You know how when danger music sounds in a scary movie, everyone freezes? That’s what it’s like when a man in his forties walks into the room. His starched suit and Italian shoes scream money but lose the clothes and you’d peg him for a used car salesman. My assessment could also come from his slicked hair or his glitzy gold diamond watch. Perhaps it’s his reptilian eyes on us as he speaks to the couple entering with him.
“Here we have our dining room. Please note the healthy fare. All are provided with neonatal vitamins and are given weekly exams. You will be allowed to view their health charts and genetic history.”
The thirtyish woman with him removes her sunglasses and rudely stares at each and every one of us. “I want a blond male. How do I arrange that?”
“Let’s take this in the other room.” The snake-oil man grins, fangs showing as he starts to slither away.
The husband, however, grabs the arm of a skinny young teen. “What is your name?”
When she doesn’t answer, the tension in the room rises.
“J-Joy.” Her smile doesn’t fool anyone.
“Joy, are you happy here?”
“Umm.” Her eyes shift around the room.
Clearly, this is about to end badly so I elbow my plate and send it crashing to the floor. “Oh my God, I am so, so sorry.”
I start to pick up the broken glass but the cafeteria lady arrives with a broom and dust bin. “No need, miss. I got this.”
While she glowers, I walk over to the baby shopper, give him a little curtsy, and channel my inner Suds. “How y’all doin’? My name is Samantha or Sam, if you will. This here is the nicest little ‘ol place to have a baby. Everyone here is super nice and did you see the layout? Oh my lawd. I have never been treated so well. We all love it here. Who wouldn’t?”
“The best.” The girl, still nervous, smiles and nods at me.
“Why, she’s jes shy, not like me. Why I could talk on and on for days. Just yesterday-”
“That will be all, Ms. Sutcliff.” Mr. Snake Eyes regards me with lowered lids and I pretend to be unaffected.
“Well, nice meeting you. I hope you find a baby. Mine isn’t due for some time and probably won’t be blond because the daddy was dark. Buh-bye now.” I sit back down and under the table, place my palms on my knees to stop them from shaking.
While the wealthy couple seems appeased, reptile-man’s jaw ticks, and several of the guards slide their hands into their jackets.
“I’m sorry for the interruption.” Glaring at me, the used car salesman waves the buyers out of the room and down a hall I haven’t yet explored.
His voice fades away. “Every room has filtered air. No expense is spared to make sure you will have the healthiest of babies. That, along with their pedigree…”
Once completely out of earshot, my meal threatens to resurface. Thank God I broke my plate or I’d be staring at eggs ala hardwood flooring.
Saved by a bell ringing overhead, me and the rest of the women are corralled and sent outside to the sand. Each is provided a beach chair and a wide umbrella. We have a choice of book, crossword puzzle, or Sudoku.
I want to swim but wait for an hour because I might get a cramp and die. Then, under the watchful eye of a lifeguard, I glide out far enough to gain a better perspective. Armed men stand watch every few hundred feet and I can only assume they circle the entire island. Escaping will not be easy.
Therearea few boats tethered to a dock but they’re defended by even more men with automatic weapons. The security of this resort would make a drug lord proud.
I wonder how much Mr. Reptile charges per baby?
I’m guessing, top dollar.
Chapter 18
Suds
“Come about!” I lower my binoculars, white sails snap in the breeze, and Lucky ducks as the boom swings over his head.
During our last tack, a man and woman left their yacht via helicopter and landed on the island. About a half an hour later, several dozen beautiful, pregnant women exit the building to laze about on the beach. It doesn’t take me long to locate my wife.
Never one to sit still, she stretches, does some yoga, and runs along the sand until she reaches a guard. Then, she turns and jogs to the other armed man. After about fifteen minutes of this, she jumps in the water and swims out to sea until the lifeguard blows his whistle. Waving, she leisurely breaststrokes back to the beach, head turning side to side above the water.
