jason wondered if he'd gone too far. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're kind of creepy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No, I mean... you're right.<</speech>> She looked toward the crowd. <<speech "Cassidy">>It's easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Giving people what they expect.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because then they stop asking questions.<</speech>> Jason considered that. <<speech "Jason">>You seem pretty comfortable asking me questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's because you're not important.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>That came out wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 Quiet]]

Cassidy laughed and covered her face for a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>I mean you're not part of any of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That somehow sounds worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're not on the team. You're not one of the people I have to impress. You're not trying to get invited somewhere because you know me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So I'm irrelevant.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm kidding.<</speech>> She relaxed again. <<speech "Cassidy">>I can just sit here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a low standard.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You'd be surprised.<</speech>> For a little while neither of them said anything. Cassidy checked her phone once, ignored whatever was on it, then put it face-down on the table. <<speech "Jason">>You don't have somewhere to be?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's responsible.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I contain multitudes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You stole that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>From who?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Never mind.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 Flirt]]

<<speech "Cassidy">>You know what else is weird about you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's more?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't flirt with me.<</speech>> Jason nearly laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Was I supposed to?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what's the problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>There isn't one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought it up.<</speech>> Cassidy leaned forward again. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I'm curious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About whether I can flirt?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Can you?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Probably badly.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>At least you're self-aware.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You looked disappointed.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled slowly. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe you're learning.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 End]]

Cassidy eventually stood and picked up her bag. <<speech "Cassidy">>I actually do have somewhere to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thought so.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't sound proud of yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wouldn't dream of it.<</speech>> She took a few steps, then turned back. <<speech "Cassidy">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You can flirt with me if you want.<</speech>> Jason blinked. <<speech "Cassidy">>Just so we're clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks for the permission.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're welcome.<</speech>> She started walking away. <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy.<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Jason">>You look good when you're not trying so hard.<</speech>> For once, Cassidy didn't have an answer ready. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay.<</speech>> She smiled, smaller and less polished than the one Jason usually saw from across campus. <<speech "Cassidy">>That wasn't terrible.<</speech>> She walked away before he could answer. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 3>>

Jason found Cassidy outside the athletic building with her gym bag at her feet and her phone held inches from her face. She glanced up when he approached, finished whatever she was typing, then locked the screen. <<speech "Cassidy">>There you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You texted me.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And you came.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's usually how that works.<</speech>> Cassidy picked up her bag. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Do you always need a full itinerary?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>When you say things like "come inside" without explaining anything, kind of.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You'll survive.<</speech>> She pulled the door open and waited for him. <<speech "Jason">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I try.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 Gym]]

The building was quieter than usual. Cassidy led Jason past the main gym and into a smaller practice room with mirrors running along one wall, then dropped her bag onto a bench. <<speech "Jason">>Are you making me watch practice again?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Cassidy looked offended. <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked for honesty.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I don't remember doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You like it when I'm honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes.<</speech>> She opened her bag and started sorting through it. <<speech "Jason">>So why am I here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I needed a break.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>From what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>People.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm people.<</speech>> Cassidy looked over her shoulder. <<speech "Cassidy">>Barely.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> Jason leaned against the mirrored wall. <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to do the whole Cassidy Monroe thing around me.<</speech>> She stopped digging through the bag. <<speech "Cassidy">>The whole what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No. Explain it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 Image]]

<<speech "Jason">>The version everybody else gets.<</speech>> Cassidy turned toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>And what version do you get?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently the one that calls me barely a person.<</speech>> She laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're welcome.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>See what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're different when nobody's watching.<</speech>> Cassidy leaned back against the bench. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I just don't care what you think.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Could be.<</speech>> That answer seemed to bother her more than if he'd argued. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know, you're supposed to push back there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because I insulted you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've been doing that since we met.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And you still haven't figured out how this works.<</speech>> She stepped closer. <<speech "Jason">>How what works?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Flirting.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>This is you flirting?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>See? Terrible.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 Challenge]]

Cassidy stopped in front of him with her arms folded. <<speech "Cassidy">>I gave you permission last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Permission?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>To flirt with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't realize there was paperwork.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Do you think I'm attractive?<</speech>> The question came out so directly that it took him a second. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Cassidy waited. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked a yes-or-no question.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're impossible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would you rather I lied?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> She studied him for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what your problem is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We've covered several.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're too calm.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not calm.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why is that good?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because now I want to see what actually gets a reaction out of you.<</speech>> <img class="game-image" src="images/girls/cassidy/cassidyflash.jpg"> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 After]]

Cassidy straightened her clothes like nothing unusual had happened. Jason was still standing in roughly the same place, which seemed to amuse her considerably. <<speech "Cassidy">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>A reaction.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did that just to mess with me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not just to mess with you.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make me explain everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm processing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Slowly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You planned that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You absolutely planned that.<</speech>> Cassidy picked up her bag. <<speech "Cassidy">>You looked very confident five minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was doing fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sure you were.<</speech>> She walked toward the door, clearly pleased with herself. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 Walk]]

They left the practice room together. Cassidy was back to walking like nothing had happened, while Jason was trying very hard not to give her the satisfaction of looking rattled. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're thinking really loudly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not a thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It is with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What am I thinking?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Probably wondering whether I'm going to do it again.<</speech>> Jason looked over at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're enjoying this way too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know this changes things, right?<</speech>> Cassidy slowed down. <<speech "Cassidy">>Does it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You tell me.<</speech>> She looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I wanted it to.<</speech>> That was more direct than Jason expected. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>The one where you suddenly think we're having a serious conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Were we not?<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe for like three seconds.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 End]]

They stopped near the entrance to the building. <<speech "Cassidy">>I have to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Practice?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Try not to look tired.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That was almost good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Almost?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> She started backing toward the gym doors. <<speech "Cassidy">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Next time I ask if you think I'm attractive, try a little harder.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There'll be a next time?<</speech>> Cassidy grinned. <<speech "Cassidy">>See you around.<</speech>> She disappeared back inside before he could answer. Cassidy had spent weeks complaining that Jason never reacted to her the way other people did. Apparently she'd decided to take that as a challenge. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 4>>

Jason spotted Cassidy outside the student center before she saw him. She was standing with two girls from the cheer team, listening to one of them talk with the kind of smile that looked convincing from a distance. Then Cassidy noticed him. The smile changed immediately. <<speech "Cassidy">>Hey.<</speech>> One of the girls followed her line of sight. <<speech "Cheerleader">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Cheerleader">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You made a face.<</speech>> Jason slowed as he approached. <<speech "Jason">>Am I interrupting something?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Cheerleader">>Definitely not.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at her. <<speech "Cheerleader">>I'm leaving.<</speech>> The two girls headed off together, both trying and failing not to look back. <<speech "Jason">>What was that?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That looked like something.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I hate that you've started doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not letting me say nothing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Rumors]]

Cassidy started walking, and Jason fell into step beside her. <<speech "Jason">>So?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>So what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why were they looking at me like that?<</speech>> Cassidy sighed. <<speech "Cassidy">>People talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About us?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What are they saying?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Does it matter?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're obviously annoyed.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm annoyed because people are bored.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not really an answer.<</speech>> Cassidy stopped walking. <<speech "Cassidy">>They saw us leaving the athletic building together. Somebody else saw us talking outside the student center. Now apparently there has to be a whole thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There kind of is a thing.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You really picked now to say that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Bad timing?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Incredible timing.<</speech>> Jason smiled slightly. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Image]]

They ended up on a quieter path behind one of the academic buildings. Cassidy slowed once there were fewer people around. <<speech "Jason">>Are you embarrassed?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him sharply. <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That sounded like you don't believe me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm listening.<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm not embarrassed by you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to know.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So am I.<</speech>> Cassidy looked away for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>I just hate when people decide things about me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Who I'm dating. Who I slept with. Who I'm mad at. Who I stopped talking to. Why I missed something. Why I showed up somewhere. Everything has to become a story.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because people know you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>They know of me.<</speech>> Jason recognized the distinction from before. <<speech "Jason">>Huge difference.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You remembered.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes I listen.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Rarely.<</speech>> That got a small smile out of her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Monica]]

They had barely started walking again when someone called Cassidy's name from behind them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Ms. Monroe.<</speech>> Cassidy stopped immediately. <<speech "Cassidy">>Of course.<</speech>> Jason turned. Dr. Monica Graves was approaching from the administrative building with a folder tucked under one arm. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>A word.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Am I in trouble?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Should you be?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not a no.<</speech>> Monica's attention shifted briefly to Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dr. Graves.<</speech>> Cassidy looked between them. <<speech "Cassidy">>You two know each other?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>He's a student here, Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> Monica ignored that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I need the updated event roster from your team. It was supposed to be submitted already.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I sent it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You sent half of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That sounds like a technicality.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It isn't.<</speech>> Jason looked at Cassidy. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't look at me like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You didn't have to.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Monica Two]]

Monica handed Cassidy the folder. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fix it and send it back before the deadline.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yes, ma'am.<</speech>> Monica raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nothing.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know I hate when people do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then perhaps stop giving people reasons to.<</speech>> Jason tried not to laugh. <<speech "Cassidy">>You too?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't do anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Both of you are annoying.<</speech>> Monica looked between them for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Clearly.<</speech>> Then she continued down the path without another word. Cassidy waited until Monica was out of earshot. <<speech "Cassidy">>She does that on purpose.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Talks to me like I'm twelve.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did submit half a roster.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Whose side are you on?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Pressure]]

Cassidy tucked the folder under her arm and started walking again. <<speech "Jason">>You deal with her a lot?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Cheer stuff. Events. Student organizations. Anything where somebody has to make sure we aren't embarrassing the school.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you embarrass the school often?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Constantly.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>She's always watching.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Monica?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Everyone.<</speech>> She adjusted the folder against her side. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's the part you don't get.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What part?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You can disappear whenever you want.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>You can have a bad day and nobody cares. You can wear something ugly. Leave a party early. Sit by yourself. Screw something up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>People still care.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not the same way.<</speech>> Jason couldn't really argue with that. <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes I just want to do something without wondering who's going to hear about it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Jason]]

<<speech "Jason">>Is that why you keep finding me?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because nobody cares what I do?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That came out terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Again.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Because you're easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Somehow worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Would you let me finish?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Go ahead.<</speech>> She thought for a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>I don't have to wonder what you want from me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How do you know?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because you would've screwed it up and said it by now.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's your explanation?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It's a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm getting better at recognizing those.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Around you, I don't have to be interesting all the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You weren't doing a great job today anyway.<</speech>> Cassidy shoved his shoulder. <<speech "Cassidy">>Asshole.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 End]]

They reached the next building and stopped near the entrance. <<speech "Cassidy">>I have to fix this stupid roster.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Still not on my side.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I am. You're just wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not how sides work.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>And about the other thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The gossip?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> She looked toward the doors, then back at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm not going to stop hanging out with you because somebody noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't asking you to.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I know.<</speech>> She stepped a little closer. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's why I'm telling you.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Just okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm learning not to ruin things.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Slowly.<</speech>> She headed inside with Monica's folder still tucked under her arm. For someone who spent so much energy making sure people saw exactly what she wanted them to see, Cassidy seemed increasingly willing to let Jason see whatever was left when she stopped trying. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 5>>

Cassidy opened the door and immediately stepped aside. <<speech "Cassidy">>Before you say anything, nobody's here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't going to ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> Jason stepped inside. <<speech "Jason">>Where is everybody?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't the same question.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sure.<</speech>> Cassidy shut the door behind him and dropped her keys onto a table. <<speech "Jason">>You invited me over just to prove you have a house?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I wanted to hang out somewhere without fifteen people recognizing me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's almost sweet.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> She headed toward the living room. <<speech "Cassidy">>Sit down.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Bossy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And yet you're listening.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Couch]]

Jason sat on the couch while Cassidy disappeared into the kitchen and came back with two drinks. She handed one to him, then dropped onto the other end of the couch and pulled her legs underneath herself. <<speech "Jason">>This is weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're quiet.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>I meant that nicely.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Try again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem relaxed.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Better.<</speech>> She took a drink. <<speech "Cassidy">>I told you. No audience.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you really think about that all the time?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not consciously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You notice when people are looking at you enough times, eventually you stop needing to check.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the window. <<speech "Jason">>That sounds exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Here nobody cares.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I care.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>That came out more dramatic than I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>A little.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Comfortable]]

Cassidy moved closer on the couch. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what I mean, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't sit there waiting for me to be entertaining.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually you entertain yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's true.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>And you don't tell people everything I say.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Should I have been taking notes?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Cassidy studied him for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's probably why I trust you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't get greedy.<</speech>> She leaned back against the cushions. <<speech "Jason">>You know, every time you say something nice, you immediately try to take half of it back.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It's called balance.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's called being difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You like difficult.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? You're learning.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Turn]]

Cassidy shifted closer until there wasn't much room left between them. <<speech "Jason">>So was this actually the plan?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What plan?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Invite me over. Make me sit here. Tell me nobody's home.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're making it sound very suspicious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is it not?<</speech>> Cassidy took his drink from his hand and set it on the table. <<speech "Jason">>That feels like evidence.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You talk too much when you're nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sure.<</speech>> She smiled and moved in front of him. <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Relax.<</speech>> For once, there was no crowd, no teammates, no gossip, and nobody else for Cassidy to perform for. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "CASSIDY_RANK6">>

Cassidy sat beside Jason again afterward, looking considerably more pleased with herself than he thought was necessary. <<speech "Jason">>You look proud.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of yourself?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Mostly of how quiet you finally got.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're never letting that go, are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> Jason leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Jason">>You really are different here.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>We're back to that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not in a bad way.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>How then?<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>You don't seem like you're waiting for somebody to react to you.<</speech>> Cassidy was quiet for a moment. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe because I already know how you're going to react.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's worrying.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It's convenient.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Trust]]

Cassidy rested her head against the back of the couch. <<speech "Cassidy">>This is nice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which part?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make me explain it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying that whenever you're about to say something honest.<</speech>> Cassidy looked over. <<speech "Cassidy">>You've gotten annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've mentioned that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Fine.<</speech>> She turned toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>I like having somewhere I don't have to be on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your house?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Cassidy">>And now you're making it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You got quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I thought you liked that.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay. Fair.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Monica]]

Cassidy's phone buzzed on the table. She looked at the screen and immediately rolled her eyes. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Monica.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dr. Graves?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't have to call her that when she's not here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You call her Monica?<</speech>> Cassidy paused. <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Your face did.<</speech>> She checked the message. <<speech "Jason">>What's she want?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Another campus event. She wants the cheer team there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And that's bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It means she's going to spend three hours telling everybody where to stand while pretending she's not stressed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem to know her pretty well.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>She deals with the team a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Stop saying it like that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 End]]

Cassidy put her phone face-down again. <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm ignoring that for five more minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebellious.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You have no idea.<</speech>> She settled back beside him. <<speech "Jason">>So I get five more minutes?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe ten.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Generous.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> Jason smiled and stayed where he was. Cassidy spent so much of her life being watched that privacy had started to feel like something she guarded. Somehow, Jason had become one of the people she was willing to share it with. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 6>>

Jason found Cassidy near the edge of the campus event with one hand on her hip and the kind of smile that looked convincing enough from twenty feet away. <<speech "Cassidy">>There you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You look busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I am busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why did you text me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because I'm also bored.<</speech>> She was still in her cheer uniform, hair done, makeup intact, and somehow looked like she'd been standing in the same place for hours without ever being allowed to actually leave. <<speech "Jason">>How long have you been here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Too long.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I've smiled at approximately four hundred people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You counted?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Emotionally.<</speech>> Jason looked across the event. <<speech "Jason">>Can you leave?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Eventually sounds bad.<</speech>> Cassidy leaned closer. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's why you're here.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Monica]]

Before Jason could ask what that meant, Monica Graves appeared from behind a row of tables with a clipboard in one hand. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> Cassidy closed her eyes for half a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>Speak of the devil.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I heard that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> Monica stopped in front of them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your team is supposed to be near the west entrance in ten minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>We know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then why are three of you currently missing?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because adults enjoy freedom.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You are representing the university.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And there it is.<</speech>> Jason looked between them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dr. Graves.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Stop being polite to her. It encourages this.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I assure you, Cassidy requires very little encouragement.<</speech>> Cassidy folded her arms. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know you don't have to watch me every second.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm not watching you every second.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Could've fooled me.<</speech>> Monica held her gaze for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>West entrance. Ten minutes.<</speech>> Then she walked away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Tension]]

Cassidy watched Monica disappear into the crowd. <<speech "Jason">>You two really like each other.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't start.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say how.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're getting too comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>She drives me insane.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because she tells you what to do?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because she always acts like she knows what I'm about to do before I do it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does she?<</speech>> Cassidy hesitated. <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably the annoying part.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> She glanced toward the west entrance. <<speech "Cassidy">>I have to go smile at people again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds fun.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Wait for me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nearby.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Later]]

When Cassidy finally found Jason again, the event had thinned out and her patience had clearly gone with it. <<speech "Cassidy">>We're leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hi to you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You can say hi while walking.<</speech>> Jason followed her. <<speech "Jason">>Where are we going?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Somewhere nobody needs anything from me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Very.<</speech>> They made it across campus and eventually to a house Jason recognized from the last time Cassidy had invited him over. <<speech "Jason">>Your place?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good answer.<</speech>> She unlocked the door. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 House]]

Cassidy dropped her bag near the stairs and immediately kicked off her shoes. <<speech "Cassidy">>I am not smiling at another person.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You smiled at me.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're different.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make it a thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> She headed upstairs, still in her cheer uniform. <<speech "Jason">>You're not changing?<</speech>> Cassidy looked back over her shoulder. <<speech "Cassidy">>Why? Distracting?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come on.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Bedroom]]

Cassidy pushed open the bedroom door and dropped onto the edge of the bed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Finally.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Long day?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make me relive it.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what's funny?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Everybody out there thinks this is the version of me that's real.<</speech>> She gestured at the uniform. <<speech "Jason">>The cheerleader?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't it part of you?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's annoyingly reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't be.<</speech>> She leaned back on her hands. <<speech "Cassidy">>I like cheerleading.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I just don't want it to be everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It isn't.<</speech>> Cassidy watched him for a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>You really believe that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Her expression softened. <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Turn]]

Cassidy shifted closer. <<speech "Jason">>You look less tired now.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Is that your attempt at flirting?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Needs work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep me around anyway.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe that's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I keep wanting you around.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make me repeat it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> She moved closer again. <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> For once, there was no crowd, no event, no teammates, and no Monica hovering nearby. Cassidy could finally stop being visible to everyone else and choose exactly who she wanted looking at her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "CASSIDY_RANK7">>

Cassidy stayed on the bed afterward, parts of the cheer uniform still scattered around her in a way that made the entire event feel like a very different ending to the day than the university had probably intended. <<speech "Jason">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What else am I supposed to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm not.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay, maybe a little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You looked good in the uniform.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>There. That wasn't difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You wanted a compliment?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I wanted to see if you were capable of one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently.<</speech>> She smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Honest]]

Cassidy went quiet for a moment, then picked at the edge of the blanket. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what I like about you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>This should be good.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't make me choose.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Between what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>This and everything else.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Cheer. Friends. Events. Going out. Whatever.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why would I?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>People do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's stupid.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed quietly. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? That's why.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Why I keep wanting you around.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Cassidy">>You can say something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I like being around you too.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Monica Hook]]

Cassidy's phone buzzed somewhere near the edge of the bed. She reached for it and immediately groaned. <<speech "Jason">>Let me guess.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Monica.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Again?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>She wants to know whether everybody made it home from the event.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's responsible.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're not supposed to agree with her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Cassidy typed something back. <<speech "Jason">>You text her a lot.<</speech>> She looked up. <<speech "Cassidy">>We have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> Cassidy narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Cassidy">>You've become very nosy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Occupational hazard.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't have an occupation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I have no excuse.<</speech>> She shook her head, smiling. <<speech "Cassidy">>Monica's complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm not having that conversation right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right now?<</speech>> Cassidy realized what she'd said. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 7>>

Cassidy opened the door in sweatpants and an old T-shirt, her hair pulled back and none of the effort Jason was used to seeing when he ran into her around campus. <<speech "Jason">>Wow.<</speech>> Cassidy immediately narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Cassidy">>Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You said wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've never seen you dressed like this.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Normal.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>That came out wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Really wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Comfortable. I meant comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You barely saved that.<</speech>> She stepped aside. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come in before I change my mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You invited me.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And I'm already reconsidering it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Couch]]

Jason dropped onto the couch while Cassidy disappeared into the kitchen. She came back carrying two drinks and handed him one before sitting beside him. <<speech "Jason">>So what's going on?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No event?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No practice?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No Monica emergency?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Thankfully.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why am I here?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Do I need a reason?<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> She leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Cassidy">>I wanted you here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's suspiciously straightforward.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm trying something new.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Honesty?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't push it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Quiet]]

They sat there for a while with the television playing quietly in the background. Cassidy checked her phone once, ignored several notifications, then tossed it onto the other end of the couch. <<speech "Jason">>You're ignoring people.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm aware.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Everything okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sometimes nothing is wrong.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're terrible at saying nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem happy.<</speech>> Cassidy looked toward the television. <<speech "Cassidy">>I am.<</speech>> There was no hesitation behind it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Reputation]]

<<speech "Cassidy">>You know what's funny?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually when you start like that, not much.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Shut up.<</speech>> She nudged his leg with hers. <<speech "Cassidy">>When we met, I thought you were weird because you didn't know who I was.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You were deeply offended.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I was not offended.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You were a little offended.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe a little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Growth.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>But I think that's why I kept talking to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because I didn't know you?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because you didn't already have a version of me in your head.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Everybody else already knew Cassidy Monroe before I got there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The cheerleader.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>The cheerleader. The party girl. The bitch. The fun one. Whatever version they heard about first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And me?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You just thought I was annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still do sometimes.<</speech>> She shoved him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Asshole.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Honest]]

Cassidy settled back beside him, closer this time. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's what I mean, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't treat me like I'm supposed to be anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think you're supposed to be anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> She looked down at her hands. <<speech "Cassidy">>I didn't realize how much I needed that until you showed up.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Cassidy">>Say something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You usually complain when I make things serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm allowing it temporarily.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's generous.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>I like you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Could've given me a little more than that.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>I really like you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Turn]]

Cassidy moved closer until her leg rested against Jason's. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what else is nice about this?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nobody interrupted us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You probably shouldn't say that out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's usually when somebody knocks on the door.<</speech>> Cassidy glanced toward it. <<speech "Cassidy">>If you jinxed this, I'm blaming you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Nothing happened. <<speech "Cassidy">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We survived.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>So far.<</speech>> She took his drink from his hand and placed it on the table. <<speech "Jason">>You keep doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Taking my drink right before something happens.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe you're finally learning how to read a room.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "CASSIDY_RANK8">>

Cassidy stayed against Jason on the couch afterward, one leg stretched across the cushions and absolutely no urgency to get up. Her phone buzzed from somewhere near the other end. She ignored it. <<speech "Jason">>Popular.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're not checking?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nope.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who are you and what did you do with Cassidy?<</speech>> She looked up at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>This is Cassidy.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>No, you did the face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was almost profound.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I can ruin it if you want.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Please don't.<</speech>> She smiled and rested against him again. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Monica]]

Cassidy's phone buzzed again. <<speech "Cassidy">>Jesus.<</speech>> She reached across the couch, found it, and looked at the screen. <<speech "Jason">>Monica?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Educated guess.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does she want?<</speech>> Cassidy read the message again. <<speech "Cassidy">>She wants me to stop by her office.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're in trouble again?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded confident.<</speech>> Cassidy didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Jason">>There's that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The one where you know more than you're saying.<</speech>> She narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Cassidy">>I taught you too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently.<</speech>> Cassidy looked back at the message. <<speech "Jason">>What is it with you two, anyway?<</speech>> She considered the question. <<speech "Cassidy">>Complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've said that before.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because it still is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>You'll find out eventually.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 End]]

Cassidy put the phone back down without answering the message yet. <<speech "Jason">>You're ignoring the Vice Dean for me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't make it sound romantic.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is it?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>There. That's all you're getting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll take it.<</speech>> She settled against him again. <<speech "Cassidy">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> Cassidy thought about it. <<speech "Cassidy">>For meeting me before you decided who I was.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>You made that pretty difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And you still figured it out.<</speech>> For once, Cassidy didn't need to turn the moment into a joke. She just stayed there beside him, with nobody watching and nothing left to prove. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Cassidy Monroe - Rank 8 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "cheerleader" 8>>

Professional Communication sounded like the kind of class Jason would have skipped if it hadn't fit his schedule so neatly. The room was smaller than most of his lecture halls, with desks arranged in loose rows and a whiteboard already covered in three words: CLARITY, CONFIDENCE, AUDIENCE. <<speech "Malik">>You look thrilled.<</speech>> Jason glanced toward the guy sitting one desk over. <<speech "Jason">>Is it that obvious?<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>You walked in, read the board, and sighed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't sigh.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You definitely sighed.<</speech>> The guy in front of them turned around in his seat. <<speech "Jason">>Great.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I'm Ethan.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Malik.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Now when she makes us introduce ourselves, we can lie and say we've already done it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You think that's going to work?<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> The door opened before Jason could answer. Conversation around the room dropped almost immediately as Dr. Monica Graves walked in carrying a laptop, a thin stack of folders, and a coffee that looked like it had already gone cold. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Introduction]]

Jason knew Monica Graves mostly by reputation. Vice Dean. Administrator. The person whose name appeared at the bottom of campus emails nobody wanted to receive. Standing at the front of a classroom, though, she seemed less severe than she did crossing campus with a folder under her arm. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good afternoon.<</speech>> She set everything on the desk and looked around the room. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This is Professional Communication. If you're here for Professional Ethics, you're in the wrong room, though depending on your major I encourage you to stay anyway.<</speech>> A few people laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm Dr. Graves. Some of you know me through the administration. For the purposes of this course, I'd prefer you forget that whenever possible.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Is that legally binding?<</speech>> Monica looked directly at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Foster, I already know your name. Decide whether that's good news.<</speech>> Malik leaned back in his chair. <<speech "Malik">>Understood.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>That lasted thirty seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Personal record.<</speech>> Monica opened her laptop. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Communication is not about sounding intelligent. Most people who concentrate too hard on sounding intelligent stop communicating entirely.<</speech>> Jason looked at the three words on the board again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>We're going to work on presentations, interviews, persuasion, professional conversations, and, most importantly, learning to recognize when the person in front of you has stopped listening.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Exercise]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>We'll begin with something simple. Pair up with someone you don't know well. You have two minutes to learn enough about them to introduce them to the room.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Knew introductions were coming.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>We technically know each other's names now.<</speech>> Monica looked in their direction without lifting her head from the laptop. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The three gentlemen attempting to exploit a technicality can work together.<</speech>> Jason looked at Malik. <<speech "Jason">>Good plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>She respects initiative.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I don't think that's what just happened.<</speech>> The room filled with conversation. Ethan turned his chair around fully while Malik pulled out his phone. <<speech "Ethan">>All right. Easy stuff. Major?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still figuring that out.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Excellent start.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You?<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Business.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Criminal justice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's an interesting combination.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Between the three of us, somebody should eventually get employed.<</speech>> Jason laughed despite himself. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Presentation]]

When their turn came, Ethan went first and introduced Malik with enough confidence that Jason suspected he'd done this kind of thing before. Malik followed by making Ethan sound far more interesting than the thirty-second conversation justified. Then both of them looked at Jason. <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> Jason stood at the front of the room. <<speech "Jason">>This is Ethan Cole. He's studying criminal justice. He, uh...<</speech>> He glanced toward Ethan. <<speech "Ethan">>You're doing great.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Don't help.<</speech>> The class laughed. <<speech "Jason">>He thinks he's funny.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And apparently he's very supportive when someone is actively failing to introduce him.<</speech>> Another laugh moved through the room. Jason finished the introduction and sat back down. <<speech "Malik">>You survived.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Barely.<</speech>> Monica waited until the room settled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked up. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You were significantly better the moment you stopped trying to give the correct answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There was a correct answer?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's the point.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Cassidy]]

Class had nearly ended when there was a knock on the open door. Cassidy stood in the hallway with a folder pressed against her chest. <<speech "Cassidy">>Sorry.<</speech>> Monica checked the clock. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You should be.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good to see you too.<</speech>> A few students glanced between them. Cassidy stepped inside just far enough to hold out the folder. <<speech "Cassidy">>Updated event forms. All of them this time.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm impressed.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You shouldn't be.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I wasn't.<</speech>> Cassidy gave her a look, then noticed Jason sitting near the middle of the room. <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh. Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> Monica's eyes moved from Cassidy to Jason and back again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You two know each other.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She keeps saying that and then inviting me places.<</speech>> Cassidy pointed at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't listen to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I hadn't planned to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm right here.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>I'll text you.<</speech>> She turned toward the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> Cassidy stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Thank you for bringing the forms.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're welcome, Monica.<</speech>> There was a tiny pause before Cassidy left. Jason caught it mostly because Monica did. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Dismissal]]

Monica placed Cassidy's folder beside her laptop and looked back at the class. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Before anyone asks, no, that is not how I recommend addressing your professors.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>What if we're very confident?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Especially then.<</speech>> The room laughed again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your first assignment is online. Read it before the next class instead of five minutes before the deadline and convincing yourselves that counts.<</speech>> Chairs scraped across the floor as everyone started packing up. <<speech "Ethan">>She's looking directly at you.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>She's looking directly at all of us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty sure that's worse.<</speech>> Jason had just put his notebook away when Monica called after him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason. One moment, please.<</speech>> Ethan gave him a sympathetic look. <<speech "Ethan">>It was nice knowing you.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>We'll tell people you communicated professionally.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 After Class]]

The room emptied until only Jason and Monica remained. She closed her laptop but made no move toward the door. <<speech "Jason">>Did I do something?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Why does everyone assume that when I ask them to stay behind?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Vice Dean thing.<</speech>> Monica considered that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So I'm not in trouble?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very specific answer.<</speech>> For the first time, Monica smiled without it looking like part of a lecture. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You overthink when you're being observed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's why you kept me after class?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Partly.<</speech>> She leaned back against the edge of the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>During the exercise, you spent most of your introduction deciding what you thought I wanted to hear.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was it that obvious?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Painfully.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then someone laughed, you stopped thinking about me, and suddenly you were speaking normally.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Normally might be generous.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Normal is often preferable to polished.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Advice]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm going to give you advice you probably won't enjoy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems to be a theme with professors.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Stop trying so hard to avoid looking foolish.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. Don't love that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I expected as much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't the goal of this class to make us better at talking to people?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Looking stupid feels counterproductive.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Being afraid to look stupid is considerably worse.<</speech>> Jason thought about that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You listen well. You notice people. Those are useful instincts. You simply become less useful the second you realize somebody is evaluating you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded almost like a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't become dependent on them.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There. That version of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What version?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The one who isn't rehearsing his next sentence while I'm still talking.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Cassidy Two]]

Jason picked up his bag, but Monica glanced toward the folder Cassidy had left behind. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>How long have you known Ms. Monroe?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I wasn't aware there was another Ms. Monroe involved in this conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Long enough that she gets annoyed when I call her a cheerleader.<</speech>> Monica gave him an amused look. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That sounds like Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know her pretty well?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I oversee several programs her team participates in.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's the official answer.<</speech>> Monica's expression changed slightly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Excuse me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No. You were doing well. Continue.<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Jason">>She called you Monica.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Observant.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you didn't correct her.<</speech>> Monica looked toward the doorway Cassidy had disappeared through. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy has a habit of testing which rules are actually rules.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does she get away with it?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>More often than she should.<</speech>> There was something in the way Monica said it that Jason couldn't quite place. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Office Hours]]

Monica picked up her coffee, took one sip, and immediately looked disappointed by it. <<speech "Jason">>Bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cold.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've had it since before class.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Another excellent observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm doing great today.<</speech>> Monica laughed quietly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>My office hours are posted with the course materials. If you want help before the first presentation, use them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that a general invitation or are you expecting me specifically?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason, you spent twenty seconds introducing a man whose name and major you already knew.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Specifically. Got it.<</speech>> He headed toward the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Jason?<</speech>> He turned. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Cole and Mr. Foster weren't laughing at you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> Jason left the classroom with the uncomfortable feeling that Dr. Graves had figured out more about him in one class than he'd intended to show her. More surprising was that he didn't mind nearly as much as he expected. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 1>>

Jason arrived early enough to regret it. Monica was already at the front of the room setting up slides while Ethan and Malik argued quietly over which of them had forgotten part of the assignment. <<speech "Ethan">>You said you uploaded it.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I said I thought I uploaded it.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Those are not the same sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>They felt similar at the time.<</speech>> Jason dropped into the desk beside them. <<speech "Jason">>What's missing?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>His half of the presentation outline.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Allegedly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did you upload it?<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then that's not alleged.<</speech>> Monica looked over from the podium. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm pleased to see we're practicing clarity before class has even begun.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>We're committed to the material.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm overwhelmed by your dedication.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Lesson]]

Once class started, Monica dimmed the projector and put a slide on the screen with a single sentence in the center: PEOPLE STOP LISTENING BEFORE THEY STOP LOOKING. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Most poor speakers think silence means attention.<</speech>> She looked around the room. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It doesn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Encouraging.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You can lose an audience while every person in the room is still looking directly at you.<</speech>> She clicked to the next slide. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Posture changes. Eye contact shifts. People stop reacting. They begin checking the clock, the door, each other. If you are paying attention, you'll see it before they ever say anything.<</speech>> Jason glanced around the room almost automatically. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked back toward the front. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What did you just do?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Look around.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said to watch people.<</speech>> Monica gave a small nod. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good. Most of the room kept looking at me.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Are we being graded for peripheral awareness now?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Only emotionally.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Exercise]]

Monica separated the class into groups and assigned each one a short persuasive pitch. Jason ended up with Ethan and Malik again, which immediately felt intentional. <<speech "Jason">>She did that on purpose.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Definitely.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>She believes in chemistry.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She believes you'll forget your work again.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Also possible.<</speech>> Their assignment was simple: convince the class that a campus service deserved more funding. Ethan wanted to argue for tutoring resources. Malik wanted free food somewhere in the proposal. Jason was still trying to decide what would sound best. <<speech "Ethan">>You're doing the thing again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Thinking for too long.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>He's buffering.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying to make this not terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Step one: stop saying "not terrible."<</speech>> Jason looked toward Monica. She was helping another group, but she caught him looking and raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Jason">>She saw that.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Then we'd better be impressive.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Pitch]]

When their turn came, Ethan opened confidently, Malik took over without much trouble, and then Jason stepped forward for the final section. For the first few seconds, he could feel himself slipping back into the same careful rhythm Monica had criticized before. <<speech "Jason">>Expanding tutoring access would improve student outcomes by providing-<</speech>> He noticed Malik glance toward the clock. Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>You're bored.<</speech>> Malik looked back at him. <<speech "Malik">>A little.<</speech>> The class laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Then forget the brochure version.<</speech>> Jason leaned against the desk instead of standing rigidly in front of it. <<speech "Jason">>Everybody in this room has had a class where they understood absolutely nothing and waited way too long to admit it. More tutoring means fewer people pretending they're fine until two days before an exam.<</speech>> A few people nodded. <<speech "Jason">>That's probably worth paying for.<</speech>> He sat down. <<speech "Malik">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Much better.<</speech>> Monica was smiling. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Feedback]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What changed?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I noticed Malik wasn't listening.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Glad I could contribute.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And then?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I stopped trying to sound like an assignment.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Exactly.<</speech>> She looked toward the rest of the room. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is the difference between delivering information and communicating with people. He adjusted because the audience gave him information back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So Malik being bored helped me.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't encourage him.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Too late.<</speech>> Monica moved on to the next group, but Jason caught himself feeling unexpectedly pleased. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Cassidy]]

The class was packing up when Cassidy appeared in the doorway again, this time holding her phone instead of a folder. <<speech "Cassidy">>Do you have a second?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You ask that after entering.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I like efficiency.<</speech>> Monica looked toward her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then why are you here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow. Nice to see you too.<</speech>> Cassidy stepped into the room and noticed Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're still taking this?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's been more than one class.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I know. I'm proud of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> Monica looked between them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Should I leave my own classroom?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You'd hate that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Deeply.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Event]]

Cassidy held up her phone. <<speech "Cassidy">>They moved the student event setup time.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>To when?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>An hour earlier.<</speech>> Monica closed her eyes briefly. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? This is why I didn't lead with the number.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>How many people have confirmed?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is not a number.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You really do this in class too?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty much.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do not encourage her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've said that twice today.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>About me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different person.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Rude.<</speech>> Monica held out her hand. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Give me the schedule.<</speech>> Cassidy handed over her phone without hesitation. Monica scrolled through it while Cassidy leaned against the desk beside her like she'd done it a hundred times. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Familiar]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This is manageable.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No, you said "nothing happened."<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Same energy.<</speech>> Monica handed the phone back. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Tell the team I'll send the revised schedule tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>See? Easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>For you.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Cassidy">>You love me.<</speech>> Monica's expression barely changed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Leave my classroom.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Bye, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> She headed into the hallway. Jason watched Monica gather the remaining papers from her desk. <<speech "Jason">>She gets away with a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She believes she does.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That didn't sound like a denial.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're becoming very observant.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 After Class]]

Ethan and Malik had already left by the time Jason finished packing his things. Monica was erasing the board when she spoke without turning around. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You improved today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because Malik got bored?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because you noticed.<</speech>> She capped the marker and turned toward him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Most people become so preoccupied with themselves while speaking that they stop paying attention to everyone else.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You think I do that?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I think you become preoccupied with whether you're doing badly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Same result.<</speech>> Jason leaned against one of the desks. <<speech "Jason">>So what's the fix?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Stop treating every conversation like an exam.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're saying that while literally teaching me.<</speech>> Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The irony isn't lost on me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Practice]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Try something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That usually means I'm about to hate this.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Talk to me for thirty seconds without planning your next sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Go.<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Jason">>Your coffee is cold again.<</speech>> Monica looked toward the cup on her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>An inspiring opening.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep buying coffee and then forgetting to drink it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then buy less coffee.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't appreciate where this exercise is going.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to plan.<</speech>> Monica laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Continue.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy makes you more annoyed than anyone else I've seen so far.<</speech>> Monica's smile faded slightly. <<speech "Jason">>Was that too far?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Interesting choice, though.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Cassidy Two]]

<<speech "Jason">>You two talk differently.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Differently from what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>From how you talk to students.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy is a student.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Exactly.<</speech>> Monica studied him for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're trying to read me now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't that the lesson?<</speech>> That got another smile out of her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Dangerous student.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably the nicest thing you've said to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It wasn't entirely a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still counts.<</speech>> Monica picked up her bag. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy has been involved in enough student events that we've worked together frequently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Official answer again.<</speech>> Monica paused. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And what answer were you hoping for?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why is that good?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because for once you asked before deciding what the answer should be.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 End]]

Monica turned off the projector and headed toward the door with Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Keep doing what you did today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Let Malik get bored?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Pay attention to the person in front of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>People tell you considerably more than they realize.<</speech>> They stopped in the hallway. <<speech "Jason">>You included?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Especially me, apparently.<</speech>> She walked away before Jason could decide whether she was joking. He was getting better at reading the room. Monica Graves was quickly becoming the most difficult person in it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 2>>

Professional Communication had run longer than usual. By the time most of the class had packed up, Monica was still at the front of the room going through a stack of presentation notes with the expression of someone reconsidering several life choices at once. <<speech "Malik">>You think she's grading us right now?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>She's definitely judging us right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Same thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Emotionally.<</speech>> Malik slung his bag over one shoulder. <<speech "Malik">>I'm leaving before she remembers I exist.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Too late, Mr. Foster.<</speech>> Malik froze. <<speech "Malik">>See you next time.<</speech>> He left. Ethan followed, laughing under his breath. <<speech "Ethan">>Later, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Later.<</speech>> Jason finished packing more slowly. Monica was still reading. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Staying]]

<<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> Monica looked up. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's a dangerous question to ask someone holding your coursework.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So no?<</speech>> She looked back down at the papers. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded convincing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're enjoying the material too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me to pay attention to people.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I regret that lesson more every week.<</speech>> Jason leaned against the nearest desk instead of leaving. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You can go, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Monica looked at him again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then why are you still here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You look exhausted.<</speech>> She stared at him for a second. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You've become very comfortable saying that to people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy reacted the same way.<</speech>> Something about that made Monica laugh. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Tired]]

Monica set the papers down and rubbed at one temple. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There. Satisfied?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>With what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You successfully identified that your professor is tired.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Vice Dean too.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> Jason glanced at the stack of folders beside her laptop. <<speech "Jason">>How much of that is class stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Very little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why are you doing both?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because I made the poor decision of convincing people I'm competent.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>That sounds difficult to undo.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You have no idea.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could always start forgetting assignments like Malik.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I would rather resign.<</speech>> She looked toward the empty classroom. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Teaching is the part I actually like.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Try not to sound surprised.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Teaching]]

<<speech "Jason">>I just figured being Vice Dean was the main thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It is the main thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But not the better thing.<</speech>> Monica considered that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> She sat on the edge of the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Administration is meetings, complaints, budgets, scheduling, people asking for exceptions to policies they were warned about three times.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds fun.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Teaching at least gives me the illusion that something improves because I showed up.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That's surprisingly depressing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm tired. My standards have slipped.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You really like this class, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why communication?<</speech>> Monica glanced at the board. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because most problems become worse when people refuse to say what they actually mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds personal.<</speech>> Monica looked back at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Everything sounds personal to you lately.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Cassidy]]

Jason smiled, but Monica's phone buzzed on the desk before he could answer. She checked the screen. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Of course.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Why would you assume that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your face.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>My face does not have a Cassidy setting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It kind of does.<</speech>> Monica picked up the phone. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She wants to know whether the cheer team can change its arrival time for Saturday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can they?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You answered that fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because she's asked twice.<</speech>> Monica typed something, stopped, erased it, then typed again. <<speech "Jason">>You're rewriting the message.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm preventing myself from answering honestly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Communication professor.<</speech>> Monica gave him a look. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Cassidy Two]]

Monica finally sent the message and placed the phone face-down. <<speech "Jason">>You could just tell her no.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why does she keep asking?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because Cassidy believes persistence is a personality trait.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You like her.<</speech>> Monica went still for half a second. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's an odd conclusion.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is it wrong?<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy is intelligent, capable, irresponsible when she becomes bored, and far too accustomed to getting away with things because people find her charming.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't a no.<</speech>> Monica stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No, you're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> That earned him another reluctant smile. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Ethan Malik]]

Monica gathered the presentation notes into a cleaner stack. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You work well with Mr. Cole and Mr. Foster.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Ethan and Malik?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes, Jason. Those would be their names.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They're easy to work with.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's not what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what do you mean?<</speech>> Monica tapped one of the papers against the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're less self-conscious around them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably because Malik says whatever comes into his head first.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Ethan doesn't allow silence to become uncomfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You noticed that?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It's my job to notice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You pay a lot of attention to everybody.<</speech>> Monica's expression softened a little. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>More than is probably healthy.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Personal]]

<<speech "Jason">>Doesn't that get tiring?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Always having to notice everything.<</speech>> For once, she didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>But when people expect you to have answers, you learn very quickly that missing something becomes your problem anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's the Vice Dean answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the Monica answer?<</speech>> The room went quiet. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's bold.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was it too much?<</speech>> Monica studied him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> She looked down at the papers again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The Monica answer is that sometimes I'd like to finish a cup of coffee while it's still hot and have nobody need anything from me for twenty consecutive minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a pretty low bar.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You'd think.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Coffee]]

Jason looked at the forgotten coffee beside her laptop. <<speech "Jason">>That one's definitely dead.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Tragically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's a vending machine downstairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That isn't coffee.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's also the café across the quad.<</speech>> Monica looked at the clock. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I have another meeting in half an hour.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's twenty minutes.<</speech>> She stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>You literally just said twenty consecutive minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're using my own words against me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Communication.<</speech>> Monica laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>One coffee.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Cafe]]

The café was quiet enough that Monica didn't have to speak over anyone. She sat across from Jason with a fresh cup between her hands and looked almost suspicious of how little was happening around her. <<speech "Jason">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Significantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And still hot.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>A remarkable innovation.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You know, most students don't invite their professors for coffee after class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You agreed.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So who's making the bad decision?<</speech>> Monica raised the cup. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Ask me after I finish this.<</speech>> For a little while they talked about nothing particularly important. The class. Campus. Ethan's ability to turn every presentation into a performance. Malik's complete refusal to prepare anything before the last possible second. Monica was still Monica, but without the classroom between them, Jason caught himself forgetting to call her Dr. Graves in his head. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Attraction]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're staring.<</speech>> Jason immediately looked away. <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I was thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>About?<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're planning the answer again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're making this class very inconvenient.<</speech>> Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then don't plan it.<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>You look different outside the classroom.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Different how?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Less intimidating.<</speech>> Monica raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't what I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Apparently some habits remain.<</speech>> Jason laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Line]]

<<speech "Jason">>More relaxed.<</speech>> Monica looked down at her coffee. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am more relaxed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's all I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm sure.<</speech>> There was a slight shift in the conversation that Jason couldn't quite ignore. Monica seemed to notice it too. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> She paused before speaking. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You are still my student.<</speech>> Jason's stomach dropped slightly. <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> Monica held his gaze for a second longer than necessary. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because I'm beginning to suspect I need the reminder as much as you do.<</speech>> Jason didn't have an answer ready for that. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 End]]

Monica checked the time and stood, taking the now-empty cup with her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I need to go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Meeting?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> Jason stood too. <<speech "Jason">>At least you got the twenty minutes.<</speech>> Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Worth it?<</speech>> She looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>More than it should have been.<</speech>> Monica headed toward the door, then stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't make me regret teaching you to read people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No promises.<</speech>> She shook her head and left. Jason stayed where he was for another moment. Monica had spent three ranks teaching him to recognize when people said more than they intended. He was starting to think she had just done exactly that. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 3>>

