“She won’t be allowed to contact me?” Briar’s mother asked, her limp tissue leaving white bits of paper on her eyelashes.
“Three weeks or less, Mom. We can do this.”
But could she really? Something her grandmother would have called conviction gnawed her insides.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
The verse was found in chapter eight of Mark. Granna Grace taught it to her over a plate of fresh chocolate chip cookies. She could still see the Bible’s worn leather cover and hear the rustle of the pages.
Is that what she was doing? Forfeiting her soul? God had given her a rare gift, and she was dissolving it in acid. But could God blame her? It wasn’t as if she had a choice in the matter.
When her Agathi were gone, she would be allowed to work with children face-to-face. Counsel them about grief and loss. Hug them if they needed it. Wipe their tears when they cried. Didn’t God also gift her with that desire? Wasn’t that also His will for her life?
How can you counsel others if you have no soul?
“I’ll be right back with those forms.” Dr. Bingham walked to the door.
Briar’s stomach rumbled loudly.
He turned around. “And a package of miniature doughnuts from the vending machine.”
3
Lukas Stone again peered through the vertical blinds and sighed. He stepped back and shook his head. “I bet you’re getting a kick out of this, Roxy. A twenty-four-year-old medical laboratory scientist acting like a kid on Holiday morning. Staring out the window every five minutes as if searching for Santa’s sleigh.”
The dog gazed up at him and wagged her massive tail.
He knelt, took her big face in his hands, and scrubbed her jowls. “So, I’m a little excited, OK? This is a big deal to me. I finally get to test my abstergent on a real live person and in the process, help someone. Help a lot of someones in the long run.”
Roxy’s tail thumped rhythmically against the polished tile.
“But you don’t care about that, do you girl? Everything is right with the world, so long as you get your ears scratched.” He gave her head a brisk rubdown, patted her sides a few times, and stood. Roxy gave an immense shake, as if she’d just had a bath.
Lukas cringed as a sprinkling of golden hairs floated to the tile. He hoped the test subject wasn’t allergic to dogs. He’d have Derby sweep the waiting area right away. He turned his hand over and glanced at his palms. Probably a good idea to wash his hands, too.
He crossed the small waiting area, stopping at the doorway behind the reception desk. “This is as far as you go, girl.”
Roxy’s tail slowed, her brown eyes pleading.
“I’ll be right back.” He opened the door and stepped down the chilly hallway to the staff restroom, rolling his shirt sleeves as he walked.
He wondered for the dozenth time if he could be dreaming. For months, he’d heard nothing from the OLG, and was beginning to think they’d lost interest in the project. Now suddenly, without warning, bam! Not only did Dr. Rosen call, he was supplying a test subject who would step through the laboratory door at any moment.
He glanced in the small mirror as he scrubbed his hands. Appalled by the ridiculous grin that overtook his features, he worked his facial muscles to get rid of it. The silly thing crept back to his lips as he held his hands beneath the dryer. It was no use, he couldn’t contain his exhilaration.
In his defense, having the opportunity to perfect what nature hadn’t was kind of a huge deal. To dissolve away the tiny area of the brain within the temporal lobe that kept the human race from being level, would not only impact society, it would change history. Soon the God-zone of every newborn baby in the United States would be dissolved at birth. His research would be a fundamental part of that future. The thought filled Lukas with pride. The day was quickly arriving when his father would take his research seriously.
The Agathus was as useful as wisdom teeth or the appendix. Centuries ago there may have been a need for the pesky thing, though he couldn’t imagine why. Perhaps the hope of a higher deity kept prehistoric man from throwing himself under the massive foot of a brachiosaur.
In modern society, the Agathus wasn’t merely useless, it was dangerous. It gave a sense of piety to those susceptible, and tormented the minds of those who ignored it. It caused sensations of guilt and shame, making it nearly impossible for individuals to find peace of mind. Pre-Commandment Christians referred to these unfounded bouts of the conscience as “sin.” Thank goodness society came to its senses and realized with regard to lifestyle there was no such thing as right or wrong, only varying perceptions.
