Hunter Trials

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Hunter Trials Page 13

by Caroline Peckham


  I hurriedly typed out a reply.

  Sir,

  Perhaps you could send another employee? Surely you're very busy at the moment and my house is almost an hour away from Site F.

  Kate

  I pressed send, my heart twitching and jolting. No, he couldn't come here. I couldn't stomach it.

  He replied just a minute later.

  Kate,

  I need to do this personally. If tonight isn't convenient, perhaps tomorrow will work?

  SM

  I gazed at the message, glancing from it to the body in the chamber.

  Now you're in trouble.

  “Oh what do you know?” I hissed at the glass. “You're just a figment of my imagination.”

  I won't be when I walk into your house tonight.

  The house! I gazed around the kitchen. Books were piled up in stacks on the counters and that wasn't even half of the problem. God, I needed to clean up. I tugged at my top, sniffing it – and wash! My pink locks were currently scraped into a bun atop my head. No, no, no, this won't do!

  My fingers hovered over the keys. I had to give in. He was my boss. I didn't have a choice. If I put him off, he'd only come another time.

  Frantic, I finally replied.

  Sir,

  Okay. Will 7pm work?

  Kate

  He replied a second later, confirming it and I released a shaky breath.

  7pm...that gave me five hours to sort my house out and tidy myself up. I didn't know if it would be long enough, but I had to try.

  You look wonderful as you are.

  I gazed at Silas's body with a grin. “Oh you charmer, you.”

  ✭☠ ✭

  At quarter to seven, I was a nervous wreck. I'd dressed in a pale pink vest and jeans, washed my hair and straightened it for the first time in months. Possibly years. I eyed myself in the circular mirror hanging on the wall of my room. A room which was now solidly packed to the brim with all the books and DVDs I'd had around my house. Apart from the ones on bookcases and shelves, I'd left those.

  The doorbell rang and I froze as if I was inside that cryo-chamber with Silas's body.

  The bell sounded again but I still didn't move, simply gazing at my reflection. The freckles across my caramel skin appeared brighter as the blood drained from my cheeks. Was I ready to meet him in the flesh? No. That was obvious. I was shaking like a leaf as the doorbell rung for a third time.

  Move, Kate. Come on!

  I started walking, heading downstairs, my heart doing cartwheels. When I reached the front door in the little hallway, I hesitated like always. And it wasn't just because of my fear of the outdoors this time.

  Silas Madigan was beyond that door, inches away. All the fantasies I'd ever had about him were either about to be destroyed or confirmed. Maybe he was just as charming in real life. But the only way to find out was opening that door.

  A shadow moved beyond the frosted window.

  That's him!

  Open the door, Kate!

  I reached for the handle, my pulse thrumming in every corner of my body.

  I was a nervous wreck but I couldn't let him know it. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and wrenched the door wide.

  Gah.

  He was even more beautiful in real life. Perhaps too beautiful. His features were perfect, more perfect than the body I had in storage. He wore a fine grey suit with his tie removed, his collar open.

  His brows raised when I said nothing, his face morphing, moving. I'd never seen it do that. Lord, did it look good, twisting and shifting and making expressions.

  “Kate?” he asked.

  That voice. Deep, pure man. I gaped at him, tempted to slam the door in his face and run back upstairs to hide under my bed.

  “Yes,” I replied instead - baby steps, Kate. You're doing fine. You handled a hitman just the other day, remember?

  He gave me a curious smile, glancing over my shoulder. “Can I come in?”

  “Oh right,” I breathed, laughing nervously, combing my hair with my fingers. Did it look right? I'd been in this house so long maybe I'd forgotten how people were supposed to look. Maybe the fact it was bright pink was enough of a reason for Silas to think it looked odd. But I liked it this way. And especially now it hung straight and feathery around my shoulders.

  I stepped aside, letting him in and suddenly Silas Madigan was in my hallway, dominating the whole space. My handsome kitchen companion living and breathing, standing in my goddamn house.

  He shed his jacket and I took it, hanging it on a hook on the wall, turning to him with a shy smile.