Jason knocked on Monica's office door and waited until he heard her answer before stepping inside. She was behind her desk with her glasses on, a presentation rubric open on her laptop, and enough paperwork spread around her to make the desk look smaller than it was. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Close the door.<</speech>> Jason did. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You asked for help with your presentation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then sit down and try not to look so concerned.<</speech>> Jason took the chair across from her desk. <<speech "Jason">>You called me in here like I was about to get expelled.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>If I were expelling you, there would be more paperwork.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to know.<</speech>> Monica turned the laptop toward him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You have a strong opening. Your middle section is too dense, and your conclusion sounds like you wrote it ten minutes before submitting the outline.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Five.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>That was a joke.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It wasn't a very reassuring one.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Work]]

For the next several minutes, the meeting stayed exactly what it was supposed to be. Monica cut unnecessary lines from Jason's outline, questioned half of his transitions, and made him explain every point he had written vaguely enough to hide behind. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're doing it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Writing around what you actually mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe what I actually mean isn't good.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then say it badly and fix it afterward.<</speech>> Jason leaned back in the chair. <<speech "Jason">>You really hate people avoiding things.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Professionally, yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Professionally?<</speech>> Monica looked up from the screen. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You were about to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Reading the room?<</speech>> Monica sighed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I created a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Problem]]

Monica closed the laptop. <<speech "Jason">>Was that because we're done or because you're annoyed with me?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Both are possible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> She removed her glasses and set them beside the computer. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason, the conversation we had after class wasn't hypothetical.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're still enrolled in my course.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I am still your professor.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Monica-<</speech>> She looked at him immediately. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy does.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy does many things she shouldn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You still let her.<</speech>> Monica's expression tightened. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This isn't about Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Neither of them spoke for a moment. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Honest]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You should leave.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Do you want me to?<</speech>> Monica didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't rhetorical.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then tell me.<</speech>> She stood from behind the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You are becoming irritatingly comfortable with my own lessons.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me people make things worse when they don't say what they mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This is not a classroom exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then answer normally.<</speech>> Monica walked around the desk and stopped beside it. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No, I don't want you to leave.<</speech>> Jason stayed where he was. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That doesn't make this a good idea.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say it did.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Line]]

Monica folded her arms, but the gesture looked more like she was trying to stop herself from doing something than trying to look authoritative. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You understand why this is a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're my professor.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Vice Dean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And Vice Dean.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I evaluate your work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right now, yes.<</speech>> Monica caught the wording. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Right now?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound like you've already thought about that part.<</speech>> She stared at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Of course I've thought about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then maybe stop pretending I'm the only one making this difficult.<</speech>> For once, Monica had no immediate response. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Close]]

Monica stepped closer. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You are very different from the student who could barely introduce Ethan Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did tell me to stop overthinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That advice was clearly reckless.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> She looked down at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Last chance to demonstrate good judgment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For which one of us?<</speech>> Monica's mouth tightened like she was trying not to smile. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Both.<</speech>> Jason didn't move toward the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Of course not.<</speech>> She reached for the lock. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MONICA_RANK4">>

Monica stood near the desk afterward, restoring everything about her appearance with methodical precision. By the time she looked at Jason again, most of Dr. Graves had returned, but not quite all of her. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> Monica let out a short breath. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's an interesting question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Bad interesting?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm deciding.<</speech>> She picked up her glasses but didn't put them back on. <<speech "Jason">>Do you regret it?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> The answer came too quickly to be diplomatic. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Which is part of the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do not sound pleased.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying not to.<</speech>> Despite herself, Monica smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Consequences]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This cannot happen again under the current arrangement.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Current arrangement?<</speech>> Monica put her glasses back on. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I grade your work. That matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No. I need you to actually understand it, Jason.<</speech>> Her tone wasn't angry, but it had become serious. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Even if neither of us feels pressured, the situation itself creates a problem. I cannot be responsible for deciding your grade while this is happening.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what happens?<</speech>> Monica glanced toward the laptop. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I fix it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's my responsibility.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Monica-<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Let me handle this correctly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Cassidy]]

Monica's phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at the screen and immediately turned it face-down. <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>How do you keep doing that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your Cassidy face.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>We established that isn't real.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You established that.<</speech>> She shook her head. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She wants something changed for another event.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're not answering?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not at this exact moment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's unusual.<</speech>> Monica gave him a flat look. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Several unusual things have happened in this office today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 End]]

Jason stood and picked up his bag. Monica unlocked the door but kept her hand on the handle for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your presentation still needs work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's what we're ending on?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're serious?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Very.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> She hesitated. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Until I resolve the grading issue, office hours need to remain office hours.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Understood.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> Jason opened the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And close it behind you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very professional.<</speech>> Monica pointed toward the hallway. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Out.<</speech>> Jason left smiling, but Monica's reaction had made one thing clear. What happened in her office wasn't going to disappear just because both of them knew it shouldn't have happened. If anything, Monica seemed determined to change the circumstances before deciding what happened next. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 4>>

Monica was already standing at the front of the classroom when Jason arrived. Ethan and Malik were arguing over a slide deck again, but Jason barely heard them. Monica looked up as he entered, met his eyes for half a second, then immediately went back to the papers in front of her. <<speech "Malik">>That was weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What was?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Definitely something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You two need hobbies.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>This is my hobby.<</speech>> Jason sat down. <<speech "Ethan">>You look nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That's exactly what nervous people say.<</speech>> Monica closed the folder in front of her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>If the three of you have finished your diagnostic assessment of one another, we can begin.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Yes, ma'am.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Class]]

The class itself was almost aggressively normal. Monica discussed interview techniques, challenged half the room to stop answering questions with rehearsed nonsense, and corrected Malik twice for leaning so far back in his chair that it looked dangerous. If she was uncomfortable around Jason, nobody else seemed to notice. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>An interview is not an interrogation.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Depends on the interview.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>He's applying exclusively to organized crime.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then Mr. Foster may eventually discover the distinction personally.<</speech>> The room laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The point is that people can tell when you're reciting an answer you believe they want to hear.<</speech>> Her eyes moved briefly toward Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Authenticity is usually more persuasive than perfection.<</speech>> Jason caught the emphasis. He wasn't sure whether anyone else did. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 After]]

When class ended, Monica dismissed everyone normally. Ethan and Malik started toward the door, but Monica called Jason's name before he could follow them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason. Stay a moment.<</speech>> Malik looked back immediately. <<speech "Malik">>Again?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>We'll remember you fondly.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Leaving.<</speech>> The door shut behind them. <<speech "Jason">>They're getting suspicious.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>They're college students. Suspicion is recreational.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Monica remained behind the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Sit down.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds serious again.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Transfer]]

Jason sat across from her. Monica turned her laptop toward him, showing an email thread with another faculty member. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Professor Keller will evaluate your remaining graded presentations and written work for this course.<</speech>> Jason looked at the screen. <<speech "Jason">>You already did it?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I said I would handle it.<</speech>> She turned the laptop back toward herself. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You will still attend my class. I will still teach you. I will still give general instructional feedback when appropriate. Professor Keller will determine your remaining grades independently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does he know why?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>He knows I identified a potential conflict and requested independent evaluation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Potential?<</speech>> Monica gave him a look. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No, you're not.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Responsibility]]

<<speech "Jason">>Was that difficult?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Administratively? No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not what I meant.<</speech>> Monica leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then?<</speech>> She took a moment before answering. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Embarrassing, perhaps.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because of me?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because I should have made the adjustment before there was a reason to need one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You couldn't exactly know-<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I knew I was attracted to you.<</speech>> That was the first time she'd said it that plainly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I knew what my position was. I chose to ignore both facts for longer than I should have.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make it sound like you committed a crime.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm making it sound like I had a responsibility.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Jason]]

<<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Now your grades are not mine to determine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That wasn't what I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am not going to pretend the attraction disappeared because I wrote an email.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Monica raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry. That sounded too happy.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Considerably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still true.<</speech>> Monica looked down for a moment, then smiled despite herself. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You have become much more difficult since taking this class.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying that like it's my fault.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I have unfortunately contributed.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Cassidy]]

A knock came from the door before either of them could say more. Cassidy leaned into the room without waiting for permission. <<speech "Cassidy">>Are you busy?<</speech>> Monica's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay, but actually?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> Cassidy stepped inside anyway and noticed Jason sitting across from the desk. <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Hey.<</speech>> She looked at Monica, then back at Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Am I interrupting something?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>A conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> Jason looked down to hide a smile. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What do you need?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow. Definitely interrupting something.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Cassidy Two]]

Cassidy walked to the desk and placed a printed event schedule in front of Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>They changed the venue assignment.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Again?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't shoot the messenger.<</speech>> Monica picked up the schedule. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're being weird.<</speech>> Monica stopped reading. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Excuse me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're being weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Thank you for repeating it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're welcome.<</speech>> Cassidy looked toward Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Did something happen?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why are you asking me?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because your face is worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>My face is normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sure.<</speech>> Monica set the schedule down. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy, unless this requires an immediate decision-<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It doesn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then go.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Definitely weird.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Hallway]]

Monica eventually ended the meeting, and Jason made it halfway down the hall before Cassidy caught up with him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You move fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>With what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You and Monica.<</speech>> Jason kept walking. <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Terrible answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You use it all the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Which is how I know.<</speech>> She moved in front of him and walked backward. <<speech "Cassidy">>She's acting different around you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different how?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Careful.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Monica isn't careful with people she doesn't care about.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a strange sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Cassidy Three]]

<<speech "Jason">>You know her well enough to tell?<</speech>> Cassidy slowed down. <<speech "Cassidy">>We've been over this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>She deals with the team.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Official answer.<</speech>> Cassidy narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Cassidy">>You've been talking to her too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You both hate that phrase.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because it's annoying.<</speech>> They stopped near the stairwell. <<speech "Cassidy">>Just be careful.<</speech>> Jason hadn't expected that. <<speech "Jason">>With Monica?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>With all of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Cassidy hesitated. <<speech "Cassidy">>Because Monica thinks she has to be responsible for everything, including things nobody asked her to be responsible for.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound like you've had this argument before.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe I have.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Office]]

Later, Jason passed Monica's office again and found the door open. She was alone, reading the event schedule Cassidy had delivered. <<speech "Jason">>Still working?<</speech>> Monica looked up. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy interrogated me.<</speech>> Monica put the schedule down. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Us.<</speech>> Monica went quiet. <<speech "Jason">>She doesn't know anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy knows more than people generally give her credit for.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say things like that a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because they're true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She told me you're careful with people you care about.<</speech>> Monica's expression shifted. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She said that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty much.<</speech>> Monica looked back toward the schedule. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Interesting.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Close]]

<<speech "Jason">>That's all I get?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What would you like?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe an explanation for why you two keep acting like there's a conversation happening that I'm not part of.<</speech>> Monica leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There isn't one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's starting to sound less believable every time.<</speech>> Monica smiled faintly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Perhaps you're getting too good at reading people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your fault again.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> Jason stepped closer to the desk. <<speech "Jason">>So where does that leave us?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your grades are independent now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I am no longer going to pretend I haven't thought about what that means.<</speech>> Jason felt his stomach tighten. <<speech "Jason">>That sounds promising.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It was not intended to.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 End]]

Monica stood and gathered the remaining folders from her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Go home, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're doing that thing again.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Ending the conversation right when it gets interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's because you have terrible timing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You taught me that too?<</speech>> Monica laughed quietly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Out.<</speech>> Jason headed toward the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Jason?<</speech>> He turned. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Thank you for letting me fix this properly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't need my permission.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> She held his gaze. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>But I wanted you to understand why I did it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I do.<</speech>> Monica nodded. Jason left her office with fewer questions about where he stood with Monica and considerably more about where Cassidy stood with her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 5>>

Jason arrived at Monica's office expecting another conversation about class. Instead, he found Ethan and Malik standing outside the door with a stack of presentation materials between them. <<speech "Malik">>Perfect. Another victim.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>She wants us to redo part of the group exercise.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Because apparently "good enough" is not an academic standard.<</speech>> The office door opened. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It isn't.<</speech>> Malik looked over his shoulder. <<speech "Malik">>You hear everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You speak loudly.<</speech>> She held out a folder to Ethan. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Cole, those are the revised instructions. Mr. Foster, please read them before deciding they're unreasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>No promises.<</speech>> Monica's attention moved to Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason. Come in.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Again?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Go away.<</speech>> Ethan laughed and pulled Malik down the hall. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Office]]

Jason stepped inside, and Monica closed the door behind him. <<speech "Jason">>They definitely think I'm in trouble.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That may be preferable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To what?<</speech>> Monica walked back behind her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Use your imagination.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's dangerous advice from you.<</speech>> She gave him a look but didn't disagree. <<speech "Jason">>So why did you want to see me?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your independent evaluation has been finalized.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Already?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Professor Keller confirmed it this morning. Your remaining work is entirely his responsibility.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Monica waited. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's all?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You spent an entire rank making sure I understood it.<</speech>> Monica stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What does that even mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Changed]]

Monica sat in her chair and looked over the confirmation email one more time. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nothing about the course changes for you academically. You attend normally. You complete the same work. I simply do not determine the outcome anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem relieved.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because it's handled?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Partly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And the other part?<</speech>> Monica closed the laptop. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You know the other part.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I want to hear you say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're becoming insufferable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still waiting.<</speech>> She leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I no longer have to wonder whether wanting you creates a conflict with your grade.<</speech>> Jason went quiet. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Satisfied?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Control]]

Monica shook her head and stood. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There is something deeply irritating about watching your confidence improve in real time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're my teacher.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Apparently too effective a teacher.<</speech>> She walked around the desk. <<speech "Jason">>You could always start giving worse advice.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Too late.<</speech>> Monica stopped in front of him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're different now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because of the class?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not entirely.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good different?<</speech>> She considered him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>More difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep avoiding the question.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am aware.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Professional Communication.<</speech>> Monica laughed despite herself. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I genuinely regret teaching you that phrase.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Honest]]

<<speech "Jason">>Then don't avoid it.<</speech>> Monica's expression became more serious. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good different.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do not look so pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can't help it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Try.<</speech>> Neither of them moved away. <<speech "Jason">>Is this still a bad idea?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Almost certainly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not the same answer you gave before.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Monica reached past him and turned the lock on the office door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because this time I'm not going to pretend I don't know exactly what I'm doing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MONICA_RANK6">>

The office was quiet again afterward. Monica remained near Jason for several moments before finally sitting on the edge of her desk, looking considerably less composed than she ever did while teaching. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You ask that afterward every time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There have only been two times.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's already enough to establish a pattern.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Convincing this time.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't look guilty.<</speech>> Monica thought about that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The circumstances are different.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Private]]

<<speech "Jason">>You really needed the grading thing fixed first.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Even though you already knew I wanted this.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That was never the concern.<</speech>> Monica crossed her arms. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Wanting something doesn't automatically make the circumstances acceptable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> She relaxed again. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And now I don't have to wonder whether you might look at a grade I gave you and question why you received it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I probably wouldn't have.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I would have.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>That's very you.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm choosing to take that positively.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You should.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Cassidy]]

Monica's phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at it but made no effort to pick it up. <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fine. Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy face.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There is no Cassidy face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You answered before checking the phone.<</speech>> Monica stopped. <<speech "Jason">>You knew it was her.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She has been sending me messages about the same event all afternoon.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Stop trying to turn everything involving Cassidy into a mystery.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make it pretty easy.<</speech>> Monica looked toward the phone. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy and I have known each other longer than you realize.<</speech>> Jason's expression changed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And that's all you're getting today.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 History]]

<<speech "Jason">>Longer how?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're proving my point.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can't say something like that and expect me not to ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I can. I simply won't be successful.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Her involvement with university events began before you started paying attention to either of us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's still the official answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Partially.<</speech>> That surprised him. <<speech "Jason">>Progress.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> Monica finally picked up her phone, read Cassidy's message, and sighed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She's asking whether she can bring additional people to the event.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can she?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're going to let her.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She really does get away with things.<</speech>> Monica tried not to smile. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Classmates]]

A knock hit the office door. Monica and Jason both froze before remembering it was locked. <<speech "Malik">>Dr. Graves?<</speech>> Jason looked at Monica. <<speech "Jason">>That's unfortunate.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You left the revised rubric in the classroom.<</speech>> Monica closed her eyes. <<speech "Malik">>Should we leave it outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes. Thank you.<</speech>> There was a short pause. <<speech "Malik">>Is Jason still in there?<</speech>> Jason covered his mouth to keep from laughing. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Goodbye, Mr. Foster.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Understood.<</speech>> Footsteps disappeared down the hall. <<speech "Jason">>They're definitely suspicious now.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Foster is suspicious when the vending machine takes too long.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Ethan didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Cole is considerably more dangerous because he knows when not to.<</speech>> Jason laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 End]]

Monica restored the office to something resembling normal before finally unlocking the door. Jason picked up his bag while she retrieved the forgotten rubric from outside. <<speech "Jason">>So what happens now?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You go home.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I meant with us.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And?<</speech>> She placed the rubric on her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't know yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's surprisingly honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I've been told communication is important.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good class?<</speech>> Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Occasionally.<</speech>> Jason opened the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> He looked back. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Whatever this becomes, I don't want it to be something we only acknowledge behind a locked door.<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>Neither do I.<</speech>> Monica nodded. For the first time since their attraction had become impossible to ignore, neither of them was arguing about whether it should exist. The question had become what they were actually going to do with it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 6>>

Professional Communication had reached the point where Monica no longer bothered assigning Jason, Ethan, and Malik to separate groups. The three of them were standing at the front of the classroom with a half-finished presentation on the screen while Monica sat in the first row taking notes. <<speech "Malik">>I still think the opening was better before.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>The opening was four minutes long.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>It established tone.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It established that you like hearing yourself talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Also valuable.<</speech>> Monica looked up from her notes. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Are the three of you finished reviewing one another's personalities?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably not.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>We can pause.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Temporarily.<</speech>> Monica stood. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Again. This time, Mr. Foster gets ninety seconds for the opening instead of attempting a keynote address.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Restrictive environment.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Ninety seconds.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Presentation]]

The second attempt went considerably better. Malik kept the opening short, Ethan handled the middle cleanly, and Jason closed without once looking toward Monica for reassurance. When they finished, the room was quiet for a moment before Monica nodded. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Would you prefer criticism?<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then learn to recognize success when it happens.<</speech>> Ethan started disconnecting the laptop. <<speech "Ethan">>I think that's the nicest thing she's said to us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She once called me dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That sounds much better.<</speech>> Monica gave Jason a look. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Context matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Professional Communication.<</speech>> She tried not to smile. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Group]]

After class, Ethan and Malik stayed behind to make adjustments to the presentation materials while Jason helped gather the equipment. <<speech "Ethan">>We should probably run it once more before the final.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Somewhere that has food.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make every academic decision based on food.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>And yet I'm still here.<</speech>> Monica walked over with their evaluation sheet. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Despite Mr. Foster's methodology, the three of you work unusually well together.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>That sounded almost complimentary.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It was.<</speech>> Malik looked genuinely surprised. <<speech "Malik">>Are you feeling okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Leave my classroom.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>There she is.<</speech>> Ethan laughed and pulled him toward the door. <<speech "Ethan">>We'll text you about rehearsal, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds good.<</speech>> Monica watched them leave. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You trust them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Trust]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why do you sound surprised?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You did the voice.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What voice?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The one where there's another sentence you're not saying.<</speech>> Monica stared at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I have created a monster.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still your fault.<</speech>> She gathered the last few papers from the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You were much more guarded when the semester began.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe they make it easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>They do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You like them too.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>They're good students.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Official answer.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>They're good young men, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There. Better.<</speech>> She shook her head. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Cassidy Arrival]]

The classroom door opened before Monica could say anything else. Cassidy stepped inside with her cheer bag over one shoulder and stopped when she saw Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Of course you're here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to see you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What happened?<</speech>> Cassidy looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Why do you always assume something happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Experience.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nothing happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's usually when something happened.<</speech>> Cassidy pointed at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You stay out of this.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>An excellent suggestion.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wow.<</speech>> Cassidy walked toward Monica's desk and handed her a sheet of paper. <<speech "Cassidy">>Updated appearance schedule.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Thank you.<</speech>> Cassidy didn't leave. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Cassidy Tension]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Was there something else?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Maybe.<</speech>> Monica waited. <<speech "Cassidy">>Are you mad at me?<</speech>> Jason looked between them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You've been weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You tell me that frequently.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not like this.<</speech>> Monica's expression changed slightly. <<speech "Cassidy">>You've been avoiding me.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I've been busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're always busy.<</speech>> There was a pause. <<speech "Jason">>Should I leave?<</speech>> Both women looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Probably.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That proves nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It proves something.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Cassidy Push]]

Cassidy folded her arms. <<speech "Cassidy">>Is this about Jason?<</speech>> Jason immediately regretted staying. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not a no.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You two really are similar.<</speech>> They both looked at him again. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Cassidy turned back to Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>I know something changed.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And what exactly do you believe changed?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I don't know.<</speech>> For the first time, Cassidy sounded less teasing than uncertain. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's why I'm asking.<</speech>> Monica's expression softened. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're not in trouble.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I didn't ask if I was.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 History]]

Monica set Cassidy's schedule on the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You and I are fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's a very Monica answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It means technically correct and emotionally useless.<</speech>> Jason had to look away. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're enjoying this far too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm learning.<</speech>> Cassidy sighed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Whatever. I have practice.<</speech>> She turned toward the door, then looked back at Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>Just stop being weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Compelling advice.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're welcome.<</speech>> Cassidy left. Monica watched the doorway for longer than necessary. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Now you're explaining that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Explanation]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't have to explain anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Jason leaned against a desk. <<speech "Jason">>But I think you want to.<</speech>> Monica looked toward the empty hallway, then closed the classroom door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy and I met through student programming before she became heavily involved with the cheer team.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How long ago?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Long enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Helpful.<</speech>> Monica ignored that. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>She started volunteering for events because she liked knowing everyone and being everywhere. She was talented, unreliable, charming, infuriating-<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You have a list.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>A long one.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>At some point she stopped treating me entirely like an administrator.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And started calling you Monica.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Among other things.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Complicated]]

<<speech "Jason">>And you let her.<</speech>> Monica nodded. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>More than I should have.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> She took a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because Cassidy has an irritating ability to notice when I'm being dishonest with myself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> Monica looked directly at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's part of why the two of you bother me in remarkably similar ways.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's almost romantic.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It wasn't intended to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What are you dishonest with yourself about when it comes to her?<</speech>> Monica's expression tightened. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is a considerably more invasive question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You called it complicated.<</speech>> She sighed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because it is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Attraction]]

Monica walked back toward her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy is attractive.<</speech>> Jason blinked. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't look so surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're making the face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's a lot of information happening.<</speech>> Despite herself, Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nothing happened between us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But you thought about it.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Right. Too direct.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not too direct.<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes. I've thought about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does Cassidy know?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>If she does, she's had the decency not to force me to discuss it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy? Decency?<</speech>> Monica laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Jason Cassidy]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And now there's you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What about me?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You became close with her independently of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that a problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Monica hesitated. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It does make certain thoughts more difficult to ignore.<</speech>> Jason understood what she meant before she said anything else. <<speech "Jason">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes. Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's what complicated means.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Part of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And the other part?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy is still Cassidy. I don't know what she wants. I don't know what she thinks she wants. Those are rarely the same thing with her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You care what she wants.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Very much.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Office]]

Later, Monica asked Jason to follow her back to her office. The hallway had quieted considerably by then, and she closed the door behind them. <<speech "Jason">>You've been unusually honest today.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't make me regret it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> Monica set her bag beside the desk. <<speech "Jason">>Actually, I think I understand you better now.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's worrying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You like being in control.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Groundbreaking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy makes that difficult.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>So do I.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Increasingly.<</speech>> Jason stepped closer. <<speech "Jason">>And you like us anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still sounds romantic.<</speech>> Monica smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Turn]]

Monica rested one hand on the edge of the desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You know what's particularly irritating?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A lot of things, apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I spent years becoming very good at keeping the different parts of my life separate.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You keep wandering between them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can leave.<</speech>> Monica stepped closer instead. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's not what I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> She looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You really have become too confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep rewarding it.<</speech>> Monica laughed quietly and reached behind herself for the lock. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's a fair criticism.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MONICA_RANK7">>

Monica sat behind her desk afterward, though the effect was somewhat undermined by the fact that she still looked like she was putting herself back together. <<speech "Jason">>Very professional.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> Monica shook her head. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I preferred you anxious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No, you didn't.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No. I didn't.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't look so pleased with that answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Final Setup]]

Monica's eyes drifted toward the classroom materials she'd brought back with her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your final group presentation is approaching.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Subtle transition.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm attempting to recover some dignity.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How's it going?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Poorly.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You, Ethan, and Malik should rehearse in the classroom after hours if you need the space. I'll authorize it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>All three of us?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is generally how group presentations work.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> Monica gave him a suspicious look. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Why did you say that strangely?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No reason.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't believe you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Now who's reading people?<</speech>> She smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 End]]

Jason picked up his bag while Monica unlocked the office door. <<speech "Jason">>So what happens with Cassidy?<</speech>> Monica stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You really hate saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Deeply.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe ask her.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It's not that simple.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You teach a whole class about saying what you mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am aware of the hypocrisy.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Whatever happens next, don't assume you know what I want before I tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Same rule for Cassidy?<</speech>> Monica thought about it. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Especially Cassidy.<</speech>> Jason left the office understanding Monica better than he had before. Cassidy wasn't merely another student she happened to know well, and Ethan and Malik weren't merely two guys assigned to his group. Somehow, the separate parts of Monica's world were beginning to overlap, and Jason had the feeling the next conversation would determine exactly how. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 7>>

Monica had asked Jason to meet her after the building quieted down. When he reached her office, the door was open and she was standing behind her desk pretending to organize a stack of papers that looked organized already. <<speech "Jason">>You look nervous.<</speech>> Monica stopped moving the papers. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I am not nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You rearranged that stack three times.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Perhaps it was poorly arranged.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It wasn't.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You've become intolerable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep inviting me back anyway.<</speech>> She opened her mouth to answer, but footsteps in the hallway interrupted her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay, why did both of you text me like somebody died?<</speech>> Cassidy appeared in the doorway and immediately looked between them. <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Arrival]]

<<speech "Cassidy">>This already feels weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Come in.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's not making it less weird.<</speech>> She stepped inside anyway. Monica closed the door behind her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Why is Jason here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to see you too.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>He's here because this concerns him as well.<</speech>> Cassidy stared at Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>That sentence made it worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> Monica exhaled slowly. <<speech "Cassidy">>You're doing the thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Where you turn a conversation into a meeting because you're nervous.<</speech>> Jason looked at Monica. <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy face.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I dislike both of you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Talk]]

Cassidy dropped into one of the chairs across from Monica's desk. <<speech "Cassidy">>Fine. Meeting. What's happening?<</speech>> Monica remained standing. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You asked me before why I'd been avoiding you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I didn't answer properly.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You usually don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Sorry.<</speech>> For once, Cassidy actually sounded like she meant it. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason and I have become... involved.<</speech>> Cassidy's eyes moved immediately to Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Involved?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's apparently the word we're using.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It was the most concise option.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You slept together.<</speech>> Monica went quiet. <<speech "Cassidy">>Wow.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Reaction]]

Cassidy leaned back in the chair and looked between them again. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay good or okay bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Take your time.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't do the administrator voice right now.<</speech>> Monica stopped. <<speech "Cassidy">>Did you transfer his grades because of this?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Before or after?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>After the first time. Before anything continued.<</speech>> Cassidy nodded slowly. <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah. That sounds like you.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm not sure whether that's criticism.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>It's not.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>And you were just not going to mention this?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I figured Monica should decide when she wanted to explain it.<</speech>> That answer seemed to surprise both women. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Cassidy]]

<<speech "Cassidy">>Okay. So you're sleeping with Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And somehow this also concerns me.<</speech>> Monica's composure finally started to crack. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Why?<</speech>> Monica looked toward Jason for half a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>No. Don't look at him.<</speech>> Monica looked back at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>You make me answer things all the time. Your turn.<</speech>> There was a long pause. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because I'm attracted to you.<</speech>> Cassidy went completely still. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I have been for longer than I am particularly proud to admit.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's the same reaction I had.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Honest]]

Cassidy stood from the chair. <<speech "Cassidy">>You like me.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is an aggressively simplified version of what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You like me.<</speech>> Monica looked almost annoyed by how pleased Cassidy sounded. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And all that time I thought you were just obsessed with telling me what to do.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Those things are not mutually exclusive.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> Then her expression softened. <<speech "Cassidy">>Why didn't you say anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because you were a student I worked with through university programs. Because I had responsibilities. Because I wasn't entirely certain whether what I was feeling was something I intended to act on.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And now?<</speech>> Monica looked at Jason, then back at Cassidy. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Now I'm tired of pretending I haven't thought about it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Cassidy Answer]]

Cassidy walked closer to Monica's desk. <<speech "Cassidy">>You want to know something annoying?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That question could introduce most conversations with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I've thought about it too.<</speech>> Monica's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't say that because you think it's what I want to hear.<</speech>> Cassidy's smile faded. <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm not.<</speech>> She glanced toward Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Apparently both of you think you're the only people I'm allowed to read.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've never said that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You didn't have to.<</speech>> Cassidy looked back at Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>I knew there was something. I just couldn't tell if I was imagining it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You weren't.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Jason]]

The room went quiet in a way that felt very different from the awkward silence Jason had expected. <<speech "Cassidy">>So where does Jason fit into this?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm standing right here.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I know.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's partly why I wanted both of you here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Partly?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I didn't want to have two separate conversations where everybody tried to guess what everybody else meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Growth.<</speech>> Monica ignored her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason is important to me.<</speech>> Jason didn't expect the sentence to hit him as hard as it did. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And from what I understand, he's important to you too.<</speech>> Cassidy looked toward Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're both important to me.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled slightly. <<speech "Cassidy">>Look at him communicating.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Question]]

Monica leaned back against her desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There is no expectation attached to this conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You rehearsed that sentence.<</speech>> Monica paused. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Several times.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm serious. I wanted the truth in the room. What anyone does with it is another matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay.<</speech>> Cassidy stepped closer to Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>Then truth?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Please.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I want to kiss you.<</speech>> Monica stared at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Was that clear enough for Professor Communication?<</speech>> Monica finally smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Painfully.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A First Kiss]]

Cassidy closed the remaining distance between them. Monica hesitated only long enough to make sure Cassidy wasn't joking, then met her halfway. Jason stayed where he was, watching two people who had spent far too long arguing around what they actually wanted finally stop doing it. When they separated, Cassidy looked almost smug. <<speech "Cassidy">>That took forever.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You could have said something too.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You're older. More life experience.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do not start.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I'm just saying.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And you are enjoying this far too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> Cassidy looked toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Come here.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Turn]]

Jason moved closer. Cassidy caught the front of his shirt and pulled him into the space between them. <<speech "Jason">>You've gotten very comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I've been comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That may be the understatement of the semester.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You like me comfortable.<</speech>> Monica gave her a look. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? Cassidy face.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I regret introducing the two of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't introduce us.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then I regret whatever sequence of events resulted in this alliance.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled and looked between them. <<speech "Cassidy">>Are we going to keep talking?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably not.<</speech>> Monica reached behind herself and locked the office door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>For once, Jason is correct.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MONICA_CASSIDY_RANK8A">>

The office eventually went quiet again. Cassidy had claimed one of the chairs across from Monica's desk, Jason was sitting nearby, and Monica was attempting to restore some order to the room with very limited success. <<speech "Cassidy">>You know what's funny?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm afraid to ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>I spent all that time thinking you hated me a little.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I was frequently annoyed with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Not the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Cassidy smiled. <<speech "Jason">>So this solved everything?<</speech>> Both women looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Right. Stupid question.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Extremely.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>We're definitely going to have more problems.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Meaning]]

<<speech "Cassidy">>But at least now we know what the problem actually is.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm not sure that's how I would phrase it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You never like how I phrase anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Frequently because your phrasing is terrible.<</speech>> Jason leaned back in his chair. <<speech "Jason">>This feels strangely normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nothing about this evening was normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I mean you two arguing.<</speech>> Cassidy laughed. <<speech "Cassidy">>That's never going away.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Apparently not.<</speech>> Monica looked between both of them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't know what this becomes.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You don't have to.<</speech>> Monica's attention moved to her. <<speech "Cassidy">>Seriously. You don't have to have a plan for everything.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Growth]]

Monica was quiet for a moment. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I dislike that advice.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Because it's good?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because you're correct.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You two really have come a long way.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't become sentimental.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Too late. He does that sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Both of you can stop.<</speech>> Cassidy leaned toward him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Aw.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Especially you.<</speech>> Monica laughed, and for once there was no attempt to disguise it behind the restrained smile she usually wore around campus. <<speech "Jason">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're relaxed.<</speech>> Monica looked between him and Cassidy. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I suppose I am.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A End]]

Cassidy eventually stood and picked up her things. <<speech "Cassidy">>I should probably leave before somebody discovers I'm in the Vice Dean's office this late.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That is the first sensible thing you've said tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And immediately you ruin the moment.<</speech>> She walked toward the door, then stopped beside Monica. <<speech "Cassidy">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Stop avoiding me now.<</speech>> Monica looked at her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I will.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Good.<</speech>> Cassidy kissed her briefly, then looked toward Jason. <<speech "Cassidy">>You coming?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>In a second.<</speech>> She nodded and headed into the hallway. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Monica]]

Monica watched Cassidy leave, then looked at Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You look pleased with yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't really do anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That's not entirely true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I mostly stood there while you two finally talked.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You didn't decide what either of us wanted. You didn't push. You didn't assume.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>It should.<</speech>> She stepped closer. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You learned something in my class after all.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just one thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't become arrogant at the finish line.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Thanks, Monica.<</speech>> This time, she didn't correct him. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8A Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 8>> <<set $jasonSexLinkFinales.monica = "8A">>

The classroom was almost unrecognizable without anybody else in it. The lights over the back rows were off, the projector was dark, and Ethan and Malik were standing near the front table packing away the last of their presentation materials. <<speech "Malik">>I never want to see another slide deck again.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You made half the slides.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Exactly. I've suffered enough.<</speech>> Jason closed his laptop. <<speech "Jason">>We did fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>We did better than fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>He's been waiting twenty minutes to say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I believe in celebrating achievement.<</speech>> The classroom door opened behind them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>An admirable philosophy.<</speech>> All three turned. <<speech "Malik">>Jesus.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Still just Dr. Graves.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>We thought you'd left.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I had paperwork downstairs.<</speech>> Her eyes moved across the three of them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I wanted to see whether you actually finished rehearsing or spent the entire evening insulting one another.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Little of both.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Results]]

Monica walked toward the front desk and picked up one of their abandoned evaluation sheets. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>For what it's worth, you've all improved considerably.<</speech>> Malik looked at Ethan. <<speech "Malik">>Did she just compliment us voluntarily?<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I think so.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't make me retract it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late. We've documented it.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You are by far the worst consequence of this course.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem proud.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Occasionally.<</speech>> Ethan zipped his bag. <<speech "Ethan">>Well, if we're officially competent now, I'm going home.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Same.<</speech>> Monica didn't move. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Actually, if the three of you aren't in a hurry, stay a moment.<</speech>> Malik slowly put his bag back down. <<speech "Malik">>That sentence never leads anywhere good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Stay]]

<<speech "Ethan">>Did we do something?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That somehow makes me more nervous.<</speech>> Jason watched Monica. He knew the expression by now: composed enough that most people wouldn't notice anything, but just deliberate enough to mean she had rehearsed whatever came next. <<speech "Jason">>You're doing the meeting thing.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't know what you're talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes, you do.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Do you two always talk like this?<</speech>> Jason and Monica both looked at him. <<speech "Malik">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Stop.<</speech>> Monica rested both hands on the front table. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There is something I would like to discuss. It has nothing to do with your grades, the presentation, or anything else academic.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That did not help.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Adults]]

Monica's attention settled first on Ethan and Malik. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Before this conversation goes anywhere, I want one thing understood clearly. All four of us are adults. None of you are being evaluated by me for anything connected to what I'm about to say, and anyone can leave without consequence.<</speech>> Ethan's expression changed. <<speech "Ethan">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>This is officially the strangest conversation I've had in a classroom.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Give it a minute.<</speech>> Monica gave Jason a look. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not helping.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> She looked back toward Ethan and Malik. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You've both become friends with Jason over the course of the semester.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>You know I love you.<</speech>> Monica raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Malik">>Platonically. For the record.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Observation]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I've spent most of the semester watching the three of you together.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That sounded ominous.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're comfortable with one another. You trust one another. And, remarkably, none of you seem especially capable of embarrassment anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Malik destroyed that pretty early.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>You're welcome.<</speech>> Monica looked toward Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason in particular has become substantially less inhibited around both of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like I'm part of an experiment.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You were part of several exercises.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not helping your case.<</speech>> For once, Monica seemed amused rather than defensive. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fine. I'll stop circling the point.<</speech>> Malik looked toward Ethan. <<speech "Malik">>Now I'm definitely nervous.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Proposal]]

Monica took a slow breath. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I've spent a great deal of my life making sure every decision I make is sensible, appropriate, defensible, and preferably documented.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Accurate.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm aware.<</speech>> She looked at him, then Ethan and Malik. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I would like, for once, to make a decision simply because I want to.<</speech>> Nobody spoke. <<speech "Malik">>I feel like I'm missing about three sentences.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Probably.<</speech>> Jason was beginning to understand. <<speech "Jason">>Monica.<</speech>> She met his eyes. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> Ethan looked between them. <<speech "Ethan">>Wait.<</speech>> Malik's expression changed a second later. <<speech "Malik">>Oh.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Clear]]

<<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm not interested in anyone guessing.<</speech>> Her voice remained calm, but Jason could tell exactly how much effort that calm was taking. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm attracted to Jason. That is already considerably less theoretical than it once was.<</speech>> Malik looked at Jason. <<speech "Malik">>You have been holding out on us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not now.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Definitely not now.<</speech>> Monica continued. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And I've found myself curious about something involving all three of you.<</speech>> That finally silenced Malik. <<speech "Jason">>That's impressive.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You broke him.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I'm processing.<</speech>> Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. <<speech "Ethan">>You're serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Entirely.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Consent]]

Monica stepped away from the table. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nobody answers immediately.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>You absolutely were.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I was going to ask questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Questions are fine.<</speech>> She looked toward Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Including from you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want all four of us?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> The direct answer changed the room immediately. <<speech "Jason">>Here?<</speech>> Monica looked around her classroom. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>That part may be an especially poor judgment call.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Strangely, that's the part that surprises me least.<</speech>> Monica almost smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Anyone who doesn't want this leaves. Nobody explains themselves. Nobody owes anyone anything afterward.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Decision]]

For several seconds, nobody moved. <<speech "Ethan">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm okay with it.<</speech>> Ethan nodded, then looked toward Monica. <<speech "Ethan">>Me too.<</speech>> Malik lifted both hands. <<speech "Malik">>I need it officially noted that I did not see this coming.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Noted.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Then yes.<</speech>> Monica visibly relaxed. <<speech "Jason">>You really thought somebody was going to run.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I had no intention of assuming otherwise.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Professional Communication.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>If you say that phrase one more time tonight-<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Professional Communication.<</speech>> Jason laughed. Ethan covered his face. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I have made a terrible mistake.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Door]]

Monica walked toward the classroom door and checked the hallway before closing it again. <<speech "Ethan">>You sure about this?<</speech>> She looked back at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Okay.<</speech>> Monica turned the lock. <<speech "Malik">>That was somehow the most dramatic possible way to answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Foster.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Malik seems more appropriate under the circumstances.<</speech>> Monica stopped. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Fair.<</speech>> Malik looked ridiculously pleased with himself. <<speech "Jason">>That's all he wanted.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Worth it.<</speech>> Monica shook her head and walked back toward them. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>All right.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Scene]]

<<startsexscene "MONICA_RANK8B">>

The classroom eventually became quiet again. Ethan was sitting in one of the front-row chairs, Malik had claimed the edge of a desk, and Jason was still trying to reconcile the room with the place where Monica had spent an entire semester teaching them how to give presentations. <<speech "Malik">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>I only said one word.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>I know you.<</speech>> Monica was near the podium restoring herself to something that vaguely resembled Dr. Graves. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You really are going to ask me that every time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> Monica considered the question. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm very good.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>That's encouraging.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do not make me regret learning your first name.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Guys]]

Ethan stood and picked up his shirt from the back of the chair. <<speech "Ethan">>We're all good, right?<</speech>> The humor left Malik's face just enough to show he understood what Ethan was really asking. <<speech "Malik">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Monica nodded. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Okay.<</speech>> Malik looked around the classroom. <<speech "Malik">>Does this affect our presentation grade?<</speech>> There was a beat of absolute silence. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Leave.<</speech>> Jason started laughing. <<speech "Malik">>It was a joke.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Still leaving.<</speech>> Ethan shook his head and grabbed his bag. <<speech "Ethan">>Come on.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Goodbye]]

Malik stopped near Jason before following Ethan out. <<speech "Malik">>You know we're eventually discussing this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was afraid of that.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>In detail.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Ethan">>Ignore him.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Never.<</speech>> Ethan looked toward Monica. <<speech "Ethan">>Goodnight, Dr. Graves.<</speech>> Malik opened his mouth. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Malik">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> Both men left. The door closed behind them, leaving Jason alone with Monica. <<speech "Jason">>You like them.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>They are exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not a denial.<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I've taught you entirely too much.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Monica]]

Jason helped Monica straighten the classroom. For once, she didn't insist that she could handle everything herself. <<speech "Jason">>So was that your plan when you told us to rehearse here?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Really.<</speech>> She collected a few papers from the floor. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The thought existed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Considerably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>When did the thought start?<</speech>> Monica looked at him. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're asking questions I have no intention of answering.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Malik presentation?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Earlier.<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>You answered.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Why]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why them?<</speech>> Monica thought about it. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Because you trust them.<</speech>> Jason hadn't expected that answer. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I watched you spend days becoming more comfortable around them. They're direct with you. They make you laugh. They don't push when you actually want them to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You noticed all that?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right. Your job.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not this time.<</speech>> He looked at her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>This time I noticed because I care about you.<</speech>> Jason went quiet. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>There. Now you're thinking too much again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can't just say things like that casually.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Apparently I can.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Lesson]]

Monica sat on the edge of the front desk. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Do you remember your first class?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You could barely introduce Ethan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I eventually got there.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>After looking at me every few seconds to determine whether you were doing it correctly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>This feels insulting for a final conversation.<</speech>> Monica smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Look at you now.<</speech>> Jason did. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You don't need me to tell you what the correct answer is anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There usually isn't one.<</speech>> Monica's smile widened slightly. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B End]]

Jason picked up his bag while Monica turned off the remaining classroom lights. <<speech "Jason">>So what happens with us now?<</speech>> Monica stopped near the door. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You say that more now.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm becoming comfortable with uncertainty.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's terrifying.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>For everyone involved.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know that I want you in my life after this class ends.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>I want that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Then perhaps that's enough information for tonight.<</speech>> She opened the classroom door. <<speech "Jason">>Dr. Graves?<</speech>> Monica looked back. <<speech "Jason">>Good class.<</speech>> She laughed. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Go home, Jason.<</speech>> Jason followed her into the hallway. Monica had spent the entire semester teaching him that communication wasn't about finding the perfect thing to say. Sometimes it was simply about knowing what you wanted, trusting the people in front of you, and saying it clearly enough that nobody had to guess. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Monica Graves - Rank 8B Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "viceDean" 8>> <<set $jasonSexLinkFinales.monica = "8B">>

Faith & Fellowship was quieter on Wednesday evenings than it was on Sundays. Fewer people showed up, the snacks were worse, and the whole thing felt less like an event and more like a group of college students sitting in a borrowed classroom trying to convince themselves they had something meaningful to discuss. <<speech "Rebecca">>You came back.<</speech>> Jason looked toward Rebecca, who was sitting sideways in one of the folding chairs with a paper cup balanced on her knee. <<speech "Jason">>You sound surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Most people come once because somebody invited them and then remember they have homework forever.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I like stale cookies.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then you need help we can't provide.<</speech>> Someone beside her laughed. Jason looked over and recognized Rachel from his first visit, though he hadn't spoken to her much beyond introductions. <<speech "Rachel">>They're not that bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't have to defend everything in this room.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm defending the cookies.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's how it starts.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Sit]]

Rebecca nudged the empty chair beside Rachel with her foot. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sit down before somebody makes you stack chairs.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that a threat?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It's real.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to know.<</speech>> Jason sat. Rachel gave him a small smile before turning her attention toward the front of the room, where one of the club organizers was trying to get everyone settled. <<speech "Club Leader">>Okay, we're keeping tonight simple. Relationships, boundaries, and how your values affect the choices you make.<</speech>> Rebecca slowly turned toward Rachel. <<speech "Rebecca">>Oh, no.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're going to have opinions.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Everyone is supposed to have opinions.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You have organized opinions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the difference?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Hers have footnotes.<</speech>> Rachel gave Rebecca a look. <<speech "Rachel">>Ignore her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm starting to think nobody here does.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Discussion]]

The conversation started safely enough. People talked about honesty, trust, not dating someone because they were attractive and then pretending personality had been part of the decision. Eventually the discussion drifted toward physical boundaries, and the room became noticeably more interested. <<speech "Club Leader">>So how do you decide where your boundaries are?<</speech>> A few people gave variations of the same answer. Faith. Personal values. Respect. Comfort. Rachel raised her hand after a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>I think you should know what you believe before you're in the situation.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because if you wait until you want something, you're probably going to decide based on wanting it.<</speech>> Several people nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>If something matters to you, you should decide where the line is before you're standing on it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounds exhausting.<</speech>> Rachel looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Having boundaries?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Having a detailed emergency plan for being horny.<</speech>> Rachel's face changed instantly. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> Jason covered a laugh with his hand. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Push]]

<<speech "Club Leader">>Rebecca's phrasing aside, she does raise a question. Can boundaries change?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Of course.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>See? Progress.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Would you stop?<</speech>> Rebecca smiled and took another drink. <<speech "Club Leader">>What makes them change?<</speech>> Rachel hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>Understanding something differently, I guess.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Experience?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Wanting something you didn't expect?<</speech>> Rachel paused again. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> Jason noticed the answer was quieter than the others. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's less organized.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm done.<</speech>> She was not done, but she at least stopped talking long enough for the discussion to move on. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 After]]

