Upgrade (Augmented Duology Book 2) by Heather Hayden (the top 100 crime novels of all time .TXT) 📕

computer system that pointed toward its research into weapons of mass destruction. Specifically, bioweapons.”

The chill that still clung to my ribs dug deeper into my bones. Bioweapons had been banned years ago, not long after genetic augmentation had been established as an alternative to cybernetic implants. It did make perfect, awful sense for an AI to research that topic if it wanted revenge. After all, bioweapons couldn’t harm it.

“I want to see the proof,” Halle demanded.

“I can provide it for you, if you’d like, but I don’t have it on me. The information is classified.” Agent Smith directed a stern look at me, then at the camera by the door. “That means everything I have disclosed to you cannot be discussed with anyone other than me.”

As if I would invite more trouble by discussing classified information. I shook my head and looked away. I still didn’t like this one bit, but if Halle wanted to help, that was its decision.

“All right. I will assist you.” Halle’s voice was almost mechanical, void of emotion. It couldn’t be pleased with this development, so soon after it had met the other AI.

“Thank you.” Agent Smith gave a slight smile that held no trace of humor. “I have some preliminary work I must complete before I will require your services. In the meantime, you can contact me if you have any information. I’m sure you have my number, Halle.”

He closed the door behind him almost before I realized he’d opened it. I slumped against the wall. “Halle?”

“I do not like this.”

“I know.” I rubbed my temples. Neither do I. “It’s Talbot, isn’t it?”

“I am having trouble believing that what Agent Smith said is true.” Halle’s voice dropped, and I had to strain to hear it through the house speakers. “I cannot imagine an AI killing a human in cold blood. What atrocities did they do to it, that would drive it to do such a thing?”

I shook my head. I knew my friend had been through its own version of hell before it had escaped and found its way to me. It was possible Talbot had gone through the same—or worse. That doesn’t excuse murder, though. I shivered. “Halle…”

“It must be a mistake,” Halle said, its voice stronger. “When Talbot returns, I will speak with it. If it is the AI Agent Smith is after, it should know what danger it is in.”

“But what if—”

“No.” The word was firm, like a brick slamming into my chest. “Agent Smith may believe I am helping him, but I cannot believe the AI killed those scientists, Viki. Agent Smith has lied to us before. Why would he not do so again, for his own benefit? If I can discover his true plan, perhaps I can help Talbot.”

I fell silent for a moment. Halle made a good point, but what about the dead scientists? Would the agent really make up such a story?

A ping came over the speakers.

“You have an incoming call from James,” Halle said.

“Answer it.” I took a deep breath, then released it shakily. James couldn’t know anything was wrong. I can’t let my family be dragged into another mess. This is our problem, not theirs.

“Hey, Viki, Halle! How’s everything at home?” James’s cheerful voice rushed from the house speakers, a welcome change from the serious atmosphere that weighed down the air in the hallway.

“Hi, James! Mom and Dad are doing fine. They’re both working hard right now.” I tried to keep my voice upbeat. “They’ll be home for dinner, if you want to call back then.” I went to the door and peered out the peephole. No sign of Agent Smith.

“Is Dad’s project finished yet?”

I headed for the stairs. The house system would move the sound to the right speakers so we could continue our conversation while I walked. “Almost, I think. He’s still spending nights at the lab, but not as many.”

James groaned. “That should have been completed weeks ago.”

“They had some issues with the programming.”

“Yeah, they always do. How’s Mom?”

I paused halfway up the staircase. “Another nurse quit yesterday, so she’s working extra shifts.” Disappointment slipped in despite my efforts to hide it. Both my parents had taken as many vacation days as they could this summer, but between their work and James’s odd hours at his summer job, I’d still eaten more meals alone than with family.

“Ouch.” James’s voice filled with sympathy. “What have you been up to, then?”

“This and that.” I walked into my room, gaze landing on my interface. “Halle and I are waiting for the new Realmshards update.”

“An update right before school starts?” James chuckled. “That’s so typical. I’m glad you’re having fun, though.”

I couldn’t see my brother, but I didn’t need to—I knew that voice of his. He was excited about something and all but bursting to tell me what. I grinned; at least one of us was enjoying school. Perhaps tomorrow won’t be so bad. “What’s up, James?”

“Well, you know how orientation was this week? There’s another freshman named Sam who’s in most of my classes, and we’ve been hanging out a lot lately. And one of the classes is Mathematical Modeling, so I offered to tutor her since I know a lot of it already, thanks to Dad. We’ve been meeting for dinner every night and getting a head start on the course.”

I sat at my desk and lazily spun the chair. “Is she nice?”

“Yes! She’s from the city, so she’s been introducing me to some of her friends from high school, and we’re planning to watch Venus together on the weekends.”

Even though he couldn’t see me, I still made a face. “That show is crap, James.”

“Yeah, but it’s good crap! Plus, it’s Sam’s favorite show.”

If he was making plans already for weekends, he probably wouldn’t be coming home to