Free Oculus (Oculus #1) by J. L. Mac, L. G. Pace III Page B

the flow of things because what else can I do? I can’t feel, or smell or taste or hear red versus purple and I can’t say that short hair makes me look more mature than my long hair does. So I take their word for it when they advise me on just about everything in my dark world.
    It’s probably the single most frustrating part of my existence. I never let on how much not having options bothers me. I try not to anyway. I know that their role in assisting me can’t be very enjoyable and my handicap is no fault of theirs.
    Lack of options or even the ability to form the most basic of opinions is chiefly responsible for me even weighing Ingram’s offer.
    Offer is probably an inaccurate way to view it. What he had done and said was flat out solicitation and I feel every bit preyed upon, but here I am in my bedroom considering taking the deal.
    I can’t say for certain what he wants but I can say for certain that I’m willing to barter a bit of my dignity in order to gain a measure of pride. If I tell Hattie that she’ll tell me that I’m splitting hairs that are about to be singed off by the devil himself. I choose to spare myself from her or my father’s opinion on the matter.
    This is my future I’m considering. The only opinions that matter belong to me. Red versus purple belongs to them. I’ll give them that. I have no choice but to give them that. But what I do with my life and my body for that matter is entirely up to me.
    If I’m going to make anything of myself professionally it’s going to have to be done this way. I need a way in. Exceptions will have to be made and I’m not naïve enough to think that those exceptions don’t come with a price tag. I’m in no way interested in anything sick or twisted, though. If Ingram wants something from me, I’ll at least find out what it is. A shot at independence is worth that much.
    I dismiss my inner ramblings and jab a finger on the button near my bedroom door.
    “Call Hattie Brighton.”
    “Calling. Hattie. Brighton,” the speaker drones monotonously.
    “Hey, you!”
    “Hey. Are you busy?”
    “No. Not really. Just getting ready to go hang with Cade. Wanna come with?”
    “Nah. Thanks though. I have a question and then I’ll leave you to it.”
    “What’s up?”
    “Do you know Chief Ingram?”
    “Ugh! Yes. Why?”
    “Why do you say it that way?”
    “Oh because he’s a grade-A jerk.”
    “Yeah. He seems that way. Is he just a womanizer or…”
    “Well you know how rumors are, but yeah. I’ve heard he is pushy and keeps plenty of women around. Stuff like that.”
    “I see. What does he look like?” I ask knowing Hattie will relay a useful description in the way that she has done for me for many years.
    “He’s handsome I guess… if you ignore how ugly his personality makes him. He’s tall. Light hair. Blonde-Gold-ish. Think lemons… or stomach acid. He has gray eyes. Thunderstorm. Pocket lint. He’s okay. Now explain to me why you’re asking me this.”
    “He offered to help me get a position in the security department.”
    “For what in return?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Liar. Dillon Ingram is many things but magnanimous isn’t one of them. Spill,” she demands.
    “I’m serious. I guess he owes… my dad a favor. You know how that goes. So… I think I may check it out. I have to. It’s this or nothing. I don’t have choices like you do, Hattie.” I hate lying to my best friend but even she can’t understand my willingness to consider Chief Ingram’s offer.
    “I know. Just promise me that you will be careful. Keep your distance if you can. He’s trouble and I’m pretty sure he carries diseases like rabies.”
    “Okay. I promise. Meet you at your house in the morning?”
    “You got it.”
    I end the call and sit on my bed wondering how I’ll convince my father to give his blessing for me to go to work for Chief Ingram. In truth, I don’t need his blessing or permission at all. I’m a grown woman. I can do what I want