Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
I reach for her hand. “You got it, kitten. Have I mentioned today how much I love you?”
“No, and don’t. I’m still pissed you lied to me.”
“Think we can kiss and make up?” I slide my hand up her thigh. She lets out a small laugh.
“We’ll see. We have a lot to talk about.”
I grin, already sensing the heat building between us. “I can’t wait.”
EPILOGUE
Damien ~ Six Months Later
“This is so exciting! Don’t you think so, Frankie?” Olivia can barely contain herself as she and my wife put the finishing touches on their evening looks.
“I think this is amazing,” Frankie confirms, turning to me with that gleam in her eyes I know so well. “Damien Wolfe, Humanitarian of the Year.”
I almost want to laugh at the title. Humanitarian of the Year. Who would’ve thought? Truth is, I couldn’t care less about most awards, but this one…this one matters. The software and interface we’ve developed has changed everything for people like Olivia. Her progress has made her both a celebrity and a miracle. We’ve proven what I’ve always suspected. The human brain is far more resilient than our fragile bodies.
“I’ll have the most beautiful dates in the room,” I say, meaning every word.
“Charmer,” Frankie mumbles, looking absolutely stunning in her champagne gold dress that hugs every curve. “And damn straight you will.” The sparkle in her eyes makes me wish we could skip this whole thing. I can’t wait to get her home later.
“Yes, and if we don’t get into the limo now, we’ll be late,” I remind them.
Frankie scoffs. “You’re the guest of honor. They literally can’t start without you.”
She has a point, but still. “Let’s go.”
The ride to the theater is quiet, at least on my end. My mind keeps drifting to other details beyond tonight’s award. Sure, I’m proud of what Dr. Atkins and I have accomplished, but there are still names on The List waiting to be scratched off, and the hunger for that never quite leaves me.
“Wow,” Olivia breathes out. “I can’t believe this. It’s like the Oscars but for nerds.”
Frankie and I share a laugh at her unintentionally backhanded compliment. I turn to my wife, studying her face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. No.” She shakes her head. “I’m ready.”
The red-carpet circus takes ten minutes before we’re finally inside and led to our seats. Front and center, naturally. We’re sharing a table with other honorees, which suits me fine. Despite what Frankie says about my brilliance, I have zero desire to be in the spotlight more than my work and wealth already force me to be.
“It’s packed in here,” Olivia whispers to Frankie, her earlier excitement giving way to nerves.
“These things are always filled to the brim,” Frankie reassures her with practiced ease. “Just smile and act like you belong because you do. Besides, I see a few people around the room trying to work up the courage to come and talk to you.”
“No!” Olivia’s eyes go wide as she frantically scans the room.
“Yes. I’ll help you get started and then I have to play the role of arm candy to the big guy,” Frankie tells her.
Olivia snorts. “More like he’s your arm candy.”
Frankie’s laugh carries across the table. “I’m not sure which of us you just insulted, but I’m still going to introduce you.”
I watch them walk away together, satisfied. Olivia needs someone like Frankie in her corner, someone she can trust and rely on. Settling back in my chair, I observe the room with careful attention. All the so-called important people in the city are here in their fancy dress. The mayor’s chatting up the chief of police while the district attorney huddles in the corner with Jay and another award recipient. Civil servants rubbing elbows with the elites.
One big fucking fraud.
But that’s not my focus tonight. No, my attention is fixed on something—someone—else. He doesn’t deserve the long, happy life he’s living, free to roam the streets. Not after what he did.
What he failed to do.
What they failed to do.
I can’t act now, of course, but as the night progresses, a plan takes shape in my mind. It wouldn’t take much, especially keeping my promise to Francesca to make it clean and quick. Well, maybe not too quickly, but clean and efficient.
When I take the stage, the award feels heavy in my hand as I face the crowd for my acceptance speech. Nothing special, but somehow different. I thank the voters, the people who genuinely care about making a difference in this world, and of course, the assholes who fund it all.
“This all started as a small project with a very specific purpose: to help my sister. All I wanted was to hear her voice again and I worked diligently with the help of Dr. Atkins to make it happen, and now here we are.”