{if Edge < 200}{else}This is only intended to be experienced in game mode.{endif}

Author’s note: This story is a slow burn to get to the good stuff. Feedback is appreciated. Enjoy.

Part 1

“Victoria fucking did it again!” I fume, skipping the formalities of greeting Lewis as I let myself into his apartment. He knew I was coming and I have the spare key.

“No shit? Alright. You know where the beer is.” Lewis always had beer in the fridge. For all of his faults, he could be relied on for that.

“That’s what I came for,” I say ruefully.

“And to bitch about your boss, I'm guessing.”

I pop the refrigerator open and grab the first bottle I see. I pop it and take a swig, glancing around the room while deciding where to start.

Lewis pulls a series of wrapped objects out of a box and lays them out on a cheap dining table. He has only started renting this apartment a few months ago, but after moving a few pieces of essential furniture, clothes, and all of his video games, he was in no rush to move the rest of his things out of his mother’s house.

“Damn right.” I take a swig. “I’ve worked under her for three years now, doing everything she asks. I get a nice pat on the head sometimes, but if anything goes wrong, then I’m thrown under the bus and scolded like a...”

“Redheaded stepchild?“ Lewis offers.

I shrug. “Something like that." I slide one of the folding chairs out and plop myself on it. "One that she can kick whenever she feels like it. I fought for this job because it was a promising startup. I have ambition, but it won't get me anywhere when she ruins my reputation. The chances of me getting a good review from her, let alone a promotion, is diminishingly small. Not at that company. Not with her there.” I pause for another swig. “Fuck her, I quit.”

Lewis stops unwrapping and looks up for the first time and grins. “No shit? You? That’s my move, bro!” He grabs his beer bottle and extends it over the table and I clink bottles with him.

“I know,” I admit.

Lewis had gone through a rocky few years after his father abandoned the family, fell for a younger woman, and had a kid with her. I’m not sure in which order. Lewis and his sister have held a grudge for years. Lewis was already a notorious partier, but after his dad left, he upgraded from beer binges to straight liquor. He dropped out of school, then proceeded to get fired from or quit a succession of jobs. At his worst, he got into a few blind-drunk fistfights. Things have settled since then. He has managed to keep his head down at his current warehouse job and get this apartment. Now he sticks to beer.

“Warren, you are her secretary, right? Can’t you fuck with her calendar or something first? Make her pay for your suffering a little at least.”

“Assistant,” I correct. But that got my mind running. “I sure could. Maybe worse...” As the thought expands I get my first honest grin of the day. As a cold purpose starts to manifest in my heart, I feel a little calmer. “Maybe... a lot worse.”

“Well, you are grinning now. Did I help?”

“Yeah, I think you did.” I smile.

“Hey, since I helped you, can you help me haul more stuff Saturday? My mom is getting on my case.”

I don’t have other plans or good excuses, so I should help him.

“Sure. I can meet you there after the gym.” Shortly after that, I drove home, mulling over the idea of revenge.