By Thor as Ryan

Eleven, answered Ryan, the stress evident in her vioce. Maybe even a 12.

On the other end of the phone was Daniela, Ryan s friend and fellow dancer. Come on, Capri, is it really that bad? Though Daniela knew Capri was just Ryan s stage name, she used the bogus alias anayway the concern in her voice on less genuine. Having known Ryan for more than a year now, she knew her friend was not prone to exaggeration. And given that the question Daniela asked Ryan was How bad is it on a scale of one to ten? she was worried.

Yes, it s that bad. I m not sure what I m going to do, but I have to figure it out quickly. I may need your help, Ryan said.

Of course, Daniela said. Anything you need, just let me know. I owe you big time for letting me into the ATM deal I m really sorry about what happened to Matthew.

Ryan knew Daniela called from her cell phone and was immediately angered by the possible disclosure of information. She tried to sound as casual as she could. What did you say? Your cell phone is breaking up.

Daniela flushed with embarrassment, knowing she had been told not to discuss anything over her phone. Oh nothing she said, I ll just catch up with you after work. Bye.

Hanging up the phone, Ryan lingered for a moment and considered Matthew, feeling somewhat responsible for his death.

That s because she was.

She...