....

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Damien

I made my way into the office and was relieved that word of a breach had not come out. If it had, all hell would break loose. I needed to get to Henry and see just how far this hacker got into my system. I step into the elevator and press the 4th floor button. I pace with worry as the elevator takes me up. As the doors peel open I am met with the regular busy flow of the office. I head to my right down the long hall towards our server room where Henry had his office.

As I enter he stands and faces me with a very grim look. I can see the disapproval in his stare but he refrains from saying anything as I step in and closed the door then approach him.

"How far did he get in?" I ask as he turns and takes his seat.

I look at the various monitors he has setup on his desk and watch him tap away at his keyboard.

"Not far, only a couple of layers in just above the surface." He says as he continues to type and point to his left screen.

I nodded as he gave me the rundown of the steps he is taking to make sure this does not happen.

"The important thing is that they did not do any major damage." He says .

I disagree. "No, Henry it's not good. The point is they did get through. I poured out top dollar for this system so that we don't have these kinds of issues."

A sudden quietness settles in the room as he lowers his head and nods.

" Fix this!" I order as I turn away.

"Sure thing boss," he mumbles as I walk away.

I walk the long hall back towards my office. I try not to make eye contact with the venomous stare of Vanessa while she sits at her desk. But regrettably, she is my receptionist and I have to talk to her.

"Hold all of my calls and cancel my 3:00 appointment." I don't give her a chance to question my decisions. I walk straight to my office and immediately shut the door behind me.

I make my way to the ceiling to floor windows and take in the big city beyond the glass. "Where the hell are you?" I clench my jaw. I was pissed because I was so close to locating him only to lose him.

"I'll find you." It's a sure promise that I will.

I turn away and pull out my chair to sit. I am really in no mood to work but who else is going to finish my reports and attend my meetings?

I shake my mouse and begin my harrowing day.

I reach over and pick up the receiver from my phone. I brace myself for the slight nasal response of Vanessa and her thick Brooklyn accent. I sometimes wonder why I still deal with her, and no explanation comes to mind except for the fact that the sex was okay. I know I am pathetic prick but that's all I got.

""YES!, Mr. Frost." She answers.

"Can you bring me some coffee, please?"

"Would you like sugar and cream with that.... preferably Arsenic?" she says.

The sarcasm oozes through the line. She is pissed. I sit back some knowing full well that all I have to do is mentioned the need for her later and this whole conversation and attitude will be forgotten.

"Yes, cream and sugar. Hold the Arsenic," A smile slowly forms on my lips as she huffs in frustration.

"Fine," she says and hangs up.

I hang up the phone and begin working on a spreadsheet that was a headache that needed to be finished.

A short while passes before there is a light tap on the door and Vanessa enters with a piping hot cup of my coffee. I briefly watch as she walks in and places it on my desk. I'm too caught up in my report to display any type of emotion to acknowledge her the way she wants me to. The emphasis on her seductive walk I know too well that I can envision it with my eyes closed. But I thank her and give her a brief nod before returning my attention to this aggravating report. The door slightly closes, and I continue typing away.

Time had passed and by the time I looked at my clock it was almost mid-day.

I knew at any moment I was going to be approached with the famous "Where are we going for lunch?" question by Vanessa. With all that is going on, I seriously don't have the appetite.

By 12 o'clock, I managed to make my excuse stick and watched as she pouted and walked out of my office. It was a long grueling day and finally I stood from my desk, grabbed my brief case and walked out into reception area.

I didn't bother to even maintain a conversation with her as she was on the phone. I could tell she was anxious to end the call but I just as quick waved goodbye and hauled ass towards the elevator not daring to look back. I needed to be alone tonight. I needed to unwind.

When I finally got home I place my things on my counter and head over to my mini bar to pour myself some whiskey. It was well needed the way I felt. My mind kept returning to my interaction with the hacker. I can't help thinking of just how easily he maneuvered his way into my system. I draw in a deep breath remembering that I left Henry to resolve this problem. The last thing I need is for some cybercriminal getting a hold of funds from my company. It would ruin me.

I turn away and begin undressing while I walk towards my office. Despite the drama that has taken up my morning, the mental note of finishing up some reports is front and center on my mind.

I place my glass on my desk and bring my computer to life. I slump in my chair, briefly look at the time and begin to work. I'm used to burning the midnight oil when it came to my business. I didn't get this far of owning a multi-million dollar corporation, by being lazy.

I save my document and open up one of my spreadsheets, suddenly a chat window appeared.

What the..?

Whatcha doing?

I'm floored with the message. I look at my screen for a bit and I'm frozen to the spot.

Hellooo!!!....I know you're there.

I hesitate.

To engage means I'm open to get hacked or I'm being distracted.

I see you're doing reports...

I refrain from answering but he is still in my system.

That looks boring. How about a game?