  “I won't intrude on you long,” he said. “It's nice to meet you at last, though. You've organised a very disorganised man, Kate. I hope you know how grateful I am.”

  I nodded, my smile growing and my confidence increasing a touch. Was I doing this right? When was the last time I'd had human company who wasn't either frozen in liquid nitrogen or an angry hitman?

  “Tea?” I blurted, remembering my manners, not responding to anything he'd said.

  “That sounds perfect after the day I've had.”

  “How did the meeting go with the Prime Minister the other day?” I asked, hurrying toward the kitchen.

  He followed and I turned in the doorway, throwing my arms wide to bar his way. “Oh, wait in the living room. Through there.” I gestured with my chin.

  He frowned and it looked as good as his smile. Not arguing, he headed away.

  My gut swirled as I hurried to the cryo-chamber, having forgotten about cleaning it up. I'd stuck postcards and stickers on the bottom of it of all the places I'd imagined visiting in the world. I peeled them off, stuffing them into the bin, my hands clammy by the time I was done.

  Kate, do calm down. His voice again. I only ever heard it when I was in this room with the chamber. So maybe that meant I was only insane when I was in my kitchen. Lord, his real voice was different to how I imagined it. Deeper, rougher. Better...

  I quickly filled the kettle, boiling it, drumming my fingers on the counter, trying not to think about Silas in my living room. Which was pretty much impossible.

  When the tea was done, I headed out to find him, my heart stammering and spluttering.

  He was sat in my seat – my seat! - gazing around the room with interest.

  I planted the tea down on the glass coffee table before him, moving around the space, unsure where to sit.

  “You have a lovely home,” he said and I grinned stupidly.

  “Oh thank you,” I said, clearing my throat.

  I placed my tea down, dropping into a chair across from him.

  “So the meeting went well?” I asked again.

  “Yes, as well as could be expected. I half frightened the PM to death when I cut my hand open and drank V blood in front of her.”

  I laughed loudly – too loudly. Shut up, Kate.

  Oh Lord, how do people communicate normally?

  Silas picked up the tea, perching his lips on the edge and sipping. I eyed him closely, drinking in all the ways his face moved.

  “So the chamber?” he asked.

  “In the kitchen.” I fiddled with my hands. “What are you going to do with it?”

  “I need to move it to an institute. Not tonight, but soon. I just wanted to be sure it was in good condition, but I'm sure you've been looking after it. I need to make more clones, you see.”

  “Why?” I frowned.

  He placed the tea down, taking a breath. “I'm sorry I didn't inform you of this sooner, but I thought it best to have this conversation in person. I don't know who I can trust right now, but you've always been a good employee, I have no concerns with your allegiance.”

  “My allegiance, sir?” I asked, unsure what he meant.

  “Please, call me Silas.”

  I giggled like a school girl then swallowed the laugh quickly, feeling like a fool. God, he was gorgeous. Did he know it? Probably. Guys like that only had to look in the mirror to confirm their hotness. He was l
ike a model on steroids.

  He gave me a confused smile, then went on, “I recently escaped from a man called Rockley Jones. The man I was working with before the incident, you might recall...”

  “Yes.” I nodded, my gut twisting. “You were imprisoned by him?” Silas had gone off the radar for a while, but after he'd emailed me several weeks ago, I hadn't been concerned.

  “I was,” he sighed. “And whilst I was at his resort, he had my clones rounded up and burned. Hence why I have moved Site F to a more secure location.”

  I nodded again. “Well thank God you escaped.”

  “Indeed,” he murmured. “But unfortunately, our work is still connected. I will have to play along with him a while longer.” His brow grew taut. “Kate, I hope you don't think it impertinent of me, but I need people like you close. I'd like you to start working at my side. I need things organised fast and it will be easier if you're present for meetings and such. I'd like notes for my records. I'd pay you well of course.” His brows raised in hope.

  My mouth parted as I gazed at him. My fear of meeting him didn't quite reach the heights of my other fear. “You want me to go...outside?”

