Runaway

By JC Bybee

A missing android, an inexperienced PI, and not enough clues. When Jessica Collinsworth decided to become a private investigator, she never thought she’d land a case for the largest robotics company in New Davenport. But when one of their experimental androids goes missing, Next Gen Robotics turns to Jessica.

Can Jessica handle the biggest case of her short career, while dealing with her own insecurities, a mysterious stalker, and helping her twin sister recover from her torture at the hands of the deranged serial killer Cult?

Runaway is the first book in Collinsworth Case Files, the newest series in the world of Hero Unit, by JC Bybee. Pick it up today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JC Bybee
• Release date: Aug 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005149062

JC Bybee

I was born in a small town, raised in an even smaller town. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I went to Brigham Young University. There I met my beautiful wife, who moved us to Iowa. I now live in western Idaho where between being a stay-at-home dad and a writer I'm kept pretty busy. In when I'm not writing I enjoy gaming, table-top and video games.

Book preview

10:30 pm

Next time, I’m getting a bigger deposit!

Bullets whizzed past Jessica’s head as she ran from the back of the club. Some hit her in the back, but not many. Hired thugs weren’t exactly known as crack shots, and she wasn’t a big target, especially by Fortress Class standards.

She rounded the corner, saw the empty street, and turned up her speed, reaching the speed limit in a few steps. After only a short distance, Jessica took to the air, leaving her pursuers far behind. Not wanting to attract the attention of the EED, she kept to the aerial speed limit. It was tempting to just go home, but she needed to stop by her office to make copies of the recordings and pictures she’d taken that night. She could hear her mentor's voice in her head, "Never wait to make copies and store your data."

As she flew, Jessica reflected on her conversation with Ace and Angela about becoming a PI. Having their encouragement had been tremendous. Whenever her doubts came creeping in, and they did, she had their advice and friendship to fall back on.

It still seemed strange that she was friends with the Fifths, but that’s how life went sometimes. After what had happened to Jenn, knowing that Angela kept an eye on them helped her sleep at night. Just because Cult was gone didn’t mean she didn’t have nightmares.

Jessica’s mind was so caught up in thinking about Cult that she nearly flew past her office. Though office was probably too grand a name for it. Donald Greer, her one-time coach, part-time boss, and long-time friend, had leased the space to her at a much-reduced price. It wasn’t far from the Dungeon, Mr. Greer’s gym. Which was convenient since she still had to pick up hours there to make ends meet.

The space she used was on the top floor, which would have been a hassle for most people, but Jessica used roof access since she could fly. The convenience of it made her shake her head at the years she’d spent as an Unreg. Still, being one of the few documented Fortress Class born without the Massive Quirk had made life difficult enough growing up. She hadn’t wanted to deal with the inevitable awkward questions and uncomfortable silences as an adult.

She checked her messages in her office, a small space crammed between a chiropractor and graphic artist. The first was from her sister. Hey, just got your message. Thanks for the heads up about being out late. Be careful, and don’t forget to eat.

Jessica shook her head. Jenn was always trying to look out for her. Even when she was the one who needed it the most. After what had happened with Cult, her sister was still recovering. A year later and she still had panic attacks, still had nightmares. Angela said they would fade with time if Jenn got help. Jessica wondered if they ever would.

The following message brought her attention back to the present. This is Rebecca Sharp from Next Gen Robotics. If you could give me a call back at your earliest convenience, my company would like to hire you for a job.

Jessica played back the message to be sure she heard the company name correctly. Sure enough, Next Gen Robotics. She looked at her watch; it was eleven o’clock. She doubted anyone would answer, but she figured it was better to call now than wait. As one of the VPs of Next Gen, Rebecca Sharp was well known as an Exceptional and might not be choosing to sleep, so she could still be available. Just because companies couldn’t mandate night shifts didn’t mean people, especially Exceptionals, couldn’t work late.

With some trepidation, she dialed the number from the message and waited. Rebecca Sharp picked up after only one ring. Oh good, you got my message. I need your help.

What can I do for you? She kept her device angled up, so Ms. Sharp couldn’t see her current attire. The club she’d been investigating that night had been running a theme night. While Jessica enjoyed Grunge music, the fashion left something to be desired, especially for meeting with a prospective client.

I need you to find something for us, but I can’t give you much more than that until you’ve agreed to the case.

Next Gen was a huge company with plenty of competition. It didn’t come as a surprise that they would want her to sign a contract before saying anything. Would you like to meet in person, or are you comfortable discussing this electronically? It was never wise to assume that someone was comfortable with digital interactions just because they were a technomancer. After all, they were more aware than most of the pitfalls.

