Read Online Overdrive by Dawn Ius - Free Book Online Page B

obviously. But we won’t.”
    Fun. The word settles on my tongue like bad breath. I consider launching into a monologue about morality, but let’s face it, I’m no poster child, and that’s not really what’s holding me back.
    Mat whistles low. “Lot of expensive chrome in that warehouse. We’re not talking Ford Escorts and RX-8s.” At my wide-eyed expression, he adds, “With respect, Ghost.”
    The nickname still makes me squirm. Moving into the mansion was supposed to exorcise that part of my past. In light of Roger’s proposition, a resurrection seems imminent.
    My heart flutters with a mix of fear and adrenaline.
    â€œI’m not sure we’ve got the chops to pull off this kind of boost,” Nick says. He stands in the doorway, arms crossed, like fully entering my room will concede some kind of truce. “We’re not talking low-hanging fruit here.”
    At least that’s something Nick and I can agree on.
    â€œBeyond my skill set,” I admit.
    Morals, fear, and fresh starts aside, I don’t have a clue what we’re up against. A simple Google search of rare and expensive muscle cars coughed up a hundred or more candidates, and I wouldn’t bet our odds on any of them.
    â€œIndividually, maybe,” Chelsea says. She bounces her gaze between me and Nick. “But how many cars could you have stolen if you’d had access to a lock-picker or a hacker?”
    At least double.
    â€œWe’re talking top-level security here,” Nick says. “No disrespect, Chelsea, but when it comes down to it, we’re all amateurs.”
    Mat snorts. “Speak for yourself, cabrón . I’ve cracked some tough databases.”
    Chelsea snaps her fingers. “So that’s how you passed algebra.”
    I slide down onto the floor, using the bed frame as a backrest. My enormous walk-in closet overflows with shit I’ll never wear, and the duffel bag stuffed with my basic necessities is still half-packed. No matter what I told Vanessa, Ems and I aren’t staying here—this is just a pit stop.
    Nick paces like a caged tiger. “I’m out of the life now.”
    I offer a weak smile. “Me too.” Or so I thought.
    I’m wavering and that sucks. I can’t stop thinking about Emma and how being here, even for this short time, has tempered her anxiety. Roger’s proposition means a chance of normal for Ems.
    Stability.
    I owe her that.
    â€œYou’ve got your sister to think about,” Nick says. “Makes sense you’d give it some serious thought. But what’s in it for me? I can survive on the streets.”
    For a brief, startling few seconds, his ice-blue eyes lock on mine and I see it—unease. A small shred of vulnerability.
    Tension radiates off him in waves. “There’s no way we can pull this off,” he says.
    â€œDefinitely not without the right tools,” Mat says. “I’d need scanners, rerouters, access to a Tor networking site.” He acknowledges my blank stare with a grimace. “Sorry. Tor is software that allows me to post anonymously.”
    â€œGot it,” I say.
    â€œAnd computers.” He pumps his eyebrows. “Two good ones for sure. Maybe three.”
    Chelsea sits upright on the edge of the bed, setting the magazine on her lap. I crane my neck to look at her as she pulls a pillow to her chest. “So we make a shopping list.”
    Irritation leaks into my voice. “Not everything gets solved with a Gold Card.”
    She doesn’t take the bait. “I can think of some sweet lock-picking doodads that would come in handy—bump or specially cut keys, a torsion wrench, a few picks—standard tools. Roger will spring for the good stuff.” She winks at Nick. “Bet you and Jules could think of some things that would help you bring your A game.”
    Nick scowls. “I’m never off it.” He rubs his hand behind