Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

“Ms. Fiona, you really are something else." One of the women grinned at Fiona, her eyes practically sparkling with flattery. “Honestly, we all know why you and Mr. Woods are here. If you two want to check out our research base in Country M, well, I can probably make that happen."

Jackson and Fiona paused for a split second but quickly returned to their dinner, acting as if nothing unusual had been said. Fiona didn't respond-she just looked at the woman across from her with a calm, unreadable expression.

The woman, thinking she hadn't been clear enough, pressed on. Surely Fiona couldn't be so cold if she'd understood.

"Ms. Fiona, let's cut the nonsense. It's not just you who hate the chip-implanted people—we can't stand them either. If they mess up, even a little, not only are they destroyed, but regular folks like us could be shot on the spot. It's like we're all living on the edge of extinction."

A decent excuse to switch sides, but Fiona wasn't buying it.

She was smart enough not to take the bait. Whether this woman was telling the truth or not, Fiona had learned not to trust anyone easily—especially after being blocked so many times back in the States.

Still, she needed this woman's help to get inside the Country M research base.

to see it for yourself?" the woman

minutes later, Jackson and Fiona finished eating. Jackson set

interesting. I'll take you up on it. Your motives

to the woman. "If you're done eating, you should go. We'll meet here tomorrow at

was always safer

are more people around during the day, which makes it trickier

look. They saw no reason to refuse, so everyone stood

out, Fiona and Jackson shared a brief, knowing glance, then followed their guides. When they reached the research base, the woman led them in without hesitation. Fiona found it odd-how could she just waltz

and Jackson noticed the place was

they didn't panic-they

Fiona brushed her hand against the leaving a tiny interference

instantly, static flickered across the monitors, and some of the equipment sputtered