The Gene Rift (Destiny by Design Book 2)

by J. Andersen

He doesn’t break a smile, but his face is a prism of emotions. So many flash across it that I can’t follow his thoughts. “Even though caring for her brought you here?”

  I nod. “Even if loving her kills me in the end.”

  Lowering his face to his compact, he draws the stylus across the screen. The MIH beeps and lights in response. “I think that’s enough for today,” he says. Abruptly, he stands and reaches across the table to pluck the suctions from my skin, wipes them off, and puts them away.

  With the devices packed up, he reaches for the microchip, still sitting in its clear case in the middle of the table. It’s my future literally in his hands. Instead of packing it in the bag with the other equipment, it goes in his jacket pocket. Odd for a fragile Institute-issued device. Once again, he removes the handkerchief from his pants and wipes his nose. “I’ll be seeing you again soon, Mr. Pennington. Until then …” Nodding, he exits the room, leaving me to wonder what just happened.

  FOURTEEN

  NEWS FROM THE DOCTORS

  (KATE)

  Four days have passed since we sent Saul on his way back to The Institute. He’s home lining up whatever he has planned to get Micah out of there before they turn him into some Institute-loving robot. We should hear from Saul soon. He said he’d leave a message at the cabin, so Jaxon has volunteered to keep watch.

  In the meantime, I need to focus on my leg, which means I have to see the doctor today. I’m getting sick of spending so much time in the hospital. Between Brody and me, we have appointments nearly every other day. But today will be good. Today, I get the check-up and a “you’re entirely good to go” from the doctor. It’s all I need to be allowed to join the others when we try to rescue Micah. It’s a formality, really. My time in the ravine was pushing doctor’s orders enough already. This time, I have to be one hundred percent.

  My shoe taps lightly on the sidewalk, alternating with the scrape of my other foot as I hobble my way toward the medical center. Putting so much stress on my leg so soon probably wasn’t a great idea; it hurts like a bugger now, but I won’t admit that to the doctor. For him, I’ll feign perfectly fine.

  Brody is in my arms, bundled for warmth. Despite the warmer air this time of year, there’s a chill living beneath the earth. I’ve been here for almost two months, and I still can’t comprehend how everything works in this underground city. Roads carved into the ground, buildings whose ceilings graze the forest floor, life going on as normal when nothing about this place is normal. It takes a bit of getting used to.

  Through the main doors is a welcome desk. I unbundle Brody. “I’m here to see Dr. Bartholomew. I have an appointment.”

  “Down the hall and to the right. He’s waiting for you.” The perky receptionist flashes me a quick smile.

  That’s interesting. I can’t say I’ve ever had a doctor waiting for me. Usually, I am the one who has to wait. Halfway down the hall, I’m stopped by a nurse I recognize from the maternity ward.

  She puts her hands on her chest and beams, her eyes wide. “This can’t be the little guy. He’s getting so big already.”

  I tilt Brody up for her to see. “Yep, two months now. Goes fast.”

  “You have an appointment?”

  I nod. “Mmm hmm. Dr. Bartholomew.”

  “Well then, let me get you a bassinet for the baby while you’re talking to the doctor. I’ll bring it to the examining room.”

  “Thanks, that’s sweet of you,” I say, continuing forward.

  Dr. Bartholomew meets me at the doorway and extends a hand. “Kate, so good to see you.” He’s tall. Like giant-tall. At least six feet six. He walks kind of hunched over like he’s too big for the room he’s in. His sandy curls sit in a mass on top of his head, and anticipation shines in his green eyes. “Let’s see how your ankle is.”

  I slog to the table, amble up with Brody still in my arms, and extend my leg toward the doctor. “Tell me I’m good to go, Doc. I’ve got things to do.”

  “Don’t we all? Taking care of that infant must be a full-time job.” As if on cue, the nurse from the hallway knocks on the door and wheels in a small bassinet. “Here you go, sweetie. This’ll make things easier.”

  “Thanks. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to put him down.” I place Brody on the pile of blankets and turn back to Dr. Bartholomew. “Yes, he’s a handful. But I have other things I’d like to do.”