Ms. Sharp glanced away for a second, probably to check the time, and then said, If you can meet now, that would be great. I’ll send you my address. Jessica wasn’t about to pass up the chance to snag a client like Next Gen, so she agreed to the meeting. Excellent, I’ll send you the information now. The directions will take you to the side visitors’ entrance. I’ll be waiting for you. Jessica thanked her and hung up.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this big of a case, but this could be the chance her career needed. After another breath to calm her nerves, Jessica went to her office’s tiny bathroom. She changed her clothes, grateful that she’d taken Ace’s advice about always having a spare set, or two, around. Jessica checked the mirror to make sure she didn’t look too disheveled after being shot. Satisfied that her appearance was sufficient to meet a client, Jessica gathered her paperwork and headed out.

Friday, June 7th, 2030

11:00 pm

The Next Gen Robotics industrial complex was across the river on the far eastern edge of New Davenport. Jessica landed outside the gate, conscious of the many security drones, aerial and wheeled, patrolling the complex. Rebecca Sharp was waiting for her outside the fence. You made good time.

Jessica shook the offered hand. There’s a lot less traffic at eleven o’clock.

I can imagine. She could help but notice that Ms. Sharp was still tense. Whatever they were missing, it was important and probably expensive.

Ms. Sharp led Jessica through the maze of buildings to her own office. Though it was an office only in the technical sense. Workroom was probably the more accurate term. There were racks and bays with robots in various stages of construction or deconstruction. It was hard to tell. They were all connected to computers with displays giving different readouts. It was all well over Jessica’s head. One of the bays was conspicuously empty.

Let’s get down to business. Ms. Sharp sat down at the only desk in the room. Jessica took the chair opposite. First is this. She handed Jessica a contract. It was a reasonably strict non-disclosure agreement. Luckily, Jessica was well versed in legalese. If she signed, it would keep her from discussing the case publicly, even if she didn’t agree to take it. She found nothing worrisome in the wording, so she signed and passed it back to Ms. Sharp.

Now that that’s out of the way, I can give you the details. How familiar are you with leading-edge robotics?

Jessica shook her head. Not very. I know your company produces some of the best androids on the market, but what exactly that means is a mystery to me.

Ms. Sharp nodded. That’s fine. Most people can’t afford a personal robot at the moment. One of our goals is to make them more available for the average consumer, but that’s not the cutting edge. The cutting edge is artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence. Jessica had watched enough sci-fi to know that AI was one of those areas of science rife with speculation, both good and bad. She waited for the explanation to continue. My company was finally able to crack the barrier and make something very close to a self-aware AI. Her official designation is Unit Two. Rather facetiously, the engineers have taken to calling her Eve.

What happened to her? Jessica wasn’t stupid. She knew that was the reason Ms. Sharp had called her.

I don’t know. No one does. She paused. Jessica recognized the signs of someone having an internal argument. After a deep breath, she continued. I’m going to level with you, Jessica. Eve isn’t just close to self-aware; she is a one hundred percent self-aware artificial intelligence. She has her own ideas, her own preferences, her own dislikes. You can’t tell anyone this, but I’m pretty sure she ran away.

That put a whole new spin on the situation. It was a lot of information to take in. She sat in silence, thinking it over. I’ve been authorized to pay you triple your normal fee to take this case.

Jessica nearly choked. Triple her standard fee…that was a lot of money. Taking this job would mean she would have to drop her hours at the Dungeon, if not quit entirely. It was an offer that could help her career immensely. The only question was, did she think she could handle it?

She took out her contract and passed it across the table to Ms. Sharp. I’m willing to work with you, but I’m going to need more information.

Ms. Sharp studied the contract, crossed out the fee, wrote down the adjusted number, initialed the change, and signed it. She passed it back, along with the first check. I can get you the names of the people who worked on the project and the security feed. I don’t know that it will do you any good, though, it has clearly been altered, but we can’t restore it.

That would be appreciated. Jessica wondered if Ace or Angela would know someone capable of restoring the footage. Could you also give me a list of Unit Two’s interests? If she did leave on her own, that might give me some direction.

Ms. Sharp nodded. I have a file of all her vital information.

There was a subtle shifting of the natural laws, and Jessica’s device buzzed. It was Unit Two’s file. She gave it a quick once over. From what she saw, it would give her a good starting point. This should give me what I need. At least to start. She pocketed her device and turned her attention back to her client. The relief on Ms. Sharp’s face was almost comical.

Thank you. I hope you can find her. I’d rather not involve the police or the EED. The fewer people who know, the better. Too many people are influenced by the pop-culture idea of evil robots taking over the world. Ev- Unit Two is not harmless, but she’s no more dangerous than a Fourth Gen.

No more dangerous than a Fourth Gen. The way Ms. Sharp said that phrase made Jessica wonder. What do you mean by that?

Her question made Ms. Sharp uncomfortable. The other woman shifted in her chair before finally saying, We created her to be as powerful as we could. None of our other projects, even the military ones, have her level of technology. If you look in her file, you’ll see we put together a Reg profile for her. It’s not officially in the database since the whole project is still top-secret. After an incident with her predecessor, it was decided that E- Unit Two would classify herself not as a normal but as an Exceptional. She understands that she’s a synthetic being, but she places herself on the level of Exceptional. I’m not explaining this very well. It’s complex.

