The Shox Gene Variant

by Bob Cooper

  “Geez, Annie, I’m sorry to hear that. He seemed like a nice guy.”

  “Yeah, I thought so. I don’t know what I could have possibly said or done.”

  “It’s probably not you. It’s him. And he, for whatever reason, didn’t want to share it with you. I wouldn’t beat yourself up if I were you.”

  Annie sighed. “You’re probably right.”

  “Does your father know?”

  “No. I owe him an apology. I came in late this morning, and he asked me if anything was wrong and I yelled at him. It just came out. I didn’t mean to do it. I’ll talk to him when I get back to work.”

  “So now you don’t have any excuses not to go shopping with me.”

  Annie smiled. “I guess I don’t.”

  “Okay, I’ll call you.”

  They ate lunch, and Acey talked about how the mining company was doing, but Acey could tell Annie had a hard time concentrating. This guy Foster meant a lot more to her than Acey initially thought.

  “It’s time I head back,” Annie said. “Lunch is on me.”

  After paying the tab, Annie left while Acey checked to see if she had any messages. She got up to go just in time to see Aidan walk in with Gretchen.

  ***

  Captain Tom and the Bayberrys were in Aidan’s office waiting for Annie to arrive. Gretchen had studied the family before joining the PI firm, so she had a good idea of Hillary’s abilities. They were documented years ago when she helped Acey vindicate Dirk from a trumped-up murder charge. It was now coming to light that Carina’s capabilities were even more numerous and powerful. She was interested in finding out what she would be required to do in this case.

  Annie walked in, and Captain Tom started the meeting.

  “Thanks for coming. This is becoming a popular meeting spot,” he joked. “Let me summarize where we stand. We have not been able to locate Jonathan Nelson. We have received no ransom note, but we know he’s being held by a radical group – The Fourth Reich. I’m hoping that Carina can help us locate him.”

  He looked at Carina, waiting for her to speak. She nervously looked at everyone and then began.

  “I thought it would be best for me to start with an understanding of how this cult originated. From digging through various historical databases and books, I discovered that there was a Third Reich way back in the 20th century headed up by the tyrant, Adolf Hitler.”

  Gretchen bristled at the word tyrant to describe one of her most beloved martyrs.

  “He was responsible for the Holocaust, the killing of six million Jewish people. I remember hearing something about that in school, but the full impact didn’t hit me until I dug deeper. This evil man foresaw world domination where he would lead an all light-skinned population. Only blue-eyed, blonde-haired people would be the working class. This was his vision of what he named the Fourth Reich. After reading the details of his horrific reign and how he almost won World War II, I had terrifying visions of this happening today. I tried to put these visions out of my head, but they won’t leave. Really scary visions – nuclear devastation, armies trampling over people, chaos and mass destruction.”

  Billy leaned toward Hillary and whispered, “Did you know she was experiencing these terrible thoughts?”

  “I suspected, but not to this extent,” she whispered back.

  “Last night, I brought up memories of Jonathan and me when we were in school together. Then I concentrated on locating him.”

  She paused to catch her breath. Annie noticed she was sweating and poured her a glass of water. Everyone waited for her to announce his location.

  “He’s not here. I mean he’s not on Earth. I could see him, but he wasn’t on Earth. But the most confusing part of my vision is that I saw three of him.”

  ***

  Flurries started to fall as Sue finished the Whitman-Walker Walk & 5K Run. She completed the race in good time and was pleased. It was the only LGBTQ event she had participated in since moving to D.C. over a year ago. She watched the other runners cross the finish line and be greeted by their friends. The only real friend Sue had was Raina, and she couldn’t attend.

  Putting her hoodie on, she walked across Freedom Plaza to the Federal Triangle Metro Station to wait for the Metro. It was crowded, but she found a seat in the back, sat down and closed her eyes to shut out the crowd. It would have been so much more fun if Raina was with her. But she was busy working. She was always working. When they first met, it was great. The freshness and exhilaration of a new relationship was exciting. It wasn’t that she didn’t realize the commitment that Raina made to be a Senator. They had discussed it in detail when their relationship became serious. Sue’s career as a lab technician wasn’t as glamorous or demanding.

  When Sue arrived at the Condo, Raina was not home. She went to the food prep console to decide on dinner when she saw the note. Be home at seven. Taking you out to Fiola’s for dinner. Love. It was six fifteen, and Sue panicked. Jumping into the shower, she quickly cleaned up, put on the only fancy dress she had, and poured two glasses of wine. When the door opened, Sue was there throwing her arms around Raina before she could get in the room.

  “Now that’s the way I should be greeted every day,” Raina laughed.

  “Take me out to dinner every night and I will,” she answered, handing Raina the wine.

  Raina freshened up, and they were out the door to Fiola’s. It was one of the best Italian restaurants in D.C.

  “You must have made reservations a while back. They’re always busy.”

  “Let’s just say U.S. Senators get some perks,” Raina said.

  The cab arrived, and they were off. Sue cuddled into Raina as the cab took to the air lanes to get there faster. At the restaurant, they were seated in a corner booth. After ordering cocktails, they reviewed the menu.

