Page 43 of Codi
He glances down at me. “There’s another android here.”
“Where?”
“Over there. He’s coming this way. You’ll see in a moment.”
Two men come into view from the back offices, striding down a corridor side by side. The way they match each other’s stride, step for step, and seem completely in sync is what catches my eye. One of them is tall, powerfully built with brown skin and gray peppered in his goatee, wearing plainclothes. The other is similarly dressed, only slightly shorter but just as broad in the shoulders with a five o’clock shadow, impeccable hair, and tanned skin.
It’s the latter who catches sight of Oliver and slows, staring back at him with subdued curiosity. He pauses while his partner continues on after a brief exchange between them. That’s when I notice his vivid white irises.
Oh, shit. There’s an android on the police force.
“You look familiar.” The other bionic speaks directly and bluntly to Oliver. “State your name and business.”
“Oliver, SFX900V2.” Oliver extends his hand. “I’m here on behalf of Denise Cartwright. You and I have met, though we didn’t get a chance to speak much.”
The android takes his hand. The two share a brief moment where their eyes lock, their pupils dilating and narrowing in a shutter-like motion.
“Ezra.” His voice is an octave deeper than Oliver’s. Whereas Oli sounds pleasant, calm, and friendly, Ezra sounds serious, monotone, and almost impatient. “Speak quickly. I have other matters to attend to.”
I’m happy Oliver’s here with me. I likely would’ve blubbered, started from the beginning, and indulged in details that didn’t matter in hopes of getting my point across. I can’t even trust myself to be direct right now. I’m exhausted, I’m emotionally strung out, and my only thought is how empty everything feels when Codi isn’t here.
Oliver, however, is all business. He sounds professional when he explains my predicament. He simplifies perfectly, down to one or two sentences.
“Ah.” Ezra studies me. With how he looks me over from head to toe, I wonder if he’s checking me out or scanning my vital signs. “The Walter robbery. Yes, a police report was filed, and an android was stolen from the premises. You are saying you weren’t responsible for the break-in, but you located the missing android?”
“Behind McIntyre’s Irish Pub, in the dumpster.”
I always pictured police officers or detectives writing things down, like in the old TV shows. Ezra does nothing of the sort. I suppose androids don’t need to. It must be nice to catalog everything without having to lift a single finger.
“I see. Thank you for the information.”
Ezra turns as though he means to keep walking, and I act before I think, grabbing his sleeve. “Wait.” His head swivels back and he frowns, indignantly removing himself from my touch. Flustered, I continue. “My son and I took Codi in.”
“Codi?” Ezra says.
“Yes, we took him in, paid for his repairs. He became a part of our family. Codi said multiple times his name wasn’t registered with an owner. His memory was wiped. He was damaged.”
“I fail to see what that has to do with anything.”
“He can’t be hers anymore.” I’m exasperated, not with Ezra, but the entire situation. I’m running on fumes here. “Right?”
If Ezra is sympathetic, he doesn’t show it. Everything about him, from the way he carries himself, to the expression on his face, is completely stoic.
“If the serial numbers match from registration upon his activation,” he replies matter-of-factly, effectively dashing any hopes I have remaining, “that is proof enough of ownership, even if he cannot properly store the information in his own drives.”
“But—”
“Appoint a lawyer and pursue Walter in small claims court, if you desire reparations for any expenditures you may have taken upon yourself in restoring her property for her,” Ezra replies. “Excuse me.”
He turns and leaves, following in the direction of his partner.
Oliver’s hand rests upon my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Denise. Let’s head back. You can stay with us tonight if you want, or I can stay with you and Lucas for the evening. Becca will understand.”
I follow him out to the parking lot, and he opens the passenger door for me. Despair sinks its talons into me while I stare hopelessly at nothing, my vision out of focus. “I’m not getting him back, am I?”
Oliver gazes at me sorrowfully. “I don’t know.”
I begin to cry uncontrollably. Oliver envelops me in a hug and lets me cry into his chest.
