"I remember you coming over for Christmas one year but," Riley shrugged, holding the mug of orange juice between her hands, "not much other than that. I don't think you were there either." She said, nodding towards her uncle.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fB7m66xr1 維尼

The older man shook his head, sitting in one of the chairs across from her at the table. Kathy sat next to him, holding onto her husband's hand as if still trying to ground herself from the shocking reunion that afternoon. "I was on a business trip that year, so I couldn't come down and see you."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNUPecX7yL 維尼

"On Christmas?" Riley asked with raised brows. "Where did you work?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEDoAuWp6n 維尼

"Enron." He said with some bitterness, before coughing a few times. "Glad those bastards went bankrupt when they did. Wasted 8 good years of my life with them. They had the worst employee treatment I've ever seen."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡZauD3tZWDR 維尼

Kathy leaned forward towards Riley, smiling warmly. "And don't worry. Jim got out of working with them before any of that scandal business, so we weren't in any trouble there."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAcNi2oCQW 維尼

"That's good." Riley smiled, glad they hadn't faced hardship because of that. She leaned back in her seat, shifting so she was more comfortable.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEMif8m8qi 維尼

Jim took a sip of his coffee and shook his head again, eyeing her sadly. "It was one of my biggest regrets, not seeing you when Kathy went down to visit. Up until now, it would have been the only time I'd ever get the chance to meet you, and I didn't even have that."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKG1CWYuQp 維尼

"He was a wreck, after your mother…well…" Kathy trailed off, a slanted, sad smile on her face. "We both didn't know what would happen to you. He contacted private investigators, and even a few lawyers to see what we could do to locate you."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p5pqrMeE4 維尼

"We looked all over Syracuse," Jim continued, naming the town Riley had grown up in until her father died, "but then we realized that she must have moved far away. At that point, we weren't sure we would be able to find you. This went on for years."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oVvYoqXM6 維尼

Riley glanced between the two of them. "We moved to Brooklyn." The brunette explained, seeing a clarity and dawning cross their eyes. She couldn't imagine how long they'd wondered the answer to that question.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3W432PbjT 維尼

"Mom wanted a fresh start somewhere else, away from anything that…reminded her of dad." She finished sadly, looking to the side. "I didn't want to leave, but it wasn't like I had much of a choice. I left friends behind, and never really made new ones in Brooklyn."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoEU9jLvKI 維尼

"That must have been difficult for you, sweetie." Kathy said with a sympathetic furrow of her brow. She reached out and touched Riley's hand affectionately. "How old were you when your father passed?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hwADtam1r 維尼

"15."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡncy6uildsd 維尼

"Bless your heart." Kathy muttered, giving her hand a gentle pat before leaning back in her chair. "So young…"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vq0IWtzC7 維尼

"Which makes you about…" Jim mused aloud, cocking his head to the side as he calculated in his head. "23, is that right?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCuGj6OgEK 維尼

Riley smiled. "Yeah. 24 in November."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwhjS5cz8H 維尼

"You've grown into quite the young woman." Kathy complimented, eyes skirting over her face to see her features. "I can see so much of your father in you. That same brown hair, that same confident smile. You have your mother's eyes but…I can see you obviously took after Grant."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsMky4B8au 維尼

"He was a good man." Jim nodded wistfully, eyes somewhere else as he spoke. "Only met him a few times in my life, but he was a good man for sure."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqllCErLCu 維尼

"I know." Riley smiled, recalling the memories she had of him. Then, another thought crossed her mind. Something she'd always wondered but her mother would never discuss. Even before her mother had gone completely off the rails and started her downward spiral. And after that point, Riley knew better than to even ask. "Do you know how my parents met?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡTge81bdKjL 維尼

The brunette saw her uncle glance at Kathy, obviously giving her the chance to explain. Perhaps she knew it best, being her sister and all. She cleared her throat, nodding.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ImDR61yH 維尼

"Well, you'd have to understand how she was when she was younger." She began sighing with a shake of her head. "Jocelyn and I were very close growing up. We were nearly the same age, barely 10 months apart, and did almost everything together. Nearly inseparable."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYGbenHeVf 維尼

Kathy gestured with her hand. "Now, it wasn't until we started getting older that Jocelyn started to change. I preferred to stay home and read my books, but it wasn't uncommon for her to sneak out at night and party with her friends. Not the best types of people, either." She added with a meaningful look.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgeqDwTz6c 維尼

"Really?" Riley asked, unable to imagine her mother as a party girl. She hadn't shown any sign of it before her dad died. In fact, she'd sometimes seem more mature and responsible than her dad. Well, sometimes.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAU2W6zoux 維尼

