Cautiously, I balanced on the least painful side of my foot. Jordan reached for me, but I hopped away from his outstretched arms. His brow twisted, a sudden look of horror washed over his face.
"You can't walk out of my life because of a damn technicality!" He tossed the lounger onto its side and clutched my shoulders, "You belong with me! I can't lose you again. Don't you understand, Marli? I'm not letting you go!"
I shrugged out of his grip. "You have to. It's better for everyone."
"I don't give a shit about anyone but you and me! The bastards in The Program can go straight to Hell along with whoever else thinks otherwise."
"Even your father? Are you that selfish, Jordan, to destroy his political career over me?"
"Don't you dare guilt me into agreeing with your crazy rationalizations. Besides, they can't hurt him if I drop out of The Program, which is exactly what I'm doing first thing tomorrow."
"You're not dropping out of The Program! I won't let you. Your position is too important. Mine's not. I'm merely a 'means to an end.' You'll find someone better—more qualified." He stepped forward and I backed away.
"Marli, I don't want anyone else. I want you!" His angry voice echoed across the bay. He yanked me back in his arms. "Your leaving will be the 'means to my end.'"
"You can't have me, Jordan," I stated quietly and severely. The truthfulness of my statement stung both of us, and to deepen the wound, I added, "I can't have you."
The slam of the screen door pierced the night, stopping our argument mid-breakdown. Jordan's father stood on the back patio, his acute expression reflected in the orange glow.
"You two okay out here? I heard shouting."
I pled with Jordan in the smallest voice I could find. "Jordan, please. I've suffered enough humiliation. Let me take this secret with me. If you truly love me, you'll let me go."
He dropped his arms and my heart stopped. He agreed!
I limped through the sand to the porch. Jordan's father offered a supportive arm up the stairs, but I put my hands up in protest. Jesse filled the doorway to his bedroom when I reached the top of the stairs and I was crying too hard by then to hide the tears.
"Mars?" He reached out, but I waved him away.
"Leave me alone, Jess." He bolted down the stairs yelling Jordan's name.
I shut my bedroom door and dropped onto the crumpled bedspread, still damp from this afternoon's seductive teasing. The truth was out—the shock wave starting its devastating roll.
28
FULL DISCLOSURE
Cloaked in darkness with only the light of a crescent moon filtering through the lace drapes, I rocked back and forth, the chair's wooden rungs grinding dust into the floorboards. Under the door, a ribbon of gold light stretched across the hardwood toward me. Several times I watched the shadow of Jordan's feet under the door, stopping, waiting, and disappearing, only to return a few moments later. He didn't knock or venture into the room. I wasn't sure I'd let him, if he did.
I pulled my knees to my chest and dropped my head against them. The tears dried up, but airy sobs still painfully punched my lungs. Earlier, I packed my bags and set them beside the door. When dawn colored the sky pink, I'd call Mike. I wanted to call Dad, but a phone call this time of night would give him a heart attack and cause him unnecessary worry. Nothing could be done to change things.
Soon the light under the door disappeared and a door shut at the end of the hall.
Silence.
Jordan gave up and my heart ached.
The sound of scraping metal outside piqued my curiosity. I rose from the rocker to peer out the window. Bright red glimmered beneath a skeleton of blackened cinder logs. A stubborn single flame licked one end. A long yellow band of light from the kitchen stretched onto the sand. To the side of the fire pit stood Jordan's father, hands deep in his pockets, studying the glowing embers. Soon he disappeared under the eaves of the patio. The screen door squeaked and the light turned off, leaving the fire nothing but a glowing ruby circle in the sand.
Emotionally exhausted, I moved onto the bed, pulling the afghan from the rocker over me. Tomorrow I'd return home and leave Jordan and his family to begin the process of finding a new candidate. The pain in my heart at the realization that someone else would spend their life wrapped in Jordan's arms, crushed me.