  He has to know. Hasn’t everyone heard of what’s happened to Micah? Do they not notice he’s missing? I suppose it’s possible; he left for long periods to live in The Institute, so many of the people here might not even know the role he played in their safety.

  “Well then, let’s have a look.” He pushes my pant leg up and turns my foot this way and that. “Swelling seems to have gone down.” Then he pins my x-rays to a board and points. “Here’s where the damage was. It’s difficult for the untrained eye to see. But if you look at this picture here,” he points to the other x-ray, “you can see how things have gone back to normal.”

  “So that means I’m okay, right?”

  “That means you can resume normal activity, yes. But you still need to take it easy. The muscles aren’t used to being worked and need time to regain their strength. Running around on raids is highly discouraged.” He raises two bushy eyebrows. “Raiding The Institute isn’t considered normal activity. It’ll only make things worse.”

  “I know. I get it.” The gentle throb in my ankle from the previous day’s activities won’t let me forget it.

  “I mean it. Your leg isn’t up to speed and won’t be for a while. You need rest. Let the others do what they have to, but you need to stay back and wait for Micah to come home.” He slides the x-rays into a paper folder and frowns. “Okay, enough of my lecturing. I get the feeling it won’t do me any good anyway. You seem the type to not let much stop you.”

  I smile.

  “Anything else been bothering you? I know it can be quite an adjustment for anyone beginning a new life here with us. But your transition must be even more difficult considering your circumstances. Any other ailments? Difficulty breathing? The air down here bothers some newcomers.”

  “No. I feel fine.” Then I remember. “Well, actually, there was this thing the other day.”

  The way he’s looking at me makes me pause. “I got dizzy. It was nothing … long day. We were bringing Saul in to meet with you and the other elders. I was exhausted and stressed. It was probably just that. Maybe I stood up too fast or something.”

  “I saw that. Looked like you lost your balance for a second. Sounds like it’s still worrying you.”

  “Well, it’s just that I don’t get dizzy. Like, ever. So it was pretty weird. I felt really heavy like Saul was pushing me to my knees.”

  Doctor Bartholomew jots a note down on my chart. “Maybe it was nothing, but let’s keep an eye on it. If it happens again or gets worse, you let me know right away.”

  “I will.” I glance at Brody, who’s been sleeping soundly this whole time. “So, am I okay to go? I can walk and run and do whatever, right?” He gives me a stern look. “You can walk.” He doesn’t say it, but the implication is there: don’t go on the rescue mission.

  “Doctor, look, I need to be there when we bring Micah home. Don’t you understand that? I’m the reason he’s in there in the first place. Me and Brody. He risked everything to get me here. Now he’s being beat-en—and who knows what else—every day because of me.” The tears find their way to the surface of my eyes, and I can’t stop them from spilling over. “He’s sacrificed everything for me. The least I can do to show him I love him is to be there.”

  Doctor Bartholomew stares as I wipe the tears off my cheeks. It’s as if he’s thinking of something but isn’t sure whether to say it aloud. “I’ll tell you what. So long as you are behind the scenes, waiting and letting the other guys get Micah, you can go. No running into action. No breaking in to save the day. Leave that up to Jaxon and Hunter and the other crazies they convince to join them.”


  I manage a smile. “Thanks, Doctor.”

  He shakes my hand. “I mean it. It means you sitting in the vehicles waiting. Be the getaway driver or whatever.”

  “Sure.” Without another word, I gather Brody and press open the door. No need to stick around and give him time to change his mind.

  FIFTEEN

  LIGHTS OUT

  (MICAH)

  There’s not even a knock on my cell door warning me of their entry. They just burst in, grab me by the elbows, and swing me to my feet before I can even think to stand up.

  “Up and at ’em, sunshine.”

  His voice is familiar, but I can’t quite place it until I see the face that matches.

  Saul Goodman.

  I’ve never met him personally, but his notoriety as a Tier Two means all the citizens of The Institute know and recognize him. His face is plastered on posters all over the city. Kate has told me quite a bit about the interaction she’s had with him in the past. He’s not one to be reckoned with.

