Toys

Chapter 116

When I finally stopped the terrifying machine-after only forty-five seconds-the onlookers were so quiet, it was as if no one were in the operating theater. And yet billions were watching, in every country, on every continent.

Hughes Jacklin’s face was still fixed in a stare, but now his eyes were glassy and he seemed to be looking at something that only he could see.

Then he recovered slightly, like he was waking up from a light sleep. His gaze focused on Lucy, and some kind of recognition finally dawned on him.

“Good morning, ma’am,” he said with almost excessive politeness. “May I assist you in any way? Anything at all?”

Lucy answered, “Tell me your name and your job description.”

Hughes Jacklin started to speak, but suddenly his forehead wrinkled with confusion and alarm.

“I–I’m sorry, ma’am. I don’t-I’m not really sure.” Then he looked in dismay at the shackles on his ankles and wrists. “Have I done something wrong?” he asked, as a child might.

“Let’s just say that you have a debt to pay to society. And you’ll have the rest of your life… to serve.”