Once safely in Ohio, I'd call Chuck. Hopefully he could find a way to have me discreetly released from The Program so my secret stayed hidden. I wanted a fresh start at living life free of any further expectations or requirements. From now on, the complications and consequences of life would be of my own choosing and not from some manipulative plan. I was tired of existing as the square peg constantly pounded into a round hole.
Someone crept on the bed behind me and an arm slipped over my shoulder. Warm legs curled under me. I knew the feel of the hair on his arms, the size of his feet under mine, and the rhythm of the heart beating against my back. A gentle kiss on my bare shoulder confirmed my visitor's identity. I relaxed into Jordan's arms, drawing them tight around me one last time. Neither of us uttered a word nor moved a muscle. A hot, stray tear trickled over the bridge of my nose.
Jordan's breath blew warm against my neck, slow and steady inside a deep slumber. Carefully, I slipped from under his arm and crawled off the bed. Quietly slipping into the small walk-in closet, I changed into the khaki shorts and black shirt I laid out the night before. A pang of guilt hit me as I buttoned my shirt over the purple bra he teased me about yesterday.
Watching through the slit in the door at Jordan sleeping soundly, the edges of my dry eyes stung with unshed tears. Today, I'd leave the best thing to ever happen into my life, again, only this time, I couldn't return.
I took my "spy receptor" from the nightstand and tiptoed downstairs to make the dreaded call. The gurgling sound and rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckoned. I poured a cup to take out to the front porch and heard a flat clunk on the wooden kitchen table behind me. I wasn't alone.
"Marli? Could we talk before you make your call?" Jordan's dad scooted his chair away from the table and came to the side of me, topping his cup with fresh brew. "Let's go outside where we won't disturb anyone."
I slapped my chest to keep my pounding heart from leaping out. "You've got to quit scaring me! And what makes you think I'm calling someone?"
He smiled. "You're holding a receptor." He followed as I limped to the door, picking up the medical bag from the entry table. "I should also check your sutures." He dismissed the bodyguard standing erect to the side of the front door, although I felt certain more eyes watched.
The rockers from the front porch sat at the edge of the lawn, overlooking the ocean from above the stone breaker wall. I paused, suspicious of what appeared to be a planned discussion. Jordan's father surmised my tense demeanor.
"Yes, I've been waiting for you. I knew you'd wake early to make arrangements for your departure before anyone could sway you differently." I gave him a wary, sideways glance. "I make it my business to read people, Marli. Also, young love is very predictable, as are the parties involved." He held his arm out gesturing toward the intimate seating area, "Shall we?" He secured my elbow as I teetered off the steps.
The wind blew a few knots stronger this morning and a cool spray of water occasionally hit our faces when the waves splashed against the rocks below. "Looks like another storm brewing," he stated, making small talk.
He turned to me, resting his mug of coffee on the grass by his feet. "Marli, I want you to hear me out and then if you still want to leave, I'll personally take you to Miami this afternoon. I wanted to talk with you last night, but when I came upstairs, I saw Jordan sneak into your room. I decided to leave things be, hoping he could persuade you to change your mind."
I blushed at the thought of him knowing Jordan snuck into my room, and with everything else he seemed to know, he undoubtedly knew Jordan spent the night.
"Sir…Mr. Mason…I mean President Banks...what do I call you?
"Wh
atever you are comfortable with is fine."
"Jordan and I…we're not, you know…doing anything."
"Marli, you're both adults and I trust, smart enough to keep things appropriate. It also appears Jordan didn't succeed in changing your mind."
"We didn't talk. When I left him by the fire, I begged him to let me go." The hurt look on Jordan's face would forever burn in my memory. "Trust me, Sir, you don't know the whole story, and it's best for everyone if it remains between Jordan and me. I don't want to leave Jordan. I love him, but I can't be a part of his life anymore."
Jordan's father shifted in his chair, both of us staring out at the foamy rolls of aqua blue heading for the shore. He took a long sip of coffee.
"You're wrong, Marli. I do know. Maybe not your version, but I've always known the circumstances surrounding your entrance into The Program. That's why we need to talk. I need to explain my side of your story."
