Chapter Two
Two years later.
"We have the Defense Department."
"That's wonderful news," Sylvia said with relief, placing a hand over her heart.
Dr. Merrick nodded and glanced to his right and left. Two of Merrick Biotech's new bodyguards stood at a discreet distance from the pair seated in the Neiman Marcus Rotunda restaurant. Before the lunch he had assured her that they were mostly there to prevent hippies, PETA members, and PAC (People Against Cloning) members from harassing them.
"Well, since we have them," she continued quickly, "That means I'll be able to get that additional governmental grant for the"—
"The leukemia research," Dr. Merrick finished for her, "Fantastic."
Sylvia nodded and fiddled with the napkin in her lap, not wanting to meet his eyes. Recently he had disclosed to her that he had once had a younger sister. She died of leukemia when she was 10 and he was 15. It made him seem more human in her eyes, to know that he was quietly devoted to the monstrosity that had taken a member of his family away. The fact that he cared made him seem less like a robot and more like a living, breathing being.
"I never got a chance to properly thank you for designing the logo, by the way."
Sylvia felt a blush spread across her face and he smiled slightly in amusement.
"It was nothing, Dr. Merrick. Just something I drew, that's all."
The curved, stylized "M" had come to Sylvia on a whim, and at first she was embarrassed to show anyone. Now it was emblazoned on everything from computer systems to their ballpoint pens.
"That's what I've always enjoyed about you, Sylvia—you're very modest."
Goosebumps spread across her skin when he said her name, her first name, and not the "Dr. Watson" or "Watson" that he used around the office. Sylvia found herself enjoying his smooth British voice saying her name so she quickly glanced behind him, out the window overlooking the street—and gasped.
"J-John," she stammered, "The paparazzi…they're coming this way."
"You two," Dr. Merrick snapped, motioning at the bodyguards, "Handle this."
Sylvia stared out of the window, mesmerized by the sight of black-clad men and women swarming like ants across the street as they prepared cameras and microphones, frantically rushing to the doors of the Rotunda.
"Sylvia," Dr. Merrick barked, grabbing her hand and literally yanking the young scientist out of her chair.
Their bodyguards had already rushed to the main entrance as the press tried to push their way into the restaurant. Dr. Merrick laced his fingers through hers and they walked at a brisk clip to the side entrance.
"We're going to have to run to the limousine," he said, his glasses darkening the instant the sun hit them, "Are you ready?"
Sylvia fumbled with her own pair of Versace sunglasses and put them on just in time for Dr. Merrick to open the large glass doors. Chaos reigned on the concrete stairs. Scores of paparazzi were pressing there way up them and their jumbled yells cut through Sylvia's veins. The British doctor paused and wrapped his arm around her waist, shielding Sylvia from the bodies crowding around them.
"Dr. Merrick! Over here!"
"What do you think about PETA's accusations?"
"Hey gorgeous, give us a smile! Dr. Merrick! Who's your girlfriend?"
"What's your net worth? Are you going to declare soon?"
To Dr. Merrick's credit he didn't say anything. He just pushed through the crowd, using himself as a buffer as Sylvia clung to his side and tried to avoid looking into the flashing cameras. Even if she had wanted to respond to the screaming photographers, she wouldn't have been able to hear herself talk. The Biotech bodyguards moved quickly toward the crowd and soon the paparazzi parted in a wave, giving them both a clear shot to the limo. The driver rapidly opened the door for them and Dr. Merrick held Sylvia's hand until she had slid into the black interior. She moved to the opposite side to give him room to slide in, but he didn't.
"J—Dr. Merrick!"
Slam.
He closed the door and swiftly turned to face the media. Sylvia fumbled with the door for a moment before she stared at him and realized that he had locked her in with the keychain he was holding behind his back. Dr. Merrick was saying something to the press, who seemed to have gotten magically calmer, but she couldn't figure out what it was, even by pressing her ear against the glass. As soon as he turned around they started yelling again, the noise buffered until he opened the door and a wall of sound slapped her in the face.
"Damage control," Dr. Merrick sighed as he sat down and adjusted his tie.
"Oh."
They limo pulled out into traffic and they soon left the paparazzi in the dust. Sylvia didn't know what to say so she took a deep breath to calm herself down. She folded her hands together to keep them from shaking. His hand on her shoulder made her look up.
"Are you aright?"
"I'm fine, Dr. Merrick," she responded quietly, looking into his intelligent blue eyes.
"Good."
She faced forward. There was nothing more to be said, so they lapsed into a comfortable silence for the rest of the way back.