Chromosome 'S': The Angel Read online

  “I didn’t think about that. What do we do about it?” Olivia asked.

  “I can answer that one,” Donna said to Richard as he nodded his approval, “It’s not unusual for a teenage girl to finish 8th grade, go on summer vacation, only to return three months later, ready to start high school, looking nothing like she had before. It’s the normal time girls go through changes—physical and psychological. They lose body fat, grow taller, become prettier…”

  “…grow boobs!” Derek blurted out, and happy with his contribution.

  Donna gave him that look that all mothers know, which is part of their innate arsenal used to intimidate their offspring, meaning: wait till I get you alone.

  “Shut up!” Olivia said leering at him.

  “I hate to admit it, but he’s right,” Donna said. Derek smiled and puffed out his chest at his mother’s confirmation of his statement. Olivia playfully sneered at him. “When I returned to school after the 8th grade: none of my friends recognized me; I received more attention from the boys; I had more self-confidence.”

  “See Olivia…there’s still hope for you,” Derek joked.

  Olivia glared at him, “You know your very brave, considering I can bend metal with my hands. You might want to watch yourself,” she said calmly and confidently with a

  smile that displayed her satisfaction. Derek’s grin faded. Donna and Richard grinned at Olivia’s comment.

  “As for the other changes that will eventually occur, I need you to tell me everything you experience. Regardless of how insignificant you think it is, and we’ll start testing tomorrow,” Richard said.

  “Tests? What kind of tests?”

  “We need to test your speed, strength, hearing and sight.”

  “How will you do that?”

  “We’ll go over that tomorrow,” Richard said firmly, “Remember Olivia, I need to know everything you experience, mentally and physical. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, I get it.”

  * * *

  Professor Saunders arrived five minutes before his scheduled meeting. The Outpost Café was a small, but usually busy restaurant, frequented by students and teachers alike, but the timing was perfect. The Café was in a lull between rushes.

  He entered, scanning the area for anyone he might know, but he saw no one he recognized. He took a seat in the back, facing the entrance, as a blonde waitress approached.

  “Hello, what can I get you?” She asked.

  “Just a cup of coffee—black, Thank you,” he said flatly with his eyes fixated on the front door.

  “Anything else?” This is definitely not going to be a big tipper, she thought as she waited with a counterfeit smile.

  “That’s all, thank you,” he said tersely. The waitress shuffled away.

  The woman standing next to him was medium height, jet black hair and violet eyes. She was a classic beauty, but with a cold air about her.

  “Hello Saunders,” she said frigidly as he jumped.

  “Where’d you come from” His eyes scanned the area, looking for an exit.

  “It’s not important,” she said, as she sat across from him.

  The waitress returned with his coffee. “Hello,” she said to the lady, “I didn’t know there would be two. Can I get anything for you?”

  “No, thank you. I won’t be staying.” She didn’t bother to look at the waitress, her eyes were locked on Saunders. She waited to speak, ensuring no one was near. “You’ve got twenty minutes.” She checked her watch.

  “Ms. Sinclair, I received an interesting email from an old colleague of mine. I believe you’re familiar with Richard Osborn. At the mention of the doctor’s name she raised an eyebrow.

  “He sent me some data on research he’s been working on. It is truly amazing.” He handed her the file. She placed it in front of her.

  “Is this the same Dr. Richard Osborn from eleven years ago?”

  “It—“ She didn’t allow him to finish.

  “The same Dr. Richard Osborn who filed the patent you were paid to acquire for us, but failed?”

  “I told you…I had no idea his wife would show. She was suppose to be out.”

  “My associates and I do not care for excuses.”

  “Ms. Sinclair, if you would just take a minute to look at his data, see what he’s done,” he urged.

  Her stare was unwavering and intense. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, she made him nervous. Her eyes fell on the file. She carefully read each paper. He watched her eyes widen with amazement—shock. It was difficult to discern.

