“Bore me? Quite the opposite, I find myself completely engrossed. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such stimulating conversation.”
“You flatter me, Dr. Hamstein, and I’m afraid that will only gain you favor here.”
Igor laughed out loud for the first time since Mary’s illness and suicide. He found it refreshing. With a smile still on his face, he had to ask, “I noticed Cara using a cell phone yesterday but mine doesn’t seem to work, any suggestions on correcting that?”
“Only a select few have need for constant mobile communication down here. Security, Mr. Avery, and I are the only ones with cellular permissions. Being underground proves to be a challenge when it comes to the usual wireless providers, so we’ve made a few necessary modifications to allow those that need service to have it. You’ll find that landlines will be your only necessary source of communication. Having an assigned work space and living quarters makes you a rather easy target to locate when needed. There is limited internet access for research purposes, but social networking sites and external emails are blocked. I’m sure you understand the need for limited outside contact.”
Igor understood it, but wasn’t convinced that he liked it just yet. “Understandable. I will need to contact my attorney and bankers when I venture out of the facility however. I have a few business deals to follow through on.”
“Jessie, one of the guards, will be more than happy to take you to the internet café when you decide. He tends to get out more than the rest of us. Any questions you have pertaining to local businesses, he’ll be able to assist you with.”
“When should I expect to hear news regarding the potential clients? Will the research candidates be my only client base?”
“Good questions. I should have a report no later than lunch time tomorrow. That should give you ample time to choose your assistant in case we get the go ahead on our candidate. When one is chosen, you and your assistant will be required to use the public building above ground to retrieve your egg samples from the woman. We are not prepared to introduce anyone into the community until it is confirmed that they serve a usable function. Once a candidate is found to be adequate, she will be relocated. There are also people already living here that are extremely eager to utilize your services—once you are settled in. Please keep in mind that the girl selected for our project will be your top priority. Mr. Avery and I cannot stress the importance of keeping the hymen intact. So any procedure that’s done will need to be through an alternate method of entry.”
“Understood; you say the females are being screened for selection? What of the males? When should I expect to begin their testing?”
“The male sample will not be of concern to you. The source has already been secured. You will work closely in conjunction with a scientist on this project.”
Pushing aside his ego, Dr. Hamstein was not amused that this important piece of information had been left out when he’d been approached about taking the position. A possible virgin birth was a personal obstacle in and of itself. “What type of scientist and why would we be working together?”
“We can discuss that when the time comes. For now, I’m sure you have enough to focus on.”
“Discuss it later? This is pertinent to the success of this project. How can I proceed with trying to develop a workable plan, if I’m not given the details of what I’m expected to do?”
“Nicely put. You’re already a step ahead of the previous doctor. His ego tended to cause amnesia when it came to asking questions concerning possible obstacles.” Looking down at his watch, Mr. Kincade stood and straightened his pant legs. “This has been a thoroughly enjoyable and informative meeting Dr. Hamstein, but I’m afraid I have another appointment to keep.”
The doctor followed suit and walked around to the front of his desk and positioned himself close to Matt. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited for a response to his question. He didn’t appreciate being left out of the loop, especially when it was essential that he be in it. Considering the fact that he was a main player in the entire process, it was inconceivable that they blindside him like this. He didn’t take kindly to being put in a position that he couldn’t successfully prepare for. His grimace was evidence of that.
“I realize the need for your question to be answered as soon as possible, but I would like to confer with Mr. Avery before doing so.” Matt stated.
“I’m not outside of my rights, considering the importance that has been placed on this project, to suggest that I am kept informed and updated on the work I’m expected to do here. I don’t accept failure very well, Mr. Kincade. I’m sure Mr. Avery will appreciate that, given the time and resources dedicated to this research.” Igor was noticeably irritated.
Reaching out to shake his hand, Matt offered up a consolation, “I do believe you’re right in your expectations, and I’m sure Mr. Avery will think so as well.”
“I’ll have someone escort the two job applicants down for their appointments at respectively one o’clock and three o’clock. I’ll follow up with you later this evening concerning which person you select for the position of assistant.”
Igor followed Matt down the hall to the waiting room, when one last question came to mind, “Matt, how many people live in the community? I can’t help but notice how substantial the space is.”
“Well, we still have room for growth at this location, but including you, this one is just at a little over eleven hundred.”
“Did you say this location? Does that imply that there are other locations?” He was certain he’d heard wrong.
“But of course, it only makes sense to function on a worldwide level given the extreme nature of our projects.”
Igor was taken completely off guard as he tried not to stutter through the next question. “How many people are involved worldwide?”
“It’s hard to keep accurate track as we’re constantly expanding into new territory. I’d roughly estimate the underground community to be about 220,000 strong.”
