Author’s note: In very early drafts, before the first draft was completed, Pate’s character (the protagonist) was quite different from the final version (at one point in the outlining, he was even a antagonist!) One of the things he did was completely change his look through surgery, diet, and exercise. This was after the failed operation in Istanbul. Here, he tests his new persona while living in Paris.
I walked into the outdoor section of the café. I took my usual table at the usual time. Sylvie approached, as I expected.
“Pardon, monsieur, mais cette table est reserve.”
I looked up into her brown French eyes. “Sylvie.” I kept looking, boring into her brain.
Not even a glimmer of recognition. She was confused, and a bit irritated.
“Please, monsieur—”
“Sylvie, c’est moi.” I leaned forward. I held up my hand and showed her the ring.
Confusion turned to embarrassment. Her hand flew to her mouth.
“Oh, pardon, monsieur, pardon! I did not recognize you. You…you…”
I smiled without humor. “Don’t look very attractive?”
She squirmed. I reveled.
“Oh, no, monsieur, no…I mean…”
“Oui, oui, mademoiselle. Say it.” I stood and leaned closer. “Say it.” I almost growled it. She flinched. I was being mean.
“Ah, ah, oui, monsieur. You…you do not look yourself. So…common.” I nodded, encouraging her. “Unattractive, sir, with my apology.” It pained her to be so impolite. I sat back down and smiled.
“Merci, Sylvie. Espresso, s’ll vous plait. And…a man will come here asking for me. Tell him you do not know me, but he is welcome to look.”
“Oui, monsieur. Toute de suite.” She hurried off.
After a couple of sips, I saw him enter the plaza. He looked around. His eyes scanned over me, past me. There was no recognition. I was a stranger to him. He started towards me, frowning. Then he stopped and looked at his watch. He frowned again.
Sylvie approached the man and he asked a question. She shook her head. He nodded, and an expression of irritation crossed his face. Exquisite. He looked around the cafe again, his eyes resting on me for only a brief moment.
Nothing.
Perfect. I smiled, dropped six euros on the table, drained my espresso, and left.
I walked right by the man and caught his glance. He gave a polite but meaningless nod.
I smiled as I walked down Rue de St. George.
In a world where science blurs the line between destiny and design, three lives converge in a gripping tale of genetic manipulation, hidden truths, and the relentless pursuit of human perfection. Pate Williamson, a once-promising tech genius reduced to homelessness, is lured into a secretive research project with the promise of a million dollars—and a chance to reclaim his life. Eris, haunted by the loss of her family and the child she believed was lost forever, finds herself entangled in the same mysterious experiment. Meanwhile, young Salim, raised in a carefully crafted illusion of normalcy, discovers his identity is a lie crafted to protect him from a shadowy underworld.
Spanning continents and decades, Mortals As They Walk explores the ethical boundaries of biotechnology as these unlikely allies are drawn into a web of corporate greed, espionage, and betrayal. With cutting-edge nanotech and genetic engineering at its core, the novel questions who controls our fate—and at what cost. As forces converge in a race to possess their unique DNA, Pate, Eris, and Salim must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth, protect their newfound family, and decide whether to end a project that could redefine humanity—or let it define them.
Perfect for fans of thought-provoking science fiction and thrilling conspiracies, this novel by acclaimed author Markus McDowell (author of To and Fro Upon the Earth and Onesimus) delivers a heart-pounding narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Available from select retailers in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Discover more from Markus McDowell, author
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.