A Chosen Destiny (The Samantha Project Series #3) Read online

  “You made Samantha and Erik get them for you,” Jack pointed out. “That was a very risky move, Preston. They almost didn’t escape.”

  “I gave them the option to get the genes, Jack. I never forced them to. Isn’t that correct, Samantha?”

  “Yes. I was the one who insisted we get them.”

  Dave sat back and crossed his arms. “So what are you trying to tell us, Preston?”

  “I had other motives for getting the genes, aside from helping Samantha and Erik. You see, I was the one who financed the GlobalLife Ag project in Greece all those years ago. When we discovered the alien remains, I could have technically taken them for myself. But I made an agreement with GlobalLife Genetics. I would give them the genes and in exchange they would provide their resources, in terms of scientists, laboratories, and so forth. This was of course with the condition that I would be involved in any research related to the genetic material.”

  “So you’ve been involved in this since the beginning,” Dave said, “and you’re just sharing this now?”

  “It had no relevance before. Now it does.”

  Dave glanced over at Jack. “Continue, Preston.”

  “At first, our partnership was going well. GlobalLife’s research on the genes discovered traits such as enhanced vision and telepathy. But they also found that the alien genes had curative properties. That’s why Samantha and Erik never get sick. I wanted GlobalLife to isolate those sections of the genes and help me create genetic vaccines. As you know, one of my companies is the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world.”

  “And GlobalLife didn’t like that idea?” Jack asked.

  “They did at first, but then some of the Founders learned what the genes could do and they wanted the traits for themselves. Keep in mind that they had no idea that the genes were sourced from alien material. GlobalLife lied and told them they developed new genetic sequences that gave people these abilities. Anyway, the Founders wanted all the abilities, not just the illness prevention. Their interest brought additional funding to the project, and soon GlobalLife decided to reserve this technology for the Founders and other select individuals. By doing this, GlobalLife broke the agreement I had with them. But so many powerful people had signed on to the project that it was too late to change course. Promises were made and we couldn’t go back.”

  Jack seemed impatient. “So what’s your plan, Preston?”

  “I have to get the alien genes back. All of them. I can’t let GlobalLife have them in their possession. I can’t let them reserve this valuable material and technology for a select few. It’s outrageous! It belongs to everyone. Can you even imagine the benefits this could provide mankind? No more illness. No more pain and suffering. It could change the world.”

  “And how does this involve us?” Dave asked.

  “I was hoping to have Samantha and Erik use their abilities to help me get the genes.”

  Dave jumped up. “You want to USE them? That’s why you helped them? You think they owe you now?”

  “No. Just calm down, Dave. They owe me nothing. And I wasn’t going to involve them directly. I was only going to ask them to use their telepathy to find out what’s going on inside the GlobalLife Genetics facility in New York, where the remaining alien genes are stored. But my plan won’t work now because GlobalLife has installed the brain wave scrambling device throughout the entire building.”

  Dave sat down again. “Your plan should have never involved them. They’re not your employees, Preston.”

  Owens sighed. “I would think that getting the genes away from GlobalLife is a goal that we all share. I agree that it’s too risky to have Erik and Samantha involved, but I could use your help, Dave. And yours, Jack. I could use your computer skills to help me break open some GlobalLife files that I obtained. I think the location of the genes might be in those files. Once we discover where the genes are being stored within the GlobalLife facility, I’ll get my own people to retrieve them.”

  Dave looked at Jack. “I don’t know. We need to talk it over.”

  “Well, you think about it and let me know. But if you agree, I assure you that I can keep you safe. All of you. I have a house in New York where you could stay. I have a security team that would stay with you. And as soon as I locate the genes, your role is done.”

  “I don’t understand this, Preston,” Dave said. “You’re one of the Founders. You’ve been trying to get investors for this enhanced genetics project for years. If you steal the genes back from GlobalLife, the Founders will be furious. And your reputation will be destroyed.”

  “I’m working on both sides, Dave. Remember that. I need to stay the course and play along. The Founders assume that I know as much as they know. If the genes are stolen or the project fails, I won’t get the blame. GlobalLife will. And don’t worry about the Founders’ investments. They have plenty of money. Losing a few million won’t kill them.”

  “Is that it?” Jack looked annoyed. “Is there anything else you need to tell us?”

  “Yes, just one more thing.” He turned to Erik and me. “Samantha? Erik? I would like to invite you to stay at my house in Switzerland. Permanently. You would have the utmost security. You would have top scientists and physicians available to assist with any genetic issues that might occur as you get older. And you would have experts to update your software and—”

  Jack stopped him. “You want these two to live at your house for the rest of their lives?”

  “Yes. I’m offering them refuge. A place where they can live their lives in peace. They won’t have to keep running from GlobalLife. They’ll finally be safe. And their every need will be tended to.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Preston,” Jack said.

  “Why don’t we let them speak.” Owens looked at us to respond.

  Erik spoke first. “No, forget it. I don’t want to spend my life hidden away in some place in Switzerland.”

  “I agree,” I said. “I’m not interested.”

