Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235

With the Doberman’s guidance, I made my way to Zachie’s room.” The dog proved invaluable, subtly nudging my leg whenever we approached obstacles, helping me adjust my path. I had Zach perform simple tricks to entertain Zachie, finding unexpected peace in the quiet companionship of the two animals.

Late afternoon sunlight warmed my skin through the windows when I heard the front door open. The footsteps that followed were hurried–not the usual measured stride I associated with this person, but quick and urgent even against the plush carpeting. Still, I recognized them immediately.

“Ethan?” I called out.

The footsteps slowed, then approached. I felt him crouch before me, his breathing controlled but quick. “How did you know it was me?” he asked softly, his voice tight with concern.

“Where are the materials?” I asked instead of answering.

Another set of footsteps approached–Connor’s–and I heard him set down a bag beside me.

“God, I hope this works,” Connor said anxiously. “I can’t imagine what would happen if my idol lost her eyesight permanently. A top–tier hacker going blind is like a soldier losing his gun or a chef losing his pots–it’s career- ending.”

I reached for the bag, carefully opening it and inhaling deeply. The distinctive scents of the compounds confirmed they were exactly what I needed–Walter Morrison had come through.

“Is anything missing?” Ethan asked, his voice closer now.

My lips curved into a slight smile. “We’ll need to test the formula’s effectiveness on a human subject.”

“I’ll do it,” Ethan volunteered immediately.

Connor gasped. “Wait, what? Human testing?”

I turned toward Connor’s voice. “We need someone to verify these drugs work correctly. You seem like the perfect

volunteer.”

“Me?” His voice jumped an octave. “I don’t–I mean, I’ve never–what exactly will it do?”

“Don’t worry,” I said reassuringly. “It probably won’t kill you. Probably.”

I could practically hear Connor’s face draining of color as his breathing quickened with panic. Ethan remained silent -he’d caught on to my game.

The moment was interrupted by the front door opening again. Lawrence’s confident footsteps clicked against the marble entryway.

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Chapter 235

“I see your friends have arrived,” Lawrence observed as he entered the room.

A tense silence followed–the weighted quiet of two men sizing each other up–before I heard them exchange

handshakes.

“Lawrence Linden.”

“Ethan Haxton.”

Lawrence approached, and I sensed him reaching toward my lap–where the cat had apparently returned without my noticing.

I handed the cat back to Lawrence. “No boundaries,” I remarked dryly.

I could hear the amusement in Lawrence’s voice as he took the cat. “Have the materials arrived? How long until we see those eyes working again? I’m quite looking forward to it.”

“The poison isn’t difficult to neutralize,” I answered. “But it will take time.”

“Not difficult?” Connor’s voice brightened with hope. “You know how to fix it? Wait–what happened to the human experiment you mentioned?”

I smiled in his direction. “You all sounded so stressed after your journey. Just a little joke to help you relax.”

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