The Things We Do (Under Editing)

Challenging the Best

Three days later, the entire city and beyond was wondering how Anna had gotten free, including she herself. Best I could tell, the only people who weren't were me, who had a pretty good guess, the person who had released her, and Wraith, who just didn't care.

The moment I set foot in his office, I was greeted with a look far darker than the ones I had learned to weather. Unsurprisingly, his first words to me were, "You failed."

How was I supposed to respond to that? Obviously I had failed. I didn't need to be told that. I opted for standing in silence with my head bowed. I'd rather not face his eyes that somehow managed to gleam out of the shadows of his face despite their dark color. The entire effect was disconcerting on a good day and bordering on terrifying at any other time.

"You hide a child deep in forgotten tunnels. You send out a video that was short enough the police didn't have time to track it. You scare everyone into barely looking for her. And yet, somehow, your hostage is freed. Care to explain?"

"If you're implying it was my own doing then you are wrong." I snapped before catching myself. I didn't need my tone to make him angrier. My next words more even, "Maybe someone who lives in the tunnels let her go." I didn't believe it, but I didn't particularly want to admit my suspicions.

Wraith raised an eyebrow. Small as the change in expression as it was, it almost made me flinch. In my experience it was the people with the most self-control that caused the most damage. Every move they made was calculated.

"You really believe that a wandering homeless person managed to stumble across her, free her from her chains, and leave her just inside an exit to the tunnels without her seeing them?"

"The tunnels are dark."

Sighing, my dark overlord waved me away. "Just fix this." He caught my eyes to convey the importance of his final command. "Make sure it doesn't ruin your reputation."

My knees almost buckled as I backed out of the room. "Yes, sir."

Don't let it ruin my reputation? How the hell was I supposed to do that? It wasn't like I could kidnap her again. That probably wouldn't work anyway. Unfortunately, Wraith, like most professors, excelled at vague instructions. Don't let it ruin my reputation? What does that even mean? I was so dazed all through Virtualization that I didn't even realize the teacher had asked me a question until he congratulated me on getting it right. Seriously, I have no clue what either of us said. Honestly I was kind of impressed with myself for that considering I barely know what's going on when I'm actually paying attention.

I hadn't come up with anything by the end of class. Still caught up in my thoughts, I bumped into another student as I was pushing through the door and mumbled something that sounded vaguely like an apology. He caught my arm before I could keep walking.

"Amelia." He said my name as if grabbing my arm hadn't already gotten my attention.

Instead of replying, I just stared down at his hand on my arm. After a moment, he got the hint and let go. I looked up at him. He looked like a stereotypical nerd with his sweater vest, neat blonde hair, and big rectangular glasses.

"Hi... Jake... right?"

"Actually, It's James." The annoyance in his voice was ridiculous. Why he expected me to get his name right I don't know considering we'd never spoken before. I was surprised I'd been as close as I was.

"Sorry. Can I help you with something?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to partner with me for the project." Wait, what project? We'd been assigned a project?

I just stared at him blankly, having used up too much of my mental capacity pondering Wraith's orders to have anything left to formulate an answer.

James rolled his eyes and sighed. "If you weren't even paying enough attention to know about the project then it's no wonder your grades need so much help."

Seriously, does everyone just stand around talking to each other about how bad my grades are? I nearly smacked him. It was not a good day to piss me off. "Thank you for your oh-so-charitable offer, but I think I'll pass."

"Come on. Partnering with me is the best way for you to get an A" He stepped a little closer, too close. "At this point, I might even be your only chance." Reaching out, he touched my arm. My entire body shuddered and I pulled back.

What was with the technology majors around here and their inflated egos? Besides his insults, he'd already touched me twice and it was clear from his gaze that the longer I stayed in his presence the more times he was going to try again.

I tilted my head to the side and raised an eyebrow. "I'd rather partner with the floor." As I walked away, I brushed off my arm where he'd touched me, as if his grime might linger.

Considering how my week had been going, I decided to get myself a rare treat I like to call not-awful coffee. One of these days I'd be able to afford actually good coffee, but not then. It wasn't really at the top of my list of expenses.

I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop with my drink when one of the waitresses ran in and quickly turned up the volume on the tv in the corner. Already dreading what I would see, I turned my attention to the news.

...three people hanged with wire from various balconies.
Examiners say that their necks snapped immediately
upon catching their weight, but that doesn't
make the situation any less terrible.
This act is believed to be the work of Lenoir's
most recently appearing grand criminal.
Having so far only committed near petty
theft and arson, a hooded figure has so far been of little
importance compared to the ones known as
Storm and Phantom Banshee.
However, that may be changing.

The newscaster's final words were accompanied by an overhead view of the scene. Scrawled across the pavement were the words, "Do you see me now?"