The lie we lived

Some people are born with names, baby photos, and bedtime stories. Rae Lennox received a case number, a file thicker than most divorce papers, and a foster mom who believed that affection was a sin punishable by frozen microwave dinners. She existed in the system, but in the eyes of many, she was a shadow trained with skills no orphan could possess at just ten years old. "Goodbye to my new name; it was a pleasure," she scoffed, mumbling to herself. As she threw her fake id into the bin "But who the heck names their child Ava?” “Parents who love and don’t abandon their children,” a voice responded as it approached with heavy footsteps. “Ouch, I guess you can relate the most because of your daddy issues,” Rae said in a sarcastic tone as she turned to look at the person speaking. “Ava, if that’s even your real name, don’t mess with people you don’t know. One day you will meet your match, and I’m guessing the match you’re implying is probably yourself,” she scoffed, eyeing him from head to toe. “Maybe, just maybe, if you had a real father figure, you could qualify to be someone up to my standard, but you’re not.” “Don’t be too proud now. You never know what powers I possess,” he smirked jokingly. “You know what, princess? Come find me after you're done living your fairytale because I ain’t here to play Prince Charming.” “Cinderella,” she said as she walked past him. “Niko, with a smirk on his face, remarked, ‘I see you’re still not playing nice with your new friends.’" “I’m not here to play nice or have friends; I’m here to do my job and leave,” she said with a half-smile. “So, what are we doing today? My flight to Bora Bora leaves early, so let’s get this done so I can skedaddle.” “Yeah, you’re going to do your great disappearing act again. Are you sure you're not the reincarnation of the great Harry Houdini?” he said with a smirk. “With a serious tone, she replied, ‘Oh, how funny. I even forgot to laugh.’” “Cold as ever. I see we’ve been friends for almost twelve years, and you’re still cold. I don’t even know your name.” “With a smile, she said, ‘At least I know your name. I don’t have time to exchange pleasantries. So tell me what I need to know, and I’ll be out of your hair.’” “Okay, the files are in the main office, which is about fifteen stories up. The laptop is encrypted with more traps than a Vegas casino. Try the wrong password twice, and it will wipe itself cleaner than my criminal record.” “Niko, I don’t need a summary of your life. I have a job to finish.” “Okay, okay. Put on this earpiece when you arrive. Beep me twice, and I will tell you everything you need to know.” --- **15 MINUTES LATER** **SCENE: ROOFTOP ACROSS FROM THE MAIN COMPANY BUILDING** Niko said, “You’re looking at a ten-tier firewall, biometric vault locks, internal motion sensors, and rotation encryption that cycles every six minutes.” Rae replied calmly, “So… not the front door.” “It’s not a front door. It’s a digital hell-mouth. Even if you spoof the badge, you’ve got to clear retinal, voice print, and a heartbeat scan. You know what that means, right?” Rae quipped, “That I need to stop drinking espresso before jobs.” Niko ignored her. “It means even your pulse has to lie convincingly. One spike and they’ll think you’re a nervous intern with a g*n under your hoodie.” Rae laughed, “Well, I am a nervous intern with a g*n strapped under her dress. I guess that’s the same thing.” “You’ve got twelve minutes to get in, copy the files, and get out of the building before security is alerted. If you stay any longer, you become a test subject.” “Twelve minutes is generous. Once, I pick pocketed a senator and blackmailed him before his coffee hit lukewarm.” “Niko warned, “Rae, this isn’t like the last job. This is Rathmoth Tech. You screw this up—” “I know. They’ll bury me somewhere pretty and say I died of internal complications.” “They don’t bury; they erase.” “Good thing I don’t believe in being remembered.” “Listen to me very carefully. Once I start the timer, you can get in and disable all the cameras. You screw this up, you don’t get a second chance. Remember: only one life; use it well.” Rae smirked, “So it’s go time.” “YES, now go do what you do best,” Niko said. “Well, that sounds like music to my ears,” Rae responded. “Timer starts now, so let’s roll, love.”