Days of Darkness

Chapter 37

Natalie

The house lost its casualness when Douglas Corbett arrived. Eyes weren't finding eyes and words became commands. Concerns beyond daily existence became paramount. Even the black-shirted guards became stiffer, something I thought impossible. It was almost as if everyone was in awe of him. I had watched him enter the house from a second story window. He was not a tall man, nor impressive looking. His suit looked like it was designed for a larger man, one with more breadth. At least, he didn't find it necessary to cover the balding patch on the top of his head with a comb-over of his thin graying hair. He moved with an arrogance, without acknowledging those around him. I disliked him even more.

Lunch was brought up to Teegan and I. It was if we weren't allowed downstairs though I didn't test the idea. We were happy enough without interruption, playing with a set of rectangle cardboard blocks that were easy for her to maneuver. Teegan was building something only she could envision. I was having fun placing blocks on top of her structure and watching her, without any irritation, move my blocks to a different part of the structure. She had a design I didn't comprehend, yet didn't mind that I disturbed it. It was a strange zig-zag wall with upright spires along the way. I would have thought it some sort of fort, but she never attempted to close it off. When it was done, she stood and smiled at me. I gave her my best expression of pride. She laughed and began to knock it all down. I joined her in the giggling demolition.

Teegan began rebuilding, this time letting my contributions stand. I had no idea where her mind was as she placed brick after brick. She was enthralled with the boxy structure we were building, ever anxious to speed up its construction. I moved slowly, letting her direct the construction. It was amazing to watch her work, so determined and fixated on building whatever it was we were building. Suddenly she stopped and looked at me. It was a questioning look, so much more serious than I had ever seen her before. I don't know how I knew, but she was waiting for me to place another brick. I put another on top of our squarish structure, and she followed with another. It was important to her that we shared in the building, that she wouldn't place more blocks than me. I smiled as we took turns, building the structure higher. When we ran out of blocks, her joy exploded. I felt Sam join with wonder as Teegan and I happily destroyed our cardboard sculpture. I could feel Sam's surprised happiness. Teegan jumped into my arms, hugging me tight.

"Da," Teegan whispered in my ear.

"Yes," I said, letting Sam flow into me. Somehow I knew he was close. Closer than anyone in the golden prison would have thought possible.

A knock on the door woke us from our blissful reunion. I kissed Teegan's cheek and set her on her feet and stood. "Yes," I called.

"Mr. Corbett is ready to see you," Abigal said when she poked her head in the door. It was a summons. I wondered what would happen if I declined. The punishment would, most likely, not be worth the crime.

"Of course," I replied and waited for Abigal to enter with white gloves that ran to her elbows. Better than the chemical suit she wore the first day. "I'll be right back," I cooed to Teegan, giving her another kiss. Teegan seemed to understand and went back to the blocks. I smiled at my little architect.

"Mr. Corbett is in the library," Abigal said and sat far enough away from Teegan to not risk accidental touching. I nodded, sighed, and left hoping Teegan didn't feel less than human around someone who refused to touch her. Especially around someone who felt so little.

The library was aptly named. Victor had shown me the room, and I promised myself I would visit it again to grab a few books for nights when sleep was fleeting. The visible books were leather bound though there were paperbacks in the closed cabinets below the many shelves that lined the walls. Comfy leather chairs, each with a small table and reading lamp close, filled up the interior. Two of the chairs had high backs and were placed on either side of a table that supported a marble chess set.

"Thank you for joining me, Miss Williams." Douglas Corbett sat on one side of the chess set. His voice was deeper than his scrawny appearance would dictate. The tone held a power that was seldom challenged. One leg crossed over the other and one hand lying comfortably on his knee. His other hand held a rounded glass filled with what looked like an expensive liquor. I thought he meant to impress me.

"Please, call me Natalie, Doug," I said with a contempt I didn't know I possessed. Corbett surprised me by laughing. It was a deranged sound that seemed inappropriate for the insult I intended.

