Chapter 26
I look on in awe as Stan begins to squirm beneath this unknown woman’s attention.
“She fell,” is all Stan says, gruffly, his eyes trained on the ground.
“How magnanimous of you to keep insisting on checking in with Ms. Addison despite our numerous assurances that we are more than capable of seeing to her wellbeing,” the woman replies, her voice carrying an attractive Australian accent, her tone as smooth and frigid as an icicle.
Stan’s chest puffs up as he balks at being chastised. “You don’t understand, she’s a liar, Lily—”
“Director St. Cloud,” the woman corrects him. “This is a research facility – my research facility. I’m sure you understand the importance of maintaining protocol.”
Stan lets out a choked laugh, his eyes narrowing with barely contained rage. “Then, I’m telling you, you need to keep an eye on this one,” he says, pointing at me. “She’s a snake, and an immoral one at that. When I tell you what she’s done-”
“Funnily enough, science and morality have never gone hand–in–hand,” Director St. Cloud says, finally turning to acknowledge my presence. Her gaze is piercing, and I feel my cheeks begin to heat. “And trust that I know everything Ms. Addison’s gotten up to since stepping foot on my island.”
I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “Look, I know that there isn’t an adequate way to explain what occurred between myself and Wake, and so I won’t waste time trying.” I say in a rush. “But, I do need you to know that it was not my intention for any of that to happen.”
“Actually, I would like an explanation. In detail, please,” Director Lily St. Cloud gives me an unexpected grin as she cocks an eyebrow. “Also, how much
money will convince you to do it again?”
4
My mouth opens and closes, words failing me. “I… I don’t understand,” I stammer.
“Let’s be clear, Ms. Addison,” she says, her tone cold and businesslike. “We are studying Wake. His behavior, his abilities, his interactions with humans. Your… unique relationship with him provides invaluable data. We’re willing to compensate you for your cooperation.”
“I don’t need to be compensated. Not for…” I trailed off when my throat went dry. I’m happy to continue dancing around the reality of my relationship with Wake for as long as she allows me to. “What exactly do you think I can help you with?”
Director St. Cloud lets out a dainty sigh. “Initially, we’d simply hoped that you would be able to act as a calming presence for… Wake, was it? We had recruited Dr. Wilcox to head our study of this particular specimen, but unfortunately, it seems we failed to account for Dr. Wilcox’s bedside manner.”
I nod as Stan glowers. “Wake doesn’t trust humans.”
She cocks her head to one side, “Did he tell you that?”
“He didn’t have to. He’s incredibly aggressive,” I point out.
“But not to you?”
I shrug, fighting the urge to start squirming myself. “I suppose that’s up for debate. What matters is that he tolerates
my presence.”
“What matters is that he speaks to you.” The Director’s intensity grows as she takes a step in my direction, “Do you understand how vital that is to our mission?”
“Your mission which is…”
“To understand everything we can about the alien species living in our very own oceans. Now that we know of their existence, there is no going back. Some of us would prefer our first conversations with them not be held at the end of a nuclear warhead.”
“And you think Wave can, what, be your ambassador?” I ask.
“That’s just the thing,” she counters. “I don’t know what Wave is capable of. And, in the spirit of transparency, his temperament leaves much to be desired. However, if there were a reason behind his behavior and a way to ensure his cooperation, sentiments might begin to change.”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I swallow hard and try again, “And what precicely do you think is the reason for Wake’s behavior?”
She gives me an assessing look, as if searching me for a tell. “When was your last menstrual cycle?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t see how that’s at all relevant…” Except that I do, “I’m ovulating.”
1/2
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