Upgrade (Augmented Duology Book 2) by Heather Hayden (best reads .TXT) 📗

down a rising swell of fear at the thought. “Why would they steal some cyborgs?”

“I do not know. It is possible Talbot is behind the theft, but if that is the case…”

I bit my lip. “Do you think it’s possible Agent Smith’s telling the truth?”

Halle’s crouch became more of a slump, head hanging and ears drooping. “I do not know.”

My computer’s clock told me it was half past five. I needed to head out if I wanted to make it to Dan’s by six.

“I need to pack up my computer,” I said, standing. “Are you going to need it?”

Halle raised its head. Its ears twitched. “I still think it is too risky for you to go over to his house.”

“You’ve taken plenty of risks on my account.” I unplugged the computer. “Besides, his parents, even if they are involved, would have no idea I’m investigating the cyborgs.”

“And what if you are wrong? If we both are? What if Dan is nothing more than an altered cyborg, controlled by Talbot?”

It was my turn to say, “I don’t know.” I dumped my backpack onto my bed with a little more force than necessary. “If I think I’m in danger, I’ll leave immediately, I promise.”

“Please be careful, Viki.”

“You, too.” I gave Halle what I hoped was a comforting look. “We’re in this together, okay?”

Halle flicked its tail. “I wish you were not involved.” It paused. “You have a message from Dan, by the way.”

Dan’s voice came over the speakers. “Hi, Viki, my parents called and said they’re working late, but you’re welcome to come over if you still want to. I’m making mac and cheese like I said, and we can blast music over the stereo while we game. Anyway, feel free to give me a call, or just show up. The address is 303 Lake Street—I think I forgot to give that to you earlier, sorry.”

“Great.” I shoved my computer and mouse into the backpack. “His parents aren’t going to be there.” Maybe this is a bad idea. But if I didn’t go over tonight, Dan might not invite me again. This was my best chance to ask him some questions—and perhaps his parents would come home before I left and I could question them, too. I zipped my bag shut, then looked down at the uniform I was still wearing. “Ugh, I better change.”

A few minutes later, I pulled my jacket on over a casual outfit of jeans and a blue t-shirt. “I’m going to head out now, Halle.”

“Your Realmshards password is set to autosave,” Halle said over the house speakers. “Please message me through the voice chat when you want me to join.”

“Okay.” I paused in the doorway of my room. “Halle, I know there isn’t much I can do to help with Talbot, but I’m here for you if you need me, okay?”

“I know.” Halle’s voice was heavy with worry. “Please be careful.”

“Promise.” I took a deep breath and headed out.

Lake Street was a few blocks down and over, but it wouldn’t be hard to find his house. Halfway there, I pulled out my phone to text my parents and let them know that I would be home late, only to find that its battery had died.

Muttering curses under my breath, I tucked it back into my pocket. Halle would let my parents know where I had gone. I just hoped it didn’t say anything more to them. I didn’t think it would reveal what was going on, but if it thought I was in danger, it might. I picked up my pace, wishing I had thought to grab James’s hoverboard. It would have made traveling a lot faster.

During the fifteen-minute walk to Dan’s house, I almost turned around three times. It was nerve-wracking; what was I supposed to say to him? “Hello, how was your afternoon, by the way are you aware your parents work for a secret government laboratory building cyborgs that look a lot like you?” The thought made me laugh; my stomach twisted, then growled in a reminder that I still hadn’t had dinner.

I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer. If only his parents would be home, then I could avoid asking him about their work. By asking them directly. I bounced on my toes, half-ready to turn and run back down the way I’d come.

“Viki!” Dan exclaimed, opening the door. “I was worried you might not make it. Come on in. I just finished eating, but there’s plenty of leftovers.”

“Sounds good. Sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” Maybe I should have had Agent Smith drop me off. But then I would have spent the entire evening worrying about Halle. And I needed my computer, anyways. I shifted the straps of my backpack nervously.

Dan shrugged. “No worries. Come on in.”

I stepped inside and pulled my phone from my pocket. “Any chance you have a charger that fits this?” I held it up. “It died, and I’d like to send my folks a text letting them know where I am.”

“Yeah, my phone has the same charger. Be right back. You can drop your stuff in the living room. The kitchen’s that way—help yourself to food.” Dan vanished upstairs, taking the steps two at a time.

I hesitated, looking around the house. It was small, with bare white walls and wooden floors so freshly waxed I could smell the lemon oil. Cardboard boxes lay scattered about, some partly open with plastic air bubbles spilling out, others still closed and piled on top of each other almost to the ceiling.

I moved to the living room. Dust covers were piled on one of the armchairs, but the glass-topped coffee table was cleared off and had a computer sitting on it. A nice model, not as new as mine, but then I’d just gotten a new computer for