CHAPTER 4 

“Why can't you leave the kid be?” 

The irony wasn't lost on me. Of all the self-destructive activities I had envisioned, bungee jumping off the State Parks Connecting Bridge seemed the most probable. That structure was easily 200 meters high. Yet here I was, entangled in an ordeal monumentally more reckless. 

“Got an issue with us?” 

It was a rhetorical question. I should have walked away. But I didn't. 

“No, I simply believe it'd be best for everyone if you stopped harassing him.” 

Suddenly, my life appeared to be a comedic tragedy. Was I seriously risking my life to defend a murderer? My would-be killer, no less! 

Earlier that Day 

I was presented with two equally grim options. One, go to prison and face certain death, or two, decline the task and live the remainder of my existence on the run, awaiting a doomed fate. It was an understatement to say my life was less than ideal. 

The constant surveillance was unnerving. Alaya was right to worry, but her panic was only amplifying my anxiety. Their anticipated answer was hanging in the balance. 

I’d arranged to meet Alaya at our usual spot, a coffee shop on 4th Blvd. Upon arriving, I ordered a hot chocolate and a scone. Once a comforting treat, the anticipation of my looming doom had stolen their flavor. 

As the throbbing in my temples escalated, I fetched the flask from my jacket pocket. A shot of whiskey seemed appropriate to momentarily escape the reality of my predicament. 

Alaya arrived, flustered. 

“Yes, Alaya, for the fifth time, that is the situation. They proposed a deal, more accurately, a death contract: save the son or face oblivion.” 

"Why you?" Alaya inquired, on the brink of tears, her hands shaking around her coffee cup. 

“Alaya, collect yourself. Remember, we can't afford to draw attention. They're watching, constantly." 

I subtly gestured towards a 'cable repair' truck parked outside. Alaya caught my hint, sipped her tea, and regained her composure. 

"Why can't they find someone else? Or stop the transfer altogether? They have until noon to intervene, don’t they?" 

“Doing so would be too conspicuous. It's been centuries since a crime this egregious occurred, especially by someone barely of age. The media spotlight is blinding. A typical process has to be followed." 

I stole a glance outside, "And you know as well as I do, those entering The Detainment Facility don’t come out. Their UIs are permanently marked, making them societal outcasts until death." 

Alaya paused, "But even with your skillset, can you actually spring him? You don't know the first thing about the prison. And how will you get in? What happens if you get stuck?" 

"Alaya, gaining entry isn’t a problem. They'll tamper with my UI to create a new identity during my imprisonment. It will remain effective until the 9th, as the complete conversion is scheduled for the 8th.” 

“And if you fail to get out by then?” 

“Well, then I'm thoroughly screwed!” 

Two Hours Later 

After parting ways with Alaya, I retreated to my apartment. Dialing a number on my phone, I waited for the response on the other end. Upon hearing the pickup, I sighed, "I'm in." 

Inside the van en route to the facility, I began a journey of self-reflection. Regret washed over me as I examined the poor decisions that had led me here. 

Five of us were inside the van, all except the kid dwarfed me in size. He was unusually petite for a male. I found myself wondering how a lean kid like him managed to fight, let alone murder, someone. 

“Well, I suppose I'll find out soon enough.” 

“I said…what will you do about it?” 

Alexander, battered and bloody, glared at me from his spot on the shower floor, “Did anyone ask for your help? This isn't your business. I don't need a ‘would-be hero’ to rescue me.” 

Oh, how I wished I had let them finish him! Such an ungrateful wretch! 

“You ought to heed the kid's advice. This isn't your fight. Walk away, idiot!” 

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, “I would love to, but... I think I’ll pass.”