Page 70 of Until We Burn
The reporters snort, grinning through their stifled laughter.
I smile at them exasperatedly. “Are there any other pitches I haven’t covered?”
“Oh!” Sadie raises her hand. “I have something for a print story!”
I nod, making her freckled face perk up. “Go ahead, Sadie.”
Sadie eagerly taps through her iPad. My heart swells with pride. She’s been on the Howler for only two weeks and has already pitched major news stories that have been republished twice by other media outlets.
“Okay, so!” Sadie clears her throat and straightens up in her seat. “There’s a new software that DHU is integrating into their systems. It’s called CatchCo. Per someone’s request, the software can track down the IP address of anyone who took a screenshot of something online and sent it elsewhere. It’s meant to tackle revenge porn, which has been a big problem on campus.”
Hope sparks inside of me.
“That sounds interesting.” I try to lead surely and steadily despite the adrenaline pounding in my heart. “Why did you, um, why did you want to pursue the story?”
“Because I want other girls to know that this software exists, so they can look out for each other.”
There’s an unflinching strong will to Sadie’s words that has the other reporters nodding in respect.
“Is it only used for leaked photos?” Candace asks.
“That’s the main goal,” Sadie confirms. “But it can also trace the IP address of any screenshot. However, your request goes through an authenticator first. They'll run the software over the screenshots to make sure people aren’t just tapping into random IP addresses. That’s why you need to send a request to CatchCo’s office. They’re renowned for their quick processing time.”
I stifle a relieved scream.
I thought fighting my way out of the Sasha Vellair scandal would be impossible.
But CatchCo might just be what I need to clear my name and get my life back.
I leave the newsroom,high on the thought of clearing myself out of this horrible mess.
With CatchCo being such a discreet service, I can clear my name without Sophia or Jonathan knowing what I’m up to. Except I have a feeling the evidence won’t trace back to Jonathan directly. He’d definitely make someone in his tech roster do the dirty work for him.
I huff. As complicated as this might get, it’s better than nothing.
I just need to clear my name before the CEO vote in June.
My mind races, growing eager from all the dreams and possibilities of proving my innocence.
Until I see Gregory, Jonathan, Sophia, and Nirah eating at the outdoor tables at Ollie’s on campus.
Anger twists in my gut, my steps coming to a halt.
Gregory glances up at me with a grin. He pops a fry into his mouth. “Well, look who it is.”
Jonathan smiles, leaning back in his seat. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen you, Diana. We’ve almost forgotten what you look like.”
I smile a little too sweetly for someone imagining them choking on a chili flake.
Since the scandal, I’ve been staying at the Fairmont. It’s a major part of my plan. I need them to think I’m sulking and whimpering into my pillow when in truth, I’m quietly planning to rise back onto my feet.
“We’ve just finished a round of pre-interviews with the lab.” Nirah beckons me over. “Come have dinner with us!”
Jonathan chuckles. “I’m sure Diana has a lot on her plate,” he drawls.
Nirah doesn’t hide the revulsion on her face as she scowls at him. “AndI’msure Diana can tell me that herself,” she snaps.
Jonathan’s lip curls in distaste. Sophia fidgets in her seat.
