The Perfect Clone

by M. L. Stephens

  Laughing through the nervousness, she said, “You might as well join me.” Taking another gulp from her glass, she simply stated, “If we’re headed down the road of truth and confessions, it might be one heck of a bumpy ride.” Laura shook the glass, causing the ice cubes to clink against it, signaling the need for a refill. Richard obliged her.

  Roger eyed the other man who shrugged. They were both ready to spend as long as it took to find out what she had to say. Removing all the coffee cups from the bar and carrying them to the sink, Roger opened the cabinet and retrieved two glasses, handing one to Richard. From the looks of things, this promised to be a long night.

  After drinks were poured and everyone had downed a few sips, Laura pulled a cigarette from its box and lit up. Blowing out in a long exhale, she watched as the smoke canvassed the room. Deeply inhaling another drag, she silently begged that the smoke would suffocate her so this situation would end. No such luck.

  A torture scene of the Spanish Inquisition she’d once observed came to mind. Laura pictured herself as the punisher, wearing a brown woolen robe. She exacted pain on another image, the image of her naked self, strapped to a stretching table. She was both the punished and the punisher. Such was the mess she’d created of her life. Knowing that she couldn’t delay forever, Laura began the wrenching task of laying all her sins out before her.

  “Before answering your question, I want to explain the situation that led me make certain decisions. There’s no excuse for the lies I told or what I’ve done, but it’s best if you both know the entire story.” Laura cleared her throat. “Now, where should I start?”

  Roger was quick to offer up his suggestion, “I suppose chronological order would be appropriate.”

  Over the top of the burning cigarette, she looked at Roger to acknowledge his request and nodded. “Very well, then.”

  Laura tilted her glass toward Richard. “Roger, meet Mr. Avery, our employer.”

  Roger nearly dropped his glass. Choking spasms caused his body to bend at the waist, as he coughed on the drink he’d been swallowing. After his eyes readjusted their focus and he gained control of his upper body, he acknowledged the enormity of the question he’d asked Laura earlier. “I didn’t know Laura, or I wouldn’t have mentioned—oh shit.”

  Drained of any emotion, Laura produced a weak smile. She stamped out the cigarette, took another gulp and continued, “Now that we have the proper introductions out of the way, I’ll get on with it.” Small coughing sounds continued to emanate from Roger’s throat as the story continued.

  “Cliff never really wanted children. He came to me about the inward battle he was having with his sexuality. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t really surprised by his declaration. It was just really bad timing. With my career finally kicking off, I didn’t want children just yet, but knew that I would eventually. I couldn’t imagine having to start over with another man, especially with the time I was devoting to my research. Anyway, I made him promise to keep the secret until we had a child. We tried. Rather, he tried. I didn’t see the need to jeopardize my work at NWL, so I took birth control. I imagined, in my own delusional way, that he would change his mind about his sexuality and things would go back to normal—at least my normal. They were never normal for him I suppose. I think he suspected that I was on the pill. His attitude toward me eventually changed. Cliff started sleeping in the guest room and would barely look at me, much less touch me, or make love to me. One day he came home and told me that he’d been to the sperm bank and had left a donation in my name. He said that since it was frozen, I could use it whenever I was ready.

  Realizing what an idiot I’d been for trying to force him into being something that he wasn’t, I accepted the facts for what they were. He couldn’t continue living the lie. Depression was eating away at him. I began to hate myself for the misery I was causing.”

  Tears crowded into Laura’s chest as she continued, “Cliff was an honorable man. He deserved to be happy. I only wished at the time, he could have found that happiness with me.”

  The loud ring of Richard’s cell phone pulled the group away from the story and back to their surroundings. Not daring to leave the room, Richard took the call.

  Roger used the distraction to excuse himself from the group. He headed down the hall to the bathroom, needing to wash the tears from his face.

  Laura’s admissions made him feel like he was drowning in mud. His breathing felt restricted by the pain in his chest; pain caused by renewed grief over everything that could have been, everything that would never be.

  Closing the door behind him, Roger was thankful for the solitude. The taupe paint on the walls did little to calm his nerves. Leaning on the sink for support, Roger turned on the water, splashing the cold liquid across his face. He tried to maintain his balance in the spinning room, but all he could see were images of Cliff and all those wasted years. All the love he’d never know now that Cliff was dead. Roger gasped for air, trying to force it into his lungs, his chest pounded in rebellion against the attempt. He couldn’t breathe. He was drowning in sorrow. Reaching down, Roger raised the toilet lid, lowered himself to the floor, and threw up.

  “So, it’s been narrowed down to just three?” Richard switched into professional mode with such ease. “Please transfer all medical charts from the main facility to Dr. Hamstein. He’ll take over from here. I’m sure he’s eager to begin his own testing. Let the good doctor know the importance of what’s taking place, and the need for each candidate to remain fully intact. With a limited supply of people able to meet the criteria needed, I don‘t want to risk losing any of the three that remain. Understood? Good, keep me posted on all activities.” Richard released an uncharacteristic sigh as he hit the end button. Things were moving along nicely, well at least on that front, he thought.

