Chapter 23

"Hello, Locke. And my lovely Kara."

Dr. Gatsbro stands at the end of the alley, flanked by Hari on one side and two goons I don't recognize on the other. A large bandage covers one side of his forehead. I turn to tell Kara to run, but behind us are two more goons, Miesha, and a long black limo blocking the other end of the alley.

"That's right, Locke. There's nowhere to go, except back to the estate. Did you really think I would just let you leave? You're far too valuable for me to let you go."

"We're not going with you," Kara says.

Dr. Gatsbro laughs. "Of course you are." He steps closer. "And you don't want to make this difficult, trust me. Remember, this is my world, not yours." The pupils of his eyes are enraged pinpoints, while the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile. "I knew it was just a matter of time before you turned on your iScroll. Once we locked onto the signal, we didn't let go. We knew you would head to Boston, but you told us precisely where to find you. Thank you."

I look at my palm, at the iScroll, thin as a tattoo and just as hard to remove. It was my fault. I led him to us.

I drop my hand to my side. "You heard her. We're not going with you."

Dr. Gatsbro raises his eyebrows like he is mildly amused and then nods. In almost the same instant, heavy hands are on my shoulders, pushing and slamming me up against the brick wall. My head explodes with pain and the edge of a brick slices into my lip. My arms are pinned behind my back, and I am swung around. Something else slams into my stomach. I double over but am jerked back upright, my arms still wrenched behind my back. I can't breathe, can't see, but I hear yelling. Miesha and Kara screaming. I try to get my bearings, then feel another blow across my jaw. My legs dangle somewhere beneath me, and I try to straighten them so I can stand, but I can't seem to find level ground. I hear taunts--not very bright, slow to catch on. Anger overtakes the pain, and I find the strength in my legs to stand. I breathe in sharply, forcing air into my lungs. I look up and see Dr. Gatsbro standing directly in front of me. Miesha stands a few feet behind him, wringing her hands and shaking her head. Kara is held in the grip of a goon just behind them both, his hand clasped over her mouth and a red welt forming across the side of her face. I jerk against the arms holding me so I can get to her, but the arms squeeze tighter.

"We can do this all day, Locke," Gatsbro says. "I can always repair any significant damage back at the labs. But we don't want it to come to that, do we?"

I glare at Gatsbro. "That's all we are, isn't it? Merchandise. Floor models. That's why you changed me. Made me taller. Changed my eyes. Made my--"

"Come now, Locke. I don't see you complaining about all of the changes." He motions with his hand at my body. "Some were probably an improvement, don't you think?" His knee thrusts forward. Pain shoots like lightning to my lungs, eyes, back, and legs all at once and I collapse.

"I think we're done here. Go ahead and load him in the car. The girl too."

"Dr. Gatsbro, he's going to need medical attention."

"What do you think I am, Miesha? Besides, it's just superficial. My men are well trained."

"But, Dr. Gats--"

"Shut up, Miesha! Get in the car! I only brought you along to tend to the girl."

They drag me down the alley. I don't struggle. I'll only have one chance, and I wait for it. I hang limp in the arms that hold me, using that time to gather whatever strength I have, trying to block out the pain, keeping my eyelids nearly closed but carefully watching the ground below me. Focus. Fire rages through me, but I remain limp. It takes every bit of my will. Get ready, Kara. I watch the bottom of a car door swing open and the feet below me maneuver to throw us in. Get ready. I see the legs of the goon who holds Kara. I spring forward with all my strength, breaking free of the grip on my arms, and smash the door into his pelvis. I hear the crack of bone and his scream.

"Run, Kara!"

They are already grabbing at my arms again, but before they can stop me, I swing my leg out and catch another one in the back, sending him flying into a wall. Percel's lessons paid off after all. They tackle me to the ground, but not before I see Kara running down the alley, the remaining two goons in pursuit. If she can make it to the crowds, she'll have a chance. Another blow finds my ribs, and I hear the crack of my own bones, or whatever it is I have now, and then a boot finds my stomach.

Dr. Gatsbro is shouting orders. "Go! Help them! Get her! She can't get away!" The goons throw me in the car and slam the door. I writhe on the floor. I feel 100 percent human--150 percent. Too human. Every bloody inch of me. But even through all the pain, I smile, at least somewhere inside. She got away.

Run, Kara. Find Dot. Run....

I hear the click of the door locks and a voice.

"Hold on." The car lurches forward. I hear the crashing of fenders or trash cans. Metal.

"I'm a dead woman."

I look up at the driver. It is Miesha.