The meeting ended with the usual scraping of chairs and people lingering because leaving immediately felt somehow rude. Rebecca disappeared toward the snack table while Jason helped Rachel collect a few abandoned cups. <<speech "Jason">>You really do have organized opinions.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Please don't encourage her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Too late.<</speech>> Rachel threw one of the cups into the trash. <<speech "Rachel">>I just don't think it's bad to think about things before you do them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca thinks I overthink everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't sound so surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sounded pretty sure during the discussion.<</speech>> Rachel folded the trash bag closed. <<speech "Rachel">>It's easier when somebody asks the question in front of everybody.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Question]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because you know what you're supposed to say.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Supposed to?<</speech>> Rachel seemed to realize how that sounded. <<speech "Rachel">>That's not what I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did you mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I mean... there are answers that make sense.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Is it?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Rachel">>Sorry. That sounded argumentative.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're allowed to argue with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I barely know you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca seems comfortable doing it.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca would argue with a parking meter.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I can hear you.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward the snack table. <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Walk]]

By the time everything was cleaned up, only a handful of people were left. Rachel picked up her bag and headed toward the hallway at the same time as Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>Are you walking toward the parking lot?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's not really an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then yes.<</speech>> They left the meeting room together. <<speech "Rachel">>So why did you come back?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To the club?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know. It's different.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>From what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Most places on campus.<</speech>> Rachel adjusted the strap of her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>Good different?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So far.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's cautious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've been told that's a problem.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Doubt]]

They walked in silence for a few seconds before Rachel spoke again. <<speech "Rachel">>Can I ask you something?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Did what I said in there sound fake?<</speech>> Jason looked over. <<speech "Jason">>Fake?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Like I was just saying what everybody expected.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you think you were?<</speech>> Rachel frowned. <<speech "Rachel">>You're answering my question with a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm talented.<</speech>> She smiled despite herself. <<speech "Rachel">>I meant what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I just...<</speech>> She stopped herself. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded like something.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him, then laughed quietly. <<speech "Rachel">>You and Rebecca are going to be terrible for me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Honest]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes I know what I believe until somebody asks me why.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rachel">>Then I start pulling it apart and wondering whether I believe it because I decided it or because I've heard it enough times that it feels like mine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems like a fair question.<</speech>> Rachel looked genuinely surprised. <<speech "Rachel">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Most people here would probably tell me to pray about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can do that too.<</speech>> Rachel studied him. <<speech "Rachel">>You're not very good at giving reassuring answers.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I hear that a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No, I think I like it.<</speech>> She realized what she'd said and immediately looked ahead again. <<speech "Rachel">>I mean the answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 End]]

They reached the point where their paths split. Rachel stopped and shifted her bag higher onto her shoulder. <<speech "Rachel">>I should go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're coming Sunday, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Probably?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Depends on the cookies.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>I'll make sure Rebecca doesn't eat all the good ones.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I'll consider it.<</speech>> She took a few steps, then turned around. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't tell Rebecca I said any of that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because she'll have opinions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Organized ones?<</speech>> Rachel stared at him for half a second before laughing again. <<speech "Rachel">>Goodnight, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rachel walked away. During the meeting, she'd seemed completely certain of where every line was supposed to be. Alone with Jason, she sounded much less interested in the answers she'd been given and much more interested in figuring out whether they were actually hers. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 1>>

Sunday’s Faith & Fellowship meeting was more crowded than Wednesday’s. There were extra chairs, better snacks, and enough people talking at once that Jason had to scan the room twice before spotting Rachel near the window with Rebecca. <<speech "Rebecca">>He came back.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You keep saying that like you're taking attendance.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I like patterns.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's concerning.<</speech>> Rachel smiled and moved her bag off the empty chair beside her. <<speech "Rachel">>Sit down before she starts analyzing you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Too late.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do I want to know?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably not.<</speech>> Jason sat beside Rachel as the room started settling down. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Discussion]]

The topic that afternoon was dating. More specifically, how faith was supposed to affect who people dated, why they dated, and what they considered acceptable inside a relationship. <<speech "Club Leader">>Does attraction matter?<</speech>> A few people laughed at how obvious the question sounded. <<speech "Club Member">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Okay. How much?<</speech>> The room became less certain. <<speech "Club Member">>It shouldn't be the most important thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Another Member">>But pretending it doesn't matter seems fake.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Exactly. So where do you draw the line between acknowledging desire and letting desire make every decision?<</speech>> Rachel shifted slightly beside Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>Uh-oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thinking face.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I always think.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's the problem.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Answer]]

The club leader eventually looked toward Rachel. <<speech "Club Leader">>Rachel?<</speech>> Rachel straightened slightly. <<speech "Rachel">>I think attraction matters, but it can't be the foundation.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Why not?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because feelings change. Attraction changes. If that's the only reason you're with someone, what happens when it isn't enough anymore?<</speech>> A few people nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>I think the relationship should be built around shared values first.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>And if you're attracted to someone who doesn't fit what you expected?<</speech>> Rachel paused. <<speech "Rachel">>Then... you should probably ask why you're attracted to them.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounds miserable.<</speech>> Rachel looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because sometimes somebody's hot and your brain stops filing paperwork.<</speech>> Jason covered a laugh. <<speech "Rachel">>That's not what we're talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It kind of is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Wrong Question]]

<<speech "Club Leader">>Rebecca's being blunt, but there is a real question there. Does wanting something automatically make it wrong if it doesn't match the plan you had for yourself?<</speech>> The room went quieter. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> The answer came quickly. <<speech "Club Leader">>Then how do you decide?<</speech>> Rachel hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>You compare it to what you believe.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What if you're still figuring out what you believe?<</speech>> Rachel turned toward her. <<speech "Rachel">>Can you not do this right now?<</speech>> Rebecca’s expression changed immediately. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay.<</speech>> The club leader moved the discussion elsewhere, but Jason noticed Rachel barely spoke for the rest of it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 After]]

When the meeting ended, Rachel packed her things faster than usual. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I wasn't going to ask that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You were.<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>I wasn't trying to embarrass you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then why are you mad?<</speech>> Rachel zipped her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm not mad.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're doing the thing where you say you're not mad like you're filing a report.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> Rebecca held both hands up. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay. I'm stopping.<</speech>> She looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good luck.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>With what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You'll figure it out.<</speech>> Rachel stared at her until she walked away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Hallway]]

Jason followed Rachel into the hallway. <<speech "Jason">>Do you want company?<</speech>> Rachel slowed down. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You usually have an answer ready.<</speech>> Rachel gave him a tired look. <<speech "Rachel">>Apparently everybody noticed that today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't criticizing you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> They kept walking. <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca wasn't either.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound annoyed anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm annoyed because she asked the wrong question in front of everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What was the right question?<</speech>> Rachel went quiet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Private]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Maybe there wasn't one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's convenient.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No. You're right.<</speech>> They stopped near a quiet seating area outside the building. <<speech "Rachel">>I hate when people ask something I don't already know how to answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because then I sound stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I heard you in there.<</speech>> Rachel sat down. <<speech "Rachel">>That's exactly what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I sounded sure.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Expected]]

Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Rachel">>I know what people expect me to say.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because of the club?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>The club. Church. My family. Me, probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a lot of people.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Exactly.<</speech>> She looked down at her hands. <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes somebody asks me something and the answer comes out before I even decide whether I agree with it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like today?<</speech>> Rachel nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>Shared values matter. I believe that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>But then Rebecca asked what happens if I'm still figuring out what those values actually are.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>I didn't have an answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Fear]]

<<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It feels bad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not the same thing.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>You do that a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Separate things everybody else puts together.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Feeling guilty and actually doing something wrong.<</speech>> Jason thought about that. <<speech "Jason">>Those aren't always the same.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> She frowned. <<speech "Rachel">>At least I think I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There you go again.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Acting like not being completely sure means you're failing.<</speech>> Rachel was quiet for a while. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Attraction]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Can I ask you another question?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem to like those.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Go ahead.<</speech>> Rachel hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>Have you ever liked someone you knew probably wasn't what you'd choose on paper?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Forget it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> She looked back at him. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What did you do?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually made everything harder than it needed to be.<</speech>> Rachel laughed quietly. <<speech "Rachel">>That's not helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked what I did, not what you should do.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Fair.<</speech>> She studied him for a second longer than usual before looking away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Rebecca]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca thinks this is all much simpler than I do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She seems like that about most things.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She's not actually careless.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say she was.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>People assume that because she jokes about everything.<</speech>> Rachel leaned back against the bench. <<speech "Rachel">>She's actually thought about a lot of this. She just doesn't punish herself for every thought she has.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you do?<</speech>> Rachel looked over. <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because thoughts turn into choices.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And choices matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> Jason shrugged slightly. <<speech "Jason">>But maybe you should judge the choice after you actually make it instead of convicting yourself for thinking about it first.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 End]]

<<speech "Rachel">>That's annoyingly reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've been practicing.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I should probably apologize to Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're supposed to tell me she deserved it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She kind of did.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> Rachel laughed and stood. <<speech "Rachel">>I'll see you later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> She took a few steps before stopping. <<speech "Rachel">>And... thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>For not giving me another answer I'm supposed to have.<</speech>> Rachel walked away before Jason could respond. She still wanted certainty, but for the first time she seemed willing to admit that some of the questions bothering her might actually be worth asking. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 2>>

Jason was halfway through a drink outside the student center when Rachel appeared beside the table with her bag over one shoulder. <<speech "Rachel">>Are you busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Can I sit?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> Rachel took the chair across from him and set her bag at her feet. <<speech "Jason">>No Rebecca?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why does everybody ask that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You two are usually together.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>We're not attached.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Didn't say you were.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward the entrance. <<speech "Rachel">>She's busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you came looking for me?<</speech>> Rachel hesitated just long enough to answer the question for him. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Reason]]

<<speech "Jason">>What's up?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You did the face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>The "that's obviously not nothing" face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds useful.<</speech>> Rachel tried not to smile. <<speech "Rachel">>I wanted to ask you something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And I don't want you to make it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a lot of pressure already.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine. Ask.<</speech>> Rachel folded her hands on the table. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Dating]]

<<speech "Rachel">>When you date someone, how do you know if you actually like them or if you're just attracted to them?<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Rachel">>You're making it weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Think faster.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think those things are always separate.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>They should be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Rachel opened her mouth, then stopped. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded like another automatic answer.<</speech>> She looked annoyed that he noticed. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you think attraction makes liking someone less real?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what's the problem?<</speech>> Rachel looked down at the table. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know yet.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Personal]]

<<speech "Jason">>Is this about somebody?<</speech>> Rachel looked up immediately. <<speech "Rachel">>Why would you ask that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because nobody asks this many hypothetical questions unless the hypothetical has a name.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's not true.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. <<speech "Rachel">>You don't believe me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You didn't have to.<</speech>> Jason took another drink. <<speech "Rachel">>What if somebody liked someone they probably shouldn't?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably shouldn't according to who?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Themself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's convenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They get to be the judge and the defendant.<</speech>> Rachel frowned. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Wanting]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Why are you so calm about this stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You seem like you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different.<</speech>> Rachel leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Rachel">>Do you ever feel guilty for wanting somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Rachel looked surprised. <<speech "Rachel">>You do?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Timing. Situation. Whether it would make things complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>But not because wanting them is wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not usually.<</speech>> Rachel went quiet. <<speech "Jason">>You do.<</speech>> It wasn't really a question. <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Difference]]

<<speech "Jason">>For wanting them or for what you might do about it?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him carefully. <<speech "Rachel">>Does that difference actually matter?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think so.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because thinking about something isn't the same as doing it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>But one leads to the other.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You keep saying sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you keep trying to make everything absolute.<</speech>> Rachel went still. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> She looked away. <<speech "Rachel">>You're right.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Rebecca]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca says the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She seems smarter than she acts.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't tell her that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wouldn't dream of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She thinks I spend too much time worrying about whether I'm allowed to want things.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> Rachel sighed. <<speech "Rachel">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's that word again.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm working on it.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca makes it sound easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe it is for her.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's what annoys me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That she's comfortable?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That she doesn't need permission from herself every five minutes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Attraction]]

Rachel looked down at her hands again. <<speech "Rachel">>Can I ask you something worse?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That depends on how bad the first questions were.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Do you think I'm attractive?<</speech>> Jason stopped moving entirely. <<speech "Rachel">>Never mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Forget I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Yes what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. I think you're attractive.<</speech>> Rachel's face immediately warmed. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was there a correct answer?<</speech>> Rachel laughed nervously. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know why I asked that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Reverse]]

<<speech "Jason">>Sure you don't.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Act like you know what I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> That stopped her. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said not to assume.<</speech>> Rachel watched him for a second. <<speech "Rachel">>Do you want to know?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Only if you want to tell me.<</speech>> She looked toward the crowd moving in and out of the student center. <<speech "Rachel">>I think you're attractive too.<</speech>> Jason smiled slightly. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't look so pleased.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Trying not to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Badly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Fear]]

<<speech "Jason">>So is that the problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Part of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the other part?<</speech>> Rachel took a slow breath. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know what I'm supposed to do with it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to do anything.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>Seriously. You can like me and not turn it into some decision you have to make immediately.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That sounds easy when you say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably isn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>There. That's more believable.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I keep waiting for wanting something to tell me what I'm supposed to do next.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe it doesn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Walk]]

Eventually Rachel stood and picked up her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I should go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You always say okay like you're trying not to pressure me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would you rather I pressure you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then okay.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Walk with me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> They headed across campus together. Rachel stayed closer than usual, though Jason made a point not to mention it. <<speech "Rachel">>You're being quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Trying not to overthink.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's my thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You should be.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 End]]

They stopped where the walkway split. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>If I ask you weird questions again, you're allowed to tell me to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I might.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then you can stop.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>You really don't make this easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I thought I was helping.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You are.<</speech>> That seemed to frustrate her more. <<speech "Rachel">>That's the problem.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Didn't say anything.<</speech>> Rachel shook her head and started walking away. <<speech "Rachel">>Goodnight, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rachel had started the conversation pretending she wanted general advice about attraction. By the end, neither of them was pretending the questions were hypothetical anymore. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 3>>

Rachel had asked Jason to meet her away from the club this time. No Faith & Fellowship meeting, no Rebecca nearby, no discussion topic she could hide behind. Just the two of them sitting on a quiet bench behind one of the academic buildings. <<speech "Jason">>You've been quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dangerous.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>You're getting too comfortable making fun of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep inviting me places.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That doesn't give you permission.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Noted.<</speech>> She looked away again. <<speech "Jason">>What's wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing's wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rachel immediately looked back at him. <<speech "Rachel">>You're supposed to ask again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me nothing's wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're annoying.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Questions]]

Rachel adjusted the sleeve of her shirt. <<speech "Rachel">>I've been thinking about what we talked about.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That narrows it down to about forty conversations.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Attraction.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't say it like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Like you already know where this is going.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I definitely don't.<</speech>> Rachel studied his face, apparently deciding whether she believed him. <<speech "Rachel">>Have you ever wanted to do something just because you were curious?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Even if you weren't sure afterward whether you'd think it was a good idea?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Also sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And that doesn't bother you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Rachel sighed. <<speech "Rachel">>You really love that word.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Curiosity]]

<<speech "Jason">>You want an absolute answer again.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I want one answer that doesn't create three more questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think I have one.<</speech>> Rachel leaned back against the bench. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca would.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What would Rebecca say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She'd say if I want to do something and nobody's getting hurt, I should stop acting like the universe is going to collapse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds like Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Then she'd say something inappropriate.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Also sounds like Rebecca.<</speech>> Rachel laughed, then went quiet again. <<speech "Rachel">>Do you think she's right?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That I make everything bigger than it needs to be.<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Choice]]

<<speech "Rachel">>No. That's probably fair.<</speech>> She rubbed her hands together once, visibly working herself toward saying something. <<speech "Rachel">>What if I wanted to show you something?<</speech>> Jason paused. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can show me if you want to.<</speech>> Rachel swallowed. <<speech "Rachel">>And if I change my mind?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then you don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And you won't be disappointed?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That wouldn't be your problem anyway.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>You make it very difficult to blame you for anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry?<</speech>> She laughed nervously. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Private]]

Rachel stood. <<speech "Rachel">>Come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Somewhere less public.<</speech>> Jason followed her into the academic building. Most of the classrooms nearby were empty, and Rachel eventually stopped near a quiet side hallway where nobody seemed likely to wander through. <<speech "Jason">>You're sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I haven't even done anything yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still asking.<</speech>> Rachel took a breath. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm sure enough to keep going.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She looked around once more. <<speech "Rachel">>If anybody comes around that corner, I'm blaming you somehow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That seems unfair.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'll work out the details later.<</speech>> Rachel lifted up her shirt, showing Jason all. <img class="game-image" src="images/girls/rachel/rachelflash.jpg"> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 After]]

Rachel fixed her clothes afterward with considerably more concentration than the task required. Jason stayed where he was and gave her a second before saying anything. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're about to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was going to ask if you're okay.<</speech>> Rachel stopped. <<speech "Rachel">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> She thought about it. <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded almost confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I am trying very hard not to think about it yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How's that going?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Terribly.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't look so amused.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Reaction]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I really did that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That wasn't a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Rachel leaned back against the wall. <<speech "Rachel">>I thought I'd feel different immediately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different how?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know. Guilty. Horrible. Like I made some enormous mistake.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> Rachel looked down. <<speech "Rachel">>Not really.<</speech>> She almost sounded confused by that. <<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There you go.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Trying to figure out what you're supposed to feel before deciding what you actually feel.<</speech>> Rachel went quiet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Want]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I wanted to do it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No. I mean... that's the part that's strange.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Nobody talked me into anything. Nothing happened where I could say I got carried away. I thought about it, asked you to come with me, and did it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And I liked that I did.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rachel">>You're being very quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound like you're figuring something out.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> She smiled faintly. <<speech "Rachel">>There. I used your stupid word.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Proud of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't be.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Rebecca]]

They started back toward the main hallway. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca can never know about this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because I'll never hear the end of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's different from being ashamed.<</speech>> Rachel stopped walking. <<speech "Rachel">>I didn't say I was ashamed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> She stared at him. <<speech "Rachel">>You noticed that on purpose.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> Rachel shook her head. <<speech "Rachel">>You're getting too good at this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>At what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Making me hear myself.<</speech>> Jason wasn't sure how to answer that. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 End]]

They reached the building exit and stopped before heading in separate directions. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm probably going to overthink this later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You could at least pretend I won't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would you believe me?<</speech>> Rachel sighed. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then what's the point?<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm glad I did it.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's all?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said you were glad. I'm not going to argue with you.<</speech>> Rachel laughed quietly. <<speech "Rachel">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rachel walked away before she could start taking the decision apart piece by piece. For once, she'd wanted something, chosen it herself, and discovered that the world hadn't changed afterward. The difficult part would be deciding what that meant once she had enough time to think about it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 4>>

Jason noticed something was off before the Faith & Fellowship meeting even started. Rachel was already seated near the back of the room with a notebook open in front of her, but she hadn't written anything. Rebecca was beside her, watching her with the expression of someone who had already asked several questions and received none of the answers she wanted. <<speech "Rebecca">>There he is.<</speech>> Rachel looked up. <<speech "Rachel">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> Jason sat down across from them. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe you can figure out what's wrong with her.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing is wrong with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She's been saying that for twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because you keep asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you look like somebody canceled Christmas.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I do not.<</speech>> Jason looked at Rachel. <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Great.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Meeting]]

The meeting started before Rebecca could continue interrogating her. The discussion was about forgiveness, which Jason quickly realized was probably the worst possible topic for Rachel that day. <<speech "Club Leader">>Why do people sometimes find it easier to forgive other people than themselves?<</speech>> A few answers came from around the room. <<speech "Club Member">>Because you know your own intentions.<</speech>> <<speech "Another Member">>Because you keep replaying what you did.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Rachel?<</speech>> Rachel looked up. <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>Any thoughts?<</speech>> She hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>I think sometimes people know they crossed a line they set for themselves.<</speech>> <<speech "Club Leader">>And what should they do then?<</speech>> Rachel looked down at her notebook. <<speech "Rachel">>Figure out why they crossed it.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced toward Jason. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Line]]

<<speech "Club Leader">>And if they realize the line no longer reflects what they believe?<</speech>> Rachel looked up again. <<speech "Rachel">>Then they should probably change it.<</speech>> Rebecca's eyebrows went up slightly. <<speech "Club Leader">>Exactly. Sometimes growth means admitting that a rule we made for ourselves no longer makes sense.<</speech>> Rachel said nothing else for the rest of the discussion. When the meeting finally ended, she immediately started putting her things away. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Without helping with chairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Someone else can do it.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay, now I'm scared.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Hallway]]

Jason caught up with Rachel in the hallway. <<speech "Jason">>Rachel.<</speech>> She stopped but didn't turn around immediately. <<speech "Rachel">>You don't have to follow me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Rachel finally looked back. <<speech "Rachel">>Then why are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you've barely looked at me all night.<</speech>> Her expression tightened. <<speech "Rachel">>I knew you'd notice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was I not supposed to?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did I do something?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rachel">>You didn't do anything.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Regret]]

<<speech "Jason">>Do you regret what happened?<</speech>> Rachel looked away. <<speech "Rachel">>I wish I did.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It would be easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>If you regretted it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Rachel">>If I hated it, then I could just say it was a mistake. I could apologize, decide I wasn't doing anything like that again, and move on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But you don't hate it.<</speech>> Rachel shook her head. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You still glad you did it?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Problem]]

<<speech "Jason">>Then what's the problem?<</speech>> Rachel immediately looked frustrated. <<speech "Rachel">>That's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You lost me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I did something I spent years thinking I wouldn't do, and afterward I felt fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Stop saying okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you want me to say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I don't know.<</speech>> She let out a breath. <<speech "Rachel">>I keep waiting to feel guilty enough that it makes sense again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you feel guilty at all?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you think you did something wrong, or because you think you're supposed to feel guilty?<</speech>> Rachel went quiet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Difference]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I hate when you do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Ask the exact question I don't want to answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to answer it.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because then I can't even blame you for making me talk about it.<</speech>> Jason gave a small shrug. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't think I hurt anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I chose it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I liked it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Rachel looked down. <<speech "Rachel">>Then why do I still feel like I need to apologize?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Rebecca Arrival]]

Neither of them noticed Rebecca coming down the hallway until she was close enough to hear the last sentence. <<speech "Rebecca">>Apologize for what?<</speech>> Rachel froze. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's my name.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>How much did you hear?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Enough to know this is why you've been acting weird.<</speech>> Rachel looked at Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>You were supposed to tell me if she was coming.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>My back was to her.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Very solid defense.<</speech>> Rachel closed her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>Did something happen with Jason?<</speech>> Rachel didn't answer. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay. Something happened with Jason.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Rebecca Knows]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Can we not do this here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sure.<</speech>> That answer surprised Rachel enough that she opened her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not trying to embarrass you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You usually are.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Only recreationally.<</speech>> Rachel almost smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Come on.<</speech>> The three of them moved into an empty side room near the meeting space. Rebecca shut the door behind them and leaned against it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Now. Did he pressure you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Did he do something you didn't want?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Did you regret it afterward?<</speech>> Rachel hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then why do you look miserable?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Rebecca Push]]

<<speech "Rachel">>Because it's not that simple.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't say it was.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You always act like it is.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression became more serious. <<speech "Rebecca">>No. I act like you don't need to put yourself on trial every time you want something.<</speech>> Rachel looked away. <<speech "Rachel">>That's easy for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, it isn't.<</speech>> Rachel looked back at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>You think I never feel guilty? You think I never wonder whether I'm making the wrong choice?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You don't act like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I stopped believing guilt automatically means God is sending me a memo.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes guilt means you did something wrong. Sometimes it means you did something different.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Faith]]

<<speech "Rachel">>So what am I supposed to do? Just ignore it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Rebecca stepped closer. <<speech "Rebecca">>Think about it. Pray about it if you want. Decide whether it actually violates something you believe.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And if it does?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then decide what that means.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> Rachel looked frustrated again. <<speech "Rebecca">>You keep asking everybody else to hand you the answer so you don't have to own it.<</speech>> That landed harder than anything Jason had said. <<speech "Rachel">>That's not fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably not.<</speech>> Rebecca softened. <<speech "Rebecca">>But I think it's true.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Jason]]

Rachel looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>Do you agree with her?<</speech>> Jason took a second before answering. <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Of course you do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> Rachel sighed. <<speech "Jason">>But I don't think you need to decide everything right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why does everyone keep saying that?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you're trying to solve your entire life over one decision.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It wasn't just a decision.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced between Rachel and Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>I gathered.<</speech>> Rachel's face warmed. <<speech "Rachel">>That's not what I meant.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Honest]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I like him.<</speech>> The room went quiet. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay.<</speech>> Rachel looked irritated. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't do the Jason thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I have a thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently.<</speech>> Rachel rubbed at her forehead. <<speech "Rachel">>I like Jason. I'm attracted to him. I wanted what happened. I would probably want something to happen again.<</speech>> She stopped and looked almost startled by how much she'd admitted at once. <<speech "Rebecca">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>There what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounded like you.<</speech>> Rachel looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not the club answer. Not the guilty answer. Just you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Relief]]

Rachel sat down in one of the empty chairs. <<speech "Rachel">>I hate this.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, you hate not knowing what happens next.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not even close.<</speech>> Jason sat beside Rachel. <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to do anything else with me.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>And if you do want something else, you don't have to decide tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You really don't make demands about anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Would it help?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> She smiled faintly. <<speech "Rachel">>That's probably why I keep talking to you.<</speech>> Rebecca made a small noise. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Rebecca Private]]

Rebecca pushed herself away from the wall. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm going to go finish helping outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You two clearly need another ten minutes of overthinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're horrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Love you too.<</speech>> She reached the door, then looked back at Rachel. <<speech "Rebecca">>Seriously, though.<</speech>> Rachel looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Whatever you decide, make sure it's actually yours.<</speech>> Rachel's expression softened. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded and left. <<speech "Jason">>She's good at that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Being annoying?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Knowing when you're lying to yourself.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 End]]

Rachel stayed in the chair for another moment before standing. <<speech "Rachel">>I still don't know what I think about everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>That one was allowed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Rachel picked up her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I do know one thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> She hesitated, but only briefly. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't regret what happened with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>And I don't want to pretend I do just because that would be easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds like progress.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> Jason raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm keeping maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair enough.<</speech>> Rachel left the room looking lighter than when she'd entered it. She still had questions about what she believed and where her boundaries belonged, but for the first time she had stopped trying to manufacture regret simply because regret would have given her an easier answer. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 5>>

Jason was leaving the student center when Rachel caught up with him near the doors. <<speech "Rachel">>Wait.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Jason">>What's up?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Are you busy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> Rachel nodded once, like she'd already decided what the answer needed to be. <<speech "Rachel">>Come with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Somewhere private.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't make that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What face?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>The one where you're trying to figure out what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't going to assume.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him for a second. <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Walk]]

They crossed campus together. Rachel walked faster than usual, though not like she was trying to get away from him. If anything, Jason got the feeling she was trying to outrun the part of herself that might change her mind. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because I'm actually sure this time.<</speech>> Jason didn't answer immediately. <<speech "Rachel">>See? Now you're the quiet one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm listening.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> She adjusted the strap of her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I've been thinking about what Rebecca said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which part?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That I keep asking everybody else to give me an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm tired of doing that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Choice]]

Rachel led him into a quiet building and stopped near an empty lounge tucked away from the main hallway. <<speech "Rachel">>I know what I want right now.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're doing that on purpose now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Making me say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to say anything you don't want to.<</speech>> Rachel smiled faintly. <<speech "Rachel">>That's exactly why I want to.<</speech>> She set her bag down beside one of the chairs. <<speech "Rachel">>Last time, I kept telling myself I was just curious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Were you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> She stepped closer. <<speech "Rachel">>But that's not all it was.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Honest]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I wanted you.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rachel">>And I still do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel-<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No. Let me finish before I start thinking too much.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>I spent days trying to decide whether wanting you meant something was wrong with me. Then I spent more time trying to decide whether not feeling guilty enough meant something was wrong with me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> Rachel took a breath. <<speech "Rachel">>Now I think maybe I just want you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's allowed.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> That answer sounded different from every other time she'd said it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Turn]]

Rachel stepped closer until there was almost no space between them. <<speech "Rachel">>Can I ask you one thing?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>If I stop, we stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And if I don't stop?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Then we keep going as long as we both want to.<</speech>> Rachel nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> She seemed calmer after that, not because the nerves disappeared, but because she had finally said what she needed instead of hoping Jason would guess. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "RACHEL_RANK6">>

Rachel sat beside Jason afterward, quieter than before but not withdrawn. She stared at the floor for a few seconds, then laughed softly to herself. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay, something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thought so.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm waiting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>The panic.<</speech>> Jason watched her. <<speech "Rachel">>It's not happening.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that good?<</speech>> Rachel thought about it. <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 No Excuse]]

<<speech "Rachel">>This time I can't even pretend it was an accident.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You really wanted an excuse last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I did.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>I thought if I could say I got caught up in the moment, then I wouldn't have to admit I chose it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But you chose this.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Completely.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't look proud of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why not?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because this is a very strange thing to be proud of someone for.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not proud because of what we did.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>I'm proud because you actually said what you wanted.<</speech>> She went quiet. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Faith]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I'm still religious, you know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes I worry you think this means I'm slowly deciding none of it matters.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't.<</speech>> Rachel studied his face. <<speech "Jason">>You can believe in God and still figure out what you personally believe about sex.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca would like that answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Don't tell her. She'll get arrogant.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Too late for that.<</speech>> She leaned back in the chair. <<speech "Rachel">>I think that's what I've been scared of.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That if one thing changed, everything had to change with it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Rebecca]]

<<speech "Jason">>You going to tell Rebecca?<</speech>> Rachel looked horrified. <<speech "Rachel">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She already knows something is going on.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Knowing something is going on and knowing details are very different things.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Rachel pointed at him. <<speech "Rachel">>And you are not telling her either.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> She relaxed again. <<speech "Rachel">>Although she'll probably figure it out somehow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Cassidy level of observation?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Worse. Rebecca knows me.<</speech>> Jason smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 End]]

Eventually Rachel picked up her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I should go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> She stopped. <<speech "Rachel">>That word doesn't bother me anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Progress.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm keeping that one too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can have it.<</speech>> Rachel smiled and started toward the hallway. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Rachel">>I wanted today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No. I mean I want to remember that I wanted it. Not explain it away later.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Jason">>Then remember it that way.<</speech>> Rachel smiled and left. For the first time, she wasn't treating desire like evidence that needed to be examined. She had wanted something, made a choice, and allowed that choice to belong to her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 6>>

Jason found Rachel outside the Faith & Fellowship meeting room before the doors opened. She was sitting on the floor against the wall with her bag beside her and a paper cup balanced between both hands. <<speech "Jason">>You're early.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>So are you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I asked first.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I wanted somewhere quiet for a minute.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Before the quiet Christian discussion group?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You haven't been listening if you think this group is quiet.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca isn't here yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You were going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> Rachel took a drink. <<speech "Rachel">>I wanted to talk to you before everybody showed up anyway.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Confession]]

<<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> Rachel looked down at the cup. <<speech "Rachel">>Do you ever rehearse conversations you're never actually going to have?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Constantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Makes me feel less insane.<</speech>> Jason leaned back against the wall. <<speech "Rachel">>I keep having this imaginary conversation where I explain everything I've done.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To who?<</speech>> Rachel hesitated. <<speech "Rachel">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your parents?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She'd probably interrupt before I finished.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>God?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Mostly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Guilt]]

<<speech "Jason">>What do you say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's the thing.<</speech>> Rachel folded her hands around the cup. <<speech "Rachel">>I keep trying to confess something, but I don't actually know what I'm confessing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I imagine saying I did something wrong. Then I get to the part where I'm supposed to explain why it was wrong, and I don't know anymore.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rachel">>I wanted it. I wasn't pressured. I wasn't confused. I didn't hurt anybody. I don't regret it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then maybe you don't need to confess it.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>That's what scares me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Belief]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because what if I'm just changing what I believe because I want something?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want me to lie?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wanting something can make you question a rule.<</speech>> He shrugged slightly. <<speech "Jason">>That doesn't automatically mean the new answer is wrong.<</speech>> Rachel thought about that. <<speech "Rachel">>So how do I know?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think I can tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca would hate that answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think Rebecca would love that answer.<</speech>> Rachel laughed softly. <<speech "Rachel">>Unfortunately, you're probably right.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Meeting]]

The door opened behind them, and people began filtering into the meeting room. Rachel stood and offered Jason a hand. <<speech "Rachel">>Come on.<</speech>> Jason let her pull him up. <<speech "Jason">>Conversation over?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Paused.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not needing to solve it immediately.<</speech>> Rachel gave him a look. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> They went inside together. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Rebecca]]

Rebecca arrived shortly after them and dropped into the chair beside Rachel. <<speech "Rebecca">>You two were outside together.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Just confirming.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No reason.<</speech>> Rachel stared at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay, one reason.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You seem happier.<</speech>> That caught Rachel off guard. <<speech "Rachel">>I do?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Is that suspicious now?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>With you? A little.<</speech>> Rachel rolled her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm kidding.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression softened. <<speech "Rebecca">>Mostly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Discussion]]

The meeting topic turned toward forgiveness again, though this time the conversation focused less on specific actions and more on why people believed forgiveness was necessary in the first place. <<speech "Club Leader">>Sometimes we apologize because we hurt someone. Sometimes because we violated our own conscience. Those aren't always the same situation.<</speech>> Rachel listened quietly. <<speech "Club Leader">>The difficult question is whether guilt is telling us something useful or whether we've simply become accustomed to feeling guilty.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced toward Rachel but, for once, said nothing. <<speech "Club Leader">>Anybody?<</speech>> Rachel raised her hand. <<speech "Rachel">>I think sometimes people apologize before they've even decided they believe they did something wrong.<</speech>> The room went quiet enough that Jason noticed Rebecca looking at her. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe because apologizing feels safer than admitting you're not sure the rule still makes sense to you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 After Meeting]]

After the meeting, Rebecca caught Rachel near the snack table. <<speech "Rebecca">>That was new.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What was?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You said what you actually thought in front of everyone.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I've done that before.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not like that.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Your face did.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>He's good for you.<</speech>> Rachel looked genuinely uncomfortable with how simply she said it. <<speech "Rachel">>That's a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It's one sentence.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Rebecca Talk]]

Rebecca lowered her voice. <<speech "Rebecca">>You know you don't have to become me, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Every time I tell you to stop torturing yourself, you act like I'm telling you to stop caring about anything.<</speech>> Rachel looked down. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do you?<</speech>> Rachel thought about it. <<speech "Rachel">>More than I did before.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> Rebecca nudged her shoulder. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're allowed to believe differently than me too.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's annoyingly mature.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't spread it around.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Jason]]

Rebecca eventually joined another group near the door, leaving Rachel and Jason together. <<speech "Rachel">>Can we go somewhere?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You didn't ask where.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do I need to?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> They left the meeting together. <<speech "Rachel">>I meant what I said earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About confession?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> She kept walking. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm tired of acting like every time I want you, I need to prepare an apology afterward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't owe me one.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> She looked over at him. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't think I owe one to myself either.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Private]]

They eventually ended up somewhere private, far enough from the club that Rachel didn't keep checking the hallway every few seconds. <<speech "Jason">>You're sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No speech first?<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Actually, one.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course.<</speech>> She stepped closer. <<speech "Rachel">>I want this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And I'm not going to spend tomorrow trying to find a reason I shouldn't have.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>That's the whole speech.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty good one.<</speech>> Rachel smiled and closed the remaining distance between them. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "RACHEL_RANK7">>

Rachel stayed beside Jason afterward instead of immediately getting dressed and retreating into her thoughts. She was quiet, but it felt different from the silence after Rank 4. There was no panic underneath it. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No waiting for the panic?<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> She rested against him. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm still going to think about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I figured.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>But thinking isn't the same as punishing myself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably healthier.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Very insightful.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Faith]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I think I kept expecting faith to make every decision obvious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> She said it without hesitation. <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe that's not what it's for.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you think it's for?<</speech>> Rachel thought about it. <<speech "Rachel">>Helping me decide what kind of person I want to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And what kind is that?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Still working on it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's no deadline.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Tell my brain that.<</speech>> Jason smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Rebecca Hook]]

Rachel's phone buzzed nearby. She checked it and immediately smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does she want?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She wants to know if I'm "having another spiritual crisis."<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> Rachel typed something back. <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What'd you tell her?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Mind your business.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To me or her?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Both.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>She worries about me more than she admits.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You worry about her too.<</speech>> Rachel's expression softened. <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 End]]

Rachel eventually gathered her things, but she didn't seem in a hurry to leave. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> She thought about it. <<speech "Rachel">>For never telling me what I'm supposed to believe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wouldn't know what to tell you anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's probably why it worked.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I still have questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Probably always will.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's okay.<</speech>> Rachel nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> For the first time, she didn't sound like she needed anyone else's permission to say it. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 7>>

Jason found Rachel outside the same building where Faith & Fellowship usually met, but she wasn't waiting near the club room. She was sitting on a low wall farther down the walkway with a drink beside her and her phone turned face-down. <<speech "Jason">>Skipping?<</speech>> Rachel looked up. <<speech "Rachel">>No meeting tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why are you here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Habit, I guess.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Rachel">>Or maybe I knew you'd probably come by.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could've texted me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I did.<</speech>> Jason checked his phone. <<speech "Jason">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Very attentive.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I was busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Sure.<</speech>> She smiled, but there was something quieter about her than usual. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Change]]

<<speech "Jason">>What's up?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I've been thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course you have.<</speech>> Rachel nudged his arm. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So am I.<</speech>> She looked out across campus. <<speech "Rachel">>Do I seem different to you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Different from when?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>When we met.<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You ask fewer questions that you already know the answer to.<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>That sounded like an insult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Keep going.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Then]]

<<speech "Jason">>When we first started talking, it felt like every question had a right answer and you were waiting to see whether I'd give it to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's embarrassing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Now you seem more okay with not knowing.<</speech>> Rachel considered that. <<speech "Rachel">>I think I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It's uncomfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Also sounds right.<</speech>> She laughed quietly. <<speech "Rachel">>I used to think certainty was the same thing as faith.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> Rachel looked down at her hands. <<speech "Rachel">>Now I think maybe faith is what I have when I don't have certainty.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Rebecca]]

<<speech "Jason">>Rebecca would probably say something annoying about that.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>She already did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told her?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Some of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Some?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>We talked for a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About us?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>About me, mostly.<</speech>> Rachel picked up her drink. <<speech "Rachel">>She said I've spent years treating every decision like there's a judge waiting for me to submit an explanation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds like Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I hated how accurate it was.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Choice]]

<<speech "Rachel">>So I tried something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I made a list.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>Of course you did.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Not rules. Just things I actually believe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That people matter more than appearances. That consent matters. That honesty matters. That hurting somebody matters.<</speech>> She paused. <<speech "Rachel">>And that wanting something isn't automatically a moral failure.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That last one was probably harder.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>A lot harder.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Own]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I think I kept confusing discomfort with conviction.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the difference?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Conviction tells me I believe something is wrong.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Discomfort sometimes just means something is new.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>That's a big difference.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I wish somebody had told me earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca probably tried.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She did.<</speech>> Rachel sighed. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't tell her I admitted that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Want]]

Rachel went quiet for a moment before looking back at Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>There's something else I've been thinking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Something physical.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rachel">>You're really going to make me say everything now, aren't you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> She smiled slightly. <<speech "Rachel">>That's why I'm going to.<</speech>> Rachel shifted closer. <<speech "Rachel">>There's something I want to try with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm sure I want to talk about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's enough for now.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Talk]]

They moved somewhere more private before Rachel continued. Once they were alone, she seemed calmer rather than more nervous. <<speech "Rachel">>I want to try anal.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>You can react.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm making sure you're finished.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's all?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want me to make it dramatic?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then no drama.<</speech>> Rachel looked relieved. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Boundaries]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I have conditions.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Slow. We stop if I want to stop. No arguing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And if I change my mind before anything happens, that's it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>You don't have to negotiate for the right to stop.<</speech>> Rachel went quiet. <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> She nodded. <<speech "Rachel">>I still needed to say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I'm glad you did.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Why]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why this?<</speech>> Rachel didn't look offended by the question. <<speech "Rachel">>Because I want to know what it's like.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Isn't that enough?<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Rachel smiled back. <<speech "Rachel">>That's kind of the point.<</speech>> She took his hand. <<speech "Rachel">>I don't need some enormous philosophical reason for everything I want.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've come a long way.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't ruin it by getting sentimental.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca really is rubbing off on you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "RACHEL_RANK8">>

Rachel stayed close to Jason afterward, quiet for a while but not withdrawn. Eventually she looked over at him with an expression he couldn't immediately read. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Actually yes. No hesitation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How's that feel?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Bad weird?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> Rachel rested against him. <<speech "Rachel">>Just unfamiliar.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 After Two]]

<<speech "Rachel">>You know what I'm not doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Replaying everything to find the part where I should feel guilty.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I think so too.<</speech>> She looked toward him. <<speech "Rachel">>And if I decide later that I don't want to do it again, that's fine too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Of course.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's another thing I had backwards.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I thought choosing something once meant I had to decide what kind of person that made me forever.<</speech>> Jason shook his head. <<speech "Rachel">>I know that sounds ridiculous now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It sounds like you.<</speech>> Rachel hit his arm lightly. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Faith]]

<<speech "Rachel">>I'm still going to church.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Still praying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Still going to Faith & Fellowship.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel, I never thought you wouldn't.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> Rachel was quiet for a moment. <<speech "Rachel">>I think I needed to hear myself say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I kept thinking becoming more honest about sex meant I was becoming less religious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Now I think I'm just becoming more honest.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Rebecca Hook]]

Rachel's phone buzzed nearby. She reached over, checked the screen, and immediately laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>How do you always know?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pattern recognition.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>She wants to know whether I'm free later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Probably.<</speech>> Rachel typed a reply. <<speech "Jason">>You going to tell her you've solved every problem you've ever had?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Absolutely.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>But I do owe her a conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> Rachel looked thoughtful. <<speech "Rachel">>About how right she was.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She'll never let you live that down.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know. That's why I'm dreading it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Rebecca Two]]

<<speech "Jason">>You two are close.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> Rachel set the phone down. <<speech "Rachel">>She annoys me more than almost anyone I've ever met.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds healthy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>But she also knows when I'm lying to myself before I do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Terrible. But useful.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>I think I spent a lot of time judging Rebecca because she seemed too comfortable with things I was scared of.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does she know that?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Again, useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Stop siding with her.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Jason]]

Rachel turned toward Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>And you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What about me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You never tried to win.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Win what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>The argument.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "Rachel">>You could've spent all this time telling me my rules were stupid or that I was repressed or that your way was better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That would've been shitty.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>Instead you just kept asking what I actually thought.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually you got mad at me for it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Worth it?<</speech>> Rachel looked at him. <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 End]]

Rachel eventually gathered her things, but before leaving she stopped in front of Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>I think I finally know what bothered me so much when we met.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I kept asking what I was allowed to want.<</speech>> She adjusted her bag over her shoulder. <<speech "Rachel">>Wrong question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's the right one?<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rachel">>What do I believe, what do I want, and what choice can I live with afterward?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's three questions.<</speech>> Rachel stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> She laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Goodnight, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rachel walked away without looking back. She still believed. She still questioned. She still overthought things more than she probably needed to. The difference was that she no longer expected somebody else-her family, the club, Rebecca, Jason, or even her own fear-to make every decision for her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rachel Mercer - Rank 8 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rachel" 8>>

Jason found Rebecca outside Faith & Fellowship after the meeting had already ended. She was sitting on the hood of somebody's parked car with a paper plate balanced beside her and the last decent cookie from the snack table in her hand. <<speech "Jason">>Is that your car?<</speech>> Rebecca looked down at the hood. <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good start.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Relax. I know whose it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does he know you're sitting on it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably not.<</speech>> Jason stopped a few feet away. <<speech "Rebecca">>You gonna tell on me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Depends how good the cookie is.<</speech>> Rebecca broke it in half and held a piece out. <<speech "Rebecca">>Corruption starts small.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Cookie]]

Jason took the piece and leaned against the car beside her. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? Now you're involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>In what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Trespassing. Theft. Possibly conspiracy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You stole the cookie?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>They were for everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then that's not theft.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't ruin this.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel leave already?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She had studying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know her schedule too?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know everybody's business.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds healthy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It keeps me entertained.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Everybody]]

A guy crossing the parking lot lifted a hand toward Rebecca. <<speech "Guy">>Later, Bec.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Night, Caleb.<</speech>> A few seconds later, another girl walking past stopped just long enough to say hello. <<speech "Girl">>You coming Friday?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Girl">>You better.<</speech>> Rebecca waved her off. <<speech "Jason">>You know everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was two people in thirty seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Small sample size.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still impressive.<</speech>> Rebecca shrugged. <<speech "Rebecca">>People are easy if you remember names.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Social]]

<<speech "Jason">>That's all it takes?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Mostly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Seems too easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>People like feeling remembered.<</speech>> She finished the rest of her cookie. <<speech "Rebecca">>Ask about their class. Remember their boyfriend's name. Don't make every conversation about yourself. Congratulations, now people think you're charming.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make friendship sound like customer service.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's kind of depressing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Only if you make it depressing.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>You always do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Turn everything into a joke before it gets serious.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him for half a second. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Deflect]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Wow.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel's rubbing off on you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're analyzing me now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I made one observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly how it starts.<</speech>> She hopped down from the hood. <<speech "Rebecca">>Come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm hungry.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just ate.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I ate half a cookie.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A whole cookie.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Allegedly.<</speech>> Rebecca started walking without checking whether Jason followed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Walk]]

