E.R.I.C. (The Almost Series Book 2) Read Free Page B

needed elsewhere.”
    “Like what could possibly be more important than me?”
    She held back a tiny smile. “You’ll see in a few minutes.”
    “Why are there three phases of a S.H.A.Y.’s development?”
    “The second phase—experimental—is so named due to the fact that science is still running tests and using hypothesized theories in an attempt to prolong the S.H.A.Y.’s life so that she may reach phase three.”
    “What’s phase three?”
    “You’ll find out—if you get to live.”
    “Why does the S.H.A.Y. always die?”
    “Each S.H.A.Y. is programmed by their artificial host.”
    “Yes, their A.M.I.E.”
    She motioned for me to step through double doors. There was a sign written in four languages; English, Spanish, French and German. It read: Danger .
    Thick glass walls dropped around us, caging us in. Steam entered the sanitation chamber. “What’s happening?”
    “You’re being sanitized.”
    “I just feel sweaty.”
    She smirked. “You should be used to that by now.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “You smell putrid.”
    “Whatever.” I crossed my arms, waiting for the steam to evaporate. “If you weren’t trying to kill me I’d be clean and safe in my room with Pop and Darla.”
    She flipped her long hair and tied it up in a loose bun, resembling the doctor I knew. “You’re relentless.”
    Amie lay on the ground in a bikini. She waved a paper fan and fluttered her eyelashes. I laughed.
    “Stop acting crazy!” Dr. Cole spun around. “You sound like a freakin’ hyena.” Her eyes softened when they finally met mine. “You look older.”
    “I’m eighteen.”
    She nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid you are.”
    “I’m legally considered an adult. Did you know that?”
    “Yes. If you were living in the States, you’d be a legal adult, free to do whatever you wished.”
    “So, why didn’t you let Darla and me escape?”
    “You’re not a legal resident. Darla signed her rights away and you weren’t born into freedom, which makes you an illegal.”
    “So we’re the property of—”
    “Me.”
    “You own us?”
    She nodded.
    “You’re the proud owner of said ‘product’?”
    “You’ve cost many funders billions of dollars. Do not take their generosity in vain. They’ve supported you for over eighteen years.”
    “Who are these supporters?”
    “Americans, a couple from China, and a few businessmen who live in Budapest.”
    “Have they ever seen me?”
    “They’ve watched your daily logs since birth.”
    “That’s not the same as actually meeting me.”
    “One has.”
    “Who?”
    “You were young—I doubt you’d remember him.”
    “Who was it?”
    “One of the men from Budapest came to visit you once. He was tall and had light hair and eyes. He’s the one who gave you the toy horse you still have on your bed.”
    “I don’t remember him.”
    “Well, he and two of his business partners are on their way to see how their product has developed.”
    “Do they call me a product or is that just what you call me?”
    The steam lessened and I could see her face. It was drenched in sweat and her cheeks reddened. “It’s the term they most prefer.”
    I couldn’t swallow. “So they don’t really care about me.”
    “They want you to override the system.”
    “Has any other S.H.A.Y. done this?”
    She shook her head.
    “What happens if I don’t?”
    “You’ll face termination.”
    “Why are you telling me this?”
    “I want you to focus on your life and not that of a contracted dead person’s.”
    “Are you referring to Darla being as good as dead?”
    The doors opened and she pressed her finger to her lips.
    We followed a long corridor into metal doors with the words “Authorized Personnel Only” written on them.
    I couldn’t just forget about Darla. Didn’t Dr. Cole understand this? She didn’t deserve to die. What horrible thing had she ever done?
    We stood before another elevator. This one was made of metal and had moldy grey