Techno Crazed (Hacked Investigations) Read online

  Sighing, he slid her skirt down her hips, then turned his attention to the dainty, blood-soaked blouse she wore. It couldn’t be saved. He grimaced and grabbed a pair of scissors from Bernard’s bag to cut it off of her. Stepping aside, he let Bernard get to work.

  Gnomish magic hummed through the air as Bernard chanted soft words and made small gestures near the wound, which still bled heavily. He was quiet, never a good sign, focused solely on his magic and the cleaning of the wound.

  “What’s taking you so long?” Ian asked and nudged Bernard’s hat, which normally drove the gnome mad.

  Bernard glared and punched a slightly curved metallic tool into the wound, making Hannah scream in pain. Before Ian could do anything, the gnome muttered something and pulled the instrument back out. A piece of metal and cloth from her tattered shirt rested on it.

  Muttering something about infection, the gnome pulled a few talismans from his bag and continued chanting. Finally, the bleeding seemed to lessen, and Bernard stitched the wound closed.

  Hannah had passed out again. Her skin was stark pale, and her chest rose and fell in even, peaceful breaths. While the gnome’s methods were crude, his magic more than compensated for it. His healing abilities were great, but he rarely bothered to help anyone.

  Bernard’s gaze fixated on Hannah’s breasts. His small hand reached out toward them. “Stop that. Let her rest.” Ian walked over to the couch and draped a blanket over her, much to Bernard’s evident dismay. Not that he blamed the little guy… much. The soft curves of her body invited him to caress her. “And please, go turn everything off. We can’t afford another huge electricity bill.”

  The gnome huffed and stomped off, doing as he had been asked.

  Ian sat in his favorite armchair again, watching Hannah as she lay unconscious. He wanted to be there when she woke up. Well, he also didn’t want Bernard to molest her. That wouldn’t earn him any points. Not like he felt worthy of her after the neglect he’d put her through.

  What had that brought him? Loneliness, no job, and possession of a very annoying gnome.

  Sighing, he leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. He could really go for some whiskey, but he dared not bring alcohol into his home, lest he have a drunken gnome roaming around.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Hannah blinked and stared at her unfamiliar surroundings. Where was she? Her gaze landed on Ian, reclined in an overstuffed chair. His eyes were closed, and his breath came out deep and evenly. She calmed… a little. The small, creepily cheerful-looking guy with the pointed red hat sat on the coffee table watching her.

  Touching her side beneath the blanket, her fingertips brushed a few stitches in her skin. Wait! Bare skin. Glancing under the quilt, she groaned. Just her bra and panties.

  She held the blanket against her and sucked in a deep breath. Pain lanced her side, and she winced. Her hackles rose as the small person continued to sit there and stare at her curiously. Why was he doing that?

  “What are you?” she asked in a low voice, not wanting to wake Ian.

  The little guy stood, cocking his fists on his hips. “What am I? What am I! I’ll tell you what I am. A gnome.” His voice was crazy loud.

  She raised her eyebrows and scooted away, but he marched as close as the coffee table would allow, which wasn’t the distance she wanted between them. “A gnome?” Skepticism filled her voice.

  “Do you have a problem with that? I didn’t have to help you! I deserve more RESPECT than what’s being SHOWN!” He twitched and stomped around with a grumpy look on his face. “Hhrrrmpf!”

  Ian straightened in the chair and rubbed his eyes. “What’s going on?”

  “There’s a gnome in your living room.” She sighed and buried her face in the blanket. Even with everything she’d experienced at her office, she was having a hard time believing that this wasn’t some messed up fantasy.

  “Yeah, I know. He saved your life.” Ian moved to sit next to her feet and placed a hand against her leg. She peeked up at him. “His name is Bernard. I found him a couple of years ago. He’s like a pet.”

  “Pet? You’re calling me your PET?” Bernard’s eyes twinkled with hints of craziness. Definitely not something to mess with.

  Ian grimaced. “Poor word choice. Anyway, I think you should stay here. They might’ve staked out your apartment to capture or kill you.”