"Please sit, Natalie," Corbett said between chuckles, pointing at the chair opposite the chess set. "would you like some brandy," he added, holding up his glass, "or perhaps something else?"

"No, I'm fine, Doug," I replied as I took the offered seat. His smile didn't match his eyes. His lips found my informality humorous, but his eyes showed a little anger. It pleased me to be an irritant.

"You know your value," Corbett said, nodding his head, "I have been informed of your intelligence and stubbornness. I find it to be an asset, so please, feel free not to hide your contempt." He took a moment to savor a sip of his brandy.

"You build a comfortable prison, Doug," I commented, adding disdain on top of the name.

"Only my sister called me Doug," Corbett said, his smile growing, "she died before her time. One of the few losses which brought me to tears. It's pleasant to hear it again." He took another sip of his brandy as his eyes watched me closely. Whatever I thought of him, stupid was not in the equation. It took him only a moment to make sure I never called him Doug again. Bastard.

"Why am I here?" I asked. Putting him on the spot seemed liked a good counter move.

"I own many companies." Corbett said, settling deeper into the chair, "I'm profitable because I put the right people in the right positions. I am recognized for my financial prowess and business insight when all I have really done is hire the right people." He chuckled to himself, "It's funny, all that praise, and in truth, I deserve none of it." He raised his glass to me, "I hire the skills that make me look like a genius."

Corbett took another sip but somehow kept the ball in his court. His personality was so strong that I knew he wasn't finished, and it wasn't my turn to speak.

"I failed when Esmeralda was born," Corbett shook his head, waved his hand and corrected himself, "I'm sorry, Teegan. Her welfare is in your hands, and you have a perfect right to name her." He was a master manipulator. I didn't think a single word was unplanned. He was giving up her care to me as if it was preordained, not a dictate. A subtle compliment that I could not argue with.

"Teegan's bonding was not fully understood in the beginning," Corbett continued, "too many conflicting personalities clashing over what is probably the greatest child ever born. They all saw themselves as her savior when, in fact, she didn't need saving at all. Her welfare was in my hands and, as you have experienced, my resources are extensive." He shifted in his chair like he was about to make an important point. "Research was destroyed and people colluded to undo what I had done. A short sided view had become predominant, and Teegan was taken from me. It was the bonding that allowed the cooperation that put Teegan in danger. She was meant for such great things and instead, we found her in a small cabin, a prisoner of some uneducated criminal. I was so thankful to find out that you were there. I don't want to think of what would have happened if that brigand didn't have you keeping things in check." I tried not to react to his misunderstanding of Sam. His veiled compliments held no sway over me, a tactic I had used plenty of time in court.

"This time, I intend to do it right." Corbett said, once again shifting in his seat. It was a practiced movement that was meant to keep attention on him. "Do you know that all the research into her creation was destroyed? Even the backups were corrupted." He shook his head and smiled, "I learned a valuable lesson about the bond. It should be limited to those that can deal with its effects and hold onto a semblance of themselves. You, Natalie, are such a woman. Strong, caring, and possessing intelligence that can see the future as it is meant to be." More useless flattery. My impression of him was dipping lower with every word.

"I am here because you fear allowing others to bond," I summarized. I had already known it but felt the need to cut through the chaff he was throwing about. "What makes you think I agree with what you're doing to Teegan?"

"Straight truth," Corbett said, his sly smile trying to convey some mutual understanding. He wanted me to like him and trust him. That mountain was way to high for him to climb. "I respect that." He paused a moment and collected his thoughts before he continued.

"You care for Teegan; the bond ensures that. I know this because I care for her as well." Corbett's eyes weakened on command like he wished me to see a softer side of him. "I assume you have already concluded that she will be safe here. She would receive the best care and all the advantages that money can buy. You will provide what I will not allow others provide; human contact. You will be her mother, teacher, and friend."

"You'll stifle her," I interrupted, "this world is beautiful, but it's missing all the problems that a normal life would present. She'll grow into a weak woman."