Free Special Agent: Austin by Joni Hahn Page B

stoic expressions looked back at him.
    He turned to Belle. “Belle?”
    Grimacing, she shook her head. “I traveled back to the nineteen forties several times. It’s as familiar to me as today.”
    He swiped a hand through his hair. That second climax must’ve loosened a few bolts in his head. This had to be a nightmare.
    Sitting back in his chair, Mitchell laced his hands behind his head. “So, you and your sisters were part of the original donor program. Were there any others?”
    “Yes. I probably saw fifty or so children over the years. Including Keegan Meeks.”
    Holy shit . They kidnapped kids to make clones, Belle among them.
    And, he had the audacity to complain because his parents lied to him about his true parentage?
    “Why do you and Teague have tattoos?” Mitchell leaned forward to check the computer.
    “The Madam hand-picked us for our posts. We’re part of her plans. Whereas, Keegan was taken only to get back at Senator Meeks for his interference.”
    “What kind of plans?” Austin said, his mind whirling from complete overload.
    Her shoulders lifted in a lazy shrug. “I don’t know. But, now that you’ve taken me into custody, I’ll be killed and replaced.”
    Teague’s voice held a high note of surprise. “You say that like it’s a given.”
    “It will happen. I was just hoping to see my family before I die. But, she’ll stop at nothing to find me and I don’t want to put them in danger.”
    Austin gritted his teeth. Hadn’t they discussed this already? Belle knew he wouldn’t let her die. He told her he would protect her.
    She just didn’t believe he could do it.
    Rage caused his voice to come out harsher than he’d intended. “Who the hell is this Madam?”
    Belle jumped in her seat before turning to him. “When you find that out, will you let me know?”
    Silence filled the room like a hot air balloon.
    Disbelief rooted Austin to his chair. “I thought she raised you?”
    She tilted her head. “In a way. The serum she gives us contains nanobots that insert knowledge into our brains and triggers certain behaviors. We also have clones on the farm that serve as instructors, nurses, cooks and other positions. Riordan St. James and you, Agent McCall, have helped us tremendously with our combat training.”
    Dylan’s lethal glare could’ve cut glass. “Like hell, I have. When all is said and done, your farm will burn to the ground with every freaking clone on it.” He looked at Austin. “You with me?”
    He gave a firm nod. “Damned straight.”
    Mitchell’s calm voice disintegrated the anger that had exploded in the room. “Monica, your test results showed you have traces of an unknown substance in your bloodstream.”
    She nodded. “Yes. That’s the serum.”
    “Is that what I found in your purse?” Austin said.
    “Yes. It’s been a requirement for me and my sisters since we were children.”
    Austin frowned at her. “I didn’t see you take it.”
    Swallowing, she glanced down at her lap. “I haven’t in weeks.”
    Mitchell jumped at the question. “Why?”
    A guilty blush crawled up her cheeks. “Next question.”
    Austin squeezed her hand under the table. “Belle, you agreed to answer questions.”
    The anguish in her voice took him aback. “Please…Austin. I can’t…”
    “Won’t the Madam find out you quit taking it?” Teague said.
    Looking up, she gave Teague a false smile filled with determination. “Not if I fake it.”
    He squeezed her hand again to get her attention. “ Why would you do that?”
    Snatching her hand from his grasp, she raised her voice. “It turned me into a monster. I stopped it to feel again.”
    Confusion lowered his brows before he blinked. “What?”
    “The serum numbs my emotions…” Shaking her head, she looked down at her lap again.
    “It makes it easier to kill if you have no conscience.” Teague’s low voice held a matter-of-fact tone.
    Belle stilled in her chair and squeezed her eyes shut.
    Austin stared at