Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder Page A

something like that happened?”
    She pulled back a little. “You mean you aren’t even going to question if it really happened?”
    Of course he wouldn’t, he’d seen it, but he couldn’t let her know.
    â€œWhy wouldn’t I believe you?”
    She shook her head. “Yes, it was the first, and I hope last, time.”
    â€œWe’ve had some issues with hackers going in and changing code to cheat the game. Usually harmless stuff. I don’t know how this guy was able to do that. You have to believe that I would never work on a game that would allow that to happen to a player.”
    She sipped from her coffee, and a smile flickered on her face. “You remembered how I like my coffee?”
    The doors to the conference room opened, and people shuffled in and out. Charlie stepped toward the flock moving in, and Jonah grabbed her elbow. In her ear, he whispered, “I remember how you like everything. See you later.”
    He released her elbow and backed away from the crowd going in. They more or less pushed Charlie into the room, but she looked back at him with a stunned look.
    What, did she think that just because he left town, he’d forgotten her?
    That wasn’t even in the realm of possibilities.
    Jonah walked back to his room to make plans for his date with Charlie. They’d left it open-ended so instead of planning dinner before the hackfest, he decided a late-night dessert would be better. Then he could convince her to spend the night with him.
    He also made some notes about the session on harassment and checked in with Tim to see if the team had figured out how Kraven had managed the modification.
    The more he thought about the issues facing female gamers, the more he thought about how to change the culture. But he was one guy. How could he affect a sea of change?

Chapter 6
    C harlie left the Whedon session feeling rejuvenated. She loved being around people who understood her. While her friends accepted her, they didn’t really get her love of gaming and sci-fi. They didn’t even know about her hacking. Now that Layla was going to work for the NSA, Charlie wouldn’t be able to tell her at all. There was probably some law that said Layla would have to arrest her or some shit.
    But here, in crowds of fans, she felt not only comfortable, but at home. Among the freaks and weirdos.
    And then there was Jonah. She didn’t know how he fit into anything, but she was just as comfortable around him as she was the cosplayers. She made some fast friends in the Whedon session, and they were heading to the bar for a drink. And she’d promised Derek they’d get together for a drink too. She pulled out her phone and shot a quick text to Derek to let him know where she’d be in case he wanted to join.
    Jake, a guy dressed as a hobbit, touched her shoulder. “So tell me about this game, The Order of Resskaar . I’ve never heard of it, but it sounds like it might be worth a try.”
    Charlie couldn’t tell if he was really interested or if he was using the game as a way to flirt. That was one thing she noticed with guys at this con. Many of them were shy, geeky guys, but here, they gained confidence and talked. She couldn’t imagine Jake ever approaching her in a regular bar.
    â€œIt’s still a small world comparatively. It’s been out for a couple of years, but it’s growing. The basic premise is that Resskaar has been captured by Jek-Solared. The individual guilds have missions to complete in order to save Resskaar and restore order. While in captivity, Resskaar is able to get messages out to aid you in your mission. Then there’s the usual pillaging and fighting that goes along with everything.” They walked into the bar as she finished her explanation, and as she drifted toward a table, she half expected Jake to find his group of friends.
    â€œHow long have you been playing?”
    â€œAlmost since the