Page 32 of The Genius
“Thank you for taking me back,” I said and hurried out.
Marco followed and when I entered the facility, he didn’t ask to be invited inside. “I’m not leaving until you tell me everything,” he said and crossed his arms with a stance that told me he wasn’t going anywhere.
If you want him gone, all you have to do is tell him the truth. He’ll be furious and storm out of here.
“Shelly, before Tristan interrupted us at the drone race, you were about to tell me; I could see it in your eyes.”
Turning around, I walked down the hallway to my office, leaving the door open for him. Mindy stood in the corner with her scalp open. I was waiting for a new part for her to arrive from headquarters.
“She broke down again?” Marco asked.
“Yes, second time since you were here.”
“And Natura. Where is she? Can I see her?”
“Why?”
“Just curious.”
“Sorry.” I took a seat on my swivel chair, my elbows resting on the sides and my fingers weaved together.
Marco chose to lean back against the table in front of me. “What aren’t you telling me?”
I laughed a little, the tension getting to me. “We haven’t seen each other for ten years, and after thirty minutes in my company you expect me to tell youeverything?”
“No, of course not, I just want to know about Natura. Did you create her?”
I shrugged, trying to come across as relaxed. “What if I did?”
Marco inhaled deeply. “I’m not sure whether to compliment you or be disgusted with you. Natura is incredible, but to make her a copy of yourself is wrong on so many levels, Shelly. Most men here use sex-bots and everyone would recognize you on the streets. Can you imagine?”
I used both hands to rub my face. “I see your point, and I’ll make sure to correct that mistake.”
“So you won’t let anyone else see or test Natura?”
“No, I won’t.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
“Good!” Marco gave a satisfied smile. “I’m glad we could sort that out. There’s just one other thing.”
“What?”
“The recording of me and Natura. Could you erase it?”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want anyone seeing it.”
“Don’t worry, only a few authorized people have access to the recordings.”
Marco tapped his fingers on the desk. “If you won’t delete it, then at least give me a copy of it.”
“Noooo,” I exclaimed. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