A laugh escapes me and immediately I sober up. I can't believe what I'm seeing or reading. This dude is persistent.

Why are you bothering me. Don't you have something else better to do?

Not really. Like I said, I'm bored.

Look I'm busy, get out of my computer.

I could but what fun would that be? Besides

You seem like someone that may needs a little distraction.

I said, I'm busy.

I am getting annoyed at this point and I just feel like shutting off my computer and continuing my work offline. I reach for my mouse then all of a sudden I lose control of it. I watch as my pointer dances across the screen. Then a screen pops up. It's a Chess board.

I sit back and cross my arms. What is his aim? Why is he doing this?

If you win, I will walk away and never bother you again.

How generous of you. And if you win?

You mean when.

What?

You mean when I win.

Whatever...

When I win, I get full access to your computer.

The hell you will!

I mean you can give this a fighting chance,

play the game and win then I walk away.

Unbelievable! The nerve of this guy.

Fine! Let's get this over with. I have stuff I need to do.

You go first...

I draw in a deep breath. He chose the right person to goad because I am not one to back down from a challenge. So, I choose black. I am beside myself that I am even engaging with this guy. I can see Henry right now shaking his head in disappointment. Worse with the first move that I made.

Immediately as it all started, I knew that I fell into an opening trap. I held my own and quickly realized that he was good, too good. I have to admit at this point that he is kicking my ass and my pride to the floor. I'm severely distracted and not fully immersed in this game and in no time, I lose.

I'm super pissed, and I immediately stand and do what I should have done from the get go. I killed the power to my modem. My heart raced like hell as I stood and reached for the cord behind my desk. I prayed he didn't get anything. But who am I kidding, while we played, he could have planted something. Frustration rises within me.

FUCK!!!

I slump down in my chair and reach for my mouse. I stare at the report I was working on. I had to scrap it along with everything on my laptop and completely format it. It's the only way to wipe my system clean just in case he planted something in my computer.

DAMN IT!!!

I'm such a fool.

I turn on my computer and proceed with the steps to begin wiping my hard drive. I'm so upset at this moment; I just press enter at the prompt warning me that my data will be lost if I go forward. I stand and walk away. I don't give it a second thought as I pressed enter, quickly to take a shower and just go to bed.

Peyton

That was the boldest thing I've ever done. I know I'm wrong for it, but I could not help myself. I was bored.

It was a game I had to admit was played with little effort. I knew he was an excellent player. Bazaar Weekly said he was. Guiltily, I pick up the magazine and stare at his face again. I am highly aware that lately I have gotten carried away with all things, Damien Frost. When I shouldn't.

I toss the magazine back on my nightstand and slowly stand to go to the kitchen. It's the second night in a row that I haven't heard from or seen my brother and that had me worried. I open the fridge as if food was magically going to appear. Disappointed and tired my gaze skims over the left-over weeks old box of Chinese rice and a half empty Gallon of Milk that no doubt must be spoiled by now. I close the door and turn to look at the clock. It's super late. It is almost 1 in the morning.

Nervously I bite on my lip. I need to eat, and I'm strapped for cash. My stomach makes a growling noise. I shut my eyes and just reach in the fridge for the rice; I dig in the cabinet for a plate and dump it on it. Thank goodness mold has not grown on it yet. I reach for the ketchup and pour it over it before popping it in the Microwave. It's not the most ideal meal but it will have to do. I reach for my phone and quickly tap out a text message and send it.

Damn it! Jeremy. Where are you?

After I'm done, I wash my plate out and turn everything off, lock the front door and head back to my room. I grab my remote and turn on the TV then settle in for some late-night shows. I barely get through two commercials before I drift off to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

NEXT DAY

BioGen Plasma Center

"Come on, Gabe. Please I swear I'm okay. I ate a full breakfast." I gave my most convincing smile despite the huge fat lie hanging over my head.

I anxiously watch him shake his head. "No Peyton, it's too soon. Besides, when is the last time you checked your —..."

"Fine!, I'll go. Can you at least spot me a $50, I haven't heard from Jeremy in 2 days and there is no food."

I felt so embarrassed admitting this and I was even more upset he wouldn't let me donate. I normally came here to make my self-giving gift of plasma donation and receive my orange juice and sandwich along with anywhere from $25 to $50 dollars. The payout sometimes fluctuates depending on the facility.

He nods his head then reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. I watch as his face saddens as he holds up $30.

"This is all I got on me."

My shoulders slouch. I hold out my hand either way thankful for whatever he gives me. He places it in my hand but gently tightens his fingers around mine.

"You know you can always come and stay with me, Peyton." He holds my hand in such a gentle manner.

Deep down I could accept. But to do so would be crossing the line in so many ways because I don't have feelings for him, but he does for me. I would be setting myself up for something bad if I accepted his offer and gave him nothing in return.

