Page 96 of Scarred Sins
“What was… all of that?”
“Just safety precautions. We got hosed down with many antidotes, just in case the protective clothes got anything on them. Now, put your shoes on and follow me.’’
I slide my feet into the comfortable shoes and step into the room behind Noelle.
The room is massive, and it looks like one of those labs I’ve seen on crappy crime TV shows. Aria’s been forcing me to watch them with her after dinner every night.
On the right side is a wide desk with a few computers. The rest of the room has a lot of cabinets, a lot of research gear, and even a stove. From microscopes, pipettes, and a beaker to droppers, scales, and even a centrifuge. At least three of each, in different sizes and from different manufacturers.
And behind one of the desks, in a white lab coat, blue latex gloves, and a pair of glasses, stands one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Her hair falls down her mid-back, the gorgeous shade of ginger immediately capturing my attention. Her freckled face looks like it was molded by Greek gods personally, and when she flutters her eyes toward Noelle and me, I’m shocked at how beautiful her eyes are.
The shade of her brown eyes is unique. A color between amber and honey brown, with a couple of yellow specks scattered around her irises. She has a small piercing on her right brow and one on the left side of her bottom lip.
She doesn’t say anything, glancing between Noelle and me with a quirked eyebrow.
“Freya,’’ Noelle smiles warmly and approaches her. “What are you working on?”
“An antidote,’’ she responds. Even her fucking voice is absolutely mesmerizing. “Did you need anything?”
“Hudson told me you agreed to be on this special mission.’’
Freya turns off the small stove, takes the gloves off, and tosses them into the garbage can under her desk. Then, she moves to sit in the leather chair behind the computer, spinning around to look at both of us.
“Yes, we came to an agreement. I help out; he builds me a second garden. But who is that?”
I take a few steps forward. “Blair, nice to meet you.’’
Her eyes narrow at me, and I can tell she’s studying me. She looks at me, head to toe, at least seven times, before humming, then leans back into the chair, her fingers tapping against the armrest on each side.
“Freya,’’ she introduces with a nod. “What can I do for you today, ladies? Pardon my rush, but I don’t get visitors here often.’’
I’m about to respond, but Noelle beats me to it. Truthfully, I don’t know why we’re here, so Noelle taking over is a blessing, because from what I can tell, Freya doesn’t like to be stalled.
“I need something from you,’’ Noelle says with a sigh. “Since you’re already aware of the things we’re going to be doing, I’ll spare you the boring details.’’
Freya nods, silently urging Noelle to continue.
“I need a poison, a toxin – whatever. I have reason to believe that people might come for Blair, and I need something that is powerful enough to kill with a single drop. Just in case she needs it.’’
Freya lifts a brow, eyes drifting to me.
This is all news to me. No one mentioned that Simmons might be coming for me, but I won’t doubt Noelle’s words. She’s been in this world way longer than I have, and if she has reason to suspect it, I won’t brush it off.
The mere thought of Simmons coming to get me sends chills down my spine, a wave of nausea building in the pit of my stomach. I swallow it down, focusing on the conversation, albeit with slight difficulties.
“I could always offer you dimethylmercury.’’
My brows snap upward. “What’s that?”
“A very powerful chemical,’’ Freya explains. “The toxicity of dimethylmercury was highlighted back in 1997. A professor from Dartmouth College specialized in heavy metal poisoning. A single drop of this specific poison through her latex glove caused the compromise in the barrier, and within minutes it was absorbed into her skin. She passed ten months later from it, and it was a very, very painful death. I could put it into a small needle dropper. All you’d need to do is stab someone with it, and it would immediately be absorbed into their organism. It doesn’t need to run out entirely; a drop would be enough.’’
A shiver courses through me at the thought. I glance at Noelle, and even she seems reluctant.
“What’s the dropper made out of?”
“Glass,’’ Freya explains. “Very durable glass. You won’t shatter it easily. But it’s mercury, meaning no antidote, no cure. Very risky.’’