  I push my shoulders back as much as I can while being held by his goons. “I should’ve known you’d be in charge around these parts.”

  “I would’ve dropped in sooner,” he says with an arrogant smirk. “If it weren’t for the fact that I couldn’t care less whether you live or die.”

  “I appreciate the sentiment.”

  “Why don’t we cut the crap and get to the point?”

  “That’d be nice. Lemme guess, you came to express how sorry you are about my treatment here at the wonderful, merciful Institute. You’ve come to tell me that because of my good behavior, I’m being released early.” The man to my left twists my arm and wraps it around my back to exert his control over me. But he can’t control my mind. At least … not yet.

  Saul chuckles lightly as he crosses his arms in front of his chest. “You’re a funny man, Mr. Pennington. However, I did come to wish you well.”

  “Oh?”

  “On your surgery,” he says. “I’m sure the doctors here at The Institute will treat you with the same quality care they give each of our law-abiding citizens.” A thread of laughter weaves its way into his words.

  “I’m sure.” I look to my sides where his men are still holding me in place. “Is this really necessary? Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to take on …” I bob my head as I count them, “… seven men by myself?”

  He tosses a nod toward the crew surrounding me. “It’s okay, boys. Let him go. He’s not going anywhere.”

  “Gee, thanks.” I rub my right elbow where idiot military man Number One was squeezing the blood out of my arm. “So, if there’s nothing more you have to say, I’ll get back to my comfy nap on this cold, cement floor.”

  “Very well, then.” Saul starts to back up then pauses. “I saw your little lovebird the other day. She seems to be doing well with that baby of hers.”

  Instantly, the blood in my system runs cold and sends the adrenaline shooting like a geyser through my veins. “What did you do to her, Saul?” My teeth clench and my fists tighten into balls of steel, ready to split him open with one punch.

  He raises his arms in a shrug. “Nothing really. Just gave her some news I had about you and about the baby.”

  “What about the baby?”

  “You mean you don’t want to know what I told her about you? About your imprisonment? About your surgery?”

  “What about the baby?”

  “Don’t you know by now, Micah? He’s mine.”

  I lunge forward and manage to get in one good punch before his crew detains me. “It’s a lie! She’ll never believe it!”

  He wipes the trickle of blood dripping from his nose with the back of his hand. His response is slow and meticulous. “She already does, Micah.”

  Hands flying, I grab for him, fighting against the men who hold me. “What did you do to her? I’ll kill you, Saul! I’ll kill you if you lay a hand on her!”

  He leans forward and sticks his face in mine, taunting me. “Now, now. Don’t you know it’s not a wise idea to threaten the life of a Tier Two officer, Mr. Pennington? Besides, what would you do about it? Being stuck in this cell won’t get you very far. And I can see to it that you’re in here forever, surgery or no surgery. Oh, and after your ordeal tomorrow, you won’t even remember the name Katherine Dennard.”

  I struggle against my captors, but it’s no use. At my first movement, I feel a jolt of pain shoot through my side. A fierce heat sends pulsing shockwaves across my limbs, tightening every major muscle in my body and delivering searing pain to each nerve cell. I try to scream, but all that escapes my lips is a “grrrrrrrnt”. Finally, my muscles lose control, and my head hits the floor with a thunk. All I see are the freshly polished toes of his boots at the end of my nose.

  “Enjoy the last few memories you have of her tonight. Tomorrow, there’ll be nothing left.” He kicks me for good measure, and I’m left gasping for air as the rest of the men march out of the room.

  ****

  I’ve spent most of the morning trying to figure out if Saul told me the truth. He could’ve made it up to rattle me. But perhaps he knew the truth would affect me more than any lie he could have told.

  The skin on my knuckles is broken and bleeding from their repetitive contact with the cement of these walls. I can’t do anything, and the thought of Saul getting to Kate is driving me mad.

  I slam my fist against the wall again. If I had a chair available, I’d throw it, too. I need to get out of here. I don’t know how, but I’ll spend the rest of my time in this godforsaken place figuring out how to get back to Kate. And as much as I’d like to think my friends in Arcanus have a plan, I can’t count on it. No. I’ve got to have some sort of strategy in place. The problem is anything I come up with ends with me dead and Kate in the hands of Saul.