Jason caught up with her near the edge of campus. <<speech "Jason">>Do you always invite people places by just leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You came.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It worked.<</speech>> They headed toward a late-night convenience store a few blocks away. <<speech "Rebecca">>So.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>How's the club treating you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel hasn't scared you off yet?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's not scary.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Tell her that when she's arguing about doctrine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You two argue a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's because she loves me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>Does she know that?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She'd deny it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem pretty sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know Rachel.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced ahead. <<speech "Rebecca">>She's been like that forever. Everything has to make sense before she lets herself breathe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't seem like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm smarter.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Seriously, though. She cares a lot. Sometimes too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you don't?<</speech>> Rebecca looked over at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Anything.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Personal]]

The convenience store was almost empty. Rebecca wandered the aisles like she had nowhere else to be, eventually grabbing a drink and a bag of chips. <<speech "Rebecca">>Want anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Your loss.<</speech>> The cashier recognized her immediately. <<speech "Cashier">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Darren.<</speech>> <<speech "Cashier">>Still owe me for that lottery ticket.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I bought you coffee.<</speech>> <<speech "Cashier">>That doesn't count.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It absolutely counts.<</speech>> Jason watched the exchange. <<speech "Cashier">>Who's your friend?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Cashier">>Good luck.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't encourage him.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Outside]]

They stepped back outside with Rebecca's snacks. <<speech "Jason">>Seriously. Everybody knows you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Darren works here every night.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not a counterargument.<</speech>> Rebecca opened the bag of chips. <<speech "Rebecca">>Fine. I know people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do they know you?<</speech>> Rebecca stopped walking. <<speech "Rebecca">>What kind of fortune-cookie question is that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I really don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Everybody seems comfortable with you. But every time I ask something actually personal, you make a joke.<</speech>> Rebecca ate another chip. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I'm just funny.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You are.<</speech>> She blinked. <<speech "Jason">>Still avoiding it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Serious]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Why do you care?<</speech>> The question came out more directly than anything else she'd said all night. <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Great answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> Rebecca started walking again. <<speech "Jason">>You seem interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because now I sound mysterious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I just don't think everything needs to be serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't either.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then we're good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Didn't say nothing should be.<</speech>> Rebecca looked over at him again. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Crack]]

For once, Rebecca didn't immediately have a joke ready. <<speech "Rebecca">>You really don't let things go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You just choose not to?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Rebecca groaned. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel's definitely rubbing off on you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You use her whenever you don't want to answer something.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's what friends are for.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You stopped interrogating me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For now.<</speech>> Rebecca narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>Dangerous.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 End]]

They eventually reached the point where they needed to split off toward different parts of campus. <<speech "Rebecca">>This is me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You gonna survive the walk back alone?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good. I'd hate to lose one of our five regular attendees.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's why you invited me out?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Retention.<</speech>> Jason shook his head. <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> Rebecca hesitated. <<speech "Rebecca">>I had fun.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Me too.<</speech>> She nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make it serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wouldn't dream of it.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled and started walking away. <<speech "Rebecca">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rebecca seemed capable of talking to almost anyone about almost anything. Jason was beginning to suspect that the subjects she joked about the fastest were probably the ones she least wanted anyone looking at too closely. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 1 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 1>>

Jason spotted Rebecca outside the student center before she spotted him. She was standing near one of the tables talking to three different people at once, somehow keeping up with all of them without looking distracted. <<speech "Girl">>You still coming Friday?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Unless I get kidnapped.<</speech>> <<speech "Guy">>Nobody's kidnapping you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's exactly what a kidnapper would say.<</speech>> The third person laughed and started walking away. <<speech "Guy">>Later, Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Later.<</speech>> She finally noticed Jason standing nearby. <<speech "Rebecca">>You've been watching me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded accusatory.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Was I wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Liar.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Lunch]]

Rebecca waved the other two people off and walked over to him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You eat yet?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why good?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I don't want to eat alone.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just had three people standing around you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And now I don't.<</speech>> She started walking toward the food court. <<speech "Jason">>You really do just decide people are coming with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Saves time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>One day somebody's going to say no.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then I'll recover somehow.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Known]]

They barely made it inside before someone else called Rebecca's name. <<speech "Voice">>Bec!<</speech>> Rebecca turned and pointed toward a guy sitting two tables away. <<speech "Rebecca">>You still owe me ten dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Guy">>That was six months ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Interest.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's your thinking face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently I have a lot of faces.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You do.<</speech>> They reached the counter. <<speech "Jason">>How many people do you actually know?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not a number.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not making a spreadsheet for you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Table]]

They found a table near the back of the food court. Rebecca sat down with her tray and immediately stole one of Jason's fries. <<speech "Jason">>You have fries.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yours looked better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They're the same fries.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's what they want you to think.<</speech>> Jason moved his tray slightly farther away. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rude.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Survival.<</speech>> A girl passed their table and stopped. <<speech "Girl">>Rebecca, did you send me that professor's email?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Last night.<</speech>> <<speech "Girl">>You're a lifesaver.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> The girl thanked her again and left. <<speech "Jason">>You really do know everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>We've established this.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Details]]

<<speech "Jason">>You remember a lot about them too.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>People tell you things if you listen.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You remembered Rachel's study schedule. That guy owes you money. You knew somebody's professor's email.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Congratulations, detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You make people sound like files.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's Allison's job, not mine.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Besides, remembering things is useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Knowing what people need.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's actually kind of nice.<</speech>> Rebecca immediately made a face. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't say things like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Makes me sound wholesome.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Reverse]]

<<speech "Jason">>So what do people remember about you?<</speech>> Rebecca paused with a fry halfway to her mouth. <<speech "Rebecca">>What kind of question is that?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A normal one.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, normal people ask favorite colors.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What's your favorite color?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Green.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There. Now answer the first question.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>That was manipulative.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did it work?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then apparently not.<</speech>> She shook her head. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Versions]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>People know whatever version they get.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Church people know church Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There's a church Rebecca?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What makes her different?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She swears less.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Mostly.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>Class people know class Rebecca. Work people know work Rebecca. People I go out with know that version.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which one am I getting?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Still deciding.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Interesting]]

<<speech "Jason">>That sounds exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Keeping track of different versions of yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I don't keep track. It's automatic.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's probably worse.<</speech>> Rebecca leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Rebecca">>Everybody does it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't talk to professors the same way you talk to Leah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't talk to your parents the same way you talk to friends.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Also no.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then there you go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not exactly what I meant.<</speech>> Rebecca knew it too. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Phone]]

Rebecca's phone buzzed on the table. She checked it, smiled, typed something quickly, and put it back down. <<speech "Jason">>Popular.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Jealous?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Devastated.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You'll recover.<</speech>> Her phone buzzed again almost immediately. <<speech "Jason">>Seriously.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you ever get tired of people?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Constantly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't act like it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because telling people to go away tends to hurt their feelings.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes you want them to?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at the phone, then turned it face-down. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Alone]]

<<speech "Jason">>Then why don't you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because sometimes I want them around again later.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Rebecca ate another fry. <<speech "Rebecca">>I like people.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can tell.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I just don't always want to be available.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then people ask if something's wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is something usually wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> She paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't get excited. You're not uncovering my tragic backstory.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Deflection]]

<<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The joke.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>You really are keeping track now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Hard not to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You could try.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you want me to?<</speech>> Rebecca opened her mouth, then stopped. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not very Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Shut up.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I just don't understand why you're so interested.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe I like talking to you.<</speech>> Rebecca looked away for the first time since they'd sat down. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Know Me]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You barely know me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That doesn't bother you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't that how knowing somebody starts?<</speech>> Rebecca looked back at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's annoyingly reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel says that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't compare us.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because she'll somehow win.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? This is better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You laughing instead of trying to understand me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can't I do both?<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Crack]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe that's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What is?<</speech>> Rebecca immediately shook her head. <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That was definitely something.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And we're done.<</speech>> She stood and grabbed her tray. <<speech "Jason">>You're leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>We're both leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Again with that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Again, it works.<</speech>> Jason stood and followed her toward the trash cans. <<speech "Rebecca">>You think too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's Rachel's thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently contagious.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Walk]]

They left the student center and headed across campus together. <<speech "Rebecca">>I wasn't kidding earlier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Everybody gets a different version.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I agreed with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not completely.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Rebecca looked ahead. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes it's easier that way.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because nobody expects everything from you if nobody thinks they have all of you.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Your face did.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>Does Rachel get everything?<</speech>> Rebecca's expression changed slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>More than most.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How much more?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>None of your business.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That easy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said it's none of my business.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You usually push.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not when you actually tell me to stop.<</speech>> Rebecca was quiet for a few steps. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's probably why Rachel likes you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel likes me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not answering that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought it up.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Tragic.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Jason Version]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>What about you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What about me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What version am I getting?<</speech>> Jason thought about it. <<speech "Jason">>Probably the awkward one.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's all of them.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then I guess you get the authentic experience.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's unfair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm over here maintaining a complicated network of personas and you're just walking around being weird everywhere.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Efficiency.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I should try it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Being weird?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're a terrible influence.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 End]]

They reached the walkway where they usually split up. <<speech "Rebecca">>I should go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca took a few steps, then turned back. <<speech "Rebecca">>For the record, you know more about me than Darren does.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Convenience-store Darren?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a pretty low bar.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Take the compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>See you around, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>See you.<</speech>> Rebecca walked off and immediately stopped to greet somebody else coming the other direction. Everybody seemed to know Rebecca. Jason was starting to understand that Rebecca had spent a lot more effort deciding how much each of them was allowed to know in return. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 2 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 2>>

Jason almost walked past Rebecca without recognizing her. She was sitting alone on a bench behind the student center with her elbows on her knees, staring at the ground instead of at her phone. <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca?<</speech>> She looked up. <<speech "Rebecca">>Oh, good. Witnesses.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Perfect.<</speech>> Jason stopped in front of her. <<speech "Jason">>That sounded convincing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I've had practice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Want company?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do I get to say no?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him for a second. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then maybe.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Sit]]

Jason sat at the other end of the bench. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're being weirdly respectful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Should I be worse?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Might be more familiar.<</speech>> Jason smiled slightly. <<speech "Jason">>Bad day?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>Fine. Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Want to talk about it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca looked over at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You said no.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're supposed to be nosier than that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can be if you want.<</speech>> Rebecca rubbed both hands over her face. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's somehow worse.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Joke]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I had a stupid argument with somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Friend?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sort of.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing important.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You look pretty upset for nothing important.<</speech>> Rebecca gave him a look. <<speech "Rebecca">>You always this annoying?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Mostly.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good. At least you're consistent.<</speech>> She leaned back against the bench. <<speech "Rebecca">>They said something stupid. I said something worse. Everybody had a great time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What'd they say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That I'm impossible to take seriously.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? Even you know that's funny.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Seriously]]

<<speech "Jason">>I don't think it's funny.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's disappointing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because then I have to decide whether you're being nice or weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Could be both.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled despite herself. <<speech "Rebecca">>There. Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You do that every time.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The second something gets uncomfortable, you try to make me laugh.<</speech>> Rebecca's smile faded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I like making people laugh.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I think you do.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>I also think you use it to change the subject.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Push]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You know, most people don't analyze the person trying to cheer them up.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you trying to cheer me up?<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not anymore.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>God, you're irritating.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could tell me to leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> That answer came quickly enough that Jason noticed. <<speech "Jason">>But you haven't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make that into something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> Rebecca looked away. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's probably why you're still here.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Problem]]

<<speech "Jason">>So what actually bothered you?<</speech>> Rebecca exhaled. <<speech "Rebecca">>That they weren't completely wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About taking you seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> She picked at the edge of her sleeve. <<speech "Rebecca">>People expect me to be fine all the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you act fine all the time.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> She laughed once, but there wasn't much humor in it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then when I'm actually upset, everybody acts surprised. Like I broke character.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does that happen a lot?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Enough.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Fine]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I hate when people ask me what's wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You noticed that's the first thing I asked, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, you're different.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That came out wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How was it supposed to come out?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I don't know.<</speech>> Rebecca leaned back and looked toward the sky. <<speech "Rebecca">>Most people ask because they want me to say I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because then they don't have to deal with the answer.<</speech>> Jason thought about that. <<speech "Jason">>And me?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You actually wait.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Wait]]

<<speech "Jason">>Wait for what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>The real answer.<</speech>> For once, Rebecca didn't immediately cover the sentence with a joke. <<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I haven't decided.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled faintly. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're not supposed to make this easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What am I supposed to do?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Say something dumb so I can make fun of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can try.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Please don't.<</speech>> They sat quietly for a moment. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Image]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You know what the worst part is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I built it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Built what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>This whole version of me.<</speech>> She gestured vaguely at herself. <<speech "Rebecca">>Funny Rebecca. Easy Rebecca. Rebecca who knows everybody and never gets embarrassed and always has something to say.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not fake.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Jason">>You're actually funny. You actually like people.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're ruining my breakdown.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed despite herself. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? This is what I mean.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 More]]

<<speech "Jason">>There can be more than one thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can actually be funny and still use humor to avoid things.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>I preferred you when you were awkward and quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm still awkward.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not enough.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I think people confuse being easy to talk to with being easy to know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You've gotten really good at making sure those aren't the same.<</speech>> Rebecca looked down. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>Rachel knows you pretty well.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She'd probably notice you were having a bad day.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She would.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why didn't you call her?<</speech>> Rebecca hesitated. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because she'd worry.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't that what friends do?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes I don't want somebody who knows me that well looking at me when I'm a mess.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you sat somewhere alone where anybody could find you.<</speech>> Rebecca narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't say it was a good plan.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Why Jason]]

<<speech "Jason">>Then why are you talking to me?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him for a long moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you don't know me well enough to have expectations yet.<</speech>> Jason absorbed that. <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounded terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But I get it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can tell me something without worrying I'm going to decide you've changed.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression softened. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> She paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>Something like that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Attraction]]

Rebecca looked at him again, this time without immediately looking away. <<speech "Rebecca">>You know you're kind of attractive when you're not being annoying.<</speech>> Jason blinked. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>There he is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You can't just say that and then make fun of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I absolutely can.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're attractive too.<</speech>> Rebecca's smile faltered for half a second. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah, I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounded defensive.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It was confidence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Honest]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Okay, fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fine what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I like when you say things like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Compliments?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make me regret being honest.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not.<</speech>> Rebecca looked down at her hands. <<speech "Rebecca">>I like talking to you.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rebecca">>You are legally required to say something now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I like talking to you too.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was that hard?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Better]]

Rebecca sat quietly for another minute before standing. <<speech "Jason">>Feeling better?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Want to talk about the argument more?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>But thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For sitting here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Mostly for not trying to fix me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wouldn't know how.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> She picked up her bag. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes people hear you're upset and suddenly they have a five-step plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>See? You're learning.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 End]]

They walked together until the path split. <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Today never happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What today?<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good answer.<</speech>> She started to leave, then stopped. <<speech "Rebecca">>Actually.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't forget all of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which part should I remember?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Figure it out.<</speech>> She walked away before he could answer. Rebecca still had the jokes, the easy smile, and the version of herself that could talk to anybody. But Jason had finally seen what happened when she didn't have enough energy to keep that version running-and Rebecca had chosen not to send him away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 3 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 3>>

Rebecca texted Jason with almost no context beyond an address and a message telling him not to be late. He found her waiting outside a small apartment building a few blocks from campus, leaning against the railing with her phone in one hand. <<speech "Jason">>You know normal people explain why they're inviting someone somewhere.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sounds inefficient.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Whose place is this?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Friend of mine.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The mysterious network expands.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She's out of town. I'm feeding her cat.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought me to a cat-sitting job?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Try to contain your excitement.<</speech>> Rebecca unlocked the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>Come on.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Apartment]]

The apartment was small but comfortable. A gray cat appeared from somewhere near the kitchen, looked at Jason with immediate suspicion, then walked directly toward Rebecca. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? Somebody's happy to see me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Give me food and I'll improve.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>High maintenance.<</speech>> Rebecca crouched to refill the cat's bowl. <<speech "Jason">>So why am I here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Company.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You sound disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm suspicious.<</speech>> Rebecca stood and looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Of me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Smart.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Couch]]

They ended up on the couch with something playing quietly on the television that neither of them was actually watching. Rebecca sat sideways with one leg tucked underneath her, occasionally commenting on whatever appeared on screen and then immediately changing the subject. <<speech "Jason">>You've asked me four questions in ten minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Conversation tends to work like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You haven't answered any of mine.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Also conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not usually.<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're still thinking about last time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to forget it.<</speech>> Rebecca paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>Some of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very clear instructions.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Last Time]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I was having a bad day.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And now I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca studied him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're really not going to make me explain it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you want to?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then no.<</speech>> She leaned back against the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep inviting me places anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe that's why.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make that face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You keep saying things and then getting mad when I hear them.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It's becoming a problem.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Attraction]]

Rebecca turned slightly toward him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You meant what you said before?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thinking I'm attractive.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Still?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did something happen between then and now?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I got ugly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>In a few days?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It happens fast.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah, Rebecca. I still think you're attractive.<</speech>> She nodded like she had been expecting the answer. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't worry about it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Closer]]

Rebecca shifted closer until their knees touched. <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're doing something.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Very observant.<</speech>> She smiled, but Jason noticed the way she was watching his reaction. <<speech "Jason">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Whatever you're about to do.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression softened slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're not going to give me a speech?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you want one?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then we're good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Test]]

Rebecca looked at him for another moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>There's one rule.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't turn this into something weird afterward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What counts as weird?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I really don't.<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't start acting like I'm suddenly fragile. Don't give me some speech about what this means. Don't start treating me differently.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> She moved closer again. <<speech "Jason">>And if you change your mind?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'll tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Look at us. Communicating.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "REBECCA_RANK4">>

Rebecca sat back afterward and immediately reached for the television remote like nothing unusual had happened. <<speech "Rebecca">>So.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So.<</speech>> She changed the channel. <<speech "Rebecca">>This show sucks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You picked it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I make mistakes.<</speech>> Jason watched her for a moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You seem very interested in the television all of a sudden.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I'm invested.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just said it sucks.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're ruining this.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Normal]]

<<speech "Jason">>Ruining what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>The part where everything goes back to normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Isn't it normal?<</speech>> Rebecca hesitated. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're not acting different.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You told me not to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>People say things.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then they get weird anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm still sitting here arguing about television with you.<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward the screen. <<speech "Rebecca">>True.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you want me to act different?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> The answer came immediately. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Expectation]]

<<speech "Jason">>Then what's bothering you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm not doing anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> She put the remote down. <<speech "Rebecca">>I thought you'd be different afterward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because guys get weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Some get clingy. Some get arrogant. Some act like you've given them ownership rights.<</speech>> She shrugged. <<speech "Rebecca">>Some decide you're a different kind of girl than they thought you were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you thought I'd do one of those?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Meaning]]

<<speech "Jason">>I still think you're Rebecca.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's incredibly corny.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You implied.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled despite herself. <<speech "Rebecca">>I hate that I liked that answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't push it.<</speech>> Jason leaned back into the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Seriously, though.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't think less of me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why would I?<</speech>> Rebecca looked away. <<speech "Rebecca">>Just checking.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Sex]]

<<speech "Jason">>You don't seem guilty about sex.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why were you worried I'd judge you?<</speech>> Rebecca thought about it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Those aren't the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I can be completely fine with something and still know other people aren't.<</speech>> She pulled one leg onto the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel worries about whether she's allowed to want something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I worry about whether somebody gets weird after they find out what I want.<</speech>> Jason nodded slowly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't look so interested.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, you're not.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>Does Rachel know this side of you?<</speech>> Rebecca gave him an immediate look. <<speech "Rebecca">>We're not discussing Rachel right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, it isn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You answered really fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Stopping.<</speech>> Rebecca relaxed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you.<</speech>> There was a brief silence. <<speech "Rebecca">>She knows more than most people.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's all you're getting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> Rebecca picked the remote back up. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Cat]]

The cat eventually jumped onto the couch between them and immediately claimed the available space. <<speech "Rebecca">>Perfect timing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Jealous?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Of the cat?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He has your attention now.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't get needy. We talked about this.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Normal.<</speech>> She scratched under the cat's chin. <<speech "Rebecca">>This is good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sitting with a cat?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 End]]

When Jason eventually got up to leave, Rebecca followed him to the apartment door. <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>We're good?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're good.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Jason">>You?<</speech>> She considered the question. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> Rebecca opened the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>And don't get smug.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Very reasonable.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rebecca had treated the whole thing like it was supposed to be simple. The sex probably was. What mattered more was what came afterward. Jason hadn't judged her, claimed her, or turned her into somebody different in his head. Rebecca seemed relieved by that-and considerably less comfortable with how much the relief meant to her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 4 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 4>>

Jason noticed Rebecca avoiding him before she ever admitted she was doing it. She still waved when she saw him. Still joked during Faith & Fellowship. Still acted completely normal whenever other people were around. But every time Jason tried to catch her alone, she suddenly had somewhere else to be. <<speech "Rachel">>She's avoiding you.<</speech>> Jason looked over. <<speech "Jason">>That obvious?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>To me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did she say something?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then how do you know?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because Rebecca doesn't casually leave a room three times in one meeting.<</speech>> Jason glanced toward the doorway Rebecca had disappeared through a few minutes earlier. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe she's busy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Maybe.<</speech>> Rachel's expression said she didn't believe that at all. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Meeting]]

The meeting continued without Rebecca for another ten minutes before she finally returned carrying a fresh drink she definitely hadn't needed that long to get. <<speech "Rebecca">>What'd I miss?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> Rebecca sat beside Rachel instead of in the empty chair near Jason. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Hey.<</speech>> That was it. Rachel looked from Rebecca to Jason and back again. <<speech "Rachel">>Interesting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't do that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>The thing where you say nothing and mean something.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Learned from you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 After]]

When the meeting ended, Rebecca packed her things quickly. <<speech "Jason">>You heading out?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yep.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can I walk with you?<</speech>> Rebecca paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because we're going the same direction.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Are we?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually.<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward Rachel. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't drag me into this.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nobody was.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Your face was.<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Fine. Walk with me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Walk]]

They made it halfway across campus before Jason said anything. <<speech "Jason">>Did I do something?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca kept walking. <<speech "Jason">>Then why are you avoiding me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're really bad at this when somebody already knows you do it.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Knows I do what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretend nothing's happening until people get tired of asking.<</speech>> She stopped walking. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's not what I'm doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then tell me what you are doing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Distance]]

Rebecca looked around before moving toward a quieter part of the walkway. <<speech "Rebecca">>I needed space.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>From me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you're acting normal.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know how that sounds.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> She folded her arms. <<speech "Rebecca">>I told you not to make things weird, and you didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're upset because I listened?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not upset.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Fine. I'm uncomfortable.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Expected]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I knew what to do if you got weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What would you do?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Stop talking to you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's comforting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You asked.<</speech>> Rebecca leaned against a railing. <<speech "Rebecca">>If you started acting possessive, I'd leave. If you judged me, I'd leave. If you turned everything into some giant emotional event, I'd tell you to calm down and then probably leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>But I didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what's the plan now?<</speech>> Rebecca looked annoyed. <<speech "Rebecca">>I don't have one.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Safe]]

<<speech "Jason">>That bothers you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Rebecca was quiet for a few seconds. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because now I know I can trust you with it.<</speech>> Jason didn't say anything. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't look at me like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Like that was important.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It sounded important.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's the problem.<</speech>> She rubbed the back of her neck. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sex is easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Easier than this.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Difference]]

<<speech "Jason">>What's this?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Actually caring what you think afterward.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>There. Happy?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't trying to make you say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> She sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Which somehow makes it worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm starting to notice that happens a lot with you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>What does?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You get more uncomfortable when people don't pressure you.<</speech>> Rebecca narrowed her eyes. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's an extremely rude observation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wrong?<</speech>> She looked away. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not completely.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Rachel]]

Rebecca's phone buzzed. She checked it and groaned. <<speech "Jason">>Rachel?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She's asking if I'm done being weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She knows?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She knows something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did you tell her?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing useful.<</speech>> Rebecca typed something back. <<speech "Jason">>Does she know what happened?<</speech>> Rebecca stopped typing. <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound very sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because if Rachel knew details, I would know immediately.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She'd try incredibly hard not to ask about it.<</speech>> Jason laughed. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Rachel Knows]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>She knows I like you.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Your face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> Rebecca put her phone away. <<speech "Jason">>Did you tell her?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not directly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then how does she know?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because she knows me.<</speech>> Rebecca said it like that explained everything. <<speech "Jason">>Does that bother you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because she can tell when you're hiding something?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because sometimes I don't get to choose what she notices.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Control]]

<<speech "Jason">>You like choosing what people know about you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> Rebecca shrugged. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because then I know what I'm dealing with.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Meaning?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>If somebody only knows the fun version of me, they only expect the fun version.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And if they know more?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then they can hurt more.<</speech>> The answer was so direct that neither of them spoke for a second. <<speech "Rebecca">>Well. That was disgusting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What was?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Being emotionally honest in public.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Joke]]

<<speech "Jason">>We're basically alone.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Still unacceptable.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>There. That's better.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>The joke?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know I can see you doing it now.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Doesn't work as well.<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're becoming extremely inconvenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, you're not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Little bit.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Like]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I like you.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>There. I said it again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sound annoyed.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>At me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Mostly myself.<</speech>> She looked down at the ground. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're easy to be around.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Thanks.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That wasn't entirely a compliment.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll take it anyway.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled faintly. <<speech "Rebecca">>You make it really easy to forget I'm supposed to keep some things separate.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Separate]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why are you supposed to?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because it's easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For who?<</speech>> Rebecca opened her mouth, then stopped. <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Shut up.<</speech>> She laughed and pushed lightly against his shoulder. <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't get to become insightful. That's not fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'll try to get worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Please do.<</speech>> They stood there for another moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not promising I'm suddenly going to tell you everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't ask you to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> Again, that seemed to matter. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Rachel Return]]

Rachel appeared farther down the path with her bag over one shoulder. <<speech "Rachel">>There you are.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Were you looking for me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You left your notebook.<</speech>> Rachel held it out. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? This is why I keep her around.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You keep me around?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Mutually beneficial arrangement.<</speech>> Rachel handed her the notebook and looked between the two of them. <<speech "Rachel">>Everything okay?<</speech>> Rebecca immediately smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Perfect.<</speech>> Rachel stared at her. <<speech "Rachel">>That's your lying word.<</speech>> Rebecca's smile disappeared. <<speech "Jason">>She really does know you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Rachel Push]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Both of you are becoming unbearable.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing happened.<</speech>> Rachel looked at Jason. <<speech "Jason">>Not getting involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Something definitely happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel.<</speech>> Rachel stopped. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca looked mildly surprised. <<speech "Rachel">>You don't have to tell me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thanks.<</speech>> Rachel nodded, then looked at her more carefully. <<speech "Rachel">>But stop treating him like he did something wrong if he didn't.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at her. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Called Out]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Whose side are you on?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nobody's.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Terrible answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You avoid people when you care what they think.<</speech>> Rebecca went completely still. <<speech "Rachel">>You did it with me too.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>We are not doing this.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Fine.<</speech>> Rachel adjusted her bag. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm leaving now before you kill me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Smart.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>Good luck.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Stop saying that to him.<</speech>> Rachel smiled and walked away. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 End]]

Rebecca watched Rachel disappear around the corner. <<speech "Rebecca">>I hate her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No, you don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Deeply.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>And don't say she was right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>I wasn't avoiding you because I regretted anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I was avoiding you because I didn't.<</speech>> Jason stayed quiet. <<speech "Rebecca">>And because you didn't make me regret trusting you.<</speech>> She exhaled. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's probably enough honesty for one night.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>We're good?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>We're good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> This time, when Rebecca walked away, it didn't feel like she was escaping him. She still wanted control over which parts of herself people were allowed to see. The difference was that Jason had become one of the people she was beginning to trust with something real. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 5 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 5>>

Rebecca's text was unusually specific this time. No vague address. No joke. No last-minute change of plans. Just a time, a place, and one sentence telling Jason to come alone. <<speech "Jason">>That's ominous.<</speech>> Rebecca opened the apartment door and stepped aside. <<speech "Rebecca">>You came anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Curiosity.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Dangerous habit.<</speech>> Jason stepped inside. It wasn't the same apartment as before. This one looked lived-in in a way the last place hadn't. <<speech "Jason">>Whose place?<</speech>> Rebecca closed the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>Mine.<</speech>> Jason looked back at her. <<speech "Jason">>You have an apartment?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, I broke into one and decorated it with my stuff.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There she is.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Inside]]

The apartment was small. A couch, a cramped kitchen, books stacked near the television, a jacket thrown over one chair, and a collection of mismatched mugs drying beside the sink. <<speech "Jason">>You never mentioned living here.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You never asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've asked you plenty of things.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And somehow missed the important one.<</speech>> Jason looked around. <<speech "Jason">>Anyone else live here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Roommate. She's gone tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you invited me over.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That is generally how invitations work.<</speech>> She walked into the kitchen. <<speech "Rebecca">>Want something?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What do you have?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Water, soda, and something in the fridge that might've been lemonade before it became a science project.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Water.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Quiet]]

Rebecca handed Jason a bottle and sat down on the couch. For once, there was no television playing, no music, no other people around, and nothing obvious for her to bounce conversation off. <<speech "Jason">>This is quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You okay with that?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Why wouldn't I be?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You usually fill silence immediately.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's because most people panic when nobody's talking.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> She thought about it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes.<</speech>> Jason sat beside her. <<speech "Jason">>You're doing better tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't congratulate me for sitting quietly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Why Here]]

<<speech "Jason">>Why'd you bring me here?<</speech>> Rebecca rested her head against the back of the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I wanted to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's suspiciously direct.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm experimenting.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>With honesty?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make it sound disgusting.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I don't bring many people here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Really?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Really.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because this is mine.<</speech>> Jason looked around again. <<speech "Rebecca">>Most people get campus Rebecca. Church Rebecca. Party Rebecca. Whatever version fits.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And this?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>This is where I don't have to be anybody useful.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Useful]]

<<speech "Jason">>Useful?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Funny. Helpful. Easy to talk to. Whatever.<</speech>> She shrugged. <<speech "Rebecca">>People like having me around because I make things easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not the only reason.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't know that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I like having you around when you're being difficult too.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That might be the worst compliment anyone has ever given me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You understood it.<</speech>> Her expression softened. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> She looked down at her hands. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's kind of why you're here.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Vulnerable]]

<<speech "Jason">>Because I tolerate you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Careful.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I don't feel like I have to entertain you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> There was another quiet stretch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sex doesn't scare me.<</speech>> Jason looked toward her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's probably obvious by now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Wanting somebody physically is simple.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And everything else?<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Everything else means they get leverage.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Leverage]]

<<speech "Jason">>Leverage?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>If I don't care what somebody thinks, they can't really hurt me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not completely true.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Close enough.<</speech>> She shifted slightly toward him. <<speech "Rebecca">>If I care, then suddenly they can disappoint me. Leave. Judge me. Tell somebody something I trusted them with.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you don't let people get that far.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel did.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled faintly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel cheated.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She stayed around long enough that I stopped noticing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>You trust her.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>More than almost anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Does she know that?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>She'd never admit it, but she's protective of me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're protective of her too.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Different.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm subtle.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Jason">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Shut up.<</speech>> Rebecca leaned back against him slightly, almost absentmindedly. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Jason]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You know what annoys me about you?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Long list.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't seem impressed when I tell you something personal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Am I supposed to clap?<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>See?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't act like I handed you classified information.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You'd probably stop talking if I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Immediately.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>You just take it and keep going.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Is that bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's why I keep telling you things.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Closer]]

Rebecca stayed close instead of immediately making a joke out of the admission. <<speech "Jason">>You know you don't have to tell me everything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And you don't have to prove anything either.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression changed. <<speech "Rebecca">>What makes you think I'm proving something?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say you were.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You thought it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sometimes you act like being uncomfortable means you have to become even more confident.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him for a moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>That was rude.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Also accurate.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Want]]

Rebecca turned toward him more fully. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then let's make something clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm not trying to prove anything right now.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>I invited you here because I wanted you here.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I told you all that because I wanted you to know it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Rebecca moved closer. <<speech "Rebecca">>And I want to do something with you because I want to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still okay.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "REBECCA_RANK6">>

<<speech "Rebecca">>This felt different.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How?<</speech>> Rebecca considered the question. <<speech "Rebecca">>Last time I think part of me was watching you the whole time.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Watching me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Waiting to see what you'd do afterward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I already knew.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's what trust is, I guess.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds serious.<</speech>> Rebecca gave him a look. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Couldn't resist.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Trust]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I don't trust people easily.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I've noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I trust people with pieces.<</speech>> She gestured around the apartment. <<speech "Rebecca">>This person gets this. That person gets that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And me?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're becoming inconveniently difficult to categorize.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Stop apologizing for that.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I mean it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I think I like that you don't fit neatly anywhere.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Rachel Text]]

Rebecca's phone buzzed on the coffee table. <<speech "Jason">>Rachel?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably.<</speech>> She didn't reach for it. <<speech "Jason">>You're not checking?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She can survive fifteen minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No. She may have dissolved completely.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? I'm still me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Were you worried you weren't?<</speech>> Rebecca paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Private]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I think that's why I kept everything separated for so long.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because you thought letting somebody see more would change you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Or change how they saw me.<</speech>> She rested her head against the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe both.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Has it?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Do you see me differently?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know you better.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Kind of is.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him for a moment, then smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Annoying answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 End]]

Jason eventually stood to leave. Rebecca walked him to the door but didn't open it immediately. <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You can come here again.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Was I banned before?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Technically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good to know.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I mean it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>And don't tell Rachel I said anything nice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What nice thing did you say?<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Jason">>Right. Got it.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed and pushed him lightly toward the hallway. <<speech "Rebecca">>Goodnight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rebecca had spent years deciding which pieces of herself belonged to which people. Jason wasn't getting a carefully selected version anymore. For the first time, Rebecca seemed willing to let somebody see more without immediately trying to take it back. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 6 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 6>>

Rebecca was already waiting when Jason arrived, sitting outside a coffee shop with one drink in front of her and another untouched across the table. <<speech "Jason">>Is that mine?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>On what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Whether you're going to be annoying tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably.<</speech>> Rebecca slid the drink toward him. <<speech "Rebecca">>At least you're honest.<</speech>> Jason sat across from her. <<speech "Jason">>You seem serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Dangerous accusation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There it is.<</speech>> Rebecca sighed. <<speech "Rebecca">>You really have ruined jokes for me.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Rachel]]

<<speech "Jason">>What's going on?<</speech>> Rebecca stirred her drink even though there was nothing left to mix. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel and I got into an argument.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Bad one?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then why do you look annoyed?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because she was right.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Didn't say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You looked happy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What was she right about?<</speech>> Rebecca leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently I have my own version of her problem.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Problem]]

<<speech "Jason">>What problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You know how Rachel spent forever worrying about what she was supposed to want?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently I spend too much time worrying about what people expect me to want.<</speech>> Jason thought about that. <<speech "Jason">>That's different.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you. That's what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't say Rachel was wrong.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Traitor.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did she actually say?<</speech>> Rebecca hesitated. <<speech "Rebecca">>That I hide behind being fearless.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Fearless]]

<<speech "Jason">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently everybody's a therapist now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You brought it up.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> Rebecca looked out toward the sidewalk. <<speech "Rebecca">>People expect certain things from me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That I'll say yes to something ridiculous. That I won't get embarrassed. That I'm always down for whatever.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sometimes.<</speech>> She looked back at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because sometimes you aren't?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because sometimes I don't stop long enough to check.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Reputation]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>If everybody already thinks you're adventurous, saying yes becomes easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And saying no?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Feels like you're disappointing them.<</speech>> Jason frowned slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not you specifically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm talking generally.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Stop being reasonable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I think I got so used to refusing to be ashamed of anything that I started acting like hesitation itself was embarrassing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Rachel Said]]

<<speech "Jason">>What did Rachel say?<</speech>> Rebecca groaned. <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly what you think she said.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I really don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>She said I spent months telling her she didn't need permission to want things, then built my entire personality around never needing permission to not want something.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>That's actually pretty good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You must hate that.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Deeply.<</speech>> She took a drink. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then she said I hide behind jokes the same way she used to hide behind rules.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Also pretty good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm leaving.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Stay]]

Rebecca made no attempt to actually stand. <<speech "Jason">>You want me to agree with you instead?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little support would be nice.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I support you being annoyed that Rachel is right.<</speech>> Rebecca laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>There. That's why I keep you around.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Emotional enabling?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> Her smile faded into something more thoughtful. <<speech "Rebecca">>I don't think I'm fake.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't either.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I really do like trying things. I really am comfortable with sex. I really don't embarrass easily.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I just don't want those things turning into obligations.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Jason]]

<<speech "Jason">>Do you feel obligated with me?<</speech>> Rebecca answered immediately. <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Jason waited. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's actually why I wanted to see you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you've never expected me to keep escalating.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't know I was supposed to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're not.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's the point.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could never do anything sexual with me again and we'd still be good.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him for a moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? That's weirdly attractive.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Choice]]

<<speech "Jason">>Healthy boundaries?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Apparently that's my type now.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>I mean it, though.<</speech>> She leaned forward slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>If I do something with you, I want it to be because I chose it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not because you expect Rebecca to be adventurous.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not because Rachel thinks I'm fearless.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty sure she doesn't anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Rude.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>And not because I need to prove something to myself.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Walk]]

Rebecca finished her drink and stood. <<speech "Rebecca">>Come home with me.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That was very dramatic silence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just making sure I heard you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You did.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sure?<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> They started toward Rebecca's apartment. <<speech "Rebecca">>You know, someday you should develop a less boring response.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You'd hate it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Apartment]]

Rebecca closed the apartment door behind them and tossed her keys onto the counter. She didn't immediately approach Jason. Instead, she stood there for a second, apparently making sure she was still comfortable with the decision now that they were actually alone. <<speech "Jason">>Still good?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>And I like that you asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't get smug.<</speech>> Rebecca stepped closer. <<speech "Rebecca">>There's something I want to try.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And before you ask, yes, I'm sure I want to talk about it.<</speech>> Jason nodded. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Ask]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I want to try anal with you.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>There's that processing face.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Just listening.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You want to?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not because-<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's why we had the entire conversation first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I want it because I'm curious, because I trust you, and because the idea turns me on.<</speech>> She shrugged slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's enough.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Boundaries]]

<<speech "Jason">>Anything you want me to know?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Slow at first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>If I say stop, stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And no trying to convince me to keep going if I change my mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wouldn't.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Jason">>Anything else?<</speech>> She thought about it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't treat this like some achievement afterward.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I won't.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Then we're good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "REBECCA_RANK7">>

Rebecca stayed beside Jason afterward, relaxed enough that neither of them spoke immediately. Eventually she stretched out across the couch and looked toward him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You copied me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Didn't know there was a script.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Jason">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Very.<</speech>> She thought for a second. <<speech "Rebecca">>And if I wasn't, I'd tell you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 After Two]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You know what's weird?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Plenty.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't feel like I had to be impressive.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounds stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Usually there's this tiny part of my brain watching everything from outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Judging you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>More like grading the performance.<</speech>> She frowned slightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Was I fun enough? Confident enough? Did I hesitate too much? Did I look awkward?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds exhausting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Nothing]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Tonight I didn't care.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because nobody was watching?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You were.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know what I mean.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I knew you weren't waiting for me to prove anything.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>And apparently that's a bigger deal to me than I realized.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Rachel really got in your head.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Do not give her credit for this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sounds like she deserves some.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I will throw you out.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Rachel Text]]

Rebecca's phone buzzed on the coffee table. <<speech "Jason">>Speak of the devil.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't call Rachel the devil. She'll write an essay about it.<</speech>> Rebecca checked the message. <<speech "Jason">>What'd she say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>"Are you still mad at me?"<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>A little.<</speech>> She typed a reply. <<speech "Jason">>What'd you say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>"Unfortunately, you were right."<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>You actually sent that?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make me regret it.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Reply]]

Rachel replied almost immediately. <<speech "Rebecca">>Oh, she's going to be unbearable.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What did she say?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>"I know."<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>I hate her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Deeply?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't steal my lines.<</speech>> Rebecca put her phone back down, but there was obvious affection underneath the annoyance. <<speech "Rebecca">>She's changed a lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So have you.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Careful. That sounds sentimental.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You gonna make a joke?<</speech>> Rebecca thought about it. <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Honest]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>I think you're right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I've changed.<</speech>> She rested her head against the couch. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not into some completely different person. I still like the same things. Still make bad jokes. Still know more people than is probably healthy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Still steal food.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Especially that.<</speech>> She smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I just think I'm getting better at noticing when I'm doing something because I want it and when I'm doing it because it's what Rebecca is supposed to do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Which Rebecca?<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 End]]

Jason eventually stood to leave. Rebecca walked him toward the door and leaned against the frame. <<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm glad you're here.<</speech>> He looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Not here specifically.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Your apartment?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>In my life, idiot.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make this horrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm glad too.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>Now leave before one of us develops feelings.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Pretty sure we're late on that.<</speech>> Rebecca froze for half a second, then laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Get out.<</speech>> Jason stepped into the hallway. <<speech "Rebecca">>Night.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Night.<</speech>> Rebecca had spent years refusing to be ashamed of what she wanted. Now she was learning the other half of that freedom: she did not have to be adventurous, fearless, funny, or unbothered simply because other people expected her to be. She had nothing left to prove. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 7 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 7>>

Rebecca seemed distracted when Jason found her after Faith & Fellowship. Not upset exactly-more like she had something on her mind and hadn't decided whether she wanted to say it yet. <<speech "Jason">>What's going on?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Nothing.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>I know. Bad answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Little bit.<</speech>> Rebecca glanced toward Rachel across the room. <<speech "Rebecca">>There's something I need to figure out first.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>With Rachel?<</speech>> Rebecca looked back at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>You're annoyingly observant now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't be.<</speech>> She smiled faintly. <<speech "Rebecca">>Just give me a little time.<</speech>> <<tutorial "SEX LINK - REBECCA HALE" `Rebecca appears ready to confront something she has been avoiding. Complete Rachel Mercer's Sex Link before continuing Rebecca's final rank. REBECCA HALE - RANK 8 LOCKED`>> <<else>> Rebecca caught Jason as he was leaving Faith & Fellowship and grabbed lightly at his sleeve. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't go anywhere.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That sounds threatening.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>What's up?<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward the meeting room. <<speech "Rebecca">>I need you for something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That somehow sounded worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You're making this difficult already.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You haven't told me what this is.<</speech>> Rebecca exhaled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rachel]] <</if>>

Jason looked through the open doorway. Rachel was helping stack chairs with two other members. <<speech "Jason">>What about her?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I want to talk to both of you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Together?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That is generally what both means.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm nervous. Don't enjoy this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You looked a little happy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Mostly curious.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's worse.<</speech>> Rebecca stepped back inside. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel.<</speech>> Rachel looked over. <<speech "Rachel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Come with us.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Somewhere you're not going to ask twenty questions in front of everybody.<</speech>> Rachel immediately looked suspicious. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Walk]]

The three of them ended up in one of the smaller empty classrooms down the hall. Rebecca closed the door behind them while Rachel set her bag on a desk. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why are we here?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You lasted six seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> Rebecca leaned back against the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>I need both of you to promise something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make this more dramatic than it needs to be.<</speech>> Rachel looked at Jason. <<speech "Rachel">>That's impossible. She's already making it dramatic.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I hate both of you.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>See? This is exactly why I almost didn't do this.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Serious]]

Rachel's expression softened. <<speech "Rachel">>Okay. Sorry.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you.<</speech>> She looked between the two of them. <<speech "Rebecca">>I've been thinking about something for a while.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>About us?<</speech>> Rebecca stared at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>How did you-<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Because you're looking at both of us like you're about to confess to murder.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's got a point.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You were supposed to be the easy one.<</speech>> Jason raised his hands. <<speech "Rebecca">>Fine.<</speech>> Rebecca took a breath. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes. About us.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 History]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel and I have known each other a long time.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm setting context.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Sorry.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>She knows almost everything about me.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Almost?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't start.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>She's seen me at my worst, which is deeply inconvenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Several times.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you.<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>And somehow you've ended up knowing things I normally don't let people know either.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You really love that word.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It works.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Both]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You're the two people I probably trust most.<</speech>> Rachel blinked. <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make it sentimental.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You had the face.<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>And that's the part that's been bothering me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Trusting us?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Rebecca hesitated. <<speech "Rebecca">>The fact that I've been keeping you separate anyway.<</speech>> Rachel looked at her carefully. <<speech "Rachel">>Separate how?<</speech>> Rebecca's eyes moved between them again. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's what I'm trying to explain.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rachel Attraction]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Jason already knows I'm attracted to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That wasn't exactly difficult to figure out.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Thank you for your support.<</speech>> Rachel laughed quietly. <<speech "Rebecca">>What he doesn't know is that this isn't the only attraction I've been avoiding talking about.<</speech>> Rachel went still. <<speech "Rachel">>Oh.<</speech>> Rebecca looked directly at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> The room became very quiet. <<speech "Rachel">>Me?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No, the chair behind you.<</speech>> Rachel stared at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>Sorry. Nervous.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You hide it really well.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Usually.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rachel Response]]

Rachel looked down at the floor. <<speech "Rebecca">>You don't have to say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>And I'm not expecting anything.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know.<</speech>> Rebecca waited. <<speech "Rachel">>I've thought about it too.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Rebecca">>You have?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't look that surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm extremely surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Because you're Rachel.<</speech>> Rachel crossed her arms. <<speech "Rachel">>That is becoming a really irritating sentence.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rachel Owns It]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Okay. Fair.<</speech>> Rachel took a breath. <<speech "Rachel">>I thought about it before. Then I immediately decided I shouldn't think about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That sounds more like you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Sorry.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward Jason, then back to Rebecca. <<speech "Rachel">>But I'm not doing that anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Deciding something is wrong before I've even figured out whether I want it.<</speech>> Rebecca's expression softened. <<speech "Rachel">>So yes. I've thought about you.<</speech>> Rebecca was unusually silent. <<speech "Rachel">>Now who's making it weird?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Jason]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You've been suspiciously quiet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It seemed like you two needed to talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Annoyingly mature.<</speech>> Rachel looked toward him. <<speech "Rachel">>What do you think?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't make her say everything. That's your thing with her.<</speech>> Jason looked between them. <<speech "Jason">>I care about both of you.<</speech>> Rebecca nodded. <<speech "Jason">>And I'm attracted to both of you.<</speech>> Rachel's face warmed slightly, but she didn't look away. <<speech "Jason">>But I'm not assuming that means anything happens.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Truth]]