Shock stole my breath and I dropped my mug on the grass. I watched the dark liquid bubble between green blades before disappearing into the sand.
"What?" The word carried on a whisper, lost in the wind.
President Banks lifted my toppled mug and leaned closer. "As I explained last night, Marli, I gave my children their mother's maiden name to protect them from the dangers associated with being a high profile public figure. My predecessor's family was murdered while he was in office."
Being only six years old when President Banks first took office, I didn't remember, but our history syllabus referenced the tragedy.
"Their birth certificates show 'Banks,' but those are the only documents reflecting their true name and they're sealed," he continued. "Anything of public record says 'Mason' and that's how the world knows them. Marli, you're now part of an elite circle knowing the truth, and whether you decide to stay with Jordan or not, I trust you'll keep this secret. Their lives and possibly yours depend on you taking this information to your grave, if necessary."
"I would never say anything. But if you know my secret, why did you allow Jordan to request me in the first place?"
He rocked gently, regarding me. "Marli, I know you understand the numbers game in The Program and their significance. When your impressive numbers entered the system, it alerted the upper echelon in The Program, the reports inevitably coming to me. I held a particular interest in the young ladies, knowing one of them may be matched with my sons.
"Jesse told me he discussed Kate's situation with you. If I'd paid closer attention as a parent, I might have averted that catastrophe. Now, it's a heartbreak I bear, and the guilt weighs heavily on me for not being a better father to my daughter."
He paused, finishing the last of what had to be cold coffee. "Marli, when I heard of your father's strong opposition to your entrance in The Program, I was intrigued. Most parents are thrilled to have a child selected. Your father's simple reasoning for you to live a normal, uncontrolled life humbled me. "
An unexpected tear escaped. "He's pretty amazing. My mom's betrayal crushed him. I don't think I can ever forgive her."
Jordan's father stopped rocking, his warm brown eyes considering. "Marli, please don't blame your mother, or even your grandmother. I have a confession to make, one no one is aware of, and I hope one you won't hold against me for too many years. Marli, dear, I played a part in manipulating your enrollment in The Program. I knew about your forged application, but I chose to look the other way." My mouth and eyes competed for widest with surprise. He didn't pause for my reaction.
"You were raised with a set of principles and values almost lost to this world. When I discovered the uncanny similarities to yours and Jordan's genetic codes, I made the decision to circumvent the genetic selection pool and pulled your file. I personally entered your information through my private database, making your alignment with Jordan appear random on The Program's. Granted, the database would probably have made the same selection, but I couldn't chance it."
President Banks grinned at my reaction, "Don't get me wrong, I love my children more than life itself. Jesse's numbers were impressive, but his rebellious tendencies would eventually be his downfall. Jordan has always been our strongest child and I knew it would take a special girl to be his equal. You."
He stared at the water. "When he acted so impetuously and all but handed you to Tony Peterson's son, I damn near died. Jesse would have been a better choice."
I reached over and touched his arm. "Why does everyone freak out about Jesse?"
Jordan's father moved to the ground in front of me, taking my foot in his hands. The medical bag clicked open and I winced in anticipation. He sprayed my stitches with some foam, dissolving them. He didn't look at me, but offered an explanation. One that shocked me.
"Marli, if you were, pardon me, intimate with Jesse and a child was conceived with perfect markers, The Program would have no jurisdiction to test the child."
I tried to yank my foot away—a reflex action to his shocking statement.
"Test a child?"
He relaxed his grip, but kept hold. "Genetic testing—for cloning."
"Clone a baby? What makes you think Jordan or I would allow it?"
"No, not an infant, and yes you will. It's in your contract."
"So that's the real purpose of The Program? To make a fake generation."
"No, to create an 'advanced civilization.' I'm sorry, but I can't discuss it further. I can assure you though, no harm would come to the child and as the parents, you'd become famous."
"I don't want to be famous. I want to be normal."
"My dear, a life with Jordan under any circumstances will never be normal. I have a hunch, however, your heart will never be content with anyone else."
"Jordan doesn't like the cloning idea."