Chapter 15
Laura woke up during the night to find that she was alone in bed. Stretching her body, she reached over and pulled the extra pillow against her chest and snuggled against it. A sigh of happiness escaped as Richard’s woody scent drifted into her nose. The warm tingle between her legs was evidence of the day she’d spent making love and indicated that as long as he stuck around, she’d be more than happy to keep him busy.
Reluctantly unwrapping from the covers, she headed into the bathroom for a quick shower. Standing under the spray, she tried to sort out the events of the past few days. So much had happened in a short period of time.
This was Sunday night. She’d spent Saturday with Richard. Her father had passed late Saturday. She’d confessed all her sins Saturday night into Sunday morning and then spent Sunday making love. She still wasn’t sure she had her head wrapped around everything.
Stepping from the shower, Laura quickly dried off and wrapped a towel around her wet hair. Grabbing the robe from its hook, she slipped it on. The pink silk felt smooth against her skin, like Richard’s fingertips caressing her body. Laura found herself hoping that he didn’t have to run off anytime soon. Having him around had definite benefits.
The grumble that ripped through her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten since the breakfast at IHOP Saturday morning.
Padding downstairs in bare feet, Laura froze. Someone was moving around. Not sure what else to do, she simply stood there— waiting, listening.
“Unless you insist on starving me to death, I won’t bite.” Richard’s voice filtered through the town house.
Jogging down the remaining stairs she turned the corner into the kitchen. “Damn you Richard! What is it with you and sneaking up on me?”
Finding her constant state of jitters amusing, Richard grinned. “You’re the one sneaking up on people. I was just innocently making us something to eat.”
Looking up from the cutting board, the sight of her made him take pause. She
was more beautiful than ever. Deciding that neither of them would benefit if they didn’t receive some form of sustenance soon, Richard continued slicing tomatoes for the sandwiches he was throwing together. It was quick, easy, and would have them back in the bed in no time. That was logical reasoning as far as he was concerned.
Wrapping her arms around him from behind, Laura kissed his muscular back. He momentarily forgot his plan.
Laying the knife down, Richard turned to face her. Drawing her hard against his body, he allowed the full effect of what she’d caused to penetrate through the thin fabric of her robe. “Sit woman, before I decide to keep you chained to the bed.”
His sense of masculine humor was a turn on. “I’ll sit, but not before you kiss me.”
Richard lowered his mouth, barely allowing their lips to touch. The erotic look in her eyes made him doubt the importance of food.
Gently sucking her bottom lip into his mouth, Richard supported Laura around the waist as he felt her knees give way. She stretched her neck for more and Richard was more than willing to assist. The robe opened as he lifted her to the bar. Screw food. What he wanted was more of her. And what Mr. Avery wanted, Mr. Avery got.
After that hunger was satisfied, Richard lowered her back to the floor and placed another kiss on her swollen lips. Laura secured her robe into place and walked around the bar, watching while Richard washed his hands and resumed slicing the tomatoes.
“Will you go with me?” The sincerity on her face was irrefutable.
The laughter that burst from his chest was priceless. “I thought that question died out after high school.”
The seriousness on her face remained unchanged. “Silly man, I meant will you go with me to make the funeral arrangements?”
“Of course I will Laura. I’m here for as long as you’ll have me. I mean that. I’m not going anywhere, except to work, but I intend on taking you with me even then.” A comfortable silence filled the room as Richard put the sandwiches together.
“You fired me, Richard. My things are being cleaned out of the lab in the morning, unless of course you changed your mind?” A glimmer of hope remained.
“I’m not a fickle man Laura. I don’t change my mind. You were fired from NWL. That decision was final.”
“I know it was necessary after everything I’ve done. I really am sorry, Richard.”
“Don’t be sorry, Laura. You’re a progressive thinker. There’s nothing wrong with that. The unfortunate thing is that we are a public company. If news were to leak out about what you’d brought into the lab and what your intentions with it were, I’m afraid the stock holders would not be happy. This way, if it does leak out, the date that I exterminated your employ will be documented, along with the fact that your lab has already been cleaned out. It was cleaned out earlier today.”
“I see. What did you do with the sample? Did you destroy it?”
Stealing a bite from the sandwich, Richard slowly chewed it, taking his time to answer. “I had it relocated. It’s still intact. When you’re ready for it, it’s there.”
Leaning over, Laura planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Richard Avery, you are the best man I’ve ever known. I have a lot to think about. After everything that’s happened, I’m not sure having a child is the best thing for me, at least not anytime in the near future. I mean heck, not only am I single, I’m unemployed.”
Swallowing the last bite of his sandwich, Richard began cleaning up the kitchen. He had his own confessions to make. Considering the situation, he’d better get started. When Laura was finished eating, he asked for her to join him in the living room. Tomorrow was a new work day, and there was a lot that needed to be established between now and then.
Laura sat on the couch while Richard chose the ottoman. He couldn’t allow himself to be distracted by desire.
Finding his professional voice, he began, “Laura, I have some things I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Oh God, you’re married?”
