Abruptly

Everyone seemed to be avoiding the topic that you knew came next, in the same way that you had been avoiding thinking about leaving the fast food place less than an hour ago. Nobody wanted to ruin the atmosphere that already existed while playing with Jack but you did have a desire in you to get this out of the way so you could all talk without having to put up this front.

Eventually there was a lull in the small talk when Jack started looking annoyed at being fussed over and in what you would consider your first collaboration together, you were able to start speaking even if it wasn’t the best segue.

“So Izzy, as much as we do enjoy coming to see you and Jack, we did come with the intention of hearing your answer from yesterday. We aren’t gonna just up and leave as soon as we hear it either, no matter what you say.” you said, taking the chance to take her hand that had been resting on the table and holding it as a way to comfort her.

Emma immediately saw what you were doing as you took it as an opportunity to get Izzy to her first level up and you didn’t need much time at all. You did feel slightly guilty when Izzy reassuringly squeezed your hand back but there was a genuine part of your gesture which did seem to calm her down, letting her take a deep breath before she spoke.

“I didn’t want to just let you guys down but… I don’t think I can just throw this all away. If it was just me then it might have been a different story…” she started, looking towards Jack as you all understood who she wanted to protect the most.

“That’s perfectly fine and I completely understand that” you started to say, seeing Grace tighten her expression before you gave her a look to warn her.

“It’s fine and we aren’t here to make you throw anything away that you don’t want to. That’s part of the reason why we are only talking with you and not just sneaking around pretending to be detectives. I want to be able to come up with a solution that has everyone happy… well everyone except ‘him’ but you get my point. Just let us know what you think you need or if there's any way we could reassure you that you can trust us, then we’re willing to listen” you explained, feeling more confident when you saw Grace’s expression start to soften the more you spoke.

“I do trust you. Really. It’s just that I can’t really trust the reactions of people I’ve never met once they find out about what John has done.” Izzy replied, giving you her reason.

If you were in her shoes, you’d probably be thinking something along the same lines. The problem now lay with how you would now have to solve that dilemma.

“I can tell you as much as you want to know about my Mom and my sisters but… looking at your expression I don’t think that will cut it” you said, gauging Izzy’s reaction before you continued throwing out ideas.

“We could invite them down here. Springing the news on them though while in your house might not get the best reaction and we would still need to worry about John” you continued before shooting your own idea down.

“You and Jack could come visit us?” Emma suggested, inviting Izzy and Jack.

“Wouldn’t they have the same reaction as if they visited here?” Izzy questioned, making another valid point.

“I think if they are at home then they are less likely to freak out but that does put more pressure on you in that case” you replied, thinking about being in Lucy, Sarah or Mom’s position.

As you thought about it more you did feel the need to bring up some of the other negatives.

“Having you meet them in person without them actually knowing who you are will mean we need some form of cover story. I don’t want to lie to them for too long so it would be one meeting where you can talk to them for yourself and then you can decide what you want to do after that. I know this involves you Grace but, she could be someone you know from the gym and Izzy is over to let you meet Jack. Or if anyone could think of a better explanation?” you said, trying your best to make this work.

Having asked them to think of a better cover story did actually seem to help, making everyone focus on a way for this to work instead of just flat out refusing to consider it.

You had had your hand resting on top of Grace’s for at least a minute now and given that you were still trying to convince her to be on your side, you wanted to see if the KDK could give you any advantage at all, looking for an opening to check and quickly finishing your drink.

“Sorry, are you okay with me using the bathroom?” you asked, hoping to get just a moment alone.

“Sure, there’s no need to ask by the way,” Izzy replied.

“I just didn’t want you thinking I was going off to snoop. I’ll try to think of any other ideas” you responded, getting up from your seat and heading towards the stairs.

You already knew the way from when you went yesterday and you did avoid snooping even if it was on your mind.

Once inside, you locked the bathroom door and quickly took out your phone to see if the KDK had anything ready.

Change detected. Click here to view details in the KDK app.

Isabelle Jones level up! 2 points received. 5XP
Status updated. Effects available after the subject has rested/User confirms.

Name: Isabelle Jones
Role: Subject
Age: 29
Kink: Cybersex (level 1 - 156/800 seconds)
Distance: 6m
Levels:

Level 1 - Unlocked - tap for more details. Cannot be activated until subject has rested

Level 1 details

Passive -
The subject will become more aroused by the sound of the User's voice.
Bonus: The User will now be able to gain seconds with the KDK for this subject while talking with them on a call. The rate at which seconds are gained is halved compared to skin-to-skin contact with the subject.
This is not limited to the device that the KDK is held within and this affects both voice and video calls using any electronic device.

Active -
I want to hear your voice
Condition(s): Subject not within 50m of User
Effect(s): Once activated, the subject will feel the need to call the User to hear their voice. They will not reveal this to the User and will find an excuse to keep them on the call for at least 60 seconds, even if it means revealing secrets to the user in order to keep them on the call.
Cooldown: 4 hours

Author's note: Spoiler chapter will be updated shortly :)