Follow Dr. Verlax Into The House

Katie reluctantly stepped through the doorway, entering the house of this man she had never met before. Dr. Verlax closed the door behind her and proceeded to lock more than a few deadbolts. She glanced behind and saw him. He was wearing a wide grin on his face, showing his pearly white teeth. "It's a rough neighborhood, and with all my important work, I can't risk hoodlums breaking in, or my projects getting out."

"Uh, projects?" Katie felt a chill.

"Come. Let me show you to the living room, we can chat a bit. Follow me." He pushed by her, ignoring her question and gestured for her to follow him. He led her down a hallway to a room with a large sofa and two chairs. The walls were covered in various pictures, charts, and diagrams, and the coffee table was cluttered with papers, folders, and books.

Dr. Verlax took a seat on the chair.
"Please, take a seat," he said, motioning to the couch.

Katie walked over to the couch and took a seat, still feeling a little apprehensive about the whole situation.

"So, you're Katie, eh? You're pretty cute. I can't believe I got lucky enough to get someone like you to help me with my work. This is great." He proceeded to read through her file.

"Your work? What is your work exactly?" Katie asked.

"My work revolves around genetic engineering and modification." Verlax answered without looking up from Katie's documents.

"I don't know how much I can help with that. I didn't go to college. I have a high school diploma." Katie shrugged.

"Oh, I'm sure you can help out in other ways. Now, let's start at the beginning, shall we? Tell me about yourself, Katie. I'd love to learn all about you."

"Um, well, what do you want to know?"

"Let's start with your family. Where are they? What do they do?"

"My parents are divorced, and both live far away. My dad is a plumber, and my mom works at an office."

"Interesting. And what about friends? Do you have any friends? Any boyfriends? Girlfriends?"

"I don't have any friends here, and my last boyfriend, um, yeah...let's just say that didn't end well."

"Ah, good. Nobody to miss you then?" Verlax grinned and looked at her.

Katie was caught off guard. "Miss me? Why would anyone miss me?"

"Ah, I was just making small talk. Don't worry about it. You're not going anywhere." the scientist went back to the documents.

Katie didn't know why, but a strange feeling was overcoming her, one of fear, anxiety, and excitement. It was as if something deep down was telling her that this wasn't right, but another part of her was telling her to stay. She could feel herself beginning to sweat.

She really should make a break for it shouldn't she?