Page 519 of Rage

Mia stands by the stove, her dark curls piled messily atop her head. She hums softly, swaying to an unheard melody as she flips pancakes.

“You’re up early,” I remark, sliding onto a stool at the counter.

She turns, her eyes sparkling. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d surprise you.”

I smile gratefully. “Best surprise I’ve had in a while.”

She sets a plate before me, the pancakes perfectly golden. “So, what’s the latest scoop? Still chasing after the big bad wolf of Zenith Corp?”

I drizzle syrup over the stack, the sweet scent mingling with the coffee. “You know me too well. I got a tip about a meeting they’re having tonight. High-level executives discussing something they’d rather keep under wraps.”

Mia arches an eyebrow. “And you’re planning to crash it?” She walks over with a cup of liquid life and my favorite caramel creamer, which I pour until it’s immediately cool enough to drink.

I shrug, take a giant gulp of coffee, and stuff a big bite of pancake into my cheek. “That’s the idea.” It comes out a bit muffled, but the buttery syrup-covered goodness is totally worth it.

She places a hand over mine, her expression turning serious. “Just…be careful, okay? These aren’t the kind of people who play nice.”

I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “I will. Promise.”

“So, I take it that means we no longer have dinner plans?” she asks.

“Well, shit. I’m sorry, Mia. I forgot…but you’re here now.” I hope she understands that this is so important to my story, and I am not just ditching her willy-nilly.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.” She starts to pick at her chipped nail polish.

She seems sad now. “You know I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or anything, right? You’re my bestie.” I walk around the countertop and give her a half hug while she plates off the last of the pancakes.

“What did you want to tell me?” I ask. I remember the text said she had news to share.

“Nothing, no big deal.”

“Oh, c’mon. Don’t do that.”

“It’s really nothing. I, uh…just wanted to spend some time out. Have a girl’s night.” She bumps one shoulder in the air.

“All right. Raincheck?”

“Of course.”

Mia walks over to the sink with the frying pan and wipes the little crumbs with the washrag I left draped over the little centerdivider. I make a mental note to rewash that pan later with a fresh rag and some actual soap. She’s my bestie, so I forgive her.

The day passes in a blur of preparations. I dig through my closet, pulling out an outfit that could pass for corporate chic—sleek black slacks, a crisp starched linen blouse, and sensible heels. My heart pounds as I apply subtle makeup, the mirror reflecting a composed exterior that belies the nerves beneath.

I barely recognize the woman in the mirror. I rarely dress this fancy for anything.

“I guess I do clean up nice.” I do a little half-turn in the mirror and check out my butt in these pants. I knew there was a reason I bought these; it looks like I got a BBL.

As dusk approaches, I make my way to Zenith Corp’s auxiliary building—a less conspicuous venue for their clandestine meeting. The air is thick with anticipation, the cool evening breeze rustling the leaves overhead. I wish I had chosen ballet flats instead of heels; I can feel a little blister forming already.

I slip inside amid a group of employees, the security guard barely glancing up from his phone as they scan their badges. I hold my breath, offering a confident nod as I pass. Nobody bats an eyelash at me at all. Surprising myself at how easy that really was to sneak in, my heart races with a new shot of adrenaline.

The sterile corridors stretch ahead, illuminated by fluorescent lights that cast a harsh glow. My heels click lightly on the flooring as I walk aimlessly away from the crowd I came in with.

Voices drift from a room down the hall with its door open. I position myself near the slight gap to the room, the hushed tones becoming clearer.

“…cannot risk this getting out,” a stern voice asserts. “The financial repercussions alone?—”

“Agreed,” another interjects. “We need to ensure all data is secured and any leaks are plugged immediately.”

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