Free Orchid by Jayne Castle Page B

return for a follow-up to that ice-prism study I was involved with three years ago.”
    â€œThe one you walked out on because the researchers wanted you to focus for some criminally insane talents?”
    â€œYeah, that’s the one.” Orchid shuddered.
    The psychic talents Dr. Gilbert Bracewell, the head of ParaSyn, had asked her to focus had not been just mentally disturbed. They’d had violent criminal tendencies. She had recoiled from the darkness in them. Morgan Lambert and Theo Willis had also been repulsed by the researchers’ desire to see if ice-prisms could handle such deeply disturbed mental patients.
    It was Orchid who had led the small revolt that had resulted in the termination of the project. She had walked out of ParaSyn in the middle of the study. Morgan and Theo had followed.
    â€œI hated that place,” Orchid said. “The last thing I’d ever do is go back for some stupid follow-up research.”
    â€œWhat about the other two ice-prisms who were part of that study?”
    â€œI’m still friends with Morgan Lambert.” Orchid put down her half-eaten fry, her appetite suddenly gone. “But I heard yesterday that Theo Willis died in a car crash recently. They say he drove himself off a cliff. Apparent suicide.”
    â€œHow sad.”
    â€œTheo was not what you’d call a friend. I don’t think he had any friends. But he and I and Morgan sort of bonded during our experience at ParaSyn. He was a little weird. Maybe even crazy. But, hey, he was an ice-prism, just like me. Everyone knows we’re not exactly normal.”

Chapter
4
 
    â€œAbout time you showed up.” Byron Smyth-Jones, Psynergy, Inc.’s receptionist, secretary, and avant-garde fashion guru, glared at Orchid over the rims of a pair of glasses fitted with purple lenses. “The boss is having a fit.”
    Orchid raised her brows at the sight of Byron’s latest wardrobe addition, a violet-colored, skin-tight suit styled with massive shoulder pads and wide cuffs.
    â€œHow can you tell if Clementine is having a fit?” she asked with grave interest.
    â€œVery funny.” Byron took a bunch of notepads out of a box and stacked them in a supply cupboard. “And completely beside the point. This time it’s serious.”
    â€œIt’s always serious.” Orchid glanced at the notepads. They were each neatly imprinted with the Psynergy, Inc. logo and the words “Think Exclusive” at the top of each page. “What’s going on?”
    Byron glanced over his shoulder. Orchid followed his gaze to a large poster featuring a photograph of an improbably huge chunk of extremely rare fire crystal. Itwas emblazoned with the logo and partially obscured the closed door of Clementine’s office.
    â€œHer new exotic is here to sign another contract.” Byron lowered his voice to a hissing whisper. “He insists on using you.”
    â€œThe new exotic?” In spite of herself, Orchid felt a tiny thrill go through her. “You mean Rafe Stonebraker asked for me again?”
    â€œYou got it. He’s been here for the past half hour, signing papers. Clementine tried to get hold of you to confirm the assignment, but when she couldn’t reach you, she went ahead and drew up the new contract anyway.”
    A fluttery sense of panic instantly wiped out Orchid’s incipient excitement. Last night in the euphoria that had ensued when she and Rafe had escaped the gallery, she had thought it would be exciting to work with him again. Now, in the cold light of day, she was not quite so sure.
    â€œI was thinking of talking to Clementine about using someone else the next time Stonebraker called. If he called, that is.”
    â€œHe called, all right,” Byron assured her.
    â€œI wonder why. I got the feeling he was not overly pleased with my services.”
    â€œWhatever gave you that idea?” Rafe drawled softly behind