Authors: Shawna Platt
Since she began working in the file room, she’d received quite a few visits from Dr. Rayner, checking to make sure she was all right after Tessa’s removal from the program. There was a part of her that was glad he wasn’t aware of the behind the scene workings of the program. Either that or he was good at faking it. She hoped not. There was still something about him that kept sucking her in and she was hoping she wouldn’t end up hating him in the end.
The next day, Dr. Rayner was waiting for Kinsey to come to the clinic. He knew she had an appointment soon to see if her procedure was a success and he was anxious to see her. She hadn’t been herself since Tessa’s release from the program and he was getting concerned.
He was also having a difficult time sorting out the feelings he was starting to have for her. He knew it was unprofessional, but he was having a hard time fighting it. There was something about Kinsey that set her apart from the others. She was special and different, in a way that told you she would bring change into your life, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that.
His life was invested in medicine; his dad made sure of it. At thirty-two years old, he already had a successful career as a doctor. His dad made sure of that, too. Being successful was mandatory in the Rayner household. Prosperity was the key to holding power in your hands and his father took it seriously.
There will be no slackers in this household
, his dad used to say.
You will succeed or else.
Brice had no choice. He learned of his dad’s wrath early in life when he brought home his first B in Biology. Luckily, the bruises were easy to hide until they healed, but he made damn sure he never received another B in any class, high school or college.
His mom died when he was seven in a freak accident that was never explained. One morning he left for school, and by the time he returned that afternoon, she was gone. His dad never told him exactly what happened, just that she was weak and deserved to die. As Brice grew older, he questioned his mom’s
accident
, whatever it was, and felt his father was somehow involved, but nothing was ever proven. He hated his father, but even as a grown adult, couldn’t seem to escape his grasp.
Someday
, he thought to himself.
Someday, I’ll find a way out.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when a nurse appeared at the door of his office, letting him know Kinsey was ready in room seven. She informed Brice that Kinsey’s blood had already been drawn and she would bring the results in as soon as they were ready.
Brice thanked her, stood, and took a deep breath. He was excited, but nervous about seeing her again. The visual of her on the exam table when he did her insemination procedure came to mind and he felt a pull in his groin.
Jesus, Brice, keep it in your pants
, he thought as he headed toward the door.
You’re a professional
. He shook his head and thought there was nothing professional about the feelings he had for her. He took another deep breath and headed for room seven.
When he entered the room, he saw her lying on her side on the table, facing him, with her hands tucked under her cheek. She looked vulnerable, but strong, if that was possible. She continued to fascinate him. He smiled and walked toward her as she sat up and swung her legs off the table. He extended his hand and she took it, still not sure what to think about him.
“Hello, Kinsey. How are you feeling?”
She shrugged, “I’m all right. I just want to get this part over with.”
“I understand. Let’s hope for good news from your test.”
“Yes,” she murmured, “good news.”
He realized he was still holding her hand and he awkwardly pulled it away.
He studied her for a moment. “Look, Kinsey. I know you’re having a hard time with Tessa’s sudden departure from the program, but I can assure you, that type of thing doesn’t happen often here. All the participants have the best medical care available.”
She looked away and nodded, knowing what he said was true, but he wasn’t aware, or wasn’t being truthful, about the shit that went on behind the scenes. She still hoped she wouldn’t have to hate him in the end.
She looked back up at his attractive face. “Do you have access to Tessa’s file? I’d like to know what happened.”
“I don’t, and even if I did, I couldn’t share that information with you, Kinsey…I’m sorry.”
She nodded again. “It was worth a shot.”
He sat beside her on the exam table. “Listen, Tessa is fine, I promise. It was unfortunate what happened, but health wise, Tessa is fine and back with her family. From what I’ve been told, she’ll still be compensated for her participation, even though she didn’t produce a child.”
She turned and looked at him. “Are all participants who don’t produce a child compensated as well?”
He smiled. “If they miscarry after six months, they are. If the insemination procedure doesn’t take, then no, they are simply returned home.”
“How many miscarriages have there been?”
“I’ve been here since the beginning of Operation Vala and I can count on one hand all the miscarriages that have taken place. Like I said, the participants have the best medical care available here. Actually, better than they can get at a traditional hospital.”
“Well, that’s just sad, in my opinion. All women should have the best medical care available when they’re bringing a child into the world.”
“I agree, but you’re dealing with a government agency, Kinsey. They spare no expense when it comes to this program. It’s taken very seriously. The children from this program serve an important role in the military.”
“Yeah, they’re raised and trained to be sent off to war and possibly killed. You’re seriously okay with that?”
He gave her a confused look. “If you’re not okay with that, why are you here?”
She looked away, realizing he wasn’t aware of what she went through and why she was truly there. “Never mind.”
Before he could speak again, there was a knock on the door and the nurse entered. She smiled at Kinsey and handed a piece of paper to Dr. Rayner. He looked at it and handed the paper to Kinsey.
“Congratulations. Your procedure was a success.”
Kinsey felt the pierce of a double-edged sword. She took the paper and looked down at it. The test result was positive for pregnancy. She took a deep breath as she lifted herself off the table and walked to the counter, laying the paper down. Her maternal instincts kicked in immediately.
They’re not taking my baby
. She tried not to let her panic show and she took another deep breath before she turned around.
“So, what happens now?”
