Shatter Point Read online

  Copyright

  www.EvolvedPub.com

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  SHATTER POINT

  Copyright © 2014 Jeff Altabef

  Cover Art Copyright © 2014 Mallory Rock

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  ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622533119

  ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-311-4

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  Editor: Megan Harris

  Senior Editor: Lane Diamond

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  eBook License Notes:

  You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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  Disclaimer:

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

  FREE GIFT

  Thank you for picking up your copy of Shatter Point. I hope it gets your heart racing! As a thank you for that, and for joining my newsletter list, I’d like to offer you a free gift. I’ve co-authored a short story, Second Chances, which you’ll receive by email when you sign up at FREE GIFT. ~ Jeff Altabef

  BONUS CONTENT

  We’re excited to offer not one, but TWO Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book. Each preview includes the first 4 chapters of the book. Just click on the links below the image to check them out.

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  FORGIVE ME, ALEX by Lane Diamond

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  WIND CATCHER by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef

  Books by Jeff Altabef

  FOURTEENTH COLONY

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  SHATTER POINT

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  CHOSEN

  Book 1: Wind Catcher

  Book 2: Brink of Dawn

  Book 3: Scorched Souls

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  RED DEATH

  Book 1: Red Death

  Book 2: The Ghost King

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  www.JeffAltabef.com

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  What Others Are Saying about Jeff Altabef’s Books:

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  SHATTER POINT:

  “An original gripping, saga. From genetic manipulation and twists of fate to cold-blooded murder, scenarios change with a snap but succeed in bringing readers along for what evolves into a wild ride of not just murder and mayhem, but social inspection.” Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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  “The book combines my favorite aspects of my favorite authors into one. James Patterson – the master of the psycho killer who kidnaps girls, Patricia Cornwell – scientific thriller, and Dean Koontz – really spooky plots.” – Kat Biggie, No Holding Back

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  “An amazing read.... This is one of those books that no reader will be able to part with until they reach the end, I guarantee it.” Reynolds, Readers’ Favorite

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  “The plot immediately exploded a cast of intricate characters, an evolving plot that you don’t know where it’s going to take you from one chapter to the next. Every time a protagonist emerges a stronger character and story is unleashed and the result is an intriguing book that I just loved.” – Escapology Book of the Month for July 2015

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  WIND CATCHER:

  “This is an enjoyable read for all ages that goes by as fast as the authors can unspool it.”—Kirkus Reviews

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  “Many young adult books revolve around young adult decision-making processes, but the joy and excitement fueling Wind Catcher is that Juliet's search for truth doesn't end with its emergence, but with the bigger picture of what she'll choose to do with it. That's the heartbeat of a powerful saga that fully immerses readers in all the possible scenarios that can stem from one's choices in life—and the reason why Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd.”— D. Donovan

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  “Wind Catcher is one of the best thrillers for YA that I have read in some time. ... If I hadn’t had to eat and sleep, I would have read it right through without stopping. It is just that good!”— S. Price “Suze”

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  “What an amazingly unique story!! I can honestly say I have never read anything like it! I loved the strong Native American themes running through it as well as the deep plunge into the rich culture then and now. This story seemed to quench my thirst for knowledge of the more supernatural aspect to the Native American history and storytelling and I loved the creativity of the authors. Even though this is, in essence, a young adult book, I was literally kept at the edge of my seat while reading. The plot has some very intense situations as well as mature threads running throughout the story. I love that our authors see our “young adult” crowd as more than older kids; they see them as very intelligent and can handle the more mature themes including murder and secret societies. And come on, who doesn’t love secret societies?”— Amy @ Read to My Heart’s Content

  Dedication:

  For Karen, Emily, and Erynn, who are the sparks that make my heart beat, and to my pops for his contribution to this book and his tireless work as the “Editor and Chief” of my life.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  FREE GIFT

  BONUS CONTENT

  Books by Jeff Altabef

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Chapter 72

  Chapter 73

  Chapter 74

&nb
sp; Chapter 75

  Book Club Guide

  SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW: Forgive Me, Alex by Lane Diamond

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  What’s Next from Jeff Altabef?

  SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW: Wind Catcher by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef

  I’m a killer. No better than a common murderer, and worse, really. More like a serial killer who can’t help himself as he takes life after life, unable to stop even if he wished he could.

