“I had just as many backers as I did detractors.”
“Who?” Salvi demanded.
“You need to give us the names of everybody we should talk to,” Ford said. “We’ll start with everyone on the board of Neuricle Corporation. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone, who wanted a piece of your pie, Attis.”
He stared at Ford.
“You’re right to be concerned, Attis,” Ford said, “this has the potential to close your facility down. Someone has stolen your tech, and they could ruin you, but we can fix this. If we find out who’s putting the tech on the street, we can save a lot of lives. If we don’t, many more will die.” Ford leaned forward. “They’re not using your tech to stop the sinners like you are, Attis. They’re using the tech to unleash the sinners. They’ve taken your tech and they’ve re-engineered it. They’re stimulating, accentuating the sex and violence, not stopping it. And it’s hit our streets and it’s only going to get worse.”
Attis shifted his eyes to Salvi.
“You need to right your wrongs,” Salvi said. “Not just for the Bountiful case, but for the war that’s breaking out on our streets right now. Stop keeping quiet on things you have a legal obligation to report and address. Did you learn nothing from last time?”
Solme exhaled heavily as though pushing down his anger. He sat forward, leaning his elbows on his desk. “Alright, I’ll give you names,” he said, then turned to Salvi, “if you right your wrongs.”
“Excuse me?” Salvi said.
“You promised my Subjugate he would become a Serene. You forced him to find the violence we worked hard to make him forget. You stirred him up, and you need to fix it.”
“I thought that was what your treatment was for? Why is this Subjugate so fragile you need me to speak with him?”
“Because we need to make him forget you.”
Salvi’s body stilled for the briefest of moments, as the memories of the Bountiful Case came rushing back. The memories of Subjugate-52. She lowered her eyes to the stone statue of Mary on his desk.
Ford eyed her, then turned back to Solme. “Subjugate-52 is your problem. Failure to report the hack and theft is also your problem. You’re in no position to bargain with me.” Ford stood. “Those names better be submitted to the hub 9 AI within two hours, or you will be arrested for withholding, among other things.” She moved to the door. “Detective Brentt, let’s go.”
Salvi stood and followed, but as she reached the door she paused and looked back at Solme.
“You don’t care how many die, do you? As long as your precious empire survives. We’re all sinners in your eyes, and as far as you’re concerned, those who don’t join you can be damned… I wonder if your God would feel the same way?”
And with that she left.
When Salvi stepped outside, Ford was waiting by the Raider with Serene-41. They both turned to watch her approach. As she neared the Raider, though, she saw their eyes divert over her shoulder.
“Brentt,” Ford said warningly.
“Subjugate-52,” Serene-41 said. “You’re not supposed to be out here.”
Salvi felt her body freeze.
“It’s okay,” another voice said calmly.
Salvi turned around slowly to see Subjugate-52 standing there, and the new head psych, Fen, a few steps behind him. Subjugate-52 looked as intimidating as ever, the tall, broad, serial killer of women, restrained only by the silver halo he wore on his scalp and the blanket of drugs that filled his veins. Her eyes dropped to his chest area, seeking any indication his personal alarm was soon to flash red, indicating he was due for his medication.
“Detective Brentt,” he said calmly, giving a small bow. “You’re leaving?” His blue eyes seemed curious.
Fen moved to stand beside him. “I’m sure she has a few moments to speak with you before she goes.”
Salvi turned her eyes from Fen back to Subjugate-52. Or was Edward Moses standing before her? The man saved from death row. The monster that Attis Solme hoped would be a pinnacle among his Serenes, that he could show off to the world.
“Subjugate-52,” she said calmly.
“I am glad you are well,” he said, giving another slight bow. He seemed very Serene. He was on his best behavior in front of the psych. Or had they tightened the control of his halo and topped up the levels of his drugs since his outburst?
“And you,” she said. “You’ve recovered well from your wounds?”
“Yes. Did you receive my letters, detective?” he asked.
Salvi stared at him.
Fen cleared his throat. “I have relayed the messages you dictated to me.”
“And?” he asked. “You have come to speak with Mayor Solme?”
Salvi darted her eyes to Fen who gave her a nod for her to roll with it. She looked back at the Subjugate, sickeningly handsome despite his heinous crimes.
“Yes,” she said. “I have spoken with Mayor Solme.”
“And? Am I to become a Serene?”
She darted her eyes to Fen again.
“In time, Subjugate-52,” she said when Fen did not speak. “What happened… it set your treatment back. But I can see you’ve set course for redemption again. It is only a matter of time.”
Fen’s face took on a displeased look.
“I was angry,” Subjugate-52 said, hands clasped together, “when I did not hear from you… But I prayed to God and the anger went away.”
“I’m glad,” she swallowed. “You did the right thing.”
“Yes,” Fen said, stepping forward. “Because anger is a sin, isn’t it Subjugate-52?”
“Yes.” He bowed his head and marked the sign of the cross upon himself.
“Brentt,” Ford said, yanking the Raider’s door open, “Let’s go.”
Salvi watched Ford get in, then turned back to Subjugate-52, Fen, and Serene-41 who had joined them, standing there silently watching her.
“Keep praying, Subjugate-52,” she said, opening her door. “May the Lord grant you calm and peace.”
As she got into the Raider and