Leveling freed society of the detriment of the Agathi—except for a fraction of the population resistant to SAP. The ARC wasn’t really a solution, it was a holding tank. He wasn’t exactly certain what transpired there, but judging from the commercials it was some type of glorified health spa. Soon there would be need for neither SAP nor ARC.
Regarding the human testing of his abstergent, everything was lined up and ready to go—except for one small hitch. His grin faded as he stepped from the restroom and tugged down his sleeves. The antidote wasn’t complete. In his excitement of receiving an unlevelled test subject—and his fear of never receiving another one—he may have failed to mention the oversight to Dr. Rosen. The formulation was almost absolute, but not quite.
As Lukas reentered the reception area, Roxy barked twice—her usual way of informing him of an approaching car.
His breath caught in his throat. The test subject. He cursed the obstinate grin that split his face as he rushed through the waiting area to the front door.
~*~
Briar strapped her bag over her shoulder and exited the shiny black vehicle. She gazed at the mountains, still unable to fathom their beauty, even though she’d stared out the window the entire drive from the small airport. Who would dream there could be such majesty in desolation?
“Can you keep up? I need a cold drink and a nap.” Reid Laughlin, Briar’s escort, glared at her from the veranda of a rock veneered building. High on the multi-hued wall behind her, an elegantly engraved sign declared the structure to be Stone Labs. “All this time I thought I was a clinical laboratory technologist, not a spur of the moment chauffeur,” she muttered, raising her oversized sunglasses from her face to the top of her blonde head.
Briar stepped up the walkway, stopping to admire a spikey plant that resembled a small tree. “Wow. I’ve never laid eyes on anything like this in Oklahoma. Is it a cactus?”
Reid shrugged and examined a fingernail. “Read the plaque. To yourself. And make it quick.”
Briar silently skimmed the information: Grusonia pulchella—aka—sand cholla. Rare. Protected species of cactus. Medicinal qualities. Specimen obtained by Stone Labs with special permission from the Nevada Department of Conservation.
Below the description was a small image of the plant in bloom, covered in stunning reddish-pink flowers.
Reid cleared her throat.
Briar snapped her gaze from the cactus and hurried up the veranda steps. “I’m sorry. It’s just so fascinating. The plaque says it has medicinal qualities. Do you know what kind?”
“Guess you’ll find out when the stuff gets squirted into your brain.”
Briar froze on the top step.
“Lukas—I guess I should start referring to him as Dr. Stone since you’re here, even though it sounds ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes and started over. “Dr. Stone used the nectar to make his abstergent. You’ll have plenty of time to ask him all about it—if we ever make it through the door.” Reid gave the doorknob a brisk turn, annoyance huffing from her overblown sigh.
Briar followed, still thinking about the cactus. How could such a delicate plant be so powerful? Could it really make her normal?
“I’m back, finally,” Reid said to the unexpectedly young and good looking man standing on the other side of the door. “Th
is is your test subject.”
Reid gestured to Briar who gave a little wave and knelt to scratch the brown-eyed creature staring up at her, wagging its enormous tail.
“Here’s her GPS receiver and dock.” Reid pressed a black, zippered case into the man’s hands. “I’m off to shower away this day.” Reid raked both hands up the back of her scalp, giving her long, highlighted hair a toss. “Have fun, you two.” She turned and crossed the small waiting area, hips swaying as if she knew someone was watching.
Briar returned her gaze to the dog that was practically smiling. One hind leg knocked the floor in rhythm with Briar’s scratching.
Lukas bent at the waist and extended his hand. “You must be Briar. Welcome to Stone Labs. I’m Dr. Lukas Stone—please leave off the Dr. and call me Lukas.” He gave Briar a firm handshake. “You’ve met Reid, my assistant—why do I feel the sudden need to apologize?” He raised his eyebrows and whistled out a breath. “And, of course, this is Roxy. Therapy animal slash guard dog.” He patted the dog on the head. “She’s a good judge of character, by the way.”
