Replica

By Kelly Hashway

Emily Saunders knows what career she’ll have, who she’ll marry, and even how many children she’ll have. She’s known this since she was born. All thanks to the scientists who created the community of Theoria and decided planning out the future and eliminating chance by using people’s blood is the best way to live.

Everyone is happy. Except Emily. But since her dad is one of the founding scientists, leaving Theoria is impossible. Worse, Emily starts getting visions of the future—a future that doesn’t fit what the scientists have planned. She has to hide her gift or she could be killed by the very people who are claiming to know the way to a peaceful existence. And when a stranger comes into the community and has the same gift, it threatens to expose them both.

But the biggest secret is the one Theoria’s founders are keeping. Their experiment is so much greater than they’re letting on, and it could mean the end for Emily and everyone she cares about.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Hashway
• Release date: Apr 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370118724

Kelly Hashway

Kelly Hashway fully admits to being one of the most accident-prone people on the planet, but luckily she gets to write about female sleuths who are much more coordinated than she is. Maybe it was growing up watching Murder, She Wrote that instilled a love of mystery, but she spends her days writing cozy mysteries. Kelly’s also a sucker for first love, which is why she writes romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she’s not writing, Kelly works as an editor and also as Mom, which she believes is a job title that deserves to be capitalized.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Watching my dad stick a needle into a newborn baby never gets any easier, but it’s his job, and the rest of us are expected to silently observe as he and the other scientists of Theoria determine this child’s future. They only need a single drop of blood for their machine, which they’ve named Oculus because it sees what we can’t, but they take a full vial—for what I’m not sure. The baby’s cry pierces the air, making me cringe. I avert my eyes, and they find one of the Scientia Vincere Tenebras signs hung all over this place. Science defeats darkness, that’s our motto. Well, it’s the scientists’ motto anyway. Gabe squeezes my elbow and gives me a reassuring smile. He’s always there for me, but then again he has to be since he’s my match.

Abigail Tennison, Dad says as he drips the baby’s blood into the vial attached to the machine he wheeled out here on a cart. While he presses a few buttons on the control panel, another scientist, Emmitt Van Buren, etches Abigail’s name into the stone wall that surrounds our community. Her name will be up there on display like the rest of ours, for all to see.

No one speaks while we wait for the machine to spit out little Abby’s future. Who will she marry? What will she grow up to be? We’ll all know in a matter of seconds. Being Dad’s daughter, I have a front row seat to the ceremony, and I see the white screen flash with Abby’s future.

Dad smiles and turns to the crowd. His eyes fall on Abigail, who is back in the arms of her mother. Abigail Tennison, future doctor and wife to Jared Simmons; mother of three. Dad smiles like he couldn’t be more proud—of Abigail’s future or of the fact that he helped create this machine and our community.

If you ask me, he’s playing God. His eyes meet mine, and I do my best to force a smile. I’m supposed to be the supportive daughter, a model citizen. If anyone knew what I really thought of this community and our planned futures, Dad would probably lose his position and my whole family would be exiled. Sent back to live like the rest of the world. I wouldn’t mind, but I couldn’t do that to Mom and Dad. They’re happy, like everyone else here. Or as happy as any of us can be without free will. I wouldn’t mind following our society’s rules so much if it weren’t for one thing. We don’t really get to experience love.

Love is only for the people on the outside of these walls. Sure we can love our families, but true love—that feeling that makes your head spin and your gut feel like it’s turning flips—that doesn’t exist anymore, not since the scientists decided to meddle in everything and create this perfect society. I only know what love is from reading books Mom smuggled from her former life, the one she lived before she volunteered to be part of this experiment. I can’t help thinking Mom got her heart broken one too many times and decided a scientific match based on compatibility was the way to go. So at twenty-three, she signed herself up to have her blood tested and be paired with her perfect match. Nothing against my dad—he’s a great guy and all—but he’s one of the scientists who founded this place.

Mom’s lived here ever since and followed every rule. And while I’ve been here for seventeen years, I can’t say I’m one to play by the rules. I break them—often. I’m just smart about it and make sure I can’t get caught.

Dad and the rest of the scientists pack up the machine, along with the vile containing the rest of the blood Dad took from Abigail, and walk back inside the lab. Just like that, the ceremony is over. Most of the crowd hangs around to congratulate Abby’s mother on the future chosen for her baby. I lose Gabe somewhere in the mass of people and walk over to my place on the wall.

Emily Saunders, future educator and wife to Gabe Wilson; mother of two.

I bend down and pick up a rock by my foot, squeezing it in my hand until a sharp edge pierces my skin. Opening my palm, I see a small trickle of red. Something about my blood angers me, and I launch the rock at my name on the wall.

