The Precocious

Chapter 16 (Dolphin)

Chapter 16

Dolphin POV: Alvin

       I was hoping I could be left alone in the library so I could continue working on trying to hack into the principal's computer. Ever since Piano and I investigated his office, I spent most of my free time attempting to hack in.

       I never had an success.

       And apparently, I also wasn't having any success in being left alone because before I knew it, Piano walked into the library and sat down beside me. "I need help," he said.

       "Sorry, but I'm not associating with anyone for other houses until after the relay race," I said, keeping my eyes glued onto my computer screen. "I'm normally not a competitive person but I am intrigued by the very special prize we'll receive this year."

       "That's what I need help with," Piano said.

       "Piano, I just said--"

       "I know what you said," Piano said. "I didn't mean I need help with the relay. I need help with the special prize."

       I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked over at Piano. "What do you mean?"

       "I wanted to find out what this prize was," Piano said. "That way, I can motivate my house a lot more if it was something we all wanted. And let's just say it's not something I want."

       Piano sounded very serious so I closed my laptop to be fully involved in the conversation. "You found out what it was?" I asked.

       "Yeah," Piano said. "Are you familiar with S.H.R.E.W.D?"

       "That company that works with AI and computer sciences?" I asked.

       "That's the one," Piano said. "Apparently, the winner gets a tour of their Vancouver headquarters since they're one of the quickest growing companies in the country."

       "I don't get it," I said. "How come that's not something you want?"

       Piano sighed. "Because, and this might just be me being paranoid, but... I've always been a bit suspicious about them. Like... Something isn't right with that company."

       "What makes you think that?" I asked.

       "They're shady."

       "Okay, but I need proof."

       "We don't have enough proof that Mr. Hicks is shady but you still believed me and you're helping me investigate."

       "Well, in my defence..." I began but I couldn't think of a good enough excuse because Piano was right. I did believe Piano about Mr. Hicks even though the only 'proof' we had was him making Wayne the captain of the Tigers because of the money his parents gave the school.

       "I think I made my point," Piano said. "So want to help me find out more about S.H.R.E.W.D?"

       "You can't do it yourself?" I asked. "Because there's this thing called the internet. You can use it to find out more information about things."

       "Oh, bite me," Piano said. "If we were to find suspicious information about S.H.R.E.W.D, it's not going to be easy to find. I need a computer genius to help me."

       "You know, there are seven other Dolphins you can ask," I said. "How come you're only asking me?"

       "For numerous reasons," Piano said. "One, you're my best friend. Two, you're the best at computer sciences otherwise you wouldn't be captain. Three, you're attracted to me so you can't say no."