  There are too many guards here to overpower all of them. Even if I attempted an escape, someone would catch me. My best bet is when they take me to this messed up surgery. It’s my only shot. I know the hospital of The Institute in and out, and if I can get away from them, I might just make it.

  Right when I’m formulating my strategy, Mr. Dennard walks in with a team of doctors. “Good morning, Micah.”

  I don’t respond.

  “We’re here to prepare you for surgery,” he continues. As if on cue, a few men and women surround me. One young woman secures a blood pressure cuff to my arm and pumps it full. Another runs a temperature scan across my forehead, and a third unbuttons my shirt and attaches suctions to my chest.

  “Already? Can’t wait to make me one of your drones, huh?”

  “I certainly hope you don’t see it like that,” he says. “How else should I see it?”

  He stands in front of me, compact in hand. “Think of it like we’re re-habilitating you back into society. Soon you’ll be a functioning member of The Institute.” I love how he talks about my future brainwashing as if it’s no big deal.

  “I functioned just fine before.”

  He raises his eyebrows. “Let me explain how this will work. Rather than transfer you to the O.R., the team will sedate you here. That way, our transfer will go off without a hitch. Once you’ve been taken to the O.R., they’ll implant the chip. After the incision heals, I’ll turn on the programmed information. Just like that, you’ll be a rehabilitated society member.”

  There goes my only plan for escape. Before I can react, the young nurse at my side injects something into my arm. “Wait, Mr. Dennard …” I try to pull away from the doctors and lean toward the door, but my vision is fuzzy, and my muscles feel cumbersome. He stands in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest like a gatekeeper, and getting to him is like treading through thick water. The sounds around me fade into muffled echoes, and my eyelids feel heavy. So heavy. I fight to keep them open, to pull the strap from my arm, to sit up, but the more I move, the heavier my limbs become. I’m reaching out to the only man who can help me get back to Kate. But her father steps back from my reach, and I stumble, my knee
s hitting hard on the floor.

  I thrust my hand to the side to brace my fall, but the drugs have taken effect, and my arm doesn’t respond quickly enough. My shoulder hits the cement just before my head does. I can’t keep my eyes open any longer. Shoes. I see shoes. Black dress shoes with thick soles and a scuff mark on the toe. Then I close my eyes.

  Kate’s face is the last thing I picture before I black out.

  SIXTEEN

  WHERE WORLDS COLLIDE

  (SAUL)

  I’m waiting in the hallway when Mr. Dennard leads the group of doctors out with Micah’s body on a gurney. His one hand is dangling off the side, and from the waist down, he’s covered with a thin sheet. Dennard steps aside to let them pass, pretending to enter information into his compact. He looks at me. The glance is fleeting, but I know what he means. I nod as imperceptibly as I can, and he does the same before turning on his heels to follow the others. The plan is in place, and I only have a few moments to get my team ready.

  It’s odd to call them my team, this band of outlaws. I wonder if that makes me an outlaw, too. For the moment, yes, I suppose I am. But it’s to serve the greater good—which means helping me get my son back and promoting me up the ranks to Tier One, something only a handful of people have accomplished.

  If Kate thinks she’ll get her precious Micah back and keep her son … my son, she’s living in a fantasy land. Micah, I couldn’t care less about; though if I had my way, I’d love to try a few new tricks on him, but in the long run, he’s an irrelevant, insignificant slug. What I do care about is my kid. I will not do what my parents did. There’s no way I’m going to let some rebel girl raise my son to go against everything I believe in. Teach him not to respect The Institute ... won’t let it happen.

  Not in a million years.

  ****

  They’re waiting in the Outerlands just beyond the border of The Institute, congregated around a few vehicles now camouflaged with netting and branches to blend in with the trees. Two groups of people circle around the front of the vehicles, papers spread over the hoods of the cars. Clouds darken the sky and threaten rain, making the meeting place between the trees seem like it’s already dusk.