Professor Reed watched the scene unfold on the monitor in his office, mistaking the girl’s blooming friendship for evidence that Layla was successfully manipulating Caledonia.
“Excellent,” he said, drumming his fingertips together. “This is coming along beautifully.”
Max entered the office, taking a seat and reaching into his breast pocket. “She seems a little better, but it might be a trick.”
“Let’s see what Layla reports back,” Reed mused. “In the meantime, go ahead and prepare Layla’s room. I think she’ll be a good influence on Caledonia.”
Max pulled a cigarette out and lit it, ignoring the professor’s irritated glance. “I still don’t get why you had to have her here. You’ll never be able to put her to work.”
The professor smiled condescendingly. “I don’t expect you to understand the intricacies of the scientific method.” He reached into his desk drawer for an ashtray, sliding it across the table with tight lips. “I do expect you to earn your lavish salary and procure me some female subjects right away.”
Max blew smoke across the desk. “I got a line on some girls coming in from Cambodia. No papers. I’m going to need access to the accounts–these guys want cash on delivery and no foolin’ around. I need to be ready at a moment’s notice.”
Professor Reed nodded, “All right. I want to get started immediately. Offer double their asking price.”
“Sure,” he replied, getting up to leave. “I assume the usual bonus will apply?”
“After delivery,” Reed replied, waving the last wisps of smoke away with annoyance.
Max left the office, thinking how much easier life would be without having to deal with the crazy old nut-job. He could put Layla’s freaky abilities to much better use, he thought, and plenty of other people would pay good money for the smuggled girls. He cracked his knuckles and exhaled loudly.
He reached down to rub his sore shin with his sore hand, and felt a surge of irritation. All he needed was more money, and all he was getting was more trouble. That little bitch with her wide spooky eyes was the final straw.