  He seemed confused by the question, which obviously he would be. 99% of the human population could walk out their front door without a bother. But not me...

  “Yes...” he said, his brow lowering. “It's a fail-safe, you see. If anyone tries to double-cross me again, you'll be there as a witness, plus you'll provide another set of eyes on my task force. I know it's a big ask. And I truly did consider who to promote into this position. I know we haven't met before, but the first person that sprang to my mind was you. You're punctual, organised. It's exactly what I need. You'd be doing me a great favour.”

  My mouth was overly dry. I picked up my tea, sipping the sugary drink. Words rattled around my brain. What was I supposed to say? If I said no, I might lose my job. And I didn't want to say no anyway. I just wished I was the kind of person who could walk out that door no bother.

  “I...” I bit my lower lip, unsure if I should share my fears with him. “Okay,” I blurted, deciding to keep it quiet. If I told him I was agoraphobic, he'd probably pick someone else for the job and I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity. Or the pay packet that was going to fund Cade.

  “Great.” He beamed and it was so bright, I felt warmth spread down to my toes because of it. “Can I see the chamber?”

  I nodded, hurrying to my feet and guiding him into the kitchen. And there they were, the two Silas's. One I'd made up a personality for, the other a complete stranger.

  Silas leant close to the chamber, nodding his approval. “Good. Thank you for looking after it, Kate.”

  “Of course,” I said, smiling.

  “I'll have someone pick it up tomorrow,” Silas announced, turning to me. “I'd like you to go with them, too. They'll bring you to site F. Are you happy to stay there for a few weeks? It would be easier, then we can attend meetings together. There's plenty of rooms. You'll have your own space.”

  “Perfect,” I forced out, but my heart was beating a rampant tune, screaming no.

  “Good. The men who come tomorrow will give you the password Ever-Earth. If they don't say it, don't let them in.”

  I nodded to reassure him.

  He sighed, scraping a hand through his hair and I eyed his bicep flexing through his shirt. “I don't know who to trust anymore.”

  “You can trust me,” I promised and he gave me a slanted smile, but it fell away fast. “Moving the chamber worries me....perhaps I should be present tomorrow, push some meetings back.”

  I chewed my lower lip, considering it. Then words left my mouth that shocked even me. “You can stay here. I have a spare room.”

  What are you doing? Cryo-Silas demanded in my head. What if I don't want to stay here?

  Silas's expression was unreadable for a moment. “I could get a hotel.”

  “Really, it's fine,” I urged, my heart thumping against my ribcage.

  “Are you sure?” he asked and I nodded.

  “Well okay.” He smiled. “I have a travel bag in my car...I don't go anywhere without it these days.” He headed out the door and I drifted after him into the hallway. He marched out of the front door, leaving it open. I tip-toed, gazing after him, the fresh air making me queasy.

  How in the hell was I going to walk out that door tomorrow? It was hard enough just looking out there. I crept closer, forcing myself to keep calm. My toes met the doorway and I sucked in a breath of the cool air. A shudder followed a wave of nausea. How was I ever going to walk out there tomorrow?

  Silas walked up to a black Mercedes on the drive, popped the boot and slung a bag over his shoulder before returning to the house. I backed up, feeling like I'd achieved something simply by getting that close to the outside world.

  He walked back into the hall and a dreamy feeling floated over me. Silas Madigan was going to sleep in my house tonight. Use my shower...eat my food. My gut coiled into a tight ball.

  Oh Lord, what am I doing?

  ✭☠ ✭

  Early next morning, Silas was in the bathroom showering.

  He'd gotten an early night and from the tired rings he'd had under his eyes I'd guessed he was exhausted.

  I crept down to the kitchen, making tea for us both. Snatching open the fridge, I decided to cook breakfast seeing as it was a special occasion. I tried not to think about stepping out the door later that day. I'd deal with it when I had to.

  As I fried some eggs and bacon in a pan, my eyes were drawn to the cryo-chamber.

  Is he better than me? Cryo-Silas asked in my head.

