Read Perfection (JL Spelbring) for Free Online Page A

finding her. Her likes and dislikes. What she excelled in, which is everything.”
    Pleased, he smiled genuinely. “Of course. We only provide the best training.”
    “There is something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” she said, meeting his eyes. “Are the other subjects like Ellyssa? Do they have special…abilities?”
    “That, Detective Petersen, is none of your concern.”
    “For security purposes, I think it is my concern,” she said, raising her eyebrows. “If I’d known before she’d escaped instead of afterwards…”
    Dr. Hirch leaned forward in his chair. “It is none of your concern. Now,” he said, dismissing the subject, “what news do you have?”
    Angela opened her mouth as if to argue, then apparently thought better of it. “She escaped from the train,” she answered, crossing her arms over her chest.
    “How?”
    “We aren’t one hundred percent sure.”
    Dr. Hirch leaned back in his chair, rocking slightly as he stared at the ceiling. “First time out of The Center. Able to adapt quickly, blend… very astute,” he mused, with a smile.
    The detective’s face puckered into a scowl. “This isn’t a research project. She wasn’t anywhere on the train. When the police interviewed the passengers, one said he thought he saw someone jump, but he wasn’t sure.”
    George’s eyebrows rose, wrinkling his forehead. “Do you think she jumped?”
    “You know her better than I do.”
    Folding his hands together, he thought for a moment then nodded. “Yes, if she felt threatened and jumping was the only option, she would take that course of action.”
    “Do you think she feels threatened?”
    “For unknown reasons, she left. She knew to do so was prohibited. I sent you after her. Yes, it stands to reason that she feels threatened.”
    “Then she could be dangerous.”
    Trying to remain calm, Dr. Hirch met the detective’s gaze. “All the children could be dangerous,” he said. “Your job is to bring her back safely. Do you understand, Detective?”
    “Perfectly,” Angela said, through tight lips. She rose to her feet. “One more thing.”
    “Yes.”
    “What about emotions?”
    “She has been trained not to feel useless reactions that could jeopardize themselves.”
    “But she can still feel them?”
    Narrowing his eyes, George leaned forward in his chair. “Yes, I suppose feeling is possible. Regardless of how she was conceived, she is human. But I, myself, structured her program. And Ellyssa’s ability to fool me for eighteen years would be unlikely.” He leaned back. “Why all the questions, Detective?”
    “Have you ever thought that maybe something went wrong?”
    “Never. Not since she was young has Ellyssa shown any inappropriate emotions. She is quite efficient. Why do you ask?”
    “Because, when she stepped in front of me on her way to the train, she seemed nervous.”
    The doctor’s eyebrows stitched together. “Nervous? What do you mean?”
    “Exactly what I said. She was fidgety, and she over-explained her situation, like she couldn’t stop talking.”
    “Interesting,” he said, tapping his finger to his chin. After a moment, his eyes shifted back to Angela. “She needs to be brought home.”
    “Yes, I know,” said Angela, her tone abrupt. “I think we should take the dogs.”
    “Dogs?” The idea of his creation being treated like a common Renegade, instead of the secret to a better humankind, sickened him.
    “According to the train personnel, all exits were covered. If she was on the train, she jumped, and if that is the case and if she didn’t sustain serious injury, she’s on the run. The dogs will pick up her scent.”
    “And what if the whole thing was a ruse?”
    “I have my best men searching for any sign for her in Chicago.”
    Dr. Hirch rubbed his forehead. The whole thing was getting out of control. It was bad enough he had had the detective involve more of The Center’s secret police, but also the local authorities in Warrensburg.