Page 154 of Nearly Roadkill

---

From:SysOp (oooh, what an archaic word!)

Subj:Peek-a-boo, I see you!

Ten little hackers,

Working on a fix.

Four met a kitty-kat.

Now there are six.

Very kind of you to choose Disable over Destroy. But do mind your step, dearie. Remember, I see you when you’re sleeping, I know when you’re awake, etc. etc.

—SysOp—

The wolves are at bay for the moment.

Perhaps it was foolish, but I couldn’t resist flicking the nose of the chief wolf himself. Now he’s answered, and we are actually having a lively little interchange.

To:SysOp

From:Ms. Budge

Subj:Re: Peek-a-boo, I see you!

Dear Sir or Madam,

I’m guessing you already know who I am and who I work for. I’m also guessing you know where Toobe is. And where his two buddies are. I want you to know I’m on their side. I want them to give themselves up and come in on their own. It’ll be a lot easier for them if they do. Truly, there’s no way anyone can make these charges *stick*.

I’m not totally Net-stupid. I’m guessing you could cybersquash me like a bug with the flick of your little finger. Please don’t do that. I’m looking for them, but I’m not their enemy. They need me on their side. At least let me meet with them.

So how about you help me call it all off? It’ll save the US taxpayers some money, and they’ve paid a hell of a lot for this investigation so far.

Thanks.

—Wallace T. Budge, Lieutenant

Investigations, FBCS

Oh, call me an old softie, but I answered him:

To:Ms. Budge

From:SysOp

Subj:Yer ass is MINE, copper

Ha! I’ve always wanted to say that. Please forgive me.

Since it seems you learned some manners from your mother, I’ll not “cybersquash” you as you so quaintly put it. But I remind you: I’m watching.

AND THIS I SWEAR BY CODE AND BY CRAFT:

If you so much as touch one hair on their precious little heads, I shall become the Fury whose name only your nightmares shall dare whisper.

SO BE IT.

Peace and Love,

---