Born of Deception by Teri Brown

here.
    The motorcar stops in front of a tall, nondescript brick building and I hand the driver some pound notes, hoping I’m not being taken advantage of. I can’t seem to figure out the money exchange to save my life and I’m going through much more money than I thought I would.
    I hesitate in front of the building. If I wanted to change my mind, now is the time. I look up, and for a moment I think I see a pale face staring down at me but then it disappears. I shiver. I take a deep breath, firm my chin, and march to the front door. There’s no sign hanging out front to indicate if this is the right place or not, but the number matches, so this must be it. I’m just wondering whether I should knock or go on in when the door is flung open.
    A young woman about my age stands in the doorway and I stare as if mesmerized. I’ve worked in theaters all my life, so beautiful women are nothing new to me, but I’ve never seen anyone as arresting as the girl before me. Her hair is caught back with a silver ribbon and hangs in glossy black ringlets down her back. For the first time I regret my own bobbed locks. Her skin glows like a pink rose dusted with cinnamon and the fringe of her lashes cast shadows on her cheekbones. But it’s her eyes that grab my attention and hold it: They’re large and so dark you can barely tell the pupil from the iris.
    “You must be Anna! Come in. The powers that be are expecting you.”
    I hesitate in the doorway and lift my lips in a tentative smile. The girl’s own smile is friendly and open.
    She stands aside to let me in and I find myself in a formally appointed reception room with a matched set of overstuffed red chairs and several large potted palms. A small French desk sits next to a door ornately carved with symbols. “My name is Calypso Ruiz. Mr. Gamel and the others are occupied, but I can take you upstairs.”
    I shift uncomfortably. “Oh. Perhaps now isn’t a good time? I can come back later, if that would be better.”
    She shakes her head, causing her curls to riot. “Don’t be silly. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you! Would you like the grand tour?”
    She gives me an enchanting smile and I shake off my jitters. My bad experiences in New York left me jumpy and suspicious.
    Actually, that’s not true. My whole life has left me jumpy and suspicious.
    Returning the smile, I nod.
    She waves her arm at the door. “After you.”
    I walk ahead and my eyes widen. The wood on the door is dark, probably mahogany, and covered with exquisitely detailed carvings. They almost look like cryptograms interlaced with grape vines and ivy. “This is beautiful. Do you know what the symbols mean?”
    She shrugs. “Not sure. I know it’s old. Maybe Gamel would know. He knows everything.”
    She gives me a wink and I grin, liking her more and more.
    “Actually, Mr. Price would be the one to ask. He had the door installed.”
    “I haven’t met Mr. Price yet.”
    Calypso makes a face. “You will. He’s one of the researchers and he’s said to be brilliant, though he’s a bit terrifying if you ask me.”
    I want to ask her why he’s scary, but can feel her impatience, so I turn the knob and walk through. She follows me and I’m surprised when she leaves the inner door open. Surely they wouldn’t want just anyone off the street to come in, would they?
    I shut it myself and then follow her down a long hall. She’s wearing a plain cotton blouse and a red-and-yellow flowered skirt that swirls around her calves as she walks. She chatters away in a musical accent I can’t place. It’s definitely not English, nor is it European like Cole’s. It’s more exotic and makes me think of tropical breezes and white sandy beaches.
    “The Society has been in this building for about a year. This floor is mainly offices, where the scientists compile their data and Sensitives are vetted. Some of the experiments are down here, too.” She turns to me, a frown marring her lovely features. “Have