Chapter 189
Theo has made notable things that contributed to Midnight City, he could have gone bigger if he wanted, but never found the right sponsor and now everything was given to that shit head.
After a few clicks here and there, I found what I was looking for.
Mercer Systems best work yet: The nano-transmitter.
I read the headlines. It explained that it was originally made for PTSD patients who struggled to communicate under stress.
A feeling settled low in me. I suddenly recalled when he came to me at the hospital, and when we had a moment, he told me he had an accident that almost made him lose a leg.
He explained how he suffered from mental stress because of his photographic memory and how he kept reliving it over and over again.
He must have done this project to battle that, maybe not for him but for others who had to deal with it.
A faint smile crossed my lips. Theo may have made some bad decisions that caused his untimely demise, but I believe he had some good, and maybe if he had the chance, he might have perfected this.
Now, Noah has weaponized his work. Here, it said it was a programmed device. Shit.
Does this mean I can’t even write about him? If he programmed it in a way I can’t tell or even think about exposing him, that hits a nail on the wall. I was right to search for this before making any attempts.
I would make a tragic mistake. The cost of being wrong was too high.
Either way, I read the rest of the article.
Although clinically approved, the project was incomplete and suspended.
Did Noah inject me with something that wasn’t fully tested? That bat shit crazy son of a —! I took a deep breath, but I was far from calm.
I was a fucking guinea pig! Jesus!
I ran a hand through my hair in distress. Ugh! Now I worry I’d drop dead from this shit running through my bloodstream or wherever.
I really need to go to a hospital, but I can’t do that because they would find it, and that would be the same level of exposing Noah.
Ugh!
I rest the back of my head against the wall, closing my eyes briefly. There has to be a way. This project was incomplete, right? Which means I could find some sort of way around this. I knew there had to be a flaw.
I’m not a tech genius or anything, which means I’m clueless at something like this, but I have to think of a way.
I was in the middle of making coffee when Tori came to the kitchen.
“Hey I said, filling a cup and dropping it on the counter.
“What time did you wake?” she asked, taking a sip, groaning at the taste.
I made it exactly how she likes it. Not as good as those coffee shops, but good enough.
“I didn’t I replied.
She paused and peered at me through her lashes before setting the cup down. “You didn’t sleep p>
I forced a smile and nodded.
“I feel shitty. After going through that, I slept like a log p>
“You deserve that sleep I said, taking my coffee.
“It doesn’t erase what happened, though. I don’t think I can ever walk out of this house without looking over my shoulder, scared that someone is gonna take me p>
This was all my fault. I may be trapped, but Tori was too, in the same way. I wasn’t even sure it was safe for her in Midnight anymore.
A sting found my chest. “Maybe you could take that leave, you know… a really long one p>
Tori narrowed her eyes, and hurt clouded them. “Are you suggesting I leave Midnight p>
“Yes… under the guise of a leave. I’d make sure you’re protected until you get to the airport and p>
“Is that even safe p>
I tried to speak, but she was quick with her words.
“Even if I could, I’m not leaving you alone in that bastard’s claws. I’m not
Tears prickled in my eyes, but I didn’t let them fall. “It was just wishful thinking or maybe a hope, it’s stupid, I know p>
“Well, shove that wishful thinking up your ass, Catherine Lane, and that should be the last time I’ll hear that from you, and if you think I’d take an opportunity like that, then you don’t know me. I’m your ride or die p>
I chuckled, and she came close, taking my hand.
“It is hard for us as it was… what I have been through She wavered as she relived the memory. “What you have been through, even though I don’t know, but I can feel something happened. Something you can’t come forward with p>
I leveled my gaze, unable to look her in the eye.
“I’m sorry That was all I could say, and I felt pathetic.
This wasn’t like being tongue-tied or being paralyzed.
“Cat she said softly, drawing my attention. “I don’t get why you won’t tell who did this or to anyone else, but I hope there is a goddamn solid reason for it.” She held me tighter, and I lifted my gaze.
“I just want you to know that no matter what, I’ll always stand by you. I get I overreact sometimes, just like when I found out the contract with the devil p>
I sneered, and she did too.
“I only acted that way because I was worried. Till this moment, I hate myself for walking out on you like that. I should have held your hand and told you that no matter what, everything is gonna be okay.” Her bottom lip trembled, and suddenly she was crying.
“I’m here p>
“I-I know I choked.
The hasty pounding against the door made us jump.
“A-Are you expecting anyone?” I asked in a whisper.
“No!” Tori replied, frightened.
The pound was continuous, almost like someone was trying so hard to get in.
“Stay here p>
“Cat!” she hissed.
I grabbed a kitchen knife on my way.