  “How was the run today?

  “Okay,” Sue answered, continuing to read the menu.

  “Just okay?”

  Sue was thinking about how to respond, but she didn’t have to. Raina recognized the sad look on her face.

  “I’m sorry. I should have been there,” Raina said.

  Tears welled up in Sue’s eyes. She pulled the menu up to try to hide them. Raina eased the menu down.

  “Look at me.”

  Sue wiped her eyes and glanced up at Raina.

  “I knew this was important to you. I promise to be more sensitive to your needs,” Raina said.

  Sue took a deep breath, and it all came out. “It’s not just the run today, but all the other gay events you didn’t attend. It makes me feel you’re ashamed of who you are. It makes me feel like you don’t want to be seen with me.”

  “That’s not true,” Raina shot back.

  “Oh, yeah! Name one gay event that you and I both attended since we met.”

  Raina was at a loss for words. Sue was right. She had come to terms with her homosexuality long ago, but never felt comfortable flaunting it, especially now in her position.

  “That’s not fair. You know I’m not like you in that respect. I’m a private person. I came out to my family and introduced you, didn’t I?”

  “After I hounded you about it. What are you so worried about being together in public?”

  “I’m worried about nothing. We’re here, together, aren’t we?”

  “That’s not what I mean, and you know it. Tell me, now that you know Senator Carrington is a staunch conservative, do you still want me to go with you to his party?”

  ***

  Acey was home after dark trying to make sense of what she witnessed. Aidan had called and said he would be late. No reason was given. She sat on the couch thinking about how cozy he and Gretchen looked at the restaurant. The anger built up until she became sick to her stomach. Pacing the floor, she picked up the com link and called Dirk.

  “Hi, Norma. Is Dirk there?”

  “Sure. Hold on.”

  “Hi. What’s up?”

  “Are you busy? I want to talk to you.”

 
“I’m not busy. Go ahead. Talk.”

  “Can I come over?”

  “Uh, yes. Is everything okay?

  “No. Not really.”

  Norma answered the door and let Acey in. “He’s in the study. Go on in.”

  “Thanks. How’s he doing?”

  “He’s back to his old cantankerous self. See for yourself. Take these cookies and hot chocolate with you. I’m going to bed.”

  “Thanks,” Acey said, heading into the study.

  Dirk was listening to news feeds. Acey set the cookies down and took one.

  “You sound upset. What’s the matter?” Dirk asked.

  Acey hesitated, not knowing how to confide in Dirk. It was easy when she was a child. He would sit there holding her until she talked to him. He always knew what to say to make her feel better. But this was different. It was hard to admit to herself, let alone Dirk, that her marriage was failing. Closing her eyes, she barely whispered.” I think he’s cheating on me.”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t hear you. What did you say?”

  She sniffled, took a deep breath, and looked at him straight on. “I think Aidan is cheating on me,” she said, starting to cry.

  Those words hit Dirk hard. He thought of Aidan as a son. Aidan had a large part in proving Dirk’s innocence back when he was framed for the murder. It hurt to hear their marriage was in trouble.

  “And how do you know this?”

  “I saw them together at the restaurant. He’s always working late and never seems to have time to spend with me when I’m home. She’s very pretty and younger than me,” she answered.

  “So, let me get this straight. You saw Aidan with a new employee having lunch, and you jump to he’s cheating on you.”

  “He’s been working late and doesn’t have time for me.”

  Dirk got up, took her hand, and coaxed her to the couch. He sat with his arm around her as if she was that same little girl he raised years ago. “Listen to me. What you told me doesn’t prove anything. I think you feel guilty because you’re gone so much. And he’s not much better. He’s always working, too. I know it’s hard, but you two need to make time for each other.”

  “I know I haven’t been around much but…”

  Her com link buzzed.

  “Acey, I’m home. Where are you?”

  “I’m at Dirk’s. I’ll be home in a bit.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “No, it’s not. We need to talk.”

  11

  Gretchen’s father was at her apartment for dinner. It was rare that they shared a meal. She told him of Carina’s visions. He listened intently with a concerned look on his face.

  “We have three prototypes cloned from the Nelson boy.” He took out his com link, executed the encryption protocol, and displayed a video of the three clones. Gretchen watched as three teenage boys sat in a room with an older man in deep discussion. From what she could see, they were physically identical.

  “These three started as cloned embryos, and in a matter of a few days, they are now physically developed eighteen-year-olds. The scientists tell me that they have found a method to improve the time it takes for them to mature,” Gretchen’s father said.

  “This is amazing. You must show me how this is accomplished. Do they share the same mental abilities?”

  “They do to some extent. They are being taught how to use their telepathic skills and learning our history and our goals. Soon we will begin programming them to become the most efficient and strongest warriors our world has ever seen. But to do that we lack one thing.”

  “What is that?”

  “It’s a rare gene variant found in a small percentage of Star Children. Our scientists discovered this last year. We believe that variant will give them superior strength. Combined with their mental and telepathic abilities, we will have an invincible fighting machine. Imagine an entire army of these beings under our control. We would be unstoppable. The Fourth Reich would become a reality,” he said, eyes closed, basking in the dream.

