It had been three days and everyone was wondering how Anna Gray had gotten free, and even she herself had no idea. Well, almost everyone was wondering. I had a pretty good idea. And Wraith just didn't care.

I walked into his office and was immediately greeted by one very unhappy looking man. Unsurprisingly, his first words to me were, "You failed."

How was I supposed to respond to that? Of course I failed. I didn't need to be told.

"You hide a child deep in forgotten tunnels. You send out one video that's not even long enough for the police to track your location. And yet, your hostage is freed. Care to explain?"

"If you're implying that I purposely let her go, then you are wrong. Maybe one of the hobos who live in those tunnels let her go."

Wraith raised an eyebrow. "You really believe that a wandering homeless person managed to free her from those heavy chains without her seeing them?"

"Well... maybe she was asleep."

Sighing, my dark overlord waved his hand for me to leave. "Just fix this. Make sure it doesn't ruin your reputation."

"Yes sir." I backed out of the room.

Don't let it ruin my reputation? How the heck was I supposed to do that? Honestly, at least give me some idea. I was so dazed all through Virtualization that I didn't even realize the teacher had asked me a question until he congratulated me on getting it right. Seriously, I have no clue what either of us said. I bumped into Elliot on the way out, but neither of us said anything and I tried to continue on my way, only to be cornered by someone that looked exactly like your stereotypical nerd.

"Hello Amelia."

"Ah... hi. Jake, right?"

A flash of annoyance crossed his eyes. "Actually, it's James."

"Ahhhh... can I help you?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to partner with me for the project." Wait, what project? Instead of answering my unspoken question, the guy just continued. "Your grades could certainly use my help."

I nearly smacked him. "Well, thank you for your oh so charitable offer, but no thanks."

"Come on. Partnering with me is the best way for you to get an A" He stepped a little closer, too close. "At this point, I might even be your only chance." Reaching out, he touched my arm. My entire body shuddered and I pulled back.

"I'd rather partner with the floor." As I walked away, I brushed off my arm where he'd touched me, as if his grime might linger. I needed to relax.

Considering how my week had been going, I decided to get myself a rare treat I like to call not-awful coffee. I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop with my drink when one of the waitresses ran in and quickly turned up the volume on the tv in the corner.

                ...three people hanged with wire
              from various balconies. Specialists
                   say that their necks snapped
                immediately upon catching their
                   weight, but that doesn't make
                   the situation any less terrible.
                    This act is believed to be the
                    work of Lenoir's most recent
                 appearing grand criminal. Having
                  so far only committed near petty
                  theft and arson, a hooded figure
                has so far been of little importance
                  compared to the ones known as
                    Storm and Phantom Banshee.
                  However, that may be changing.

The newscaster's final words were accompanied by an overhead view of the scene. Scrawled across the pavement were the words, "Do you see me now?"