He walked over and picked up the paper she’d laid on the counter. “Well, now you’re officially in the program and you’ll continue to do as you’ve done until you deliver.”
“Then what?”
“What do you mean?”
“After I deliver, what happens then?”
“Kinsey, I thought this had all been explained to you. After you deliver, you will be released from the program and sent home.”
“Without my baby?”
He looked confused again. “Yes, without the baby, but with full compensation for your participation.” He drew his eyebrows together and looked at her deeply. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She paused for a brief moment and pulled herself together. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry, this is just a lot to take in now that it’s actually happening.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I understand. Everything will be all right, I promise.”
She looked into his eyes and saw genuine compassion there. “Yes, everything will be fine.”
“Why don’t you go back to your room and take it easy for the rest of the day. Try to get a good night’s sleep tonight.”
“So that’s it for today? No more tests?”
“Not today, no. We’ll schedule an ultrasound in two or three weeks to make sure everything is progressing as it should.”
She nodded and walked out into the hallway. She felt like a fog was around her as she walked through the reception area and outside. Everything felt surreal and her head was spinning. As she walked back to her building, she placed a hand on her stomach and whispered a promise to the child inside her. “They won’t take you from me; that I promise you.”
Dr. Rayner stood in front of the reception area windows and watched her walk away from the clinic. He couldn’t get Kinsey’s questions out of his mind. The participants were explained the rules of the program before, and after, they arrived. Why would she question them now?
Chapter Eighteen
December, 2020
Kinsey was well into her fourth month of pregnancy, and physically, was feeling great. So far, the baby was developing at a normal rate and things were going smoothly. She was establishing herself at the compound and her days were full of the same routine, but she liked it that way. It kept her busy and helped prevent her mind from wandering.
The one thing her busy routine didn’t stop was her planning to escape from the compound once she delivered her baby. She still had no idea how she was going to pull it off, but she was determined to make it happen. She wasn’t leaving without her baby.
She was keeping in constant contact with her family and Sheila, assuring them everything was fine and she’d be home before they knew it.
Her conversations with Tessa were still brief and nothing more than guarded small talk about Tessa’s life back home. All Kinsey knew was that Tessa had returned to school and was trying to move on. Kinsey tried to keep her updated on what was happening at the compound, but Tessa wasn’t interested and always cut her off, claiming she didn’t want to talk about it. Kinsey tried not to take it personal and figured Tessa was still concerned about her phone conversations being monitored. When Kinsey suggested they get together after her release from the program, she heard excitement in Tessa’s voice. They would make it happen.
The compound was preparing for the holiday celebration party they threw every year for the staff and participants. Apparently, it was a big deal and everyone looked forward to it. The participants were given special gifts as a thank you for their ultimate sacrifice; the child they carried.
Kinsey was on the planning committee for the party and was enjoying the preparations. All the buildings in the compound were decorated with traditional holiday colors, inside and out. Lights, garland, giant bows, and decorated trees were everywhere. The compound felt alive with holiday cheer and Kinsey tried to lose herself in it. For the next few weeks, she wouldn’t dwell on the circumstances she found herself in. She would focus on the holidays and enjoy herself. The baby wasn’t due until May; there was still time to plan her escape.
One night, after a full day of working and party preparations, she collapsed on her couch and took a deep breath.
One day closer,
she thought as she reached for the remote. She left the television on whatever channel came up and walked to the kitchen area of her apartment.
As she stood in front of the open refrigerator contemplating what to eat, an eerie feeling came over her. Slowly, she turned, expecting to see someone standing behind her. When no one was there, she reluctantly checked the bathroom and bedroom. Both were empty, but someone had been in her room, she could feel it.
She calmed her nerves enough to get something to eat and settled in to watch a movie. An hour into it, she couldn’t keep her eyes open, so she decided to call it a night.
On the verge of sleep, she felt the heavy sense of a presence close to her and peeked her eyes open to see a shadow standing in her bedroom door. Panic set in and she willed herself not to move. She could see the shadow clearly as it slowly moved closer to her bed. She couldn’t make out the facial features and she swore she’d start leaving lights on in her apartment at night.
She watched the figure as it stopped beside her bed and place something on her nightstand. She closed her eyes and wished it away. After a brief moment, she felt the presence move away and she peeked her eyes open again to see it moving out the door, into the living room area. A moment after that, she heard her front door open and close.
She bolted up in bed and turned on the lamp on her nightstand. There she found a picture of Tessa. She was dressed in doctor scrubs and was walking into a building. She flipped the picture over and found a typed message on a return address label that had been stuck there:
I’d hate to see something happen to your friend. Keep being a good girl and she’ll remain safe.
Kinsey knew where the threats were coming from, but there was nothing she could do to prove it. Tessa’s words echoed in her head:
Keep your head down and do what you’re suppose to.
“Arrogant bastard,” she said out loud and got up to place the photo in the small box where she kept the one of her sister. She reminded herself he was leaving a trail of evidence. She had no idea how to use the evidence, but she wasn’t going to give up just yet. She’d find a way to bring him down. Until then, she had to continue putting in her time and develop a plan.
Kinsey spent the next few weeks occupying her time between her jobs at the compound and assisting in organizing the holiday party. She felt amazing and kept telling herself she was lucky to have the pregnancy going along so smoothly. No morning sickness in the first trimester, and the second was starting off well. So far, Dr. Rayner was happy with her weight gain and told her she was progressing beautifully.