  Even though Gretchen was aware this was the goal, now that it might become a reality, she was scared.

  “What is this gene variant?”

  “It’s called the SHOX gene variant. The SHOX gene provides instructions for making a protein that regulates the activity of other genes. It is responsible for growth, enhanced motor skill coordination, muscle development, and rapid brain signal transmission.”

  “Doesn’t the Nelson boy have this variant?”

  “Unfortunately, he doesn’t.”

  Gretchen surprised herself by almost breathing a sigh of relief.

  “But we believe Carina Bayberry does. We want you to bring her to us.”

  ***

  The dark gray sky hid the moon and stars as Raina got out of the cab. She pulled her coat collar up to keep the night air at bay. It was a short walk up to Senator Carrington’s home. Several couples she didn’t recognize walked ahead of her. She had come alone. She couldn’t let anything mess up her work on the committee. The eyes of several prominent politicians were interested in it, including those of the President.

  Sue had not taken her decision to leave her at home well at all. After a night of arguing, Raina told her she was going alone. End of discussion. Hardly a word was spoken since. The wind stirred, bringing a raw chill as Raina entered the front door. Security guards checked her in, and after hanging up her jacket, she found herself alone in a sea of unfamiliar faces.

  “Raina! Raina! Over here!”

  Raina eyed the young page waving to her. Smiling at him, she picked up a glass of Champagne and walked over. “Hi, Jim. It’s good to see you.”

  “Same here.” Looking around, he swiped the glass from Raina and took a big gulp. “I’m not supposed to drink because I’m underage.”

  Jim Caldwell was Senator Carrington’s eighteen-year-old page. The young man took a liking to Raina since she was one of the few people who treated him kindly. Pages get little respect and do a lot of menial tasks that people take for granted.

  Raina laughed and hailed a waiter over. She picked up another glass of champagne, watching Jim guzzle the first one down. He lifted another off the tray as the waiter walked away.

  “You better slow down with those,” Raina said. “Who else is here?”

  “Several Senators from your committee. Rumor has it the President is going to make an appearance.”

  She had met the President several times, but never in a social gathering.

  “Bet you there’ll be a lot of ass-kissing if he shows up,” he said.

  Raina noticed Senator Carrington approaching. “You better not let the Senator see you drinking.”

  “Shit! I’m out of here,” he said, mingling into the crowd before Carrington arrived.

  “Raina. I’m glad you could make it,” he said, hugging her. “You came alone?”

  “Uh, yes, plans fell through for my date,” she said, in an uneasy tone.

  “Well, make yourself at home. There are plenty of single men here,” he said, winking and moving on to the next group of people.

  She thought of Sue and feelings of guilt came over her. How could I have done this to her, she thought. She picked up her com link to call her not sure what she would say. Sue didn’t answer. As she hung up, Raina noticed a woman staring at her. She squinted, trying to remember who she was.

  “Ms. Welch, I’m glad you could come.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Carrington. You have a beautiful home,” Raina said, remembering at the last minute she was the Senator’s wife.

  “Yes, I love this time of the year. I supervised the decorating myself.”

  They chatted about the weather before someone announced the President was entering the house. She took Raina’s arm. “Come, let’s go meet the President.”

  Senator Carrington was in the doorway with a cadre of Secret Service people surrounding him. Everyone stepped aside when the President walked in. There was a five-minute ovation, and when it died down, the ass-kis
sers jockeyed for position to greet him. Mrs. Carrington pushed her way up to the front with Raina in tow.

  “Mr. President. It’s good to see you again,” she said.

  He nodded and thanked her.

  “I would like you to meet one of the brightest Junior Senators, Ms. Raina Welch from Arizona. You’ll be hearing a lot from this young lady.”

  Raina blushed and shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Mr. President,” she said.

  “You’re on Carrington’s Ethics Committee, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “I’m expecting good things from you. Keep up the good work,” he said, moving through the crowd.

  “Mrs. Carrington, thanks for the …”

  “Please call me Dorthea. And you’re welcome. If I can be of any help to you, please contact me,” she said, smiling, as she walked away.

  The exhilaration of meeting the President gave way when she thought of Sue. Picking up her com link, she called her again and left a message.

  “Sue, I’m so sorry. You should be here with me. I screwed up. I’m leaving now. Let’s talk when I get home.”

  She slipped out of the house and into a waiting cab. Running down the hall to her condo, she opened the door only to find a hand-written note taped to the food processor.

  I’m sorry Raina. I can’t do this anymore.

  ***

  Aidan left the office around ten that night. Annie and Gretchen had left about an hour earlier. They had been putting in long days and nights. The news that Carina identified multiple Jonathan Nelsons who weren’t on Earth sent everyone into high priority mode. As Aidan entered his home, he saw Acey waiting in the kitchen. She sat staring over a glass of wine. Her puffy red eyes told Aidan all was not well.

  “Acey, what’s wrong?”

  She lifted her head, stood up, and walked over to her com link. On the display were several pictures of him and Gretchen at the restaurant. She threw it at him.