Fast-Tracked Page 19

  I practically ran into Mrs. Glabough when I exited the elevator.

  “Oh, sorry, Zandria, I didn’t see you there,” she apologized. It was no wonder she didn’t see me. Her eyes were red and puffy. She looked liked she had spent the entire morning crying.

  I didn’t know what to say. I thought she could barely stand Trisha. “Would you like to join me for a cup of tea?” I asked before I realized what I was saying. Mrs. Glabough surprised me by accepting.

  She followed me to my apartment. Wendy quickly made us some tea and disappeared into her room. Mrs. Glabough and I sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity. She just kept stirring her tea, staring at it, but clearly not seeing anything.

  “It’s my fault,” she finally said.

  “What is?” I was suddenly confused; maybe it wasn’t Trisha that had her so upset after all.

  “I was only trying to protect her, just like I do the rest of you. I know it might not seem like it, but I’m really just trying to guide you towards what is best for everyone.” Mrs. Glabough closed her eyes and shook her head. “But Trisha was just so stubborn. No matter how badly I treated her, or how clear I made it that she just didn’t belong, she was determined to succeed as a fast-tracker. Out of frustration I finally explained to her that only legacies remain fast-trackers. I hoped that would be enough to convince her to drop down to the silver level.” Sobs choked off her words.

  “But Trisha didn’t react as you hoped,” I finished.

  Wiping her eyes, Mrs. Glabough pulled herself together and continued. “No. The information infuriated her. She started blabbing to her friends and family about it. I tried to warn her how dangerous it was. But she wouldn’t listen. Over the years I’ve seen some of my girls suffer, but I had never lost one – until now.”

  Mrs. Glabough’s grief completely took over. She started sobbing uncontrollably. I didn’t know what else to do, so I wrapped my arms around her and held her as she cried.

  The next morning I explained to Wendy why classes had been canceled for the week and told her everything that happened between Avery and I.

  She surprised me by asking, “And you’re somehow surprised that this happened?” I caught the anger in her voice.

  “Of course I am. If I ever thought something like this would happen I would have done more to warn and protect them,” I protested.

  “You know, you’re a bit of a hypocrite.” My face twisted in confusion. She glared at me. “You’re mad at Avery for being desensitized to this kind of thing, but so are you.” I started to argue but she talked right over me. “How many parties with servants have you been to? I was the only one you did anything about. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful, but if I hadn’t reminded you of your friend Camille, you would have turned a blind eye to me as you do all the rest. I just find it funny that you can sit here all pious and shocked when all along you knew this kind of thing was happening. The only thing you’re shocked about is that your friends don’t distinguish between an orphaned worker and a worker in fast-tracker clothing. Do you think it’s a coincidence that Trisha, the only one with a worker level origin, was targeted?” Wendy quirked an eyebrow at me and waited for my rebuttal.

  I couldn’t argue. “You’re right.” I hung my head and dropped my shoulders. “I guess I was just holding onto the delusion that the girls and I were somehow more protected.”

  Wendy surprised me again by giving me a hug. “I’m not blaming you. You couldn’t survive in this world of theirs if you didn’t become at least a little desensitized. Just don’t alienate everyone you know for doing the same thing. You might need their help in the future if you’re ever going to make any of the changes you told me about.” Releasing me from her hug, Wendy took a moment to study me and my reaction. She gave a satisfied nod when my face brightened and I smiled.

  “I think it was more than a similarity to Camille that drew me to you. I need someone to help keep everything in perspective.”

  Lariet must have agreed, because he chose that moment to leap up on me.

  “Good, then it’s settled. Today I’m joining you on your appointments.” Wendy scooped up Lariet and placed him in a large pocketbook-like bag I hadn’t noticed before. “Have dog. Will travel. You’re out of excuses so don’t even bother arguing.”

  So I didn’t.

  Wendy and I, with Lariet sitting in his doggie purse, arrived at Club Night at eight o’clock for my first appointment with Mico Leighton. There was no picture of him in the school’s database, so I was surprised to find out he was really young, still in his early twenties. I didn’t have to imagine what we looked like to him, because he made it clear the moment he opened his mouth. “So are you looking for the best birthday party, graduation party or anniversary party of the year?” He tried to sound polite, but the long sigh he released showed his annoyance at being told it was a business meeting when obviously all we were interested in was a booking.

  I let my own annoyance show. “I’m not interested in a party, Mr. Leighton. As I stated yesterday, what I have for you is a business proposal. One I can complete without your cooperation, but I’d much rather move forward with you.” I sat down knowing I now had his full and undivided attention. “Do you mind if I call you Mico?” He nodded.

  The meeting itself went better than I expected. He was initially furious when I told him I planned to take his business from him. Jumping up from his seat, he narrowed his hazel eyes at me and shook his head so his black hair flew around wildly. He threatened to ruin the business before he’d let me have it, but when I calmly reminded him he could either be a willing participant or a victim, he quieted down and listened to all I had to say.