"Oh, yes." Her aunt gave a big nod. "Smoked and drank way before she should've. And it got even worse when she got old enough to date. Why," Kathy scoffed with a toss of her hand, "I got to know the very worst boys in town because of her. Half the time, they were over at the house when our parents weren't home. Heard the worst noises coming from her room, too…"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqFOFRlzS9 維尼

Riley grimaced, not wanting that visual.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2Yy5IEuWM 維尼

"Now, now, dear, she doesn't need to hear all the grisly details." Jim chastised. "I doubt she wants to know about your sister's escapades as a teenager."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4s4yrtqB9 維尼

Kathy gave her husband a look that told him to shut his mouth, with love of course. "I'm telling the story here, not you. It just might be important."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nvpcdvaAB 維尼

"Important?" Jim shook his head, obviously not seeing how it could be. He turned to the brunette, who was holding down the grin and laugh that threatened to spill over at their gentle bickering. "Riley, do you really want to hear all of that?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyPOsgo3jH 維尼

Put on the spot like that, Riley shook her head, setting down her mug and holding up her heads defensively. "I don't know. Don't drag me into this."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8eY6tyNQy 維尼

"Smart girl." Jim chuckled. "Kathy, finish telling her already."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsRR5eo0OY 維尼

Her aunt turned a sharp eye onto her husband. "I will if you don't interrupt me again."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGDZ5q4Qho 維尼

Jim wisely said nothing, gesturing kindly for her to continue, and Riley let out a small chuckle despite herself. Watching the older couple bicker was funny. Kathy nodded, satisfied that she could finish the rest of the tale without any more talking from her husband.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b86SVN7vy 維尼

"Now, as I was saying, your mother didn't date the nicest people when she was younger. All the bad boys, you know?" Riley nodded along, listening intently. "Now, all that changed when she met your father."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4aWdEgQCn 維尼

"How did they meet?" The brunette asked inquisitively.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYX2bzwxdp 維尼

Kathy chuckled, shaking her head to whatever she'd just thought of. "Oh, I convinced your mother to actually go to the library with me one day. Told her she might find something she'd like to read. Jocelyn scoffed at me, but after complaining that I didn't get to see her as much as I used to, she begrudgingly went with.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G1d72Kcw4 維尼

"I dragged her around for a little while, and your dad was reading in the library. I kept seeing Jocelyn staring at him, every time we passed by the table he sat at. I told her how I saw him there nearly every day."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡtovK4K5kW4 維尼

"He liked books too?" Riley asked, frowning. She didn't remember him as much of a reader. Mostly, he focused on work, or his collection of baseball cards. It had always been her mother reading the bedtime stories to help her fall asleep. However, Kathy shook her head.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtaMnsaZVY 維尼

"I'm pretty sure I saw him with a textbook every day, so he may have been studying. Not much of a reader, if I remember right."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFmE6cPdwC 維尼

Riley nodded her understanding, and Kathy continued. "Of course, at the time, she didn't say much about it, but the next day Jocelyn asked to go back to the library again."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bz19hN6ki 維尼

"And they hit it off from there?" The brunette guessed, and her aunt gave an affirming nod.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3py4IMMWC 維尼

"Yup. I'd never seen Jocelyn study so much in her life after that. She was always at the library, spending time with your father. He was really studious, very focused on graduating with high marks, so that was how they first started bonding."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp3CHoZQTX 維尼

That sounded much more like him, Riley thought, smiling in amusement.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡebvpnV0PgY 維尼

"After that, Jocelyn didn't sneak out or drink. Grant really helped her straighten her life out. Even encouraged her to become a physical therapist. Up to that point, she hadn't known what she wanted to do with her life."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡS15yEFyTF8 維尼

Jim cleared his throat, shifting in his seat.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrXNHL44yd 維尼

Kathy gave him a side glance. "Something to say, dear?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tc5YtqkEI 維尼

He glanced up, brows raised. "Hmm? Oh no, not at all. Just listening intently. Carry on."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsUogH4AG9 維尼

"Hmm." Kathy hummed with a little grin, not quite believing him, before turning back to Riley. "But that's about all I know. The rest is history, I suppose you could say. They dated through the last bit of high school, then got married after your father graduated from university with his finance degree."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36JftjLLJw 維尼

Her smiled turned sad, and she shrugged minutely. "I guess when your father died, Jocelyn didn't know how to keep her life on track. He was her rock, her support through everything. Maybe she resorted back to the way she used to be, because she didn't know any better. I'll never really know…" Kathy trailed off, leaving a long silence at the table as no one really knew what to say.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRzOjCnIXu 維尼

Riley was reminded of something Jocelyn had said at the prison. Then, realizing that they might not even know about her, she spoke up.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TvFBdjIJh 維尼

"Do you know where she is right now?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3QprDlebU 維尼

