Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins Page B

Companies don’t make calls like that unless they’re in major hot water. I thought you’d gotten into some whistle-blowing situation. And basically, you have. But I’m here to help you now. I’ll find the right investigative reporter—”
    â€œBut you can’t. Don’t you see how Cognoscenti would roll over me? They’re too big, and I’m nobody. I don’t want my face splashed all over the media as some half insane woman who’s mad that she got a ‘placebo.’”
    â€œLisa.” Mom leaned closer. “Listen to me. I don’t ever want to hear you say again that you’re a nobody. You’re not a nobody. You can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
    My mouth fell open. What had happened to my critical mother? The one who’d always been so disappointed in me?
    â€œThink of all the stories around the world of one person bringing down a company,” she said. “Or changing a law. Making some kind of difference. Or a small group bringing down a corrupt government. It starts with a single man or woman who’s got guts, and moves out from there. You’re telling me you’ve now got emotional strength you didn’t have a week ago. Do you really believe that?”
    â€œI—yes.”
    â€œAnd didn’t you go through all the trouble of a brain implant in order to change your life? So you could forge ahead with whatever you need to do? Which in this case means stopping a company before it hurts other people.”
    I managed a tiny nod.
    â€œThen why aren’t you willing to do that?”
    Because I was petrified. Because I didn’t know what was happening to me.
    My mother pressed harder against my knee. “Lisa. You have a choice here. For once in your life, fight.”
    Sherry stiffened. “She has fought. She’s dealt with more than you—”
    â€œI didn’t mean that.” Mom glared at Sherry, spots of color forming on her cheeks. “I know she’s dealt with a lot. And she did show courage by getting the implant in the first place. But now it’s time to use it.”
    I felt suddenly light-headed. Where had my energy gone? Up to the ceiling maybe. Spread out on the floor. My vision started to blur.
    â€œLisa.” Mom grabbed my chin. “Do you want to keep being a victim?”
    My bleary eyes fought to focus. “No.”
    â€œThen don’t be.” Mom stuck her face inches from mine. I could smell her powder. “The Empowerment Chip has worked, but it’s got a major flaw. Cognoscenti has lied to you and threatened you. Clearly they’ve got something to hide. And you may be the only one outside the company who knows it.”
    The world dulled. “I need to go to bed.”
    â€œFine. I’ll carry you there myself. Just tell me you’re going to fight this thing. I’ll be right by your side.”
    Oh wonderful.
    â€œTell me, Lisa.”
    â€œUh-huh.” My words almost slurred. “Okay.”
    My mother shot me a keen look, then let go of my chin. She stood. “Come on.” Her voice gentled. “I’ll take you to bed.”
    I turned toward Sherry. “You—”
    â€œShe can let herself out.” Mom held out her hand to me.
    I winced at her curt dismissal of my best friend. Sherry’s mouth was pinched. But I had no energy to deal with this tonight. “I’m sorry, Sherry. I’m so tired. Can we talk tomorrow?”
    â€œYeah. Sure.” She stood.
    As my mother helped me to my room, I heard the apartment’s front door open and close.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

Chapter 15

    I woke Tuesday morning refreshed from a night of deep sleep. I couldn’t even remember dreaming. And no new visions of a murdered woman had run through my head. No black suitcase.
    Except for the memory of my mother’s, rolling through my front door.
    I groaned. My first thought was to burrow my head beneath