The Reaping Room by Tam Linsey

Author:Tam Linsey [Linsey, Tam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twin Leaf Press

To Michael’s relief, Rosalee wasn’t in the lab or the Reaping Room. He worked quickly, and then rushed to his room to collect a necklace he’d made. Now that Rosalee was herself again, he wanted to celebrate with a gift. He hurried to her apartment. At the door he paused, sure he heard Father’s voice. The polite thing to do was knock. But then Father might send him away. Michael glanced each direction down the corridor before pressing his ear to the door panel.

“…new genetics that could prove useful.” Father’s voice vibrated through the wood. “Hell, we may find a way to end our current harvest methods.”

“It’s not enough that you don't mean the Haldanian any harm,” Rosalee said.

That meant Tula, right? Did that mean Father wouldn’t put her in the Reaping Room? That made Michael happy.

Rosalee continued, “I refuse to expose Levi’s people to your perverse version of science.”

“He asked for help. Would you rather I turned him away?”

Silence. Then Rosalee said something Michael couldn’t make out.

“Then try to work with me here,” Father said.

“The other Fosselites should have a say.”

Father’s voice exploded. “I should never have brought you back!”

“I didn’t ask you to!” Rosalee’s voice escalated, and Michael’s limbs trembled. “In fact, I expressly asked not to be given the treatments anymore. You broke our deal, so I don't need to keep silent.”

A woman appeared at the end of the hall, heading toward Michael. He straightened and dropped his gaze. Listening at a door was rude. He raised a hand and knocked like a good boy.

The door flew open. Father’s furious face stared at him. “What do you want?”

Without lifting his chin, Michael raised his eyes to check on Rosalee. She stood in the middle of the room, her face red and her arms crossed.

A smile widened Father’s mouth, and he slowly turned back toward the room. “I’ll just take Michael back to the lab, then. Do as you must, and so shall I.”

Rosalee dropped her arms to her sides, hands balled into fists. “Damn it, Evan, I won’t let you. Michael, come to me.”

Michael looked between the two Fosselites. He wanted to go to Rosalee so bad. But Father had turned his red eyes on him, the dark rimmed glasses the only thing keeping that gaze from burning a hole right through Michael. Michael’s feet seemed glued to the floor.

Father kept his attention on him. “You’re a good boy. You always do what your father says. Don’t you?”

The lump in Michael’s throat swelled until it blocked his breath. He nodded.

“Go back to the lab, then, and wait for me.”

With a last glance at his friend, Michael turned and shuffled back toward the lab. He inserted his keycard and entered, then stood staring at the door. Would Father bring Rosalee? What if Father told him to hurt Rosalee? Would Michael be a good boy, then? His mouth went dry. A good boy wouldn’t hurt his friend, even if his father told him to.

Father opened the door a few minutes later and stood with one arm out, keeping the door open.

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