Page 6 of G8
“Holy shit.” That bit of news upset her father more than she’d anticipated. “And these two little boys…”
“Are the positive results of all those experiments and trials,” Ingrid concluded. “The only viable results, as the scientists referred to them.” That’s when it hit her what her parents intended. “You want me to take the babies to those other ones like them?”
“Don’t you think that would be in their best interest?” her mother argued. “Those people would have a better idea how to take care of them, don’t you think?”
In more ways than she could admit, Ingrid agreed and nodded. “Yes, I do.”
Her father pointed to her. “You told us your biggest fear was that the people who created these babies would come to take them away from you.”
“They’ll try. They have too much at stake with creating these children.”
“But you said they left those babies to die in the fire,” her mother reminded her.
“They did. But when they discover that the babies were saved and are still alive, and I know they eventually will…” Ingrid bowed her head. She didn’t need to explain further.
“Well, come morning I suggest you drive those babies over to Heathfield and go see the sheriff. Tell him who you are and the whole story behind how you got those boys.”
“Ingrid?” Her mother reached across the table for her hand, which Ingrid surrendered to her. “You know it’s for the better, don’t you? If those people find out you have those boys, there’s no telling what they might do to you for taking them.”
“I know, Mom. That’s also been worrying me.”
“You also need to start looking for another job,” her father added.
She smiled. “I know that, too. And I would have been if it hadn’t been for the children.” She managed a small chuckle. “I don’t see how new parents cope with one, much less two infants.” Getting to her feet, she shoved her hands in her jeans pockets. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep taking care of them, but I was at a loss as to what to do. I still feel responsible for them. They need to be protected. Thanks for letting me know about those others escaping. Now it makes more sense why everything suddenly went on lockdown, and people started destroying the computers and all.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” her dad asked.
“No, no. I’ll be okay. I’ll keep in touch and let you know when I get there safely.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I just hope those people can take these boys and keep them from harm.”
“It’s probably for the best,” her mother stated, to which Ingrid agreed.
Too bad she’d already grown attached to the little ones.
4INSTIG8
“I wouldn’t bea bit surprised if you told me you’d never held a gun before in your life,” Sheriff Biggs drawled, making G8 chuckle.
“You should’ve taken that bet.”
“Yeah, I should have. Now, go easy on the trigger. Squeeze, don’t pull. And use your dominant eye like I showed you.”
G8 aimed for the fresh paper target ten yards away and fired. The bullet punched a hole the size of a quarter directly in the center. The sheriff nodded in appreciation.
“You’re getting better. In fact, you’re picking this stuff up faster than I expected. Then again, maybe it’s because of your genetic makeup.”
“Maybe,” G8 conceded.
Biggs took the weapon from his grasp. “That’s enough for today. Let’s head back to the office.”
G8 watched as the man opened the cylinder and removed the last two bullets. “Any idea when I’ll be able to carry it on my person?”
The man gave him a side eye as they casually strolled out of the bunker to head for the parking lot. “Technically speaking, I can’t let you carry until we do a full background check on you. It’s required by law.”
“But I don’t have a background,” G8 reminded him.
Biggs nodded. “You’re right. You don’t. And because you have no background, I can’tlegallyaccept you on my force. However…”
Hearing the man’s emphasis on the word “legally,” G8 waited for the second half. He knew the sheriff wouldn’t have gone this far in working with him unless there was another way to get around the issue. “However?” he nudged.