Rebecca pushed herself away from the door. <<speech "Rebecca">>This is what I wanted.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Not necessarily anything physical.<</speech>> She looked at Rachel. <<speech "Rebecca">>I wanted everybody to know the truth first.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That's very unlike you.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I've been corrupted.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>By communication?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Disgusting, isn't it?<</speech>> Rachel smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>I didn't want to manipulate anybody into something because I was scared to say what I actually wanted.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>So what do you actually want?<</speech>> Rebecca looked at both of them. <<speech "Rebecca">>Both of you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Clear]]

Rebecca didn't joke after saying it. <<speech "Rebecca">>Together.<</speech>> Rachel looked at Jason, then back toward Rebecca. <<speech "Rachel">>You're serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Very.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>And if I say no?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then we leave this room and continue being friends.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No weirdness?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Some weirdness. We're still us.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>But no pressure. No guilt. Nothing changes because you said no.<</speech>> Rachel nodded slowly. <<speech "Rachel">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Same answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Decision]]

Rachel thought for a moment. Rebecca did not interrupt her, which might have been the clearest sign yet of how seriously she was taking the conversation. <<speech "Rachel">>I want to.<</speech>> Rebecca's eyebrows lifted. <<speech "Rachel">>Stop looking surprised every time I say something sexual.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm adjusting.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Adjust faster.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>And you're sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> Rachel stepped closer. <<speech "Rachel">>Not because you're asking. Not because Jason's here. Because I want to.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at Jason. <<speech "Jason">>I want it too.<</speech>> Rebecca exhaled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Okay.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Kiss]]

Rachel looked at Rebecca for a moment, then took another step toward her. <<speech "Rachel">>Can I kiss you?<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>You really have changed.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Rebecca.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yes.<</speech>> Rachel kissed her. Rebecca's usual confidence disappeared for just a second, replaced by genuine surprise before she relaxed into it. When they separated, Rebecca looked almost embarrassed. <<speech "Rachel">>You're blushing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Little bit.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Neither of you are invited anymore.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rachel">>Too late.<</speech>> Rebecca looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>Come here.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Scene]]

<<startsexscene "REBECCA_RACHEL_RANK8">>

The room was quiet afterward in the comfortable way that would have terrified both Rebecca and Rachel for completely different reasons not that long ago. Rebecca sat against the edge of one desk while Rachel occupied the chair beside her, and Jason stayed close enough that neither woman seemed interested in creating distance. <<speech "Rebecca">>Well.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I said one word.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I know you.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled. <<speech "Jason">>Everything okay?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Yeah.<</speech>> Rebecca looked between them. <<speech "Rebecca">>That was disturbingly easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>No, it wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Fair.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Aftermath]]

<<speech "Rachel">>We spent forever getting here.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You spent forever getting here.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You literally spent months hiding behind jokes.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Different issue.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Same avoidance.<</speech>> Rebecca stared at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>You've become unbearable since developing self-awareness.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You taught me.<</speech>> Jason laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>And you've gotten too comfortable enjoying this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> Rebecca shook her head, but she was smiling. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rachel Talk]]

<<speech "Rebecca">>You really thought about me before?<</speech>> Rachel looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>We're discussing that now?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Absolutely.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Yes.<</speech>> Rebecca's smile widened. <<speech "Rachel">>Don't get smug.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm trying very hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>How long?<</speech>> Rebecca paused. <<speech "Rebecca">>Wait. Now we're asking timelines?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You asked first.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>This conversation is getting dangerous.<</speech>> Jason leaned back slightly. <<speech "Jason">>I'm staying out of this.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Smart.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 No Labels]]

Rachel eventually looked toward Rebecca more seriously. <<speech "Rachel">>What happens now?<</speech>> Rebecca was quiet. <<speech "Rachel">>I'm not asking for a label.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>I'm asking whether we're going to pretend this didn't happen.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at her. <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Rachel nodded. <<speech "Rebecca">>I'm also not promising I know what it means yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Neither do I.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Same.<</speech>> Rebecca looked between them. <<speech "Rebecca">>That's surprisingly acceptable.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Rebecca Growth]]

<<speech "Jason">>You would've hated that answer when we met.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You would've made a joke.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Definitely.<</speech>> Rebecca looked down at her hands for a moment. <<speech "Rebecca">>I used to think keeping people separate meant staying in control.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And now?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Now I think it mostly meant nobody could see enough of me to surprise me.<</speech>> Rachel's expression softened. <<speech "Rebecca">>Which sounds extremely pathetic when I say it out loud.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>It doesn't.<</speech>> Rebecca looked at her. <<speech "Rachel">>It sounds like you were scared.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>That's worse.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Fear]]

<<speech "Jason">>You are allowed to be scared.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Both of you need to stop becoming emotionally healthy at me.<</speech>> Rachel laughed. <<speech "Rebecca">>Seriously.<</speech>> Rebecca looked between them again. <<speech "Rebecca">>I am scared.<</speech>> Neither Jason nor Rachel interrupted. <<speech "Rebecca">>Because I care about both of you enough that either of you could actually hurt me.<</speech>> She shrugged lightly. <<speech "Rebecca">>But apparently the alternative is never letting anybody close enough to matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>That doesn't sound better.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> Rebecca smiled faintly. <<speech "Rebecca">>It doesn't anymore.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Jason 2]]

Rebecca looked toward Jason. <<speech "Rebecca">>You know what your problem is?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Several things.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>You never tried to force your way into any of this.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's a problem?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>It made it harder to keep you out.<</speech>> Jason smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Rachel was bad enough. She just stayed around until I accidentally trusted her.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You're welcome.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Then you show up doing the same thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No.<</speech>> She looked at him. <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't apologize for that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 End]]

Eventually they gathered their things and prepared to leave the classroom. <<speech "Rachel">>Are we walking out together?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Why wouldn't we?<</speech>> Rachel looked slightly surprised. <<speech "Rebecca">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>No. Say it.<</speech>> <<speech "Rachel">>You usually like separating things.<</speech>> Rebecca paused, then smiled. <<speech "Rebecca">>Maybe I'm done doing that.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Jason">>Completely?<</speech>> <<speech "Rebecca">>Don't push your luck.<</speech>> Rachel laughed and followed her into the hallway. Jason followed behind them. Rebecca had spent years deciding which version of herself belonged to which person. Rachel knew one side. Jason knew another. Everyone else received whatever Rebecca decided was safe enough to show. For once, she wasn't dividing herself between people. The two people she trusted most knew exactly where they stood, exactly what she wanted, and enough of the truth that Rebecca no longer needed to control which version of her they were allowed to see. [[CONTINUE->Jason Sex Link - Rebecca Hale - Rank 8 Complete]]

<<completejasonsexlink "rebecca" 8>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> Jason had been staring at KC for long enough that she was beginning to get irritated. <<speech "Jason">>Say it again.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You just said we should kidnap my dad.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So say it again.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We should kidnap your dad.<</speech>> Jason rubbed both hands over his face. <<speech "Jason">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's your solution?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right now? Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>To people trying to kill him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Can't shoot somebody who's not there.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You understand how insane that sounds, right?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got something better?<</speech>> Jason opened his mouth and stopped. <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Explain]]

KC pulled her phone out and brought up the message she'd been shown earlier. <<speech "KC">>Your dad leaves work around twelve-thirty most days.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Gets lunch nearby?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Usually alone?<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Why do you know this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because the people planning to kill him know it.<</speech>> That shut him up. <<speech "KC">>They got a car, two guys, and a window where they know he'll be outside.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How sure are you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure enough that I'm not letting him walk into it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Then we warn him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And tell him what?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Go ahead.<</speech>> Jason frowned. <<speech "KC">>Call him right now. Tell him some drug people think he murdered Ryan Kane and they're waiting outside his job.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wouldn't say it like that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How would you say it?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Allison Problem]]

<<speech "KC">>Soon as you warn him, he calls your stepmom.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>She's a cop.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Detective.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Even worse.<</speech>> KC pocketed her phone. <<speech "KC">>Then she starts asking why somebody wants her husband dead. Then she starts asking how you knew. Then she starts asking who Ryan Kane is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's already asking who Ryan Kane is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jason looked away. <<speech "Jason">>So what? We grab him off the street?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Before they do.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>And then what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keep him somewhere until the window passes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He's going to call the police.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not if you explain it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can't explain it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then explain the part where we're keeping him alive.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Kelly]]

KC unlocked her phone again and opened another conversation. <<speech "Jason">>Who are you texting?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Kelly.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Who's Kelly?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Driver.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You have a driver?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For kidnappings?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>First one.<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "KC">>Relax.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You cannot keep saying relax during this conversation.<</speech>> KC typed. <<speech "KC">>Need a car tomorrow around noon. Clean plates. Need somewhere quiet after.<</speech>> The reply came almost immediately. <<speech "Jason">>What'd she say?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>She asked if she should bring snacks.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I hate your friends.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You haven't met her yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I already hate her.<</speech>> <<link "CONTINUE">> <<nextday "KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Meet Kelly">> <</link>>

The next day, Kelly arrived ten minutes early in a dark sedan Jason had never seen before. She leaned across the passenger seat and pushed the door open from inside. <<speech "Kelly">>You Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You look exactly how I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't ask.<</speech>> KC climbed into the front passenger seat. Jason got in the back. <<speech "Kelly">>So we're kidnapping his dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can we not say it like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>What do you want me to call it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Emergency relocation?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Drive.<</speech>> Kelly smiled and pulled away from the curb. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Drive]] <<addkcparty "Kelly">>

Jason spent most of the drive leaning forward between the seats while KC went through the plan for the third time. <<speech "KC">>You stay out of sight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your dad sees you before we got him somewhere, he's gonna start asking questions in the middle of the street.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Kelly pulls up. I get him in. We leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>How are you getting him in?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll figure it out.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not a plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Most plans get worse when you add too much detail.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's not true.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>It is around KC.<</speech>> KC looked at her. <<speech "KC">>You done?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>For now.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Location]]

Kelly parked half a block from Daniel's office. From the back seat, Jason could see the entrance through a gap between two parked vehicles. <<speech "Jason">>What if he doesn't come out?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we wait.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What if he's with somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we wait.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What if-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "KC">>Breathe quieter.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Fuck you.<</speech>> Kelly glanced at him through the mirror. <<speech "Kelly">>He's handling this great.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He's improved.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There was a worse version?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Much.<</speech>> A few minutes later, the office door opened. <<speech "Jason">>That's him.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Target]]

Daniel stepped outside alone, checked his phone, and started toward the corner. <<speech "Kelly">>That's Dad?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Not bad.<</speech>> Jason looked at her. <<speech "Jason">>Can we focus?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I'm driving. I'm extremely focused.<</speech>> KC watched Daniel through the windshield. Across the street, another vehicle had been idling for several minutes. Dark SUV. Two men inside. <<speech "KC">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>SUV.<</speech>> Jason leaned slightly toward the window. <<speech "Jason">>That's them?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Probably?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Stay down.<</speech>> The passenger in the SUV looked toward Daniel. <<speech "KC">>Yeah. That's them.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Move]]

<<speech "KC">>Go.<</speech>> Kelly pulled away from the curb and stopped beside Daniel before he reached the intersection. KC opened her door. <<speech "KC">>Daniel?<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Daniel">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Need you in the car.<</speech>> Daniel looked at her, then at Kelly behind the wheel. <<speech "Daniel">>Do I know you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Then probably not.<</speech>> KC glanced toward the SUV. <<speech "KC">>There's two men across the street waiting for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Get in.<</speech>> Daniel looked toward the SUV. One of its doors opened. <<speech "KC">>Now.<</speech>> That did it. Daniel got into the car. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Escape]]

Kelly accelerated before Daniel had completely shut the door. <<speech "Daniel">>What the hell is going on?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seat belt.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Who are you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seat belt.<</speech>> Daniel looked behind them. The SUV had pulled into traffic. <<speech "Daniel">>They're following us.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Who the fuck are you people?<</speech>> Jason stayed low behind the driver's seat. <<speech "KC">>Kelly.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Working on it.<</speech>> She took a hard right through an intersection just before the light changed. <<speech "Daniel">>Do I need to call the police?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's usually what kidnappers say.<</speech>> Jason closed his eyes. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Jason Reveal]]

The SUV disappeared behind them after another two turns. Daniel reached for his phone. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm calling my wife.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dad.<</speech>> Daniel froze. <<speech "Daniel">>Jason?<</speech>> Jason slowly sat upright. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> Daniel stared at him. <<speech "Daniel">>What the fuck?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I can explain.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, he can't.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Who is KC?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Her.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I gathered that.<</speech>> Daniel looked back at his son. <<speech "Daniel">>Why am I in a car with you and two women I don't know while somebody is apparently following us?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Because they were going to kill you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Silence]]

Daniel went completely silent. <<speech "Daniel">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know their names.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Why?<</speech>> Jason looked toward KC. <<speech "Daniel">>Don't look at her. I'm asking you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>They think you did something.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Something you didn't do.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That clears everything up.<</speech>> KC turned slightly in her seat. <<speech "KC">>They think you're connected to a dead guy.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What dead guy?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ryan Kane.<</speech>> Daniel stared at her. <<speech "Daniel">>Never heard of him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We know.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Questions]]

<<speech "Daniel">>Who is "we?"<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>People who know you're not the guy they're looking for.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Then why do they think I am?<</speech>> Jason stared at the floor. <<speech "Daniel">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's bullshit.<</speech>> Jason looked up. <<speech "Jason">>I know it's complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Complicated is taxes. This is people waiting outside my office to kill me.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>He's got a point.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Kelly.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I'm just saying.<</speech>> Daniel looked between all three of them. <<speech "Daniel">>What have you gotten into?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Safehouse]]

Kelly pulled the van into a quiet service lot behind a closed warehouse and killed the engine. The place was empty except for a row of dumpsters and a chain-link fence running along the back of the property. <<speech "Daniel">>Where are we?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Somewhere nobody's looking.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's not comforting.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's not supposed to be.<</speech>> KC pulled out her phone and showed Daniel the picture she'd been sent. The dark SUV sat across from his office entrance. One of the men from the vehicle stood near the curb, watching the route Daniel normally took for lunch. <<speech "KC">>Recognize him?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>How'd you get this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Doesn't matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>It matters to me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What matters is he was waiting for you.<</speech>> Daniel looked at the picture again, then back toward Jason. <<speech "Daniel">>And you knew about this?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not until recently.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Recently meaning what?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Kelly Looks]]

Daniel handed the phone back to KC. Kelly had been watching him from the driver's seat with considerably less concern than Jason thought the situation deserved. <<speech "Kelly">>Jason, you left something out.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Your dad's hot.<</speech>> Jason closed his eyes. <<speech "Jason">>Kelly.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>What? I'm just saying.<</speech>> She looked Daniel over again without much effort to hide it. <<speech "Kelly">>You made it sound like we were grabbing somebody's boring suburban dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>He is somebody's boring suburban dad.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm sitting right here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Can we focus on the murder attempt?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I can multitask.<</speech>> Daniel gave Kelly the smallest hint of a smile. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Questions 2]]

<<speech "Daniel">>Why do they think I had anything to do with this Ryan Kane?<</speech>> Jason looked toward KC. <<speech "Daniel">>Don't look at her. I'm asking you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't know exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's bullshit.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know it's complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Complicated is getting audited. This is two guys sitting outside my job waiting to kill me.<</speech>> Kelly leaned back against the driver's seat. <<speech "Kelly">>He's got a point.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Kelly.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Still multitasking.<</speech>> Daniel looked between all three of them. <<speech "Daniel">>What did you get yourself into?<</speech>> Jason looked away. <<speech "Daniel">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I made a mistake.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What kind of mistake?<</speech>> Jason didn't answer. [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Ryan Question]]

<<speech "Daniel">>Did you kill this Ryan guy?<</speech>> The van went completely quiet. <<speech "Daniel">>That was mostly a joke.<</speech>> Jason looked toward KC. <<speech "Daniel">>Why did everybody just get quiet?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you're asking questions we aren't answering.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's a terrible answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dad, please.<</speech>> Daniel looked at him for a long moment. <<speech "Daniel">>Are you in danger?<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Jason">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying to fix it.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You don't look like you're fixing anything.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Allison Calls]]

Daniel's phone buzzed in his hand. He looked at the screen. <<speech "Daniel">>Allison.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Don't answer.<</speech>> Daniel slowly looked at him. <<speech "Daniel">>Excuse me?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>If you answer, she's going to know something's wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Something is wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah, and she's a homicide detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm aware of what my wife does.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then you know why we don't need her asking why somebody wants you dead right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You want me to lie to her.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For one night.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>No?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Standoff]]

<<speech "KC">>Daniel, text your wife.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You kidnapped me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>To stop somebody else from shooting you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Still counts.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>He's got you there.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are not helping.<</speech>> Daniel's phone buzzed again. <<speech "Jason">>Dad, please.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And what exactly am I supposed to tell her?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That you're staying out tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>She'll ask why.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Tell her you ran into somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>She knows my friends.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Make up a new one.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm not inventing a drinking buddy because my son helped kidnap me.<</speech>> Jason leaned back against the van wall. <<speech "Jason">>This is unbelievable.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Kelly Bargain]]

Kelly turned in her seat and looked back at Daniel. <<speech "Kelly">>Okay. What gets you to send the text?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Money?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Bottle of something?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Dinner?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Still no.<</speech>> Kelly leaned one arm across the back of the seat. <<speech "Kelly">>You're making this difficult for somebody who just saved your life.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You also shoved me into a van.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Balanced evening.<</speech>> Daniel smiled despite himself. <<speech "Kelly">>What if we make staying here worth your while?<</speech>> Daniel looked at her. <<speech "Daniel">>You keep saying things like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Because you keep listening.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - KC Notices]]

KC looked from Kelly to Daniel and immediately understood where the conversation had gone. <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Nobody asked you yet.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm getting ahead of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Ahead of what?<</speech>> Kelly looked back at him. <<speech "Kelly">>You know what.<</speech>> Daniel glanced toward KC. <<speech "Daniel">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Oh my God.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>See? He knows.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Can we please keep my dad out of whatever this is?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm still capable of answering for myself.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's somehow making it worse.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Back Seat]]

Jason slid the side door open and stepped out into the service lot. <<speech "Jason">>I'm gonna walk around for a bit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't go far.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I won't.<</speech>> He looked back toward Daniel. <<speech "Jason">>Just text me if anything changes.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I will.<</speech>> Jason nodded and pulled the door shut behind him. Through the tinted window, KC watched him head toward the far end of the lot with his phone in his hand. <<speech "Kelly">>Poor guy.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>He's had an interesting day.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You have no idea.<</speech>> Kelly climbed out of the driver's seat and moved into the back of the van. <<speech "Kelly">>You know, this worked out better than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We almost got followed here.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Not that part.<</speech>> She sat across from Daniel and looked him over again. <<speech "Daniel">>You keep doing that.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Doing what?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Looking at me like that.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Maybe there's something worth looking at.<</speech>> Daniel smiled. <<speech "KC">>Jesus.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nothing.<</speech>> Kelly leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. <<speech "Kelly">>I still think Jason undersold you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>He talks about my looks often?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Not once. That's the problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'll remember to complain.<</speech>> KC shook her head. <<speech "KC">>You two are getting way too comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You saved me from getting shot. Then she called me hot. It's been an emotional roller coaster.<</speech>> Kelly laughed. <<speech "Kelly">>See? I like him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You've mentioned that.<</speech>> Daniel looked toward KC. <<speech "Daniel">>You're quieter now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm thinking.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>About?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How annoying this night has gotten.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>That's not what you're thinking about.<</speech>> KC gave her a look. <<speech "Kelly">>Come on. You looked too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>At what?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Him.<</speech>> Daniel leaned back against the wall of the van, clearly enjoying himself now. <<speech "Daniel">>Should I feel objectified?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm managing.<</speech>> Kelly shifted closer to him. <<speech "Kelly">>You were very stubborn about that text.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I had principles.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Had?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm reassessing.<</speech>> Kelly smiled and rested one hand on his knee. <<speech "Kelly">>Good.<</speech>> Daniel looked down at her hand, then back at her. <<speech "Daniel">>So this was the mysterious motivation?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>This is the beginning of it.<</speech>> KC watched Kelly move even closer. <<speech "KC">>You really don't waste time.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>He's staying here all night. Why would I?<</speech>> Daniel looked toward KC again. <<speech "Daniel">>You planning to just sit there?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Doesn't sound convincing.<</speech>> KC stared at him for a second, then moved from the opposite bench and sat beside Kelly. <<speech "KC">>Don't get cocky.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Little late for that too.<</speech>> Kelly laughed and leaned against him. <<speech "Kelly">>I really do like him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah, yeah.<</speech>> Daniel looked between both women. <<speech "Daniel">>So what exactly did I agree to here?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You'll figure it out.<</speech>> KC reached over and pulled the curtain across the rear window. <<speech "KC">>Hope Jason takes a long walk.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I suddenly do too.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Adult Scene]] [[SEE WHAT JASON'S UP TO->Jason Ch2 - Daniel Returns]]

<<startsexscene "KC_KELLY_DANIEL_KIDNAP">>

KC opened the message and read it twice before lowering her phone. <<speech "Kelly">>Well?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They're backing off him.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Who's "they?"<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The people who were about to put you in the ground this afternoon.<</speech>> Daniel's expression changed immediately. <<speech "Daniel">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For you. Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Somebody higher up finally figured out they had the wrong guy.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And how exactly did they decide I was the right guy in the first place?<</speech>> KC looked back down at the phone. <<speech "KC">>Bad information.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You're alive.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I was alive this morning too. I also wasn't tied up in a van.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You weren't tied up that long.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That is not helping your argument.<</speech>> Kelly covered a laugh with her hand. <<speech "KC">>Point is, nobody's waiting outside your house anymore. Nobody's following your car. You're clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And Jason?<</speech>> KC paused. <<speech "KC">>Different problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's what I thought.<</speech>> Daniel leaned forward, resting his arms against his knees. <<speech "Daniel">>Take me home.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We're not dropping you in your driveway.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Fine. Take me close to home.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>I can do that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Give it twenty minutes first.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I want to make sure "clear" actually means clear.<</speech>> Daniel stared at her for a moment before sitting back again. <<speech "Daniel">>Twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Twenty minutes.<</speech>> [[WAIT IT OUT->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Release]]

Later, Daniel sat against the side of the van looking far more relaxed than he had when Kelly first pulled him off the street. Kelly sat beside him while KC checked her phone for updates. <<speech "Daniel">>Anything?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>So I'm still stuck here.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You sound devastated.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm managing.<</speech>> Kelly looked at him. <<speech "Kelly">>Very brave.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Can you two stop?<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Jealous?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That answer came pretty fast.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Don't get comfortable.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Little late.<</speech>> Kelly laughed just as KC's phone buzzed. <<speech "KC">>Finally.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KC Ch2 - Kidnap Daniel - Update]]

KC's phone buzzed across campus. She glanced at the screen, saw Victor's name, and almost kept walking. <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Good afternoon to you too.<</speech>> KC stepped out of the flow of students and leaned against the brick wall beside the student center. <<speech "KC">>I'm between classes. What do you need?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>You know Miles Carter?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I've sold to him.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Then you know where he lives.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>He picked up twelve hundred worth from me four days ago. Payment was supposed to be yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>And nothing. No call. No text. Doesn't answer me. Doesn't answer anybody else.<</speech>> KC looked toward the building behind her. Her next class started in twenty minutes. <<speech "KC">>You want me to collect it.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Look at you putting things together.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fuck off.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Twelve hundred. All of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What if he doesn't have it?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Then find out why.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What if I don't like why?<</speech>> Victor paused. <<speech "Victor">>Then handle it.<</speech>> The line went dead. KC lowered the phone and stared at it for a second. <<speech "KC">>Great talk.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ002">> <<set $kq002Stage = 1>> [[GO TO MILES' HOUSE->KQ002 - Miles House]]

Miles lived in Residential South in a narrow two-story rental squeezed between houses that looked almost exactly like it. His car was sitting in the driveway when KC arrived. She walked up the front steps and knocked. Nothing. KC knocked again. <<speech "KC">>Miles.<</speech>> The house stayed quiet. <<speech "KC">>Your car is outside.<</speech>> Still nothing. KC leaned sideways and looked through the front window. The television was on. <<speech "KC">>And I can see your TV.<</speech>> A curtain moved. KC stared at it. <<speech "KC">>There you are.<</speech>> Another few seconds passed before the deadbolt turned. The door opened just wide enough for Miles to look through it. He was wearing sweatpants and a plain black T-shirt. He looked tired more than anything else. <<speech "Miles">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You remembered me.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I was gonna call.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You weren't.<</speech>> Miles opened the door a little farther. <<speech "Miles">>I don't have it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Damn. You skipped right past hello.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So am I.<</speech>> He started pushing the door closed. <<choice "Keep it calm.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Calm Entry">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make it clear she's coming inside.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Hard Entry">> <</choice>>

KC put one hand against the door before he could close it. <<speech "KC">>I'm not here to beat your ass, Miles.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't make me regret saying it.<</speech>> He looked at her hand, then back at her. <<speech "KC">>If you don't have the money, tell me where it went. That's a much better conversation than whatever you're trying to do right now.<</speech>> Miles hesitated. <<speech "Miles">>Victor know you're here?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who do you think sent me?<</speech>> That got him. Miles stepped away from the door. <<speech "Miles">>Come in.<</speech>> <<set $kq002Approach = "calm">> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Inside]]

The house did not look like somebody had recently come into twelve hundred dollars. There was an old television mounted crooked on the living-room wall, a couch with one cushion that had given up on life, and a stack of unopened mail sitting on the kitchen counter. KC looked around. <<speech "Miles">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm looking for the Lamborghini.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Funny.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>New TV? Shoes? Giant pile of stupid shit you spent Victor's money on?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I didn't spend it.<</speech>> KC turned toward him. <<speech "KC">>Then where is it?<</speech>> Miles rubbed his face. <<speech "Miles">>Somebody took it.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Just walked in here and took twelve hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>That's not what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You haven't said much of anything.<</speech>> He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. <<speech "Miles">>You want one?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I want twelve hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Right.<</speech>> He closed the refrigerator. <<speech "Miles">>Two nights ago somebody came through the back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Does it matter?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That question alone makes me think you know exactly who it was.<</speech>> Miles said nothing. KC glanced toward the back of the house. <<speech "KC">>Show me.<</speech>> [[CHECK THE BACK DOOR->KQ002 - Back Door]]

KC caught the door with her boot. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> Miles stopped pushing. <<speech "Miles">>I'm telling you I don't have it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And I'm telling you that closing the door doesn't make twelve hundred dollars disappear.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I'm not trying to start anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. Then move.<</speech>> They stared at each other for a moment. Miles finally stepped back. <<speech "Miles">>You're fucking annoying.<</speech>> KC walked past him. <<speech "KC">>People tell me that.<</speech>> <<set $kq002Approach = "hard">> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Inside]]

The back door opened into a narrow laundry room. KC noticed the damage before Miles pointed it out. The wood around the latch was split and one of the screws had been pulled halfway out of the frame. She crouched beside it. <<speech "KC">>You do this?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Why the fuck would I break my own door?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>To make a story look better.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I didn't.<</speech>> KC stood. There were dried streaks of mud across the tile leading farther into the house. <<speech "KC">>Where'd you keep the money?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Kitchen.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Nobody knew where it was.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Somebody apparently did.<</speech>> Miles looked away. KC caught it immediately. <<speech "KC">>Who knew?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Nobody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Miles.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Nobody was supposed to know.<</speech>> KC folded her arms. <<speech "KC">>That's a completely different answer.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Phone]]

Miles walked back toward the living room. His phone was sitting on the coffee table beside another cheap prepaid phone. KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>Whose is that?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You need two phones to ignore Victor?<</speech>> Miles reached for it. KC picked it up first. <<speech "Miles">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Relax.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Put it down.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Now I definitely won't.<</speech>> The screen lit up when she pressed the side button. A message notification was sitting at the top. DRE KC looked at Miles. <<speech "KC">>Who's Dre?<</speech>> Miles went quiet. <<speech "KC">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>He's a friend.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bad one, apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>It's complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, it's probably really simple. You're just gonna make me drag it out of you.<</speech>> Miles exhaled through his nose. <<speech "Miles">>I let him move some.<</speech>> KC's expression changed. <<speech "KC">>Some what?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>You know what.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Say it anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Some of what Victor gave me.<</speech>> KC lowered the phone. <<speech "KC">>You gave our product to somebody else.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I gave him a little.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Without asking anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I was gonna pay for it either way.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not how that works.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I know that now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Really? What part taught you? The robbery or me showing up at your house?<</speech>> Miles gave her a tired look. <<speech "Miles">>Both.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Truth]]

Miles sat on the arm of the couch. <<speech "Miles">>Dre knew I had more here. I didn't tell him where the money was, but he knew I'd collected most of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And two nights ago?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>He showed up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Through the back door.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Eventually?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I let him in first.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>We argued.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>He wanted more.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you said no.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So he left.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then came back.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And stole Victor's money.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Basically.<</speech>> KC stared at him for another second. <<speech "KC">>You have impressively bad judgment.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where is he?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>KC-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where.<</speech>> Miles rubbed the back of his neck. <<speech "Miles">>There's a court off Mercer. Him and his boys are usually there around this time.<</speech>> KC tossed his phone onto the couch. <<speech "KC">>Get your shoes.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you're coming.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Why the hell am I coming?<</speech>> KC headed for the door. <<speech "KC">>Because I'm not running around your neighborhood fixing your mistake while you sit here watching TV.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Basketball Court]]

The court sat behind a row of apartment buildings about ten minutes from Miles' house. The fence was bent near one corner, one of the nets was missing, and somebody had left a shopping cart beside the bleachers. Dre was easy to spot. Miles slowed down. <<speech "Miles">>That's him.<</speech>> Dre was standing near the fence with two other guys. He noticed Miles first, then looked at KC. <<speech "Dre">>The fuck is this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. Saves me asking which one you are.<</speech>> Dre gave Miles a look. <<speech "Dre">>You brought somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>You stole from me.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Man, shut the fuck up.<</speech>> KC stepped between them before Miles could answer. <<speech "KC">>Here's what's gonna happen. You're gonna give me the money you took from his house.<</speech>> Dre laughed. <<speech "Dre">>I don't know you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That doesn't really matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>It matters to me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then ask Miles who the money belonged to.<</speech>> Dre's smile faded slightly. <<speech "KC">>Go ahead.<</speech>> Dre looked at Miles. Miles said nothing. <<speech "KC">>Victor.<</speech>> One of the guys beside Dre looked away immediately. <<speech "Dre">>Victor who?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's a really stupid question to ask when you already know the answer.<</speech>> <<choice "Give Dre one chance to pay.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Negotiate Dre">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make the threat explicit.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Intimidate Dre">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stop talking.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Fight Dre">> <</choice>>

KC kept her voice level. <<speech "KC">>I don't care why you took it. I don't care what problem you have with Miles. I came here for twelve hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>I don't have twelve hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much do you have?<</speech>> Dre looked at her without answering. <<speech "KC">>This is the part where I'm giving you a way out.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Nine hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>You fucking-<</speech>> KC held a hand out without looking at him. <<speech "KC">>Quiet.<</speech>> Miles shut up. <<speech "KC">>Nine hundred what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Seventy-five.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You spent two twenty-five in two days?<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Some of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Give me the nine seventy-five.<</speech>> Dre hesitated. <<speech "KC">>Or I call Victor and tell him exactly where I found you.<</speech>> That ended the discussion. <<set $kq002Recovered = 975>> <<set $kq002Resolution = "negotiation">> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Money Recovered]]

KC counted the money again while she and Miles walked away from the court. <<speech "Miles">>How bad is it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Two twenty-five short.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I can cover it.<</speech>> KC stopped walking. <<speech "KC">>You could cover it this entire time?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>The rest of it. Not twelve hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You couldn't have led with that?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>You were threatening to kick my door down.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I threatened it once.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>That's enough times.<</speech>> KC shoved the money into her jacket. <<speech "KC">>Let's go.<</speech>> [[RETURN TO MILES' HOUSE->KQ002 - Back Home]]

KC pulled out her phone. <<speech "KC">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Fine what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll call Victor.<</speech>> Dre stopped smiling. <<speech "Dre">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm gonna give him your name, your face, where you hang out, and tell him you stole his money.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Hold on.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, you wanted to act confused. Stay confused.<</speech>> She unlocked the phone. <<speech "Dre">>I got most of it.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Nine seventy-five.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then hand it over.<</speech>> Dre reached into his pocket. <<set $kq002Recovered = 975>> <<set $kq002Resolution = "intimidation">> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Money Recovered]]

Dre shook his head. <<speech "Dre">>Nah. You came all the way over here talking crazy like you're somebody.<</speech>> KC looked at the two guys standing beside him. <<speech "KC">>You sure this is what you want?<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>You tell me.<</speech>> KC dropped her bag beside the fence. <<speech "KC">>Okay.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Dre Fight]]

Dre sat against the fence with one hand pressed against his mouth. KC crouched in front of him. <<speech "KC">>Try this again.<</speech>> Dre glared at her. <<speech "KC">>Where's the money?<</speech>> He reached into his jacket and tossed a folded wad of cash onto the pavement. KC counted it. <<speech "KC">>Nine seventy-five.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>He spent the rest.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I figured that part out.<</speech>> KC stood and looked down at Dre. <<speech "KC">>We're done.<</speech>> <<speech "Dre">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You too.<</speech>> She picked up her bag. <<set $kq002Recovered = 975>> <<set $kq002Resolution = "combat">> [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Money Recovered]]

Back at the house, Miles disappeared upstairs and returned a minute later with cash folded inside an old envelope. He handed it to KC. She counted it. Two hundred and twenty-five dollars. KC added it to the rest and counted the full stack one more time. <<speech "Miles">>Well?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Twelve hundred.<</speech>> Miles dropped onto the couch. <<speech "Miles">>Thank God.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I wouldn't thank anybody yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You gave somebody Victor's product without permission, let him into your house, let him figure out where the money was, and then avoided everybody for two days.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>When you list it like that-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There isn't a better way to list it.<</speech>> Miles laughed despite himself. <<speech "Miles">>We good?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor's getting his money.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I meant me and you.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Because you've been in my house twice today and threatened me both times.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I'm trying to figure out whether you're still pissed off.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm always kind of pissed off.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Yeah. I noticed.<</speech>> KC tucked the envelope into her bag. <<choice "Take the money and leave.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Leave Miles">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay a little longer.">> <<goto "KQ002 - Stay With Miles">> <</choice>> She could leave. The job was finished. Miles was still looking at her.

KC pulled the strap of her bag over her shoulder. <<speech "KC">>Pay on time next time.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>Trust me, there won't be a next time.<</speech>> KC opened the front door. <<speech "KC">>That's what everybody says.<</speech>> She stepped outside and closed the door behind her. [[RETURN TO VICTOR->KQ002 - Victor]]

Victor counted the stack without asking where it came from. KC waited across from him. He finished, tapped the bills against the table, and put them into a drawer. <<speech "Victor">>Twelve hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's usually what twelve hundred looks like.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Problem?<</speech>> KC thought about Miles, Dre, the broken back door, and the afternoon she'd just wasted fixing somebody else's stupidity. <<speech "KC">>Not anymore.<</speech>> Victor nodded. <<speech "Victor">>Good.<</speech>> He pulled out a smaller stack of cash and slid it across the table. <<speech "Victor">>For your time.<</speech>> KC picked it up. <<speech "KC">>See? This is how you get me to answer the phone.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I'll remember that.<</speech>> <<set $kq002Stage = 999>> <<set $kq002Complete = true>> <<usekcaction>> <<run setup.giveKCMoney(250)>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

KC stayed near the couch while Miles stood at the edge of the kitchen. <<speech "Miles">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Come here.<</speech>> Miles looked at her for a second, then walked over. <<speech "Miles">>You always order people around in their own house?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>When I want to fuck them.<</speech>> KC caught him by the front of his jeans and pulled him closer. Before Miles could say anything else, her fingers were already working at his belt buckle. <<speech "Miles">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Finally figured it out?<</speech>> She pulled the belt loose and looked up at him. <<speech "Miles">>Wasn't expecting that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's your problem.<</speech>> KC shoved him backward until the backs of his legs hit the couch. <<speech "KC">>Sit.<</speech>> Miles dropped onto the cushions. KC stayed standing between his knees, holding the loose end of his belt in one hand. <<speech "Miles">>You were serious.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You keep saying obvious shit.<</speech>> KC let the belt fall, grabbed his shirt, and hauled him back to his feet almost immediately. <<speech "Miles">>Thought you wanted me sitting.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Changed my mind.<</speech>> She walked him backward into the kitchen until his hip hit the counter. <<speech "KC">>Turn around.<</speech>> Miles looked at the counter, then at her. <<speech "Miles">>Right here?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You see me looking for a bedroom?<</speech>> KC hooked her fingers into his waistband again and pulled him against her. [[CONTINUE->KQ002 - Miles Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "KQ002_MILES">>

A while later, KC pulled her clothes back into place while Miles sat on the edge of the bed. <<speech "Miles">>So.<</speech>> KC looked over. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I didn't even say anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You were about to.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I was gonna ask if we're good now.<</speech>> KC picked up her phone. <<speech "KC">>Pay on time next week and we'll be great.<</speech>> Miles stared at her. <<speech "Miles">>Next week?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I'm not.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Miles">>Okay. Maybe a little.<</speech>> KC headed downstairs. <<speech "KC">>Lock your back door.<</speech>> <<speech "Miles">>I'm fixing it tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You better.<</speech>> [[RETURN TO VICTOR->KQ002 - Victor]]

<<startcombat "KQ002_DRE_FIGHT">>

KC was lost in thought when Victor's runner slid into the seat across from her. He looked around the diner before leaning forward. <<speech "Runner">>You busy?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends who's asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then apparently I am.<</speech>> The runner pulled his phone out and set it between them. <<speech "Runner">>We got two guys moving product in Residential South.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Not ours.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why do I care?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Because they're undercutting us.<</speech>> KC stopped drinking. <<speech "KC">>By how much?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Enough that people noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not a number.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>About twenty percent.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's either garbage or somebody's selling too cheap.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Victor wants to know which.<</speech>> The runner swiped through his phone and turned the screen toward her. The picture was blurry, taken from across a parking lot, but KC could make out two men standing beside a dark sedan. <<speech "Runner">>Guy on the left is Darius. Don't have a last name. Other one's Andre.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Address?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Car?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Sometimes that one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything actually useful?<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>One of their buyers hangs around a QuickMart off Delaney.<</speech>> KC pushed the phone back across the table. <<speech "KC">>So I get to find the buyer, find the dealers, figure out where they're getting it, and then tell Victor why they're cheaper.<</speech>> <<speech "Runner">>Pretty much.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You people are fucking lazy.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ003">> <<set $kq003Stage = 1>> [[GO TO THE QUICKMART->KQ003 - QuickMart]]

The QuickMart sat on the corner of Delaney and Fourth, wedged between a laundromat and an empty storefront with paper taped over the windows. KC spotted the guy she was looking for almost immediately. Early twenties, gray hoodie, sitting on the hood of a beat-up sedan with a canned drink in one hand. She walked up and stopped a few feet away. <<speech "KC">>You buy from Darius?<</speech>> The guy looked at her. <<speech "Buyer">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bad start.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>I don't know anybody named Darius.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You didn't even think about it.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Because I don't know him.<</speech>> KC looked at the car, then at him. <<speech "KC">>You always sit outside gas stations lying to strangers, or am I getting special treatment?<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Lady, I don't know what you want.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>An address.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>For somebody I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<choice "Pay him for the address.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Pay Buyer">> <</choice>> <<choice "Pressure him.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Pressure Buyer">> <</choice>> <<choice "Pretend she wants to buy.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Fake Buy">> <</choice>>

KC pulled a twenty from her pocket and held it between two fingers. <<speech "KC">>How about now?<</speech>> The buyer stared at the bill. <<speech "Buyer">>You a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do I look like a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then take the money.<</speech>> He took it. <<speech "Buyer">>Weston Apartments. Building C.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apartment?<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course you don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>They usually sell outside anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Two guys?<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Yeah. Darius talks. Andre mostly stands there looking like he regrets knowing him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Useful description.<</speech>> <<set $money -= 20>> <<set $kq003BuyerRoute = "paid">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Weston Apartments]]

Weston Apartments looked like every cheap complex KC had ever been to: faded siding, overflowing dumpsters, and balconies crowded with old chairs and bikes nobody had touched in years. Building C sat near the back. KC saw Darius and Andre before they saw her. They were standing beside a dark sedan while another guy handed Darius cash. Andre kept glancing toward the parking lot while Darius talked. The customer left. KC waited until he was halfway across the lot, then walked over. <<speech "Darius">>We're closed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Devastating.<</speech>> Darius looked her over. <<speech "Darius">>Can I help you?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Darius.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Shut up.<</speech>> Darius looked at him, then back at KC. <<speech "KC">>Listen to your friend.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Do I know you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. But I know you.<</speech>> Andre's posture changed. <<speech "Andre">>KC?<</speech>> Darius looked at him. <<speech "Darius">>That's KC?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>This is going well already.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I heard you were taller.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always this stupid?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Depends on the day.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Today's looking strong.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Product Check]]

KC stepped closer and lowered her voice. <<speech "KC">>I'm gonna ask you one more time.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>And I'm gonna give you the same answer.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, you're not.<</speech>> The buyer's expression changed slightly. <<speech "KC">>Because if I have to find them without you, I'm gonna come back here afterward and ask why you made my afternoon harder.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Is that supposed to scare me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did it?<</speech>> He looked away. <<speech "Buyer">>Weston Apartments.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Building?<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>C.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>See? We're friends now.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>No, we're not.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. I don't need more friends.<</speech>> <<set $kq003BuyerRoute = "pressure">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Weston Apartments]]

KC relaxed her posture and leaned against the car beside him. <<speech "KC">>Fine. Forget Darius.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I just need something cheap.<</speech>> The buyer looked at her again. <<speech "Buyer">>What kind of cheap?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The kind that's apparently twenty percent lower than everybody else.<</speech>> That got a reaction. <<speech "Buyer">>Who told you that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So you do know what I'm talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You didn't have to.<</speech>> He sighed. <<speech "Buyer">>Weston Apartments. Building C.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That wasn't hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Buyer">>You buying or not?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not from you.<</speech>> <<set $kq003BuyerRoute = "fakebuy">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Weston Apartments]]

KC held her hand out. <<speech "KC">>Give me one.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>One what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't make me work harder than I need to.<</speech>> Darius looked at Andre. <<speech "Andre">>Just give it to her.<</speech>> Darius reached into his jacket and handed KC a small wrapped package. She turned it over in her hand. The wrapping was different, but not by much. Same fold. Same tape placement. Same marking on one corner. <<speech "KC">>Where'd you get this?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>It's ours.<</speech>> Andre closed his eyes for a second. <<speech "KC">>Yours.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You make it?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You said it was yours.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>That's different.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Stop answering questions.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, let him keep going. I'm enjoying this.<</speech>> KC pulled another package from her own bag and held them side by side. <<speech "KC">>You recognize that?<</speech>> Darius stopped smiling. <<speech "Andre">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thought so.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>We didn't steal anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I didn't say you did.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You were about to.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Now I might.<</speech>> Andre stepped forward slightly. <<speech "Andre">>We buy from somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Nate.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Man-<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>She's already holding the fucking proof.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Andre's moving up my rankings.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You have rankings?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are currently losing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Nate]]

KC handed the package back. <<speech "KC">>How long have you been buying from Nate?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Couple weeks.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Enough.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Darius">>Andre?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>About three grand total.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Why do I even talk?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I ask myself that every day.<</speech>> KC looked toward the apartment building, thinking. <<speech "KC">>You ever meet whoever Nate gets it from?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He deliver?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you never wondered why he's selling you our product cheaper than we'd sell it to you?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I assumed he liked us.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nobody likes you that much.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>That's what I said.<</speech>> Darius pointed at Andre. <<speech "Darius">>You did not say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I thought it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Call Nate.<</speech>> Both men looked at her. <<speech "Darius">>Right now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, next Christmas.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You don't have to be like that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently I do.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Call Nate]]

Darius pulled his phone out. <<speech "KC">>Tell him you need more.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Enough that he shows up himself.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Five hundred?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Make it eight.<</speech>> Darius dialed and put the phone to his ear. <<speech "Darius">>Yo. Yeah, it's me. We need another eight... Yeah... Tonight if you can.<</speech>> He listened. <<speech "Darius">>Behind Fulton Laundry? Yeah. Fine.<</speech>> Darius hung up. <<speech "KC">>When?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Forty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You think he's the one taking from Victor?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I think somebody is.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>And if it's not him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then he tells me who it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>And if he doesn't?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Darius">>Right. Dumb question.<</speech>> <<set $kq003Stage = 2>> [[GO TO FULTON LAUNDRY->KQ003 - Fulton Laundry]]

