"Why does this keep happening?" My attention was caught by one of the other costumers in the coffee shop. I turned from the tv to find myself looking at an older woman with her head buried in her hands. "Why here? Why us?"

As I watched, the woman shook like she was sobbing. The others didn't know what to say, didn't know what to do. Me, I had never seen something like this. My initial reaction was uncaring. It was that I didn't need to even think about this new person since they were operating outside my territory. But these people... This is where they lived. They knew that they could easily be the ones hanging by their necks. I shifted uncomfortably until a very familiar voice sounded loudly outside. Several people ran to the windows and looked up at the screens which, moments ago, had held ads. Once again, Storm was plastered on every one.

"Why hello people of Lenoir. I doubt many of you have heard this yet, but as of a few hours ago every single computer in United Bank has crashed, along with everything connected to them. Every record they carry is gone. Meaning, while their vault is still, for now, filled with money, there's no way to know how much is yours, if any. My doing of course." What the heck does that accomplish? He didn't even get any money. "Just wanted to let you know what's coming. Have fun with it."

At this, the woman behind me truly did start sobbing. I walked out the door.

"Testing. Hello." Not good enough. I lowered my newest device from my throat and went back to toying with it. It worked pretty well for my first try, but for a voice modulator, it let too much of my natural voice slip through. Storm's use of a similar device had thrown me off, but it was a good idea. I didn't need my voice giving me away.

"Amelia?" Crap. When did she get back? My roommate, Mel, knocked on my door and stuck her head into my room as I tossed my creation under the bed and dragged a book into my lap. "Hey, Amy. I need your help picking out an outfit for my date."

I cringed. "We both know that's not a great idea."

Lips pressed together, Mel paused. "Good point. Can you put me in touch with Kacie?"

My phone was out of my pocket and flying across the room to her as I turned to my book, pretending to read. I nearly rolled my eyes as she paused, knowing what was coming.

"You know. If you wanted I could set you up with one of Nate's friends. Some are really cute."

The look I gave her was all the answer she needed. With a sigh, she left, calling behind her, "Your friend and I aren't going to stop until we get you to do something other than school and sleep!"

"Not until I graduate!"

"You really need to get out of the apartment more!" Those were the last words I heard from her before her door clicked shut.

Out of the apartment, huh? She had no idea.

I went to grab the device from my bed, visions of fire and panic filled my head. My next adventure would need to be grand. Breath filling my lungs and finding its way out my mouth in a heavy sigh, I got up and walked to my dresser. It only took a minute to bury the tech in my drawers before grabbing a jacket and walking out the door. I needed to think.

Sneakers hitting the sidewalk in a mundane rhythm, I made my way through the city. I allowed my eyes to scan the people, stores, and lights. It had been a while since I'd seen the nightlife of Lenoir from this angle. At least, not when I had time to really look around. I saw, everywhere I looked, couples, smiles, and a few families. There was laughter and joking, people were allowing themselves joy, even with all that had happened to them. Or maybe because of it. I noticed that most of them were staying carefully away from topics of the present state of things.

I'd had enough. Quietly, I slipped down an alley, leaving the masses behind. I blocked out the sounds from the street behind me and just kept walking. Finally, I hit a dead end, but I didn't really care. I stood staring up at the clouds, illuminated by the city. Distracted as I was, I didn't hear the footsteps until they were right behind me. At that point, I didn't have time to turn. Something heavy hit the back of my head and I dropped, darkness clouding my vision.