The Golden Relic: A gripping technothriller adventure (Lance Manning & the Rogue AI Series - Book 1) by JD Lasica

Author:JD Lasica [Lasica, JD]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Infinite Coast Press
Published: 2024-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

32

CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO

Lexi tossed and turned all night in the strange bed. The sheets felt scratchy, not soft like the ones at home. She missed her room, with all her stuffed animals and books. She even missed the silly cow noises Beyoncé made in the morning.

A voice filled the room, coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. “Lexi Manning, time to rise and shine.”

She sat up, heart pounding. It sounded like Mr. Quagga!

“It’s past noon,” the voice said. “We know you’ve been sad. So we’ve decided to let you talk with Noah.”

Lexi jumped out of bed, her wrinkled clothes sticking to her skin. “You will?”

“Yes, on one condition. You can’t tell him where you are.”

Well, not a problem. Because I have no idea where I am!

“Yes, I promise.”

“That’s a good girl. You can try your glasses now.”

The lights in the room brightened, making her squint. She spotted the purple AR glasses and earpiece on the little table across the room. She hurried over and put them on.

She half-expected to see Mr. Quagga there, playing some cruel joke. Please let this be real. Please don’t let it be a trick.

The Pet Maker log-in screen appeared. She signed in with her eye-scan and skipped straight to Noah’s profile.

And there he was, sitting right across from her. Her brother. Her best friend.

“Hey, pumpkin face,” Noah said, his sideways smile just like she remembered. “I’ve been worried.”

Lexi’s throat felt tight. “Noah! Is it really you?”

“In the flesh,” he joked, then winced. “Well, not really in the flesh. Sorry, bad joke.”

She laughed anyway. It was such a Noah thing to say.

She took a moment to just look at him. His warm brown skin, the splash of freckles across his nose. The little mole on his left cheek and messy, curly hair. He seemed so real, down to the green T-shirt with the robot on it that he always liked to wear … even though he was now grown up.

“Are you okay?” Noah asked, his face getting serious.

Lexi nodded, not wanting to worry him. “Yeah, I’m doing okay. They said I could talk to you. Do you know how Mom’s doing?”

Noah shook his head. “I don’t. Is she near you?”

She bit her lip. She had to be careful. “I think so. But I can’t tell you where I am. It’s part of the deal.”

Noah’s hands moved, making their secret signs. The ones they’d made up years ago, in case they ever needed to talk without grown-ups knowing. She smiled and nodded.

“What about Dad?” she asked.

“He’s worried sick about you and your mom. He tried to rescue you from that safehouse in New York, you know.”

Lexi’s eyes widened. So that’s why they packed up and left in such a hurry!

“If you see him, tell him I’m okay.” Her eyes moistened. She missed her dad so much it hurt.

Noah nodded. “I will. Are you sure you’re all right?”

She closed her eyes, an idea sparking to life. If these bad guys wanted to play tricks, well, she could play them right back.

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