"Ouch. I think you hit my name that time. Gabe bumps his shoulder into mine and smiles. Dreading the day you have to say ‘I do’ to me already?"

I don’t take my eyes off the wall. It’s like a train wreck I can’t look away from. All our names and futures are chiseled into it for everyone to see, reminding us that our decisions aren’t our own. I remember reading that even the gods couldn’t mess with free will. I guess our government is above the gods, because they’ve sure taken every ounce of free will away from us.

You know it has nothing to do with you, I reassure him. I love Gabe. Just not that way. He’s one of my best friends, practically my brother.

You’ve got to admit it could be a lot worse. At least we like each other, right?

You’re the best, Gabe. You know that. It’s just…

He turns me by my shoulders and looks into my eyes. Be honest. I’m too damn good-looking, aren’t I? He shakes his head. It’s a curse.

I can’t stop my lips from breaking into a smile, which is exactly what he was hoping for.

There’s my girl. He lets go of my shoulders. Seriously though, what’s wrong?

We have this conversation about once a week. He knows what’s wrong. I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be an experiment. It’s not natural. I’m too free-spirited to be part of this system. Do we really have to go through all this again? I’m tired just thinking about it. I’m not sure I could stomach talking about it, too.

Okay, then let’s do something totally irrational. He smiles and wags his eyebrows, but I don’t get too excited because to Gabe, walking on the wrong side of the street is totally irrational.

What do you have in mind?

He steps forward and places his palm against the wall. What do you say we etch a fake name into this wall?

What? Why? There are enough futures mapped out here. Why would we add another? I scan the list that covers this side of the wall. Names, occupations—all scientifically calculated.

Gabe lets his hand fall and turns back to me. Because it’s not real. We’d be making it up.

We’d be in control. I can’t deny I like the sound of that. But it’s risky. If anyone caught us, we’d be brought before the officials and punished for everyone to see. That’s how they keep us all in order. Everything is public knowledge. At least our business anyway. I’m convinced there’s plenty the government isn’t telling us. What if someone sees us? I look around at the crowd, which is already dispersing. Life as usual.

You act like they’re holding us prisoner or something, Em.

Aren’t they? I cock my head at him. Surely I can’t be the only one to think this way. Gabe and I grew up together. If I’m having these thoughts, he must be too, so why won’t he admit it?

"No. We could leave if we wanted to, but why would we want to? I’ve heard what it’s like out there."

I sigh and glance at the sand beneath my feet. We don’t have grass or paved streets, like I’ve heard exist outside of this place. Everything is a fine layer of sand that clings to your clothes and gets up your nose. "No. You’ve heard what they’ve told you."

He shrugs. Same difference.

Is it?

He blows out a big puff of air that ruffles my hair. You want to do this or not?

I know he’s only doing this for me. Because I’m feeling rebellious for the millionth time. Because he’s the best friend I could ever ask for—other than Mikayla—and he wants to see me smile. If I wasn’t being forced to marry Gabe one day, I might actually develop feelings for him. He’s more than attractive with his dirty-blond hair, which always sticks up in the back no matter what he does, and his hazel eyes that radiate warmth. Yeah, I could actually feel something for Gabe, if the government of Theoria didn’t tell me I have to be with him.

Earth to Emily. Gabe nudges my arm. Did you get lost in your thoughts about me again? I know I’m magnificent, but you’re going to have to learn to control yourself until we’re old enough to get married.

If only he knew I really was thinking about him. That’s another thing. They’re telling us who to marry, when to marry, when and how many kids to have… My voice trails off as Gabe lifts his hand to cup my face and leans in like he’s about to kiss me. What are you doing? I ask, my entire body rigid.

Shocking you out of your rant. He smiles and pulls away from me. Did it work?

My mind turns to mush. I don’t remember what I was saying. All I know is my cheek is tingling where Gabe’s hand was. Odd.

So what name should we add to the wall? I ask, turning away from him before he can try to read the awkward expression on my face. Although part of me wants him to read it and then explain it to me.

Let’s make it something funny, like… His eyes shoot up, like he’s searching for the answer in the clouds. Oh, I know. Ima Munkey.

I’m not sure whether to roll my eyes or slap my forehead. Really? This is your chance to be totally badass and etch an epic name into that wall for everyone to see, and all you can come up with is ‘I’m a monkey?’

Yeah, but it’s spelled like…

I cock my head and cross my arms.

Okay, it’s lame. I can do better. He squints, and after a minute or so, I’m afraid he’s going to burst a blood vessel.

Let’s just forget it.

No way. He shakes his head and then arches an eyebrow at me. All right Miss I’m-a-total-badass— His face lights up. Ooh, what about that one?

Not happening. I wave the suggestion away.