I nodded. "I know, Gabe. But thanks. Things are going to get better." I assure him.

I turn away and walk off towards the nearest market to find something to eat then head home. The whole time throughout the day, I check my phone, But Jeremy still hadn't replied.

I headed down my street towards a bodega that was around the corner from my place. $30 dollars should get me the bare minimum for 3 days. Hopefully by then Jeremy will surface. Hopefully.

I know I should be worried, to be honest deep down I am panicking because he has never disappeared like this before. I step into the bodega and completely inhale the aroma of food. But I need to stick to the plan of buying the bare essentials. Milk, bread, a couple of cans of tuna, rice, a pack of hotdogs, Sandwich meat, a pack of ramen noodles and eggs. Hopefully this will leave me some change.

I thanked the cashier as she bagged my groceries. I walked home noticing that the day was getting gloomy. I had heard that the weather was going to be icky for the next couple of days. I felt relieved when I made it to my building. I unlocked my door and immediately my phone rang. I dropped my groceries on the table, looked at it then saw Jeremy's name and I answered it.

"Jeremy?"

"No, not Jeremy," a deep voice came through on the line.

"Who is this? Why do you have my brother's phone?"

"Too many questions and so little time," he grumbled.

My stomach suddenly dropped.

"It has come to our attention that you can hack into anything," he mumbled.

There was a pause as fear crept slowly through me. I could barely answer.

"So, can you?" he asks.

"Yes," It's all I could say.

"Very good. Well, here is what you are going to do. You see, Jeremy here owes my boss some money and he wants it back."

I drew in a shaky breath. "How much?"

"$650, 000," he says.

I could feel my legs getting weak. How in the world did Jeremy get into this and spend $650,000?

"We don't have that type of money." I tremble as that admission may have sealed my fate.

"We know. That's why my boss is reaching out to you. So that you can use your special skills to get it."

To get it? I could feel the hairs on my neck stand.

"Get it, But how?" Deep down I knew what he wanted me to do. But I couldn't.

"Really! Do I have to spell it out for you," He scoffed.

My stomach began to turn. "No! I can't."

"Yes, you can. And you will, if you ever want to see your brother again."

Utter dread filled my veins with what he said. "Please don't hurt him. I want to speak to him."

A brief pause followed. I nervously gripped my phone tighter. I could hear scuffling in the background. My heart raced painfully in my chest.

"Pey?" Jeremy's familiar voice came over the line.

"Oh my God, Jeremy." I let out a sob.

"I'm fine, I need you to do as they say," he blurts out breathlessly.

"Jeremy, what did you do?"

"I am so sorry, Pey. I was trying the easy way out. To get us out of here. To get a better life." He said.

"I can't ..." I whispered

"You have to, Pey. They want their money. If not, they are going to kill me."

"Jeremy." I could barely get the words out before the other voice returned.

"You heard your brother. Can we count on you?"

I tightened my eyes. I couldn't stop shaking.

"Fine. I will do it."

"Good!" You have 48 hours to deliver it to my boss's account. We will text you the details."

And like that he hung up.

This was a nightmare. I couldn't do this, but I had to. My brother life depended on it. My phone chirped and I swiped my screen. I walked to the living room and sat on the couch. I don't know how long I stared at the screen with the wire transfer information.

I placed my phone down on the coffee table. I blindly stared at the carpet, lost with what to do. I know what I had to do to save his life. Hack into a bank and steal $650,000. But I'm not a criminal. Sure, I'm a hacker, but what I do is harmless. I don't steal data, plant malicious software or damage systems like black hat hackers do.

To do what these guys want in order to save my brother's life, if I'm caught, it could land me with some serious time in Federal Prison. I'm not saying that I can't get in and out quickly. But banks have high-end cybersecurity. It would be suicide to do it.

I stood and began to pace. Think Peyton!

What are you going to do to save Jeremy?

An overwhelming sense of doom spread over me as I went over my options. I couldn't lose my brother. No. I had to save him, but which other way? As I stood there, I looked down on the coffee table and my eyes fell on the magazine cover with Damien Frost. I shake my head and look away. I couldn't do it.

So much was going through my mind. I felt mentally overwhelmed and physically exhausted. I felt defeated before even trying to get anything done. I sat down on the couch and stared at the magazine once again.

I closed my eyes. I need to think about Jeremy. He was in this predicament mainly because of me. He gave up so much to take care of me when our parents died. I knew underneath the reassuring smiles and encouraging, loving words he would give me, were a smoke screen to his sadness.

So, this is for him. I straightened up and grabbed the magazine.

I need to act fast and strategize a plan to get into Damien Frost's system, seek out his vulnerability and funnel $650,000 out of his accounts without them knowing. There was no time for rest, I needed to start now if I am going to save my brother.