Scumbag System Novels & Stories

Teagan has gum in her mouth—it’s forbidden in Human Sport but only scavengers get called on it—and she chews it slow and menacing. “Scavengers don’t whore for rank, bitch. We whore for cash and goods.” Nia lifts her upper lip to show her descended fangs. “Only nobs are stupid enough to fuck for recognition. You can’t trade ‘he let me sit next to him at lunch’ for anything.” Brynn and Teagan shake their heads, faces twisted with an exaggerated show of disgust. They love baiting us into speaking the truth, and then sneering at us for it.

Financial fraud, kickbacks, related‑party transactions, and embezzlement. These were threads my father already left behind. I only had to pull them, and everything else came out. Sean was not my dad. He would not hide everything the way my mom hid the truth during those three years in the ancient city. Sean was too foolish. He thought balancing the books meant no one would notice. He thought bribing auditors meant he was safe. He did not understand that nothing stayed buried forever. It took six months to complete the setup. During those six months, I never went home. I never saw my mother.

Victor roared, his body trembling. “Um… isn't it obvious? I just wanted your money. Thanks to your mom, I got you easily. But now,” she shook her head, “you're broke. I have no reason to stay.” Victor's face became pale. “So, you're saying you used me. You made me think you were preg…you made me ruin my marriage!” he exclaimed. Amber shrugged. “Not my fault you're so easy to fool.” I tapped the mic again, and yelled, “security!”