QR Code Murders: Loyal Supporters

Streams increased. Views accelerated. Yawquisha was numb to the dollars that tumbled into her account thanks to the millions of content consumers across the Web.

In the time that she had put up the video from her phone, she had acquired more and more from her loyal supporters. She cleared six hundred thousand dollars as she licensed her property to news agencies.

She prepared her taxes for all of the money coming into her accounts. Kim called her.

“Pardon me, okay?”

“You’re pardoned.”

“Your video has spawned what I said. The riots haven’t started but there are demonstrations as I’m sure you already know.”

“I do.”

“You’ve made history.”

“How so?” Yawquisha asked.

“You’re the first Delawarean to have a viral video cross the billion view count.”

“I know. I’m putting together all my documents now.”

“You’re going to be hounded by interviewers. Your footage will attract even more journalists than you’ve ever seen in your life.”

“I’m ready. You know I took classes at NSU before dropping out so I’m covered. The classes at FSCC helped, too.”

“I just wanted you to be prepared.”

“I’m war ready. Anything that may come my way, I’m absolutely ready to take on without hesitation.”

“Officers Catigan and Mull will be held on a million dollars bond. They have already called for their lawyers to handle this situation.”

“I would figure as much. That’s what they should do.”

“Are you with anyone at the moment?”

“Why?”

“I just thought that you needed someone to talk to, you know? Are you with him?”

“No. You?”

“Yes.”

“Is he reviewing the footage I shot?”

“He is, actually. I can pick you up so you can finally meet him.”

“Maybe some other time. Things are pretty hectic around here as you can imagine.”

“No, of course. I understand. I was checking in on you to see if you needed any company.”

“No. I’m good.”

“Alright. Keep following the data and reap those benefits. You’ve earned them.”

“Thanks.”

“Take care.”

“Be well.”

Yawquisha tapped the hang up function.

She decided to get her paperwork in order before she saw her accountant. She wanted to be sure of every penny that trickled and every dollar that flooded into her accounts. With meticulous precision she pinpointed the digital files corresponding to each account.

By taking her time to ensure that the money would be available to her, she checked and double checked all of the numbers. She looked at the array of screens which displayed her net worth according to the video.

The licensing deal meant that whoever wanted to use her content had to pay her up front. She cracked her knuckles. Her fingers glided over the keypad. She listened to thrash metal as she negotiated deals with people around the country and the world.

From Kentucky to Kyoto, they wanted to know about her and what she created. She got up to have a glass of red wine. She sipped it slowly, deliberately. The layers and notes all matched up with her mood. She felt engaged, now. There was a spark that ignited an inferno in her soul. It taught her to control herself and to still blaze with a terrific intensity that she would allow nothing to extinguish.

In just a few hours, her creation garnered a billion views, breaking records not just for a Delawarean but for anyone. Yet, no one knew her face online. During interviews, she wore her customary garb and asked for her voice to be modulated and a silhouette to be placed on her image.

As she sipped, the ease of the alcohol mollified her nerves.