Fractured Innocence (#2 IFICS) by Julia Crane Page B

wanted her to do—sweep for listening devices. It was one of the many protocols they had set in place on the rare occasions they left the compound. She was a virtual bug detector and would be able to detect any unauthorized radio frequencies as low as 15 kilohertz.  Transmitters could use AC power lines or even telephone lines to carry signals. Technology was quite incredible, she had to admit. Thankfully, because of her, IFICS was head and shoulders above the rest, even in the clandestine world. Where others had to use special devices, Kaitlyn’s sensors were all programmed inside of her. 
    Quickly, they went through each of the rooms. As she suspected, the place was clean. 
    “Is this your place?” Kaitlyn asked. There was nothing that gave away the fact that Harrington had ever lived there before, but he seemed at ease as they moved through the rooms. A calmness came over him and he appeared nostalgic in certain areas of the old house. She noticed the way he ran his hand over the woodwork. More than once, she caught a strange look of longing in his eye. 
    “Very astute of you. I used to come here as a boy. I’ve added a few additions to make it more user-friendly. Outside you’ll find a gymnasium with everything you will need for training. There is also a shooting range indoors and out.”
    “Sounds promising,” Kaitlyn replied. 
    “Hopefully, it meets with your approval.” 
    She wasn’t sure why it had to meet with her approval. “We shouldn’t be here very long, should we?” 
    Harrington didn’t say anything. Kaitlyn mulled over his silence. She was eager to get the mission off the ground. She didn’t like even a hint of delay. However, Erik had told her time and time again that patience was the biggest asset of an operator. 
    “After you,” Harrington said, nodding his head towards the staircase. 
    Kaitlyn descended the steps, taking in the scene below. The older guard was busy making a fire, while Ace and Erik walked towards the back of the house, talking in hushed voices. Kaitlyn could listen in if she wanted to, but after Dr. Chambers’ reminder of invading privacy, she decided against it, even though she was more than a little curious. 
    The room soon filled with the scent of burning wood and the sounds of crackling flames. The familiar smell tugged at a lost memory. Once in a while she got quick flashes, but this one seemed just out of her reach. Even though Lucas had returned her memories, she could not always access them. Lucas told her it was the same for most humans. Life continued, but the past was often forgotten. For some reason the idea of lost memories saddened her. 
    At least now, she would no longer have to worry about that. For any memories made since her transformation, she had total recall, much like rewinding a movie and hitting play. Sometimes when she was alone, she replayed special moments she’d shared with Lucas. 
    “All right. Well let’s get settled in and then meet back here in an hour. Kaitlyn and Lucas, your room is at the end of the hallway on the right. Erik’s is across the hall from you two. Adams, you’re upstairs with me,” Harrington said.
    Adams grumbled about making an old man climb another flight of stairs. The older guard stood up and wiped the knees of his pants before grabbing Adams’ bags and carrying them up the stairs. 
    When he came back down there was a hint of a smile on his otherwise stoic face. “Glorified valet.” 
    Lucas laughed, and Kaitlyn studied the man. He caught her watching him, and he simply smiled.
    “I’m Nick by the way.” 
    Kaitlyn hesitated before saying, “Okay.” 
    Lucas gave her a look before he took a step forward. “Lucas, and this is my girlfriend, Kaitlyn. We appreciate your services.” 
    Kaitlyn forced a smile. She really thought the informal pleasantries were unnecessary, but she could tell by the look Lucas gave her that she was not integrating properly. She tried to think of something trivial