Read Online Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins - Free Book Online

think that?”
    â€œI just know. It’s like I lived it. I’m in the man’s head, watching it all happen.”
    Jerry wrote some more, then lowered his pen. “Anything else?”
    How could he be so calm ? His expression never changed. Neither did Ice Queen’s. Couldn’t they understand how this terrified me? “Isn’t that enough?”
    He surveyed me.
    â€œI want the chip taken out.”
    Jerry shifted in his chair. “Lisa, remember our discussions of how the Empowerment Chip emits electronic impulses that ‘turn off’ the trauma in your brain? You were sure the chip had done this for you.”
    â€œIt did. It really made me better. Then this happened.”
    â€œOkay. But you have to understand the chip only emits signals. It has no data on it. It can’t place some picture in your brain.”
    â€œI can’t tell you how it’s doing this. I only know it is.”
    Jerry put his paper and pen on the table between us. “What you’re describing is impossible. The chip has no capability for such a thing.”
    â€œBut it’s doing it.”
    He spread his hands.
    â€œOkay, maybe the visions aren’t real.” I didn’t believe that, but anything to make them listen. “Maybe the impulses the chip is firing are causing me to see them. They just seem real because my own brain is making them up. Like a dream seems real when you’re having it. Either way the chip’s still doing this to me.”
    â€œPerhaps.” Jerry spoke the word slowly. He wasn’t buying it.
    â€œSo it has to come out.”
    He studied me.
    Ice Queen spoke up. “You really are telling us you want a second surgery to remove the chip.”
    â€œYes!”
    â€œHave you thought this through? All the good that chip is doing by holding back your grief and fear—that would go away. The minute the chip is gone, the signals are gone. You’d be like before. And you were desperate to change that.”
    Her words slugged me in the stomach. I pressed back in my chair. Why hadn’t I thought of this? I’d been so obsessed with the visions . . .
    I couldn’t return to that life-sucking depression.
    But at least it was something I understood. These visions were evil nightmares come true. They were making me way more crazy than depression.
    â€œThen give me a new chip. One that isn’t tainted.”
    They looked at me like I was crazy. New fear flung itself through me. If they didn’t help me . . . “Listen, both of you. I. Can’t. Handle this.”
    Jerry considered me. “I can set you up with one of our psychiatrists. Maybe a few sessions—”
    â€œI’m not crazy.”
    â€œI didn’t say you’re crazy. I just think—”
    â€œI want the chip taken out.”
    â€œLisa. We can’t do that.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œIt’s in the papers you signed. Remember? We had to put the language in there to cover those receiving the placebo. The chip stays, either way.”
    â€œMine isn’t a placebo.”
    â€œThe same rules apply.”
    â€œBut it’s hurting me!”
    â€œIt’s not, Lisa. It is not. Your brain is hurting you. This isn’t coming from the chip.”
    â€œIt has to be. The thing is cursed!”
    Jerry leaned back with a sigh. Placed a fist beneath his chin.
    Great. They thought I was insane.
    I inhaled a ragged breath. “Please. Whether you think the chip is doing this or not, I want it out.”
    Ice Queen’s expression hardened. “There is no provision in this trial for that.”
    â€œThere has to be.”
    â€œI’m afraid not.”
    I glared at her.
    â€œLook, Ms. Newberry.” She spoke as if talking to a child. “Do you have any idea the cost of that procedure? There is no way Cognoscenti could provide a second surgery to everyone in this trial. It was never promised.”
    â€œI’m