Hi Thrillseeker
All I can say is wow, that suddenly got very dark, fast!

Although there was the clue that this was an action adventure style piece with your opening (and gripping) paragraph. It was great work how you made the reader think that it was a literal attack, before the evolution of the scene made us question any jumping-to of conclusion there.

I was shaking my head to myself with a smile realised these were gamers on a couch. Nice work!

Going into the back story scene was a nice 'calming', and a time that the reader can rest and start to wonder what tale is yet to be told. A nerdy romance? Hmm, well sure, but that seems like a let down after the exciting entro.

Then on to the studio, it was about this point in the story when I was starting to wonder to what was the girls deal. Though there were scant clues, and in hindsight Id ha liked more, to her targeted investment in Vern.

I especially liked the Sony spy input, first as a joke, and the second time it was no longer a joke!

The end of your story has us on the edge. And in a caddish way you leave us hanging there! Lol.

Meanwhile my own tendency at that point was to try recall the finer points, to look for clues to Lindsays true role here. Did she bump into him deliberately at the start? Had she somehow prompted him of offer her all that money. How far back did her con start? Ultimately, I am left with many questions about her, so that I am wishing for a second tale; one from her perspective.

Loved your writing and gutsy imagination here.

Thanks!