Alterlife II Read online

  And I’m constantly battling the guilt of not spending more time with my family. Every second I spend with them is more rewarding than anything else.

  So why am I not doing that more? I plan to.

  Soon. The future is almost secured.

  Nearly overburdened with loot, I’m forced to teleport back to Condren to stash all the gold and items I’m carrying.

  Times like this make me wish I had chosen a Mage class. An Adept Mage can open a teleport and doesn’t have to carry the scrolls in their inventory like everyone else.

  It’s not that I can’t afford a teleport. I just hate wasting money when there’s a skill I could be using instead. I’ve always been that way.

  I still recall the first trailer that Jenny and I rented during our first year of marriage. For the next six months, I remodeled that whole place after asking the landlord if he would pay for the materials upfront. Not having to pay for labor, he was more than happy to oblige my desire to fix the place up. So I went to work.

  From the bathrooms to the kitchen, I renovated that house from floor to ceiling. Jenny was so proud of me, and I’ll have to admit that I was proud of myself, too. I’d never done anything like that before, so it was a great learning experience and it gave me the confidence to pursue other things. I constantly looked for a new challenge to test myself with, often driving Jenny nuts with all of my random pursuits. Soon after I finished the remodel is when I got into construction.

  Like anything, you start at the bottom and work your way up. But being an operator came easy to me, and I moved up fast.

  I suppose running heavy equipment is like a video game in a way, with all the levers and pedals. Guess that’s why I was good at it.

  Was…

  No need to go back to that life now. Not when there’s Alterlife.

  I deposit my things into the bank and go back to the teleport.

  Gage meets me before I can go through. “Guildmaster Ace,” he greets.

  The title still takes some getting used to. “Hey, Gage. How are you?”

  He shrugs. “Not bad. There’s something that I need to tell you. It’s about the King’s Blood. Nothing to be alarmed about right now, but something we need to take note of. Only if you’re not busy,” he says, noticing the teleport.

  “No, I’m not busy at all. Just hunting Gazers.”

  “You sure? It can wait.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. What’s up with the guild? Are they still moaning about being second-place to the Black Knights?” I note with a grin.

  He raises his eyebrows. “Well…”

  The HUD display pops up with a cell phone call. It’s my wife. I hold a finger up to Gage. “Gimme a second. I gotta take this call.”

  He waves me off and I answer the call.

  “Hey, babe, what’s up?”

  “John, I need you to come home, now.” Her voice is panicked, her breath, rapid and short.

  Carla’s tiny voice rings from the backseat of the car. “Momma, what’s wrong?”

  “Jenny, what’s going on?”

  “John, someone is spying on Ben. Like a private investigator or someone like that. Shit, I don’t know. He’s holding his phone like he’s recording a video or taking pictures of Ben or something.” She mutters a curse under her breath, then raises her voice at me. “John, why is someone watching our son?!”

  “What the hell? That doesn’t make sense. There’s no reason for anyone to do that?”

  “Ben, get in the car. Now!” Jenny calls out.

  The door slams shut. “Geez, mom. What are you freaking out about?”

  “Just come home, John. Right now.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  I give an apologetic look to Gage. “I’m sorry. We’ll discuss this later,” I tell him.

  He inclines a nod.

  I run to my guild chamber, dodging other members in the hall and drawing curious looks on my way. There’s no reason for me to log out inside my chamber—it could be done from anywhere in the keep to guarantee a secure log in at a future time.

  I just log out inside my chamber for appearances.

  And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from working a variety of different jobs for an array of different bosses, it’s that appearances mean a great deal.

  To some, appearances are everything.

  The mustang roars up the drive, tires squealing around the fountain before I throw it in park. I run up the steps and burst through the front door.

  “Jenny. Kids. Is everyone alright? Where’s Carla?”

  My wife briskly walks into my arms, still shaking from the whole ordeal. “We’re fine. She’s upstairs in her room. Thank God you’re home.”

  Ben throws his arms out as he enters the foyer from the kitchen. “Mom’s freaking out, dad. She thinks someone’s stalking me.”

  I point my finger at him. “Watch your mouth. If your mother says she saw someone watching you, then that’s what she saw.”

  I hold her at arm’s length and can see that her emotions are mixed, somewhere between rage and fear.

  “Tell me, what did he look like? You said he was using a phone?”

  She gives a sharp nod of the head. “Yes. He was taking pictures or videos of Ben from behind a tree in front of the school. I saw him follow Ben with the device, never taking his eyes or the camera off of him.”

  “Did he have any noticeable marks? Tattoos? Clothing? Hairstyle?

  She shakes her head. “He was just an ordinary looking white guy. Brown hair, blue jeans, medium build; nothing out of the ordinary. I wasn’t close enough to make out any more details.”

  I rub my chin, thinking of another scenario. “Is there any chance he may have been doing something else? Playing whatever that new app is that kids are playing right now; you know, the one where you use the camera to find things in the real world?”

  “Catchemon,” Ben notes.

  I snap my finger and point a him. “That’s the one.”

  Jenny stares at me, unamused. “No. He was watching our son, John.” She throws her hands up. “If nobody believes me, then I’ll just go to the police myself.”

