"I feel like a broken record at this point," my sister began, "but you can't be serious." I shrugged as I savored a hot bite of oatmeal, layered with honey. It was a low-key breakfast, eaten before the rest of my family headed to church. I was the only one fully dressed; Paris and Mom … Continue reading Chapter 12 – Commitment

What scared Jack the most, was that he couldn't figure out what he didn't remember. After three days, he was at the point where he understood most of what was said to him, and could usually respond in kind. But too often, halfway through his sentence, he would grasp for a word that just wasn't … Continue reading Interlude – Rebirth

The email to Doctor Soin had been sent from a cafe with free wireless internet in Newark. The man who sent it hadn't even entered the business; he'd just walked past with his tablet computer tucked under his arm. The system had automatically connected and sent out the email over the RR anonymizing network without … Continue reading Chapter 11 – In Reverse

I jerked awake with the momentary shock that I was not in my own bed, and I was not alone. That was my first and immediate scare, but it drained away as I remembered the previous delightful evening, and the source of that delight, who was still deep asleep and greedily tightened against me. The … Continue reading Chapter 10 – Follow-up

Although all six of us had to show our licenses, only the men had to pay a cover charge. We were each given two small faded tickets with blocky, flavorful type, patterned after speakeasy cards. "What are these?" the blonde asked, holding one up to try to get better light. I began, "Back during Prohibition," … Continue reading Chapter 9 – The Tin Roof

'Dr. Pathik Soin: 'This is a quick note regarding your patient, Samantha Mayer. 'I pay you very well to assure that our acquisitions aren't found. Ms. Mayer has been discovered and is surrounded by supers as we speak. I am disappointed. 'You are going to personally deal with this. Provided that the girl does not … Continue reading Chapter 8 – Exploitation

Setting up the room had been what finally convinced me to hire Fitz. It was small for a corner office. The style was distinctly industrial, with Art Deco flourishes that invoked the Golden Gate Bridge - a copper bass-relief of which was hung against one wall. The floor was sections of metal grille with soft … Continue reading Chapter 7 – Senior Management