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She could do that.
But in order to have it work on whatever random person it was given to, she’d almost have to crack therealuniversal subjectification compound.
It was a risky move. Once she did this, she would make herself expendable. If Joaquin found out her compound was only temporary and had her killed, it wouldn’t be difficult for another scientist to put the last pieces of the puzzle together.
It was worth the risk.
All the research files were on the computer. Every test his scientists had completed and the results. She skimmed through them, letting her brain process the info without taking time to read in depth.
They were clever. Not completely on the right track, but there were some interesting test results there.
The current formulas they had created worked almost like a key. You programmed it with the genetic information of the victim, so when it was introduced, it would bind to their DNA and hijack it.
The basic formula for subjectification could work on anyone—it was, in essence, fitting the key in the hole. But it didn’t stick to the victim unless the key couldturn—that only currently worked on DNA with specific markers. Turning the key was where Joaquin’s scientists had failed.
She would make a formula that would give the impression that the key was in the hole and had turned—but the victim could metabolize the compound and would naturally come out from under its effects after an hour or two.
Jenna was careful to keep her face and body neutral as she sorted through the data in front of her. It was more important than ever that she not give Joaquin any ideas about her plan.
She blew out a breath to help ease her nerves. It was a risk, and a huge one. Even with twelve hours, it would be close.
She also needed to make Joaquin more comfortable. She didn’t know how much he’d been observing his own scientists and how much he knew about the process itself. She couldn’t take a chance he might recognize the changes and substitutions she was making.
She looked up and met his eyes. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
She heard Mark struggle against his gag but ignored him. He had to think she was willing to do this too. At least for now.
Joaquin tilted his head to the side as he studied her. “You mean it.”
She nodded. “Yes. But not if you’re going to hurt Mark every fifteen minutes. I can’t work that way. If you want me to hit that deadline, I’m going to need every second. So, change your methods.”
Joaquin watched her carefully, studying her like an eagle might look down at a field mouse. “Fine. But if you don’t hit the deadline and provide a viable formula for me, he will suffer in ways you can’t imagine before he dies.”
Jenna had to force herself not to blanch. If she didn’t pull this off, Mark would be the one who would ultimately pay for it. “I’ll get it done, and you’ll have a working compound.”
“Clock is ticking.”
“I need food. And coffee,” she added quickly because she really was going to need that. “Clearly, neither Mark nor I have eaten in over a day, and I won’t be able to do twelve hours of work without it.”
Joaquin looked like he was going to refuse.
She rolled her eyes. “What could I possibly do to screw you over with food and coffee? It’s not like I have someone on the outside to put a file in a cake.”
That made him smile. “I’ll give you one thing, Jenna,” he said. “You’re a more entertaining prisoner than I imagined. Be careful, or I’ll be tempted to keep you around.”
All she did was stare at him until he smiled again. “Fine. You’ll have your food and your coffee. I’m sealing you in here, and I’ll be back. Keep in mind there are cameras with audio covering every inch of the lab. You’re being monitored.”
He sauntered out of the hermetic doors, and they sealed with a final-sounding click. Her shoulders dropped, and she leaned on the table for a second.
Mark grunted, and she walked over and pulled the gag out of his mouth.
“Don’t do this.”
“Stop, Mark.” She shook her head, not looking at him. There was no way to tell him the plan without risking it, so she had to keep it away from everyone. Even him. “I’m going to do this, and you’re going to be fine.”
“Jenna. Please. My life is not worth it. No one life is worth what you’ll be giving Joaquin the capacity to do.”
She refused to look in his direction, because one look in those green eyes and the carefully constructed facade she was keeping up would break.
