C2 Episode Two

I dressed up for the evening, trying my best to look as intimidating as possible. Shalom set up a dinner date between I, her and our new lover Matt. No one gets to play and hurt Shalom. My dressing this evening is focused on ensuring the message is visibly and efficiently passed without much talking.

Midnight black pants with leather jackets and marching boots to go. I looked like a biker girl down the street, always ready for a punch or two. Well tonight I was ready to deliver punches if Matt tried anything aside loving Shalom adorably.

I picked up my black crossing bag from the hanger and left the house. The sound of my boot crunching the snow was satisfying. It reminded me of the last time I had to wear the boot for Shalom. Soft hearted girls are the best but they tend to attract simps to themselves out of the need to care for everyone. Shalom’s last date had locked her in a hotel room and raped her for days.

Girl code 001, “Always text your location with a new man who you intend to have sensual fun with.” This emergency codes developed by both of us was what saved Shalom. After the night of her text, I didn’t hear from her and her calls were sent right to voice mail. I reported to Chicago Police but a person can only be declared missing if not seen within 3 days. So, I dressed like a knight in black amour and went to look for my girl. That night was the most horrific of all experiences we ever shared together. He fractured Shalom at a fundamental level. Even after many years of therapy and reassurance of love, I wonder if Shalom has healed enough to want to be with this Matt or it was a gateway for the emotional crises buried within her.

I hailed a taxi and got to the Bity bites restaurant, somewhere cool, yet local enough for me to initiate some punching, earn myself cheers from the crowd and disappear before the police ever got there.

Matt and Shalom were already seated, all lovey dovey at a bright corner before I sauntered in. I guess revisiting where you fell in love with each other intensified the love. L Shalom in all her girlish glory raised an eyebrow at me like “Girl! What the heck are you wearing?!” She better gets used to it, I ain’t letting no asshole take her away from me without being a real man. I walked up to them.

“Hello” I stretched out my hands and took his. “I’m Alexandria Miller, simply call me Alexie.” He made to reply and I waved him off.

“I know. Your name is Matt. I’ve heard it so many times.” Call me rude. I’ll keep you in check.

I sat down with my shoulders high to remind whoever was planning any asshole thing that they won’t get away with it. Ping. My phone vibrated.

“Girl keep the tone down, we know you’re my protector! This should be a lovely night out. Sighs. ( ”

I rolled my eyes for seconds then looked up to see Matt leaning forward on the table to meet my eyes, smiling like I hadn’t just acted all macho with a touch of saving knight brouhaha.

“I’m Matt Johnson. Simply call me Matt. My Shalom has said a lot about you too. Thank you for being there when nature hasn’t sent me her way.”

Oh! What a declaration! Subtle words implying “back off”. Now I have to fight for my best friend with a man who clearly thinks he deserved all of Shalom. I caught Shalom grinning from ear with ear with mischief staring at both of us. She’s going to get an earful from me. Later.

I smiled cynically at Matt and called the waiter to serve us. What a night!

After we left, Shalom said Matt was taking her home and I could join for him to drop me off. Yes, you guessed right. I refused. I’d rather walk home and savor the night beauty.

The tech job interview billboard had a job advert tonight. Greg Tech, the highest ranked company with equipped cyber personnel was looking for a freelancer on ethical hacking or any from other companies to get rid of a malware and set a trap to trace the intruder.

Name of malware: Undisclosed. It would be made known to the hacker who agreed to attempt it under a signed strict contract not to disclose the work details to anyone.

Pay: To be chosen by the hacker who cracks it.

This is a life changing opportunity for any hacker. Working with Greg Tech was a triple plus in your CV. Solving a case that eluded all of its cyber security specialists would place one at the top radar. The most sought after cyber security personnel in the world.

Goodluck to whoever was going to crack this. The world is their stage.

The next day came so fast with a loud bang of my door waking me. I startled and rolled out of bed.

“Alexie!!!” Shalom’s shrilled voice screamed as she pushed the door to my room.

I un blanketed myself and sluggishly stood up, rubbing my eyes.

She stood in front of me grinning from ear to ear. Uh, so much for privacy, what if I had a man with me?

“Alexie! You can’t believe this job offer. So, I told Matt about your tech work and how good you are with hacking malware bla bla…”

“Shaalom calm down and talk, stop being so breathless”

“Shut up please! He’s a finance analyst at Greg Tech, yes the one you know and he says there’s a malware at their finance data and the company is in search of anyone who will get rid of it and get paid any amount they want!” She stared at me excited, then in disbelief. I was not acting surprised.

“I’ve seen the advert Shalom, yesterday night at the Tech billboard” I sighed and sat down back on the bed. So much for the premature waking.

“Let me get this straight. You’ve seen the billboard, the job offer. That’s good. Why exactly are you not drafting an application letter or you’ve already sent one?”

“I’m not taking up the offer girl.”