  I laughed, shaking my head. “I don't even know him.”

  But you like him.

  A lump rolled into my throat. “Yes, but that doesn't mean anything.”

  A shadow crossed over the doorway and I snapped my eyes back to the pan, my neck heating up.

  “I talk to myself too sometimes,” Silas said as he strode into the room. He looked devilishly hot in a white shirt and navy slacks.

  My cheeks burned hotter. “Oh-um...” I glanced at Cryo-Silas who was being suspiciously quiet.

  Toast popped out of the toaster and Silas moved toward it, taking out some butter and preparing it on two plates. He bit into a slice, chewing and swallowing. “Thanks for this.”

  “You're welcome.” I kept my eyes on the pan, taking it off the heat and dishing the food onto the plates.

  “Did you sleep okay?” I asked.

  “Like a dream.” He grabbed my elbow and I jerked away in alarm.

  “Sorry,” he said quickly. “You were about to brush against the hot stove.”

  My throat tightened. A rush of energy expanded in my chest.

  “It's fine,” I forced out, willing my heart beat to slow. That was the first time I'd been touched in three whole years. There was a possibility I was about to pass out.

  I glanced up into his eyes, realising I'd never noticed their colour before. He was so close and I could see every gold fleck in his dark irises.

  He cleared his throat. “My workers will be here in half an hour.”

  I nodded, planting the two plates down on the small table. He dropped into a seat and I sat opposite him, unsure how I was going to stomach food when I knew I had to exit the house today. Could I do that? Walk out that door with Silas Madigan?

  I gripped the table with one hand, taking hold of my fork with the other.

  As I forced down some breakfast, I felt like Cryo-Silas was watching us. Like Cryo-Silas was judging us. Which was damn well ridiculous. That body was nothing but a hollow shell. I'd projected a personality onto it like a crazy person. Maybe I was nuts. But everyone had their issues, I supposed. Mine were just a little more glaringly crazy than others.

  “Delicious,” Silas commented and I smiled. “Can't remember the last time I had a decent meal. I get so absorbed in my work I just...forget.” He looked contemplative a moment and I waited for him to go on, studying h
is expression. “Did you book the flight to Norway?” he changed the subject.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Silas,” he corrected again.

  “Silas,” I whispered.

  The voice in my head made another appearance. So? Do you prefer him or me?

  I shot the chamber a glare and Silas followed my gaze.

  “Sorry it's taken up so much room here. I hope it's not been a bother,” Silas said and I laughed.

  He had no idea.

  “No bother,” I said brightly. “So why are you going to Norway?” I didn't know if it was rude of me to ask or not. But his schedule was my life's work, so I didn't think it mattered.

  “My friend is getting married,” he answered, but his brows drew together as if that bothered him.

  “Oh is that not...good news?”

  He sighed, checking his watch. “No, it is. I'm glad she's happy.”

  “So why the sad face?” I tried, grabbing my tea and sipping.

  “She has a son,” he said, looking unsure if he wanted to go on. “Children are a little difficult for me to be around. I lost my daughter...”

  I nodded, having known about Emma. “But you'll bring her back won't you?” I knew it was in his plans, he'd had several meetings with the DNA department a few months back, trying to push the project along.

  “Hopefully.” He smiled tersely, then stood, his plate cleaned of food. He moved to the sink to wash it and I gazed on in surprise as Silas Madigan started doing the dishes in my house. A moment later, he took my empty plate and cleaned it too.

  When he was done, he turned to me, brows raised at my baffled expression.

  “I could have done that,” I said.

  “What kind of house guest would I be if I let you wait on me hand and foot?” He smiled again and a dreamy feeling engulfed me. Oh my God, that smile could set a forest alight.

  He glanced at his fancy watch again. “Best get ready to go.”

  I stood abruptly, my chair screeching as it slid backwards. Oh God. Oh no. Panic was coming.

  I swallowed it hard, fixing a smile onto my face and heading to my bedroom to pack. I threw things into a bag at random, my hands beginning to shake.

 

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