Fractured Innocence (#2 IFICS) (3 page)

It always bothered her when she didn’t live up to the doctor’s expectations. She looked forward to the praise Dr. Chambers gave her each time she learned a new nuance of human behavior. Kaitlyn found she pushed herself harder to try to impress Dr. Chambers, but there were consistently minuscule things she couldn’t seem to grasp. It was as if her mind rebelled by telling her they were not important enough to retain. Which was absurd, since her brain was filled with innumerable pieces of useless information. She could speak several languages fluently, and yet she continued to remain socially awkward. It hardly seemed fair. 

“I’m not sure. What did I forget?”

“You have to knock before you enter the room. If you do not, it’s considered invading someone’s privacy.” 

Kaitlyn filed the comment away and nodded her head in understanding. Often, it felt like she would never learn all the rules of society. She’d made the same mistake in Harrington’s office. Lucas tried to warn her, but she had not listened. Perhaps it was because privacy was new to her. Everything she’d previously done was monitored by cameras. Her data was always readily available for Lucas and Professor Adams to read. The only privacy she’d had was a small corner of her mind that she had managed to keep to herself even after all of the upgrades and operations. 

“Sorry.” She didn’t feel sorry, but at least she knew that was the proper response. Keeping up human appearances was exhausting. It had been easier when she pretended to be robotic at all times. However, her ability to blend in as a human was one of the things that made her such a valuable asset, which meant she would have to keep trying to improve. 

“Please, have a seat.”  Dr. Chambers nodded her head towards the seat. 

Kaitlyn lowered herself into the leather seat. She sat ramrod straight as her eyes scanned the room. Degrees hung on the wall displaying the doctor’s impressive academic accomplishments: Stanford, Columbia and a medical degree from Harvard. 

Bookshelves lined the back wall, filled mostly with non-fiction titles. 

A vase of tiger lilies sat on the edge of the desk, and for the first time Kaitlyn wondered if the doctor was married. She didn’t wear a wedding band, but that did not really confirm or deny her marital status. 

“You can relax in here, Kaitlyn.”

That was the good doctor’s way of reminding Kaitlyn that she was being too stiff. Too robotic. Kaitlyn rolled her shoulders and relaxed her posture. She couldn’t help but wonder if any of this would one day be second nature to her.
Probably not.

Dr. Chambers entwined her fingers together and set them on her desk. Her complete attention focused on Kaitlyn. It made her uncomfortable. Dr. Chambers spoke to her as a person, but deep down Kaitlyn still felt like a science experiment. As if she was always on display with everyone waiting for her to mess up. 

“What would you like to talk about today?”

Kaitlyn frowned, looked at Dr. Chambers, and didn’t try to hide her frustration. Her hands clenched and she consciously relaxed them. “You asked to see me. If it were up to me, I would be on the plane right now.” 

“I see. So you feel like I am delaying your mission?”

“Yes.”
Clearly. 

“Your flight will not be leaving for a few hours. I assure you, Kaitlyn. I would never waste your time. I know you are playing a vital role in this company. I’m only here to help you.” 

Kaitlyn just stared at her. She wasn’t sure what her response was supposed to be.
Thank you
?
I’m sorry
? Neither of them seemed to fit the situation, so she said nothing. She was also annoyed Harrington didn’t mention the delay. They were supposed to be leaving at six in the morning. 

After a short beat of silence, Dr. Chambers closed her laptop and pushed it aside. “How do you feel about the mission?”

“How do I feel about killing someone who sells children into slavery?”

“I notice you say kill and not detain?”

“I don’t plan on letting him live.” Kaitlyn crossed her leg over her knee. As the doctor’s eyes glanced down, a small smile tugged at her lips. She always approved when Kaitlyn adopted mannerisms she had drilled into her head over the last few months. Kaitlyn made a conscious effort, because she knew the doctor’s approval or disapproval could sideline the mission. 

“I’m afraid that is not the correct answer. You are tasked to detain Mr. Dasvoik and only use deadly force if your or Erik’s life is in jeopardy.”

“I’m not programmed that way. Vance Dasvoik is my target and I am to destroy him.” 

