Milo picked up his phone. It was Nigel.

“That is strange. I was just thinking I should give you a call and you rang.”

“I just sent you a text. Please tap on the link to install it.”

Milo did as Nigel asked.

“A cryptocurrency app?”

“It is a Digibit communications app that I wrote. It will allow you to send covert messages through the Digibit network.”

“Wow, I didn’t know that was possible.”

“Normally it isn’t, but Mr. Henry knows a lot about encryption, and between my programming and his skills, I was able to develop an app.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Awesome! How does it work?”

“First, I will need to send you some Digibit crypto. Once you have that, it costs a small fraction to send a message through its secure application programming interface, or API.”

“Are our phones safe?”

“I’m not sure if the Pretzelverse communication app installed any malicious code; I haven't been able to find any, but I don’t want to take that chance.”

Several minutes later, they were talking over a secure Digibit link. The communication wasn’t instant, but at least Nigel was positive that it wasn’t being tapped.

“Jet contacted me. She wants to meet,” Nigel said via the Digitbit link.

“When and where?”

“At the computer lab after school tomorrow.”

“I don’t have access to that lab yet. But I think I know a way in.”

“Okay, in the back of the lab there is a break room that students can reserve for collaborations. I have made a reservation.”

“See you tomorrow, Nige.”