Kathy shook her head slowly. "I haven't heard anything about her since she moved you two away."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkiOnbi3RZ 維尼

Riley nodded slowly, pushing away the apprehension that came up in her chest. "Well, if you wanted to know…I actually found her."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hPdA4IG88 維尼

Both Jim and Kathy perked up, a bit in disbelief. "We were worried she'd be dead by now. Is she alright?" Her aunt asked in concern.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgMY0yZG5f 維尼

Riley tossed her head back and forth, not quite sure how to answer. "Yes and no. She's imprisoned in the Brooklyn House of Detention under a long list of felonies. She'll be locked away for a long time."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMLEORmraJ 維尼

Both older people immediately looked downtrodden, no doubt disappointed that Jocelyn had fallen so low. Riley had her own reasons for not ever wanting to associate with her mother again, but she knew Kathy was her sister. Surely a part of her still loved her deeply.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡsERLRV90rK 維尼

"In fact, the entire point of traveling was to visit her in jail." Riley admitted, fidgeting with her cup again, just to keep her hands moving. "I saw her yesterday."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrdN49U3zG 維尼

"I'm not one to question what you decide to do. You're a grown adult who can think for herself," Jim started, hands laying flat on the kitchen table, "but I'd understand more if you never wanted to see her again. Especially after what she did to you. Why would you want to have anything to do with her?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfV9t5xfG2 維尼

"Jim, she's her mother." Kathy chastised gently, and not in an unkind manner. Riley smiled sadly and shook her head.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4Dxnmh19Y 維尼

"That's not entirely why, but a part of it. There were a lot of questions I didn't have the answer to. Ones only she knew. And I wanted to determine if there was any chance that she could go back to the way she was before dad died."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKsIh2KnmO 維尼

The brunette felt a wave of disappointment, and her eyes averted from theirs. "I really help out hope that there was a possibility of bailing her out but…I don't think there's any help for her now."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1ddiKlVUX 維尼

There was a long silence, before Riley brought up her original point. "She mentioned that you'd turned her away when she came to look for help."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPQUdb9BxJ 維尼

Her aunt grimaced, nodding in shame or…guilt. "She did. Just once."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPnPXn9yIS 維尼

"Why?" It wasn't accusing her of anything, but she just genuinely wanted to know the circumstances.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡulJH8GuYlN 維尼

Kathy's hands folded in her lap, and Jim reached over to touch her shoulder supportively. Obviously it weighed on the woman's mind. "Jocelyn did show up out of the blue once, but she was manic. Could barely understand what she was saying half the time." She gestured to the front living area. "I kept her on the porch because my kids were still living at home, and I didn't want them being around that."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yfp5Y7rww 維尼

"She was causing quite a racket." Jim supplied, turning to Riley sadly. "Had a few neighbors later that day ask if everything was alright because of the noise."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQBIVbzRlj 維尼

Kathy nodded a silent agreement, continuing on. "She asked if I had any money to give her, but I had a feeling it was just going to go into whatever substances she was taking. I didn't want to be an enabler, so I turned her away. I offered to have her stay once she cleaned herself up. I wouldn't ever turn my back on her entirely. But for the sake of my kids, I wasn't going to tolerate the things she was doing."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bFE9milC6 維尼

"That's understandable." The brunette said.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPDW2wySO9 維尼

"Obviously she didn't feel the same way. Broke a few of my windows and front porch ornaments. I threatened to call the cops on her if she didn't leave, and that seemed to get through her anger. Didn't see her again after that." Kathy concluded, shaking her head slowly. Her eyes were faraway, as if seeing the scene in her subconscious.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yx9n1R7FS 維尼

The table went silent for awhile. No one really knew what to say from there until Jim cleared his throat and spoke up, looking at Riley expectantly. "Enough with our sad stories though, tell us a little about yourself, Riley. We'd love to hear a bit about the person you've grown up to be."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LPNF38cQI 維尼

Gladly taking the offered conversation change her brows raised briefly, before she cocked her head. Smiling nervously, she gave a huff of a laugh. "Well…where to start, heh."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iWPF30bL1 維尼

"After you moved to Brooklyn, what happened then?" Kathy suggested, settling in her seat again. She looked a lot more composed, no doubt trying to shake the memory of confronting her mother.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy7JSsdtkv 維尼

Riley stared down in her cup, now empty of orange juice. "Well, like you said. Mom slowly broke down. Started drinking more and more. Started getting abusive." She could tell talking about it only made Jim and Kathy feel guilty, so she skipped over all of those details. They didn't need to know them intimately anyway, and it would only drag the conversation back to something depressing.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN74q3KSAx 維尼