“I see. Perhaps Harrington will have to make some changes to your coding.” Dr. Chambers paused and leaned back in her chair. “After this mission, of course. I’ve seen the photos, and I happen to agree with you, Kate. But if you were ever detained, you cannot admit this.”

“If I were detained, Lucas would have to shut me down.” 

“Yes, I guess he would. How does this make you feel?”

“I knew the risks when I agreed to come back to IFICS.” Her chest tightened at the thought, but she would not show nor tell the doctor. 

“Of course, but it must bother you on some level?”

Kaitlyn looked away. “It will not happen. I am more than capable of completing this mission.” 

“I hope you’re right for all of our sakes. It’s very risky sending you out.”

“Dasvoik needs to be stopped. I can stop him.”

“Yes, I believe you can. Thank you for stopping by to see me, Kaitlyn. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have any second thoughts.” 

“None.” Kaitlyn pushed her chair back and stood up. Just as she was about to open the door, she turned and said, “Goodbye, Dr. Chambers.” 

The doctor smiled. “You’ve made great progress. I will see you when you return.”

Kaitlyn nodded and walked into the hallway.

What an odd exchange. 

“Kaitlyn.” 

Kaitlyn pivoted on her foot in the direction of Dr. Chambers, who was now standing in the doorway. 

“You need to go to the laboratory for a final check up.”

“I know. I am heading in that direction now,” Kaitlyn said. She caught herself before she rolled her eyes. Obviously, she needed to go to the laboratory. 

“Oh, okay.” Chambers paused and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Kaitlyn, please be careful.” 

Startled by the obvious concern in the woman’s voice, Kaitlyn scanned her face to see if the feeling was legitimate. She noticed the crease between her brows and the slight frown on her lips. Like Lucas, she was honestly concerned for her wellbeing. The realization resonated somewhere deep within. 

“Thank you for your concern,” Kaitlyn said before continuing down the hallway. Many thoughts raced through her head. But at the forefront of her mind was the stirring of acceptance. IFICS was starting to feel like her new family, even though images of her old life still haunted her dreams. The chance at a second life looked better every day. 

CHAPTER 3

Aaliyah’s heart sped up when Noah pulled her close. She inhaled deeply. He smelled of soap and spice. How in the world she’d gotten lucky enough to catch his attention was beyond her, but she thanked her lucky stars every night. And every morning she prayed for one more day to be with him. Even if it really were just one more day, she’d still consider herself to be the luckiest girl on the planet. Scratch that, luckiest girl in the
universe. 

Only seventeen-years-old and already blessed with the kind of love people write books, movies and songs about. God was smiling down at her, that much was clear. As a thank you, she would be grateful and gracious to everyone she crossed paths with in her lifetime. It was the least she could do. 

“You’re gorgeous,” Noah murmured into her mass of curly hair. 

Heat rushed to her face. Would she ever get used to his compliments? She hoped not. Vanity was a sin. But it felt so good to hear the words from his beautiful mouth. 

His pale fingers trailed down her mocha arm. She loved seeing the contrast. It always sent a thrill through her body. 

“I wish you didn’t have to pick your brother up tonight,” Noah said, tangling his hand in her hair while gliding his thumb on the nape of her neck. “We never get enough time together.”

Aaliyah sighed. She also wished she didn’t have to pick him up, but Darrius was her brother—her responsibility. Besides it wouldn’t take
that
long to get him. 

“I could meet you afterwards?” Aaliyah said with a trace of hope in her voice. 

Noah pulled away and stared sadly into her eyes. “I wish I could, but I have to study for a test tomorrow.”

Her shoulders slumped. Of course he had to study. He went to a prestigious private school where he was preparing to go off to some Ivy League school like his parents. At times like this, she was reminded of the vast difference between them. And it was much deeper than skin color. Aaliyah came from South Africa. They once had money and now had nothing, and Noah was born with a silver spoon. The saying
wrong side of the tracks
was an understatement in regards to her. Yet another reason Noah’s affection awed her. He was so sincere and wonderful. 

It had been mere coincidence that they ever crossed paths. Her mother made and sold tribal pottery as a side business. One of the many wonders of America. The ability to make money doing something you loved to do. Noah’s mother had heard about the pottery from a friend and contacted her mom via the phone. Fate.

