I’ve only known him for a day, so I don’t know him at all. Only spent one dinner speaking to him, so I’m not surprised when I can’t pinpoint the look he has.
It’s almost as if he’s as confused as I am. Not that it makes any sense, but that’s the look he’s giving me. Like he’s not sure what this is between us either. Which makes me think he feels something, too.
An instant attraction?
When Cain gets in the car, we drive off. “From edge to edge, the compound is about a forty-five-minute drive.” His voice is soothing. I enjoy it. I could listen to him speak for hours.
“I didn’t realize it was so big.”
“You came in through a separate entrance. That will be closed off eventually. The entire compound will be gated. Only those who are authorized will be allowed to enter. A city behind walls.”
“It’s a really interesting concept. Do you think people will leave?” I ask.
“Of course, but the idea is that once you’re inside the walls, you would be safe, and you wouldn’t need or want for anything. It’s safe and relaxing. Everything the residence will ever need will be set within the walls. If they choose to leave, there are towns outside the compound. There is also access to planes and helicopters if you want to travel. But here inside, everything is completely monitored. When you walk into the restaurants, the staff will already know what you want because of your key.
“The coding will inform them of your likes and dislikes. It’s the same for the housing. The system will keep a record of your moods, depending upon different things, and it will make sure it changes the settings of your house to try to give you the most optimal experience.”
His words shock me. “Isn’t that a bit controlling?”
“Some might say controlling, and others might say innovative. Why should we live lives in which we’re not happy?”
“And do you think that having the right temperature will make you happy?”
“Scientifically, yes. Over time, a system can learn how to manipulate one’s happiness.” There is a pitch in his voice I can’t put my finger on. It’s almost eerie.
“But couldn’t one say that’s not true happiness?” I counter.
“I guess they could, but isn’t an artificial happiness better than nothing?”
“I’m not sure.” We’re both quiet as he continues to drive. Finally, I break the silence. “Is that what you’re building here, artificial happiness?”
“In a way,” he says, as if this is a completely normal and mundane conversation.
“And I’m sure with the wall, this might be the safest place on earth.”
His head turns to me while driving. “Not necessarily.” Then he looks back at the road.
“What do you mean? These walls will keep the monsters out?”
I watch him from where I’m sitting, his hands gripping the wheel. “And what if the monsters are already inside?” The grip he has tightens as he maneuvers down the road.
“I’m sure we would see them coming,” I joke because this whole topic is starting to make my skin form goose bumps.
“Monsters wear different faces.” This time when I shiver, it is from fear. He’s right. The walls might keep out bad influences, but what if they’re already inside? “They walk among you every day and you never know it. Don’t be fooled by a false sense of security. It will be your downfall.”
I don’t necessarily agree with what he is saying. He’s probably just being overprotective, which I can respect. He cares a lot about this place, so why shouldn’t he be overprotective? But something about his tone makes me wonder what horrors he’s had to deal with because it feels like he’s speaking from experience.
I need to learn more about him to find out where these strange actions come from.
“Which I guess brings us to a valid point. What type of security will you be implementing?” I cock my head. “For example. That reporter. She wasn’t supposed to be here, right? That’s what you said, so how did she get in?”
From where I sit, I can see his knuckles have now turned white from how hard he’s clenching the wheel. He is getting agitated, and internally, I shrink back from him.
But then I think about it. I understand the implications of word getting out about how easy it was for one woman to sneak in. That wouldn’t look good for potential buyers.
“What are you going to do about that breach of security?”
“The head of security will be fired, and we’ll bring in someone capable,” he grits out.
“But what about the guy? Does he have family?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Cain snaps. His jaw looks tight, and his shoulders are stiff. “His family is not my problem. The Elysian is only as good as its security since that’s what we’re selling. A secure, safe, fully immersive living experience.”