Slash

X: There's Always a Pattern

        

I was sitting on my bed, my leg in a cast. Doctor said I would have it on for the next few days, as my injury was not very dangerous. I've been locked in my room for days, but I don't know how many. School's has been cancelled since the board director died. I've been sulking over I.S.S.A.C. ever since I got back home, too focused on catching Wire.

            "Long time no see," a voice said. I turned to see Harold standing at the doorway holding a mug of hot chocolate. He walked over to me and sat down on my bed.

            "What is it Harold?" I asked impatiently.

            "You've been in your room for 3 days. And I haven't made food the entire time. What's up with that?" he said.

            "I'm too focused on tracking Wire to eat food," I said as I reached for the hot chocolate, but Harold moved it away from me. Every single time I reached for the drink, he backed it away. I was getting flustered quickly, and he started to smile. I don't know how but then we were in a game of cat and mouse. Harold sat up quietly and asked, "Are you feeling okay?" I didn't answer his question and instead looked at my floor.

            "If this is about the lady who died last week you need to know that it's not your fault. You did what you could and that's what matters."

            "But it's not what matters. A person died..."

            "People die all the time, but we don't sulk about everyone. We learn and become stronger and smarter," Harold said. I hugged him as he got up and left the room. I went back to the computer and thought.

            Derek was an only child and he lived with both his parents. The first time I fought Jenkins he said something about his dad not liking him ditching school, so he definitely lived with his dad. So far he injured Derek and killed his mom. Derek's mom was on the school board, and they fired Mr. Jenkins. That would mean...

            "I.S.S.A.C. give me a list off all the people that work at Voyaflex before Mr. Jenkins was fired," I said.

            "Right away," I.S.S.A.C. responded. Within a few minutes I had a list of Voyaflex employees since 2001. I scrolled down until I saw the name I wanted. A smirk formed on my face, and I felt better than I had in a while.