Page 17 of Zero
“They were looking for something.” Rei mused.
“I can’t understand what. Justice doesn’t bring work home.”
We finished on the first floor and climbed to the second. It didn’t fair any better.
The mattresses were pulled off the beds and tossed to the side. The closets stood open, the doors hanging off the hinges. The back window of the master bedroom was busted from the outside as the glass sat underneath it inside.
Rei hunched down to examine the pieces before standing and looking around. “They were looking for something and I don’t think they found it.”
“How do you know?”
“They took Justice.” He replied. “They wouldn’t have taken him if they’d gotten what they wanted.”
“So, he could still be alive.”
Rei nodded. “Yes, but we have to find him.”
He pulled out his phone and dialed.
“Who are you calling?”
“A friend.” Rei replied, putting the phone on speaker.
“Zero! How’s the island?” The voice was big, accented—Texan.
“It was good until my host goes missing.” He replied. “Can you help?”
“Of course, I can help!” Tex replied. “Tell me what you need.”
Rei rushed from the room and I followed him. “His name is Justice Smith, a part of the JDF. He’s the commanding officer for the team I’m helping to train. I want everything you can find.”
“Does he have a computer?” Tex was asking by the time I was in the room with Rei.
“Yes.” Rei fidgeted with the computer until it came on. “Shit—it needs a password.”
“Hang ten,” Tex said.
Not long after, the screen on my brother’s computer turned black as coding began flashing on it. Seconds later, it logged in and I arched a brow.
“Let me work.” Tex told Rei. “I’ll give you a call back. In the meantime, watch your six, and call in if you need extra hands. I know you have CIRO, but we’re closer.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Smart-ass.” Tex muttered and hung up.
“You didn’t have to hack his system.” I told him. “I could have told you what you needed to know. My brother is no criminal.”
“Don’t take it personal, Hoshi.” He didn’t look up but continued going through the room, peeking under things and dragging his fingers along edges. “There are things I’m sure you don’t know about your brother’s work. There are things he cannot tell you even though you are his sister.”
“Are you saying my brother was lying to me? Hiding things from me?”
“Tell me, why are you getting so offended?”
“Because you’re accusing my brother of something. You’re just not coming right out and saying it.”
Rei inhaled, his perfectly sculpted nose flaring. “I’ve read the report of the police in this area. Do you want me to back off and let them handle it?”
“Maybe that would be better.” I lifted my chin.
