Frost Fire
Page 8
"I ran some DNA tests at my mother's lab, and the results were unusual, but I don't think the test was invalid."
Lucy nodded. "So, you found an irregularity."
"Exactly and I don't know how to proceed." She’d eliminated all of the plausible scenarios like contamination, and testing error.
"Would you care for some advice? From one scientist to another?"
"Yes, please."
"I found Occam's razor comes in handy in these situations."
Molly was familiar with the philosophical concept. The simplest explanation to a problem was usually the right one.
“And what if you’ve eliminated those possibilities?”
“Then you should consider the more complex explanation, assuming it fits with your findings.”
And now I’ve got a big problem.
The only rational reason she couldn't exclude was Blaze, and his brothers, were hybrids, a mixture of reptile, and human. And yet, it sounded insane to her, utterly impossible.
"This is an off-the-wall question, and I realize it's not your field, but are you aware of any experiments where anyone has mixed human, and animal DNA?"
Lucy mulled it over. "I remember reading something in a journal this past year. Researchers at the Salk Institute created a chimera, an embryo with a mixture of human, and pig DNA.”
“What was the purpose?” Chimeras are mythological creatures, composed of more than one animal, so the description was apt, if disturbing.
“The researchers wanted to use them to produce human organs. While I understand the shortage of healthy livers and hearts, I find the idea troubling."
"I do too." As far as Molly was concerned, animals and humans weren't meant to mix.
So what? A mad scientist mixed human, and reptile DNA? Somehow he’d created the Smith brothers in a secret lab? It didn’t make much sense, and yet no other explanation fit.
"Your data must've been very interesting."
Molly nodded. "Believe me, you've no idea."
“Care to share?”
“Not just yet, but I appreciate the advice.”
“Anytime.”
"Will you be sharing the results with your mother?"
"Yes, I need her insight." Even though, Molly knew Leslie wouldn't approve of what she’d done. If nothing else, she wanted her mother to provide an ordinary theory to support her findings.
“At any rate, I empathize. My field comes with an array of ethical dilemmas as well, which can be difficult to navigate.”
“Like what?”
“This is going to sound nutty, but scientists are arguing whether or not we should communicate with other planets.”
“Searching for aliens, you mean?”
“Yes, a number of worlds have been identified where life could exist, and some astronomers want to reach out, and see if someone responds.”
It sounded reasonable to Molly if a tad far-fetched.
“What do you think?”
“I’m all for it.” She grinned. “Early on in my career, I dreamed of working for SETI.” SETI searched for intelligent alien life.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I chose a more practical way of paying the bills.”
“What’s the argument against it?” Molly thought there’d be no harm in taking a look.
“What if we advertise our location, and they came here to conquer us? After all, the universe is vast, and our area of space is relatively young, cosmically speaking.”
“So they might be more technologically advanced than us?”
“Exactly and they might not have noticed us yet. So why advertise?”
There was one option, an impossible, otherworldly explanation for her skewed data and Molly didn’t want to go there. She didn’t want to think it, let alone say it aloud.
What if they could fuse human and animal DNA, and create near giants who are impervious to the elements? The thought had sprung into her mind, unbidden, but she couldn’t shake it.
Molly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I’m tired, that’s all.
After a good night sleep, this might make more sense.
I hope.
Chapter Nine
“Do you want a cinnamon roll?”
“Don’t mind if I do. I love the smell, and they look hot and sweet.”
Uh oh.
Molly paused halfway down the staircase. She’d tossed and turned, and had only gotten a couple hours of sleep, at most.
What else is new?
She’d gotten up early, wanting a gallon of coffee to start the day, only to discover she wasn’t alone.
Molly peered around the corner to see Sage Wellington surrounded by mixing bowls and camera equipment. Seated nearby was one of the Smith brothers, and he was mesmerized by Sage’s every movement, his gaze tracking her with an unsettling intensity.
Molly thought his name was Destrian. He wore a pair of buckskins without a shirt. His feet were bare, too.
The two of them were oblivious to her presence, and Molly lingered in the shadows, listening in on their conversation. She should probably feel bad about violating their privacy, but Molly was too intrigued to stop.
“How’d you find time to bake all of this?”
“Simple, I made the time.”
“You’re all about plans, aren’t you? Life rarely obliges your schedule.”
“Mine does. Everything happens according to my plan,” Sage said.
She had long, honey-blonde hair, hazel eyes, a thin build, and stood around five foot five. Sage was staying at the inn temporarily, while her place was being renovated.
Hmm, he doesn’t look reptilian. Not that she could see a least.
What if he has a tail? Don’t even go there.
But then again, Blaze didn’t seem all Jurassic Park either.
“How dull.”
“You mean, how organized.” Sage wagged a finger. “Although, I guess you aren’t the first person to call me a control freak.”
“You missed your calling, poppet. Someone with such maniacal organization should be a general.”
“I’m not much for teamwork. I like doing my own thing.”