  Bernard jumped up and down on the coffee table. “What? Why don’t I get a say in this?” He threw himself down and rolled around, a little too close for comfort.

  She stood, heedless of the pain, and wrapped the quilt around herself tightly. Of course, she was happy Ian and the gnome had rescued her, but this was too much for her. Backing away from them, she headed toward the other side of the couch. She didn’t want to be this frazzled. Not when people were out to kill her.

  Her clothes lay on the floor next to the coffee table. Just great. She tugged her lower lip between her teeth and sighed.

  Ian watched her, narrowing his eyes. At least he noticed her uneasiness. “Because she’s my guest, Bernard. That’s why. Go to your little house. You need to rest after casting all that magic.”

  Bernard stopped flailing and looked between Ian and her. “Why? You want to GET IT ON with the pretty girl? No, I’m not leaving!” The melodramatic tone of voice the gnome used grated on her last nerve.

  Ian gave him a blank stare. “Don’t make me force you.”

  “You wouldn’t!” The gnome hopped to his feet.

  “I would.” Ian leaned forward, and just like that, Bernard ran. Ian tossed his hand out, throwing small shreds of electrified cables he kept in his pocket that wrapped around the gnome. He grabbed the little guy and checked the restraints before carrying him off to another room.

  Hannah blinked and took a few steps back, unable to believe what she’d just seen. What had Ian done? Reality really had to be screwing with her now. Her knees gave out, sending her to the floor. The agony in her side made breathing hard.

  A loud, metallic click sounded from the other side of the room. Then footsteps raced around the couch.

  “Hannah? Are you okay?” Ian’s voice drew her gaze to his concerned face.

  “What did you do? What are you?” She gulped, unsure if she wanted an answer to that.

  He frowned, and a muscle clenched in his jaw. “I probably shouldn’t have done that in front of you. I… well… I’m a technomage. Basically I use and simulate magic through technology.”

  “What?” She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. Pain formed at her temples. “Whoa. How long have you… ?”

  “Since puberty. My mother was also a technomage.” He shrugged a shoulder. “It’s always been part of who I am. I’m just pretty good at hiding it.”

  She blinked. Wow, his mother had seemed so normal when she’d met his parents. Had she really known him? He seemed like a stranger. No, she wouldn’t throw away their memories together because he’d hidden part of himself. She wouldn’t do that to him. Or she’d try not to, at least. “Were you ever going to tell me? Like if things had progressed between us?”

  He helped her up and grabbed the blanket, keeping her covered. “I would have, eventually. Wouldn’t be nice of me to do otherwise, you know?”

  She nodded and stared into his brown eyes. “I’ve missed you.”

  He released a breath and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve missed you too. God, I really screwed things up, didn’t I?”

  Placing her hand against his chest, she angled her face to brush her lips against his. “We both did.”

  Ian ran his hand through her hair, cupping the back of her head before deepening the kiss. His mouth possessed hers like a thirsty man at a well. He always kissed hard and desperately, and she loved it.

  “I hear you two.” The gnome’s yell was muffled. “At least go to the bedroom, but take me with!”

  Ian scooped her into his arms, making her feel desirable. He carried her into the bedroom and kicked the door shut. Crossi
ng the room, he set her down and ran his hands over her neck, shoulders, and down to her hips.

  “You’re so beautiful, Hannah. I missed out on a lot when—”

  “Hush. Don’t think about that. We’re together now.” She drew his face down to hers, kissing him.

  He held himself over her, obviously being careful of her wounded state. She appreciated that, but part of her didn’t care about the injury, she just needed him.

  He stiffened and glanced over his shoulder, looking at the door. She followed his gaze to see the gnome peeking inside.

  “Sorry to disturb the party. As much as I’d like to listen to you two HAVE SEX, there’s stuff to be done!” Bernard looked as happy as ever, and she so wanted to wipe that cheerfulness off his face.

  Yet he was right. Damn it. She still needed to check out the donut shop. There was a possibility they might find evidence of a struggle that they could bring to the police. But hadn’t she heard a couple weeks back about someone spreading rumors of police involvement with MAX Home Security?

