The soup was honestly delicious.
As she blew on the steaming spoonful, she asked:
-"Any news on that spy?"
Jacob hit send and rubbed his tired eyes.
_"They've all been caught. Just waiting for their trial. Thanks to you."
She gave him a soft smile and sighed.
-"It wasn't just me. My friend helped too… and I still haven't heard anything from him. I don't even know how to find him. He won't give me any details. I think I should start panicking soon…"
Jacob turned to her, expression dark.
_"Why don't you hack him? Like, track his phone or something. Didn't you say you could hack emails? Couldn't you use that?"
-"It's risky. I erased every possible trace that could lead back to us. Even Luca told me not to contact him, just to wait. Which means he's probably already being tracked. Maybe they're just waiting to see who he's connected to."
She shook her head.
-"And out there, I have no identity. Nobody knows what kind of data I took, or how. I don't want them to know I even exist. Everything I've done so far has been without leaving a single footprint. I can't waste that. I'll keep working quietly. It's safer for me… and for you."
Jacob smiled faintly. She was even cuter when she got serious.
_"Don't worry, little one. He'll turn up."
-"God, I hope so…" she whispered, and went back to her meal.
-"Are you busy?"
_"Hm? Why?"
-"Let's go to your mansion and play some games!"
_"Not really that busy… and no need. There's a game room here too."
-"Really?"
_"Of course. Everything that's there is here too."
-"Then when you're done, we're going!"
Jacob nodded.
_"Want me to get you something else to eat?"
-"No, I'm full. Besides, I can get it myself. You finish your work."
...
Her frustrated yell made him laugh.
-"That doesn't count! My controller's broken!"
_"Yeah, yeah… that's the only excuse you've got."
They played for two hours. Jacob was seriously good.
-"Ugh, you.. you... you jerk! How can you be this good?"
Jacob grinned proudly.
_"An honor, madam. But honestly? Matthew's even better than me."
Diana pulled a face.
-"Oh great. That means I'll always be dead last."
Just then, Matthew's voice came from behind.
+"What are you two doing?"
From the corner of her eye, Diana shot him a look.
-"We're making bombs. What does it look like? We're playing a game, duh. Dumb question."
She whispered the last part toward Jacob, who pressed his lips tight to stop laughing.
Matthew's hand landed hard on Diana's shoulder, squeezing. She bit back a whimper. He squeezed harder.
+"Hmm. Seems like that sharp tongue of yours is still working."
He whispered close to her ear, then pulled back, releasing her.
+"Jacob, get up. We've got coordination to do."
Before Jacob could answer, Diana cut in.
-"Let me finish this round! If I kill him this time, I'll finally win. Please…"
Matthew sighed impatiently, snatched the controller from her, and the fight started.
Forty seconds later, Jacob's avatar lay defeated.
+"There. You won."
He tossed the controller into Diana's lap.
Jacob stood, leaned down, and kissed her forehead.
_"I'll be right back, little one."
Diana just nodded, forcing a smile.
Once they stepped into the next room, Jacob turned to Matthew.
_"Was it really that hard to wait two minutes and let her play? Just let her feel a little better, Matthew. I don't want her spiraling again and hurting herself."
They entered Matthew's room. He shrugged off his jacket, tossing it on the bed, and rubbed his eyes.
+"That girl's condition means nothing to me, Jacob. She's already distracted us enough. I don't need you becoming another distraction. So don't bring her up again. Focus, and listen to me."
Jacob said nothing, though the contradiction in Matthew's words and actions was obvious. He didn't seem to know what he wanted to do with Diana. One day he was kind, the next cold.
They sat on the couches, diving into plans. Friday's trial was coming, and Matthew intended to make the most of it. Winning was certain, he knew that. But securing his position afterward was another story.
Beyond the trial, they reviewed several other documents. Jacob handled half the work, but even he could see how much energy Matthew poured into everything. How did he keep up with it all? Jacob couldn't imagine.
They worked straight through until near evening. Finally, Matthew gave a nod of approval.
Jacob stretched, cracking his neck.
_"Man, you're draining the life out of me."
+"Thanks."
Jacob stared blankly.
_"That wasn't a compliment."
Matthew only shrugged.
+"I took it as one."
His mind a little clearer, Matthew left the room, motioning for Jacob to follow.
+"Let's get dinner."
Jacob sniffed the air.
_"What's for dinner? Smells amazing."
Matthew shrugged. He hadn't ordered anything.
As they came down the stairs, they spotted Diana in the kitchen, laptop open, focused on something.