THE ALGORITHM

9.

"You already know why you're here." Cecil began. He sat there relaxed and calm.

"Enlighten me again." Penny countered. "Because all I know is I woke up here with a gash on my forehead."

Cecil smirked at her wittiness. He was glad she finally decided to respond to him.

"Hm..." He hummed, "I guess Decon didn't explain the situation to you."

She narrowed her eyes and asked, "Situation? What situation?"

"I'm sure he'll explain it to you." Cecil tapped the arm of his chair and said, "For now, let's focus on the reason why you're here. You witnessed something you shouldn't have. That makes you a liability, and...liabilities need to be managed."

"Managed?" Penny reiterated with her brows raised. "Is that what you call it? Managed? This is kidnapping."

"Call it what you want." Cecil shrugged. "But it's not as simple as that. You're now involved in this...dark world that operates differently from what you're used to."

Penny looked off and shook her head. All she did was take a shortcut home. She didn't intend to be nosy or spy on the men. Penny felt like the men were to blame for their foolishness.

"So, what's next?"

"I'm not sure," Cecil answered. "That is for Bilal to decide."

Bilal. Penny repeated to herself. She didn't know who Bilal was.

"I will say this..." Cecil added. "Bilal is very cautious when it comes to his security. He takes it seriously. I tested your response, and you failed—as expected. Your attempt to manipulate the security system wasn't the right move. We have strict protocols in place, and you must follow them. This isn't a game."

Penny didn't speak. She just sat there with a stubborn glare. She didn't care about failing a test. All she wanted to do was leave.

Decon appeared in the room. Cecil glanced his way and said, "In the meantime, you follow the rules around here and listen to Decon."

Penny glanced at the man and paused momentarily. A herd of memories rushed through her brain as she continued to inspect Decon's face. She remembered him vividly. He was one of the guys who was in the alley. A white man with red hair also accompanied him. It had to be the guy she'd seen a few days ago. She closed her eyes briefly, feeling stupid.

"What rules am I following?" Penny worked up the nerve to ask.

"Be patient, and I'll give them to you," Decon responded to her.

"Now, Bilal will be back soon. When? I can't say for certain." Decon began. "There isn't much we can do but wait. However, due to your misstep, your movements around here will be restricted for the time being. We don't need you wandering around and trying to disarm the system."

"That's bullshit." Penny cursed.

"Not for someone who studies information technology." Decon rasped.

That statement caught Penny off guard. She wasn't expecting him to say that. However, he wasn't wrong. Penny knew her way around computer systems, networks, and data security.

"Make no unauthorized movements." Decon continued. "You'll have a guard accompanying you when necessary. Show respect for everyone's privacy—especially Bilal and his associates. We don't need you poking around where you shouldn't. Last but not least, keep your hands to yourself."

Penny leaned against the chair, resting her elbows on the arms, and looked at Decon with a raised eyebrow. She pursed her lips before pushing out, "Anything else?" Her tone was mixed with a hint of impatience and defiance. Penny's facial expression remained serious as she challenged him with her eyes.