  She gazed at Saunders, “Are you sure the data’s accurate?”

  “I’ve spoken with Richard. He assures me it is.”

  “Can you trust his word?”

  “Yes,” he said confidently.

  “Are you willing to get your hands dirty on this one?”

  “Depends…”

  “On?”

  “What you are referring to and how much you are willing to pay.”

  “If Chromosome ‘S’ ever gets FDA Approval, every pharmaceutical company on earth will go belly up, not to mention—the need for medical professionals will be all, but eliminated. Trillions of dollars will be lost. I believe I can speak for my associates, we can’t let that happen, ever. We need to eliminate Dr. Richard Osborn and his research,” she said, void of all emotion.

  “Why can’t we just buy his research?”

  “Saunders, think! If we buy if from him, the information remains in his head. We want it so there is no record of Chromosome ‘S’. If he lives, the possibility exists that word of his research could leak out. Are you willing to get your hands dirty?”

  “As I said, depends on how much you’re willing to pay for the info and my participation.”

  “How much will it cost us?”

  “What do I have to do?”

  “Does it matter?” She said coldly, “Assume the worst—how much will it cost?”

  “Fifteen million,” he said, intuitively knowing the amount he was asking for was too much, but when negotiating, always start high.

  “I’ll have to get back to you on that. A meeting with my associates will be necessary to agree on the course of action. Expect my call within the next few days.” she stood, glancing down at him, “You’d better be ready.” She turned and walked away. He couldn’t help but admire the way she carried herself.

  She was sexy and scary at the same time.

  CHAPTER XIX

  “How many tacos can you eat?” Derek asked, his eyes wide.

  “I can’t help it. I’m sooo hungry!” Olivia said with her mouth full.

  “Her body wants and needs the food,” Richard said. Donna smiled as she brought over another dozen.

  “Well, I hope you’re right. I wouldn’t want her to bust a gut,” she said watching Olivia gobble down her food.

  “Her body is utilizing every bit of food she is consuming,” Richard said.

  Olivia continued eating as Derek stared.

  “Can you bring the mattresses up from the lab, when you’re done?” Richard asked.

  “If she ever gets done, you mean?” Derek chuckled, “She became a super garbage disposal.”

  “Shut up!”

  “You should help her Derek,” he said.

  “I think she’s strong enough to do it herself,” Derek said with a sarcastic tone.

  “She is, but she is still small. The bed may be to awkward for her size. You can balance it while she does most of the work.”

  “As it should be,” Derek said jokingly.

  Donna sat down next to Richard, placing her hand on his, as the two kids glanced at each other, smirking.

  Olivia turned to her dad, “I’ll do it soon as I’m done.” It was weird to be asked to bring something as heavy as a mattress. Two days ago, I could barely budge it, she thought, now I can toss it as far as…well, I don’t know how far I can throw it, but I bet it’s friggin’ far. She laughed silently.

  “I need to warn you two,�
�� Derek said to Richard and his Mom, as his finger pointed at them, bobbing between the two, his face serious, “Anything you say and do can be heard by…” He tilted his head toward Olivia. “So before you start kissing or anything else,” he said wincing as though he were disgusted with the image. “Remember, she’s just a child.” He grinned at Olivia. She stuck her tongue at him.

  “Well, you’d better get used to us kissing,” Donna said, lingering a kiss on Richard’s lips.

  “Aw! Come on guys! I’m trying to eat here,” Olivia exclaimed playfully.

  “Uh-oh, I think I’m going to be sick!” Derek pretended to vomit.

  “Don’t worry,” Richard said calmly, “When you two are starting your relationships, we will get our revenge.” He smiled at them. Olivia and Derek’s grins faded. They didn’t like the sound of that.

  After dinner, Olivia did as she was asked, moving the mattresses back upstairs with Derek’s help, without breaking a sweat. Olivia slept in her own bed, watched by Edward and Jacob, while Derek was given an option of sharing a bed with his mom in the spare room (which he deemed too creepy), or—sleep on the couch. He opted for the couch. Richard slept in his own bed, smelling the vanilla that wafted through the air. A left over fragrance in the sheets and pillow.

