Read Online Soul Intent by Dennis Batchelder - Free Book Online Page A

us sat in her dungeon office. “I needed that journal.”
    We left what remained of the journal in Archie’s drawer. Not that it mattered: except for the initial cover page, Madame Flora had left only blanks inside.
    Val was typing on her keyboard. “You can mourn the loss of the journal,” she said, “but I’ve got to finish this—we’re going live next week.”
    When Val’s team launched mysoulidentity.com, not only would members be able to access their accounts, but anybody with a browser and an Internet connection would be able to set up a just-for-fun soul line collection. They’d be able to record their memories, save pictures, and post their learned lessons for others to see, all from a social-networking-style immersive interface.
    The overseers felt mysoulidentity.com could fill a need for people who were searching for a purpose in life, but who didn’t want to deal with the trappings of an organized religion. They also felt it would be a good way to attract new members.
    “Are you linked to the real depositary?” I asked.
    She nodded. “That code passed testing today. Take a look.”
    I pulled her mouse and keyboard over and clicked on the login page. “Will my membership id work?” I asked.
    She pointed at the “member registration” link.
    I created an account for myself and logged in. The depositary tab remained grayed out. “Why can’t I view my real soul line collection?” I asked.
    “Because your soul identity needs verification by a trusted source.” She smiled. “Which is, as I recall, something you forced me to add.”
    “Good girl,” I said. “So how does one get verified?”
    “One either goes to their local depositary, or one asks a delivery person to come to them.”
    “So let’s go to the depositary,” I said.
    Her mouth fell open. “You’re actually going to open your soul line collection?”
    Just last week, when Bob dropped off my membership package and I learned that a soul line collection was waiting for me, I told Val I wasn’t ready to open it. So I couldn’t fault her for being surprised. But with no other clues to help Archie figure out who broke in, I had to get myself into the depositary.
    “I’m actually going to do it,” I said. It was time, anyway.
    “You want me to come?”
    “Of course.”
    We headed upstairs together.

sixteen
    Present Day
    Sterling, Massachusetts
     
    I smiled at the lady behind the acrylic window. “You were here last year.”
    “I remember you, Mr. Waverly,” she said. “You came in with Mr. Morgan. Now what can I do for you?”
    I leaned on the countertop. “I’d like to see my own soul line collection.”
    She pulled her yellow keyboard in front of her. “Account number?”
    I passed her my membership card, and she started typing. After a minute, she looked up at me. “I’m ready to verify your identity,” she said.
    I put on the goggles and looked at the blinking red light. “Can I blink?” I asked.
    “Of course you can…okay, Mr. Waverly, take them off. You’re verified.”
    I pointed at Val. “I’m bringing her with me.”
    The lady slid me an index card. “After you complete this waiver.”
    I filled it out, and she slid a smart card under the window. “Room six, through the door and on your left.”
    “Thanks,” I said. “How long will it take to dig up my collection?”
    She smiled. “We’ve been expecting your visit, so only a minute or two.” She pressed a buzzer, and the door to her right swung open.
    Val and I headed down the hall to room six. I inserted the card in the door. We entered, and the door hissed as it closed behind us.
    I put the card into the slot on the wall and closed my eyes. After we were disinfected, we sat down at the small table.
    Val sat across from me. “What did she mean, they were expecting your visit?”
    I shrugged. “Ann probably told them I was in town.”
    “Lots of people are in town.”
    Good point. “Maybe I have a really special soul line collection, and