  My proposal was a win-win situation for him. His business did well, but would never make him rich, and would never raise him above his blue class level. If I took over his business he would by default become its CEO, a silver-level position. I knew from my studies that most of the time, when a business was taken, it was immediately dissolved and re-formed. It was an easy way for a fast-tracker to rid himself of an unwanted CEO. The discarded CEO would drop back down to their original rank. I explained to Mico that I wanted to retain him for his knowledge and expertise. He would retain complete control over Club Night, but also would oversee the eight new clubs I planned on opening.

  “Now, there’s one thing that’s non-negotiable in order for me to work with you instead of against you,” I said as soon as I finished explaining my plan. Mico quirked an eyebrow; I could tell he had been waiting to hear just what the catch was. “I need you to place Club Night’s sound system in the rest of the clubs. I plan on having Club Night’s music pumped through the rest of the clubs to save the expense of individual DJs, but more importantly, I want the sound blocking technology you’re using. You don’t need to tell me how you accomplish it – just duplicate it for me.” I watched the emotions changing on his face as he contemplated my offer.

  “So that’s what did me in, my sound canceling system. You noticed how easily you could talk and hear even though you were mere feet from the dance floor.” He paused, shook his head at himself. “If I agree to this how do I know you won’t turn around and stab me in the back?” He stood up so he towered over me, probably intending to appear threatening – but I didn’t let it faze me.

  Standing up so I met his eyes, I said, “You don’t. So feel free to seek out the help of any fast-tracker connections you have. I assure you they’re more powerful than I am. They could easily quash my plans, but you’d also risk gaining their attention. Fast-trackers do have a tendency to covet what others want. I’m confident that they won’t offer you anything. They’ll simply have an expert come in and pick apart your sound system and then dissolve your company when they’re finished. You’d be out a business and a job. I’m trying to get ahead, but I’m trying my best to avoid ruining anyone in the process.”

  I held my breath as I waited for his response. I tried not to look too anxious; my plan depended heavily on his cooperation.
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  Finally, he reached forward to shake. He said, “If you’re true to your word, I look forward to working together.” There was still worry in his eyes – but he was working with me now.

  With my biggest hurdle of the day behind me, I headed out to my remaining appointments. Each appointment followed the same pattern. I walked in as if I owned the place and pointed the obvious out to the owner. Their business was failing and it was just a matter of time until they were forced to close. When that happened, they would be stuck with the business’ debt and if they couldn’t pay it off in their lifetime, it would be passed down to their children. Their income credits would be docked until the debts were repaid.

  Next I informed the owners that I intended to help them. I would take over their business and in the process all their debt would be nullified. All I needed them to do was maximize their inventory in the next week, before I filed my paperwork. If they successfully increased their inventory I would reward them with ten percent of my profits derived from selling the surplus off and five percent of the value of the inventory I kept. It wasn’t enough to make them rich, but it would allow them to live comfortably until they found a new job.

  Overall I couldn’t believe my luck. Nine of the ten store owners treated me like I was an angel sent to rescue them. Only one treated me like I was the devil incarnate, but he was still under the delusion that he could somehow recover from his ever mounting debt. His children stopped in right before I left, and seemed much more receptive to my solution.

  The four restaurants I approached all agreed to order new replacements for all their kitchen equipment. The two furniture store owners eagerly sat down with me and pored through all their catalogs to identify the kind of chairs and tables I needed them to order. The two home goods stores helped me choose the most durable but trendy glassware and dishes, and one convenience store offered to only order non-perishable high end foods that would demand the highest profit.

  Luckily the one reluctant owner ran the second mom and pop convenience store in my group. I wanted it for its location and not its inventory. That’s why I had chosen ten instead of eight businesses. I simply couldn’t find eight businesses that had the inventory I wanted and were all in viable areas. So selecting two more solely based on their location was the next best solution.

  It took two days to complete all of my appointments, and both Wendy and I were exhausted, but we were both extraordinarily hopeful. For the first time I actually felt excited about my plan: now it seemed more of a reality than a long-shot. I wanted to share my good news with someone, but something told me not to confide in Avery or Autumn. They would either disapprove, snag the deals out from under me, or both. Besides, there was only one person I really wanted and needed to share my news with: Byron.

  But that wasn’t possible; we’d risk being seen out in the park. And because of his tracker, he couldn’t visit me. So there wasn’t anywhere we could safely talk.

  I put the idea out of my head and instead took a long, hot shower. It felt nice to get out of my heels and suit and slip on my favorite pair of jeans.

  I took Lariet out for a walk after dinner, and then perched myself on the patio to watch Byron from a distance. I was glad I was finally doing something to help him, but it was nowhere near enough. But there was one benefit: the painful sting he caused in my heart fueled my determination to succeed.

  Once more I dove into the recordings. Wendy offered to help, but I refused, insisting it was more important that she study. It was hard enough for me to fast forward through the fast-trackers’ encounters with servants. It seemed that all fast-trackers took perverse pleasure in tormenting them. I could only imagine the nightmares they would give Wendy, knowing it had almost been her.

  Chapter 17

  On Thursday I decided to head down to the cafeteria for lunch. I had been busy the last few days, but if I continued to stay away, everyone would assume I was frightened and in hiding. I headed to Autumn’s table, but my usual seat was taken, and she didn’t seem in a hurry to make me any space.