His laughter seemed to come easily whenever he was around this woman. “No, I’m not married. I never have been. I don’t have any children and in case you haven’t noticed, I am straight.”
It was her turn to laugh. Flinging pretend sweat from her forehead, she exclaimed, “Whew. What a relief. It’s all downhill from here then.”
Laura curled her feet underneath her body and leaned against the arm of the sectional. It was her way of settling in for what she hoped would be the disclosure of his life. She was more than ready to be allowed access into this part of him. Having known the man for two decades, Laura considered him her dearest friend. But she didn’t really know anything about him, personally or work wise, aside from what he’d allowed her to know—and that had been very little. After revealing on Saturday that he owned and operated one of the world’s most well renowned research companies, and that he’d secretly been her boss for years, she could imagine that there was a lot more to his story.
“This will be easiest if you allow me to finish before asking questions. There’s a lot to cover.”
“Ok.”
“My father introduced me to your dad when I was very young. You and I are only eight years apart in age, but I remember going to the hospital with my dad to visit your mother after you were born.” Richard remembered how tiny and fragile the infant Laura had looked behind the nursery glass. He shelved the memory as he proceeded to explain things.
“My father had various business ventures and ideas that had been passed down to him from his father. Who had passed them down from his father and from his father, on and on throughout the generations. That’s where my money comes from, a very long line of Avery’s that have worked hard and stopped at nothing to achieve their goals, all in the name of scientific advancement. I have two brothers who are also actively involved in continuing this tradition.”
“Your mother and father were trusted associates to the Avery’s, and were regarded with the utmost esteem. You see, the Greggario family has worked alongside my family for centuries. The male children of the Avery family continue the work of the grandfather and father. This causes little, if any lapse, in knowledge and reduces delays in research progress. The Greggario family has always worked in an assistant role to the Avery’s. They’ve helped teach new languages and keep records of both families histories.
“Before your father became ill, he had mastered over fifteen languages. Not just the five you believed. He was a humble man Laura, and often said that if he couldn’t speak a language as fluently as he did the English language, then he could not be considered fluent.”
“My father was also fluent in many languages. As his business holdings expanded, it was necessary to incorporate new languages into his business dealings. In the early days, your father served as a translator to my father when needed. He was responsible for teaching me and my brothers the first languages that we mastered. Thanks to his methods of teaching, and then the introduction of modern technology, my brothers and I gained the ability to grasp foreign languages with ease.”
“I’d say.” Laura slapped her hands over her mouth. The words had slipped out before she could stop them. “Sorry.”
Laura’s eyes widened with curiosity as she continued to listen. She strangled back her questions. No need to interrupt again before she learned all there was to know. Her parents had never mentioned any of this. She’d often wondered how Richard and her father had become friends, considering their age differences, but it had never occurred to her to ask the question. She just knew that Richard had been around for as long as she could remember.
“Because of our ability to master languages and because software allowed us to learn new ones quickly; your father, along with my brothers and I decided that there wasn’t any reason to bring you into the fold. We weren’t certain that you’d have a definitive purpose to serve, but now we are. You’re a Greggario, its only right that you’re given the choice to decide for yourself if you’d like to carry on the tradition of working alongsi
de my family.” Richard paused to let the information soak in.
Laura couldn’t understand why they would need her help. “I only know one language, so I’m afraid I won’t be of any use to the future Avery’s.”
“We haven’t been in need of a translator for a long time, Laura. I’m fluent in enough languages, as are my brothers. We speak several of the same languages, but decided early on to rely on efficiency. Between the three of us, the need for a translator is greatly minimized.”
“How many combined languages do you speak?” Laura thought Richard’s knowledge of languages was fascinating. She found it hard to believe that his brothers had the same ability.
“At the time of our last visit, we spoke more than I’d care to admit.”
“You’re right, you don’t need a translator. What do I have that your family could possibly need aside from our traditional namesake?”
Richard didn’t hesitate as he replied, “We need your scientific background.”
“So much for that, I got myself fired, remember?”
“From NWL yes, but we have a separate venture that is much more advanced. I’d like you to work there, with me. The history between our families dates so far back that it was only a matter of time before a new need presented itself. My brothers and I were patiently waiting for that need to present itself. I want you to carefully consider what I’m saying to you Laura. Once you’re in, there’s no turning back. You’ll be a member for life.”
“You make it sound so secretive.”
“It’s a different world Laura. The things you know, the things you believe, the way you think—the past. What I’m offering you is different than anything else you’ve ever experienced. I’m offering you a new way of life.”
His severe tone was making her nervous, so she relied on humor to lighten the mood. “Why Richard, are you asking me to marry you?”
“If that’s what it takes to keep you working for me, then yes.” He wasn’t smiling.
“You’re serious? What you’re doing is so important that you’d marry me just to continue a silly tradition?”
The Perfect Clone Page 12
