Chapter 17 - The Last LieMara finally confessed.
She had been part of Helix.
Not as a prisoner.
As a scientist.
She had helped develop the memory transfer technology.
Then she fell in love with Evan.
When she became pregnant, she tried to leave.
Helix wouldn't allow it.
“So I stole the ball,” she said.
Evan stared.
“You knew what was inside.”
“Yes.”
“You knew my father was alive.”
“Yes.”
“You knew about Subject Zero.”
“Yes.”
“And you never told me.”
“I was afraid.”
“Of them?”
“Of you remembering.”
Evan's voice broke.
“You let me spend twenty years believing I was abandoned.”
“I thought if you remembered, they would find you.”
“You lied.”
“Yes.”
“And Lucas?”
“I never wanted him involved.”
“Then why give him the ball?”
Mara looked at him.
“Because I knew the day would come when I couldn't protect him anymore.”
Lucas stepped closer.
“Mom.”
She turned.
“I’m sorry.”
The building shook.
Voss looked at the monitors.
“They've breached the facility.”
Richard stepped into the doorway.
He was wounded.
Blood covered his shirt.
“Not them.”
Everyone stared.
Richard raised his hands.
“Your grandmother is coming.”
Mara whispered:
“How did she find us?”
Richard smiled.
“She never lost you.”
A loudspeaker came alive.
The older woman's voice filled the room.
“Mara.”
Mara closed her eyes.
“You always were difficult.”
Evan stepped forward.
“Come get me.”
The voice laughed.
“No.”
“I'll trade myself for Lucas.”
“No.”
“What do you want?”
“I want my son.”
Evan froze.
Richard stared.
Voss whispered:
“Your son?”
The voice answered:
“Evan is not my only child.”
A door opened.
A man walked in.
Same face as Evan.
But younger.
No scars.
No fear.
He looked at Lucas.
Then at Evan.
And smiled.
“My name is Daniel.”
Evan's face went white.
“What?”
The stranger continued.
“I am your brother.”
Mara collapsed into a chair.
“No.”
Daniel looked at her.
“You thought I was dead.”
“You were.”
“No.”
He smiled.
“You buried the wrong child.”
Evan stared.
“You're lying.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Ask Mom.”
Mara couldn't answer.
Lucas stepped toward Daniel.
“Are you dangerous?”
Daniel smiled.
“Yes.”
Then he raised a weapon.
May you like
“Very.”
He fired.