"Okay, you think of a name then. I bet you—"

Jake Masterson. The name rolls off my tongue before I’m even aware I’m speaking.

Um, okay. Gabe narrows his eyes at me. How did you come up with that so quickly?

I shake my head, as confused as he is. I didn’t. At least I don’t think I did. It sort of popped into my head. I didn’t even realize I was saying it out loud. One minute my mind was blank, and the next there was Jake’s name. I don’t even know anyone named Jake, so how had I come up with the name?

Gabe shrugs. Whatever. I guess a name that sounds legit is probably a better way to go. I bet it will drive those scientists insane trying to figure out who the new guy is. He laughs, but all I can picture is Dad working late, trying to figure out where this mysterious Jake guy came from and how his name got on the wall.

Let’s forget it. I might not agree with what Dad’s doing here, but I don’t want to be the reason he’s stressed at work either.

Oh…right. Gabe nods. Thanks to the system of making future mates practically grow up as brother and sister to ensure compatibility—something I think takes the science right out of this experiment—Gabe knows my home life as well as I do. Wouldn’t want to cause your dad any headaches.

We walk in silence to the stone fountain in the center of our community. It’s the farthest place from the wall, and thanks to the constant flow of water, the rest of this place gets drowned out. It’s where I come to think—or more like escape. I can pretend there’s nothing keeping me here, nothing locking us inside our compound. I can dream.

It’s too hard to talk to Gabe sometimes because he takes my disapproval of the scientists and the plan as disapproval of him. I get it. He’s my future husband and all, and despite his constant assertion that he’s the best choice for a companion in this community, he doesn’t always have the best self-esteem. And that’s mostly because of me. Because he was paired with the daughter of one of our most coveted scientists. His parents ream into him all the time about how he has to be the model member of our society. They think he’s marrying up, all because of what my dad does for a living. Poor Gabe.

Want to go see what Mikayla and Dominic are up to? Gabe asks after we’ve been sitting in silence on the edge of the fountain for more than forty minutes.

I don’t want to be around anyone right now, but I can tell Gabe will feel rejected if I say so. Sure. I force a smile and let him help me to my feet. He really is the perfect gentleman.

Dom said they were going to swim at the community building, Gabe says.

Sounds good. Swimming, I love. Something about being underwater is relaxing to me. Let’s stop by my house and get changed.

I don’t have a suit at your house. How about I run home and meet you at the pool? He motions with his thumb over his shoulder, already walking backward in the direction of his house.

Last one there buys ice cream afterward.

You’re on! he yells, turning and running off.

Thanks to Dad, my allowance is much bigger than Gabe’s, so I have no intention of beating him to the pool. I take my time, enjoying one of the rare moments I actually have to myself. Sometimes I can understand why people become recluses. There’s no one to judge me or my thoughts. This is peaceful, not the organization the scientists claim is peaceful.

I start toward my house on the west end. I live in one of the larger complexes—again thanks to Dad’s job. It’s all red brick and spreads out across the length of the wall on the west side. The individual homes are separated by a narrow alleyway that’s covered at the top, so it’s still one long running complex. I have a theory that none of the buildings are tall because the government doesn’t want us to see what’s on the other side of the wall. Like we’ll suddenly start lusting after freedom and what the other side has to offer. I’ve been doing that all my life. Mom said when I was a baby I tried to climb out of her arms and up the wall. Everyone played it off as me understanding how important the wall was to our community. Yeah, because a baby could understand that. I was most likely trying to get the hell out of this experimental cage.

I open the front door and walk inside. Immediately, the cold air hits my face. Our homes are like refrigerators. Everyone I know loves the air conditioning, but I prefer the outdoors. I don’t care how hot it is as long as there’s fresh air. I head straight through the living room past the kitchen and to my room. My bathing suit is where it always is—the bottom dresser drawer. Everything in order—another one of Theoria’s mottos. As I pull out the drawer, I get the crazy idea to dump the contents onto the floor just to see things messy and out of order for once. The thought brings a smile to my face, but I know I’ll end up cleaning it up so my parents don’t see it, so what’s the point?

I change and tie my hair back with an elastic band. Grabbing my towel and cover-up, I head out to the pool. The community building isn’t too far of a walk, but nothing around here really is. There are three thousand residents in Theoria. That’s it. The lucky few, they call us.

I tilt my head up toward the sun, letting the warmth wash over me and drown out the sight of the compound. I never told anyone, but when I swim, I like to pretend I’m in the ocean and I can swim to freedom. Gabe would only tell me I’d get eaten by sharks, and Mikayla would tell me how the salt water would make me look bloated. They’re perfectly happy here. Like everyone else. Everyone else but me.

