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Rexx’s heart grew heavy as Atticus walked through the door and into the clinic. The next half an hour would change his life.

Chapter 16

Daisy gripped the arms of the reclined chair. A dazzling light was over her head, making it hard to see what Atticus was doing.

His warm, quiet voice came from behind her. “Most patients who have this treatment handle it well, but it can be uncomfortable. I’ll restrain you if you have no objection. You’ll feel the chaser moving through you. It’ll feel a bit like you’re being invaded with something warm.”

“I know all about that,” Daisy said. “Every time this Inkral tech mutates, it shifts inside me like some kind of sludge.”

“My experiments have never been described as sludge,” Atticus said. “But it will feel odd. The restraints simply keep you in place. The stiller you are, the better. And try to stay calm. I’ll give you something to relax you, but we need to keep your heartbeat at a steady pace and your blood pressure level.”

“So, no sudden movements and only think happy thoughts.”

“There you go. You’re the perfect patient.” Atticus appeared beside her. He wore a mask that concealed most of his face. He had on dark green scrubs, and his hands were encased in gloves. He held a large syringe. “This is what’s going inside you. It has a dye attached to it, so I can track its movements through your system. I’ll insert an extremely fine tube in your veins. Again, it’ll feel as if something alien is inside you.”

Daisy sucked in a deep breath. That was one big-assed syringe he was holding. “Okay, got it.”

The door opened, and Estelle walked in. She was dressed just like Atticus.

“Estelle’s here to hold your hand, strap you down, and make sure you behave yourself,” Atticus said.

“He’s always trying to be funny,” Estelle said. “He never succeeds.”

“My sister is so cruel,” Atticus said. “But it’s true. I have been known to crack an awesome joke or two. It helps relax the patients.”

“Daisy will be more relaxed when you stop waving that huge syringe in front of her,” Estelle said.

“Sorry, I forgot my bedside manner. Daisy, you never saw this.” Atticus disappeared from view.

“I want to know everything that’s going on,” Daisy said, “even if it involves a giant-assed needle being stabbed into me.”

Estelle eased the restraints around Daisy’s wrists and ankles. “Atticus has done this hundreds of times.”

“And I rarely get it wrong.” His voice came from the back of the room.

“He can be an idiot for someone who’s a genius,” Estelle muttered to Daisy. “Don’t worry. I’ll be watching his every move.”

“There’s no need to watch me. Which one of us is the established genetics expert, and who squeezes the anal glands on animals for a living?” he asked.

“I’ll squeeze an anal gland in your face if you don’t start getting serious,” Estelle said.

“No, it’s good. I’m glad of the distraction. How’s Rexx doing?” Daisy asked.

“Cursing because I won’t let him in,” Estelle said. “We decided strong coffee and distractions were needed for your friend.”

“I’m glad he’s not in here. He really would carry out the threat to kill Atticus if he thought I was being hurt.”

“You’ve got an impressive Apexian on your hands,” Estelle said. “A real alpha male. Have you been together long?”

“No! Well, yes, I guess. We’ve worked together for almost a year. But... things have been different between us recently. Ever since I got infected with this Inkral technology, I’ve not been myself.”

“I know a thing or two about Inkral tech,” Atticus said. His voice sounded closer, but Daisy still couldn’t see him.

“You reckon you know something about everything,” Estelle said.

“It’s true. I do. The Inkral may be goo-filled nightmares, but they’re clever. And they have shady morals when it comes to creating technology and drugs to control others. From what I’ve learned of the thing inside you, it strips away higher cognitive function.”

“And turns me into a slave?” Daisy said.