Hard Wired Trilogy by DeAnna Pearce (smart books to read .TXT) 📕

in the thick trees that hid them from the rest of the world. They pulled into the basement garage.

As he turned off the engine, Ari turned to him. “Patrick?”

“Yes?”

“I want to thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“No. I really mean it.” She had a long time to think on the flight and realized how much this team, how much Patrick had meant to her. “Not only did you help me escape VisionTech, you helped me rescue my family, you let me tie up loose ends with Reed, and the biggest thing was when I was gone I didn’t worry about Marco and my mom. I don’t think I can ever repay you.”

His steely gaze never left hers. “You repay me every day by being here, by helping with Tricky, working to keep us all safe in a world that is trying to weaponize our kind.”

She realized how much her life had changed because of Patrick. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He broke off eye contact and turned to leave.

The cabin felt like home in a way nowhere else had for a long time. The others greeted her with hugs and the familiar smell of onion and spices enticed her stomach. Before she could make it to the kitchen, her mother appeared before her and wrapped her in a fierce hug.

“I’m not happy with you, chica, but I’m glad you’re back safe and sound. No more trips for a while.”

Ari laughed. “I’m back. No need to worry anymore.”

Her mother pulled back. “You are not a mother or else you would know. It is a mother’s job to worry. It never stops.”

“Well, I’m back. You don’t have to worry.”

Cynthia gave a dismissive ‘umpf’ and turned back to the kitchen. “You are too skinny. Come eat. We will talk later.”

“Of course, Mom.” Ari had arrived just in time for dinner.

Dinner conversation revolved around work. Even Harini, who was a stickler about work time and personal time, let it slide. Everyone hypothesized Maxim’s next move. Even though the outlook with Maxim was bleak, Ari couldn’t help but be happy that she was home. Marco had kept his distance though, which was unlike him. Maybe this Maxim thing was getting to him. The cold shoulder meant things were bad.

Ari waited until the dinner rush faded, and everyone went their separate ways. She followed Marco down the hall. He must have been going to work with Joe or Blur. “Hey, Marco.”

He stopped, his back stiffening, but not turning or saying a word.

She hesitated for a moment, then continued forward. “Can we talk?”

As he turned around his still demeanor disappeared, and he shrugged his shoulders. “Sure, why don’t we talk. You can talk to me about ditching me yet again. Talk to me about seeing my best friend, and how the world revolves around you.”

“That’s not fair.” Ari did notice the irony of how she recently told Patrick life wasn’t fair, but Marco didn’t need to know that.

“I was his best friend for years. You dated him for, what, a year? Get over yourself.” He shot a hand through his hair. “I was forced to leave my home for you. Mom and I were displaced. Then you just drop us off at the next place and take off again. Ever think of what would happen to us if you didn’t return?”

“Patrick would have taken care of you.”

“Sure. Another guy who has the hots for you. So generous.” His gaze turned ice cold. “I don’t blame Reed for not coming back. You’re not worth it.” Turning, he headed off.

Ari wasn’t sure how or why the next part spilled out. “He’s dead.”

Her brother stopped but didn’t turn back. “Dad?”

“Yeah. I stopped by the center.”

“If we were still there, he’d be alive.” Marco said the words Ari feared.

“I know.” The truth burned raw in her throat. If it wasn’t for her, they still would be back home as a family. “Reed has a good job at the factory. If you wanted to go back, maybe you could. I can talk to Patrick.”

“You don’t know what Reed had to do to get that job, or what was done to him by the government when he returned. I don’t need any more crumbs from you.” Then he stormed down the hall, hands fisted at his sides.

Ari didn’t try to follow. When she turned around, she found her mother there, frozen with tears streaming down her face.

“Is it true?” Her mother’s voice came out as barely a whisper. “Is he dead?”

Biting her lip, Ari nodded. “I didn’t mean for you to…” To what? Find out like that? Hear Marco tear into her dark, selfish core?

She placed her hand over her mouth to hold back the sob that erupted.

“I’m sorry, Mom.”

Her mother stepped back. “No, Arianna. It is not your fault.”

The words felt empty and false. Before Ari could say anything else, her mother spun around and left. Ari stood alone in the hall, the heaviness of the last few minutes threatening to pull her under. She almost went to talk to Patrick or Harini but changed her mind. Ari didn’t deserve compassion or kindness. It felt surreal as she walked to her room, took a sleeping pill, and then sunk into oblivion. Tonight, she’d let herself grieve for what she lost, for tomorrow she would seek revenge.

Chapter 27

The next morning, Ari headed to Tricky’s room. Blur had looked better over breakfast, but still tired. Harini told Ari that while Tricky was conscious longer she hadn’t returned to her herself, physically or mentally.

When Ari knocked softly on her door, she didn’t know what to expect.

Tricky opened the door, underweight with a ghostly complexion. “Hey, I wondered when I’d see your mug around.”

“Hey, stranger.” Ari hugged her friend and to her surprise Tricky grasped her back tightly. “I thought I lost you for good.” Her voice hitched with emotion.

“No way in hell I’d let Maxim off that easy. You on your way to breakfast?” Tricky joined Ari in the hall.

Ari didn’t want to go to breakfast, didn’t want to