  Roger’s absence and the pause in Laura’s story, gave Richard the opportunity to refill glasses while he processed both the information Laura had revealed and that from the phone call.

  He definitely admired Laura’s tenaciousness. He’d been right in revealing his secret to her. She would be a perfect addition to the project he was working on.

  Roger came back into the kitchen and reclaimed his spot.

  Laura hated that she was the cause of his lackluster complexion and sickly appearance. If anyone deserved to know the truth though, it was him. Things needed to be set right. It was time to clean up the mess that she’d made of her life.

  Seeing that the two men had settled back into their spots, Laura continued. “After Cliff’s accident, I became distraught with guilt over the despicable way I’d treated him. Life is so short. There are no second chances, no do overs. I found a fertility doctor and began the in vitro process. What do you know? It turned out that Cliff’s sperm, for all intent and purposes, did not handle the cryopreservation process well. The in vitro idea was out.”

  Laura looked at Richard, deciding it was best to keep certain details away from both men. “I took the remaining sperm to the lab, in hopes of finding a way to fix it. It sounds ridiculous I know, but I can’t let go. It’s all I have left of him.”

  Roger rubbed his head and paced as he tried to process the confession. The gears in the scientific portion of his brain were going nuts as they battled against the emotional side. Coming to a decision he blurted out, “You can’t fix it, Laura! You’ve taken something that was meant to be beautiful and desecrated it.”

  Looking at Richard, Roger made his demand, “I want it removed and destroyed.”

  Richard stood up, looking the distraught man directly in the eye. “There’s no question about it. It does not belong at NWL and it will be removed immediately.”

  Looking down at Laura, hoping there was more to the story than she’d let on, Richard said with conviction. “I cannot allow you to retain your current position at NWL. I’m sure you understand. I will personally escort you to the lab and oversee the removal and destruction of the sample.”

  Laura lowered her head, a
shamed to look at either man. “What I’ve done is wrong. All I can say is I’m sorry.”

  Giving himself time to decide his next words, Roger stomped over to the dishwasher and loaded it with the coffee cups from earlier and the glass he’d been using. “I’m hurt and extremely disappointed, Laura. This has been a long day for both of us and I think its best that I go before saying something I might later regret.”

  Richard took the initiative to see Roger to the foyer, wanting time alone with him to say a few words.

  Laura lowered her head to the bar and cradled it on folded arms.

  Once they were out of hearing range, Richard shook his employee’s hand. With a firm voice he said, “I trust that the conversation here tonight will remain in the strictest of confidence. Your work record at NWL has been solid for many years and I’m sure you’d like for that to continue.”

  Not missing the subtle threat, Roger nodded. “Even after everything that’s happened, Laura is like family. I don’t wish to see her work record soiled because of one foolish decision.”

  Opening the door, the early morning sun cast a golden glow over the lawn. “It seems the night has gotten away from us. Good thing it’s Sunday. No doubt we could all use some sleep.”

  Looking up as he opened the driver’s side door of his car, Roger felt compelled to let the other man know that he was appreciative, “Thank you, Mr. Avery.”

  “Please, away from work it’s just Richard.”

  Nodding his head, Roger slid inside the car and drove away. Glancing back in the rearview mirror, he silently said goodbye to Laura, to Cliff, and to everything else that could have been but never was. This was a part of his life that he would never revisit.

  Richard made the short trip back into the kitchen. Laura was still slumped in the stool with her head resting on her arms. “You need some rest. It’s been one hell of a day,” he announced.

  Still numb from her father’s death and the drawn out confession, she lifted her head and nodded in agreement. Feeling remorseful, Laura stood up from the bar.

  Before heading upstairs to bed, she had one last thing she needed to say, “You know, of all the things I have to apologize for, the one I’m most sorry about is that I betrayed you.”

  Pulling her into his arms, Richard placed a kiss on the top of Laura’s head. “You didn’t betray me. You had no idea that I was your employer, and to be perfectly honest with you, I’m eager to find out what progress you made with the DNA sample. Were you able to clone it?”

  Not wanting to leave the confines of the strong arms that so lovingly supported her, she spoke into his chest. “Yes. Three of the five tests using my own eggs and Cliff’s DNA, were successful.”

  Richard was completely unsurprised that she had obtained and used her own eggs for testing after everything else that’d been revealed. It was another brilliantly calculated move. That’s how progress is made, by taking chances, and this fanatical woman had taken her good share of them. He pulled her chin up, suddenly needing to look at her. Holding his breath, he asked the next question, “How successful were they?”

  “They were so successful, that I had to destroy the embryos for lack of a surrogate. There were no mutations up to that point. There’s no way to tell if they would have carried to a full term delivery, but with all the work I’ve put into it, I can’t find any evidence to suggest that they wouldn’t. If the surrogate was able to accept the clone, and…”

  Damn it if her strength and intelligence didn’t drive him over the edge. Richard could no longer deny his body’s reaction to this magnificent woman pressed firmly against his chest. All self-control was gone; forfeited. Before the sentence was finished, Richard picked her up, covered her mouth with his, and carried Laura to the bedroom.

