Free Terms (The Experiments Book 3) by Jacqueline Druga Page A

is supposed to walk away from. He’s costing us money because he’s now making sure others survive.”
    Stan shook his head. “Just don’t invite him to partake in anything anymore that way he won’t beat you.”
    “But that’s not what I want.” Greg said. “I could pull back, yes. But what makes this man tick? What makes him strive? What makes him continue? Determination, his wife. Lifestyle.” He shrugged. “All of the above. He claims to be unbreakable. I claim he is not unbreakable and I have …. I have investors who lost because of him, and investors that are more than willing to invest again. Only this time to see an experiment beat him.”
    Jefferson nodded. “Iso stasis fourteen.”
    Greg shook his head with an arrogant smile. “Not at all. Not there yet. This pregnancy thing is just the starting point, the warm up. For us to get more leverage, firing power, you name it. Perhaps a bargaining tool for even more money. No gentleman, I’d like to say that there will be another game here within a few months. Let’s call it Iso-Stasis thirteen … part two.” He grinned. “Facets of which …” he winked. “Are under way as we speak.”
     
     
    ***
     
    Las Vegas, NV
     
    “No Cal, you aren’t fat,” Aldo kicked back in his high-back leather office chair, he rocked slightly, puffing on his cigar sipping on bourbon, while on the phone. “He’s just an insensitive twit. But I wouldn’t let him live it down.” Aldo nodded as if Cal could see him. “I’ll call Haynes and get the number. Since this isn’t an isolation thing, and you’ll be able to call me, I don’t see why I can’t send you a little care package. Oh, without a doubt. He hasn’t told you about the president thing yet? Bring it up. Yep. Eat the chocolate Cal. Call your obstetrician and have …” Aldo snapped forward. “What do you mean? You have to have an OBGYN. Really? Who? Why is Caldwell making you go to a special baby doctor? That doesn’t …” A buzz on the intercom interrupted him. “Hold on Cal.” Aldo pressed the intercom. “Yes?”
    “Mr. Connilucci, your appointment is here.”
    “Thanks, send him in,” Aldo returned to his call. “Cal, I have to go. I’m on my last interview for head of my security. I’ll call you back.” He hung up at the same time the office door open. “Come in. Come in.”
    Aldo nodded impressed by what he visually took in of the applicant. Physically he fit the bill. He looked down at the folder, and received a warm, firm handshake. As Aldo retook his seat, he knew, if the applicant presented himself as well as his background check and resume, then he probably wouldn’t have to look any further than Carter Gray.

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    Caldwell Medical Resort, NC
    September 2 nd
     
    There was nothing to indicate that it was nothing less than a beautiful hotel suit. A bed on a riser, couch, wall of window, nothing except, right outside the door was a very clinical looking hall complete with a nurses station.
    Billy didn’t get around well on crutches, and Greg Haynes  assured him that within one month he’d be walking semi normally, in a year he’d be running.
    Billy didn’t really believe that whole heartedly until he got a chance to view the bionic laboratory first hand.
    He met one of the recipients. Both arms blown off while serving in the Middle East. The normal eye couldn’t tell he had prosthesis, and the feel of the skin was nearly normal, except it was a bit cold.
    Billy was filled with hope.
    The two extra days in the hospital had him feeling like a million bucks, and Haynes also informed him he was subject to a new antibiotic strain as well.
    Billy was fast becoming a medical miracle.
     
    The fruit basket was huge and fresh; there was just something so tropical about it. However he couldn’t recall what the temperature was like, He was whisked from plane, to ambulance to the door of the clinic that he didn’t get a chance to feel the sea air let alone breathe it