The Perfect Deception (Shadows and Strings Book 2) by KB Winters

Author:KB Winters [Winters, KB]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBoyfriends Publishing Inc
Published: 2024-10-10T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Damien

“I don’t believe it.” I’m back at Serenity House, staring at the screens in awe. Olivia’s progress is leaps and bounds ahead of last week. “Doc, please tell me I’m not seeing things. This is real, right?”

Dr. Atkins grins, adjusting his sweater vest. “It’s very real, Mr. Wolfe. I’ve been thinking, with each improvement Olivia makes, it changes things a bit. Maybe we should consider regular updates on the software side of things, or ‘debugging’ as you tech guys call it.” He clears his throat, a nervous habit when he’s not 100% sure. “We don’t have set milestones that automatically trigger an update, but I’d bet my degree that’s what’s happening with Olivia.”

“So, it’s working? The interface is helping her connect the dots?”

“Most definitely.” Dr. Atkins nods vigorously. “Look here, this highlighted section? Memories. We all recall memories differently, but the brain stores them the same. Some people use images, others smell or sound. For your sister, your voice is the key to unlocking her memory core.”

“That’s amazing.” The progress so far gives me hope Olivia will get better soon and she’ll finally get the life she deserves. When that happens, she won’t have to live in a world where they all still draw breath. She’ll be free and clear to live her life, to enjoy it and thrive.

With this breakthrough, I know what I have to do. The List needs my full attention. “Good job, Atkins.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wolfe. And thank you for this opportunity. This is fascinating, and I have to say that Olivia is a compelling subject.”

“And why is that?”

Dr. Atkins holds up his hands, a hint of defensiveness in his gesture. “What I’m trying to say is, despite being nonverbal, Olivia’s brain is far from atrophied. She’s flexing her mental muscles regularly, keeping them sharp and active. Based on these readings, I’d wager she has a rich, complex inner world. A landscape of thoughts, memories, and emotions.”

I blink, trying to wrap my head around his words. “In plain English, Doc? Break it down for me.”

He leans forward, perched on the edge of his seat, eyes glued to the monitors. “For decades, people believed nonverbal patients were trapped in a mental void. An empty expanse of nothingness. But Olivia? I’d say she’s got a vibrant mind, buzzing with activity. I bet she’s been hearing everything and wanting to respond, but unable to do it.” He taps his temple, his smile wide and eyes sparkling with curiosity. “And that, my friend, is a wonderful thing. It means she’s still in there, fighting to come back to us.”

“I get it,” I reply, my voice a bit too forceful. “Thank you, Doc. Really.” An unexpected wave of feeling crashes over me, throwing me off balance. My heart pounds, but it’s not the usual thrill or anticipation that comes with closing in on a target. No, this feels suspiciously like fear, mixed with an overwhelming sense of hope.

I’ve spent my entire adult life building an empire, amassing the resources—both human and financial—to save my sister.

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