  Our answer seemed to anger Owens. With his money and power, I was sure he was used to getting his way. His speech became faster. “But it’s the only way you’ll be safe. Otherwise, you’ll always be running. You’ll always be in danger. And if something happens to your genes, you won’t have access to the proper medical care and technology.”

  “Thank you for your offer, Preston, but we’ll have to decline,” Dave said. “Jack and I will get back to you about helping with those files.”

  Owens stood up. “Very well, then. But Samantha, Erik. I do ask that you reconsider my offer. If you continue to run like you’ve been doing, it’s just a matter of time before GlobalLife captures the two of you.”

  Jack stood up as well. “That’s not your concern, Preston.”

  The comment seemed to anger Owens even more. He gave us a fake smile and went to get his coat. “Well, I’ll see all of you later then. Let me know when you’ve made a decision about the files.”

  He left. Jack and Dave went to discuss what Owens had said. Erik and I went back to our rooms.

  At dinner that night, nobody said a word. Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. Colin ate really fast, then excused himself. He’d been completely avoiding me since the procedure, and I hated it. I just wanted him to tell me what was going on with us. I knew he wouldn’t come talk to me, so I went to his room later. At first, he didn’t answer the door. I turned to leave just as it opened.

  “Sam, do you need something?”

  “I was just coming to talk. Were you busy?”

  “I was sleeping. I haven’t slept the past few nights.”

  “Oh. Well, I can come back later.”

  “I’m up now. What do you need to talk about?”

  Colin was distant again. The closeness we shared during my recovery from the procedure was now gone.

  “Can I come in? I don’t want to talk in the hallway.”

  He opened the door more to let me in. I went and sat on the bed. He sat in a chair on the other
side of the room.

  “First I just wanted to say thanks for being with me during the procedure. It meant a lot.”

  “You’re welcome. But you already thanked me.”

  Silence filled the room. He didn’t seem at all interested in having a conversation with me.

  “I get that you don’t want to talk, Colin. And I’m not really sure what to say to you.” I felt nervous just as I had the other day. “But I guess I just thought that … well, it seemed like we were starting to get along better and—”

  “And what?” Colin stared at me, making me even more nervous.

  “I don’t know. I guess I just wondered if maybe you weren’t so mad at me anymore.”

  He took forever to respond. “I’m still mad at you, Sam. But I’m done yelling and stomping around.”

  “But what does that mean? For us?”

  “What are you getting at? Do you think we’re getting back together or something? Is that why you came in here?”

  “No,” I said quietly. “But I miss you, Colin. And I would like to get back together.”

  “So you think it’s that easy? I just found out you were pregnant, Sam.”

  “But that was a lie! I’m not. I never was. I told you that.”

  “It doesn’t matter. You obviously put yourself in a situation where you thought it might be possible.”

  He looked at me to deny it.

  “We didn’t have sex, Colin. Erik and I had some champagne that night. It made us really tired and we fell asleep.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Then why did you believe it when they said you were pregnant?”

  “Because we—” I stopped, thinking I probably shouldn’t tell him about Erik and me waking up naked in bed together. “It was all a setup, Colin. GlobalLife orchestrated the whole thing. And Rachel, this woman who works there? She had a part in it, too. But she was only trying to help. It’s a long story.”

  He crossed his arms. “I have time. Let’s hear it.”

  “Okay. Well, let me start by saying that when Erik and I were at GlobalLife, they said that there’s this software in our cells that’s programmed to make him and me—attracted to each other. Physically attracted to each other. We found this out a few days after the gala.”

  I waited, thinking Colin would want to know more, but he showed no interest in the attraction software. Either that or he didn’t believe me.

  “And the whole time we were held captive there, Erik and I had to stay in the same room,” I explained. “And then they made it super cold at night and I didn’t want Erik to have to sleep on the floor.”

  “He could have slept on the floor,” Colin muttered. “Go on.”

  “Then they made us take dance lessons and eat fancy meals together and dress up all the time.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Sounds like torture.”

  “Anyway, like I was saying, they told us that the software in us was created to make Erik and me want to be together. You know, physically.”

  “And why would they make software that does that?”

  “Because they wanted us to mate. That’s what they said. To mate. Like we were animals. Lab rats. They wanted us to have a baby because the baby would have our combined genes.”

  “And you couldn’t say no?”

  “We did say no, but they wouldn’t accept it. They said if we didn’t do things the natural way, they would intervene. We got out of there before we found out what that meant. Listen, Colin, after they explained about the software, I told Erik to leave me alone. I didn’t want GlobalLife manipulating us like that.”

  “Let me get this straight. So you told Erik to back off after you found out about the software? But before that, you kept sleeping in the same bed with him every night and doing—whatever you two did? And that’s supposed to make me feel better?”

  It did sound bad. I tried to explain. “I was confused, Colin. And I was scared that we’d never get out of there. I shouldn’t have done anything with him. I know that. But part of me was acting that way because of that stupid software. It explains at least some of what happened.”

  “You want it to explain what happened! That way you don’t have to take any responsibility. Did you even hear yourself and all the excuses you used when you were telling me this?” Colin switched to a high-pitched voice. “The dancing, the fancy dinners, the clothes. I just couldn’t help myself. I had to have sex with Erik.”