Since Aaliyah’s mother’s English was poor, she sent her daughter to deliver the requested piece.  Her lips turned up at the memory of Noah opening the door. One glance had caused her heart to fall clear down to her toes. He was the most beautiful boy she had ever laid eyes on. Pale skin, freckles, green eyes and black shaggy hair that fell over his eyes. Perfection.

“Wow.” He’d said, and stood staring at her with the same look of wonder that she knew was on her own face. 

Speak.
She stood there like a tongue-tied fool. The memory still made her grin. 

“I’m supposed to drop this off to your mother.” She’d held the vase out with hands trembling. 

“Where are you from? Your accent. I’ve never heard it before.” 

“South Africa.” 

“Your eyes…” 

That was everyone’s reaction to her. She had unusual eyes compared to the rest of her. Her blue-green eyes were a stark contrast to her dark face, high cheekbones and full lips. Her mother’s face. 

“My grandfather was German and my father, well I’m not sure what he was.” Her voice trailed off.  Talking about her father made her uncomfortable. Her mother never said much about him. All she knew was the relationship was short and she never got the chance to tell him she was pregnant. A photographer passing through town. 

She knew she was an anomaly. In the village, they looked at her like she was a witch child. She’d grown used to the stares and the whispers, but here in America, she
sorta
blended in. This was one of the many things she had grown to love about the States. 

Aaliyah realized she was still holding the vase and standing outside the doorway. The boy was still staring at her. 

He cleared his throat as he stepped back, letting her pass him and enter the enormous house. A large chandelier hung in the open living room off to the left. She’d been awed by the rainbow colors reflecting off the light. Even today she could recall the feeling of longing to run her hand on the grand piano and wondering if the boy played. She’d later learned he played the piano as if his fingers were made of magic.    

And then he uttered the words that changed her life forever. 

“Will you go to the movies with me tonight?”

Thankfully, she didn’t drop the vase. The request came out of nowhere. It was hard to breathe let alone speak.  “The movies? With you?” 

“I know it’s sudden, but I’m afraid if I don’t ask now, I’ll never see you again.” 

“Oh.” Aaliyah wasn’t sure what to say. This perfect boy wanted to see her again? She nodded her head. He was quite right. He probably never would see her again. “I would like that.” 

“Where can I pick you up?”

“I don’t live in a nice neighborhood.” She wasn’t embarrassed by their apartment, but felt she should warn him. The crime rate was high and not the safest part of the city. 

“I don’t care. What’s your address?” 

Aaliyah rattled off the address, her heart racing a mile a minute. They had been inseparable since that day. She had never believed in love at first sight, but it was instant for both of them. His parents did not approved at first, but they had come to accept her. Even like her.

“Where did you go? Daydreaming again?” Noah laughed, wrapping his arms around her. 

“I was thinking about the day we met.” 

“I think about that day often. One of the best days of my life.” Noah’s lips met hers. His lips were soft and he tasted like cola and mint. She was breathless when they finally pulled away. She always got lost in his kisses. It wasn’t natural to be this happy. Was it? She didn’t care. As long as it lasted she would enjoy it. 

“I should go,” Aaliyah said looking at the massive wooden clock on the wall. “I need to hurry to catch the bus.”

“I wish you’d let me drive you home.” 

“It’s too far away. And like you said you have a test tomorrow. You can drop me off at the bus station.”

A short while later, Aaliyah hopped off the bus and hustled to get home quickly. The sun was dipping below the horizon. If she hurried, she would have just enough time to drop off her bag, check on her mamma and be a few minutes early to pick up Darrius. 

     More than anything, she hated to be late. 

It was freezing out. She rubbed her hands together, wishing for the third time that she’d worn gloves as she made her way into the shabby apartment building. One good thing about the cold was that it kept the bad seeds from hanging out in front of the building. She hated the way they teased her. They often grabbed her school bag or yelled out crude things. Disgusting. 

Ignoring the ratty elevator, she ran up the five flights of stairs and down the dingy hallway with the warped, drooping ceiling. An old woman passed her with a little white dog on a leash. Aaliyah said hello, but the lady didn’t bother to look up let alone reply. Most people in the building kept to themselves.