The Lost Dinosaur |2| Nublar Seven Series

Mother Nature

I had major writer's block in this chapter and the next chapter. Honestly, that's every time I write from Ben's POV, I just can't get inside his head. I hope this chapter came out somewhat okay.

Hayden

Concern filled me as the trucks left without us. The notion of having to share a Jeep with Wheatley did little to placate that. Although Wheatley did seem very comfortable leaning on a tree, eyes piercing as he stared. I grew uncomfortable under his gaze. I was relieved when Claire turned out not to be involved, and by coming up with an actual plan, it soothed my nerves. However, being separated from them right now only made it worse. Not to mention being held back by Wheatley for a mysterious reason.

He finally got his eyes off me, watching the rest of the unconscious dinosaurs. "Such a pity we can't bring every animal."

'Yeah, such a pity you won't make some extra cash.' I forced myself to remain with a poker face, letting my eyes follow his.

He continued. "It was a pleasant surprise when Claire called. These Monolophosaurus will be a great addition." I only hummed in response. "Of course, you were a pleasant surprise as well. I had my doubts first, but I must confess you became an asset on this island." He smiled, while I remained cool. "But still, I wonder how much it took for Claire to convince you to come back here." Wheatley looked at me, clearly expecting a reaction out of me.

"You'd like to know." I snorted. "I'm not one to brag, but let's say she was very convincing."

"I'm glad to hear." His smile grew. "Speaking of which, I wanted to share with you a business opportunity."

I raised an eyebrow. "Business opportunity?"

'If he really thinks I'm going to help him sell dinosaurs...'

He sighed, pushing away from the tree and walking towards the Jeep. I had no choice other than to follow him. "The economy these days doesn't really favor independent contractors like myself. You look like you must be in college, I'm sure it must be hard with loans and student debt. People need to be creative to make money." He looked at me expectantly.

I groaned. "Tell me about it! The banks have no mercy. People tell you to go to college and get a good job to make money... how are we doing that if we need money to even go to college? Fucking vultures."

Wheatley nodded with an unwavering smile. "That brings me to what I want to talk to you about. It's a delicate subject you see, not all my men are money-driven like you and me." I just nodded along. "It's about that dinosaur you mentioned, the Scorpios."

"What about it?" I didn't have to fake surprise there.

"Saving dinosaurs is all fun and games, but profit is really what matters."

I stared at him for a while, he really seems to trust me for whatever twisted reason. I smirked. "I'm listening."

"I knew you would." He laughed out loud. "Many people would pay a fat amount for a living dinosaur. I can't really do that, I'm paid to get these specimens to their destination, but a dead one... a dead hybrid? There isn't really a market for that, so I'm making the market." Wheatley had on a sick smile that made me shiver. "I already have offers, some rich bastards and some companies, InGen's competition. I can offer you a percentage if you help me out."

I frowned. "So, you need the Scorpios?"

"What's left of it." Wheatley shrugged. "We don't have time or resources to get to the Indominus, besides I know the Scorpios isn't on the bottom of the lagoon like you said." His smile turned sly.