Fulton Laundry sat at the end of a small strip mall that was mostly dark by the time they arrived. KC waited behind the building with Darius and Andre while dryers thumped against the wall on the other side. <<speech "Darius">>So what's the plan?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You buy.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then I talk.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>And we stay out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>See? Andre gets it.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You keep saying that like you're trying to hurt my feelings.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Is it working?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Little bit.<</speech>> Headlights swept across the back wall. A sedan rolled into the lot and stopped beside the dumpsters. Nate got out alone at first. Then two other men stepped out from the passenger side. <<speech "Andre">>That's new.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Friends?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Never seen them.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great.<</speech>> Nate walked over carrying a backpack. <<speech "Nate">>Eight hundred?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Yeah.<</speech>> Nate unzipped the bag. KC stepped out from behind the corner. <<speech "KC">>Hold up.<</speech>> Nate froze. <<speech "Nate">>Who the fuck are you?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>This is-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't introduce me.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where'd you get what's in that bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>None of your business.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Darius, what the fuck is this?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Apparently an audit.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, that one was decent.<</speech>> Nate looked from KC to the two men behind her. <<speech "Nate">>You set me up?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Technically she set you up. We just made the phone call.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Darius.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Done.<</speech>> <<choice "Give Nate a chance to talk.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Negotiate Nate">> <</choice>> <<choice "Tell Nate exactly what happens if Victor hears about this.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Threaten Nate">> <</choice>> <<choice "Take the bag.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Fight Nate">> <</choice>>

KC kept her hands at her sides. <<speech "KC">>Here's the easy version. You tell me where you're getting Victor's product, you hand me the bag, and you stop selling in this area.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>I don't know any Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Man, come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Shut the fuck up.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>See? That's unnecessary.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Please stop helping.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nate.<</speech>> Nate looked at her. <<speech "KC">>You are standing behind a laundromat with product that came from one of our suppliers. I know you didn't make it. I know they didn't make it. That leaves you.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>I buy from somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Name.<</speech>> Nate hesitated. <<speech "KC">>This is me being nice.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Guy named Rico.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Last name?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Don't know it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Phone number?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Give it to me.<</speech>> Nate handed over his phone. <<speech "KC">>Bag too.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>That's eight hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not anymore.<</speech>> Nate stared at her, then shoved the backpack toward her. <<set $kq003NateResolution = "negotiated">> <<set $kq003NateName = "Rico">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - After Nate]]

KC waited until Nate's car was gone before checking the backpack. There was enough product inside to make the whole thing worth Victor's attention. <<speech "Darius">>So we're good now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Damn.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>What happens to us?<</speech>> KC zipped the bag shut. <<speech "KC">>That depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>On?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Whether you two plan on doing anything this stupid again.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Define stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Buying mystery product from somebody you barely know because it's cheap.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Okay, yeah. That was stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. Growth.<</speech>> KC looked between them. <<speech "KC">>If you're going to sell, you go through me.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's what I said.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>So we work for you now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Associate with you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Business partners?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You really want me to change my mind?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Nope.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>We understand.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course you do.<</speech>> <<set $kq003DealersRecruited = true>> <<set $kq003Stage = 3>> [[GO BACK TO THEIR APARTMENT->KQ003 - Apartment]]

KC stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>You know Victor?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know the name?<</speech>> Nate didn't answer. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>I don't owe Victor shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're selling his product in his territory for less than his people charge.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Didn't know it was his.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe. Doesn't really matter now.<</speech>> KC pulled out her phone. <<speech "KC">>I can call him, or you can tell me who supplied you.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>You bluffing?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You wanna find out?<</speech>> Nate looked at the two men who came with him, then back at KC. <<speech "Nate">>Rico.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Rico what?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>That's all I got.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Phone number.<</speech>> Nate unlocked his phone and held it out. <<speech "KC">>And the bag.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You can tell Victor that yourself if you'd rather.<</speech>> Nate threw the backpack at her feet. <<set $kq003NateResolution = "threatened">> <<set $kq003NateName = "Rico">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - After Nate]]

KC reached for the backpack. Nate pulled it away. <<speech "Nate">>Touch my shit again.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your shit?<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>You heard me.<</speech>> One of the men behind Nate stepped forward. <<speech "Andre">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I'm guessing this is the part where staying out of it ends.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Pretty much.<</speech>> KC dropped her bag beside the wall. <<speech "KC">>Fine.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Nate Fight]]

<<startcombat "KQ003_NATE_FIGHT">>

Darius and Andre lived in a second-floor apartment in Building C. The place looked exactly like KC expected: two game controllers on the coffee table, takeout containers beside the television, a pair of dumbbells near the wall, and one surprisingly decent couch that looked too nice for everything around it. KC sat at the kitchen counter and counted the cash they had made that day while Darius dropped onto the couch. Andre disappeared into the kitchen. <<speech "Darius">>So are we officially employees now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Contractors?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Interns?<</speech>> KC looked up. <<speech "KC">>Do you want me to hit you again?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You didn't hit me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There's still time.<</speech>> Andre came back with three bottles of water and set one beside KC. <<speech "Andre">>Ignore him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Trying.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You both talk about me like I'm not here.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You make it easy.<</speech>> KC finished counting and stacked the money neatly. <<speech "KC">>You're short forty.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I told you.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>That was food.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You bought food with sale money?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I was hungry.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're unbelievable.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>I'll cover it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. He will.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I knew you liked him better.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I like furniture better than you.<</speech>> Darius laughed and leaned back into the couch. <<speech "Darius">>You know, you're nicer than people said.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who said I was nice?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Nobody. That's why this is surprising.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You really don't know when to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I know exactly when to stop.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>No, you don't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>He's proving your point in real time.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Couch]]

Nate was sitting against the wall by the time KC picked the backpack up. One of his friends had already decided the pavement was more comfortable than getting hit again, and the other was holding his ribs near the dumpsters. <<speech "KC">>Let's try this without the stupid part.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>He's consistent.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Not now.<</speech>> KC crouched in front of Nate. <<speech "KC">>Who supplied you?<</speech>> Nate looked away. <<speech "KC">>I can ask again.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>Rico.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Phone.<</speech>> Nate pulled it out and handed it over. <<speech "KC">>See? That wasn't hard.<</speech>> <<speech "Nate">>You done?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> KC stood and slung the backpack over one shoulder. <<set $kq003NateResolution = "combat">> <<set $kq003NateName = "Rico">> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - After Nate]]

KC finished the water and moved from the counter to the couch. Darius shifted over to give her room between the two men. <<speech "Darius">>See? She likes the couch.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's the best thing in your apartment.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>He's been saying that since we bought it.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Because I'm right.<</speech>> KC leaned back and looked at Andre. <<speech "Darius">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You did it again.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did what?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Looked at him.<</speech>> Andre stared at Darius. <<speech "Andre">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I'm just saying.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You monitor where I look now?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Only when it's obvious.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Please shut up.<</speech>> KC looked at Andre again on purpose. <<speech "KC">>Why? Nervous?<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>Of you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> Andre thought about it. <<speech "Andre">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> Darius started laughing. <<speech "Darius">>Oh, this is great.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>You are not helping.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I'm not trying to.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Clearly.<</speech>> KC looked at Darius. <<speech "KC">>And you're way too happy about this.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I'm having a good night.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got threatened, almost got dragged into a fight, and now you owe me forty dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Still pretty good.<</speech>> KC shook her head, but she stayed where she was. <<choice "Take the money and leave.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Leave Apartment">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay on the couch.">> <<goto "KQ003 - Stay On Couch">> <</choice>>

KC stood and picked up the money from the counter. <<speech "Darius">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What were you expecting?<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>He was expecting something.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Traitor.<</speech>> KC slung her bag over her shoulder. <<speech "KC">>Next time I come here, have my money right.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Our money.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "Darius">>Your money. Definitely your money.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>We'll have it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know you will.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Report]]

Victor was at the back table when KC returned. She dropped Nate's backpack beside him. <<speech "Victor">>What's this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Part of your problem.<</speech>> Victor opened the bag and looked inside. <<speech "Victor">>Where'd you get it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Guy named Nate. He was buying from somebody named Rico and reselling it to two guys in Residential South.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Rico.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know him?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Helpful.<</speech>> Victor zipped the bag closed. <<speech "Victor">>What happened to the two dealers?<</speech>> KC leaned back in her chair. <<speech "KC">>I handled them.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Meaning?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They're not buying from Nate anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And they're going through me.<</speech>> Victor looked at her for a moment. <<speech "Victor">>Through you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Problem?<</speech>> Victor gave a small shrug. <<speech "Victor">>Not if the money's right.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It will be.<</speech>> Victor pushed a folded stack of cash across the table. <<speech "Victor">>Then I don't have a problem.<</speech>> KC took it. <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<set $kq003Stage = 999>> <<set $kq003Complete = true>> <<set $kq003DealersRecruited = true>> <<run setup.giveKCMoney(300)>> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

KC stayed where she was, sitting between Darius and Andre. Darius looked over at her, then at Andre. <<speech "Darius">>So what now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You really need instructions?<</speech>> Darius grinned. <<speech "Andre">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Man, fuck you.<</speech>> KC grabbed Darius by the shirt and kissed him before he could say anything else. Andre watched from her other side. When KC pulled away, she turned toward him. <<speech "KC">>What are you waiting for?<</speech>> Andre leaned in and kissed her. KC caught the back of his neck and pulled him closer while Darius put a hand on her thigh. KC broke the kiss and looked between them. <<speech "KC">>There. Now everybody's caught up.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I can work with this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You better.<</speech>> Darius moved closer against one side of her while Andre did the same on the other. KC settled back into the couch between them. <<speech "Andre">>Comfortable?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Getting there.<</speech>> KC began to tug on Darius's belt. [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "KQ003_COUCH">>

Later, KC sat at one end of the couch getting herself back together while Darius leaned against the opposite armrest. Andre sat beside him, still catching his breath. <<speech "Darius">>I have a proposal.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>You don't even know what it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>She knows.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>I was gonna say we should renegotiate our business arrangement.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your business arrangement is exactly the same.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>Worth a shot.<</speech>> KC stood and picked up the money from the table. <<speech "Andre">>We seeing you again?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're selling for me now. Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Darius">>That's not what he meant.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> She headed for the door. <<speech "Darius">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Have my money right next time.<</speech>> <<speech "Andre">>We will.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You will.<</speech>> KC opened the door. <<speech "Darius">>You really like him better.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Goodnight, Darius.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ003 - Report]]

KC was sitting on the edge of her bed changing the laces in one of her shoes when her phone started vibrating beside her. She glanced at the screen, saw Victor's name, and answered without stopping. <<speech "KC">>What broke?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why are you calling me?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I need you to pick something up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know delivery services exist, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very exciting.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>One of my guys sold it.<</speech>> KC stopped pulling the lace through the eyelet. <<speech "KC">>You told him to sell it?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I told him to move it through a fence.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>He got impatient.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course he did.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Sold it directly to somebody instead.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then buy it back.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I already bought it once.<</speech>> KC leaned back against the wall. <<speech "KC">>What's on it?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Doesn't matter.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then get another laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fine.<</speech>> There was a short pause on the other end. <<speech "Victor">>Guy's name is Evan Mercer. Paid six hundred cash. Deal happened behind a print shop Downtown.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Address?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Don't have one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Phone number?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Sending it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything else useful you'd like to accidentally know?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Serial number's in the message too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Bring it back intact.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your confidence in me is touching.<</speech>> Victor hung up. A second later, KC's phone buzzed with the information. <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ004">> <<set $kq004Stage = 1>> [[HEAD DOWNTOWN->KQ004 - Downtown]]

The print shop sat between a tax office and a phone-repair place on a block that stayed busy well into the afternoon. KC stood across the street for a minute, checking the number Victor sent her against the storefront sign. A delivery van pulled away from the curb while a guy in a blue work shirt carried a box through the front door. KC crossed the street and went inside. <<speech "Employee">>Be with you in a sec.<</speech>> KC leaned against the counter and looked around. Posters, business cards, vinyl signs, stacks of cardboard. Nothing interesting. The employee came back out. <<speech "Employee">>What can I help you with?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Evan Mercer work here?<</speech>> The employee hesitated just enough to answer the question. <<speech "Employee">>Who wants to know?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Somebody looking for him.<</speech>> <<speech "Employee">>That usually means something good.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It doesn't.<</speech>> The employee glanced toward the back room. <<speech "Employee">>He's here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Perfect.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Print Shop]]

A few seconds later, Evan stepped through the doorway behind the counter. White guy, mid-twenties, dark blond hair, rolled sleeves, work shirt with a name patch that saved KC the trouble of asking twice. <<speech "Evan">>You looking for me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Evan Mercer?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's usually a yes.<</speech>> He looked her over. <<speech "Evan">>Who's asking?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Laptop.<</speech>> That changed his expression. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I don't know what you're talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You didn't even let me describe it.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Because I don't have one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You don't own a laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Not the one you're looking for.<</speech>> KC smiled slightly. <<speech "KC">>So you do know which one I'm looking for.<</speech>> Evan sighed. <<speech "Evan">>You a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do I look like a cop?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then stop asking stupid questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You came into my job asking about something I bought.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Something stolen.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That's not what I was told.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You bought it in a parking lot.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>People sell things in parking lots.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Best Buy famously operates that way.<</speech>> Evan almost smiled. <<speech "Evan">>I paid for it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Still good for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>So if you want it back, I want my six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's between you and the idiot you bought it from.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You know him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Then we're getting somewhere.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. You're giving me the laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>No.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>You're serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Completely.<</speech>> <<choice "Pay him.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Pay Evan">> <</choice>> <<choice "Pressure him.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Pressure Evan">> <</choice>> <<choice "Get his money back first.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Make Deal">> <</choice>>

KC leaned against the counter. <<speech "KC">>Let me make this easier.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Go ahead.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The guy who sold you that laptop works for somebody you don't want problems with.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That's supposed to scare me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. This part is.<</speech>> KC lowered her voice. <<speech "KC">>You knowingly bought stolen property, you're refusing to return it, and now the person it belongs to knows your name and where you work.<</speech>> Evan stopped smiling. <<speech "KC">>Six hundred dollars stops mattering pretty fast after that.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You're threatening me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm explaining your situation.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Very comforting distinction.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Laptop.<</speech>> He looked at her for a few seconds. <<speech "Evan">>It's at my apartment.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>I'm not giving up on the money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You can complain about it on the way.<</speech>> <<set $kq004Resolution = "pressure">> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Evan Apartment Arrival]]

KC folded her arms. <<speech "KC">>You really want six hundred?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That's what I paid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you knew it was probably stolen.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Probably isn't definitely.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's the argument you're going with?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>It's worked so far.<</speech>> KC pulled out her phone and checked her balance. <<speech "KC">>You're lucky I don't feel like wasting an hour on this.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>So that's a yes?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's a shut up.<</speech>> <<set $money -= 600>> <<set $kq004Resolution = "paid">> <<speech "KC">>Take me to the laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>It's at my apartment.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Of course it is.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Evan Apartment Arrival]]

KC drummed her fingers against the counter. <<speech "KC">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Fine what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You want your money back.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll get it.<</speech>> Evan looked surprised. <<speech "Evan">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't make me change my mind.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Why would you do that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I'm tired of fixing everybody else's stupid decisions and apparently that's my job now.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You say that like you hate it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I hate you a little already.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>We've known each other five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're efficient.<</speech>> Evan laughed. <<speech "KC">>Who sold it to you?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Guy named Brandon.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Then go get my money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You enjoying this?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<set $kq004Resolution = "recoverMoney">> <<set $kq004Stage = 2>> [[FIND BRANDON->KQ004 - Find Brandon]]

Evan's apartment was only a few blocks from the print shop. KC followed him upstairs and waited while he unlocked the door. <<speech "Evan">>You always follow strangers home?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always invite women threatening you into your apartment?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You're not threatening me anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get comfortable.<</speech>> He opened the door and stepped aside. <<speech "Evan">>After you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Paranoid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Alive.<</speech>> Evan walked in first. <<speech "KC">>See how easy that was?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Apartment]]

KC found Brandon exactly where she expected: sitting at the bar in a place near Downtown with half a drink in front of him and a basketball game playing over his shoulder. She took the stool beside him. <<speech "Brandon">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Brandon.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>What's up?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Laptop.<</speech>> He froze. <<speech "KC">>Every time I say that word today, somebody gets weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Victor send you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Obviously.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>I sold it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong person.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>He had cash.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You were supposed to use a fence.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Money's money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently not when Victor wants the laptop back.<</speech>> Brandon rubbed his forehead. <<speech "Brandon">>Shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>How much does the guy want?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>I don't have six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much do you have?<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Two eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You spent three twenty already?<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Bills.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure.<</speech>> <<choice "Take what he has.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Take Brandon Cash">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make him come up with the rest.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Force Brandon">> <</choice>> <<choice "Cover the difference yourself.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Cover Brandon">> <</choice>>

KC held her hand out. <<speech "KC">>Give me the two eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>That's all I've got.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I heard you the first time.<</speech>> Brandon pulled out his wallet and counted the cash onto the bar. <<speech "KC">>You owe Victor the rest.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>You gonna tell him?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I haven't decided.<</speech>> KC pocketed the money. <<set $kq004RecoveredCash = 280>> <<set $kq004BrandonRoute = "partial">> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Return To Evan]]

Evan was still at the print shop when KC came back through the door. <<speech "Evan">>That was fast.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm efficient.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You steal it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>From the guy who sold you stolen property?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Fair question.<</speech>> KC put the money on the counter. <<if $kq004RecoveredCash >= 600>> <<speech "KC">>Six hundred.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "KC">>Two eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That's not six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great counting.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>We had a deal.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We had a conversation. You're lucky you're getting anything.<</speech>> <</if>> Evan looked at the cash, then at KC. <<speech "Evan">>You actually went and got it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I said I would.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Didn't think you meant today.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't like unfinished shit.<</speech>> Evan took the money. <<speech "KC">>Now give me the laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>It's at my place.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "Evan">>I told you that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, you didn't.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Thought I did.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're lucky I need the laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You say that a lot.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Evan Apartment Arrival]]

KC turned slightly toward him. <<speech "KC">>Then find it.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Right now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No, next month.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>KC, I don't have it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sell something.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Like what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not my problem.<</speech>> Brandon stared at her. <<speech "KC">>You created this problem because you couldn't follow one instruction. Fix it.<</speech>> He muttered something under his breath and pulled out his phone. <<speech "Brandon">>Give me twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fifteen.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>You're impossible.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fourteen.<</speech>> Brandon stood up. <<set $kq004RecoveredCash = 600>> <<set $kq004BrandonRoute = "forced">> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Return To Evan]]

KC looked at the cash Brandon had, then pulled out her phone. <<speech "KC">>Give me the two eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>What about the rest?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm covering it.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't sound grateful. You owe me three twenty now.<</speech>> <<speech "Brandon">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. You understand.<</speech>> Brandon handed her the money. <<set $money -= 320>> <<set $kq004RecoveredCash = 600>> <<set $kq004BrandonRoute = "covered">> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Return To Evan]]

The apartment was cleaner than KC expected. Small living room, decent kitchen, a desk against one wall and almost nothing hanging up besides a framed concert poster. Evan walked into the bedroom and came back carrying a silver laptop. <<speech "Evan">>Happy?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We'll see.<</speech>> KC took it and checked the serial number on the underside against Victor's message. Match. <<speech "KC">>Turn it on.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You don't trust me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not even slightly.<</speech>> Evan opened the laptop on the kitchen counter and pressed the power button. The screen came on normally. <<speech "Evan">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You wipe anything?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Didn't even get around to setting it up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> KC closed the lid and slid the laptop into her bag. <<speech "Evan">>So that's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Kind of anticlimactic.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Were you hoping I robbed you?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Wasn't really sure what I was hoping for.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>You've been giving me shit since I walked into your job.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>You walked in acting like you owned the place.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I got what I came for.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Yeah. You usually do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Must be nice.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It is.<</speech>> Evan leaned back against the counter. <<speech "Evan">>You know, you're less intimidating once you're holding a laptop bag.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Want me to put it down?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>That sounded more threatening than I expected.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<choice "Take the laptop and leave.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Leave Evan">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay a while.">> <<goto "KQ004 - Stay With Evan">> <</choice>>

KC pulled the strap of the bag over her shoulder and headed toward the door. <<speech "Evan">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got your money. I got the laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Not your laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>More mine than yours.<</speech>> She opened the door. <<speech "Evan">>You always leave this quickly?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always ask this many questions?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Work on that.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Return To Victor]]

KC picked up the laptop bag, took two steps toward the door, then dropped it onto Evan's couch. <<speech "Evan">>Forget something?<</speech>> KC turned around, walked straight back to him, and hooked two fingers into the front of his belt. <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> That wiped the grin off his face for about half a second. <<speech "Evan">>Oh.<</speech>> KC pulled him against her and kissed him. Evan caught her around the waist, backing her into the edge of the couch. <<speech "Evan">>You always collect everything before you leave?<</speech>> KC pushed him down onto the couch. <<speech "KC">>Yeah, and your cum is the next thing on the list.<</speech>> Evan looked up at her, smiling again as KC climbed over him. [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Sex Scene]]

Victor was sitting behind his desk when KC dropped the laptop in front of him. <<speech "Victor">>That it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Serial matches.<</speech>> Victor opened it and powered it on. <<speech "Victor">>Anything happen?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your guy's an idiot.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I knew that already.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why does he still work for you?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Cheap labor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There's your problem.<</speech>> Victor checked something on the laptop, then nodded. <<speech "Victor">>Everything's here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great.<</speech>> He pulled out a folded stack of cash and slid it across the desk. <<speech "Victor">>For your time.<</speech>> KC picked it up. <<speech "KC">>See? Much better ending than another phone call.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Too late.<</speech>> <<set $kq004Stage = 999>> <<set $kq004Complete = true>> <<usekcaction>> <<run setup.giveKCMoney(350)>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

<<startsexscene "KQ004_EVAN">>

Later, KC sat on the edge of the couch fixing her clothes while Evan leaned back against the cushions beside her. <<speech "Evan">>So was that part of getting the laptop back?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. Victor requires it.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Very professional organization.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Extremely.<</speech>> KC stood and picked up the laptop bag. <<speech "Evan">>Am I gonna see you again?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You planning on buying more stolen shit?<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>If that's what it takes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>Worth asking.<</speech>> KC headed toward the door. <<speech "Evan">>KC.<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Evan">>Try knocking next time.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I did knock.<</speech>> <<speech "Evan">>At my job.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Counts.<</speech>> She left before he could answer. [[CONTINUE->KQ004 - Return To Victor]]

KC was leaving campus when Victor called. She answered while cutting across the parking lot toward her car. <<speech "KC">>What now?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>You know Keller Logistics?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Should I?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Small company Downtown. Shipping, storage, bookkeeping. Boring shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're really selling this.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>They process some invoices for me.<</speech>> KC slowed down. <<speech "KC">>Actual invoices or your kind of invoices?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Does it matter?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Payments have been coming up short.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How short?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Small amounts. Fifty here. Hundred there. Couple hundred last week.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How long?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Almost two months.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you're just noticing?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I'm noticing now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Convenient answer.<</speech>> Victor ignored that. <<speech "Victor">>Guy running the office is Grant Keller. Find out where the money's going.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You think he's taking it?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I think somebody is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And if it is him?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Handle it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You really need a second phrase.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Call me when it's done.<</speech>> The line went dead. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ005">> <<set $kq005Stage = 1>> [[GO TO KELLER LOGISTICS->KQ005 - Keller Logistics]]

Keller Logistics occupied the second floor of a converted warehouse Downtown. The lobby had gray carpet, framed shipping certificates on the walls, and the kind of fluorescent lighting that made everybody look tired. KC approached the front desk. <<speech "Receptionist">>Can I help you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Grant Keller.<</speech>> <<speech "Receptionist">>Do you have an appointment?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Receptionist">>I can see if he's available. Name?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>KC.<</speech>> The receptionist waited. <<speech "KC">>That's the name.<</speech>> <<speech "Receptionist">>Right.<</speech>> She picked up the phone. <<speech "Receptionist">>Mr. Keller? There's a KC here to see you.<</speech>> Whatever Grant said made her glance at KC again. <<speech "Receptionist">>Okay.<</speech>> She hung up. <<speech "Receptionist">>Last office on the left.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thanks.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Meet Grant]]

Grant's office had a glass wall facing the rest of the floor. He was sitting behind a desk with his sleeves rolled to his elbows, looking through a stack of invoices when KC walked in. <<speech "Grant">>KC?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Grant Keller.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Depends what you want.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everybody keeps saying that to me.<</speech>> Grant leaned back in his chair. <<speech "Grant">>You don't look like a client.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm devastated.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You also didn't make an appointment.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You'll recover.<</speech>> KC put a folded copy of one of Victor's invoices on his desk. <<speech "KC">>Recognize that?<</speech>> Grant looked down at it. <<speech "Grant">>Where'd you get this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That sounds like yes.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You work for Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Now we're getting somewhere.<</speech>> Grant picked up the invoice and looked toward the glass wall. <<speech "Grant">>Not here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>We're already here.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>There are six employees outside this office.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>So unless you want all six of them listening while you ask me why Victor's money is missing, come back after closing.<</speech>> KC studied him. <<speech "KC">>Convenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You can search the building right now if you'd rather.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Tempting.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I'll be here until ten.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You work late.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I own the place.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That explains the attitude.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Funny. I was about to say the same thing.<</speech>> KC picked the invoice back up. <<speech "KC">>Nine o'clock.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I'll clear my schedule.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Stage = 2>> [[RETURN AFTER CLOSING->KQ005 - After Hours]]

By nine, the building was almost completely dark. KC buzzed the front door and waited until Grant appeared on the other side of the glass. <<speech "Grant">>You came back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sound surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>A little.<</speech>> He unlocked the door and stepped aside. <<speech "KC">>Anybody else here?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Cleaning crew left twenty minutes ago.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cameras?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Hallways and entrances. No audio.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You answer that really quickly.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You asked.<</speech>> KC followed him upstairs. <<speech "Grant">>Coffee?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Water?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Grant.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Right. Missing money.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Books]]

Grant spread printed invoices across the conference-room table while KC opened the payment records on a laptop beside him. <<speech "Grant">>These are the amounts we received.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And these?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>What got entered into the system.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They're different.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>That's why you're here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You approved all of them.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>My account approved them.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's supposed to make me feel better?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No. It's supposed to make you think.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Careful.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You came here to figure it out, didn't you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keep talking.<</speech>> Grant rotated the laptop toward her. <<speech "Grant">>Look at the timestamps.<</speech>> KC compared the first altered invoice against the office schedule taped beside the monitor. <<speech "KC">>Two fourteen in the afternoon.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I was in Columbus.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Could've logged in remotely.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Could've.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Check the next one.<</speech>> KC opened another record. <<speech "KC">>Seven thirty-six.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Hospital. My brother broke his wrist.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You have proof?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Do you want the X-ray?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>If you have it.<</speech>> Grant laughed quietly. <<speech "Grant">>You really don't trust anybody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Working great so far.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Find Pattern]]

KC went through the altered records one by one. The amounts were never large enough to stand out on their own. Seventy dollars. One hundred twenty. Fifty-five. Two hundred. The changes stretched back almost eight weeks. <<speech "KC">>Who else has your login?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Nobody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Nobody is supposed to.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Better.<</speech>> KC opened the user-access log. <<speech "KC">>Same workstation every time.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Which one?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Three-B.<</speech>> Grant's expression changed. <<speech "KC">>Whose desk?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Melissa.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Melissa who?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Melissa Warren. Office manager.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>She know your password?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>She shouldn't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You ever write it down?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No.<</speech>> KC looked at a yellow sticky note attached beneath his monitor. <<speech "KC">>What's that?<</speech>> Grant followed her eyes. <<speech "Grant">>That's not my password.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I really wanted it to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Sorry to disappoint you.<</speech>> KC returned to the computer and opened the building-access records. <<speech "KC">>Melissa worked every date the invoices changed.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>So did other people.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Melissa used workstation Three-B every time.<</speech>> Grant went quiet. <<speech "KC">>How much has she taken?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Give me a minute.<</speech>> He started adding the discrepancies. <<speech "Grant">>Forty-six hundred and eighty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>By shaving fifty bucks off shit at a time.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Apparently patience is a business strategy.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not a good one.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Melissa Location]]

Grant checked Melissa's personnel file, then stopped. <<speech "Grant">>Her company van is still checked out.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Vehicles have GPS.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You track your employees?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I track my vehicles.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure.<</speech>> Grant opened the fleet dashboard. <<speech "Grant">>Southside Storage.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What's she doing there?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>We rent two units there.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Records?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Old files, archived invoices, equipment.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything she'd want gone?<</speech>> Grant looked toward the table full of altered invoices. <<speech "Grant">>Maybe.<</speech>> KC grabbed her jacket. <<speech "KC">>Let's go.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>We?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your employee. Your van. Your office.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>I'm an accountant, KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Congratulations. Get your keys.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Stage = 3>> [[GO TO SOUTHside STORAGE->KQ005 - Storage Facility]]

Southside Storage was nearly empty when they arrived. Rows of metal doors disappeared beneath orange security lights, and Grant's company van sat near the far end of the property. <<speech "Grant">>That's ours.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I figured.<</speech>> KC killed the headlights before pulling closer. <<speech "Grant">>What exactly are we doing?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seeing what Melissa's doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>And if she's stealing records?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then we stop her.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Define stop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're asking a lot of questions tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Occupational hazard.<</speech>> They got out. A storage unit near the van was open, and Melissa stood inside loading file boxes onto a cart. She saw Grant first. <<speech "Melissa">>Grant?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>What are you doing?<</speech>> Melissa's eyes shifted to KC. <<speech "Melissa">>Who's she?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The reason this conversation's happening tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>I don't know what that means.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure you do.<</speech>> KC pulled one of the altered invoices from her jacket. <<speech "KC">>Forty-six eighty.<</speech>> Melissa stopped moving. <<speech "Grant">>Melissa.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>It's not what you think.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everybody says that right before explaining exactly what I think.<</speech>> <<choice "Let Melissa explain.">> <<goto "KQ005 - Melissa Talks">> <</choice>> <<choice "Pressure her for the money.">> <<goto "KQ005 - Pressure Melissa">> <</choice>> <<choice "Search the van.">> <<goto "KQ005 - Search Van">> <</choice>>

KC folded the invoice and put it back into her jacket. <<speech "KC">>Go ahead.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>I was going to put it back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Forty-six hundred dollars?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Not all at once.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's your defense?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>I needed money.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You could've talked to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>About what? My rent? My mother's bills? You would've given me a raise?<</speech>> Grant didn't answer immediately. <<speech "KC">>Where's the money?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Some of it is gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much is left?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>About three thousand.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where?<</speech>> Melissa looked toward the van. <<speech "Melissa">>Bag under the passenger seat.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And these boxes?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Records connecting me to the changes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>At least you're honest now.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Recovered = 3000>> <<set $kq005MelissaRoute = "talked">> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Melissa Resolution]]

KC handed the bank bag to Grant. <<speech "KC">>Take that.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>What about her?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's your employee.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>This involves Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then I'll tell Victor what happened.<</speech>> Melissa looked at KC. <<speech "Melissa">>What's he going to do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No idea.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>That's supposed to make me feel better?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wasn't trying to.<</speech>> Grant loaded the records back into the company van. <<speech "Grant">>We're going back to the office.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You're coming?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I want copies before anything disappears again.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You really don't trust me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're catching on.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Stage = 4>> [[RETURN TO THE OFFICE->KQ005 - Back At Office]]

KC stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>Here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna tell me where the money is, you're gonna give Grant every record you touched, and you're gonna stop wasting my night.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Or what?<</speech>> Grant looked at Melissa like he couldn't believe she'd asked. <<speech "KC">>You really want the long answer?<</speech>> Melissa looked away. <<speech "KC">>Money.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>There's a bag under the passenger seat.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Three thousand. Maybe a little more.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Records?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Here.<</speech>> She gestured toward the boxes. <<speech "KC">>Much easier.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Recovered = 3000>> <<set $kq005MelissaRoute = "pressured">> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Melissa Resolution]]

KC ignored Melissa and walked toward the company van. <<speech "Melissa">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Grant, keys.<</speech>> Grant tossed them over. <<speech "Melissa">>You can't just search my stuff.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>It's my van.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>See? Teamwork.<</speech>> KC opened the passenger door and checked beneath the seat. A canvas bank bag was shoved against the center console. She pulled it out and unzipped it. <<speech "KC">>Well, look at that.<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>That's not all mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good thing I wasn't asking.<</speech>> KC counted quickly. <<speech "KC">>Three thousand forty.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>And the boxes?<</speech>> <<speech "Melissa">>Copies. Invoices. Logs.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Evidence.<</speech>> Melissa didn't answer. <<set $kq005Recovered = 3040>> <<set $kq005MelissaRoute = "searched">> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Melissa Resolution]]

It was after eleven by the time KC and Grant finished carrying everything upstairs. Grant locked the front door, switched off most of the lights, and dropped the bank bag onto the conference table. <<speech "Grant">>Three thousand recovered. Roughly sixteen hundred gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor's gonna love that.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Think he'll blame me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Comforting.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You want me to lie?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>No.<</speech>> Grant sat down and rubbed his eyes. <<speech "Grant">>Coffee offer still stands.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It's eleven at night.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>That's when coffee becomes important.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Water.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Progress.<</speech>> He disappeared into the break room and returned with two bottles. <<speech "KC">>What happens to Melissa?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>She's fired.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bold decision.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You asked.<</speech>> KC took a drink. <<speech "Grant">>What happens when you tell Victor?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Whatever he decides.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You really don't care?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I cared enough to find his money.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then you asked the wrong person.<</speech>> Grant smiled slightly. <<speech "Grant">>You're different when you're not threatening somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I threatened you two hours ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Exactly. Progress.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're getting brave.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Office is insured.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I wasn't talking about the office.<</speech>> Grant looked at her for a moment. <<speech "Grant">>Noted.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Packing Room]]

Grant carried the recovered records into a small packing room near the back of the office. Shelves held shipping labels, tape, boxes, padded blankets, straps, and several coils of rope used for securing larger freight. KC leaned against the doorway. <<speech "KC">>You run an office or kidnap people?<</speech>> Grant looked at the shelf. <<speech "Grant">>Furniture.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>That's actually what it's for.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Didn't say it wasn't.<</speech>> Grant caught the look on her face. <<speech "Grant">>That wasn't where my mind went.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Liar.<</speech>> He laughed. <<speech "Grant">>You're the one who brought it up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I made a joke.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Sure.<</speech>> KC picked up one of the shorter coils and turned it over in her hands. <<speech "Grant">>You actually into that?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Depends who's asking.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Me, apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently.<</speech>> The room got quieter. <<speech "Grant">>I'm not guessing about something like that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Meaning?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Meaning if you're serious, you tell me you're serious.<</speech>> KC looked down at the rope again. <<choice "Finish the job and leave.">> <<goto "KQ005 - Leave Office">> <</choice>> <<choice "Tell Grant to lock the office.">> <<goto "KQ005 - Stay With Grant">> <</choice>>

KC dropped the rope back onto the shelf. <<speech "KC">>Another night.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Was that an offer?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> She picked up the copies of the invoices from the table. <<speech "Grant">>You need anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Make sure nobody else knows your password.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Still don't know how she got it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Figure it out.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Yes, boss.<</speech>> KC stopped at the door. <<speech "KC">>Don't call me that.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Goodnight, KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Night.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Report To Victor]]

Victor looked through the recovered invoices while KC sat across from him. <<speech "Victor">>Melissa Warren.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Office manager.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Forty-six eighty total. Recovered about three grand.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Rest?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Gone.<</speech>> Victor flipped to the next page. <<speech "Victor">>Keller involved?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>His account got used. Timestamps don't line up with where he was. Same workstation every time. Melissa's.<</speech>> Victor nodded slowly. <<speech "Victor">>Useful guy?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Grant?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Keep him around.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Was planning on it.<</speech>> Victor looked up at her. <<speech "Victor">>For business.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's what I meant.<</speech>> Victor stared at her for another second, then decided not to ask. <<speech "Victor">>Sure.<</speech>> He pulled out KC's payment and slid it across the desk. <<speech "KC">>See? Paperwork can be exciting.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> <<set $kq005Stage = 999>> <<set $kq005Complete = true>> <<set $grantContactUnlocked = true>> <<usekcaction>> <<run setup.giveKCMoney(250)>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

KC turned the coil of rope once in her hand, then tossed it onto Grant's desk. <<speech "KC">>You brought it up.<</speech>> Grant looked at the rope, then at her. <<speech "Grant">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So quit staring at it.<</speech>> Grant stood, took off his watch, and set it beside the keyboard. <<speech "KC">>What's that for?<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Don't want to scratch you with it.<</speech>> KC smiled. <<speech "KC">>Look at you. Professional to the end.<</speech>> Grant picked up the rope and stepped around the desk. <<speech "Grant">>Sit.<</speech>> KC looked at the chair, then at him. <<speech "KC">>There we go.<</speech>> She sat down and held her hands behind the chair without being asked twice. Grant moved behind her and started wrapping the rope around her wrists. <<speech "KC">>You better know what you're doing.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You'll find out.<</speech>> KC leaned back against the chair while he tightened the knot. <<speech "KC">>Much better.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "KQ005_GRANT_OFFICE">>

Later, Grant worked the last knot loose while KC sat against the edge of his desk. <<speech "KC">>You're taking forever.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>You complained when I tied them too tight.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And now I'm complaining that you're slow.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Consistent.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> The rope finally came free. <<speech "Grant">>Better?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Much.<</speech>> KC rubbed one wrist, then started getting herself back together. <<speech "Grant">>Do I bill Victor for overtime?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do that and I'm coming back.<</speech>> <<speech "Grant">>Threat or promise?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Grant">>Right. Pushing it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're learning.<</speech>> She picked up the copies of the invoices and headed toward the door. <<speech "Grant">>KC.<</speech>> She looked back. <<speech "Grant">>Next time, maybe we skip the embezzlement part.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get ambitious.<</speech>> KC left him standing in the office. [[CONTINUE->KQ005 - Report To Victor]]

KC received a call from Victor. <<speech "KC">>What now?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>One of my guys lost something.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You need better guys.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>I need this one found first.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What'd he lose?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>A bag.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very specific.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>It was supposed to go into a locker Downtown. Instead, he decided to get creative.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's never good.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>He paid somebody to hold it for him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where?<</speech>> Victor paused. <<speech "Victor">>Massage place.<</speech>> KC stopped walking. <<speech "KC">>A what?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Sports recovery studio.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Oh, good. Completely different.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Place is called RESET. Guy running it is Cole Barrett.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And the bag?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Gone when my guy came back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What's in it?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Enough that I want it back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Helpful as always.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Find the bag.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Find better employees.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>After the bag.<</speech>> The line disconnected. <<speech "KC">>Asshole.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ006">> <<set $kq006Stage = 1>> [[GO TO RESET->KQ006 - RESET]]

RESET occupied the ground floor of a newer building Downtown. Through the front windows, KC could see treatment tables, stretching equipment, racks of resistance bands, and enough clean white walls to make the place feel more expensive than it probably was. She stepped inside. <<speech "Cole">>Be right with you.<</speech>> A man behind the front desk finished typing something into a computer before looking up. White, late twenties, athletic without looking like he lived in a gym, dark-blond hair pushed back from his face. <<speech "Cole">>What can I help you with?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cole Barrett?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Depends what you're selling.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nothing you want.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Strong opening.<</speech>> KC rested one hand on the counter. <<speech "KC">>Guy came in here yesterday carrying a black gym bag.<</speech>> Cole's expression barely changed, but it changed enough. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>There what is?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The part where you realized why I'm here.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I get a lot of gym bags.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>This one came with a hundred dollars.<</speech>> Cole exhaled through his nose. <<speech "Cole">>You're with him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Unfortunately.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>He said he needed somewhere to leave it for two hours.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you thought that was normal.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I thought a hundred dollars was a hundred dollars.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart business model.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Usually works better than this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where'd you put it?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Employee storage room.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And now it's gone.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sound very relaxed about that.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Panicking won't make it reappear.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. Me being here might.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Storage Room]]

Cole led KC past three treatment rooms and into a narrow hallway at the back of the studio. The employee storage room had lockers along one wall, shelves along the other, and a rear service door beside a stack of folded towels. <<speech "Cole">>I put it right there.<</speech>> He pointed toward an empty space on the bottom shelf. <<speech "KC">>Who had access?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Me. Maya at the desk. Trent. Cleaning staff technically, but they weren't here yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cameras?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Hallway. Front entrance. Back entrance.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Inside here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course not.<</speech>> KC crouched near the shelf. A small strip of black fabric was caught on the edge of a metal bracket. <<speech "KC">>This from the bag?<</speech>> Cole crouched beside her. <<speech "Cole">>Could be.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You touch anything after it went missing?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> KC stood and looked toward the rear door. Dried mud marked the tile near the threshold. <<speech "KC">>That normal?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Not really.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who used the back entrance yesterday?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I'd have to check.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then check.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You always this pleasant?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always hide random bags for cash?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Fair.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Security]]

Cole pulled up the camera system on the computer behind the front desk. KC stood beside him while he rewound the footage. <<speech "Cole">>There. Your guy comes in at 2:18.<</speech>> On the screen, Victor's courier walked through the front door carrying the bag. <<speech "KC">>Keep going.<</speech>> Cole sped through the footage. Employees moved in and out of rooms. Customers came and went. <<speech "KC">>Stop.<</speech>> Cole paused the video. At 3:07, the hallway camera suddenly shifted until most of the frame showed a blank wall. <<speech "KC">>Somebody moved it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great security system.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I usually protect foam rollers.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Clearly you're prepared for anything.<</speech>> Cole switched to the rear camera. <<speech "Cole">>Nothing goes out the back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Before the camera moves?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>After?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Still no.<</speech>> KC looked toward the hallway. <<speech "KC">>So whoever took it didn't leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Not on camera.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who moved the hallway camera?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Let's find out.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Keycard Log]]

Cole opened another window and pulled up the employee access log. KC leaned over the desk beside him. <<speech "KC">>Storage room uses keycards?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>After hours and during locked treatment sessions.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yesterday.<</speech>> Cole filtered the entries. <<speech "Cole">>Maya at 1:22. Me at 2:20. Trent at 3:04.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Three minutes before the camera moves.<</speech>> Cole stared at the screen. <<speech "KC">>Trent still here?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>He was supposed to leave at four.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Supposed to?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>He texted me saying he wasn't feeling well.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>When?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Three thirty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>After he went into the room.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Yeah.<</speech>> KC straightened. <<speech "KC">>Call him.<</speech>> Cole dialed. The phone rang somewhere faintly behind them. Both of them stopped. <<speech "KC">>That yours?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>No.<</speech>> Cole followed the sound into the employee area and opened one of the lockers. A phone sat inside beside a wallet and a set of car keys. <<speech "KC">>He didn't leave.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Apparently not.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Basement?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Storage level.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Lead the way.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Basement]]

The basement level was colder than the studio upstairs and packed with old equipment, unopened boxes, folded tables, cleaning supplies, and enough miscellaneous junk to hide behind. KC heard the zipper before she saw Trent. He was sitting on the floor between two shelving units with the black gym bag open in front of him. <<speech "Cole">>Trent.<</speech>> Trent looked up so fast he nearly dropped the stack of cash in his hands. <<speech "Trent">>Cole.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good. Everybody knows everybody.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Who the fuck is she?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Person whose bag you're going to close.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>I found it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Inside the employee storage room.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Somebody left it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So you opened it.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>I was looking for ID.<</speech>> KC looked at the cash in his hands. <<speech "KC">>Inside the money?<</speech>> Cole rubbed his forehead. <<speech "Cole">>Seriously, Trent?<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>You don't know what this is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know exactly what it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Then you know there's enough money here to matter.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. That's why you're giving it back.<</speech>> <<choice "Give Trent one chance to return everything.">> <<goto "KQ006 - Talk Trent Down">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make it clear what happens if he keeps it.">> <<goto "KQ006 - Pressure Trent">> <</choice>> <<choice "Take the bag.">> <<goto "KQ006 - Fight Trent">> <</choice>>

KC kept her voice flat. <<speech "KC">>Put the cash back in the bag.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because right now you're an idiot who made one bad decision. You keep the money, you become an idiot who stole from somebody dangerous.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>You're threatening me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm giving you the version where you walk out of here.<</speech>> Trent looked at Cole. <<speech "Cole">>Don't look at me.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>You'd fire me over this?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You stole from my building and moved a security camera.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>So that's a yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Money.<</speech>> Trent hesitated, then put the cash back into the bag and zipped it shut. <<speech "Trent">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything missing?<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>I took two hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where is it?<</speech>> He pulled folded bills from his pocket and handed them over. <<set $kq006TrentRoute = "talked">> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Bag Recovered]]

KC stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>You have about ten seconds to decide whether that money is worth making yourself somebody else's problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You really want the name?<</speech>> Trent looked at her. <<speech "KC">>Victor.<</speech>> His expression changed. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>I didn't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Now you do.<</speech>> Trent immediately shoved the money back inside the bag. <<speech "Trent">>I didn't take anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Pocket.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Left pocket.<</speech>> Trent slowly pulled out two hundred dollars. <<speech "KC">>Thought so.<</speech>> <<set $kq006TrentRoute = "pressure">> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Bag Recovered]]

KC reached for the bag. Trent grabbed it first and pulled it toward himself. <<speech "Trent">>Back the fuck up.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Trent, don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>Stay out of it.<</speech>> KC looked at Cole. <<speech "KC">>You hear that? Stay out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Wasn't planning on helping him.<</speech>> KC set her phone on the nearest shelf. <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>You think I'm scared of you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> KC stepped forward. <<speech "KC">>That's probably the problem.<</speech>>

Back upstairs, KC set the bag on one of the treatment tables and checked everything against the list Victor had sent her. Cash, sealed package, envelope, burner phone. Nothing important was missing. <<speech "Cole">>Everything there?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Good.<</speech>> He leaned against the counter. <<speech "KC">>You look relieved.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Guy paid me a hundred dollars to hold a bag. Somehow that turned into theft, security footage, and you fighting my employee in the basement.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Former employee.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Could've been worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>How?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I could've thought you took it.<</speech>> Cole stared at her. <<speech "Cole">>That's worse.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Told you.<</speech>> KC lifted the bag off the table and rolled her shoulder. <<speech "Cole">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You did it again.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Your shoulder.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>My shoulder's fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You've rolled it about fifteen times since you got here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You counting?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Occupational habit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sounds annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You're favoring your left side too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You absolutely are.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I liked you better when somebody was stealing from you.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Five minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Let me work on it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I'm literally qualified.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's what makes this worse.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Five minutes.<</speech>> KC looked at the treatment table. <<speech "KC">>Four.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Deal.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Treatment]]