Shrugging, she continued. "When I couldn't take anymore, I left for another city. I got a job as a waitress to help pay for tuition and went to a community college in New Jersey to get my journalism degree. After graduating, I started searching for jobs out of state, and there was an opening in California. I liked the idea of moving as far away from mom as I could, so I took it and went there."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8yeB9JdN9 維尼

"So you write for the newspaper?" Kathy asked innocently, and Riley couldn't help the awkward laugh that followed.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBoN07rn2e 維尼

"Well…not exactly."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTgvwkc75F 維尼

"Oh, so what do you do now?" Jim leaned forward, his elbow propping up his head with a hand. His interest was obvious.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0y3yjFCcE 維尼

Well, how to answer this question? Was honesty best in this moment, or should she just pretend all was exactly how it should be? Before she could even begin to formulate a response, Jim reached over and touched her shoulder reassuringly.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YfUJY46Nf 維尼

"Oh, come now. We want to hear everything about your life, the good and the bad. We'd be proud no matter what you were. We're just happy to have you in our lives, Riley." Was his encouraging reply.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcje0rBwKg 維尼

"If journalism is a cover for exotic dancing, we won't judge." Kathy agreed with a sagely nod, and the brunette's eyes widened in a panic. Her hands waved in front of her defensively.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJoL30Tm9I 維尼

"No, no…it's nothing like that. I wouldn't ever do something like that." She could feel her cheeks heating up as they chuckled at her embarrassment.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡSALwaUnlNB 維尼

"We don't have much of a filter." Jim confessed through his smile. "Probably should have warned you beforehand."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eJY4OoxGl 維尼

"It's alright, just wasn't expecting it." The brunette said in a huff, smiling despite herself. Their easy-going nature and high tolerance for anything she could possibly tell them made telling them the truth more comfortable. "But just for clarity's sake, I'm not an exotic dancer. I was an investigative journalist at a news station, but just recently I quit."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBXhnoW9OU 維尼

"Oh my, that sounds a little dangerous." Kathy said, holding a hand to her chest. "But perhaps you're the type of person brave enough for the job."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡihZEhxpsib 維尼

"Of course she is, just look at her." Jim said, gesturing to the brunette without any doubts. "Riley's more than capable. But, why'd you quit? You must have enjoyed it if you got a degree just to do it."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iyVHdRTG6 維尼

Riley grimaced, remembering her conversations with Bill, and how deep the bite of betrayal had felt. "I was in the middle of an investigation, and they pulled my funding. I'd been working on it for over a year."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv2Ymr4K86 維尼

Jim tossed his hand dismissively. "Don't you just hate that? Big business screwing over the middle class." He growled. Riley was glad he thought similarly to her own values.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡch2FXmQlwV 維尼

"Later on, I found out that they'd sold out and taken a bribe to stop my investigation." She continued.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmPNcyd7MR 維尼

"Ooh, a scandal." Kathy's concern turned into intrigue, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity and interest. Somehow it made her look younger. "What became of it?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT2AU2A0rJ 維尼

"I put in my two weeks, and…exposed the company." She finished. For as honest as she wanted to be with Jim and Kathy, admitting that she technically stole $500,000 wasn't something she was willing to do quite yet. Better to keep that under wraps. "Hopefully they'll think a little longer next time they try taking a bribe."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15uKYAI5L6 維尼

"So, you're looking for a job now? If you get the inkling to move here closer with us-" Kathy started to suggest, but Jim interrupted her again with a gentle slap on her shoulder.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD8LT3GmiG 維尼

"Kathy, now you let her be. She's a grown woman, and she can make her own decisions. Don't start putting your nose in her business like that."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rfm5tWSgU 維尼

The woman turned to her husband and reciprocating his slap with one of her own on her arm. "Don't start with me, Jim. I was merely throwing out the suggestion if she ever got the idea." Then, turning back to Riley with a knowing look. "I wouldn't ever tell you what you should do, especially seeing you all grown up and mature like this, but you're always welcome around here if you're looking for a change of scenery."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3MZU5YrMx 維尼

"I appreciate that." Riley said politely. "But I'm not currently looking for a job right now."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1axPYJS2t 維尼

"Oh, you've found a new one already? What do you do now?" Kathy questioned, and Riley looked away again. Her hands played with the empty mug, still unsure of telling the full truth.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeVjxN1Pyk 維尼

It wasn't a question of trusting them. Even having knowing them for less than a day, Riley had no problems with trusting them. Ah, what the hell? They were miles away from San Francisco, and she doubted any gangs or government figures were going to come after them all the way in Georgia.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZRhHy8KHZ 維尼

"I'm actually…part of a hacker group." She admitted with a carefree shrug. It felt sort of freeing being able to say that aloud. "We target corrupt business and expose injustice to the public."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYlu82Pe9X 維尼

