“He who holds the knowledge has the power to brainwash the masses. There’s a war going on, and most people don’t know it. It’s not between countries—it’s between corporations. They’re fighting to see who gets to control our minds, and they’ll stop at nothing.” Placing her hand over mine, she fastened her eyes on me. “The only thing we can trust is our memories. Never let anyone convince you your truth is wrong.”

As I nodded, my thoughts turned to Adam. I don’t know what his truth is, but I’ll never forget…

“The time for passive disconnection is gone,” she continued. “We have to take action before the Corporates gobble everything and everyone up.”

“You make it sound like there’s going to be an uprising.”

“Going to be? Oh honey, there already is.”

Fear leaped into my throat, and my terror must have shown on my face.

“Don’t worry.” Crystal laughed. “Change doesn’t come quickly or easily.”

“But there’s got to be a way to protect information,” I said. “To live for something bigger than popularity.”

“If you really want that, then there’s someone I want you to meet.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I think you have potential.” Lowering her gaze, she fingered her napkin. “Last night…you knew things…how?”

Staring at her hand on mine, I considered. All of my secrets are gone—anyone who reads my book will know everything… She’s being honest with me. I believe that. It would be nice to have someone to talk to… I took a deep breath and met her eyes. “Instinct? I don’t know. It’s not the first time it’s happened—that I felt a change in the air or sensed someone’s presence the moment before they walked in the door—but it’s like a reflex. I can’t do it on command.”

She didn’t register any emotion. She simply asked, “Do you know who took your book?”

“No. It doesn’t work that way. I only get answers seconds in advance.”

“Interesting. I wonder if you could learn…” She was talking more to herself than to me.

“The only person who knew about it was Adam.” My voice cracked. “But he has an alibi. He was ‘live’ with Deena.” Tears bubbled to my eyes at the memory.

Crystal scooted closer to me.

“Ella,” she said. “I’m so sorry about Adam and Deena. I promise you, not everyone is like that. There are true people out there. A community of people that supports one another. They don’t care how influential you are. Real friends.” Crystal gestured to a woman in a black jumpsuit sitting at the bar, her red hair tucked under a wide-brimmed hat that obscured half of her face. “Can I introduce you to someone?”

Wiping my eyes before the tears dared overflow, I nodded.