Case and Molly often discuss their professional motivations. This conversation is sparked by Armitage’s revelation that Case has toxin sacs inside of him, which will dissolve and destroy once more his ability to jack into the matrix if he does not complete his job for Armitage. Case is therefore “kinked,” essentially blackmailed into working for Armitage in order to preserve his nervous system.
Case wonders how Armitage has roped Molly into working for him. Molly gives one of her stock answers, which she repeats variations of throughout the novel. She’s motivated by her “professional pride,” a love of work and…