Chapter 18 - Platinum Hacker

"Are you listening?" Amber inquired, her voice laced with urgency as she explained why she had summoned him back. Jason remained stunned from his earlier encounter with Mallory. It consumed his thoughts. Was it true that he had a girlfriend before the incident that had left him without a memory? He yearned to remember his past, to verify the truth.

In the last half-hour, messages from all his other friends poured in, clearly informed by Mallory about his release from the hospital. For the time being, he ignored them, planning to reply to them and meet up with each of them at a later date.

"Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind. I met up with Mallory at lunch, and it was interesting to say the least," Jason explained.

"Alright, we'll discuss that later. Every detail is crucial in catching your killer, but for now, let's focus on one case at a time," Amber replied.

Jason nodded, and agreed with her statement, appreciating that his case wasn't just a means for her to get him into the organisation, and they were actively going to work on it. The statement piqued Danika's interest also, but she didn't speak any further on it for the moment, listening again to Amber. 

"The Alley turned out to be a dead end. All I witnessed was Derek dropping her off. Likewise, I couldn't pinpoint the exact location of the kidnapping, so I couldn't see what transpired. But the reason I called you back is that the threats have already begun. I didn't want you out in the open in case they come after you without warning," Amber explained from behind her desk, her fingers interlocked.

"What happened?" Jason asked, surprised that things had escalated so quickly, although they had been warned that they wouldn't get very far before their investigation was noticed.

As Amber delved into more information, Malcolm, in his transparent form, appeared next to Jason, listening intently.

"I received a phone call from a blocked number. When I answered, a person with a voice changer warned me to stop investigating Laquita Bass, or there would be consequences. They made it clear that this was my final warning and hung up," Amber said, a sly smile playing on her lips as she rose from her chair.

Although holographic calls were available, most people still preferred traditional phone calls for their privacy, especially when threatening someone. 

"I assume you don't plan on giving up?" Danika asked while seated attentively, her legs crossed.

"In fact, I welcome their challenge. But, since you warned me this might happen, I took the initiative and set up a trace on the call in advance," Amber stated deviously as she left her desk and began to walk the room. 

"Smart move," Danika commented, removing her glasses to clean them.

"I traced the call to a cafe in the upper city, which we will go visit. Once there I hope to check that moment in time and identify the caller," Amber said with an air of anticipation in her voice, as she began to pace.

"Upper city cafes are different from regular ones; you can't just walk in. You need to be 'on the list,' or they won't admit you. It's another layer of exclusivity and malarkey to make the rich feel important," Danika explained, cleaning her glasses and putting them back on.

"I don't suppose you are on any of those lists?" Amber asked, a hint of optimism in her voice.

Danika chuckled, "Even though I work for a wealthy man, live in a mansion, and dress like the upper class, I'm not that rich. The lists are designed to keep people like me out."

"That's unfortunate. So, do we have a way to get in?" Amber inquired.

Danika's expression turned blank, and Jason shrugged. Sarah appeared beside Jason, making herself visible without asking, causing both Amber and Danika to jump.

"I may be able to help you get on the list," Sarah stated, brushing her long brown hair behind her ear.

"Another one of your companions?" Amber asked.

"Yes, this is Sarah," Jason replied, gesturing toward her.

"How many do you have?" Danika asked, startled by yet another presence.

"Uh, seven," Jason admitted, seeing no reason to lie, as they were likely to find out eventually. 

"Wow!" both women exclaimed.

"Anyway..." Sarah interrupted. "Which cafe did the call come from?"

"A cafe called 'Platinum Coffee' near the Bass house," Amber answered with a questioning tone. 

"Alright, give me a moment... Okay, Amber, you're on the list. From the encrypted database, I found a secret dress code that's supposed to identify outsiders, that you will need to adhere to," Sarah concluded.

"Amazing. Was it that simple?" Amber wondered.

"No, I had to break through five levels of security and encryption, but luckily, that's my expertise," Sarah replied casually.

  ~~~~

Two hours later, Amber sat in a limousine on the rooftop parking lot of Platinum Coffee, accompanied by Jason and Danika.

"I look ridiculous," complained Amber. 

Amber was accustomed to wearing a uniform or office attire that resembled one, not fancy high-class clothing. She had borrowed a dress from Danika, originally gifted by a wealthy woman who had only worn it once and Therefore could never wear it again. Fortunately, it fit Amber perfectly. The dress was made of golden fabric that flowed and twirled like a ball gown. She wore a matching gold hat adorned with real pressed roses embalmed in golden leaf. Her shiny golden high heels sparkled with a glamour unseen below the clouds. Around her neck hung a platinum "P" shaped necklace, forged by Sarah from some loose platinum she had on hand. This necklace was the key to not be seen as an outsider. Lastly she wore a gold feather pin with a hidden holo camera. This camera streamed directly to Jason's phone in the limousine, ensuring they could monitor her actions.

"You look amazing," Jason complimented, contradicting her previous statement, inspired by her breathtaking beauty.

"Thank you," Amber responded, her cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, I suppose I should be on my way."

Amber began to exit the limo but was halted by Jason. "Before you go, I'll send someone with you, transparently, to provide protection in case of trouble. Diana, can you please show yourself."

Diana appeared before them, sitting beside Jason. Both Danika and Amber had finally grown accustomed to Jason's godly companions, so this time they didn't flinch.

"Hello, I'm Diana, and I'll be your escort today," she said, smiling nervously, and twirling her emerald hair around her finger. 

"Thank you again," Amber replied, appreciative of Jason's thoroughness.

With a farewell to Jason and Danika, Amber made her way toward the rooftop entrance of the café. Jason watched as Diana followed her. The operation was officially underway.