Freak of Nature - By Julia Crane Page 0,63
your ‘gifts’ are used, that’s a different kind of power, a kind that comes with many complications.”
“Why aren’t you trying to bring me back to the compound?” Kaitlyn asked, suspicious. “You’re taking this really well. Too well. I thought I would have to restrain you until you saw things our way.”
Harrington sat back on the couch. “I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours worried how I was going to explain this to those self-righteous, military official talking heads. It’s with great pleasure that I can now tell them all to shove it.”
“Lucas thought you would see it that way, but I wasn’t convinced.”
“So you have had us fooled this whole time?” Harrington stared up at her, clearly impressed. “That’s incredible.”
“Boring is more like it.”
Harrington laughed. “I can imagine it was. So tell me more.”
She wasn’t sure where to start, but she knew it was vital to have Harrington on her side. “I still have a lot to re-learn. My brain has been scrambled. But I really want to make this work. I’m willing to do anything it takes. Just… please don’t take away what I have left. I should warn you, if I think that you or anyone else will try to alter me again in any way that I do not approve of, I’m gone. My life has value, and I won’t let you take that from me again.”
Harrington didn’t speak for a moment. “Understood. I wish I had known earlier.”
“We can tweak things with the programming, but basically she will have to learn how to blend in to society. It will get easier with time,” Lucas chimed in.
“Do you think it will interfere with her abilities?”
“No. I don’t. I think it will only enhance her. She knows right from wrong and has a conscience. Her skills far surpass any soldier’s, and she has a strong sense of morality and justice.”
“Think of the possibilities. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this myself,” Harrington muttered under his breath. “Kaitlyn, you realize you will have to complete any mission you are tasked with.”
That gave her pause. “I’ll be used for good?”
“It’s not always so black and white. You may have to do things you don’t agree with.”
Kate crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Lucas.
“It’s always been that way for soldiers. Sometimes the black and white lines can blur to grey.” Lucas said calmly.
Kaitlyn nodded her head, but she knew she would figure out a way to only do good.
“So it’s settled.” Harrington sprang to his feet. “We should get back to the lab right now and get started.”
“Not so fast.” Lucas held up a hand. “Kaitlyn should have at least one day to herself. We can start the upgrades tomorrow. I’m sure you have a lot of phone calls to make.”
Harrington shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “You’re right. Kaitlyn, I’m sorry. If we had known, I’m sure we would have done things differently.”
“Thank you.” Kaitlyn took his offered hand and shook it. “I was worried you were going to try to drag me back to the lab and throw away the key.”
His face fell. “God, I feel like a jackass.”
“As long as I have some freedom and can make a difference, that’s enough for me.”
“You will have some freedom Kaitlyn, but don’t forget at the end of the day I am in charge. You work for me.”
She nodded. She needed Harrington as much as he needed her.
After seeing Harrington out, Lucas wrapped his arms around Kaitlyn with a grin. “A whole day off. What should we do?”
“We could spend the day in your bedroom.” Kaitlyn tiptoed to kiss him.
“That does sound tempting. Why don’t we spend the day out, and the evening in the bedroom? I want to show you off to the world.”
Kaitlyn’s face went blank. “What do you mean show me off?”
“Not that way, Kate. I want to show off my beautiful girlfriend. Meaning, I’m honored to have you by my side.”
She glowed, squeezing his waist. “You make me feel beautiful.”
“I was thinking we could go bowling, or to the movies. Go on a real date.”
Kaitlyn thought it over, and then smiled. “I like that idea.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Are you sure this looks okay?” Kaitlyn asked, staring at herself in front of a mirror in the clothing shop.
From the chair in the waiting area, Lucas grinned. “You look great.”
“I wish I knew what I liked.” She was wearing jeans and a black sweater. The neck felt like it was choking her. Lucas said it was