  “Hey, Autumn,” I finally called when she still hadn’t acknowledged my presence.

  “Oh, it’s you.” Her response was flat. Then she stood and walked into a far corner of the cafeteria. Unsure of what to do, I followed after her. She looked around – probably to make sure we couldn’t be seen by anyone. Without looking at me, she whispered, “I can’t be seen with you.”

  “What? Why? What’s going on?” I demanded.

  She turned towards me just long enough to glare at me and snap, “Look, I’m not about to get in the middle of anything. You need to figure out what’s going on between Avery and you. Until then, I don’t know you. Got it?” Her demeanor was so cold and distant.

  “Yeah. I got it.”

  I got it loud and clear. So long as my status with Avery was unclear, I was once again a nobody. Granted, I was probably safer than the rest of the newbies, because there was still a chance of me and Avery making up, if I ever returned his messages. But the moment it was clear our relationship was over, I was fair game, and there were plenty of fast-trackers ready and willing to make an example out of me.

  Like it or not, I needed to reconcile with Avery – and the sooner the better. “Do you know where Avery is?” I asked Autumn as she walked away.

  “I don’t know. He was here a few minutes ago, but he probably left when he saw you. He’s really torn up about how you’ve been treating him.” She huffed and stormed away.

  Great, just what I needed: a guilt trip on top of a threat.

  The cafeteria now felt markedly hostile, so I decided to skip lunch and track down Avery. I had been telling myself I was just using Avery for my advantage, but right now I really felt it was true. It made me feel cheep and dirty.

  I heard Avery before I saw him, and it startled me. Instead of his usual relaxed and easygoing tone, he sounded angry. Violently angry.

  “Hold it, Jared. Did you really think you could avoid me forever?” Avery growled.

  “N-n-no.” Jared sounded frightened. “I was just trying to stay out of your way until you calmed down. Slade told me you were pissed, but I don’t exactly get why.” His last words came out as a squeak.

  I turned the corner. Avery had Jared held up against the wall by the collar of his shirt. “You make me sick. Are you really going to pretend that you did nothing to that girl?” Avery emphasized his words by punching Jared in the stomach. I watched as he crumbled to the ground.

  In between gasps, Jared blubbered, “She was a brown level posing as a fast-tracker and blabbing her mouth; we just put her in her place. All we did is invite her to a party and give her false directions. How were we supposed to know she’d go and kill herself? Besides, it’s not like you had a claim on her or anything.” He held up his hands protectively.

  Avery grabbed Jared’s collar and pulled him back onto his feet. With his face just inches from Jared’s, Avery screamed, “She was a person, and what you did… you’re just lucky my dad won’t let me retaliate. But if you or any of your friends lay a finger on any of the other newbies, I’ll be coming after you.” Avery held his fist as if he was about to strike, but the moment Jared flinched he pulled back. “Just get out of my sight,” he snarled.

  Jared quickly scrambled to his feet and ran down the hall and out of sight.

  Avery turned around to find me staring at him. I had judged him too harshly and too quickly. He had been putting on a front the other day. He understood the fast-tracker world all too well, but I had been wrong to assume than meant he wasn’t bothered by what happened. He was just doing his best to navigate through it, just like I was. I no longer needed to pretend to forgive him.

  With a soft voice, he called, “Hey.” Carefully, he took one hesitant step toward me.

  “Hey,” I answered back and shrugged my shoulders. A fake apology would have been easier; my shame made it hard to form the right words.

  “Are you still mad at me?” He stepped closer.

&nbs
p; “No.” I shook my head and looked towards the ground. “I’m sorry I took my anger out on you. What happened to Trisha was shocking and…”

  “Horrible. I know. I’m sorry I tried to pretend that it wasn’t. It was just easier than dealing with the reality of it.” Avery joined me in looking at the floor; we were both too ashamed to look each other in the eyes.

  I laughed weakly at the absurdity of it all. “So I guess this means we’re friends again?”

  “Yeah. Friends,” he chuckled. There was a note of sarcasm in his voice, and I knew it was because he still wanted so much more from me.

  Guilt shot through me. More would never be possible – not after seeing Byron. But I had to string Avery along as long as I could. Autumn had made that much very clear to me. So I reminded myself that it was a necessary deception and allowed Avery to escort me to the cafeteria.

  The next few weeks were a busy blur. Haddie and Nola had returned home to pick out their future silver-level careers and train elsewhere. No one blamed them: who could expect them to stay where they no longer felt safe? Myra and Vera had decided to tough it out, but now that they had been completely disillusioned about the fast-tracker world, they had little tolerance for our classes. Initially they had tried to demand realistic solutions out of our teachers, but when that got them nowhere, they decided to follow my lead and research and study independently.

  Surprisingly, no one argued the point, and our classes were disbanded until the next session began. This gave me the time I needed to scour through the many hours of recordings I had during the day. I spent my nights going from one social event to the next with either Avery or Autumn. I knew I couldn’t neglect my social climbing if I really wanted to succeed. Plus it allowed me to swap out my security trinkets so I could collect the newer recordings.