Designed to Love Read Free Page B

have a surprise
for you," she says looking at us with a sort of twinkle in her eye.
"What would you say if I was to tell you that I can provide you
with a genome sequencing map before you leave?"
    I choke on my sip of water. "All 20,000
genes?" Alisha asks skeptically.
    "Well, we perform a shortcut method that
just isolates a variant DNA unit, and we can have the results in
about 48 hours. A full map, will take two to three months. I'm
guessing that you are most interested in the non-human DNA anyway,
right?"
    We all nod, including Claire. I feel as if I
just hit the lottery jackpot, I can't wait to tell Cat, pleased
that there will be no more searching for my elusive medical
records, and no more wondering what animal species were introduced
into my genetic makeup. I glance at Burke and am surprised to see
the look of disinterest on his face. Out of habit, we jump into our
mental chat room. "What's wrong Burke?"
    He gives a slight shrug of his shoulders. "I
guess, for me, I accepted who I was a long time ago. I don't really
care what DNA was used to make me stronger or faster. Besides, what
if you learn things that are better left undiscovered?"
    "Like what?" I respond a little
defensively.
    Elizabeth joins us, before he has a chance
to answer. "Ronan, I'm not so sure it's a good idea to give the
government access to this kind of information about us," she says
cautiously, glancing over at Bernie who is preparing to hand out
more paperwork.
    "What is with you guys? Why the sudden
paranoia? Look, you can do what you want, but I've been trying to
get this information for three years and there is no way I'm
leaving here without it!" I say in a seemingly louder mental voice
than intended, because Elizabeth winces and Burke says, "A little
lower please."
    Bernie waits for the server to finish taking
our order, and then proceeds to hand another packet to each of us.
"This is a confidentiality agreement. You are under the highest
security contract, and because three of you are under the age of
eighteen, we had to make some exceptions to these documents. Ronan,
Burke, and Claire, if you look below your signature line, you will
see my name as a co-signer. What this means, is that I am willing
to gamble, not only my reputation, but my life as well. The
government takes a breach in security very seriously and has a way
of dealing with any traitors. While your abilities may be able to
protect you, I would venture to say that you won't be able to
extend that same protection to those you love, at least not one
hundred percent of the time," she says gravely, giving pause to let
the weight of her words sink in.
    I hear Claire's frightened voice mentally,
"Cat?"
    Bernie must sense Claire's apprehension,
because she smiles tenderly at her. "You have nothing to fear
Claire, as long as you follow the rules. They are very simple. Do
not talk to anybody about anything you see or hear while on
assignment. Got it?" Claire nods her head vigorously. "Now, on a
brighter note, the pendulum swings both ways. Your safety is of
paramount importance to the government. We will protect your
identity in every way possible and we will have you work remotely
as much as possible, although there will be times when you will
need to be on location for assignments." The waiter sets down our
food, and she waits until he leaves before continuing. She passes
us a map of the 7 th subterranean floor, which is much
larger than the desk clerk let on. "You are free to go anywhere on
this floor, including the pool, which is down the west hallway. You
may not leave this floor unescorted for any reason. There are
elevators at the end of each hallway, but only those with
authorized fingerprints can use them. Instructions on what to do in
the event of an emergency are posted on the inside of each room.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with them. Now, if there are no
further questions, I am going to my room," she says pushing back
from the table, leaving half a plate of untouched