Divergent Powers High

Chapter 26: He Should Die

Life seems to become a bit more comfortable when you are finally close to reaching your goals. My mind, for so long, as been completely focused on one lingering objective. 

Killing David. 

Reality has smacked me in the face over the past week. I had a panic attack, at one point, over the fact that I have had to accompany David alongside his torturous career. Somehow, the anxiety of that situation still hasn't managed to override my pure hatred for the man. 

Thoughts are flying through my mind as I pull my frizzy red hair into a tight bun. It can only be tamed by copious amounts of hair spray. After a solid ten minutes of work, it is finally acceptable. I sigh, trying to breath out the excessive stress. 

The mission has been moving exceedingly fast, but exceedingly well. I despise being so friendly with a monster who has nearly killed me, but it is vital to save others. 

"Elle, darling? Are you ready to head off?" Amy calls from downstairs, her sweet voice echoing to my room. 

"One moment, ma'am!" I slip on some low heels, grab my trap phone, and jog downstairs at a brisk pace. Shit. We are running a bit late, but I highly doubt it will be counted against us. 

Amy ushers me into her vehicle, barely allowing me enough time to grab my clutch. "Perhaps we should work on time efficiency." She suggests, pulling out with caution. 

I sigh, "Well, you can't blame a teen for sleeping in a bit!" 

She smirks a little, but still shakes her head in a matronly manner. 

We arrive on time, with a tad bit of speeding, and I rush into the building. With a flash of my ID, I have entered on time and, mostly, ready to work. 

David is trotting down the long hall to his office, as I jog to catch up. He seems to barely notice me, that is, until I trip right beside him in my rush. 

My face slams directly into the hard tile floor, and I swear I here a crunch. For the first time in my entire life, David shows an expression of concern, "Miss. Anderson! Are you alright?" 

I put a hand on the wall, slightly dizzy from the impact. Great way to make an entrance. David offers me a hand, and I use the other to pinch the top of my nose. I feel like I want to coil away as soon as my skin touches his, but that kind of behavior would immediately raise suspicion. 

I offer a weak smile, praying the blood won't drip onto my clothing. "I think I'm fine," I laugh, creating a light when there isn't even a spark of humor. "Just as clumsy as a toddler with vertigo." 

He chuckles for a second, "Can I help?" 

"It's fine." I shoot back, almost immediately. 

He seems startled by the reaction, "I could get you some gauze-" 

"It's quite alright," I interrupt, more gentle this time, "I'll just clean up in the ladies room." 

He let's out a long breath, "Okay, but tell me if you need anything." 

I give a short nod before veering into the restroom. My nose is wiped roughly with some low-grade paper towels. I wince with each touch, but try to ignore it. This isn't a time to be clumsy and out of control. It's a time to be orderly and proper, obey David's every command. 

I take a bit to compose myself in the bathroom, before trotting off to David's office. 

He laughs a bit when I enter, "Quite a morning, I presume?" 

I force a stale giggle, "You could say that. What are we up to today?" 

He files through a couple sheets of paper, "I have recruit who will be working close to the mutants with us. Not very passionate or driven, but very intelligent and knowledgeable," His devil eyes flicker from one page to the next, "As well as some direct experimentation on somebody. Many of the new hires will be witnessing their first infusion!" 

I cock my head to the side, "Infusion? What of?" 

He nods, "I forget sometimes, that you have only been here for a week, training. An infusion is when we inject a new combination into the specimens, and see if we can spark any new abilities. Our main interest is self-healing properties, for the advancement of the human race." 

"What kind of... injections have you, been successful in... so far?" I piece my words together carefully. 

With a quick double tap on my temple, I activate the new gear. Yesterday, Matthew met up with me and I received new contacts, that record whatever I myself am seeing. I am supposed to be probing David with questions, prying all the information and evidence I can from him. 

He smirks, "Curious?" 

"Very." I challenge, a hint of humor in my eyes. Something deep inside is eager to  know what he thinks I was. What he thinks Beatrice was. 

David closes his eyes for a couple seconds, "If I tell you a story, would you keep your mouth sealed?" 

"Of course!" I respond, probably too eager. 

"My first real, strong test subject was a girl named Beatrice. She was young. She had so many abilities." 

My chest seems to tighten with each word he utters. "Strong-willed, powerful and confident, she was almost everything humans should be. Her father seemed insane, borderline abusive, but it wasn't a huge deal. She was very resistant, but she was the first of the injected subjects to be successful." 

My memories seem to be smacking me in the face, and I try my best not to go bat shit crazy. "Some of the serums I created made her feel like she was on fire... until I created one that allowed her to manipulate flames. Another gave her abilities to shift her form. She was my first successful experiment." 

"But at what cost?" I nearly growl, "Was she in pain?" 

He rolls his eyes, "It shouldn't matter much. She was a mutant, plaguing the world. Mutants should only be used to experiment, and test on. They seem to be strong, which holds up well when I see what serums work in altering human abilities." 

"So, you just use mutants so unsuccessful serums won't hurt humans?" I inquire. 

He nods, "They are fantastic specimens for drawings abilities out. You see, we can use them to select desirable qualities, quick healing, mind manipulation, and such, to be integrated into human bodies. However, when it comes down to it, they will eventually attempt to control the world. They are wild beasts that only live to hurt others. So they can serve their purpose, and be trashed afterword." 

"Never mind that," I snapped, "What about that Beatrice girl? What happened to her?" 

He breaths out, "She escaped. I gave her everything, more abilities, an opportunity to benefit others, and she claimed it was torture. She ran away a few times, but the last was for good. It's a shame. She really was an amazing experiment." 

It takes every ounce of will in my body to calm down, "Wow." 

"I'd say. Now, besides that, why don't we move on. It's time to welcome the new recruit, he's waiting out front." 

"What's his name?" I ask, stepping towards the door.

"Jonathon Howard." 

David opens the door, me standing timidly to his side, and greets the new recruit. "Jonathon! Fantastic to see you!" 

A breath of relief, a feeling of comfort washes over me as I watch who entered. Despite contacts, a change of hair color, and small details, there is no doubt who it is. Matthew. He is going to be my right hand in taking David down.