  Ian rolled next to her and placed his hands over his face. He let out a ragged sigh. “Fine. We’ll be out in a moment.”

  “No more SEX!” The gnome slammed the door behind him.

  “Why do you put up with him?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. He tends to be okay. Most of the time, that is.” He propped up on his elbow and ran a fingertip along her arm. “He’s dangerous, though. Don’t antagonize him. He drives people to suicide. That’s what happened to his previous owner. I happened to be nearby, and Bernard started following me no matter what I did.”

  “How do you keep him from killing you?” Hannah frowned.

  “I keep him happy enough. Besides, my power doesn’t let him impact me much.” He glanced back at the door. “Unfortunately, we need to get going before he bursts in here again.”

  She nodded and stared down at the quilt. “Would be easier if I had something to wear. I saw your living room floor; you cut my blouse off.”

  He sighed. “Right. Well, I can give you some sweatpants and a T-shirt. Guess we’ll need to do some clothes shopping.” Cocking an eyebrow at her, he smiled. “Not that I mind.”

  “Okay, what did you do to the Ian I know? You used to hate when I took you shopping.” She grinned.

  Ian shrugged. “I’m just glad to do stuff with you now. I’m not like I used to be.” He glared at the door before glancing back at her. “Trust me.”

  “I do.” She nodded. “With my life.”

  His lips thinned into a pink line. “I’m going to do everything I can to make you safe again. I swear.” He caressed his thumb along her jaw line and brushed his lips against hers once more before getting out of bed.

  She leaned her head back, indulging in the masculine scent from his pillow. Her body relaxed into the plushness of the mattress. She could lay like this forever. Who knew if working together would affect their relationship in more than just a nice to see you, strangers passing in the night way? She shook herself and eased out of bed, careful of her side. It still felt like she was being repeatedly stabbed.

  “Here’s some clothes for now. I’ll be right outside,” he said, setting the gray sweats on the bed. His gaze lingered on her face, then dipped lower, as if he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

  Not like she could blame him. She felt that way about him too.

  “Thanks. I really appreciate this. All of it. I’d be in real bad shape if it wasn’t for you.” She smiled.

  “You wouldn’t be in this danger if it weren’t for me. I don’t know why Rich called you. I could strangle him… that is, if he hasn’t already gotten himself killed, which from what you said, he probably has.” He left, slamming the door behind him.

  * * *

  Ian crossed his arms and stared at the bedroom door, waiting for Hannah to appear. Munching noises sounded from the kitchen. Just as well that Bernard was stuffing himself again. Although Ian didn’t appreciate the gnome’s inability to ration, since they didn’t have much money.

  Maybe he was overreacting. He couldn’t help the frustration that flowed off him in waves. It wasn’t Hannah’s fault, but he’d been right. If it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t have nearly died tonight. He’d helped to design the software MAX Home Security used—or should he say misused—and when he’d tried to say something, he was fired.

  Obviously, they didn’t just fire employees these days. They fired and then killed them, by Hannah’s description.

  The door to his bedroom creaked open, and she stepped out wearing the T-shirt and sweatpants, which were baggy on her. She seemed distraught but holding it in. Damn it. He’d hurt her. He didn’t like that.

  Soft footsteps hurried in from the kitchen, and he looked to see Bernard staring at Hannah in fascination. He cocked his head to the side and blinked before tottering back into the kitchen to resume his munching. “Go to WORK!”

  Sighing, Hannah grabbed her purse and heels before heading toward the door. Ian stuck his head into the kitchen, keys in hand. “Don’t screw around while we’re gone. I’m serious.”

  “Hrrummmpft!” Bernard munched away on his turnip and turned his back. “La-la-la. I don’t HEAR you.”

  He shook his head and walked out of the apartment. Hannah stood stiffly in the hallway. Probably wasn’t happy to be near him. Not like he blamed her. He wouldn’t want to keep his own company.

  Holding his hand over the doorknob, he pushed magic into the lock, activating the ward he’d designed with Bernard’s help. He turned his gaze to Hannah again, and she stared at him. “Just locking the place. Wouldn’t want anyone to get in while we’re gone.”