  Chapter 12

  It was eight A.M. and he couldn’t be happier as he followed the athletically built brunette down the carpeted hall. Igor found reassurance in the woman’s powerful sense of self confidence and paid little attention to the apartment doors or the décor that they passed on their way to the elevator.

  It was quickly becoming evident that the community he’d become a part of, recruited only the strongest and finest candidates. Igor had finally found his place among equals. At the moment though, he had one thing on his mind and one thing only—work. Not being the sort to remain idle, his mind was busy absorbing every word that his female tour guide was saying.

  “Mr. Avery is aware of your eagerness to begin right away. If you’re not opposed to it, we’ll bypass the extended tour today and head straight to your work area.”

  Pressing the elevator button, Cara didn’t allow time for any rebuttal, it would be pointless. Whether he was opposed to it or not, it’s what Mr. Avery had requested.

  A request from Mr. Avery was the equivalent of a demand. He just offered it up in a pleasant way so that you felt you had some control. You didn’t. What Mr. Avery wanted, Mr. Avery got - period.

  Cara had the utmost respect for her employer. Working for the community was a privilege and an honor not to be taken lightly. Once you accepted the invitation and were introduced, there were only a few ways out. She was one of them.

  Straightening the cuffs on her jacket as they entered the lift, Cara smiled at the doctor and pressed the button labeled 4. It was her job to eliminate potential problems, and she was very good at what she did. Naturally there were very few people who knew her actual job title. If she toted business cards, she imagined they would have ‘assassin’ listed as her profession. She, however, preferred to be called Head of Security. There were several security officers on location, but the number one slot belonged to her.

  As the elevator chimed to signal their arrival, she motioned toward the opened doors, allowing Dr. Hamstein to step out first.

  “By the way, my name is Cara.” She didn’t offer her hand, instead she continued walking. “I am the head of security at this facility. You will find that my number has been added to your contact list by way of our EIC or electronic information center. If the need arises—and I’m sure it won’t—but if it does, please don’t hesitate to contact me. As I’m sure you witnessed during processing, I take my job very seriously, Dr. Hamstein.”

  Arriving at a steel door, Cara turned to look at him as the internal bolts unlocked. “This—fortunately for you—also means that I take the innovative work you’ll be doing here, as a top priority. Before we continue, do you have any questions or concerns regarding security at this point?”

  Igor was completely satisfied with the security so far. If yesterday’s introduction into Delta clearance was even a sliver of this woman’s abilities, he certainly didn’t have any questions. She was as good at her job, as he was at his. Yes indeed, he considered himself to be in very capable hands. “Your actions speak for themselves, Cara. It’s an honor to know that the work I do here will be secured by someone such as you. My appreciation for the lengths that Mr. Avery has gone through to undertake this project, is immeasurable.”

  Cara acknowledged the doctor’s words with a quick nod and pushed the door open. Igor was astounded. The space was more than he could have imagined. Walking inside, eyes wide with admiration, Igor barely heard the door close and lock behind him.

  Walking forward, Cara didn’t hesitate. Everyone she’d introduced to their work spaces had the same initial reaction.

  Mr. Avery was not one to cut expenses when it came to productivity. He firmly believed that an equipped and happy worker was a productive worker. This meant an easier job for her as well. “Please feel free to take a moment to look around.”

  Producing a notebook and pen, which she handed over to him, she smiled at the awe on his face. “Please write down anything that might feel out of place or has the need to be rearranged.”

  Igor couldn’t believe what his eyes were showing him. Seriously doubting that anything would need to be changed, he took the items Cara had handed him, mostly because they’d been offered more than anything else.

  After en
tering the main entrance, he was led across more grey carpeting to a glass door that hosted his name in black lettering. Walking through it, he came to a small room. By the layout of the chairs, table, magazines, plants, and beverage stand, there was little doubt that this area acted as the client waiting room.

  He noticed the sliding glass partition at the opposite end, which would obviously house a receptionist or assistant. There was a door just to the right of the partition. He opened it.

  Walking past the receptionist’s desk, he continued down a short hall, where he passed two examination rooms on his right. Sticking a head in, he noted that the layout was the same as those he’d had back at his old clinic.

  Continuing further down the hall, he found a restroom to the left. Not concerned with the restroom, he located a supply closet. At first glance it had everything in it he’d need. The doctor made a mental note to take inventory of the entire clinic as soon as possible.

  Making a right turn, he discovered his office. Catching his breath at the masculine, yet comfortable décor, Igor immediately had to venture further inside. He must have looked like an awestricken child wandering aimlessly through a museum. His eyes darted around in astonished wonder. Igor was breathless. Lost in the discovery of his new space, the doctor forgot that the security guard had tagged along.

  “Is something wrong?” Cara’s voice broke through the silence.

  Trying not to stutter and barely able to talk through his amazement, he shook his head. “No, it’s quite the opposite. Everything is perfect.”

  Walking over to the bookshelf, Dr. Hamstein recognized his own medical books and journals, shelved almost precisely as they had been in his old office. He couldn’t begin to imagine how they’d gotten their hands on his belongings, but he wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Deciding that he’d need time alone to delve further into the office space, he exited the room and ventured down the hall.