"Oh, like one of those, uh…anonymous folk right?" Jim scratched at his chin, eyes narrowing. "So you're like a freedom fighter almost."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeT4mZmSR3 維尼

Riley tilted her head, thinking about it. DedSec had never been described in that way before, but she supposed it fit. "Yeah, sort of. We try to inform people of how better to protect their personal information, especially with all these city-wide technological systems in place. It's getting harder not to be dragged into some company's scheme or another."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs0pFic1aq 維尼

"There's no better purpose than fighting on someone else's behalf. That's really admirable, Riley. I couldn't ask for more." Jim gave her a genuine, toothy smile, and she couldn't help but return the gesture.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPFNKp5s5z 維尼

"You don't have any financial troubles, do you? I hope for all that risk you'd get paid fairly well." Kathy fretted, a kind concern etched into her face.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GEojktuhK 維尼

"Oh, I'm fine, don't worry." Then, deciding that she could be a bit more honest about some of the morally gray things they did, she admitted, "A lot of the time, we have access to the executives' bank accounts. If we transfer money to someone more deserving, we might take a small portion as payment. So, sometimes we aren't entirely honest about what we do."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡISkVKwkpq5 維尼

They did say they wanted to hear both the good and the bad, after all. But Kathy waved her hand dismissively.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡVniOCqV1Lm 維尼

"Oh, nonsense. That's just a modern day Robin Hood situation. Nothing dishonest about that. As long as you're careful." She warned with a pointed finger. "I'm not gonna meet you properly after all these years just to lose you again."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡibPe1f5jam 維尼

"I plan on sticking around for awhile." Riley smiled in relief. She'd been a bit afraid they'd think she was some sort of criminal. Well, technically, the government could label her that, but she was glad they seemed to understand the value behind what she did.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNPaJxqNp9 維尼

"So you've made lots of friends there?" Kathy questioned expectantly, and Riley nodded. "Good. As long as you enjoy what you do, and you've made some friends, then I'm happy."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡr45q5EqwpV 維尼

"I have." Riley reiterated, just to make sure there weren't any doubts. "I've never been happier than where I'm at now."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvT1R1xbx4 維尼

"What is San Francisco like anyway?" Jim butted in curiously. "We've never gotten around to visiting. Been all around the country for vacations, but not that area."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr05Xd3JRe 維尼

Riley went in depth, explaining what the culture was like, and the people, and the weather. She wanted to paint it in a way that perhaps the two of them would want to visit one day. It wouldn't be a hassle or an inconvenience to travel to Georgia a few times per year to visit for special occasions, but the brunette wanted them to see her home, and her lifestyle, to share in her happiness with them.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6lcQmTWUm 維尼

Just sitting down to talk like this was amazing. She wanted them to meet Pants. And see the Golden Gate Bridge just before the sun sets. Plus, if Riley's intuition was correct, she had a feeling Jim enjoyed fishing—there were various trinkets and wall decorations that had something to do with fishing. She was willing to bet he'd enjoy seeing the pier and the bay. Maybe she could rent out a boat for a day and go sailing with them.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcQ6zN46AX 維尼

There was Chinatown and Alcatraz. She wanted them to see the sea lions sunbathing on Pier 39 too. And try the Chinese food place right near her apartment complex.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QQ0YJqVUf 維尼

And meet Wrench.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5O2zKem0L 維尼

She still wasn't sure how that would work with his mask, if he'd be willing to have it off to meet them at that point or not, but she could cross that bridge when it came down to it. Maybe after some time had passed, he would consider it. She'd never want him doing something that made him uncomfortable.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqStTmCdUR 維尼

"Oh, let me give you tour around our house." Kathy said suddenly, standing from her chair and waving her to follow. "This is your home too, you know. Best to get familiar with it for visits in the future."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWT3t32bNY 維尼

"Ok." Riley agreed, standing from her own seat and heading down the hallway Kathy walked down. Before she got too far, Jim turned around and called after her.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u9G9Hstoy 維尼

"Since you haven't been to Georgia before, Riley, I can give you a tour around town tomorrow if you'd like, just you and me since Kathy is seeing her little group of friends. Course, that all depends how long you planned to stay with us." He suggested.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn68KCjgu5 維尼

"Oh, definitely! I'd love to." She said, and he flashed her a wide smile. Jim wasn't quite as talkative as Kathy was, and maybe some time spent alone with him for awhile will give them the chance they needed to really bond.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPxaKAeQYJ 維尼

"Here, come see the master bedroom. I've got some old pictures lying around somewhere." Kathy called from down the hall, and Riley hurried to meet up with her.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiqMRKkroG 維尼

