Freak of Nature - By Julia Crane Page 0,62
them control. Think of how much more power you’ll have. They will be groveling at your feet, and you won’t have to beg them to let you stay apprised of her.”
“I don’t want to be just a weapon,” Kaitlyn said firmly. “I want to be a solution,”
Harrington’s eyes were distant as he considered the proposal. His fingers were shaped in a triangle which he tapped at his lips. “It is an interesting proposition.”
“You wouldn’t have to give up control.” Lucas reminded him knowing control was something Harrington thrived on. “And you would be able to see all your hard work in action, not handed over to the government who wouldn’t appreciate her the way we do.”
“I do loath the idea of giving her away. Regardless of the money and the prestige.”
“There’s really not much prestige when she’s a covert black ops solider. The only people that will know aren’t exactly your esteemed colleagues. At least this way you could see first hand what she is able to accomplish.”
“As much as I hate to admit it the idea is appealing. Are you sure she’s not pulling the wool over our eyes? What if she just wants us to think she has emotions?”
Lucas glanced over at Kaitlyn. “I assure you her emotions are real. I’ve seen her cry.”
“Tears? That’s impossible.”
“I thought so too, but we were wrong.”
“You continue to astound me Kaitlyn.” Harrington looked at her as if seeing her for the first time.
“Please, Dr. Harrington, I won’t let you down. Just give me a chance.”
Harrington met Kaitlyn’s gaze. “Let’s get one thing straight. If I agree to this, you works for me. You would follow all the rules and regulations same as all my other employees. There will be no special treatment.”
Kate nodded. “I don’t want special treatment.”
“This would be highly classified and dangerous. You could get killed or sent to jail. All of us could go to jail. I would have to expand IFICS. We don’t have the resources to run the kind of operation you’re suggesting. What are the other demands? Clearly, that’s not all?”
“I want to live off-compound,” Kaitlyn spoke up, even though she hadn’t discussed the concern with Lucas. “I’m sick of that tiny white room with its stupid lock.”
Harrington nodded thoughtfully. “I’m sure that could be arranged if Lucas thinks you are up to it. It goes without saying that you have to keep your real identity under wraps.” He walked over and sank wearily into the leather sofa. Lucas sat beside him, but Kate remained standing.
Lucas nodded. “She could stay with me. She still needs integration training. She’s not quite ready to blend in yet.”
“Also, I want to taste food again.”
Lucas and Harrington both looked at her in surprise.
“What? I know it can be done. If I can smell, I should be able to taste.”
“But you don’t need to eat,” Lucas said, puzzled.
“I can eat, and I might as well enjoy it when I do. I really want to taste a Butterfinger.”
“Butterfinger?” Lucas shook his head and smiled.
“Can you fix that, Lucas?” Harrington asked.
He scratched his head. “Sure, that’s an easy fix. Just one I never would have thought would need doing.”
“Anything else?” Harrington asked clearly resigned to the idea.
“Yes. I want one of these inside me.” She picked up the iPhone on the end table.
“What do you mean?” Harrington smiled for the first time since walking through the front door.
“Why can’t I have this fancy map already installed in me and be able to ask Siri to search info for me on the all-knowing Google?”
Lucas grinned. “That might take more work, and I’m pretty sure she’s under copyright, but I’m sure we can figure it out.”
“Also, I want to be able to see Quess.”
“The Adams’ granddaughter?” Harrington asked.
“Yes, she’s my friend.”
He scoffed and shook his head with disbelief. “So, you have…friends? Does everyone know you’re…well…still human?”
“Just Quess. She figured it out on her own. She’s very bright. She kept my secret for months.”
“Okay. I guess that’s fine. I didn’t realize you were friends. Hell, I didn’t realize you had your own thoughts. Anything else?”
“That’s all I can think of for now.” Kaitlyn knitted her hands together behind her back and gave him a sideways look. “This seems too easy.”
Harrington laughed, holding his palms to the ceiling. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Trust me,” he continued, “this is going to be far from easy to pull off. Perhaps one of the most difficult projects I’ve taken on. Making you was one thing, but controlling how