Page 58 of Resolutions

Law laughs, and not just a chuckle, a resonating barrel-chest laugh. “Let's just say they're good at computers.”

“Certainly, their parents didn't name them Mouse and Keyboard,” Evelyn looks at me, but I shrug my shoulders.

“No,” Law smiles, “it's the names they prefer to be called.”

“I'm sure they are quite nice, but they sound like they should be spray painting the side of a building, like hoodlums.” Evelyn sits back in her chair, clearly confused.

“You're probably not far off. Someone has to experience Mouse and Keyboard to understand them.” That brings a chuckle from him. “For the most part, they're harmless. They're working to get back in Uncle Sam's good graces. They've been assigned to me to help where I need it.”

“They're convicts?” Evelyn frowns. “Are you sure they should have so much sugar? That was a lot of Mountain Dew.”

“It's zero sugar.” I turn to Law. “They're hackers, aren't they? Working off their sentences by helping agencies?” Law's approving nod encourages me. “See, Mom, hackers are incredibly superstitious about their success rituals. If they crack a challenge or a puzzle.” I can see nothing I'm saying makes sense to her. “Basically, if hackers have a big win while drinking red Mountain Dew and eating berry Nerd clusters, they'll have those items every single time until their luck runs out and they fail. Then the items they've been drinking, eating, even a pen or notebook, all of it is banned for life and they find new lucky things. Right?”

Law claps. “Perfectly explained. How do you know all this?”

“I did a story on hackers for journalism. Also, I've been watching a lot of crime shows lately,” I admit with a weak smile. Law chuckles, but Evelyn still looks concerned.

“Do you trust them?” Evelyn eyes Law with her mothering look. “Those,” she points to the papers in front of him “all of this is sensitive. Melanie's life depends on Michael being caught.”

“Believe me, they're trustworthy; I wouldn't bring them in otherwise. They're going to be very invested in this case. Computers are like oxygen to them, and to take on Michael online, well, we couldn't do it without them.” Law explains. “Because our team handles federal fugitives, they're assigned to me. I report their involvement directly to their federal parole officer.”

This time it's my turn to ask the question. “And you think they can find what we need on Michael?”

“If anyone can, it's those two. They're black hat hackers at the global level.”

I whistle softly at that. “Global level? Damn.”

“I swear you two are speaking Greek,” Evelyn sighs. “Mel, I had no idea you knew about any of this.”

“I know just enough to sound like I know.” I say. “Based on what Law just said, Mouse and Keyboard are two of the best hackers in the world.”

“Better than Michael?” There's a thread of hope in Evelyn's voice.

“We'll see,” Law says grimly. “Tell me more about him. What are his mannerisms, habits, personal stuff.”

Evelyn nods encouragingly. I take a deep breath. “Well, he's an ass, as we've established. A gym rat, buff, but...” I glance involuntarily at Law's massive arms, then quickly away, feeling heat creep up my neck. “Nothing like you or Farris. He's a martial arts master, I think I said that. Cameron always said fighting him would be deadly.”

A derisive snort draws my attention. Farris, who just entered the room, is smiling. “He hasn't met Sebastian.”

“Sebastian?”

“You’ll meet him,” Law says, his attention drawn to something behind me. Following their gazes, I turn to see two men approaching through the floor-to-ceiling windows. There isn't a doubt in my mind that they are part of Law's inner crew. Muscles leading muscles, the men move with the fluid grace of predators, instantly commanding attention.

The first is tall and bald, his dark skin gleaming under the lights. Everything about him exudes quiet power with an air of sophistication. He's dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit coat over a silver-colored t-shirt. His eyes are constantly on the move, his chiseled jawline set. The second man is shorter, but no less imposing, almost more so. His thick athletic frame with enormous biceps is clothed entirely in black, from his stylish button-up shirt over a black t-shirt to his black cargo pants. Spiked black hair emphasizes sharp cheekbones and piercing dark eyes that seem to miss nothing. He reminds me of the enigmatic sensei in a martial arts film—dangerous but bound by an unshakeable code of honor.

Between the men walk two young Asian women who could be twins, their appearance so startling it takes me a moment to process. They look like anime characters come to life. Striped knee-high socks, like what basketball players wore in the seventies. Impossibly short pleated plaid skirts and tight t-shirts emblazoned with gaming characters, their red bras deliberately visible through the thin fabric. Each has long black hair styled in matching pigtails that bounce off their backs as they walk. If I saw the two of them on the street, I would immediately guess they were social media influencers rather than elite hackers. They can't weigh more than a hundred pounds each, though atleast twenty of that seems concentrated in their enhanced chests and bouncy hair.

I glance at Evelyn, having to stifle a laugh at her expression as she openly stares, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' of shock as she watches the four of them file into the room and stand in a line facing Law.

“Mrs. Whitaker, Melanie, may I present Mouse and Keyboard.”

“They're... girls,” Evelyn manages.

“Aww, you noticed!” One spins playfully, tossing her skirt to show ruffled panties. She strikes a pin-up coy pose with her finger to her lips.

“Geez, what gave it away?” The other adjusts her bra with exaggeration.

“Ladies,” Law's tone carries gentle warning. “These are my personal friends.”

---