A vibration by Wrench's head on the couch in his garage startled him out of sleep. Groggily cursing under his breath because did people have any sense of courtesy when it came to letting people get some goddamn sleep around here?, the hacker blindly grabbed for it, the angle awkward with his wrist. Finally latching onto the corner of the device, he dragged it closer and held it up to see who was trying to message him.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmFk5fLo8W 維尼

Yo, you up for a job?8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡP28Hv1Djwe 維尼

Biting back the irritation because a) it was from Marcus, and b) he couldn't have known that Wrench had taken a nap in the middle of the day and he was now tired after being rudely waken up, he tapped out a quick reply. In all honesty, he'd been bored, so a mission might just be what he needed.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqWIGcedhW 維尼

What have you got in mind? Please tell me I'll get to blow something up.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWNED96mdr 維尼

He'd been itching to watch something explode for days now, but just couldn't think of anything he'd want to see do so. Maybe this would be his opportunity. Plus, he'd get to spend some time with Marcus, who'd been by Sitara's side for a majority of his free time.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7bSKxQu0g 維尼

Most definitely. Grab some of those bombs of yours and meet me in front of the old concrete factory in Oakland. I'll tell you about it there.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK7rCoKgHG 維尼

Anything for you, Marky Mark. ~.^8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36q20FAvCH 維尼

That nickname's off limits!8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5aBn3I7yP 維尼

The Dark Stranger?8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEPdjB78mH 維尼

Nope. No way.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡslDB0c74Oi 維尼

I'll think of a better one on the way over. You'll be astounded and awestruck!8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3hRHzu4gS 維尼

Uh huh, sure I will. Just get your skinny ass over here already.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMey0q6VTh 維尼

Wrench's fatigue began to slip away as he stood from the couch excitedly, fingers tingling with the thought of how much destruction he could cause. It'd been a hot minute since the last exciting mission. All of Sitara's leads recently had been purely crypto-hacking without any real infiltration action. While Wrench could bear with those on occasion, he truly shined when he could unleash his anarchist tendencies. He was glad Marcus understood that well.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLrmWPDx2q 維尼

Time to shake off the dust and do something fun.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqGpCiza1w 維尼

After spending some time being shown around the house, it had settled into the evening, and Riley found herself sitting on the floor in the space between the two armchairs. In her arms was a thick scrapbook, filled to the brim with pictures and little inscriptions for each. Kathy was a thorough scrapbooker, capturing every little event and special occasion from the past if she could help it. Of which the brunette was thankful. It gave her plenty to look through and learn about.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlREumeG5V 維尼

Kathy leaned down from her chair, pointing to a group of pictures in the top left corner of the page. "And this here is David's 5th birthday party. He refused to blow out the candles on his cake. Nearly threw a fit when one of the other kids did it for him, too." She recalled with a hearty laugh.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgdRq5GXBN 維尼

David was one of Kathy's sons, the middle child. All in all, Riley had three cousin, all older than her. There was Ricky, the oldest, who lived down in Savannah. He was an architect, and worked on rebuilding and renovating older homes. He had two children of his own, both less than the age of 3.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM5QZwbNjX 維尼

The middle son, David, worked as a bank teller. He'd moved out of state to live in South Carolina. Charleston specifically. Jim lamented the fact that he lived so much farther than the rest of the family, but he'd always known David had been eager for new places and adventure. They were just happy he didn't live halfway across the world, taking what they could get. They also hoped he'd get married soon.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoRNvTg54E 維尼

And lastly was the youngest, Austin. He was only a year older than Riley, but already had a chain of restaurants to his name along the Georgian border. According to both Kathy and Jim, his brand was considered one of the best in the state, often winning recognition and awards for their high quality and unique cuisine. Part of her wondered if half of that claim was familial support, but she didn't doubt it was good food. Someday she'd have to try it.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡffltS0dcDC 維尼

He had a kid of his own, born just a few months ago.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡN47nIBAwex 維尼

"Everyone promised to come down for Christmas this year, so you'll have to come back and meet everyone. I know they'd be excited to see you for the first time. They were always complains about the lack of female cousins." Jim said ruefully, shaking his head with a grin. "I think they get tired of all the testosterone sometimes."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2xhE8chAZ 維尼

"I'm sure." Riley said neutrally. She was a little nervous about suddenly seeing her cousins. Surely they'd come down with Kathy to see them for Christmas that year, but she honestly couldn't remember them at all. Had there been other children around? Suddenly she wasn't sure. Kathy was the only one she remembered.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGlbUEdsGs 維尼

Riley turned to the next page, seeing a picture of two similar looking women sitting side by side. It was an older photo, grainier than the rest, and Kathy tapped it excitedly. "Oh, that's of me and Jocelyn. We weren't more than about 6 years old here. I'm on the right. She's on the left."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSOsgpfGnO 維尼

