We arrived at the location provided by Suzi. However, the neighborhood was in shambles, with missing doors, smashed windows, and holes in the walls. It looked as if it had been through a war or some sort of disaster. As we walked around, all we could see were remnants of what was once a beautiful and thriving community.
With a hint of curiosity, I asked, "Anyone want to place their bets on what happened here?"
"I have no idea. My best guess would be gang violence, but who knows for sure?" Henry responded with. I turned to Suzi, hoping she could shed some light on the situation, but she was too engaged with her laptop to pay attention.
"I thought you managed to convince her to quit being a Netrunner," Henry said, expressing his concern.
"So did I, but a regular job just doesn't cut it for her."
"Let her do what she loves Max."
"I know it's just that" Henry cut me off before I could say more.
"Max, she's not your sister. I know she's younger than us but being a Netrunner at 18 is far better than what we were doing at 18. Remember when we were 18? Do you want me to remind you?"
By 18, we had become involved in the Almano crime family, engaging in all sorts of criminal activities. As for what happened on my 18th birthday, that's a story for another time.
Suzi interrupted our conversation. "Hey! Are you two coming?"
We continued walking through the neighborhood until we reached the location on her laptop, the location itself was a house with the windows smashed and the front door half missing.
As we stepped into the house, I couldn't help but notice the unsettling silence that filled the air. Except for the faint noises echoing from outside, the house was eerily quiet, which only added to my growing unease. The stench that greeted me was putrid, and it made my stomach churn.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something sinister lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on us. To stay safe, I made sure to retrieve one of my guns, as I couldn't be certain of what threats lay ahead.
Searching around the house I spotted a photo and its frame smashed on the floor. Cleaning the glass off the floor I picked up the photo and took a closer look at the photo, it appeared to be a couple but it's hard to make out as the photo is worn out.
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I decided to put the photo on a table as that seems to be the best place for it, not on the floor. We continued to search each room but to no avail, all we could find were broken tables, sofas ripped apart, thick layers of dust covering the television, and bullet holes in the walls.
I pointed at the bullet holes. “Come look at this...” Henry and Suzi came to have a look at the bullet holes. “Guess you were right Henry.”
Suzi then pitched in with her suggestion on where the bullet holes came from. “What if it was the work of a cyberpsycho.”
If it was a cyberpsycho then we are fucked, if one person could do this amount of damage to an entire neighborhood, then the three of us would be nothing to them.
“Come on We've still got upstairs to check as well.”
Walking up the stairs I could feel some of the floorboards on the stairs crack. Upon reaching the top of the stairs it looked far worse than it did downstairs. Instead of a window being smashed, someone decided to rip the window frame out of the wall leaving a massive hole in the wall.
After a thorough search of every room, all we managed to find where broken glass and furniture debris scattered about. As we were about to give up hope, our attention was drawn to a peculiar sight.
One door stood out from the rest, locked and seemingly impenetrable. It was unusual because typically a closed door can be easily opened with a light tap, but this one remained shut even when Henry pushed on it, leaving us with more questions than answers.
“Strange... Max help me with this.”
“Ready? 3...2...1 push!” Henry and I put our whole weight on the door, but nothing happened
“Let me try something.” We decided to kick the door in. We readied ourselves and channeled all our power in our feet.
“3...2...1...Now!”
The door did move out of position but still won't open.
We readied ourselves again.
“3...2...1...Now!”
SMASH!
As the door was thrust open with great force, a thunderous noise reverberated throughout the vicinity, possibly alerting passersby to its presence.
"Nice work man." Henry and I fist-bumped
Once inside, it became unmistakably evident that the space had been inhabited, as evidenced by the remnants of canned food littering the area, a dingy and threadbare mattress, a scattering of clothes left on the windowsill, and a solitary letter lying on the floor which read the following.
Kyle, I heard about the unfortunate incident that happened with your job. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. I just wanted to reach out and let you know that you can always count on me for support, no matter what happens. We've faced tough situations together in the past, and I firmly believe that we can overcome this one too.
Molly has been asking about you a lot lately, and truth be told, she misses you terribly. I think it would be a great idea for you to come home and spend some time with her. I understand that you may not want to put us in danger, but as her father, you have a responsibility to be there for her.
Please consider coming home, not just for me, but for Molly's sake too. She needs her father, especially during these trying times. You're not alone in this, and I'm here for you, every step of the way.
With heartfelt love and support,
Jade