  Darian frowned at the corpse on the stainless steel autopsy table. “Damn it, Zeus, I thought you were going to make it.” His frown deepened until long lines etched into his face. Remorse wasn’t good enough. It was useless. Pointless, really. Remorse would not bring Zeus or any of the others back.

  He glanced at the video projections of Zeus’s brain development. His original brain on the left screen appeared normally formed and perfectly functional. The one on the right showed Zeus’s brain after he had injected him. Misshapen and grotesque, it was so overdeveloped it strained against the skull.

  Darian shook his head. “Not again. I can’t lose another batch of test subjects.”

  “We’re making progress, Doctor Beck. This time, the brain enlargement slowed at the end. With some adjustments, next time it might stop before....” George attempted to smile, but only the tips of his lips responded. Twice Darian’s age, he was so optimistic he could see the silver lining in a hurricane, but this lethal turn of events left even him speechless.

  “We’re missing something critical. We need to stop the brain development before it overwhelms the subject.” Darian peered through the glass wall that separated the autopsy room from the rest of the laboratory. The remaining five subjects sat perfectly straight and stared mournfully at the glass as if Darian and Zeus and the table with death hovering above it drew their gaze.

  An icy chill tickled its way up his spine. The others had no idea Zeus had died. They were often separated. To them, the glass wall was a simple mirror. They had no idea—could have no idea—a laboratory sat beyond the glass, yet he suspected they knew the truth: that Zeus was dead and he the killer.

  Darian nodded toward the remaining subjects. “It’s odd that they haven’t eaten their breakfast. It’s already past noon. They must be hungry.”

  Color drained from George’s face. “It’s unnatural for them to stare at the mirror like that.”

  Darian pressed a button on a keypad and the one-way glass window turned gray, blocking the other subjects from view. Led Zeppelin started playing. “It’s just our imagination. Hand me the circular saw. Let’s hope we can learn enough from Zeus to save his friends.”

  George handed him the shiny autopsy tool, but before he switched it on, the lab door swung open and Brenda Callaghan darted into the room. The normally composed, rather attractive young researcher appeared ashen, her jaw clenched tight.

  “What’s wrong, Brenda?”

  “I came as soon as I heard. I’m sorry about Zeus, but there’s something else you should know.”

  Darian stared patiently and waited for her to continue. She clutched a thin hospital issued tablet in her hands. His chest tightened.

  “Wickersham authorized EBF-202 to be administered to a new patient. He doesn’t know that Zeus died, but the injection is scheduled for later today.” She handed Darian the tablet.

  Darian narrowed his eyes until they were nothing more than slits. “This is a young patient. How can he do this? This is my trial! We’re not ready! We’ll end up killing him.” The tablet cracked under his tightening grip. “I’m going to….” The violent images flashing through his mind came too fast and were too graphic to put into words. He hurled the tablet across the room and raced from the lab.

  Darian hurried toward the elevator, his white lab coat flapping open, revealing a vintage Grateful Dead t-shirt, worn blue jeans, and flip-flops. His usually affable face twisted into an angry grimace as he repeatedly jabbed the call button. He cursed under his breath and shifted his weight back and forth. When the bell rang, the door swished open, and he darted inside the empty elevator.

  “Please hold the doors!” a voice called.

  He instinctively thrust out his hand as they began to shut. A young female lab assistant strolled into the elevator. Her long, pin-straight blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail and swayed as she walked. Her golden brown tan contrasted with her white lab coat, and her jade eyes that flirted behind long eyelashes. She smelled like jasmine and vanilla. She must be new, he thought. Perfume was discouraged in the labs, and no one stayed tan after working the long hours the research facility required.

  “Thanks for holding it for me.” She smiled.

  “No problem.” Darian tapped the button for the top floor, raised his eyebrows, and glanced at the lab assistant.

  “That’s good for me,” she said.

  When the elevator stopped on the main floor to let in three additional passengers, Darian stepped back, and she slid closer to him. The fragrance of her perfume grew stronger. A current zipped through his body as he breathed the scented air deep into his lungs.

  “My name is Vanessa.” She held out her hand.

  Darian squeezed and let go, but her hand lingered for a second longer than it needed to. Electricity flowed between them.