The pride, and worry, that Ms. Sharp felt were evident. To her, this wasn’t a missing robot or even a missing company asset. For Rebecca Sharp, Unit Two- Eve was something like a daughter. Jessica was going to have to be careful how she approached this case. Like I said, I should have enough information to start with. If something new comes up, can I contact you at the same number?

Yes, the number I gave you is my personal device. Thank you, Jessica. With their business concluded, Ms. Sharp escorted her out. Jessica flew back to her office, already planning her first moves to track down Unit Two.

Saturday, June 8th, 2030

8:30 am

The following day Jessica set up a meeting with Mr. Greer. He usually didn’t come in on Saturdays, but he’d made an exception for her. After everything he’d done for her, it was only fair that she told him in person that she was quitting.

Donald Greer was a mountain of a man in a tailored grey suit. Among normals, he was formidable. He’d spent the better part of his twenties in the UFC. The scars and his squashed nose were testaments to that. His office looked down on the gym floor where normal and Exceptional fighters were training.

How are things going with the PI gig? he asked after giving Jessica a quick hug.

Good. I just finished up a case, and I have another one lined up. Which is why I’m here, Jessica replied. This one is big, Don, so big I’m going to have to focus all my time on it.

He smiled. I figured that’s what this was about. You haven’t been this passionate about something since you were a fighter. I’ll make sure your last check gets deposited. Remember, you’re always welcome to come back anytime you need.

Jessica stood and gave him another hug. Thanks, coach.

Back home, her sister was making breakfast. You know, you really should eat more.

Jessica smiled. Says the one who didn’t eat dinner last night. She could feel her sister’s gun in the room. If she concentrated, she’d be able to tell where it was, but she didn’t need to. She knew it was in the small of her back, within easy reach. There was another one visible on her hip. That’s new.

Jenn touched the gun, another .9mm. I was talking with Angela the other day, and she said I needed to do what I felt was necessary to keep myself safe.

I wasn’t questioning that, sis. I know how important it is to you. The scars were enough of a reminder for both of them. Both those Jessica could see and the ones she couldn’t. I just want to make sure you aren’t hiding something from me. She started moving the food to the table, giving her sister time to think.

Jenn was silent for a moment before finally saying, I don’t think she’s gone, Jess.

There was only one she that Jenn could be talking about. Cult. Ace and Angela were there. They saw her cut her own throat. She’s dead, Jenn.

Tears fell, sizzling on the slowly cooling stove. Is she? Did they really see her? Was it really her? I can still hear her voice in my head, still feel the wire. Her fingers were idly tracing the scars on her arms through the long sleeves of her shirt. The motion was almost like a caress. Jessica helped her sister to the couch. She went quickly but carefully to the bathroom to grab Jenn's meds. They were gone. Dammit.

She returned to the living room and knelt in front of her still shaking sister. Where are the pills, Jenn?

She told me to get rid of them, her sister whispered.

Who? Who told you to get rid of them?

Cult.

Rage hit Jessica like a truck. She jumped to her feet and turned away before it got the better of her. She’s dead, Jenn! Do you think she could really beat Ace and Angela? Do you!? Her voice rattled the windows. She was starting to quiver with barely contained fury. Carefully she clenched her fists, keeping herself apart from her sister. In the state she was in, she didn’t dare get close. With how angry she was, Jessica could crush her sister’s bones.

Her voice is so real, so clear. Her sister was sobbing, tears streaking down her face.

Taking care to not break her device, Jessica called Angela. When her friend picked up, Jessica didn’t even have to talk before Angela said, I’ll be right over. Jessica put her device down and held her breath, struggling to get her Rage under control. Her power fought her, like always.

A massive shifting of the natural laws announced Angela’s arrival. She appeared in the kitchen, and peace permeated the apartment. There was no urgency in her movements, only calm assurance that all would be well. To Jessica, that was the difference between Ace and Angela; Ace brought reassurance, but not peace. Standing next to Ace was like standing in a hurricane while an earthquake was happening. It was impossible to ignore her power, even when she wasn’t using it.

Angela represented peace, calm, and comfort, like a still pond on a clear day. She sat down next to Jennifer, and the natural laws shifted again. No words were spoken. With Angela, it wasn’t necessary. After a few minutes, Jenn’s breathing calmed, the tears stopped, and light seemed to return to her face. And as her sisted regained control, Jessica’s Rage faded.

I’m sorry I didn’t realize things had taken a turn for you, Angela said once Jenn had calmed down.

You’ve been busy with everything going on with Ace, Jenn said, trying to brush off the apology.

"I made a promise to you, and I haven’t been keeping it. I’m sorry. Now, this time I’m going to insist you see someone to deal with your PTSD. One of the