<<startcombat "KQ006_TRENT_FIGHT">>

Trent stayed down long enough for KC to pick the bag up and check inside. The missing cash was still there, along with the two hundred he had stuffed into his pocket. <<speech "Cole">>You okay?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Wasn't asking you.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Cole">>Kidding.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good choice.<</speech>> Cole looked down at Trent. <<speech "Cole">>You're fired.<</speech>> <<speech "Trent">>No shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Look at everybody figuring things out tonight.<</speech>> <<set $kq006TrentRoute = "combat">> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Bag Recovered]]

KC set Victor's bag beside the wall and climbed onto the treatment table. Cole adjusted the headrest and stepped beside her. <<speech "KC">>If you say relax, I'm leaving.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Wasn't going to.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>I was going to say you're ridiculously tense.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Worse.<</speech>> Cole worked around her shoulder carefully, pressing into one spot that made KC immediately tense harder. <<speech "KC">>Ow.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Found it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Congratulations.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You want me to stop?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> He adjusted his grip and worked the knot more slowly. <<speech "Cole">>What'd you do to this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Existing.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Very specific injury.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You ask too many questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You attract strange situations.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I walked into your building and found your employee stealing criminal money in the basement.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>When you say it like that, maybe this one's mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Definitely yours.<</speech>> A minute later, Cole stepped back. <<speech "Cole">>Try it.<</speech>> KC sat up and rolled her shoulder. <<speech "Cole">>Well?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>That's basically a five-star review from you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get excited.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - After Treatment]]

KC stayed sitting on the edge of the massage table while Cole washed his hands at the sink across the room. <<speech "Cole">>Most clients say thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm not a client.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You definitely aren't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What's that supposed to mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Most clients don't interrogate my staff before treatment.<</speech>>okay Cole dried his hands and turned back toward her. <<speech "Cole">>You know, you're less intimidating sitting on a massage table.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Come closer and test that theory.<</speech>> Cole smiled slightly. <<speech "Cole">>See, that's exactly what I'm talking about.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>You noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Hard not to.<</speech>> Cole took a step closer but stopped before reaching her. <<speech "Cole">>Want me to stop?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<choice "Take the bag and leave.">> <<goto "KQ006 - Leave Cole">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay on the table.">> <<goto "KQ006 - Stay With Cole">> <</choice>>

KC slid off the table and picked up Victor's bag. <<speech "KC">>Thanks for the shoulder.<</speech>> Cole blinked. <<speech "Cole">>Was that actually a thank you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't ruin it.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Wouldn't dream of it.<</speech>> KC headed for the door. <<speech "Cole">>Next time somebody offers me a hundred bucks to hide a bag?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Say no.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Or charge more.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>That's terrible advice.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You asked for advice.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Return To Victor]]

Victor unzipped the bag while KC stood across from him. He checked the cash first, then the sealed package, envelope, and burner phone. <<speech "Victor">>Everything's here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're welcome.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your courier paid a massage therapist to hide the bag in his studio. One of the employees found it and decided he wanted what was inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>You make that sound stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It was stupid.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>The owner involved?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. Just greedy enough to take a hundred dollars without asking questions.<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Useful?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe.<</speech>> Victor zipped the bag shut. <<speech "Victor">>Keep his number.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Was planning on it.<</speech>> Victor looked at her for a second. <<speech "Victor">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>My shoulder hurts.<</speech>> Victor stared at her. <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Victor">>Nothing.<</speech>> He slid her payment across the table. <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> <<set $kq006Stage = 999>> <<set $kq006Complete = true>> <<set $coleContactUnlocked = true>> <<run setup.giveKCMoney(275)>> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

KC stayed sitting on the edge of the massage table while Cole started putting the room back together. <<speech "Cole">>Four minutes turned into a pretty good review.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get ahead of yourself.<</speech>> Cole stepped past her to grab a towel from the counter. KC caught him by the wrist before he could move away. <<speech "KC">>You missed a spot.<</speech>> He looked at her shoulder. <<speech "Cole">>Where?<</speech>> KC took his hand and pulled it lower. <<speech "KC">>Not there.<</speech>> Cole looked at her for half a second, then smiled. <<speech "Cole">>Right.<</speech>> KC leaned back onto the table and grabbed him by the shirt when he moved in closer. <<speech "KC">>Try not to fuck this treatment up.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "KQ006_COLE_TABLE">>

Later, KC sat on the edge of the massage table getting herself back together while Cole straightened the room around her. <<speech "Cole">>Shoulder still feel better?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>You're really asking me that now?<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Professional curiosity.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bullshit.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Little bit.<</speech>> KC stood and picked up Victor's bag. <<speech "Cole">>So what happens next time somebody offers me a hundred dollars to hide something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You say no.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Learning already.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Or charge more.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>There it is.<</speech>> KC headed toward the front of the studio. <<speech "Cole">>You coming back?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>On?<</speech>> KC glanced back toward the treatment room. <<speech "KC">>Whether my shoulder acts up.<</speech>> <<speech "Cole">>Your shoulder.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't push it.<</speech>> She left with the bag. [[CONTINUE->KQ006 - Return To Victor]]

KC was halfway through browsing the display case when she noticed Mara counting the same stack of receipts for the third time. <<speech "KC">>You look pissed.<</speech>> Mara looked up. <<speech "Mara">>Somebody owes me money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Join the club.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Not a small amount.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Twenty-four hundred.<</speech>> KC stopped looking at the case. <<speech "KC">>Okay. That's annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Guy named Neil Foster bought a batch of equipment from me. Paid half up front. Supposed to bring the rest two days later.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And now he's gone.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Apartment's empty. Phone's off.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You go looking?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I run a store.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So you want me to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I want my money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Same thing.<</speech>> Mara leaned against the counter. <<speech "Mara">>You interested?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What's my cut?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Three hundred if you bring the money back. More if you recover any merchandise he hasn't sold yet.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Better.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>That a yes?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> Mara slid a folded piece of paper across the counter. <<speech "Mara">>Last address I had for him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>White guy. Early thirties. Talks too much. Thinks he's smarter than he is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That narrows it down to half the city.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ007">> <<set $kq007Stage = 1>> [[GO TO NEIL'S APARTMENT->KQ007 - Neil Apartment]]

Neil's apartment was on the third floor of an old building in Residential North. KC knocked twice before trying the handle. Locked. A door opened across the hall. <<speech "Landlord">>He ain't there.<</speech>> KC looked over. An older man stood in the doorway wearing slippers and holding a coffee mug. <<speech "KC">>Neil Foster?<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>Cleared out yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cleared out how?<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>Fast. Couple boxes. Duffel bag. Friend helped him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Know where he went?<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>Nope.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Car?<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>Silver Civic.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Plate?<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>You think I memorize plates?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Worth asking.<</speech>> The landlord started closing his door. <<speech "Landlord">>He left some junk by the trash if you're looking for him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That would've been useful first.<</speech>> <<speech "Landlord">>Didn't ask.<</speech>> The door closed. [[CHECK THE TRASH AREA->KQ007 - Trash Clue]]

Behind the building, KC found two flattened boxes, a torn shipping envelope, and a pile of junk beside the dumpster. Most of it was useless. Then she found a business card. REED CUSTOM CYCLES The back had a handwritten note. JAMAL - ASK ABOUT STORAGE KC took a picture and called Mara. <<speech "Mara">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know a Jamal Reed?<</speech>> There was a pause. <<speech "Mara">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not a no.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Where'd you get that name?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Neil had his business card.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know him.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How?<</speech>> Another pause. <<speech "Mara">>He's my boyfriend.<</speech>> KC stared at the phone. <<speech "KC">>You have a boyfriend?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>That's the part you got stuck on?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Little bit.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fine. Does he know Neil?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Maybe. Jamal deals with a lot of people.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Useful answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Go talk to him. Don't start anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You say that like you know me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I know enough.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where's the garage?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Southside. I'll text you.<</speech>> <<set $kq007Stage = 2>> [[GO TO REED CUSTOM CYCLES->KQ007 - Jamal Garage]]

Reed Custom Cycles sat in a converted garage on Southside, the front bay doors rolled open despite the heat. KC could hear metal grinding before she even stepped inside. A Black man in his early thirties stood beside a stripped motorcycle frame, wearing dark work pants and a gray shirt with the sleeves pushed up. He shut off the grinder when he noticed her. <<speech "Jamal">>Need something?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jamal Reed?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Who's asking?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently your girlfriend's new employee.<</speech>> Jamal stared at her for a second. <<speech "Jamal">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That obvious?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Mara doesn't have employees.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jamal set the grinder down. <<speech "Jamal">>She send you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Kind of.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>That sounds reassuring.<</speech>> KC held out the business card. <<speech "KC">>Neil Foster.<</speech>> Jamal's expression changed. <<speech "KC">>There we go.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>He came by two days ago.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>With Mara's stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Some of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Tried selling it to me cheap.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You buy it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why not?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Because I know what Mara sells.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I have my moments.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where'd he go?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>He uses a rental garage over by the old freight yard sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sometimes?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Usually when he's doing something he doesn't want people seeing.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Perfect.<</speech>> KC turned toward the door. <<speech "Jamal">>You're going alone?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That was the plan.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Neil's stupid, not harmless.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You volunteering?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Mara's money. My problem too.<</speech>> KC looked him over. <<speech "KC">>You always this relaxed about stolen merchandise showing up at your garage?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Panicking usually improve things for you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I'm gonna guess no.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're starting to annoy me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Mara said you'd say that.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>What exactly has she been saying?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Enough.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Didn't say it was.<</speech>> KC stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Get your keys.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Thought you'd never ask.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Freight Yard]]

The rental garages sat behind an old freight depot on the edge of Southside. Half the units looked abandoned and the other half looked like nobody wanted questions asked about what was inside. KC spotted the silver Civic first. <<speech "KC">>There.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>That's him.<</speech>> Neil was loading a box into the trunk while another man stood beside the open garage. <<speech "KC">>Friend?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Never seen him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Great.<</speech>> KC walked toward them. <<speech "Neil">>Can I help you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Neil Foster?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Who's asking?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Mara.<</speech>> Neil stopped moving. <<speech "KC">>There it is again.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>I was gonna pay her.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You emptied your apartment.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Coincidence.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>That's a pretty committed coincidence.<</speech>> Neil looked at Jamal. <<speech "Neil">>What are you doing here?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Watching you make this worse.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much of Mara's inventory do you still have?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>None.<</speech>> KC looked at the open garage. <<speech "KC">>Want to try that again?<</speech>> Several boxes inside had Mara's shop labels peeled halfway off. <<speech "Neil">>Those aren't hers.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are really bad at this.<</speech>> <<choice "Give Neil one chance to settle it.">> <<goto "KQ007 - Negotiate Neil">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make the consequences clear.">> <<goto "KQ007 - Pressure Neil">> <</choice>> <<choice "Start taking Mara's property back.">> <<goto "KQ007 - Fight Neil">> <</choice>>

KC stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>You disappeared owing Mara money, moved out of your apartment, and started selling her inventory somewhere else.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>I said I was gonna pay her.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>When?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Soon.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not a date.<</speech>> KC glanced toward Jamal. <<speech "KC">>You want to explain what happens if Mara decides she's done waiting?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I'd rather not.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>What's that supposed to mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Exactly what it sounded like.<</speech>> Neil looked between them. <<speech "KC">>Money.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>I have fourteen hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And the equipment?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Inside.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then start loading.<</speech>> <<set $kq007NeilRoute = "pressure">> <<set $kq007RecoveredCash = 1400>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Load Merchandise]]

KC folded her arms. <<speech "KC">>Here's the easy version. You give me whatever merchandise is left and the rest of Mara's money.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>I don't have twenty-four hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>About fourteen.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fourteen hundred?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And the equipment?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Maybe another thousand worth.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Sounds pretty close to twenty-four hundred to me.<</speech>> Neil looked at him. <<speech "Neil">>Nobody asked you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Still talking though.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cash. Equipment. Now.<</speech>> Neil hesitated, then opened the trunk. <<speech "Neil">>Fine.<</speech>> <<set $kq007NeilRoute = "negotiated">> <<set $kq007RecoveredCash = 1400>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Load Merchandise]]

KC walked past Neil and reached for the nearest box. Neil grabbed her wrist. <<speech "Neil">>Don't touch my shit.<</speech>> KC looked down at his hand. <<speech "KC">>You wanna let go before this gets embarrassing?<</speech>> Neil's friend stepped away from the garage wall. <<speech "Jamal">>Neil.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Stay out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>That ship sailed when you stole from Mara.<</speech>> Neil released KC and shoved the box backward instead. <<speech "Neil">>Both of you can get the fuck out.<</speech>> KC rolled one shoulder. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I'm guessing talking's over.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Pretty much.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Neil Fight]]

Between Neil's remaining cash and the unsold equipment in the garage, KC figured Mara would recover most of what she was owed. Jamal loaded the last box into the back of his truck. <<speech "Jamal">>Think she'll be happy?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Mara?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Does she ever look happy?<</speech>> Jamal laughed. <<speech "Jamal">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll believe it when I see it.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>You spend enough time around her, you will.<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>That another thing she's been talking about?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Maybe.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're annoying too.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>She said you'd say that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You two rehearse this shit?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Not usually.<</speech>> <<set $kq007Stage = 3>> [[RETURN TO MARA'S SHOP->KQ007 - Return To Mara]]

<<startcombat "KQ007_NEIL_FIGHT">>

Neil stayed against the side of his car while KC opened the trunk and checked the cash inside. Jamal dragged one of Mara's boxes out of the garage and set it beside her. <<speech "Jamal">>You always collect debts like this?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Only when people make it difficult.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>So always.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Pretty much.<</speech>> KC counted the money. <<speech "KC">>Fourteen hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>That's everything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sure?<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Yes.<</speech>> KC looked at Jamal. <<speech "Jamal">>He's lying.<</speech>> <<speech "Neil">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>See? Now I trust Jamal more.<</speech>> Neil reached into the center console and pulled out another folded stack. <<speech "Neil">>Two hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Better.<</speech>> <<set $kq007NeilRoute = "combat">> <<set $kq007RecoveredCash = 1600>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Load Merchandise]]

Mara was already locking one of the display cases when KC and Jamal carried the first box into the shop. <<speech "Mara">>That's mine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good eye.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>How much did you get?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends how much of this stuff you can resell.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>All of it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then most of what he owed.<</speech>> KC put the recovered cash on the counter. <<speech "Mara">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cash, inventory, and the idiot promised never to come back.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I only asked for the first two.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Third one was free.<</speech>> Mara counted the money. <<speech "Mara">>You fight him?<</speech>> <<if $kq007NeilRoute is "combat">> <<speech "KC">>He made a bad decision.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Several.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Sounds like Neil.<</speech>> <<else>> <<speech "KC">>Didn't have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I'm almost disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't be.<</speech>> <</if>> Mara pulled KC's payment from the register and slid it across the counter. <<speech "Mara">>Three hundred. Plus another hundred for recovering the equipment.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>See? This is why I like working for you better than Victor.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>You don't work for me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<set $money += 400>> <<set $kq007BusinessComplete = true>> <<set $kq007Stage = 4>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Closing Time]]

Mara flipped the sign on the front door to CLOSED while Jamal carried the last empty box into the back room. KC stayed by the counter, counting the cash Mara had just paid her. <<speech "Jamal">>So she's officially an employee now?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thank you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>She brought your money back.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>That's what I paid her for.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> Jamal leaned against the counter. <<speech "Jamal">>You two are weirdly similar.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>No we're not.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No we're not.<</speech>> Jamal looked between them. <<speech "Jamal">>That helped.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seriously.<</speech>> He laughed. <<speech "KC">>So how long have you two been together?<</speech>> Mara looked at her. <<speech "Mara">>Now you're interested?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I didn't know you had a boyfriend until three hours ago.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I'm devastated.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You'll recover.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Couple years.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And somehow you've never mentioned him.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>You come here to buy weapons, KC. We don't gossip.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You absolutely gossip.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Not about Jamal.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Apparently I need better marketing.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - After Hours]]

Mara walked around the counter and started straightening merchandise while KC stayed where she was. <<speech "Jamal">>She stare at everybody this much?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "KC">>Excuse me?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I wasn't staring.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>You definitely were.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nobody asked you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>She does it to me too.<</speech>> KC looked at Mara. <<speech "KC">>You're both really annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Yet you're still here.<</speech>> KC glanced toward the locked front door. <<speech "KC">>Maybe I'm waiting for traffic to clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>At midnight?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Could be bad traffic.<</speech>> Mara smiled slightly. <<speech "KC">>There. That's weird.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>What's weird?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You smiling.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Told you she does it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't encourage her.<</speech>> Jamal pushed away from the counter. <<speech "Jamal">>You want us to stop?<</speech>> KC looked between them. <<speech "KC">>Didn't say that.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>That's not exactly a yes.<</speech>> KC held his gaze for a second, then looked at Mara. <<speech "KC">>No. I don't want you to stop.<</speech>> Mara folded her arms. <<speech "Mara">>Good.<</speech>> <<choice "Take the money and head home.">> <<goto "KQ007 - Leave Shop">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay after closing.">> <<goto "KQ007 - Stay With Mara And Jamal">> <</choice>>

KC picked up her bag, looked at Mara, then tossed it back onto the counter. <<speech "KC">>Lock the door.<</speech>> Mara smiled and reached under the counter. The deadbolt clicked. <<speech "Jamal">>Well, damn.<</speech>> KC looked him over, then looked back at Mara. <<speech "KC">>You two were serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Very.<</speech>> KC grabbed Mara by the hips and kissed her. Mara kissed her back immediately, pulling KC against the counter. Jamal came up behind KC and put his hands on her waist. <<speech "KC">>You gonna help or just watch?<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>I can help.<</speech>> Mara broke the kiss and looked past KC at him. <<speech "Mara">>Back room.<</speech>> Jamal picked KC's bag up off the counter while Mara took KC by the hand and pulled her toward the back of the shop. <<speech "KC">>Now this is customer service.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Sex Scene]]

KC picked up her bag. <<speech "KC">>I'm going home.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Probably smarter.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I have my moments.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't start.<</speech>> Mara unlocked the front door. <<speech "Mara">>See you next time you need something.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You mean when you need something.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Either works.<</speech>> KC stepped outside. [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Complete]]

KC stepped outside as Mara locked the shop behind her. <<set $kq007Stage = 999>> <<set $kq007Complete = true>> <<set $jamalContactUnlocked = true>> <<set $maraSpecialDialogueUnlocked = true>> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

<<startsexscene "KQ007_MARA_JAMAL">>

Later, KC sat on the edge of the small couch in Mara's back room getting herself back together while Mara fixed her shirt beside her. Jamal leaned against the desk across from them. <<speech "Jamal">>So do you get an employee discount now?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm not her employee.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>She keeps saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>Friends and family discount?<</speech>> KC looked at him. Mara started laughing. <<speech "KC">>Absolutely not.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I might give you five percent.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>After tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Three percent.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Already handled.<</speech>> KC stared at her. Jamal lifted both hands. <<speech "Jamal">>I'm staying out of this one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smartest thing you've said all night.<</speech>> KC stood and grabbed her bag. <<speech "Mara">>You leaving?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Eventually I have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>She'll be back.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sound confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Jamal">>You shop here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good save.<</speech>> Mara walked KC toward the front of the store. <<speech "Mara">>Buying something next time?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>On?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Whether the customer service stays this good.<</speech>> Mara smiled. <<speech "Mara">>Get out.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Night.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ007 - Complete]]

KC was halfway through shopping when Mara set a small cardboard box on the counter beside her. <<speech "Mara">>You looking for work?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Depends who's asking.<</speech>> Mara stared at her. <<speech "KC">>Okay, that one's on me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I know somebody who needs help.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Victor somebody?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's already an improvement.<</speech>> Mara reached under the counter and pulled out a business card. PIKE SERVICES Printing • Notary • Document Processing • Private Mailboxes KC turned it over. <<speech "KC">>This looks incredibly boring.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>That's the point.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who is she?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Vera Pike.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And what does Vera Pike actually do?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Depends what you need.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're enjoying this.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Little bit.<</speech>> KC slid the card between two fingers. <<speech "Mara">>Stolen property. Titles. Registration. Shell companies. Paperwork that needs to say something different tomorrow than it says today.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Expensive.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why does she need me?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Ask her.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You don't know?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>I know enough not to ask questions for free.<</speech>> KC pocketed the card. <<speech "KC">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>Downtown. Couple blocks from the courthouse.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's bold.<</speech>> <<speech "Mara">>That's Vera.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ008">> <<set $kq008Stage = 1>> [[GO TO PIKE SERVICES->KQ008 - Pike Services]]

Pike Services sat between an insurance office and a tax-preparation place, which made it almost aggressively uninteresting. The front window advertised notary services, document scanning, mailbox rentals, and same-day printing. Inside, a woman sat behind the counter reviewing something on a tablet. Early thirties, dark clothes, clean presentation, not a single thing about her that matched the kind of work Mara had described. <<speech "Vera">>Can I help you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Vera Pike?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Depends who's asking.<</speech>> KC closed her eyes for a second. <<speech "KC">>I'm gonna start charging people every time they say that.<</speech>> Vera looked up properly now. <<speech "Vera">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Have we met?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then that's creepy.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>That's my job.<</speech>> KC leaned against the counter. <<speech "KC">>Mara sent me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>She call you?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Still creepy.<</speech>> Vera set the tablet down. <<speech "Vera">>You want something from me eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do I?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Everybody does.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Confident.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Accurate.<</speech>> KC looked around the shop. <<speech "KC">>So what do you need?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Something was stolen from me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Money?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Worse.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - The Drive]]

Vera came around the counter and locked the front door before flipping the sign to CLOSED. <<speech "KC">>That serious?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> She led KC into a small office in the back. The room held a desk, filing cabinets, two computers, a paper shredder, and almost nothing personal. <<speech "Vera">>Encrypted drive. Black. No markings. About this big.<</speech>> Vera held two fingers a few inches apart. <<speech "KC">>What's on it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Aliases. Transaction references. vehicle records. Shell businesses. Pickup locations.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Names?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Not real ones.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Smart.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How'd somebody get it?<</speech>> Vera's expression tightened slightly. <<speech "Vera">>A courier made a mistake.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everybody's couriers suck.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Apparently.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who has it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Caleb Moss.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Know him?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Low-level burglar. Occasionally steals electronics. Frequently overestimates himself.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sounds promising.<</speech>> Vera opened a folder on her desk and slid a printed photograph toward KC. <<speech "Vera">>He doesn't know what the drive contains. He thinks it's crypto information.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's almost impressive.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>He's trying to sell it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then why haven't you bought it back?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Because Caleb knows my face.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>If I show interest, the price changes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So you want me visible instead.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Very.<</speech>> KC picked up the photograph. <<speech "KC">>What's it worth to you?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Five hundred if you return it unopened and unmodified.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seven.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Six.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Six-fifty.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Done.<</speech>> KC looked at her. <<speech "KC">>You agreed too fast.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You asked too low.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't like you.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>That usually takes longer.<</speech>> <<set $kq008Reward = 650>> <<set $kq008Stage = 2>> [[FIND CALEB->KQ008 - Pawn Shop]]

The first stop was a pawn shop Caleb had used before. KC showed the clerk his photograph and got an answer almost immediately. <<speech "Clerk">>Yeah. He came in yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Selling what?<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>Flash drive.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You buy it?<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>Do I look stupid?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't know you well enough yet.<</speech>> The clerk frowned. <<speech "Clerk">>He said it had crypto wallets or some shit on it. Wanted two grand.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you said no.<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>I said get out.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where'd he go?<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>Mentioned meeting somebody near Easton Motel.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>Didn't say.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Helpful.<</speech>> <<speech "Clerk">>You're welcome.<</speech>> <<set $kq008Stage = 3>> [[GO TO EASTON MOTEL->KQ008 - Motel]]

Easton Motel looked like the kind of place people paid cash specifically to avoid explaining later. KC walked past the office and checked the parking lot. Caleb matched Vera's photograph almost perfectly. He was standing outside Room 17 smoking beside another man. <<speech "KC">>Caleb Moss?<</speech>> He looked over. <<speech "Caleb">>Who's asking?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm charging you for that.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Never mind.<</speech>> KC stopped a few feet away. <<speech "KC">>I'm looking for a drive.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Don't know anything about one.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Black. Small. You tried selling it to a pawn shop yesterday.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Who told you that?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You did, just now.<</speech>> Caleb's friend shook his head. <<speech "Friend">>Jesus Christ.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're really committed to this.<</speech>> <<choice "Offer to buy the drive.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Buy Drive">> <</choice>> <<choice "Convince Caleb the drive is worthless.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Bluff Caleb">> <</choice>> <<choice "Threaten him.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Pressure Caleb">> <</choice>> <<choice "Take it from him.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Fight Caleb">> <</choice>>

KC took out her phone. <<speech "KC">>Five hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Two thousand.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Five fifty.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>That's not how negotiating works.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Six hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>You keep going up.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because you're wasting my time.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Fifteen hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seven hundred and I don't tell the person you stole it from where you're staying.<</speech>> Caleb stopped smiling. <<speech "Caleb">>You know whose it is?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> He looked at his friend. <<speech "Friend">>Take it.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Seven fifty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Seven.<</speech>> Caleb thought about it. <<speech "Caleb">>Fine.<</speech>> <<set $money -= 700>> <<set $kq008CalebRoute = "bought">> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Drive Recovered]]

KC stepped closer. <<speech "KC">>You stole something from somebody who knows your name, your car, where you sleep, and apparently where you buy cigarettes.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>That supposed to scare me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No. This is me giving you the chance to realize you're scared on your own.<</speech>> Caleb glanced toward Room 17. <<speech "KC">>Drive.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>I can sell it for real money.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You can't even open it.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Somebody can.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And when they do, you think everybody whose information is on there is gonna thank you?<</speech>> That landed. <<speech "Friend">>Give it to her.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Shut up.<</speech>> <<speech "Friend">>No, seriously. Give it to her.<</speech>> Caleb swore under his breath, went into the motel room, and came back holding the drive. <<speech "Caleb">>Take it.<</speech>> <<set $kq008CalebRoute = "pressure">> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Drive Recovered]]

KC looked at him like she almost felt bad for him. <<speech "KC">>You know that's not a crypto wallet, right?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Bullshit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Okay. Unlock it.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>It's encrypted.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>That doesn't mean anything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>It means you stole somebody's backup drive and decided you found buried treasure.<</speech>> Caleb's friend looked at him. <<speech "Friend">>I told you.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>You didn't tell me shit.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'll give you two hundred just so I don't have to listen to this anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Five.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Two fifty.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Four.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Three.<</speech>> Caleb held out his hand. <<speech "Caleb">>Deal.<</speech>> <<set $money -= 300>> <<set $kq008CalebRoute = "bluffed">> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Drive Recovered]]

KC turned the drive over in her hand. <<speech "KC">>Anybody plug this into a computer?<</speech>> Caleb hesitated. <<speech "KC">>Caleb.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>One person.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Sloane Harper.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>She knows computers.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did she copy it?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>She had it plugged in for like ten minutes. Said she couldn't crack it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where do I find her?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Works from home. Apartment over on Lexington.<</speech>> KC pocketed the drive and pulled out her phone. <<set $kq008Stage = 4>> [[CALL VERA->KQ008 - Call Vera]]

KC held out her hand. <<speech "KC">>Give me the drive.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Go fuck yourself.<</speech>> His friend pushed away from the wall. <<speech "Friend">>Caleb.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>She's one person.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're both really confident for guys standing outside a motel.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Leave.<</speech>> KC dropped her bag beside the curb. <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Caleb Fight]]

<<startcombat "KQ008_CALEB_FIGHT">>

Caleb stayed against the motel wall while KC searched his jacket and found the drive in an inside pocket. <<speech "KC">>Could've saved yourself a lot of trouble.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Very original.<</speech>> KC held the drive up. <<speech "KC">>Anybody copy this?<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Caleb">>I said no.<</speech>> His friend looked away. <<speech "KC">>You wanna try?<</speech>> <<speech "Friend">>Some woman looked at it.<</speech>> Caleb glared at him. <<speech "Caleb">>Seriously?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Name.<</speech>> <<speech "Friend">>Sloane.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sloane what?<</speech>> <<speech "Friend">>Harper. I think.<</speech>> <<set $kq008CalebRoute = "combat">> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Drive Recovered]]

<<speech "Vera">>You have it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always answer like that?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Do you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Then yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I have the drive.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not done.<</speech>> There was a short pause. <<speech "Vera">>Explain.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Caleb let somebody plug it into a computer. Sloane Harper.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Address?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Lexington.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I'll meet you there.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Thought you didn't want to be visible.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Plans change.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Convenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Frequently.<</speech>> [[MEET VERA->KQ008 - Sloane Apartment]]

Vera was already outside when KC arrived. She had changed out of the business clothes and into a dark jacket, which somehow made her look even less memorable. <<speech "KC">>You do that on purpose?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Do what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Look like nobody would remember seeing you.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Creepy.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You've said that.<</speech>> They went upstairs and knocked. Sloane opened the door a few inches. <<speech "Sloane">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Sloane Harper?<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>Who's asking?<</speech>> KC looked at Vera. <<speech "KC">>See? It's not just me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Focus.<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>What do you want?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You connected an encrypted drive to your computer yesterday.<</speech>> Sloane immediately tried closing the door. KC caught it with her hand. <<speech "KC">>That's usually a yes.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Sloane Copy]]

Sloane eventually let them inside. Her living room doubled as a workspace, with two monitors, loose cables, computer parts, and enough empty energy-drink cans to qualify as decoration. <<speech "Sloane">>I couldn't open it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>That's not what I asked.<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>Then what are you asking?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Did you copy it?<</speech>> Sloane didn't answer. <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Where is the copy?<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>It's encrypted. It's useless.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>To you.<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>I was going to delete it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Everybody's always about to do the right thing when we show up.<</speech>> Vera stepped closer to Sloane's desk. <<speech "Vera">>That drive contains references to people who pay significant amounts of money not to appear in the same sentence as one another.<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>You're threatening me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> Vera looked directly at her. <<speech "Vera">>I'm explaining why keeping a copy would be extraordinarily inconvenient for you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>She does that too.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Explains situations.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right.<</speech>> Sloane swallowed. <<speech "Sloane">>It's on that drive.<</speech>> She pointed toward an external SSD on the desk. <<speech "Vera">>Delete it.<</speech>> Sloane sat down, opened the folder, and permanently erased the copied file while Vera watched. <<speech "Vera">>Backups?<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>None.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Cloud storage?<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Sent to anyone?<</speech>> <<speech "Sloane">>No.<</speech>> Vera watched her for another second. <<speech "Vera">>I believe you.<</speech>> KC looked at her. <<speech "KC">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>That's it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You could've done that with Caleb.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Caleb doesn't listen.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I noticed.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Return To Pike Services]]

Back at Pike Services, Vera locked the front door and took the drive from KC. She connected it to an isolated laptop on her desk and ran several checks without speaking. <<speech "KC">>Well?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No modifications.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>And Sloane's copy is gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Also good.<</speech>> Vera disconnected the drive and locked it inside a small safe beneath the desk. <<speech "Vera">>You did well.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sound surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I'm not.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's somehow worse.<</speech>> Vera opened a drawer and counted out KC's payment. <<speech "Vera">>Six-fifty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You remembered.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I remember everything involving money.<</speech>> <<set $money += $kq008Reward>> <<set $kq008BusinessComplete = true>> KC pocketed the cash. <<speech "KC">>So what do I get for the part where I saved your entire mysterious criminal filing cabinet?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You get access.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>To what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Me.<</speech>> KC raised an eyebrow. <<speech "Vera">>Professionally.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You sound disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't flatter yourself.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Wasn't planning to.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - After Business]]

Vera poured herself a drink from a bottle in the bottom drawer of her filing cabinet and held it up toward KC. <<speech "Vera">>Whiskey?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You keep that next to the paperwork?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You'd be surprised how often they're related.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sure.<</speech>> Vera poured a second glass and slid it across the desk. KC took it but didn't sit. <<speech "Vera">>You can, you know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Can what?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Stop pretending you're about to leave.<</speech>> KC looked toward the door, then back at her. <<speech "KC">>I wasn't pretending.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You put your bag down six minutes ago.<</speech>> KC glanced at the chair beside her. Her bag was sitting on it. <<speech "KC">>You time everything?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Only interesting things.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There you go flattering yourself again.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I wasn't talking about myself.<</speech>> KC took a drink. <<speech "KC">>You always this smug?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Only when I'm right.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's annoying.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>And yet.<</speech>> Vera picked up a folder, straightened its edges against the desk, and placed it into a drawer like the conversation hadn't changed at all. <<choice "Grab the bag and call it a night.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Leave Vera">> <</choice>> <<choice "Put the whiskey down.">> <<goto "KQ008 - Stay With Vera">> <</choice>>

KC finished the drink and set the glass on Vera's desk. <<speech "KC">>I should go.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You could pretend to be disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Would you believe me?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Then why waste the effort?<</speech>> KC grabbed her bag. <<speech "KC">>You have my number?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course you do.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I'll call if I need you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Maybe ask first.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Noted.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Complete]]

KC set the glass on Vera's desk. <<speech "Vera">>There it is.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There what is?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>The decision.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You are unbelievably irritating.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You've mentioned that.<</speech>> KC stepped around the corner of the desk. <<speech "KC">>You know what your problem is?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Several things come to mind.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You think you know exactly what's going to happen.<</speech>> Vera looked up at her. <<speech "Vera">>Usually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Usually.<</speech>> KC caught Vera by the front of her blouse and kissed her. For the first time all night, Vera looked genuinely caught off guard. <<speech "KC">>There. Better.<</speech>> Vera recovered almost immediately. <<speech "Vera">>Marginally.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Still smug.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Still here.<</speech>> KC kissed her again before she could say anything else. [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Sex Scene]]

KC stepped outside Pike Services while Vera locked the door behind her. <<set $kq008Stage = 999>> <<set $kq008Complete = true>> <<set $veraContactUnlocked = true>> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

<<startsexscene "KQ008_VERA">>

Later, Vera was already straightening the papers on her desk while KC sat nearby getting herself back together. <<speech "KC">>You always this organized afterward?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's unsettling.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Mason says the same thing.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>Mason?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>My boyfriend.<</speech>> KC looked at her. <<speech "KC">>You have a boyfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You sound disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>More surprised.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Don't be.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Does he know?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>About you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>He will.<</speech>> KC raised an eyebrow. <<speech "KC">>That supposed to worry me?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> Vera handed KC her jacket. <<speech "Vera">>You'll probably meet him soon anyway.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Because Mason attracts problems.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sounds familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Exactly.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ008 - Complete]]

KC was eating in her car when Vera called. <<speech "KC">>You need something.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Good evening to you too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Was I wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Mason has a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your boyfriend.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>You remembered.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You made it memorable.<</speech>> Vera ignored that. <<speech "Vera">>Someone left a stolen motorcycle at his garage.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sounds like his problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>It became mine when the people it was stolen from started asking questions.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And now it's mine because?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Because I pay well.<</speech>> KC looked down at what was left of her food. <<speech "KC">>Where's the garage?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Rourke Motorworks. Southside.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What am I doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Find Tyler Kess before the bike's owners do.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who's Tyler?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>The idiot who brought Mason the motorcycle.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>There it is.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ009">> <<set $kq009Stage = 1>> [[GO TO ROURKE MOTORWORKS->KQ009 - Rourke Motorworks]]

Rourke Motorworks sat at the end of a row of industrial buildings with two garage bays open to the street. Rock music played somewhere inside beneath the sound of an impact wrench. KC walked past a stripped engine block and stopped beside a motorcycle lift. A pair of boots stuck out from underneath the bike. <<speech "KC">>Mason?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Depends who's-<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> The wrench stopped. Mason rolled out from underneath the motorcycle and sat up. White guy, early thirties, dark hair, work shirt open over a black undershirt. Tattoos covered both arms and disappeared beneath his collar. <<speech "Mason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Finish that sentence and I'm leaving.<</speech>> Mason looked at her for a second. <<speech "Mason">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently everybody knows me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Vera mentioned you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How much?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Enough.<</speech>> KC looked him over once before turning toward the motorcycle on the lift. <<speech "KC">>This the stolen one?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nice bike.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That's part of the problem.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Stolen Bike]]

The motorcycle looked expensive even before Mason started listing the parts. Custom suspension, upgraded exhaust, aftermarket electronics, fresh paint. <<speech "KC">>Who owns it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Guy named Marcus Bell. Runs with a crew over in Residential South.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know him?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Enough not to steal his bike.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good instinct.<</speech>> Mason wiped his hands on a rag. <<speech "Mason">>Tyler brought it in three days ago. Wanted the ignition replaced, plates changed, couple other things.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And you didn't ask why?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>People don't come here because they enjoy paperwork.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fair.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Then Marcus showed up yesterday with pictures of his missing bike.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How'd that conversation go?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You see the wrench marks on the bay door?<</speech>> KC looked over. Fresh dents cut across the metal. <<speech "KC">>Productive.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>He's coming back tomorrow. Wants the bike and Tyler.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bike's easy.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Tyler disappeared.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course he did.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Tyler Lead]]

Mason walked to a workbench and picked up a scratched chrome foot peg. <<speech "Mason">>This came off another bike Tyler brought me last month.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Custom machining. Guy who made it only sells through one riding club around here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Which one?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Blacktop Saints.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Sounds embarrassing.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Mostly accountants with motorcycles.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Even worse.<</speech>> Mason grabbed his keys. <<speech "KC">>Where are you going?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>With you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Didn't ask.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>My garage is the one getting threatened.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You always invite yourself places?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Only when they're my places.<</speech>> KC looked at him, then at the keys. <<speech "KC">>Drive.<</speech>> <<set $kq009Stage = 2>> [[GO TO THE RIDING CLUB->KQ009 - Blacktop Saints]]

The Blacktop Saints met behind a bar with a fenced gravel lot and more polished motorcycles than KC expected from people calling themselves saints. Mason recognized one of the men near the fence. <<speech "Mason">>Eddie.<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>Mason.<</speech>> Eddie looked at KC. <<speech "Eddie">>Who's she?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Looking for Tyler Kess.<</speech>> Eddie immediately looked less interested in talking. <<speech "Eddie">>Haven't seen him.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That answer came quick.<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>Because I haven't.<</speech>> KC glanced toward Mason. <<speech "Mason">>His blue Yamaha isn't here.<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>So?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>So Tyler keeps it here when he's in town.<</speech>> Eddie stared at him. <<speech "KC">>Where is he?<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>I don't know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where's the bike?<</speech>> Eddie sighed. <<speech "Eddie">>He sold it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>Needed cash. Said he was setting up a parts operation.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Where?<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>Industrial rentals off Benton.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Unit number?<</speech>> <<speech "Eddie">>Didn't ask.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You people really hate useful details.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Industrial Units]]

The Benton industrial rentals were twenty identical metal garages behind a chain-link fence. KC and Mason drove the first row slowly until Mason tapped the dashboard. <<speech "Mason">>Stop.<</speech>> KC looked toward an open unit three doors down. <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That exhaust.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You recognize an exhaust pipe from here?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I built it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course you did.<</speech>> They parked farther down and walked back. Tyler was inside with two other men, surrounded by motorcycle frames, wheels, engines, and parts spread across folding tables. <<speech "KC">>Looks like we found his business.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Looks like he stole half of it.<</speech>> Tyler saw Mason first. <<speech "Tyler">>Oh, fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's usually a promising start.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Confront Tyler]]

Tyler stepped away from the workbench while his two friends stopped what they were doing. <<speech "Tyler">>Mason, listen-<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You dropped a stolen bike in my garage.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>I didn't know it was stolen.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Come on.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Who the hell are you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Person making this simple.<</speech>> KC pointed toward Tyler. <<speech "KC">>You're coming with us.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Fuck that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then give me something better.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>I can pay Mason.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>This isn't about paying me.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Then what do you want?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>The people who own that bike want you.<</speech>> Tyler looked toward his friends. <<speech "KC">>Don't.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Don't what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Do the thing you're obviously thinking about.<</speech>> <<choice "Make Tyler cooperate.">> <<goto "KQ009 - Pressure Tyler">> <</choice>> <<choice "Offer him another way out.">> <<goto "KQ009 - Deal With Tyler">> <</choice>> <<choice "Let him make the bad decision.">> <<goto "KQ009 - Fight Tyler">> <</choice>>

Tyler looked at the two men beside him. <<speech "Tyler">>Get them out.<</speech>> Mason slowly set the wrench he'd been carrying onto the nearest table. <<speech "KC">>Why'd you put that down?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Didn't want to make it unfair.<</speech>> KC looked at the three men across from them. <<speech "KC">>That's cute.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Last chance. Leave.<</speech>> KC rolled her shoulders. <<speech "KC">>You first.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Tyler Fight]]

KC looked around at the parts stacked throughout the unit. <<speech "KC">>How much of this came from Marcus's crew?<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Just the bike.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong answer.<</speech>> Tyler looked at one of his friends. <<speech "Tyler">>Some parts.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Give everything back, pay for the damage at Mason's garage, and you explain yourself in person.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>They're gonna beat my ass.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Probably less than if they find you themselves.<</speech>> Tyler stared at the floor. <<speech "Mason">>She's giving you the best deal you're getting tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's a yes.<</speech>> <<set $kq009TylerRoute = "deal">> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Tyler Secured]]

KC stepped closer to Tyler. <<speech "KC">>Here's what's gonna happen. You come back with us, explain what you did, and maybe the people looking for you decide a stolen motorcycle isn't worth doing something stupid over.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>And if I don't?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then Mason gives them this address.<</speech>> Tyler looked at Mason. <<speech "Mason">>She's right.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>You'd do that?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You put this at my door.<</speech>> Tyler looked around the garage, then swore under his breath. <<speech "Tyler">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good choice.<</speech>> <<set $kq009TylerRoute = "pressure">> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Tyler Secured]]

By the time everything was sorted out, Marcus had his motorcycle back, Tyler had explained exactly where the stolen parts came from, and Mason was no longer the person anyone was looking for. KC stood outside Rourke Motorworks while Mason watched Marcus's truck disappear down the street with the bike strapped in back. <<speech "Mason">>That went better than expected.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your expectations suck.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Nobody shot the garage.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>High standards.<</speech>> Mason pulled his phone out. <<speech "Mason">>Vera wants to know if we're alive.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Tell her unfortunately.<</speech>> Mason typed. <<speech "Mason">>She said that's what she expected you to say.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I don't like how well she knows me.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>She's like that.<</speech>> <<set $kq009BusinessComplete = true>> <<set $kq009Stage = 4>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Late At Garage]]

Tyler stayed on the floor while KC picked his phone up from beside the workbench. Mason stood over one of the other men, breathing hard but smiling like he'd enjoyed himself more than he should have. <<speech "KC">>You done?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You look disappointed.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Little bit.<</speech>> KC tossed Tyler's phone onto his chest. <<speech "KC">>You're coming with us.<</speech>> <<speech "Tyler">>Fuck you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You can walk or Mason can carry you.<</speech>> Tyler looked at Mason. <<speech "Mason">>I vote carry.<</speech>> Tyler got up. <<set $kq009TylerRoute = "combat">> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Tyler Secured]]

<<startcombat "KQ009_TYLER_FIGHT">>

It was late enough that the surrounding businesses had gone dark, but Mason still had one bay open. He rolled the damaged door halfway down and went back to the workbench. <<speech "KC">>You're seriously working now?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Customer wants this tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Customer can wait.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That's why you don't run a shop.<</speech>> KC dropped into an old chair near the workbench while Mason went back to the motorcycle in front of him. Without the work shirt, most of his tattoos were visible now. Black ink ran from his shoulders to his wrists, with more disappearing beneath the collar of his undershirt. <<speech "Mason">>You gonna keep staring at my arms?<</speech>> KC looked up at him. <<speech "KC">>Maybe your tattoos are ugly.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You've been checking for twenty minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's how long it takes to confirm.<</speech>> Mason smiled and went back to tightening a bolt. <<speech "Mason">>Vera told me you'd do that.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Vera talks too much.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Not usually.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Apparently I'm special.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Apparently.<</speech>> KC watched him work for another moment. <<speech "KC">>She tell you everything?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>About you and her?<</speech>> KC looked at him. <<speech "Mason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>And what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nothing.<</speech>> Mason laughed and wiped his hands on a shop rag. <<speech "Mason">>You expected this conversation to be harder.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Didn't expect to have it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Vera and I have been together a long time. We're fine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> Mason tossed the rag onto the bench. <<speech "Mason">>She did make a bet though.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>About what?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Of course she did.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Twenty bucks.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For?<</speech>> Mason looked at her. <<speech "Mason">>Whether you'd spend the whole night pretending you weren't checking me out.<</speech>> KC stood up. <<choice "Leave him with Vera's twenty dollars.">> <<goto "KQ009 - Leave Garage">> <</choice>> <<choice "Make the bet more expensive.">> <<goto "KQ009 - Stay With Mason">> <</choice>>

KC grabbed her bag from the chair. <<speech "KC">>Tell Vera she owes you twenty.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That's it?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Enjoy your money.<</speech>> Mason laughed and turned back toward the motorcycle. <<speech "Mason">>Night, KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Later.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Complete]]

KC walked past Mason and stopped at his workbench. She picked up the rag he'd thrown down, wiped a spot of grease from the edge of the table, and looked back at him. <<speech "KC">>How much did she bet?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Twenty.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cheap.<</speech>> KC tossed the rag at his chest. <<speech "KC">>Take your shirt off.<</speech>> Mason caught the rag and stared at her. <<speech "Mason">>Vera is never gonna shut up about this.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then don't tell her.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>She'll know.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Then quit wasting time.<</speech>> Mason pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it onto a tool chest. The tattoos continued across his chest and shoulders, mixed with old scars and fresh streaks of grease from the night's work. KC stepped closer and ran a hand down the ink covering his chest. <<speech "KC">>These are better.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Better than what?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your mouth.<</speech>> KC hooked her fingers into his belt and pulled him toward her. <<speech "Mason">>Where?<</speech>> KC looked around the garage, then shoved a tray of sockets farther down the workbench to clear some space. <<speech "KC">>Right here.<</speech>> Mason put both hands on her hips and lifted her onto the edge of the workbench. <<speech "KC">>There you go.<</speech>> She pulled him between her legs as the tools rattled beneath her. [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Sex Scene]]

