Web Fic
Chapter 181
Mirabella’s computer desktop was a model of minimalism, sporting a scant collection of apps. She clicked on an icon resembling a dewdrop, and immediately, a login box sprang up.
Entering a string of credentials, she hit the enter key, and a chat interface popped up, looking not much different from the usual messaging tools,
No sooner had she logged in than a little leaf icon at the corner of the page began to flicker rapidly someone was looking for her.
Casting a brief glance at the notification, Mirabella opened the settings and switched to ‘Do Not Disturb‘ mode without hesitation.
She skimmed through the messages from people, who were concerned about why she had been off the radar for over a year, but she didn’t bother replying to any of them.
Instead, she went straight to a group chat in her list. The group wasn’t large, just about two dozen members, and about half of them were online, engaged in lively conversation.
Mirabella didn’t bother scrolling through the chat history; her fingers danced across the keys as she typed.
The Pill: Anyone here dealt with Solace Stern lately?
The group’s members were from all corners of the globe, their identities shrouded in mystery. dealing in goods that ordinary people wouldn’t come across.
The lively chatter came to an abrupt halt at the sudden appearance of “The Pill.” It was as if they had all been struck mute, and the chat fell silent for a long moment.
Watching the screen, which seemed to have frozen in time, Mirabella blinked in surprise. Over al year had passed, and was she already forgotten?
After a brief pause, her fingers tapped out another message.
The Pill: Hello?
As the question mark hit the chat, the stunned crowd seemed to shap out of their trance.
Sky’s the Limit: Holy smokes, Pill dude, you’ve finally resurfaced!
Get Rich or Die Trying: Thought I was seeing things. But nope, it’s for real.
No Stealing My Meds: A VIP entrance for the big boss, nothing less for
you
lot.
Admission Fee: One Billion: Good thing I didn’t hit the sack yet, or I’d be kicking myself forever!
Mirabella watched as the group went completely off–topic and rubbed her temple in mild frustration.
The Pill: So, can anyone answer my first question?
No Stealing My Meds: I don’t have Solace Stem. I have only ever heard of it in whispers. NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
Get Rich or Die Trying: I’m just a humble rat poison salesman. Solace Stem? That’s way out of my league.
Sky’s the Limit: The number of chemists who can whip up a batch of Solace Stem must be few and far between these days, let alone sell it.
Mirabella closed the chat without further ado since the group had no leads on Solace Stem. A short while later, her avatar lit up with a private message. It was from “No Stealing My Meds,” an old acquaintance with whom she’d always had a decent rapport.
No Stealing My Meds: Pill, you were asking about Solace Stem. Is something up?
The Pill: Just found traces of it in a friend, unexpected.
No Stealing My Meds: Few can make that stuff. Tell you what, I’ll ask around. I’ve got some pals in the Guild.
The Pill: Thanks, much appreciated!
No Stealing My Meds: No sweat. Can I get your contact deets?
After a moment’s thought, Mirabella sent over her Messenger handle. Soon enough, her Messenger pinged with a new contact request, which she promptly accepted. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, neither delved into idle chatter.
Mirabella shut down her computer, stood up, and approached her wardrobe, retrieving a suitcase she had brought to the Davis household.