The brunette tried fitting the faces to the person, but even knowing who was who, she honestly could see any sort of distinguishing difference. They were too alike to tell apart, flashing the exact same smile, eyes both intelligent and sharp, and hands folded neatly in their laps. Their hair was puffed up and fluffed, with the tips of large bows behind their heads.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Syglg8i2W 維尼

"You can't tell each other apart at all." Riley commented, and Kathy nodded.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50lbpRnxAG 維尼

"It wasn't until we were about 12 or 13 that we began looking different from each other. Jocelyn liked styling her hair up, and I liked mine down. Plus, she got interested in make up much earlier than I. She always looked older than me after that."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡClEJqE9ETo 維尼

Riley's eyes skirted over the pages, taking in pictures and the handwritten notes and passages that covered the empty spaces. Kathy's handwriting was neat and even, easy to read.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlB9YkOJnb 維尼

The next page was had a single picture. Riley stopped, seeing her own eyes staring back at her. It was a photo from the visit at Christmas. her mother was knelt on the ground, holding Riley around the middle, smiling brightly into the camera. She looked so happy and unburdened.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGPWdnO32v 維尼

"That's the only picture we have of you." Jim said softly, slowly rocking back and forth in his chair like the elderly tended to do. "It's a good thing Kathy likes taking pictures, otherwise we might not even have had that one."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKEROhVCSk 維尼

"Your mom was always camera shy. Didn't like me coming in there with my camera demanding to take pictures of everything." Kathy said with a small chuckle. "So, I settled for just this one to make her feel better."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9KeUpXkPB 維尼

"I'm glad you took it." Riley said, trailing her finger along the edges where it had been pasted in. There was a rather lengthy passage underneath it, and she began reading.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv4v1m9m6R 維尼

I went to visit Jocelyn and her family in 1999. It was my first time meeting little Riley. She's six years old in this photo, and she was the sweetest bundle of sunshine! She wanted to help bake all the cookies and decorate the tree, and you'd catch an earful if you told her she was just a kid. 'I'm a grown up girl!' she'd tell you in her little huff.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHJtrQR7KI 維尼

Riley smirked, knowing that sounded a lot like her. She kept reading.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjrw1aC97F 維尼

She got to meet the kids, and even though she was the youngest, Riley lead them to great adventures around the house, showing them all of her favorite toys and spots to play. The boys loved her, and followed her around everywhere. It was the cutest thing, seeing a troop of kids running around, off to cause trouble.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhy4IDRjyv 維尼

Grant had a hard time relaxing, but Riley was the biggest help. She asked him to dance around the tree with her, and he obliged. You can't say no to a smile like that. After that, he slowly started to enjoy the holiday with us a bit more. We even convinced him to have a glass of wine! Imagine that.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg45EmgjMf 維尼

It snowed Christmas Day, and little Riley was of course the first one up, sitting by the tree excitedly once we'd all wandered out of bed. I have a feeling she'd been the ringmaster to wake the boys up too, because they were right beside her, bouncing in excitement to open presents. They were so excited, they almost skipped breakfast to start opening presents. Jocelyn got them some cereal, and we all gathered around the tree after that.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡlidWzepORZ 維尼

Riley got the tricycle she'd asked for, and lots of coloring books. Her favorite was the stuffed cat plushy that her dad had bought her. She gave it the cutest name: Socks. She carried it around with her the rest of the day. Those two were inseparable.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBDE1K14nb 維尼

Riley raised a brow, wondering where she'd gotten the penchant for using clothing items as names for pets. Hmm.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg00wQ46os 維尼

It was a wonderful Christmas, as I got to spend time catching up with Jocelyn too. It's been too long since we last spoke. Jim couldn't come with me because of a business trip, so it was just me and the kids this time around. Hopefully he'll be here to go back down for a Thanksgiving or two in the future.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl8GjRHrNb 維尼

Riley smiled as she read the last paragraph, finally turning the page to see the next few photos. Reading over what her aunt had written was heartwarming, because she'd almost completely forgotten about dancing around with her dad, and toting around Socks the Cat. She still didn't have a recollection of having her cousins there, but the other little bits of memory in between were welcome refreshers.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP5UaZv7zL 維尼

"Come get me, motherfuckers!" Wrench shouted out the open window, foot pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor. Marcus just barely managed to strap his seatbelt on before the van shot forward through the chain link fence and plowed onto the main road.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8OQNZNYrL 維尼

Behind them, two black vehicles began pursuing after them, no doubt filled with members of the 580's. Very pissed off 580's. Even further back, thick black smoke was still billowing out of the open windows and doorway of the cement factory where Wrench's explosives had been planted.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNGDw58INY 維尼