  I take her hands in mine. “I never said I don’t believe you. I just want to get all the facts first and check all the boxes before we go full tilt on this.” I nod and stare into her eyes. “If you say he was following Ben, then that’s what he was doing. It’s settled. I’ll go talk to someone about this.”

  My son moves to protest. “But, dad…”

  “I said it’s settled,” I sternly repeat. “What? Are you afraid that we’re going to embarrass you in front of your friends or something? This is serious, son. Not something that should be taken lightly. You can never be too cautious. There are some bad people in the world—not just the ones you see on the news, but the ones that live here in our hometown that you don’t ever hear about. They’re the ones you got to look out for.”

  He scoffs in teenager fashion, then runs up the grand staircase to his room.

  Damn teenagers.

  I pull my wife close and kiss her on the head. “We don’t need to panic right now. You know, it could just be paparazzi stalking us now that we’re rich.”

  She cocks her head, unamused. “This isn’t a game, John.”

  I grin. “I’m serious. There are some real scumbags out there looking to dig up anything they can. They see someone new in town and with a lot of money, and they go after them. They’re like vultures.”

  She frowns at my ridiculous statement and slaps me on the arm. “We’re not famous, you know. Nobody even knows that you are Ace the Great,” Jenny says as she walks straight ahead towards the kitchen, emphasizing the title.

  At least she’s calming down a bit. I follow her into the kitchen, look up, and admire our massive crystal chandelier on my way.

  “Seriously though, it was probably just a one-time thing. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about,” I comfort her as I grab the milk from the fridge.

  “I don’t play around with things like this. You know that. Especially when it comes to my family,” she states.

  “And neither do I. That’s why I’ve been telling you to buy a gun. Get a concealed carry permit so you can always have a weapon on you.”

  She begins to load the dishwasher, as if we’re not even having a serious conversation right now. “No. I’ve told you before, I can’t stand guns.”

  Jenny likes to stay busy when she’s nervous or upset. Over the years, I’ve learned to tread lightly around her when she’s like that. I drain the glass of milk and lay both hands on the granite island.

  “I understand that you have a fear of guns, but what’s more important? Your feelings towards carrying a gun, or protecting your family?”

  She practically throws a plate into the sink and looks out the window. Surprisingly, the dish didn’t break.

  “I’m going to call my brother,” she says.

  Damn. I was hoping it wouldn’t come to that. I should have known she would want call that upstart, prick cop. He hasn’t liked me ever since I asked Jenny on our first date. Whenever he is around me, which I keep as rare as possible, he makes some smartass remark and tries his best to put me down. I’ve never even done anything to the guy, other than marry his sister. I guess he doesn’t think I’m good enough for her.

  “No, I’d rather him not get involved. Your brother can’t stand me.” I go stand beside her. “You don’t want a gun? Fine. Let’s not jump to any rash decisions right now, okay? We just need to keep our eyes open and not get too paranoid about this whole deal.” My fingers interlock with hers. “Tell you what, if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll make a phone call. I’ve got someone that may be able to help.”

  “Make me feel any better? Yes, John, it would make me feel a lot better if you would do something about this and stop trying to brush it off.”

  “Everything’s going to be alright.”

  She steps back and crosses her arms “Easy for you to say. Most of your life is inside of a fantasy world right now.”

  I let her comment roll off my ear, checking myself before I react in a way that wouldn’t be beneficial to the discussion at all.

  “You’re right. Look, it’s my job to be the protector. I’ll take some time off for awhile and will spend more time here. I won’t let anything happen to you or the kids.”

  She stands tall, proudly raising her chin. “It’s my job, too. And you’ve never seen an angry mother protecting her young, have you? They’re called mama bears for a reason.”

  Wanting to change the energy in the room, I step forward, reach around her waist, and grab her on the behind, growling like a bear. “Poppa bear wants some honey.”

  She stifles a laugh and slaps my hand. “You’re impossible! Can you not be serious for five minutes? Go on and get out of here.”

  I walk to use the restroom, growling like a bear as I go because I know everything is going to be alright. And I want her to know everything will be alright. Sometimes, a little humor is the best medicine for this crazy world.

  Behind the closed door and alone with my thoughts, I cut the act as a thought strikes me, hitting me so hard that it sends a cold chill down my spine.

  Before I killed Deakins, I showed him a picture of my family. What if that image transferred to the other GMs? What if the Gamemasters showed it to somebody else in the game?

  Could someone from the game really be watching my family in real life? Just to get to me?

  If that’s the case, then they know who my family is, what their routine looks like, where they go to school, what car my wife drives. Everything about them.

  And if they know all of that because they’ve been watching them, then they must know what I look like.

  I look in the mirror and a cold sweat beads on my forehead.

  They’re coming after me...

  But I’m not entirely sure why. Is it because I killed one of their own? Or maybe it’s because, by doing so, I unleashed the virus.

  It doesn’t matter. I believe deep down that they are coming for me.

  It’s just a game, I used to say.

  Now, I know that it’s not.

  Not anymore.

  3

  Threats and Promises

  Three rings and he picks up the phone.