  * * *

  Olivia was out the moment her head hit the pillow. Her body began to change, transforming throughout the night while she slept, unaware of the metamorphosis taking place. Muscles, bones and skin stretched, becoming stronger, more dense—virtually indestructible.

  She slept soundly for hours. The serum went to work on the chromosomes specific to brain functions, seeking out any weakness, replicating and replacing those chromosomes. It would be some time, but eventually she would see unbelievable changes, some she would share with her father, others she would not.

  As she slumbered, she began to dream. Images of her mother passed through her mind. Disturbing images she had never seen before. A knife with blood dripping off the blade, as she watched her mother’s life slip away inches from her face, crying with her tiny hands held out. These thoughts replayed over and over. Faces flashed, distorted so much, she did not recognize them.

  Derek, lying on the couch, unable to sleep, heard sound coming from Olivia’s room. He rushed over to investigate. She was twisting and turning in her sleep, while her face shown the anguish she was feeling. It was obvious, she was having a nightmare—a bad one.

  “Olivia,” he whispered, “Wake up.” she continued squirming. “Olivia,” he said this time shaking her. As he put his hand on her, he noted a difference. She seemed heavier, more solid, bigger. She still wouldn’t wake. This time he shook her aggressively.

  “NO!” she screamed, coming out of her sleep. Instantly, without warning, her open hand shot out, striking his chest driving the air out of his lungs. He felt his ribs break, as the impact sent him sprawling five feet through the air, colliding with the wall; falling to the ground in a lump. The sound of his bones cracking echoed through her head.

  She stared in horror at what she had done. She was distraught, seeing her best friend lying there motionless. Did she kill him, she wondered. She felt the walls closing in. Breathing became difficult as guilt weighed heavily on her mind. She needed to get out of here. She needed to think.

  She vaulted out of bed and sped through the house, not bothering to change her shorts and tank top for warmer clothes or to put shoes on.

  She had to get out of there! She was desperate to run to clear her mind. The screen door fell of its last hinge, as she barreled through the back!

  She was so angry and guilt-ridden, she accidently catapulted herself forty feet into the air as she left the house. The cold night didn’t faze her, she bolted down the road into the pale moon light, not cognizant of where she was going—she did not care!

  * * *

  Donna and Richard made it to Olivia’s room, at the same time; each awakened by Olivia’s screams. They rushed in to find Derek lying on his back gripping his chest and moaning faintly.

  “Honey, what happened!? Are you alright?” She asked as she went to his side.

  “Did Olivia do this?” Richard asked, already knowing the answer. They carefully helped him to a sitting position, wincing from the pain each time he took a breath.

  “She was having a bad dream,” he said, pausing to take a breath, “She woke up screaming…she hit me here,” he pointed to his chest as Richard gently pulled his tank top up, exposing the redness from the impact.

  “Tell me where it hurts,” Richard asked as he applied pressure along his rib cage.

  “Owww!” He cried out.

  “It appears she broke a couple of ribs, but you’ll be alright. Try not to laugh,” Richard said, “Did she say anything else?”

  “Nothing that I can remember; I was too busy flying through the air.”

  “Donna, can you go out on the porch and look for her? I’m going to tape his ribs,” Richard said as he helped Derek to Olivia’s bed.

  “I can’t believe she can hit so hard,” Derek said trying to catch his breath, “It feels like a mule kicked me!”

  “You’re very luckly.”

  “Funny…I don’t feel lucky.”

  “If I were to guess-timate, she probably hit with no more than five percent of her collective strength. If she had hit you with ten percent or higher, you would most likely be dead with your chest crushed,” Richard said matter-of-factly, “Let me guess…she hit you with an open hand.”

  “Yeah…how’d you know?” Derek asked surprised at Richard’s deductive skills.

