Free Terms (The Experiments Book 3) by Jacqueline Druga

finished off his beer and stared out. “Whatever it takes.”
     
    ***
     
    Caldwell Research Institute – Reston, VA
     
    Deep, dark circles encased his bloodshot eyes like a raccoon. He growled a bit, and didn’t smell his best. But the physical aspects were the reason Greg called Stan into the office for the evening meeting.
    Barely off the plane, two days without sleep, Stan was whisked to Caldwell, where he was told Dr. Haynes needed a few minutes of your time, and then you can have a day or two off.
    What was so important that it couldn’t wait?
    When Greg informed Stan it was about the pregnancy testing, he growled. One of many animalistic noises he made in the office.
    “And this couldn’t wait?” Stan asked. “Really? The experiment doesn’t begin for four more days.”
    “No, it could not wait,” Greg told him. “Do you really think this is the only thing I do? One experiment at a time? No, I want to clear my mind of this. Make sure you are on the right rack with preparations and then I can move on to other things. I’m trusting you.”
    “Fine.” Stan sulked in his chair. “Go on.”
    “Well, thank you very much for your interest.” Greg took a seat behind the desk. “Now, as you know, the experiment will run for two weeks. You have to coordinate with the two doctors there so we can monitor the expectant mothers constantly. I want three ultra sounds done on each one, stress tests, you name it. Stress tests will be performed after we put them through … stressful situations.”
    “Nothing that will harm the babies?”
    “What do you take me for, a monster?” Greg asked.
    Stan only peered up.
    “You’ll be more like the coordinator there. A ‘Julie’ from ’The Love Boat’ if you will.”
    “Who?”
    Greg waved out is hand. “Anyhow. Another aspect that you should be aware of.”
    “Hold on, so you’ll be providing me with a list of activities and so forth?”
    “Yes.”
    “What kind of stress, normal?”
    Greg only smiled.
    “OK, I get it. Go on.”
    “Thank you. Everything will take place on the island which isn’t far from Hilton Head. We have an old hotel we have renovated for our research facility and clinic. The rooms for the woman are being made up just like the hotel suites, so they should be quite comfortable.”
    “When they aren’t stressed.”
    “Exactly.” Greg said. “The left wing, floor two through four is our bionic research and development unit. There are five patients there right now. All male. And we are expecting one more.”
    “I see. Billy Griffith?”
    “You got it.”
    “So, the timing of Billy’s bionics treatment in conjunction with the pregnancy experiment all plays into Col Graison’s role in this?”
    “Whatever do you mean?”
    Stan did it. He gave a look to Greg, even though through his exhaustion it was hard to tell, but the look was there. A ‘what do you take me for, an idiot’ glance. “Look, I know Cal’s pregnant and I know this is a pregnant study, but I am not buying it entirely. It’s the start of something.”
    “Why did you say that?”
    “I have a feeling, and I know it has to do with Graison. I know Jake. There is no way in hell he’d let his wife do this research study, if you weren’t holding those babies over his head, or her. So, what do you want with Graison?”
    Dr. Jefferson’s voice emerged into the room as well. “That’s what I would like to know, too. “ he stepped further into the office. “What exactly do you want with Graison? Personally, I can see the institute wanting those children more.”
    “We do.” Greg replied. “Especially if tests are conclusive after they are born. We won’t know until then, but if we can use them as leverage, we will.”
    “For Graison,” Jefferson said. “Why?”
    “Because he has beat us at our own game,” Greg explained. “Twice now. When everyone else believed the world was coming to an end, Graison knew better. He walks away from experiments that no one