Marcus twisted in his seat, watching as a few gang members in the van directly behind them leaned out the windows, holding up assault rifles. When the loud banging of gunfire began, he pressed further down in the seat, hunching low to avoid any bullets. The rear window and a few of the sides one broke with a shatter, letting the swoosh of the wind as they drove faster into the cabin. Wrench started evasive maneuvers to avoid most of the shots, the tires squealing with each turn of the wheel. At these high speeds, they'd be lucky if they didn't roll the van.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSY7hyRZVY 維尼

The nearest enemy van was approaching quickly, and before long they'd be neck and neck. "Can't this thing go any faster?" Marcus yelled, glancing over at his masked friend who looked entirely too enthusiastic about being in the middle of a dangerous, high-speed car chase. Sometimes it was concerning just how insane Wrench could be, especially when he had that happy expression marking his mask, focused on the road and where they were going, but also looking back to see the enemies chasing them.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbWrc1Tli8 維尼

"Well, if we'd had time to get this baby hooked up with nitro, then yes! But as it stands, nope! We're capping at 95 right now." He said, gesturing to the speedometer.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0SiwvDMzs 維尼

His friend shook his head, still concerned about flipping the whole damn vehicle. The other van was still coming closer so Marcus rolled down the window and reached in the seat behind him for his own weapon. Letting out a breath, he popped out the window and fired a few unfocused shots, just to stall them a bit.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP7FdOGKAo 維尼

It had the desired effect, and the driver backed off, putting more distance between them and the van. Marcus ducked back into the inside before they could return any fire, and he looked over at Wrench.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡItu8gXkSKG 維尼

"You'd think they'd be a little more understanding about having all of their smuggled cocaine shipments destroyed!" Marcus quipped with snark, and Wrench howled with laughter, sounding robotic and tinny with his mask in place.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVMjYnJTF3 維尼

Police sirens grew louder, and two cop cars joined in the chase, taking up spots behind the 580's vans. The gang members noticed too, because a few of their people started popping shots at the cops now too.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFOrpFVlZm 維尼

"Brace yourself!" Wrench yelled, and Marcus grabbed onto something just as the hacker sent the van careening down the freeway exit. It was miraculous they hadn't hit any of the other cars in traffic up to the point, and even more so that he managed to squeeze the van past the waiting cars at the bottom, sending them in a screeching left turn to try shaking their pursuers.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QnsWHEE6B 維尼

The 580's van that had been closest to theirs followed after them. The other, along with the police, continued down the freeway. Now that it was down to just one van, things were a bit more manageable. Wrench zigzagged through traffic, taking random turns to try getting rid of the 580's chasing them. They still took shots at the van, but luckily hadn't hit the tires yet.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpEvTiGliY 維尼

Thanks to Wrench's excellent evasive skills, they were all to lose line of sight with the following van. They ditched the van in an alley, then broke into a nearby sedan, hiding down in the seats to avoid detection.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIvyv6ZdPL 維尼

They watched as they passed by the alley, seeing the abandoned car and started slowing down, searching the area for them. Wrench waited until they were out of sight before starting up this new vehicle, slowly easing them out of the parking lot and back towards the hackerspace.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ2xzt84tu 維尼

"So, did that satisfy your need for chaos?" Marcus asked in a breathless manner, just lucky to be alive with the anarchist's driving. The man in question flashed hearts at him.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡTndMRbxKID 維尼

"Fuck yeah! Did you see the beautiful destruction? The flying debris and screaming? Absolute…perfection." He drawled out, relaxing his grip on the steering wheel as they cruised at an easy pace.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyvHmKVDW1 維尼

"Sometimes I wonder how you're still alive, man." Marcus admitted with a shake of his head, chuckling to himself under his breath. "You're a crazy mofo, you know that?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDT0upmZZq 維尼

"Ah, but I'm your crazy mofo." Wrench emphasized with a playful wink, holding out a fist to bump. Marcus returned the gesture, leaning back in his seat for the rest of the drive home. Then, all of a sudden, Wrench perked up again. "Oh, yeah I almost forgot. You were right. The Dark Stranger is too…bleh. Not anything special. I figured out a new one.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyWkF31FGJ 維尼

Marcus was curious, only to see what new ridiculous nickname he'd have to bear hereafter. "Oh yeah? What's that?"8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdvm2w2QdD 維尼

Wrench laughed under his breath, then turned to him with a wink. "Sexual Chocolate."8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ31foPVX3w 維尼

Marcus couldn't hold back the groan, or the bewildered laugh that followed, and both hackers were cracking up the rest of the way back to the hackerspace, another mission successful.8964 copyright protection362ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdSQDWsR0w 維尼

3.236.221.156