KC left Rourke Motorworks with Vera's message still bothering her more than she wanted to admit. <<set $kq009Stage = 999>> <<set $kq009Complete = true>> <<set $masonContactUnlocked = true>> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

<<startsexscene "KQ009_MASON_GARAGE">>

Later, KC sat on the edge of Mason's workbench fixing her clothes while he searched the floor for his shirt. His phone buzzed on the tool chest. <<speech "Mason">>Oh, fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> Mason picked up the phone and started laughing. <<speech "KC">>What?<</speech>> He turned the screen toward her. VERA: You owe me $20. KC stared at the message. <<speech "KC">>How the fuck does she know?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>I told you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Did you text her?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Camera?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Jesus Christ, no.<</speech>> Another message appeared. VERA: Tell KC there aren't cameras. KC stared at Mason. <<speech "Mason">>Okay, that's a little creepy.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>A little?<</speech>> KC grabbed her bag. <<speech "KC">>Your girlfriend's insane.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You slept with her first.<</speech>> KC stopped. <<speech "KC">>Shut up.<</speech>> Mason laughed while KC headed for the garage door. [[CONTINUE->KQ009 - Complete]]

Vera called KC just after dark. <<speech "KC">>What's wrong?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I need you at the office.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How bad?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Come here and I'll show you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm on my way.<</speech>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "KQ010">> <<set $kq010Stage = 1>> [[GO TO PIKE SERVICES->KQ010 - Pike Services]]

Mason's truck was parked outside Pike Services when KC arrived. Vera was behind the counter with a city map open in front of her. Mason stood near the back wall. <<speech "KC">>What happened?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Dominic Vale hit one of my drop sites this afternoon.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who's Dominic Vale?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Another fixer. Vehicles, stolen property, paperwork. We overlap sometimes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And today he decided to rob you.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What'd he take?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>A laptop. Vehicle documents. Plates. A car.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Customer's car.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything else?<</speech>> Vera looked at Mason before answering. <<speech "Vera">>Trevor Price.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Who's Trevor?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Courier. He was at the site when Dominic's people came in.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>They took him too?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>His phone disappeared with everything else. He hasn't answered since.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>What do we know?<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Two Leads]]

Vera turned the map toward KC. Two locations had been circled. <<speech "Vera">>Trevor's phone stopped here.<</speech>> She tapped an old motel on the east side. <<speech "Vera">>The car passed a traffic camera twenty-three minutes later heading toward the industrial district.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You found it again?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Tracker's still active.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Where?<</speech>> Mason pointed to the second circle. <<speech "Mason">>Vehicle yard off Benton.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Which one gets us Dominic?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>We don't know yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>If I get the car back, I can pull its recent tracker history.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>And Trevor may have heard where they moved everything.<</speech>> KC looked between the two addresses. <<speech "KC">>I'll do both.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Start wherever you want.<</speech>> <<choice "Find Trevor first.">> <<set $kq010FirstObjective = "trevor">> <<goto "KQ010 - Motel Arrival">> <</choice>> <<choice "Recover the car first.">> <<set $kq010FirstObjective = "car">> <<goto "KQ010 - Vehicle Yard Arrival">> <</choice>>

The motel sat behind a gas station with two floors of exterior walkways facing the parking lot. Half the lights were out. <<speech "Vera">>Trevor's phone last reported from the second floor.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Room?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>214 was rented this afternoon under a name that doesn't exist.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anyone outside?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>One man was sitting three doors down when I checked the camera feed.<</speech>> KC looked toward the second floor. <<speech "KC">>I'll call you when I find him.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Motel Approach]]

KC crossed the parking lot without looking directly toward Room 214. A man sat outside Room 211 with a cigarette in one hand and his phone in the other. <<choice "USE THE MAINTENANCE HALL">> <<set $kq010MotelApproach = "maintenance">> <<goto "KQ010 - Motel Maintenance">> <</choice>> <<choice "PULL THE FIRE ALARM">> <<set $kq010MotelApproach = "alarm">> <<goto "KQ010 - Motel Alarm">> <</choice>> <<choice "GO THROUGH THE LOOKOUT">> <<set $kq010MotelApproach = "lookout">> <<goto "KQ010 - Motel Lookout">> <</choice>>

KC walked into the lobby and waited until the clerk disappeared into the back room. Then she pulled the fire alarm. The alarm sounded throughout the building. Doors started opening almost immediately. <<speech "KC">>He's moving.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I see him.<</speech>> The lookout left his chair and headed toward the stairs with everyone else. KC went up the opposite side. <<set $kq010MotelAlarm = true>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Room 214]]

KC climbed the stairs and headed straight toward Room 214. The man outside Room 211 stood before she reached him. <<speech "Lookout">>Where you going?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>214.<</speech>> <<speech "Lookout">>No you're not.<</speech>> KC kept walking. <<speech "Lookout">>Stop.<</speech>> He reached inside his jacket. [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Motel Fight]]

KC went around the side of the building and found a metal maintenance door beneath the stairs. A keypad sat beside the handle. <<speech "KC">>Locked.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Keypad?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Try 0417.<</speech>> KC entered the code. The lock clicked. <<speech "KC">>Where'd that come from?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Property records.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Right.<</speech>> KC slipped inside and took the maintenance stairs to the second floor. <<set $kq010MotelClean = true>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Room 214]]

KC opened the door and found Trevor tied to a chair near the window. A strip of cloth had been pulled across his mouth. <<speech "KC">>Trevor?<</speech>> He nodded hard. KC shut the door and pulled the gag down. <<speech "Trevor">>Who are you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Vera sent me.<</speech>> Trevor dropped his head back against the chair. <<speech "Trevor">>Fuck.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You hurt?<</speech>> <<speech "Trevor">>I'm fine. Just get me out of this.<</speech>> KC cut the restraints around his wrists. <<speech "KC">>Did you hear where they took the rest of Vera's stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "Trevor">>Not exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Anything helps.<</speech>> <<speech "Trevor">>They kept saying Harbor. Something industrial. They moved everything after they brought me here.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Dominic was there?<</speech>> <<speech "Trevor">>At the drop site. Not here.<</speech>> KC called Vera. <<speech "KC">>I've got Trevor.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Is he okay?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. He heard Harbor and Industrial.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I'll start checking.<</speech>> <<set $kq010TrevorRescued = true>> <<if $kq010CarRecovered>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Leads Converge]] <<else>> [[GO TO THE VEHICLE YARD->KQ010 - Vehicle Yard Arrival]] <</if>>

<<startcombat "KQ010_MOTEL_LOOKOUT">>

KC took a motel key from the lookout's pocket and checked the number. 214. <<speech "KC">>Found the key.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Trevor?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not yet.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Room 214]]

KC returned to Pike Services after Trevor was safe and Mason had recovered the car. Vera had Harbor Industrial Storage pulled up on her laptop. <<speech "Vera">>Unit 18 is leased through a shell company tied to Dominic.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So that's it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Looks like it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>How many people?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Four phones connected to the property right now.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Car tracker shows it came from there before the yard.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Laptop and paperwork are probably still inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> Vera turned the laptop toward KC. A property diagram filled the screen. <<speech "Vera">>Office in front. Loading floor in the middle. Service alley on the west side.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Cameras?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Front entrance and loading bay.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm going in alone.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>We'll stay close.<</speech>> <<set $kq010Stage = 3>> [[GO TO HARBOR INDUSTRIAL->KQ010 - Warehouse Exterior]]

The vehicle yard sat behind a corrugated metal fence near the industrial district. Rows of damaged cars were visible through gaps in the panels. Mason parked down the block and handed KC his phone. <<speech "Mason">>Blue dot is the car.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Rear of the yard.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You stay here until I call.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Fine.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keys?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Probably gone.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Can you still start it?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Give me a few minutes with it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good enough.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Yard Entry]]

KC walked the perimeter once. The front gate had a camera and a small guard booth. The rear fence backed up against an alley, and a delivery truck had been parked close enough to one side to reach the top. <<choice "CLIMB IN FROM THE ALLEY">> <<set $kq010YardEntry = "alley">> <<goto "KQ010 - Yard Alley">> <</choice>> <<choice "USE THE DELIVERY TRUCK">> <<set $kq010YardEntry = "truck">> <<goto "KQ010 - Yard Truck">> <</choice>> <<choice "GO THROUGH THE FRONT">> <<set $kq010YardEntry = "front">> <<goto "KQ010 - Yard Front">> <</choice>>

KC climbed onto a dumpster in the alley, pulled herself onto the fence, and dropped into the yard between two wrecked SUVs. <<speech "KC">>I'm in.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You're close. Head right two rows.<</speech>> KC moved between the vehicles until she spotted the silver coupe near the back wall. <<set $kq010YardClean = true>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Find Car]]

The coupe was parked between two stripped sedans. KC opened the driver's door and checked the ignition. <<speech "KC">>Keys are gone.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Figured.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Come get it when I clear the gate.<</speech>> KC noticed a clipboard lying on the passenger seat and picked it up. <<speech "KC">>Hold on.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Transfer sheet.<</speech>> KC ran her finger down the page. <<speech "KC">>Harbor Industrial Storage. Unit 18.<</speech>> Mason went quiet. <<speech "Mason">>Send that to Vera.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Already doing it.<</speech>> <<set $kq010CarRecovered = true>> <<set $kq010WarehouseAddress = true>> <<if $kq010TrevorRescued>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Leads Converge]] <<else>> [[GO FIND TREVOR->KQ010 - Motel Arrival]] <</if>>

KC climbed onto the rear bumper of the delivery truck and pulled herself onto the roof. From there, she stepped across the narrow gap and dropped behind the fence. <<speech "KC">>Inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Car should be ahead of you and left.<</speech>> KC moved through the rows until the silver coupe came into view. [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Find Car]]

KC walked toward the front gate. The guard inside the booth looked up before she reached it. <<speech "Guard">>Closed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm picking up a car.<</speech>> <<speech "Guard">>Tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Needs to be tonight.<</speech>> The guard opened the booth door and stepped outside. <<speech "Guard">>Not happening.<</speech>> KC kept walking toward the gate. <<speech "Guard">>I said stop.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Yard Front Fight]]

<<startcombat "KQ010_YARD_GUARD">>

KC took the gate remote from the booth and pressed the button. The metal gate rolled open. <<speech "KC">>Mason. Move up.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Coming.<</speech>> KC headed deeper into the yard. [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Find Car]]

Harbor Industrial Storage was mostly dark when KC arrived. Vera and Mason stayed parked around the corner while KC watched Unit 18 from across the street. <<speech "KC">>Anything change?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Still four phones.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Dominic?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>His number is inside.<</speech>> KC looked over the property again. <<choice "CUT THE POWER">> <<set $kq010WarehousePlan = "power">> <<goto "KQ010 - Cut Power">> <</choice>> <<choice "TRIP THE LOADING ALARM">> <<set $kq010WarehousePlan = "alarm">> <<goto "KQ010 - Loading Alarm">> <</choice>> <<choice "USE THE SERVICE ALLEY">> <<set $kq010WarehousePlan = "alley">> <<goto "KQ010 - Service Alley">> <</choice>>

KC circled around the west side of the warehouse and found the electrical panel mounted near the service entrance. <<speech "KC">>I've got the panel.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Main disconnect should be the red handle.<</speech>> KC pulled it down. The warehouse went dark. <<speech "KC">>Power's out.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Emergency lights will kick in.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's fine.<</speech>> <<set $kq010FinalAdvantage = "darkness">> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - First Floor]]

KC reached the main warehouse floor. Two men stood beside a folding table covered in license plates, folders, and boxed electronics. One of them looked up. <<speech "Guard">>Who the fuck are you?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Wrong building.<</speech>> The second man reached under the table. <<speech "KC">>Never mind.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - First Floor Fight]]

KC moved behind the building and found the alarm box beside the loading bay. <<speech "KC">>Found it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Pull the cover.<</speech>> KC ripped the cover loose. The alarm sounded immediately. A side door opened and one of the men inside stepped out toward the loading area. <<speech "Vera">>One of the phones just moved outside.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<set $kq010FinalAdvantage = "fewerEnemies">> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - First Floor]]

KC crossed the alley and reached the service entrance. The old lock gave after a few seconds of work. <<speech "KC">>Inside.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Office is ahead. Loading floor is to your right.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Got it.<</speech>> <<set $kq010FinalAdvantage = "position">> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - First Floor]]

<<startcombat "KQ010_WAREHOUSE_FIGHT01">>

The warehouse went quiet again. KC checked the folding table and found several folders marked in Vera's handwriting. <<speech "KC">>Found some of your paperwork.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Take everything with my markings.<</speech>> KC pulled a duffel bag from beneath the table and started filling it. <<speech "KC">>Dominic still upstairs?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>His phone hasn't moved.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Warehouse Search]]

The rear of the warehouse split into a small office, a locked storage cage, and a metal staircase leading to the mezzanine. <<speech "KC">>Office or cage?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Check both.<</speech>> <<choice "SEARCH THE OFFICE FIRST">> <<set $kq010SearchOrder = "office">> <<goto "KQ010 - Office Search">> <</choice>> <<choice "SEARCH THE STORAGE CAGE FIRST">> <<set $kq010SearchOrder = "cage">> <<goto "KQ010 - Storage Cage First">> <</choice>>

KC forced the office door open. The desk inside was covered in receipts, burner phones, and handwritten notes. <<speech "KC">>Laptop isn't here.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Look for a black ledger.<</speech>> KC opened the bottom drawer and found one beneath a stack of envelopes. <<speech "KC">>Found it.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Take it.<</speech>> KC dropped the ledger and three burner phones into the duffel bag. <<set $kq010FoundLedger = true>> <<if $kq010SearchOrder is "office">> [[CHECK THE STORAGE CAGE->KQ010 - Storage Cage]] <<else>> [[GO UPSTAIRS->KQ010 - Upstairs]] <</if>>

KC cut through the padlock on the storage cage and stepped inside. She found Vera's laptop inside a numbered plastic tub beneath a stack of license plates. <<speech "KC">>Laptop's here.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Take it.<</speech>> KC packed it into the duffel bag and headed back toward the staircase. <<set $kq010LaptopRecovered = true>> [[GO UPSTAIRS->KQ010 - Upstairs]]

KC climbed the metal stairs with the duffel bag over one shoulder. Light spilled through the doorway at the end of the mezzanine. <<speech "Vera">>Dominic's phone is right ahead of you.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I know.<</speech>> KC opened the door. Dominic Vale stood behind a desk. Another man was positioned near the wall beside him. <<speech "Dominic">>KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You know who I am.<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>I do now.<</speech>> His eyes dropped to the duffel bag. <<speech "Dominic">>You found everything.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Most of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>Take it and leave.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's your plan?<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>This was supposed to be a clean acquisition. It wasn't.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You grabbed her courier.<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>He's alive.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I went and got him.<</speech>> Dominic opened a drawer and removed a thick envelope. <<speech "Dominic">>Five thousand.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For what?<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>For this to be the last time I see you over Vera Pike's business.<</speech>> KC looked at the envelope, then back at him. <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>You didn't even open it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You said five thousand. I heard you.<</speech>> The man beside Dominic moved away from the wall. <<speech "Dominic">>Think about it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I did.<</speech>> KC dropped the duffel bag beside the door. <<speech "KC">>We're done.<</speech>> [[GO UPSTAIRS->KQ010 - Dominic Fight]]

<<startcombat "KQ010_DOMINIC_FIGHT">>

Dominic ended up against the side of his desk while his bodyguard stayed down near the door. KC picked the duffel bag back up. <<speech "KC">>Vera. It's clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>We're coming in.<</speech>> KC looked at the envelope still sitting on Dominic's desk. <<speech "Dominic">>Take it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Keep it.<</speech>> <<speech "Dominic">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because I don't work for you.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Warehouse Secured]]

Vera and Mason entered a few minutes later. Mason went toward the vehicle bays while Vera opened the duffel bag and checked through what KC had recovered. <<speech "Vera">>Laptop.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>In there.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Ledger?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That too.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Good.<</speech>> Mason returned carrying a stack of plates. <<speech "Mason">>Found the rest.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>So we're done.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Almost.<</speech>> Vera looked toward the stairs. <<speech "KC">>You want me up there?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Fine by me.<</speech>> Vera went upstairs while KC stayed near the loading floor with Mason. <<speech "Mason">>Trevor's home.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Car's fine too.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Even better.<</speech>> A few minutes later, Vera came back down carrying Dominic's laptop. <<speech "KC">>That's not yours.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Taking it anyway?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Okay.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Back To Pike Services]]

They returned to Pike Services after midnight. Vera locked the front door behind them and opened the office safe. She set a stack of cash on the counter in front of KC. <<speech "Vera">>Fifteen hundred.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's more like it.<</speech>> <<set $money += 1500>> KC pocketed the money. <<speech "KC">>Anything else?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Yes.<</speech>> Vera took a card from one of the desk drawers and wrote a number on the back. <<speech "KC">>What's that?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Direct number.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>For you?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>For work.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Anything involving vehicles comes through me.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>Documents, identities, property, information come through me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>And when you need something?<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I call you.<</speech>> KC looked at the card before putting it in her pocket. <<speech "KC">>Works for me.<</speech>> <<set $veraNetworkUnlocked = true>> <<set $veraContactUnlocked = true>> <<set $masonContactUnlocked = true>> <<set $kq010BusinessComplete = true>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - After Business]]

Mason disappeared into the back room and returned with three glasses. Vera was already putting the recovered folders away. <<speech "KC">>You can do that tomorrow.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I could.<</speech>> She closed the file drawer anyway. Mason set a glass in front of KC. <<speech "Mason">>Long night.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah.<</speech>> KC picked it up and looked between them. <<choice "Take the money and leave.">> <<goto "KQ010 - Leave Vera And Mason">> <</choice>> <<choice "Stay.">> <<goto "KQ010 - Stay With Vera And Mason">> <</choice>>

KC finished her drink, set the glass down, and picked up her bag. <<speech "KC">>I'm done for tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I'll be in touch.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I figured.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Later.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Later.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Complete]]

By the end of the night, Trevor was safe, Mason's customer's car was recovered, and Vera had her records back. Dominic had lost whatever advantage he thought he had, and KC walked away with a new connection she could use later. <<set $kq010Stage = 999>> <<set $kq010Complete = true>> <<set $veraContactUnlocked = true>> <<set $masonContactUnlocked = true>> <<set $veraNetworkUnlocked = true>> <<set $kcActiveQuest = "">> <<usekcaction>> [[CONTINUE->World Map]]

KC finished her drink and set the glass on the counter. She left her bag where it was. Vera noticed. <<speech "Vera">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Come here.<</speech>> Vera stepped around the counter. KC caught her by the waist and pulled her close. <<speech "KC">>You've been giving orders all night.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>And?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're done.<</speech>> KC kissed her, then reached behind herself and caught Mason by the belt when he moved closer. She pulled him in without breaking away from Vera. <<speech "KC">>We could use a dick too...<</speech>> KC turned her head toward him and pulled him closer by the belt while Vera put a hand on her hip. [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Sex Scene]]

<<startsexscene "KQ010_VERA_MASON">>

KC sat, pulling her boots back on while Mason gathered the clothes that had ended up across the room. Vera came back from the kitchen with a bottle of water and handed it to KC. <<speech "KC">>Thanks.<</speech>> KC took a drink and noticed Dominic's laptop still sitting on the counter. <<speech "KC">>You're not touching that tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Vera">>I wasn't planning to.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> Mason found KC's bag beside the counter and handed it to her. <<speech "Mason">>You need a ride?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I'm good.<</speech>> KC stood, slung the bag over her shoulder, then looked between the two of them. <<speech "Mason">>Night, KC.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Later.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->KQ010 - Complete]]

<<titlescreen>>

Twenty-five minutes later, Kelly pulled the van onto a quiet residential street a few blocks from Daniel's house. KC had spent most of the drive checking mirrors, side streets, and her phone. Nothing followed them. Kelly stopped against the curb. <<speech "Kelly">>End of the line.<</speech>> Daniel looked through the windshield, then back at KC. <<speech "Daniel">>So I just walk home now.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's generally how getting dropped off works.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And what am I supposed to tell Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You're married to her. You figure it out.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>She's a detective.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Then make it convincing.<</speech>> Daniel shook his head and reached for the door. <<speech "Daniel">>You two are unbelievable.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Daniel.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "KC">>Don't tell her about me.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>You kidnapped me.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>To stop you from getting murdered.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I noticed.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>If Allison starts digging into this from the wrong direction, she's going to make everything harder. For Jason too.<</speech>> Daniel's hand stayed on the door handle. <<speech "Daniel">>You keep saying his name like that explains why any of this is happening.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Ask him.<</speech>> Daniel looked at her. <<speech "Daniel">>I plan to.<</speech>> He opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. <<speech "Kelly">>Nice meeting you.<</speech>> Daniel looked back into the van. <<speech "Daniel">>I'm not sure that's the phrase I'd use.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You'll come around.<</speech>> Daniel shut the door. Kelly waited until he disappeared around the corner before pulling away from the curb. <<speech "Kelly">>Think he's gonna keep his mouth shut?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No idea.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>Good talk.<</speech>> KC checked her phone one last time. <<speech "KC">>At least he's not our problem anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Kelly">>You actually believe that?<</speech>> KC put the phone away. <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Daniel Returns]]

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason heard the front door open from upstairs. He was out of his room before Daniel had finished taking his shoes off. <<speech "Jason">>Dad?<</speech>> Daniel looked up at him. <<speech "Daniel">>Bedroom. Now.<</speech>> Jason stopped halfway down the stairs. <<speech "Jason">>Is Allison here?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> That somehow made it worse. A minute later, Jason stood inside Daniel's bedroom while his father shut the door behind them. <<speech "Daniel">>Sit down.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Dad-<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Sit.<</speech>> Jason sat on the edge of the bed. Daniel stayed standing. <<speech "Daniel">>A girl I have never met grabbed me off the street today.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Then another girl explained that somebody was planning to kill me.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And apparently you knew enough about all of this to help arrange it.<</speech>> Jason looked down at the floor. <<speech "Daniel">>Look at me.<</speech>> Jason did. <<speech "Daniel">>What the hell did you get yourself into?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It's complicated.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No. Complicated is taxes. Complicated is your mother trying to pick a restaurant. People trying to kill me is something else.<</speech>> Jason rubbed his hands together. <<speech "Jason">>I didn't know it was going to turn into this.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That doesn't answer the question.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I got involved with somebody I shouldn't have.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>KC.<</speech>> Jason froze. <<speech "Daniel">>Yeah. I know her name now.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She's not the one trying to hurt you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I gathered that when she stopped somebody else from doing it.<</speech>> Daniel finally sat down across from him. <<speech "Daniel">>I don't need every detail tonight. But I need you to understand something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Whatever you think you're handling, you're not handling it anymore.<</speech>> <<set $protagonist = "Jason">> Jason didn't respond. <<speech "Daniel">>This followed you home.<</speech>> That one landed. <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Does Allison?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Daniel leaned back and exhaled through his nose. <<speech "Daniel">>Good.<</speech>> Jason looked at him, surprised. <<speech "Jason">>Good?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Until I know what the hell is happening, I'm not handing your detective stepmother half a story and watching her tear the city apart looking for the other half.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So you're not telling her?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm not telling her tonight.<</speech>> He pointed at Jason. <<speech "Daniel">>Do not confuse those two things.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And if somebody points a gun at me again because of something you forgot to mention, we're going to have a very different conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Go upstairs.<</speech>> Jason stood. <<speech "Daniel">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped at the door. <<speech "Daniel">>Be careful.<</speech>> Jason nodded once and left. [[CONTINUE->Jason Ch2 - Breathing Room]]

By the time Jason got back to his room, nothing had actually been fixed. Ryan Kane was still dead. KC was still tangled up with people Jason wanted nothing to do with. Allison was still investigating a murder that was getting closer to home by the day. And now Daniel knew enough to realize his son had been lying to him. But for the first time since KC had crashed into him on campus, nobody was chasing Jason. Nobody was standing outside his house. Nobody needed him to run somewhere immediately. For the moment, there was nothing to do. Jason sat down at his desk and checked his phone. Leah had sent him two messages about class. Rachel had asked if he was going to be around campus this weekend. There was an unread email from Professor Vega. Three assignments were due within the next week. His bank account still looked terrible. Normal problems. Jason stared at the screen for a while. <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> Tomorrow, he could deal with normal problems. <<link "END THE NIGHT">> <<nextday "Jason Ch3 - START!">> <</link>>

By Monday morning, campus had already moved on to the part where somebody else's worst night became something people talked about between classes. Jason heard Ryan Kane's name twice before he even made it inside the building. <<speech "Leah">>You look terrible.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Good morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>I'm serious. Did you sleep this weekend?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>A little.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You sure?<</speech>> Jason adjusted the strap on his bag and kept walking. A pair of students near the vending machines were talking about the shooting, one of them repeating details Jason knew were wrong. <<speech "Jason">>I'm fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>You keep saying that like I'm supposed to believe you eventually.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Worth a shot.<</speech>> Leah studied him for another second, then let it go. <<speech "Leah">>Rossi's already in a mood, by the way.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Great.<</speech>> <<speech "Leah">>See? Normal problems.<</speech>> Jason looked down the hall toward class. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah. Normal problems.<</speech>> <<openmonthcontinue>>

Dinner had been normal right up until Allison set her fork down and looked across the table at Daniel. <<speech "Allison">>Where were you Friday?<</speech>> Daniel stopped chewing. <<speech "Daniel">>Friday?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>The part where nobody could get ahold of you for half the day.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I was out.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I gathered that.<</speech>> Jason kept his eyes on his plate. Daniel glanced at him for half a second, which was half a second too long. <<speech "Allison">>Your phone was off.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>It died.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And you couldn't charge it anywhere?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Didn't really think about it.<</speech>> Allison leaned back in her chair. <<speech "Allison">>You disappear for hours, your phone dies, and you come home acting weird. I'm asking because that's not normal for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Nothing happened.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Okay.<</speech>> She said it in the exact tone that meant she did not believe him at all. <<speech "Daniel">>I'm serious.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I heard you.<</speech>> Jason finally looked up. Allison's attention shifted to him. <<speech "Allison">>You know anything about it?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Me?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Yes, you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>No.<</speech>> Daniel reached for his drink. <<speech "Daniel">>Can we not turn dinner into an interview?<</speech>> Allison looked from Daniel to Jason, then back again. <<speech "Allison">>Sure.<</speech>> She picked her fork back up. Nobody at the table believed the conversation was actually over. <<openmonthcontinue>>

Jason had barely sat down when his phone buzzed. KC's name was on the screen. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Your dad's clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You're sure?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Yeah. Nobody's watching the house. Nobody's waiting on his route. His name got pulled.<</speech>> Jason leaned back, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. <<speech "Jason">>Okay. Good.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't sound too happy yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Because somebody put his name out there in the first place.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I thought they just got bad information.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Bad information still comes from somebody.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You know who?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Not yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>So what am I supposed to do?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Nothing?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You wanted your life back. Go have it. I'll deal with this part.<</speech>> Jason was quiet for a moment. <<speech "Jason">>Call me if it changes.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>I will.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Before somebody kidnaps another member of my family this time.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No promises.<</speech>> The line went dead. <<openmonthcontinue>>

Jason was halfway to his room when Daniel called his name from the living room. <<speech "Daniel">>Come here a second.<</speech>> Jason stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Allison was already in bed. Daniel muted the television and waited until Jason came over. <<speech "Daniel">>I covered for you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No, I don't think you do.<</speech>> Jason sat on the arm of the couch. <<speech "Daniel">>She knows I'm lying about Friday.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Did she say that?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>She's Allison. She didn't have to.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm sorry.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm not looking for an apology. I want to know if there's anything else coming.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I don't think so.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>That's not the answer I asked for.<</speech>> Jason rubbed his palms against his jeans. <<speech "Jason">>KC says you're clear.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>And you?<</speech>> Jason hesitated. <<speech "Daniel">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm trying to stay out of it.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Try harder.<</speech>> Daniel turned the television back on, then lowered the volume again before Jason could leave. <<speech "Daniel">>And Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>If Allison asks me directly, I'm not going to keep lying forever.<</speech>> Jason nodded. <<speech "Jason">>I know.<</speech>> <<openmonthcontinue>>

Marcus dropped a folder onto Allison's desk and pulled the chair beside her closer. <<speech "Marcus">>We finally got something useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>That's a dangerous way to start a conversation.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>One of the businesses near Kane's building had an exterior camera pointed farther down the block than we thought.<</speech>> He opened a still image on her monitor. The picture was grainy, but much clearer than anything else they had recovered so far. A dark sedan sat near the curb several minutes before Ryan Kane was killed. <<speech "Allison">>Plate?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Partial.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How partial?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Enough.<</speech>> Marcus slid a printout across the desk. <<speech "Marcus">>Registered to a woman named Tasha Bell. No violent record. Couple of old possession charges. But that's not the interesting part.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>What is?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>She doesn't drive it much.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Who does?<</speech>> Marcus tapped another photograph. A man stood beside the same car outside a convenience store several days earlier. <<speech "Marcus">>Darius Cole. Goes by Dre.<</speech>> Allison picked up the photograph. <<speech "Allison">>He connected to Ryan?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>According to Narcotics, yeah. Not directly enough for them to care until now, but they've seen his name around people Ryan dealt with.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>How close was that car to the scene?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Two blocks.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Before the shooting?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Eight minutes.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>After?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Gone.<</speech>> Allison leaned back in her chair and looked between the photograph and the case board across the room. <<speech "Allison">>That doesn't make him our shooter.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Didn't say it did.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>But it puts somebody from Ryan's world near the building right before he dies.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>For the first time, yeah.<</speech>> Allison stood and carried the photograph to the board. Ryan Kane's picture sat in the center, surrounded by witness statements, scene photographs, addresses, and names that had led nowhere. She pinned Dre's photograph beside it. <<speech "Allison">>Find out where he is.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Already started.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>And don't bring him in yet.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You want to watch him first.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I want to know who he talks to before he knows we're looking.<</speech>> Marcus nodded and headed back toward his desk. Allison stayed in front of the board. For the first time in weeks, the case had given her a person instead of another question. <<openmonthcontinue>>

Jason came out of class checking his phone and almost walked straight back through the door. Allison and Marcus were across the courtyard. They were talking to a campus employee near the administration building. Marcus had a notebook out. Allison was looking toward the parking lot while the employee pointed down the street. <<speech "Jason">>Shit.<</speech>> He considered turning around. That would have looked worse. So Jason kept walking. Allison spotted him almost immediately. <<speech "Allison">>Jason.<</speech>> He stopped. <<speech "Jason">>Hey.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>What's up, man?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Not much. What are you guys doing here?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Working.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Here?<</speech>> Allison gave him a look. <<speech "Allison">>Police occasionally leave the police station.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>We checked. It's allowed.<</speech>> Jason forced a small laugh. <<speech "Jason">>Right. I've got somewhere to be.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Okay. See you tonight.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> He kept walking at the same pace until the building blocked them from view. Only then did he look back toward the courtyard. They had already gone back to the employee. They were not there for him. That did not make him feel much better. <<openmonthcontinue>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> KC's phone rang before she had made it very far into the day. She looked at the number, stepped away from the street, and answered. <<speech "KC">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You still looking into that name that got passed up?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You got something?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Maybe. Somebody's been asking about the kid from the Kane mess.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Jason?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Didn't have a name. College kid. Skinny. Wrong place, wrong time type.<</speech>> KC's expression tightened. <<speech "KC">>Who's asking?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Guy making calls through people who don't usually talk to each other.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>That's not an answer.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>It's the answer I have.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Find me the person who started it.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Working on it.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Work faster.<</speech>> She hung up and looked at the city map on her phone. Daniel might have been off the board, but somebody had not lost interest in the family entirely. KC put the phone away. She still had a day to handle. <<openmonthcontinue>>

<<set $protagonist = "KC">> KC was about to call it a night when Mason finally sent the address. Under it was a name she did not recognize and one short message. <<speech "Mason">>This is where the Daniel story started.<</speech>> KC called him immediately. <<speech "KC">>Who is he?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Low-level runner. Moves information more than product. Knows people on both sides of town.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Why Daniel?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>That's the part I don't have.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>You sure this is the source?<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Sure enough that I wouldn't go knocking without backup.<</speech>> KC looked at the address again. <<speech "KC">>Send me everything you have.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>Already did.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Good.<</speech>> <<speech "Mason">>You going tonight?<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>No.<</speech>> There was a short pause on the line. <<speech "Mason">>That's unusually responsible.<</speech>> <<speech "KC">>Don't get used to it.<</speech>> KC ended the call and saved the address. Whoever had pointed people toward Daniel had just stopped being anonymous. For tonight, that was enough. <<openmonthcontinue>>

Jason was upstairs when Allison's voice carried through the floor. <<speech "Allison">>Are you in trouble?<</speech>> He stopped moving. <<speech "Daniel">>What?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'm asking you a question.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Are you cheating on me?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>What? No.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Then help me out here, because you've been acting strange for three weeks.<</speech>> Jason moved closer to the top of the stairs but stayed out of sight. <<speech "Daniel">>I'm not cheating on you.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I believe you.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Then what are we doing?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Trying to figure out why my husband disappeared for half a day, came home with a terrible explanation, and has been watching every car that slows down in front of the house ever since.<</speech>> Daniel did not answer quickly enough. <<speech "Allison">>There. That.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>It's nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Stop saying that.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Allison-<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>If something happened, tell me.<</speech>> Daniel was quiet. <<speech "Allison">>Did somebody threaten you?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>No.<</speech>> Jason closed his eyes. <<speech "Allison">>You're lying to me.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>I'm trying not to make something worse.<</speech>> That answer changed the room. <<speech "Allison">>What does that mean?<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>It means I'm asking you to leave it alone for now.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You know that's not how I work.<</speech>> <<speech "Daniel">>Yeah. I know.<</speech>> Jason quietly backed away from the stairs before either of them could come looking for him. <<openmonthcontinue>>

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> Marcus set a flash drive beside Allison's keyboard and pulled a chair over. <<speech "Marcus">>Traffic camera two blocks east of Kane's building. Timestamp lines up.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>You find the car?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Part of it. But that's not why I'm showing you.<</speech>> He opened the video. The image was bad, washed out by distance and streetlights. A figure moved quickly across the far side of the frame. <<speech "Marcus">>There.<</speech>> Allison leaned toward the monitor. <<speech "Allison">>Back it up.<</speech>> Marcus dragged the footage back and played it again. The figure appeared for barely two seconds: young, thin, moving fast, a backpack over one shoulder. <<speech "Marcus">>Matches the witness better than anything else we've got.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Freeze it.<</speech>> The image stopped. Allison stared at the backpack. <<speech "Marcus">>You see something?<</speech>> She did not answer. Marcus looked from the screen to her. <<speech "Marcus">>Allison?<</speech>> She leaned closer. The picture was nowhere near clear enough for a face, but she had seen that bag sitting beside a kitchen chair, dropped near the front door, carried out to class. <<speech "Allison">>Where did you get this again?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>East traffic cam. Why?<</speech>> Allison sat back slowly. <<speech "Allison">>Send me the original file.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Already did.<</speech>> He waited for more. Allison kept looking at the frozen frame. For the first time since Ryan Kane's body had been found, the case had followed her all the way home. <<stopopenmonth>> <h2>END OF UPDATE</h2> October 13

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> <h2>THEATRE</h2> The auditorium was louder than Jason expected for a class that technically had not started yet. Half the room was talking over each other, somebody was testing the stage lights for no obvious reason, and two people near the front were already arguing about whether a chair counted as a prop. Jason stopped just inside the doors and checked the room number on his phone again. <<speech "Jason">>Right place.<</speech>> Unfortunately. <<speech "Vega">>If you're waiting for somebody to assign you a seat, you're going to be standing there all semester.<</speech>> Jason looked toward the stage. Professor Marisol Vega stood near the first row with a clipboard tucked beneath one arm. She pointed toward the open seats without looking particularly concerned about whether he listened. <<speech "Vega">>Anywhere that isn't blocking the aisle.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Got it.<</speech>> He started toward the middle of the room. <<speech "Mina">>Not that one.<</speech>> Jason stopped. A girl sitting two seats over had one sneaker planted against the chair he was about to take. <<speech "Jason">>Why?<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Broken.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It looks fine.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>Then sit in it.<</speech>> Jason looked at the chair. Then at her. Then moved one seat over. <<speech "Mina">>Good instincts.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You could've just said it collapses.<</speech>> <<speech "Mina">>I did say broken.<</speech>> Before Jason could answer, Vega clapped once from the front of the room. <<speech "Vega">>Phones away. Conversations can survive ten minutes without you.<</speech>> The room gradually settled. <<speech "Vega">>I'm Professor Vega. If you're here because somebody told you this was an easy elective, they lied to you.<</speech>> A few people laughed. <<speech "Vega">>We're not spending four months reading plays at each other. You're going to be on the stage. You're going to look stupid at least once. Probably more than once. Get comfortable with that now.<</speech>> Jason sank a little farther into his chair. <<speech "Mina">>You look excited.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I'm thrilled.<</speech>> Vega's eyes moved across the room and stopped on them. <<speech "Vega">>You two. Since you're already talking, you're partners for the first exercise.<</speech>> Mina looked at Jason. <<speech "Mina">>See? Already making friends.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>This feels more like a punishment.<</speech>> <<speech "Vega">>If either of you are funny enough to justify continuing this conversation, save it for the exercise.<</speech>> Mina smiled. <<speech "Mina">>I like her.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I noticed.<</speech>> <<unlockjasonsexlink "pizzaGirl">> <<unlockjasonsexlink "theatreTeacher">> <<openmonthcontinue>>

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> <h2>THURSDAY MORNING</h2> Jason was halfway through the student center when somebody came through the double doors backward. He noticed the cardboard box first. Then the girl carrying it. <<speech "Jason">>Hey-<</speech>> Too late. She backed directly into him. The box tipped sideways. Jason caught the bottom before it hit the floor, but the top opened and dumped a pile of folded shirts across his shoes. <<speech "Cassidy">>Shit.<</speech>> Jason stood there holding half the box while she stared at the mess. <<speech "Jason">>Good morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You could've said something.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I did.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You said one word.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>There wasn't a lot of time.<</speech>> She crouched and started gathering the shirts. Jason put the box down and picked up the ones that had landed around him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Those are clean, by the way.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I wasn't worried.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You looked worried.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's just my face.<</speech>> She looked up at him. Then laughed once. <<speech "Cassidy">>Okay. Fair.<</speech>> Jason handed her a folded shirt. It had the university logo on the front and CHEER printed across the back. <<speech "Jason">>Practice stuff?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Fundraiser stuff.<</speech>> She shoved another stack into the box. <<speech "Cassidy">>Practice stuff is currently locked in a storage room that apparently doesn't belong to us anymore.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Apparently?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Apparently the athletics department reassigned it three days ago and forgot the part where they tell the people using it.<</speech>> Jason picked up the last shirt near his shoe. <<speech "Jason">>That seems inconvenient.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's a really calm way of describing it.<</speech>> She stood and took the shirt from him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Cassidy.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Thanks for not letting all of this hit the floor, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Most of it hit the floor.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Thanks for improving the percentage.<</speech>> She picked up the box again. Jason stepped toward the door and held it open this time. <<speech "Cassidy">>See? Now you're useful.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I liked you better when you were blaming me for getting hit.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You'll recover.<</speech>> She started through the doorway. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Cassidy Monroe.<</speech>> Cassidy stopped immediately. Jason looked down the hall. A woman in a dark blazer was walking toward them with a tablet tucked beneath one arm. She wasn't moving especially fast, but Cassidy reacted like somebody had just turned on a police siren. <<speech "Cassidy">>I was going to come see you.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You were going the opposite direction of my office.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Eventually.<</speech>> The woman stopped in front of them. Her eyes moved from Cassidy, to the box, then to Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And you are?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Jason.<</speech>> She waited. <<speech "Jason">>Jason Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Thank you.<</speech>> Jason wasn't sure why that felt like he'd just passed a very small test. <<speech "Cassidy">>He's not involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>In what?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Exactly.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nobody said he was involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You were looking at him like he was involved.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I was looking at the stranger standing beside the student I've been trying to find since eight-thirty.<</speech>> Cassidy shifted the box against her hip. <<speech "Cassidy">>About the storage room-<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Yes. The storage room.<</speech>> Graves looked at the shirts. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Which I assume explains why you're carrying half your organization through the building.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>They changed the lock.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Nobody told us.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I know that too.<</speech>> Cassidy paused. <<speech "Cassidy">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>The reassignment was entered incorrectly. Your team still has the room.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>So I spent my morning moving everything for nothing.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Not entirely. You also sent me six emails.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Seven.<</speech>> Graves looked at her. <<speech "Cassidy">>The last one had the pictures.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I saw the pictures.<</speech>> Jason looked between them. <<speech "Jason">>Should I go?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Probably.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Actually, Mr. Shaw.<</speech>> Jason stopped. <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>You're a sophomore, correct?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>English, theatre, mathematics, history this semester?<</speech>> Jason stared at her. <<speech "Jason">>How do you know that?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>I'm the vice dean.<</speech>> That explained the tone. <<speech "Jason">>Right.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>You didn't know who she was?<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Should I have?<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Kind of.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>No.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at her. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Most students have no reason to know who I am. That's usually a good thing.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>That's reassuring.<</speech>> Graves glanced at her tablet. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Professor Rossi submitted an attendance correction for you earlier this week. That's why your name was familiar.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Oh.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Nothing is wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>I didn't think anything was wrong.<</speech>> Cassidy looked at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>You absolutely thought something was wrong.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>For like two seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Most students do when an administrator knows their name.<</speech>> For the first time, there was the slightest hint of amusement in Graves's expression. She looked back at Cassidy. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Your new key will be ready after lunch. Stop moving things.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Gladly.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>And next time, one email is enough.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>What if it's important?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Two.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>Deal.<</speech>> Graves started away, then stopped and looked back at Jason. <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Mr. Shaw.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Yeah?<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>If you do ever need something from administration, my office is on the second floor of the main building. Don't wait until there's a problem.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Okay.<</speech>> <<speech "Dr. Monica Graves">>Good.<</speech>> She continued down the hall. Jason watched her leave for a second. <<speech "Cassidy">>She likes you.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>She spoke to me for thirty seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>That's basically a recommendation letter.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>You sent her seven emails before nine in the morning.<</speech>> <<speech "Cassidy">>And I got my storage room back.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>It sounds like you already had it.<</speech>> Cassidy pointed at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>Don't ruin this for me.<</speech>> She shifted the box again and started toward the gym. <<speech "Cassidy">>See you around, Jason.<</speech>> <<speech "Jason">>Try walking forward.<</speech>> Cassidy kept moving backward just long enough to look at him. <<speech "Cassidy">>No promises.<</speech>> Then she turned around before she hit anybody else. Jason checked the time on his phone and headed for class. <<unlockjasonsexlink "cheerleader">> <<unlockjasonsexlink "viceDean">> <<openmonthcontinue>>

<<set $protagonist = "Jason">> <h2>SATURDAY MORNING</h2> Jason woke up without an alarm for the first time in what felt like forever. He stayed in bed for another minute, staring at the ceiling while his brain slowly caught up with the fact that nobody was waiting on him. No bag to recover. No car to follow. No emergency meeting with KC. No reason to immediately assume the day was about to go to shit. At least not yet. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and checked the time, then scrolled through his notifications. Nothing important. A couple messages from people at school, an email he was not going to read yet, and nothing from KC. That last part was probably a good sign. Jason got out of bed, changed, brushed his teeth, and headed downstairs. <<tutorial "OPEN MONTH" "The story has entered an open period. On most Jason days, you will receive two Free Time actions. Use them to improve Jason's stats, take part in activities, or spend time with unlocked Sex Links. Story events will automatically occur on certain dates, and some days will switch control to KC or Allison.">> For once, Jason actually had some control over how he spent the day. <<button "START THE DAY">> <<startopenmonth "2026-09-19">> <</button>

<<set $protagonist = "Allison">> Marcus was already in front of a monitor by the time Allison stepped back into the station. Ryan's call log was open on one screen. A carrier request form was open on the other. <<speech "Allison">>Tell me the burner is already giving you something.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>It is. The something is that whoever bought it didn't feel like leaving a name behind.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Prepaid.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Yeah. No subscriber info worth a damn. Cash purchase. But Ryan called it three times in one night, and the third call actually connected.<</speech>> Allison stepped up beside him and looked over the timestamps. <<speech "Allison">>Four minutes and twelve seconds.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Long enough to matter.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Can you get carrier activity?<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>With the paperwork, yes. Activation history, recent tower handoffs, maybe a better window on the last outgoing traffic if the provider isn't asleep at the wheel.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Do it.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>Already doing it.<</speech>> He clicked through the request form and highlighted the number again. <<speech "Marcus">>Best case, we get a clean trace and a location cluster. Worst case, we get enough to know where to start digging next.<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>I'll take either.<</speech>> Allison copied the number into Ryan's file and added a note beside it. The phone itself still belonged to nobody on paper, but the fact Ryan kept reaching for it mattered. Someone on the other end had been important enough for him to keep trying. <<speech "Allison">>Flag me the second you get movement on it.<</speech>> <<speech "Marcus">>You want me to call, text, or send up a flare gun?<</speech>> <<speech "Allison">>Dealer's choice.<</speech>> Marcus grinned without looking away from the monitor. <<speech "Marcus">>That's dangerously trusting.<</speech>> Allison left him with the request and headed back out to the station floor. Until the records came in, the rest of the case was still waiting for her. [[RETURN TO POLICE STATION->Police Station]] <> <<addryanevidence "Burner Contact Number" "Ryan repeatedly contacted a prepaid number shortly before his death. The number has no useful subscriber identification and is now under carrier trace request.">> <<addryancasenote "Marcus submitted an expedited trace request on the unidentified prepaid number Ryan called before he died. The next useful break should come from activation records, tower handoffs, or a last outgoing connection.">> <<setryanlead "AWAIT BURNER TRACE RESULTS" "Marcus is tracing the prepaid number through carrier records. Continue building the case while you wait for the results.">> <>