  I tried to stay calm. “First of all, I don’t sound like that. And second, Erik and I did not have sex.”

  “Then tell me again, Sam. Why did you even believe their story and think you were pregnant?”

  “I told you. Erik and I were really out of it that night. This woman, Rachel, put something in our champagne. I only had a glass and a half and I was wiped out. And so was Erik.”

  “So you thought you might have somehow done it while you were sleeping? Yeah, like I’m gonna believe that, Sam.”

  “Okay. Fine. The reason I believed it was because—. You really want to hear this?”

  He waited for me to continue.

  “It was the morning after the gala. I don’t know how it happened. Neither of us does. But, well, Erik and I woke up in bed together. Without our clothes.”

  Colin didn’t get angry, at least not outwardly, which was almost worse than if he had gotten angry. At least if he’d expressed anger, I’d know what he was thinking. I considered reading his mind, but I didn’t want to. It would be wrong. And I’d already done enough things that were wrong.

  “You need to leave now,” Colin said calmly.

  “But we didn’t do anything! Colin, you’ve gotta believe me!”

  “I don’t care anymore. It’s not my business. Do what you want with him.”

  I walked over to where Colin was sitting. “Please don’t be like this.”

  He stood up. “Like what? How do want me to act, Sam? Like nothing ever happened?”

  “I don’t know. Tell me what to do to make this better.”

  “Just go. I want you to leave.”

  “I don’t understand. Can’t we even talk about this?”

  He remained quiet, refusing to answer.

  Tears streamed down my cheeks. “Then why did you even come to the procedure, Colin? I thought that meant something. I thought that—”

  “Because I care what happens to you, Sam. I always will. And being there with you—it was the right thing to do. But as for you and me? I’m done with this. Us. I’m tired of being the only one in this relationship with you just showing up whenever you feel like it. Pushing me away whenever I try to be there for you. And now—messing around with a guy you just met and blaming it on some software program. As if you had no choice. As if I wasn’t even a consideration.”

  “Please don’t do this, Colin. Please don’t end this. I can fix this. Just give me a chance.”

  “I gave you plenty of chances, Sam. I even forgave you for trying to ditch me in Minnesota on your way up here. If I’d only known then that you were just trying to be alone with Erik.”

  “That is not why I told you to stay in Minnesota. Don’t make up stuff that’s—”

  “I’m not going to waste time fighting about this, Sam. It’s not worth it.”

  We both stayed silent for a moment. My tears slowed.

  “So now what? You’re just going to stop talking to me? We’ve been friends since we were kids. Are you giving up on our friendship, too?”

  The thought of ending our friendship seemed to take him by surprise. I don’t think he’d considered that yet.

  “I think we should just act normal around people. We should act like we’re getting along. Everyone will know we’re not dating but we don’t need to fight. I can move on from this and so can you.”

  He showed no emotion, but I could feel the sadness and loss in him, even without reading his mind.

  “You didn’t answer me, Colin. Are you ending our friendship?”

  He wouldn’t respond.

  I put my arms
around him, trying to give him a hug. But he just stood there with his arms straight by his sides.

  “I love you, Colin. And I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.” I let go of him and left.

  As I walked back to my room, my mind was in a fog. I bumped right into Dave.

  “Hey, you almost knocked me over there. You okay, Sam?”

  “No. I’m not.” I went in my room and sat on the bed. Dave followed.

  “Is this about Colin?”

  “Yes. I tried talking to him. I tried explaining everything. But I just made it worse.”

  Dave gave me a hug. “Oh, Sam. I wish I was better at this parenting stuff. I never know what to do for you.”

  But he did know. Just being there was enough.

  “Uncle Dave, you’ve studied my DNA, right?”

  Dave gave me an odd look. “Well, yes. Why do you ask?”

  “And you’ve studied the software that’s implanted in those genetic markers they put in me?”

  “Yes, of course I have.”

  “Then will you just answer this question? Is there really software in me that makes me attracted to Erik? And does it really work? Or was that all just another GlobalLife lie?”

  Dave wouldn’t answer.

  “Uncle Dave, please. I have to know why I’ve had all these feelings for Erik when I already had the greatest guy on the planet for a boyfriend. Please tell me it’s because of that software.”

  He sighed. “Samantha, I know you’re hurting. But what you’re going through right now? It’s life. And life gets messy sometimes. Bad things happen. People screw up. You’re going to make mistakes in life, Sam. And that’s okay. Everyone does. It’s how we learn. But in order to move on, you have to accept responsibility for whatever it is that you regret doing.”

  “What are you saying, Uncle Dave?”

  Before he could answer, I felt like I already knew. It was a lie. There was no attraction software.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Confrontation

  “Sam, I’m not telling you if the software exists. Knowing that won’t help.” Dave waited for me to look at him. “You know what software is? It’s just a bunch of codes. A bunch of zeros and ones. That’s it. And although it’s amazing what those codes can do, when you really think about it, they’re just a bunch of numbers. They can’t think. They don’t make decisions. People like me tell the codes what to do. Sure, there’s all this artificial intelligence crap going on now, but again, what is that?”