The next day, Sarah could barely contain her growing excitement as she headed for the transfer lab after lunch. She walked as fast as the old body she wore would allow. The renter would be pleased. Sarah had improved the body’s strength and overall health during the rental period through the company’s carefully designed exercise and nutrition program. Hopefully the old lady had returned the favor.
Sarah pushed through the door into the transfer station, unable to suppress a grin as she scanned the room for the renter and her precious body. The smile faded to a frown. Instead of the renter a tall, dark-haired man she recognized as Alterego’s head lawyer waited in the room. He dressed in an expensive suit and carried a black leather briefcase.
She’d met him once when she first signed on as a donor, but couldn’t remember his name. Jill called him Lawyer Guy and despite how shallow the label was, it had stuck in her mind. Seeing him there could not be good.
Lawyer Guy smiled, just a movement of the lips lacking any warmth, and stepped forward with an extended hand.
“Hello, Sarah.”
She hesitantly took the proffered hand. “What’s going on? Is the renter late?”
“Not exactly.” Lawyer Guy turned and placed his briefcase on the nearest gurney, popped the locks, and extracted a sheaf of papers.
She scanned the documents and her frown deepened. It was the rental agreement.
Lawyer Guy held up a pen. “Don’t worry, miss, your body is in perfect health. We just need to finalize some paperwork.”
“I’ve already signed the contract. The return date is today.”
“Of course,” he said smoothly, “but you failed to initialize every section.”
Sarah flipped through the document, confirming her initials were scribbled beneath every paragraph in the appointed space. “It all looks good to me.”
“Page nine, paragraph four.”
Sarah flipped back to the page and her heart sank. She thrust the papers at him, and this time her hand shook a little.
“That paragraph is optional. I chose not to sign it.”
“I am afraid we need your signature now.”
“Why?”
He held up the pen again. “Legalities, miss. I don’t want to bore you with the details.”
She shook her head and decided anger would work better than fear. “I know the contract. I know I don’t have to sign this section, and I’ve always made it very clear I am not interested in permanent corporal transfer.”
As she spoke, Lawyer Guy’s smile faded. Sarah continued despite the growing fear that threatened to rob her projected anger of its force. “I signed a three month lease and expect my body to be returned as promised, today, in good working order per the signed agreement.”
“Miss, there has been a development.”
She held up one wrinkled hand. “Not my problem. I want my body. Now.”
Lawyer Guy sighed and snapped his briefcase closed. “I am afraid we have a slight problem.”
“What problem?”
“Follow me.”
YOU ARE READING
Saving Face
FantasyThere's no place like home. For Sarah, home is the body she grew up in, and she's gone far too often. In a near future where the renting of human bodies is possible, Sarah is a top model. She spends most of her time shuffling between temporary bod...
