Free De Novo (The Gene Thief Series Book 1 - Short Story) by Jason Cole Page A

stop. They had never seen a doctors eyes tear up.
    “I’m so sorry.”
    Cindy began to sob.
    The doctor struggled to speak, “In this folder, I have a few lists of therapists and other specialists that will be vital as you prepare for what lies ahead.”
              Cindy stopped looking at the doctor, her head had drooped and her vision had switched to staring at the floor like a zombie. No signs of life, thought, or emotions lingering. Marcus didn’t feel her presence anymore, it was as if she had already died inside. The little hope that was dwindling, now faded into oblivion at the sight of his wife.
              “Is that it? More doctors and therapists? All this technology, and we can’t prevent this kid from living a life without suffering?” Marcus slammed his fist down on the padded bed beside him. The metal underneath rattled. The doctor jumped out of her skin and looked at him. Her eyes were apologetic, and he wanted nothing to do with them.
    “Marcus, Cindy. I’ve been with you guys for so long, and I know how strong you can be. At this point, you don’t need to be strong for me or even for yourselves. You need to be strong for your child. Even if it’s only a year or two, you can make it as pain free as possible.”
    “Brilliant, thanks a lot Doc,” Marcus said sarcastically.
    The doctor slowly walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. The room fell silent, neither of them moved an inch. They sat their silently, waiting to wake up from this nightmare.
    Marcus reached over and grabbed the papers, barely able to read the blurry text as tears filled up his eyes. And then something in the back of the folder caught his finger. A much smaller piece of paper was stuck. He quickly shuffled through the contents, flipped it all over and saw the sticky note on the back. The doctor didn’t mention this. On it was a nine digit number. It looked like it was some sort of bank account number, and underneath a scribbled message.
    This is a onetime offer. Send the amount listed below to the number above and we will save your child.
    Marcus looked on the back of the paper and picked up on a separate number. $150,000. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Should he show Cindy this? What would she think? What if it was just a sick joke, and she got her hopes up for nothing? That might put her over the edge, adding devastation to this grim situation.
    Marcus peeled the sticky note off and shoved it into his pocket. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed she was still staring at the floor. The vision of his wife slumped over like a puppet made him consider the option seriously. He had been saving to retire early and surprise her. Based off the slim chance this opportunity was legit, how could he think about retirement?
    He put the papers back in order, closed the folder and walked over to her. He placed his hands on her back and sensed the pulse of her twitching muscles beneath her skin. She had become a nervous wreck in seconds, and he had no quick fix. Their only hope rested in his bank account.
    What kind of husband hid something this colossal from the person he loved most? Should he ask the doctor? That might blow it. Don’t these people usually say not to involve others?
    The answer was clear. Before anyone finds out about his secret savings, he should just go for it. No-brainer. What’s money when an unborn child’s future is on the line?

Chapter 2
     
    She saw the sweat dripping from her nose landing on the old wooden floor. Her favorite thing to do was handstand push-ups, one of the few exercises that really made her feel it. Her eyes shifted to her right forearm and fixated on the tattooed number.
    3912
    When she stared at it too long, it freaked her out. The fact that she didn’t remember how she got it was the worst part of it all. On the other hand, she had become fond of it. That tattoo was one of her only sources of identity - 3912. It was who she was, and it was all