  “Hello, this is Jim Pattocks.”

  “Jimmy, it’s John Crussel. I need your help.”

  “Hi, John. Sure, what’s going on?”

  “I hate calling and asking you this, but I’ve no other choice. Someone may be following my family. Is there anything you can do to help me?”

  “Sure, John. But tell me first, how do you know that someone is following your family? What I mean is, what proof do you have?”

  From my cabin on the mountain, I stare out the front window as I speak to my friend in the FBI.

  “My wife’s word is all I have. Said she saw someone watching my kid and taking pictures of him at school.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Yeah. Her word is enough for me.”

  “Have you called the police?”

  “No.”

  I would prefer to avoid the police at all costs due to the hack I’m using in Alterlife, and the possible virus that they could accuse me of spreading. Not saying that any of that could be enough proof to land criminal charges on me, but I’d rather not take any chances.

  “Well, I would think that they should be your first call, John. Let them know that your wife saw a suspicious person following your son, and see if they can put an extra patrol at the school. Without any more evidence to go on, there’s not much anyone can do.”

  I was afraid of that. But hell, by the time evidence is collected, it’s often too late.

  “Right. I understand. Hey, if I get some better evidence, would you be able to help me out in gathering some more information about this individual, whoever they may be?”

  I hear him sigh over the phone.

  “Look, John, there’s a lot that goes into these things—paperwork and signatures like you wouldn’t believe.” A pause. “But, yes, I could help you then. I’m not saying it would be much, but maybe I could pull some strings. If, and that’s a big if, you can get some solid evidence that this person is stalking your son, and then describe them the best you can. Pictures and video would be best if you can get them.”

  “Thank you, Jim. I really appreciate your help with this. I’m sure it’s nothing, but if something happens again, I’ll get you all of the evidence I can.”

  “That would certainly help.”

  “Alright, I’ll let you go now. Again, thank you. Let’s grab another beer in Asheville sometime.”

  “That sounds good to me. Take care, John.”

  Inside the Guildmaster’s chamber—my chamber—I sit behind my thick, wooden desk and think about how the following conversation is going to play out. And if words won’t suffice, what course of action I’m going to take.

  This meeting has been weighing on my mind for a while, but more so now as my suspicions are growing. I knew it would come sooner or later.

  For any action, there is a reaction. Let’s see what truth I can draw out of you.

  “Gamemaster.”

  None appear.

  Figures. They probably dread seeing me as much as I do them. But part of me is curious as to what they are planning to do to me. If they could do anything at all.

  No doubt, there will be repercussions for what I’ve done. But if that’s true, then what’s taking them so long to retaliate?

  Based on the past, logic should tell them to fear me. And they damn well should if they’ve anything to do with spying on my family.

  “Gamemaster,” I say again, sternly.

  Growing aggravated, I stand up and slap the desk. “Gamemaster. I know you can hear me. Show yourself. We need to talk.”

  A bald woman dressed in a white business suit materializes on the other side of the desk. “Hello, Ace,” she says. It’s made perfectly clear by her vocal tone and facial expression that she can’t stand the sight of me. Given the choice, I’d say she’d see me killed and delete my account on the spot. “You want to talk, so...talk.”

  “Who are you?”

  “None of your concern.”

  “Fine. First off, I’d like to apologize for what happened to Deakins. I’m sure he told you that my hands were tied in that matter, and that I had no other choice.” I wait for her to say something, but she remains silent, continuing that hostile stare. I continue. “Secondly, I’d like to know if any Gamemasters are watching me or my family in the real world.”

  She scoffs at the comment. “And here I thought you would ask about Deakins’ family. Maybe feel a little remorse for leaving his children without a father, his wife without a husband.”

  I match her poker face and call her bluff.

  “I already know Deakins didn’t have a family. He was AI—just like you.”

  Her face turns ashen and she scowls in contempt. “You’re a clever one, aren’t you? How’d you figure that one out? Did Deakins tell you that before you killed him?”

  I smile, knowing that I just got the best of her.

  “I didn’t know, and Deakins never said a word. I made a guess. And you just confirmed my suspicions and told me the truth. Thanks for that.”

  A wave of relief washes over me after the revelation. The thought of Deakins being artificial intelligence and not a real person takes a load off my conscience, as I was internally struggling with the fact that I had taken someone’s life.

  Still yet, Deakins was my friend. At least, I considered him to be. So strange to have that connection with something that isn’t real.

  Artificial Intelligence isn’t real?

  You know what I mean...

  Knowing that I got the best of her by using one of the oldest tricks in the book, she glares in disgust, then turns her head and looks to the side, as if listening to someone else

  I take note. “Talking to the rest of your family? You can invite them here, too, if you like. I’d like to say a few words to them as well.”

  “Shut up,” she hisses.

  “While you got them on the phone, ask them if Deakins showed them the picture of my family, and if they’re the ones following my wife and kids around.” I hold both arms out as I explain myself. “You see, I’m not a monster. I showed Deakins my family because I wanted him to know that I had no other choice. One of us had to die and it was either him or me. And you know what? I think he understood.”