“Glad she likes me.” Briar stood and readjusted the bag’s strap on her shoulder. “I’m surprised to see a dog in a laboratory. Guess I assumed there were rules about that.”
“There used to be. Ten or so years ago, Roxy wouldn’t have been allowed on the property. The Animals as Emotional Aides Act changed that. Now certified animals are allowed in hospitals, labs, and other healthcare facilities as long as they have all of their vaccinations and are kept from sterile rooms and equipment.”
“Cool.” Briar smiled. She glanced around the small waiting area, wondering if anyone ever really waited there. And if so, what would they wait for? Serums, potions, and special tonics, concocted in test tubes and beakers, cooked on Bunsen burners? The lab was out in the middle of nowhere. The vibe was very sci-fi flick-ish. She couldn’t wait to tell Mouse about it.
Although…Lukas Stone looked unlike any mad scientist she’d ever seen in the movies.
“Ready for the tour?” Lukas asked, giving Roxy a final pat before stashing the black GPS case beneath his arm and dusting his hands together.
“Sure.”
Briar followed Lukas to the reception counter, impressed by the way Roxy halted and sat before reaching the doorway.
“She’s aware of her boundaries.” Lukas tipped his chin toward the dog.
“You’ve trained her well.”
Briar stepped through the doorway behind Lukas. The hallway was freezing. She rubbed her hands over her exposed arms as the scent of bleach and disinfectant watered her eyes. “Now this is what I expected a laboratory to feel, and smell like. Cold and chemical-laden.”
“The living quarters where you will be staying are behind the laboratory area. You’ll be able to control the climate in your apartment. And Derby insisted on buying a whole array of air fresheners. He said women like their surroundings to smell good.” He shook his head. “Reid, Derby, and I each have a small efficiency apartment similar to yours. Think of it as a hotel room, without glitchy technology and noisy neighbors.”
“I’ve never been in a hotel room.”
“I think you’ll find it comfortable. I’ll have Derby bring your luggage in from the car after the tour.” He stopped in front of a door with his name on it.
“I don’t have any luggage. Only this.” She shrugged her shoulder, causing her single bag to rise and fall.
“Your purse is all you brought with you?”
“I didn’t really have a choice. I was at the clinic in Greenfield, Oklahoma for my usual scan. The next minute I was on a private jet, headed for Sickle Ridge, Nevada. Dr. Bingham said the lab would provide whatever necessities I needed—clothes, shampoo, whatever.”
Lukas nodded, a frown pinching his brow. “I’m sure we can manage. We have plenty of scrubs on hand, which is all the wardrobe you’ll need. As far as toiletries go, you can make a list of items for Derby to pick up for you—unless you’d rather go shopping with Reid.”
“No, thanks,” Briar replied, maybe a little too quickly. “I don’t need much. I’m sure Derby can manage. I can’t wait to meet this Derby-guy, by the way. Sounds as if he does a lot around here.”
“Derby Jenkins. You’ll meet him soon. He’s a real jack of all trades. Takes care of the lab’s custodial and maintenance duties, works as our security guard, runs our electronic surveillance equipment, takes care of Roxy and, on his down time, pulls extra duty as my personal hot air balloon pilot.”
“You have a hot air balloon? No way—”
“Step in to my office, and I’ll show you.” Lukas fished a key ring from his pocket and jiggled it. “No keycards, fingerprint access pads, or cornea identifiers at Stone Labs. Only metal keys. My father insisted. He likes the feel of tumblers turning. Reminds him of opening the door to his first laboratory.” He unlocked the door, pulled it open, and held it for her.
“First things first, let’s get your monitoring equipment squared away.” He unzipped the small black case Reid gave him, slid out the GPS, and keyed in a series of numbers. He then placed the charging dock on the counter, plugged it in, and slid the GPS into place. “I feel as though I’m dealing in antiques, here. How old is your ankle monitor?”