Hmm. Did Sage have a thing for Destrian? She seemed flustered, and a little irritated.
Remind you of anyone else?
Shut up. Jeez, my inner voice is kind of bitchy.
“Are you laughing at me, Destrian?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Molly rolled her eyes at their banter.
As she was about to head back up the stairs, Sage glanced up and spotted her.
Ugh.
“Would you like a cinnamon roll? Or something healthier, like a high protein waffle? I made both, because I’m doing a saint or sinner blog post, with two options.”
"And what’s a high protein waffle exactly?"
She walked into the kitchen, and peered into a bowl. Molly didn’t have much of an appetite, and she usually preferred coffee for breakfast anyway. The cinnamon rolls smelled delicious, but she didn’t need the sugar high right now.
I’m already bouncing off the ceiling.
“It's my special invention.” Sage ticked the ingredients off on her fingers. “Eggs, Greek yogurt, whole rolled oats which I ground into flour myself, maple syrup and everything’s organic, and gluten-free.”
“Thank you, but I’m not hungry.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.”
“I will.”
As she worked, Sage took painstaking photos of each stage of the process for her blog. She ran a lifestyle website for college students, and it had really taken off in the past couple of years. Sage was on the cusp of becoming a breakout internet star.
She gave Molly a scathing once over. “Yikes, what happened to you?”
“Gee, thanks, Sage.”
“Just keeping it real. You’ve got some serious luggage under your eyes.” She whipped the batter with a wooden spoon. “So, spill it. Why are you such a hot mess?”
“Nothing’s wrong, I had a long study session last night.” Molly flashed a reassuring smile.
Sage studied her face. “Yeah, tell me another one. Something’s going on with you. What is it?”
Molly grabbed a large mug and filled it to the brim with coffee, and yet it didn’t look like enough. Maybe I should’ve used a bowl.
She shot a glance at Destrian again. Nope, he still looks human.
“Why do you keep gawking at me?” Destrian asked.
“Um, I’m not.” And yet, she could feel her cheeks burning with a telltale flush.
“Yes, you are, but I don’t have time to get it out of you. Ladies, it’s been a pleasure, but I must leave.” With a gallant bow, he headed out.
Molly sighed in relief.
“Okay, seriously, why are you so weird?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Believe what?” Amy asked as she walked into the room.
She had auburn hair, which came to her chin. Amy wore a pair of black-framed glasses, which accentuated her almond-shaped, dark-brown eyes and pale skin. Amy had a tomboyish vibe. Today, she wore a flannel shirt and jeans.
“Nothing.”
“Well, as much as I’d love to finish this conversation, I have a blog post to finish.” Sage placed her dishes in the sink and carried her equipment upstairs.
Molly was relieved to see her go. She didn’t want to answer any more uncomfortable questions.
“Is everything all right?” Amy considered Molly over the rim of her coffee cup.
“People really need to stop asking me that question.” She dragged a hand through her hair. Molly couldn’t even remember if she’d brushed it earlier.
She huffed a breath against her own palm. Did I brush my teeth too?
“Seriously, you can tell me anything. I haven’t been the best friend lately, but I care about you.” She reached over and squeezed Molly’s hand, and Molly held onto it for the longest time.
“It’s okay, I know you’ve been busy. Ivy and I are glad to see you so happy. After all, you’ve been through, you deserve it.” Amy’s father had died a few months back, and she’d been depressed until meeting Faro.
She ducked her head. “Thank you, he does make me very happy. Enough deflection though. What’s up?”
Molly hesitated, unsure of whether she should confide in her or not. Amy had the right to know about the test, since she was dating Faro.
Wait. Unless she already knows? Hmm. Great, now I’m not trusting my own friends.
“Have you noticed anything… off about the Smiths?”
“No.” Her expression was utterly blank, shuttered.
Molly looked right and then left, and the coast was clear.
“Oh my God. You’ve noticed it too, haven’t you?”
“Nope, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do. I can see it in your eyes.” Amy turned to leave, but Molly grabbed her shirt sleeve. “Please tell me. I thought I was losing it.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t.” Amy shook her head. “And I mean that literally.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Forget it. I can’t explain it to you.”
“Try.”
She pursed her lips. “Wait a minute, I found a loophole. You could tell me what you know.”
“Why should I confide in you, when you refuse to return the favor?”
“Because I know what you’re going through.” Amy’s eyes were wide and beseeching.
Oh, jeez.
“Fine, I might as well tell you.” Molly was desperate to tell somebody else, and have them agree with her, or at least understand what she said, without thinking she belonged in a loony bin. “I tested Blaze’s DNA and it was all kinds of wrong.”
“How’d you get it?”
“My method of collection isn’t really the point of this discussion.”
“Tell me.” There was a warning note in her tone.
“I took something from his room.”
“Meaning you stole it?” She cursed under her breath. “Some of these people are downright scary Molly, I can’t believe you took such a risk.”
“Some? Not all?” Then again, Amy was practically engaged to one of them.
