[Bonus chapter] Crystal Matrix

The smell of cooked bacon pulled him out of the best sleep he'd had in years. Stretching in bed, he could hear the low murmur of voices droning steadily from below. Although in need of a shower, the temptation of breakfast was too much to ignore.

"You didn't have any food, so I brought some over." Stiletto sat at the kitchen island; in front of her were two plates.

"Thank you." Dex slid lazily into the seat next to her, glancing around his kitchen. "Who were you talking to?"

Stiletto brought up a hud and gestured toward a program she was running. "I was talking to your defensive ICE. What did you name it?"

"Fatboy…" Dex pulled the nearest plate closer and started eating. Apparently, privacy among the 'bottom feeders' was non-existent. While she was distracted, he took the opportunity to study her more closely.