Soul Experiment (In Editing/On Hold)

Chapter IV

“Morons!” A man was shouting, supporting himself up against the wall. His hand was still aching and bloody as he looked at his fellow scientists.

 “We’ve contained her Andy,” a woman snapped in irritation while attempting to fix her messy bun.

 The man, Andy, just scowled at her as he surveyed the damage done to their lab. Tables were overturned and papers scatted the floor, though he was satisfied that they had at least contained the girl.

 Never had he seen such power from a spirit, such an energy wave. It was tempting; if he could capture that power he could become one of the most powerful men ever known. The power was so tempting, it was like the sweetest cherry from the batch, the most succulent piece of food you've ever tasted. It's all he'd ever wanted, it's all he could ever ask for.

 These thoughts continued to swirl in his head when Rick walked back in looking around in amazement.

 “What the hell happened?” He finally voiced as Andy scowled again.

 “Start cleaning this up!” He barked, angrily grabbing a towel from the floor and urgently wrapping his hand. It stung but he didn't show it. Weakness was not something he'd tolerate, from anyone else or himself. That's what made his lab run so smoothly, the order and power he owned. 

 Rick grudgingly obeyed as the scientists continued their frantic scribbling and half of them rushed to the containment chamber.

 “I don’t see why you can’t do it.” Rick muttered, though he did it quietly enough so Andy and the others couldn’t hear, knowing he would be punished for it.

 The scientists weren’t kind. Not to say they were mean if that makes sense, but they wanted to feel higher so they treated people like Rick harshly.

 Rick began to pick up all the loose papers as sighs of fascination were coming from the other room. Curiosity was getting the better of him and he slowly put down the papers, creeping silently to the entrance of the other room.

~

Jace instantly turned around as Brendon backed away.

 “What did you just say?” He questioned, not sure if he had heard him right. Any hope of seeing Tessa again made him feel better. It made the weight almost lift from his shoulders. Almost. He had to confirm it or he'd always have the burden, like a thunderhead hanging over him.

 “Look,” was all Brendon was capable of saying, pointing a shaking finger at the branch as his voice nearly cracked.

 From where Jace was it was difficult to see, he could only make out a branch with something floating next to it. His mind was screaming at him, willing him to take the steps to his friend on the other side of the river.

 Don’t let it be her, he was praying. Don’t let her be dead. Please, I’m begging you, please don’t let it happen.

 He was chanting over and over in him mind as he finally reached the other side and moved closer to the branch.

 Oh God… that was definitely a body, a dead body just floating there in the water. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, his last prayer before he looked and confirmed any identity.

 Jace ventured closer as Brendon was now on all fours, trying to hold down his lunch. “No…” Jace whispered, as he recognized the face. “Please no!”

 It was her. She was completely soaked with water, but her hair fanned out around her, making her almost look like a sleeping beauty. The cause of death was obvious, the bullet hole in her forehead a couple inches above the spot between her brows.