“Faro might be dangerous, but not to either of us. And what did you find?”
“Reptilian DNA.”
Amy didn’t look one bit surprised, which only confirmed Molly’s suspicions.
But how did it happen?
“I can’t figure it out. A medical experiment gone haywire? Some quirk of nature?”
Amy seized her by the shoulders. “What else do you think it might be? Give me some options.” Her fingers dug in.
“Just tell me.”
She closed her eyes, as though pained. “I’m serious, I can’t breathe a word of it. Go on, say it.”
“Aliens?” Molly barely whispered the word.
Amy locked eyes with her. “Yes.” Wincing she pressed a hand to her forehead. Blood trickled from her nose, staining her upper lip. “Gah! I didn’t even say it.”
“What’s wrong? You’re bleeding.”
She backed off. “I know.” Amy closed her eyes and a deep furrow developed between her brows.
“Amy, let me help you.”
“No, I’m sorry, but I have to go.” She stumbled backward and headed for the door. “I’ve said too much already.”
“Amy, wait, talk to me.” But her friend was gone.
Yeah, it’s definitely time to tell my mother.
***
“Mom, I know how this sounds, but I don’t think Blaze is human.”
Later on, Molly sat on the bed with her laptop once more. She hadn’t meant to blurt everything out, but she needed to discuss this with Leslie, make sense of her discovery.
“What are you saying exactly?” Leslie asked the question slowly, deliberately.
“I’m saying, I think Blaze is an alien.”
Molly realized it sounded insane, but Leslie had to believe her, she just had to. She was a researcher, for pity sake and surely once she’d viewed the data, she’d support Molly’s theory. There was no other reasonable explanation, barring any off the books experiments, of course.
“I see.” She folded her hands on the desk in front of her.
“Mom, say something. What do you think?”
She frowned. “Molly, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Ask Zoe, she can verify what I’ve told you.”
Leslie nodded. “I will.”
“Please talk to me.”
She swallowed. “Well, what other theories did you consider? What if the sample was contaminated?”
“It was pure. I double….no, triple checked it.”
“And the subject doesn’t own a reptile of some sort?”
“No, he doesn’t.” Molly would’ve seen a pet by now. Besides, he said they didn’t keep companion animals anyway. “And why wouldn’t it have been in the database?” The sample contained an unknown reptile’s genetic material.
“Maybe it was another sort of error?”
“It wasn’t. Please tell me you believe me.”
Leslie took a deep breath. “I believe that you believe it.”
It wasn’t a comforting answer.
“Mom, I’m—”
“Honey, I’m going to be home in a few days, and then we’ll discuss it in more detail. Until then, you’re going to check in with me every day, do you understand?”
Her shoulders fell. “I’m not crazy.”
“I never said you were.” Leslie’s demeanor was overly soothing, and indulgent, as though she were speaking to a small child.
“Then don’t treat me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like Marshall.”
The words hung in the air between them.
Molly hated herself for
using her brother’s name as a weapon and wished she could take it back, but it was already out there.
“Mom, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Tears filled her eyes. “I know.”
Molly felt like crap. “I’m just tired. I haven’t been sleeping much, and I’m sorry I took it out on you.”
“I know, and I don’t want to upset you, honey, but I’m concerned.”
“And I understand why you might be, but you should believe me.” Clearly, she should’ve waited for her mother’s return to discuss this. “Let me email you the findings.”
“No, let’s wait until I’m home and I’ll go over the results with you. I’m late for another presentation.” She glanced at her watch.
Molly knew her mother was lying, stalling for time.
“Sure, but can we talk tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. I’ll talk to you later. Goodnight, Molly.” And then she shut the computer off.
Molly sat there for a long time, replaying the conversation. What if she really was crazy? Molly might’ve hallucinated the whole thing, even speaking with Zoe and Amy. Marshall had lost touch with reality, communicated with people who weren’t there.
What if I cracked up and I don’t even know it?
Chapter Ten
“Hey, you’ve got visitors.” The next day, Ivy had the front desk phone in the crook of her shoulder, evidently on hold.
There were two men in the foyer, near the front desk. Both of them wore suits and looked to be in their early fifties. Molly vaguely remembered seeing them before but couldn’t recall their names.
“Can I help you?” Molly took off her jacket, and hung it up, then pulled off her boots. She jammed her feet into a pair of slippers she kept by the mat.
“Actually, we're here to help you. We’re colleagues of your mother’s.” The taller one spoke up, and he offered her hand, which Molly shook. “I’m Bill Collier.”
“Oh, yes, now I remember. I met you both at the holiday party, right?”
She had a vague memory of running into them near the buffet table. Molly usually visited the lab on off hours when most people were gone.
The shorter one nodded. “That’s right, and I’m Peter Taylor.”
“So why are you here? Is something wrong with my mother?” Molly worried there might’ve been some kind of accident.
“No, nothing like that. We didn’t mean to worry you.” Bill shook his head. “As a matter of fact, your mother sent us.”