“I’ve worn it for ten years—” she stepped away from him, distracted by the many official looking certificates and awards mounted on the stark-white walls. Her homeschool-earned high school diploma and online cos-play contest ribbons sure wouldn’t measure up against this guy’s accomplishments.
“Hey, is this it?” she asked, pointing to a framed photograph of a red hot air balloon hanging amid the documents.
“Yes, that’s her. Picture was taken last October, right here in Sickle Ridge at the Hot Air Balloon Festival.”
“The plant painted on the outside—is that the cactus from out front? I recognize the flowers from the photo on the plaque. Sand cholla, I think the nameplate said.”
“Yes. Grusonia pulchella, if you want to get scientific about it. I adopted that particular cactus to be a kind of logo for Stone Labs.”
“Because your abstergent is made from its nectar.”
“Someone’s been doing their homework.”
“Actually, Reid told me. I think it pleased her to inform me that you would be ‘squirting the stuff into my brain.’”
Lukas set his jaw and shook his head. “I’ll have a talk with her.”
“No, don’t say anything. It’s OK, really. She explained how tired she was. I’m sure all the driving made her irritable. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Briar stepped to the wall, touching her toes to the baseboard to get a closer look at the balloon. “I think I can see you in there.”
Lukas chuckled. “Your eyes are playing tricks on you. You wouldn’t catch me flying that thing.”
She turned from the picture and stared. “You’re joking, right?”
“No. I’m serious.”
Briar couldn’t stop the corners of her lips from twitching. “You own a hot air balloon. But you’ve never been up in it.” It wasn’t a question. It was a statement designed to make him realize how crazy that sounded.
“I don’t have a pilot’s license. A lot of people don’t realize a person has to have a pilot’s license to fly a hot air balloon. Not only that, there are different types of licensing—personal and commercial. Balloon piloting requires a lot of time, dedication, and resources. Derby can tell you all about it, and I’m sure he will. He loves flying. Once he starts talking about it, you can’t get him to stop.”
Briar turned back to the picture and let out the laugh she’d been holding. “That makes more sense. I thought you said you’d never been up in your own balloon. You meant you’ve never piloted it.” She pressed a hand to her chest, stopping the next wave of laughter. “I was really beginning to wonder about you. I mean, why would someone who’s afraid of heights own a hot air balloon, right?” As she looked into his eyes, the grin froze to her face and melted away.
> He wasn’t laughing.
“If you must know, I have the balloon for PR purposes. The logo gets a large amount of publicity in the air. And lots of important people attend balloon festivals. It’s proved to be a wise investment. In addition, I aided in advancing the technology that got that particular balloon prototype off the ground.”
Briar nodded. “But you’ve never been up in it.”
Lukas’s nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. “Let’s get you settled in your apartment. I’m sure you could use a good night’s rest.”
“Actually, I’m not tired anymore.” She started to mention that the laughter perked her right up, but thought better of it.
Lukas’s footsteps were quick and brisk compared to the relaxed gait he’d used earlier. Was he angry? Maybe she shouldn’t have teased him about the balloon. He must be sensitive about his acrophobia. She’d have to be more careful.
Without a word, they walked down a broad corridor lined with four widely spaced doors. He fished the large ring from his pocket and examined the keys. “This one is yours. Number three.” He stopped at one of the doorways and twisted a silver key from the ring. “Don’t lose it.”
She nodded, took the key, and unlocked the door.
Lukas reached around her and switched on the light.
“It’s very clean.” And very white, she observed, squinting as she dragged her gaze over the bright white walls, gleaming porcelain tiles, white enamel furniture, and bleach-white bedsheets.
“I’ll pass your compliment on to Derby.”
He stepped to a recessed area that housed a mini-fridge, microwave, and small sink. A little table with two chairs stood nearby. “Kitchenette,” he said, gesturing to the appliances. “You’ll find provisions inside the refrigerator and pantry. Nutrient-rich food to optimize brain function.”
The Commandment Page 3