“It’ll take a day to do what you asked correctly,” Haru announced when he returned to the table and sat down. “You’ll be messaged once the crew is finished.”

“They probably want to do some prep work to ensure they don’t get caught,” Zoe replied. “I don’t blame them either. Corporate security is nothing to toy with.”

“Seems you know a bit about slicing,” Haru said.

“Zoe did make the police scanner,” Akari pointed out.

“Which is something I’d like to get,” Haru said.

“I know a little about slicing,” Zoe admitted. She sent Haru a link. “Sign up and pay so I can authorize you.”

“Done,” Haru said a couple of minutes later.

“And you’re authorized,” Zoe said a moment after that. “Thanks for your help.”

“You’re welcome. And thank you for authorizing me for the scanner,’ Haru replied.

“Guess I should be going,” Zoe said.

“Why?” Haru asked.

“Stay and enjoy the show,” Akari suggested.

“I’ve never listened to jazz before,” Zoe admitted. “I’m not sure if I’ll like it.”

“That means you have to stay and watch the show,” Akari and Haru both said.

“Fine. I’ll give it a try,” Zoe replied. “But if I think it sucks, I’m bailing out.”

*

Jazz didn’t suck. Zoe ended up loving the instrumental music but didn’t really care for any of the singing. She admitted as much to Akari and Haru as they exited the club.

“Well, at least we got her to try something new,” Akari said. “That’s a win in my book.”

“Are you sure we can’t talk you into leaving Henri?” Haru asked once more. “I’m sure I can convince the higher ups at Hayabusa Transportation to pay you more than Henri does. My stepfather would love to give Henri a blackeye so to speak by stealing one of his couriers.”

“I promise I’ll consider it,” Zoe replied again. She still thought Haru was a dick, but he had helped her out. She wasn’t sure how much help he would be remained to be seen. “Especially, if Henri keeps jerking me around.”

“You have our contact info, so you can contact us whenever you decide to,” Akari said. “See you around.”

“Have a good night,” Zoe replied as they went their separate ways.

*

Once Zoe woke up at 7 in the morning, she messaged Henri telling him she was sick and wouldn’t be able to work today. Even though she had gotten home and was in bed by 11, she hadn’t slept well due to worrying about Raven Technologies. She decided to go back to sleep.

“It really does look like my time at Cartier Transport is over,” Zoe told herself after waking up a couple hours later and checking her messages. Henri had replied only saying she wasn’t needed the whole week. That didn’t hurt as much as not getting any messages from the others. She had thought they were friends.

Zoe dismissed those thoughts. She didn’t want to dwell on them right now. Instead, she got out of bed, went to the bathroom to do her morning ablutions, and then got dressed. She thought she would cook some breakfast and then work on the Locust Swarm until hearing from the Yakuza. She would decide on what else to do after that.

*

Just before noon, Zoe received a message from Nanae’s Piano Lounge and Japanese Eatery at 306 E 46th St. She considered just dumping it as spam, which it probably was, but wondered if it was from the Yakuza. Nanae’s could be a front after all, and it wouldn’t surprise her if it was. She scanned the message to make sure it wasn’t anything that would infect her systems or track her before opening it.

“Raven suspects Wolfe Incorporated, Volkov Consolidated, or Zhao Technologies instead of an individual,” Zoe read aloud. “Yes! I’m in the clear.”

Zoe checked the net for rumors and discovered that the rumor she had started had taken on a life of its own and spread to include other corporations that had issues with Raven. That made her laugh. Zoe was suddenly in a great mood and wanted to celebrate a little.

“Hey Aunt Anne!” Zoe greeted her aunt after calling her.

“Hey Zoe,” Anne returned the greeting. They chatted for a few minutes before Zoe asked if she could treat Anne to lunch somewhere. “That would be lovely. Is there any particular reason though?”

“I just wanted to treat you,” Zoe replied.

“Well in that case, you can take me to Gabriel’s Steakhouse at 15 W 44th St,” Anne said. “Jimmy keeps saying he’ll take me but ends up getting busy and not following through.”

“I haven’t had a good steak in a while, so that sounds great to me,” Zoe replied. “Do we need reservations?”

“Not for lunch,” Anne answered.

“Alright. I’ll meet you there at 1,” Zoe said. They said their goodbyes and hung up. “After lunch, I’ll swing by Capones and pay off Nucky.”