17. Syssi

So, what exactly do you want me to do? Syssi followed Amanda into the elevator.

As I said, Jasmine might need a demonstration of precognition and how it works. Did you bring a coin to toss?

Syssi patted her pocket. Its right here.

Good. I also want you to get an impression of her. Amanda tucked a stack of papers under her arm and pressed the button for the staff level. Maybe she will trigger a vision.

Syssi frowned. Why would she do that? Ive never had a person trigger a vision before. They either come on their own, or I ask for them and actively try to induce them. Do you want me to do that?

No way. Amanda leaned against the elevator wall. Its not important enough to find out what shes about. If it were, I would have an excuse to probe her mind, but its not. Im just curious. Shes an odd bird.

In what way?

She appears friendly and open, the kind of woman you want in your social circle because shes fun to be around—not stuck up, not timid, quick to smile, and easy on the eyes. Amanda smiled. I know thats incredibly shallow of me, but I cant help it. It gives me pleasure to gaze upon beauty even if she gives me a run for my money.

Syssi gaped. No way. No mere human can do that.

Amanda smirked just as the elevator door opened. Bingo. Things just dont add up. Even if shes had tons of plastic surgery, which I dont think she has, I have to wonder why a beauty like her is not on the covers of magazines or playing in movies. She says shes an actress, so shes putting herself out there. Why hasnt she landed any roles?

Now Im really curious.

I had Lisa sniff her. Amanda headed down the corridor to the staff lounge.

What did she say?

She wasnt sure.

So, you think Jasmine is a Dormant.

Amanda nodded. Everyone whos met her so far has liked her, including me. I just have this itchy feeling that there is more to her than meets the eye, and Im not talking about the possibility of dormant godly genes.

They were about to enter the lounge when Syssi stopped and put a hand on Amandas arm. If you have a bad feeling about her, thats a good enough excuse to enter her mind. After all, shes on our turf, and if shes up to no good, we need to know.

But thats the thing. I dont have a bad feeling. I like the woman. Amanda shrugged. Im just curious, and you know me. I wont rest until I get to the bottom of things.

Yeah. Thats what makes you such a good researcher.

As they entered the lounge, Syssi had no trouble identifying Jasmine from Amandas description. She was indeed beautiful, but Amanda had exaggerated. Jasmine wasnt in the same league as her sister-in-law.

Jasmine sat on the couch between two men who were practically drooling over her, but she seemed oblivious to their lustful glances and looked completely absorbed in the sitcom she was watching.

It was an old Big Bang Theory episode that was playing in English with subtitles in Russian.

Hello, Jasmine, Amanda said. Im back.

The woman turned to look at them, and a bright smile spread over her face. Awesome. She rose to her feet and offered Syssi her hand. You must be the sister-in-law Amanda mentioned. The one who works with her in the university.

Thats me. Syssi took the womans hand. Nice to meet you, Jasmine. Im Syssi.

The pleasure is all mine. Jasmine gifted her with another dazzling smile.

Unless the woman was a superb actress, the warm smile was genuine. Syssi felt as if she was truly glad to meet her and wanted to get to know her, and since Jasmine wasnt a movie star, she probably wasnt such a great performer.

Lets sit over there. Amanda pointed to the table. I printed out the Perfect Match nondisclosure agreement for you, and I also drafted a one-page agreement between us that I think will satisfy your needs.

Jasmine eyed the big stack of papers under Amandas arm. Do you expect me to read all of that right now?

I highlighted the relevant passages. Amanda put the stack of papers on the table. “Does anyone want something to drink?

Syssi shook her head. I just had coffee, so Im good for now.

Diet Coke for me, please. Jasmine sat down.

Syssi suppressed a chuckle. Evidently, Jasmine had no idea how important Amanda was, or she would have never asked her to serve her.

Perhaps that was precisely what endeared her to Amanda. Jasmine treated her just like she would any other person she befriended. No special treatment.

Watching her read through the document gave Syssi the opportunity to observe the woman without having to hide her interest. She was nearly as tall as Amanda, but she had curves. Where Amanda appeared slim and athletic, Jasmine had large breasts, rounded hips, and a lush bottom. Maybe that was why she hadnt made it big in movies. Supposedly, the camera added at least fifteen pounds to a persons appearance, and actresses had to be super-slim to look good on the screen.

Still, her face was so gorgeous that it was hard to look away from he. Jasmines eyes had the most unusual ring of floating gold flakes around the pupils, and the irises were chocolate brown with some amber hues. Her hair was wavy, thick, long, and almost black, with a few golden strands that were probably not natural. Her skin looked perfect even though she didnt have much makeup on.

Here is your Coke. Amanda put a cold can in front of Jasmine and sat across from her. If you need me to explain anything, let me know.

No, Im good. Jasmine sighed. I read the one you wrote, and I think its good enough. She lifted her eyes to Amanda. If you wanted to sell me to the government, no paper would protect me anyway.

True. Amanda popped the lid on her can of soda. But you can take my word to the bank, and I vow to protect your identity and never sell you out to the government or any other agency who might be interested in your talent.

I can vouch for Amanda, Syssi said. When she tested me and saw that my scores were off the charts, she hired me, and were still working together. If she was a recruiter for the government, I wouldnt be here.

That got Jasmines attention. Whats your talent?

Precognition. Syssi smiled and pulled out the coin from her pocket. I brought this to demonstrate and also to test you. Do you know the statistical probability of guessing heads or tails correctly?

Fifty-fifty?

Correct. Syssi flipped the quarter in the air.