"I know, but he's wise and takes commitment seriously. He'll follow through."
He re-bandaged my foot and set it on the cool grass. "I know I've given you a lot to think about, some things you probably don't like. Just keep in mind, Marli, it doesn't matter how you came into Jordan's life. It only matters that you did, and regardless of all the manipulation, Jordan falling in love with you happened naturally—no strings attached. He loves you hopelessly and last night he was prepared to throw away all his dreams to keep the only one he cares about, or wants—you."
When he stood, his shadow blocked the sun. "Promise me you'll consider what I've told you in a positive light. The boy upstairs in your bed will perish without you, Marli, and judging by the look in your eyes every time he comes near you, your life will be just as empty without him."
President Banks walked away, leaving me to process the information flooding my brain. I felt more confused than ever. Curling my legs under my chin, I stared at the waves turning over each other.
Could I ever be happy with anyone else living outside of The Program? Knowing Jordan would be living his life with someone else, sharing his lips, his body…giving her his kids, sent a frightening chill rippling through me.
But could what his father said about Jordan's willingness to throw away the life he carefully planned to be with me, be true? Could we be happy together outside of the government's clutches? No, not from what I overheard yesterday. Jordan would feel guilty about letting his father down.
My decision became clear. I'd stay with Jordan as long as he'd have me, even if my heart ended up broken…inside or outside of The Program.
The gentle touch of fingers stroking the side of my neck had me bend my head toward the sky. A beautiful angel peered down at me, his bronze hair aglow in a halo of sunlight.
"Hi," I whispered.
Jordan kissed me upside down on the lips. "Hi yourself."
He pulled me from the chair and onto the soft grass beside him. I nestled into the side of his neck, my senses swamped with his cologne. I pressed my lips to his warm skin, still damp from a morning shower, and his arms folded tenderly around me.
"I panicked when I woke this morning and you were gone," he said. "I almost called Mike to threaten
his life if he didn't bring you back, but when I came downstairs, I saw you through the window sitting out here with Dad. Tell me you're staying, Marli. Please don't leave."
"I'm not leaving. Your father's pretty persuasive." I looked up, meeting Jordan's eyes, the color of rich emeralds in the morning sun, "He already knew."
"What do you mean?" A wrinkle furrowed his brow and I brushed the crease to release the tension. "He knew my story—how I came into The Program. Jordan, did you know he hand-picked me for you?"
Jordan kissed my palm. "He told me he'd found someone special and someday, I'd meet her. At the time, I only cared about finishing high school, not finding a wife. When Mom pulled your portfolio for an interview, I figured my life was over and I'd be assigned some girl my parents believed appropriate. You looked cute, but digital images can be enhanced. Then Jesse sent me that picture of you in Kate's swimsuit and my knees buckled."
"You're such a sucker for girls in bikinis."
"Only for one girl." His fingers wrapped the back of my neck and drew my lips onto his. "So what else did you two discuss? It looked intense."
"Cloning."
Jordan rolled to the side. "Oh." We didn't say anything, just stared at the puffs of white clouds drifting across the cornflower blue sky. Jordan kissed my hand. "Puppies first, no matter what, I promise."
"Okay," I answered, feeling an instant rush of relief.
29
CLOSE CALL
Leaves showered us in brilliant hues of oranges, blood reds, and neon yellows, each unique in shape, falling silently and turning crunchy under our steps. Autumn snowflakes that blanketed the earthen floor in a carpet of color—a carpet that covered the roots trailing from the base of trees, cording thick along the riverbank and across the trail.
"Ouch!" I stumbled over one such wooden snake, landing on my knees, the palms of my hands smacking the ground hard.
Jordan, who walked the path a few feet ahead of me while I lagged behind taking in the wonders of Fall, ran back and helped me to my feet. He brushed dirt and shredded bark off my kneecaps while I did the same off my hands, finally giving in and swiping my palms down the sides of my jeans. He plucked a golden oak leaf from the top of my head.
Designer Genes - The Boyfriend Cut Page 32
