Page 53 of Tracking the Alpha
“It shouldn’t be feasible. However, we’re still in the early phases of testing, so I can’t speak for certain. The only reason I’m mentioning this is because one of the lab techs slept with a few of the patients, and we’re not sure if she accidentally contaminated herself or if it was the exchange of bodily fluids, but she died abruptly. An autopsy showed her cells changing.”
“It can be passed on through sex?” Barrett hissed, advancing on Wendell.
Wendell retreated until his back hit the elevator wall. “We don’t know for sure, which is why the general was talking about bringing in some untainted subjects to test if it’s possible.”
What if Barrett had infected Tanis? He couldn’t allow himself to be distracted now over something he couldn’t change. He leaned forward and slapped the lowest button, marked B6, only to have nothing happen.
Without a word, Wendell hit B5, and the elevator lurched.
“I’m calling bullshit,” Barrett exclaimed.
“Agreed. I think it more likely Vicky was messing around with the stuff. She was fascinated by the project, and not in a healthy way.” Wendell’s voice lowered. “She was obsessed with smutty shapeshifter romances. I think she wanted to be one.”
Barrett preferred to believe Wendell’s theory than live with the fact he might have fucked over Tanis’ DNA—and life.
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a hallway lined with cells.
“No guard?” Barrett asked, surprised at the empty corridor and yet not at the same time. After all, when he’d lived in his cell, no one dealt with him unless he was drugged or strapped down.
“Staff only come to this level when we need to transport a patient. No need to have someone stand watch since the doors are always locked.”
“Are all the patients on this floor?”
“Almost. The most dangerous are still one more level down. And before you ask, I don’t have access to B6. No one but Dr. Levy and the general do.”
That would make freeing them a tad difficult. Barrett would deal with that problem once he’d freed those on this floor. Then he’d hunt down the doctor or general, because he couldn’t think of a pair more deserving of losing their heads.
“Let’s get started. Unlock the doors,” Barrett ordered.
Wendell blanched. “But they’re awake. If they see me, they’ll kill me.”
“Maybe they’ll feel forgiving when they realize you’re setting them free.”
An incredulous gaze turned on Barrett. “You know they won’t be so lenient.”
Barrett shrugged. “No idea. I mean, I hate your guts with a passion, and yet I haven’t even punched you in the face once. But I will if you keep balking.”
Wendell swallowed hard as he stood in front of the first security screen. It scanned his face, and a computer voice said, “Hello, Wendell. Are you sure you want to open Cell One? Sensors indicate the subject is currently conscious.”
Wendell paused before whispering, “I’m sure. Please open the cell.”
Click. Woosh.
Before the door had finished opening, a body flew out, petite but fast, slamming into Wendell and taking him to the floor.
Barrett’s chest tightened as he watched Freya slam Wendell’s head on the concrete. He might have let her vent but cleared his throat to say, “Private Algar, while your anger is understandable, we need Wendell’s face intact to break out the others.”
Freya paused and craned her head. Everything about her looked the same, petite elfin features, hair still cropped short, but her eyes had an animalistic gleam.
“Captain? Is that really you?”
“Yeah. It’s me. Sorry it took so long for me to come to the rescue. I wasn’t myself for a while,” was his wry reply.
Her lips twisted. “Understatement.”
“We can catch up later. What do you say we get the others out of their cells?”
She glanced from him to Wendell, who hyperventilated rather than fight. “Do we really need this asshole for that?”
