Tyson leads me to a small rectangular room on the far side of the gallery. The cloud exhibit, with its white walls and wood floors, is filled with dozens of shiny, pillow-shaped balloons. The silver pillows slowly bounce about the space, seemingly as they please, on the breeze from strategically placed fans.

I leave Tyson’s side and the floorboards creak under my feet as I walk to the center of the room. Careful to avoid the security camera’s watchful gaze, I stand alone in the center of the space, letting the clouds dance around me. Isolated in a reflective heaven, I am overwhelmed by the peace that overtakes me, and I marvel at the magic in the exhibit’s simplicity.

“One of my jobs is to take care of the balloons,” Tyson says, joining me.

I refocus my attention on him, bringing my head out of the clouds. “You’re a cloud-wrangler?” I shift my drink to one hand and straighten his collar, letting my fingers linger on his chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever met one of those.”

“Oh yes. It’s a big responsibility,” he says with pretend seriousness, wrapping his fingers around mine. “It takes around three minutes to inflate a cloud and some of them last seven days while others, not so much. Valve malfunctions are a real problem.”

“Fascinating.” I hold back a giggle.

“But are you ready for the real trick?” He stares off into space, directing his AMPs with his eyes. “You’re wearing AMPs, right?”

“Actually, I’m not.” Still holding my drink, I push my glove down with my thumb, so I can flash him my untraceable wrist sticker screen. “Mine are in the shop.” The truth is, I am wearing contacts, but only to disguise the color of my eyes, making them appear slate blue. They aren’t connected to the internet.

“I’ll find you some AR glasses, then. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.” He heads out of the room.

“I’ll be waiting,” I call after him. “Unless I melt.”

“I’ll hurry,” he promises as he disappears around the corner.

Once he’s out of sight, I glance at my wrist. 8:39. It’s been less than twenty minutes. I should go now, get the tape. If I see him again, I’ll tell him I went to get some air. But if all goes well, I won’t see him again.

A tiny burst of heat erupts in my brain, interrupting my thoughts and sending a jolt of electricity down my spine. Despite the stifling night, goose bumps shoot up my arms and familiar buzzing begins between my ears. Even though I was alone in this room mere seconds ago, I detect someone’s presence behind me and I know who it is before I turn around.

There’s only one person who can sneak up on me.

…

Click HERE to keep reading Incognito by Katie Delahanty.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments