Shine by Bernhardt William

Author:Bernhardt, William [Bernhardt, William]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Babylon Books
Published: 2015-07-30T07:00:00+00:00

45

“You’re not gonna put electrodes in my neck, are you? Because I really don’t want electrodes in my neck. There’s just no good way to accessorize that.”

Aura did her best to get a rise out of Dr. Hope, but so far no luck. A steely façade of sweetness surrounded the bosomy hypnotherapist—or whatever she really was. This woman’s scientific acumen went far beyond a soothing voice and taking people up the imaginary stairway to heaven.

“The EEG monitor records impulses,” Hope replied calmly. “It does not impart any electrical charge. Though I don’t know why you’d care. I hear you’re quite hardy when it comes to torture.”

“Doesn’t mean I enjoy it,” Aura murmured.

“What I find most interesting is that you’re likening yourself to the Frankenstein monster. Many people in the outside world have the same view of Shines.”

“Don’t psychoanalyze me, Doctor. I already have a therapist.”

“And I understand you have a strong preference for his company.” Hope pressed a spongy pad to each of her temples. A wire connected the pads to the mainframe computer. She had no idea what it all did, but she was certain there was more to it than a simple EEG. Most of the tests so far had been disguised. She wasn’t fooled.

“I thought I had to volunteer before this Dr. Mengele clownfest would work.”

Hope sighed a little, the closest she came to a despairing reaction. “Sadly, that is true. The brain comes equipped with its own defenses. You have to lower the walls or the technique will not prove efficacious.”

“I wouldn’t end up brainwashed?”

“You’d end up brain dead. And that’s not our goal.” She paused, and her voice dropped. “Though that would certainly be simpler.”

“What are you doing today?”

“Just getting some preliminary readings. Establishing a base line. So when you do consent, we’ll be able to proceed immediately.”

She squirmed as Hope attached something cold and metallic to her back, pressing against her far too intimately. She was beginning to worry about Dr. Frankenstein’s sexuality. “I notice you didn’t say ‘if.’”

The tiniest trace of a smile crossed Hope’s lips. “No.”

“You’re that certain Dr. Coutant will be able to persuade me? You think I’m that weak?”

“Just the opposite. I think you’re quite strong-willed. You care about others, not just yourself. And that’s your great weakness.”

“I wasn’t aware compassion was a weakness.”

“You might never give in to save yourself. But what about your mother? What about the other girls, your best friends? And that boy…what’s his name? The one who visits you?”

She felt a cold grip on her heart. Taj planned to return day after tomorrow.

“You may be tough when the cattle prod is on you, Aura. But how will you feel when it’s someone else? Someone you love. And you’re watching. Listening to them screaming. Begging for mercy. Dying by inches. How long will you resist then?”

An image flashed in her mind. Beverly strung up in that cell again, black bugs crawling out of her mouth. Limbs swelling, body spasming. Blood gushing from her eyes and ears.

And then the face changed.

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