  “But you…” She stopped herself. “Okay. I’m not sure we should walk to the destination. It’s pretty far away. Do you have a vehicle? If not, we could call a taxi.”

  He grimaced, pulling out his phone. He didn’t have a car. Couldn’t really afford one. Not with the gnome’s eating habits and the increasing price of rent. He’d made a decent salary from MAX Home Security, but with his current freelancing, he didn’t get much work.

  Not many people wanted to take their chances on the little man when big companies had fancy commercials and huge offices. And deadly guards. Those who kept a low profile ended up with little pay. Corporations easily outbid and provided other services at rates he couldn’t afford.

  Thinking back to MAX Home Security, he’d been lucky not to have any evidence, just a strong suspicion, when he approached his supervisor with his doubts. A few weeks later, he was fired. Had he possessed any evidence, he probably would’ve been “in an accident” or murdered, like the others.

  He slid his cell phone into his pocket. “No, let’s walk. I don’t have enough money on me, and your banking chip could be monitored. Do you have security services at your home?” Ian asked as they walked through his apartment building’s dimly lit hallway.

  “Of course I do. Everyone does.” Hannah stopped and cursed under her breath. “That’s how they found me so fast, huh?”

  “Don’t worry. MAX works through so many subsidiaries with different public names that they have difficulties understanding it themselves,” Ian said, heading toward the exit.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Gray skies above signaled impending rain from the sea, something not common around here anymore. Later in the year, the winds would change. Water and exhaust from inland chemical plants would mix, creating corrosive acid rain. The effects were evident in the small holes marking the pavement.

  Ian and Hannah walked into the donut shop to find the area thoroughly cleaned. No signs of struggle were apparent. No puddles of blood or bullet holes littered the brick building. Business continued as usual. The workers were helpful and said they hadn’t witnessed anything.

  “Well, it wasn’t a waste of time.” Hannah ran her hands through her hair. “Now we know he was caught before he got here. Let’s walk around a little. See if we can find anything.”

  “Okay.” Ian stared at the peopl
e milling around the street in small groups. He should’ve been there for Rich. If he’d just continued with MAX, he could’ve figured this out sooner.

  Now look where he was.

  Neon signs pulsed overhead, advertising enhancers for improved performance. Mechanical pets followed their owners through the crowd hiking up Fifth Avenue. He wove his way through them and glanced into a darkened alleyway.

  A trail of blood vanished behind the Irish bar’s Dumpster. He pulled out a flashlight and followed it. Three gunshots had been fired on his now-dead friend. Rich’s remains were mutilated, his fingertips cut off and teeth removed. Multiple stabbings littered his torso, and a gouge tore through his right arm, exposing raw muscle and bone where a lion tattoo had once been.

  “Oh, shit!” Hannah gasped and stepped to the side, bumping into him.

  “You okay?” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

  She took a couple of deep breaths and gagged, moving farther away. “Not really.”

  The walls in the alley were heavy concrete, showing nothing but blood splatters from the body. Judging by the trail along the far alley, Rich had pulled himself quite a distance before dying and being finished off.

  Ian searched Rich’s clothes but found only old receipts from various bars Rich had visited. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out a pocketknife. Tracing his fingertip over Rich’s left wrist, he felt the ID and banking chips below the skin and sliced them out with his knife.

  “What are you doing?” Hannah asked, edging closer to him. “Are you nuts?”

  “These things keep track of more than you know. Rich might have left us a clue or two. Maybe without even knowing it.” His lips thinned, and he stared at his old colleague. Regret dizzied him. If only he could’ve done more for Rich. “Come on, I don’t want to linger around a corpse with a bloody knife,” Ian said.

  On the way back, they stopped at Find-It-All, a large department store. It had everything from groceries to clothing to electronics.

  Ian headed toward the grocery section to browse the fresh fruit and vegetables, allowing Hannah to clothes shop. When they met up again outside of the store’s entrance, he noticed that she wore a new pair of blue jeans and a pink T-shirt with black tennis shoes.