Outside North Harbor Family Services, Alex pauses near the ferry terminal, the copied findings secured. Salt wind moves between traffic, gulls, and commuters while Boston Harbor flashes beyond the railings.
The therapist, child, and famous client remain concealed beneath the Dev Null Cafe, waiting for his return. No one followed Alex from the building.
A sharply dressed young adult woman approaches from the terminal entrance. Mara Velez has olive skin, straight black hair cut to her jaw, a fitted cream coat, and a narrow scar through one eyebrow.
Mara Velez
Alex Mishyma? Someone at the Dev Null Cafe referred me. They said you understand systems other people lock down.
Mara stops at a careful distance and produces a sealed black laptop from a structured leather case. Its ports are covered, and a tamper label crosses the hinge.
Mara Velez
I need an examination, not a repair. Immediate cash, tonight. The client wants the contents assessed before the machine leaves Boston.
Mara Velez
I cannot name the company, and I will not discuss why the laptop is locked down. If that makes this less routine, you are reading it correctly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Assess the sealed laptop's contents
“You smirk. "If someone at the Dev Null referred ME to this job? You must be desperate. Fine. Let's head there now. I need to finish up my shift anyway." You make no mention of the therapist, the famous client or the child. "Ad whatever you were thinking of paying me? You better double it."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
If someone at the Dev Null referred me, you must be desperate. Fine. We head there now. I need to finish my shift, and you double whatever you planned to pay.
Mara Velez
Desperate is a fair description. Double is acceptable, provided your examination stays confidential and begins tonight.
Mara tucks the sealed laptop back into its leather case and falls into step beside Alex. The ferry terminal doors slide open, releasing warm air and the smell of coffee from the street.
Mara Velez
Cash on completion of the initial assessment. If the machine contains what I suspect, there will be a second payment for a deeper review.
They cross toward the waiting traffic, Boston Harbor bright beyond the railings. Mara keeps the case close, while Alex’s route leads directly back to the Dev Null Cafe and its concealed occupants.
Mara Velez
You understand the arrangement, then. I pay double, you tell me what the laptop holds, and neither of us discusses the client in public.
A short ride later, the neon sign of the Dev Null Cafe comes into view. Mara exits with the laptop, and Alex reaches the entrance ready to finish his shift before examining it.