Hey, what took you so long? Mikayla asks as I unlock the gate at the pool entrance.

Of course, she knew I’d show up. Life around here is routine. I shrug and look around for Gabe. How did I beat him here? Now he’s going to insist on paying for the ice cream. Maybe I can fake a stomachache or something.

Missing your better half already? Dom asks, resting his arms on the ledge of the pool and squinting up at me.

I thought he’d be here by now. I’ve learned it’s best to just pretend I’m on board with all this. I trust Mikayla, but Dom… Sometimes I’m not sure he’s really the best match for Mikayla. He’s twice her size, and he’s always manhandling her. Not that she complains. She believes in this system. Believes Dom is her ideal match.

I walk my towel over to a lounge chair, and Mikayla gets out of the water to follow me. You okay? You seem stressed. She says it like it couldn’t possibly be true.

I sit down and kick off my flip-flops. I’m fine, I say, forcing a smile.

Mikayla pulls up a chair and sits. Spill. I know that look. You’re dreaming again. She squeezes water from her curly auburn strands.

Why is it wrong to dream? The way I see it, dreams are all we have that are strictly our own. No one dictates my dreams to me. My dad says they’re onto some new breakthrough in the lab.

She cocks her head, not buying that scientific research is at the forefront of my mind. Still, she doesn’t push me, which is why I love her. What kind of breakthrough?

I’m not supposed to say. You know how secretive the scientists can be.

But you’re going to tell me anyway, like you always do. She scoots her chair closer to mine and leans in, resting her elbows on her knees. What cool new device are we getting now to make life more comfortable?

Making life more comfortable is another motto of the community. We’re supposed to have more advanced technology than the rest of the planet. Our cars—not that many people here have them since the community is small—all run on water, which according to the government is much better than the gas the rest of the world uses. It doesn’t make much difference to me since I don’t drive yet. Being that I’m Dad’s daughter, though, I will have the opportunity to learn. So will Gabe, by extension. Still, I can’t see how the government can claim we have superior technology when no one here has contact with the outside world to know for sure.

Em? Mikayla shakes her head. You in there?

Yeah, sorry. Um, we’re all getting these new devices that you wear on your wrist. They’ll act as our phones, tablets, you name it. And supposedly everything is holographic.

Sweet.

Yeah, except for the part where all our conversations will be public. The community doesn’t see much need for privacy.

Mikayla shrugs. Whatever.

Hey. Gabe runs over to us, panting.

As soon as I see the worried expression on his face, I jump to my feet. What’s wrong?

You didn’t hear? he asks.

Hear what? We’ve been here waiting for you. Was there an announcement? Usually the sirens sound to let us know to gather by the north side of the wall.

There’s a new guy. Gabe’s eyes are locked on mine, and somehow I know what he’s going to say next. His name is Jake Masterson.

Chapter 2

New people don’t show up in Theoria. At least not since the town was created. Now everyone is born into it. It’s the only way to get in. So who is Jake Masterson, and how did I know his name before he even came here?

Is he someone’s relative from the outside? Mikayla asks. One of the scientists’ nephews or something?

That would make sense. Yeah, that has to be it. What other explanation is there? Probably. I get up and dive into the pool, which is totally not allowed according to the No diving signs posted in every corner, but what are they really going to do? Tell my dad? I swim the length of the pool underwater, putting distance between the others and me. Gabe’s going to want to talk about this, and I don’t know what to say.

When I surface, the lifeguard is standing at the edge of the pool with a scowl on his face. Miss Saunders, you know the rules. I’m going to have to ask you to leave the pool area.

I shake my head, spraying water onto the guy’s leg. You’re banning me for diving into the pool? Can you say power trip?

I’d rather not have to call your father. I’m sure he’s very busy at work. He crosses his arms and puffs out his chest, no doubt trying to intimidate me with the size of his muscles, but we both know he’s not going to call my dad. A lifeguard would never call a scientist over something as trivial as someone breaking a rule at the pool. The scientists are held in the highest regard—as high as the government officials. This bonehead would lose his job for sure.

Do we have to play this game? I ask.

He narrows his eyes, and confusion washes over his face. This guy is thick. No wonder Oculus chose lifeguard as his profession.

Look, I promise not to dive anymore, okay? I’m just trying to relax with my friends. I turn back to see Gabe removing his shirt. The sun hits his chest. Hot damn. When did he get so ripped?

Gabe notices the height of my gaze and smiles. I turn back to Lifeguard Stick-Up-His-Butt so Gabe can’t see my reddening cheeks. Can we just pretend this didn’t happen? I ask, deciding to at least attempt to play nice.

He sighs and lowers his arms. Then he raises two fingers to his eyes. "I’m keeping my eye on