  “I believe if she had hit you with her fist, she would have caused considerably more damage.” Derek sat silently as Richard’s words sank in.

  “I’ll be back in a second, I need to get bandages to wrap your chest. Be still and don’t move around to much, okay?” Richard said retreating into the hall. Donna approached, fraught with tension. “Did you find her?”

  “No, but she definitely went out the screen door,” she said.

  “How do you know?”

  “Because it’s no longer there,” she said, “Should we go after her?”

  “There’s no way to know which way she went, plus I’m assuming her speed has increased drastically. She could realistically be five to ten miles away by now,” Richard said stoically, “Stay with Derek, I’ve got to get a few things. I’ll be back up in a second. Keep him as immobile as possible.”

  “Sure,” she said. Richard disappeared toward his lab as she entered Olivia’s room. “How you doing?” She asked Derek, pushing his black hair away from his eyes.

  “I’ll be fine,” he said, wincing, “Did you find her?” He was obviously worried about his friend.

  “No…not a sign of her and Richard says we can’t go after her because we have no idea which way she went and she could be as far away as ten miles.”

  “So all we can do is sit here and do nothing?” He asked feeling helpless.

  “I’m afraid so sweetie,” she said sitting next to him as she held his hand, “We’ll just have to wait.”

  “But…she’s out there all alone,” he complained as Richard entered in time to hear his words.

  “She is alone, you are right about that, but I’m sure she’s alright. At this time, taking care of you is my greatest concern.” Richard put the ends of the stethoscope in his ear. “I need to listen to your breathing to make sure everything’s okay,” he turned to Donna, “Can you help me by taking off his tank top?”

  Donna moved to help.

  “Ow…Ow…Ow!” Derek exclaimed as he slowly lifted his arms.

  He sat next to Derek, placing the cold metal disc against his warm skin. “When I tell you to cough, cough, Okay?”

  Richard checked Derek’s chest thoroughly, finding nothing wrong other than the broken ribs.

  “Okay! You’re good. Let’s wrap you up.”

  Donna was relieved.

  “That’s what they told the mummy, right before they entombed h
im,” Derek chuckled through the pain. Wincing.

  * * *

  “Go on! Get the hell out of here and take your brat with you!” Jed Thompson yelled. He was drunk, belligerent and violent, as he pushed his girlfriend out of his bedroom. “Who needs you? I don’t need you; I don’t need anyone, damn it!”

  He stood in the doorway, wearing boxer shorts and nothing else. His belly hung low, passed his waistline with tattoos that adorned his body. He once was a decent looking man, but alcohol had played havoc on his looks.

  “Why do you have to act like this?” Sheila Ryan asked. She cared for Jed, because he was a good guy, when he wasn’t drinking, which became more and more infrequent. It’s because he’s been out of work for so long, she had convinced herself. If he could just stop drinking, everything could go back to the way it used to be.

  “Shut up! I’m tired of hearing your stupid voice…God, you make me sick!” He shouted.

  Mark, Sheila’s four year old son, watched this man treat his mommy like trash. Though he was such a young little guy, he understood the basics—Mommy is good and she loves me. Jed is mean and ugly, and shouldn’t be treating her this way. He was too small to do anything but cry.

  Sheila saw this and decided she’d had enough. She needed to take Mark away from this man, away from his influence and anger. The last thing she wanted was for Mark to learn anything from this man, especially his attitude toward women. She turned to gather her son and leave, abandoning all their belongings, because all that really mattered to Sheila was Mark; the only valuable thing in her life.

  As she turned, walking down the hall, he grabbed her hair and jerked her back.

  “Don’t turn your back on me! No one turns their back on me,” he pulled her close, placing his mouth inches from her ear. She could smell the stank of Jack Daniels on his breath, which she had never minded before, but right now, it was making her nauseous. “Do you think you’re better than me, huh,” he said striking the wall, causing her to flinch.