  “I’m Darian Beck.” He had been so angry and preoccupied that he almost forgot to notice that she was a knockout. Almost, but his eyes wandered to her thin neck and started to wash down the rest of her body when he admonished himself and pulled away.

  The elevator stopped at the fourth floor and let out everyone except Darian and Vanessa. He used the space to furtively study her reflection off the elevator doors. Her eyes were wide, lips full and red. A small beauty mark dotted her right cheek, which made her perfectly symmetrical face beyond beautiful—unique.

  Vanessa stayed close to his side. A seductive smile snuck across her lips. “I’ve heard your name mentioned before, Doctor.”

  He grinned despite his surly mood. “Only good things, I hope.”

  “Mostly.” She winked good-naturedly at him.

  When the doors opened, he raced from the elevator, eager to be on his way, temporarily forgetting about the new lab assistant with the sweet smile and perfume.

  The top floor hardly resembled the rest of the research hospital. Gone were the gray tile floors, fluorescent lights, plain hallways, and metal doors. Dark cherry paneling, antique ink drawings, and white wooden doors replaced them.

  He stomped toward the corner office. With each step he grew more agitated, as if his anger rolled down a steep hill, gathering intensity as it went. He stared hard at the nameplate on the corner office door—Samuel Wickersham, PHD – Head of Research—and shoved it open.

  The receptionist screeched in surprise at his sudden entrance. She regained her composure and grinned at him. “I’m sorry, Doctor Beck, but we don’t have an appointment for you.”

  “Not to worry, Clair. He’ll want to see me.” He quickened his pace toward Wickersham’s door, turned the doorknob, and plunged into the corner office.

  Wickersham’s cavernous office was larger than Darian’s entire studio apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows covered both exterior walls and offered stunning views of New York City. He huffed to Wickersham’s massive desk. Four inch risers lifted his desk and chair. In reality, Wickersham was short, well below average, but from Darian’s vantage point, he seemed imposing.

  Wickersham immediately raised his left hand with his palm facing Darian, without looking up, as if he’d been expecting him. Wickersham’s vast oval desk contained only a flat screen computer monitor, a new holographic video display that was turned off, an old-fashioned intercom box, and a photograph of a smiling Wickersham with his left arm draped over the Vice President’s shoulders. He told everyone that they were childhood friends. No one believed him.

  Wickersham’s eyes never lifted from his keyboard.

  Darian seethed as he watched the snail-like p
rogress of his fingers drag across the keyboard. He balled his hands into tight fists. Wickersham shifted in his seat, but his perfectly tailored, crisp navy suit moved seamlessly with him. He paused for a second and gently stroked his dyed blond hair, but not one hair moved. He used so much hair gel, Darian thought it would take a tsunami to move any out of place.

  When Wickersham finished typing, he looked up from the keyboard. Darian couldn’t read his emotions; Wickersham had injected a river of Botox into his face. It was like dealing with a mannequin.

  “Doctor Beck, I didn’t know that we had a meeting scheduled. I imagine you have something important to tell me. Perhaps you have a breakthrough to report? Please, take a seat.” Wickersham gestured toward one of the two leather wingback chairs facing the desk, but Darian remained standing.

  “We can’t try EBF-202 on a new patient. It’s not ready.”

  “I disagree. The drug has shown remarkable potential.” Wickersham crossed his manicured hands on the desk in front of him. He sat absolutely straight, tried his best to smile, and sighed slightly when the effort failed.

  “The first version of the drug ended up killing all the test subjects.” Darian leaned on the desk, wondering if he could hurtle it and reach Wickersham’s throat in one leap.

  “That was the first version. The second version hasn’t produced any fatalities. I visited all six of our research subjects last night. They all looked healthy.”

  “Zeus died this morning!” Darian glared at him, hoping Zeus’s death would cause him to reconsider, or at least bother him, but if it did, the head of research showed no signs of it.

  “We only started this trial two months ago. Their brains are still developing. The pace has slowed considerably, but it hasn’t stopped yet. If the development continues, they will all die over the next month. Plus, their behavior has altered. It’s just not safe! We don’t understand all the ramifications of the drug. We can’t use EBF-202 on humans. I didn’t go into research to kill people! It’s bad enough the dogs have died.”

  Wickersham leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “How did you know I planned on using a human test subject?”