The Orphan Factory (The Orphan Trilogy, #2) Read Online Free Page A

yet an adult. Her posture, and the way she dressed and moved, all seemed regal as if she was a princess from some European monarchy.
    Yet the orphan knew that as residents of Riverdale, Helen and her father were likely to be impoverished immigrants.
    Nobody else would choose to live in this dump of a neighborhood unless they were flat broke .
    As he continued to marvel at Helen’s beauty through his binoculars, Nine couldn’t help comparing her to the female orphans who resided at Pedemont. Although some were certainly attractive, they were nothing like Helen. Well, maybe, in the strictest definition of beauty they were. After all, the orphans had flawless genes and therefore everything about them was supposedly perfect, including their faces. Too perfect, in Nine’s opinion.
    Helen, on the other hand, had certain imperfections. She had crooked teeth, for example, but that only made her more attractive to Nine. Secretly observing her each day had made him realize there was beauty in imperfections. 
    There was also an aura of freedom and purity surrounding her that none of the orphans – female or male – had. Nine was spellbound by Helen’s innocent femininity. How he would have loved to sit beside her and help her with her studies, or hold her hand and get lost looking into those sparkling eyes.
    Nine stopped daydreaming when Helen suddenly looked up from her desk. She seemed to be gazing straight at him. Guilty, Nine crouched lower than ever. Cavell mirrored his orphan master and flattened himself on the tree house floor. Sensing danger, the dog growled.
    “Shhh.” Nine patted the dog comfortingly. Risking a glimpse through the gap in the wall, he was relieved to see Helen hadn’t noticed him. She was absorbed in her homework once more.
    Nine’s relief was not just to do with his remaining undiscovered. He didn’t want to do anything to make Helen curious about the orphanage as he knew that could endanger her.
    A part of him, however, had wished she had seen him. He desperately wanted their eyes to lock so he could finally connect with someone in the real world . Knowing that kind of connection was highly unlikely filled him with deep sadness.
    #
    Kentbridge stuck his head into the orphanage’s sleeping quarters. They took up the entire first floor of the building. He did a quick headcount to confirm all twenty three children were present and preparing for sleep.
    As soon as they noticed their master, the orphans knelt beside their beds as if to pray. Instead of praying, they recited an affirmation in unison.
    I am an Omegan and a polymath.
    Whatever I set my mind to, I always achieve.
    The limitations that apply to the rest of humanity,
    Do not apply to me.
    “Great work today, everybody.” Kentbridge spoke in his usual encouraging, yet firm, tone. “Now take your White Gold Powder then it’s lights out.”
    As Kentbridge prepared to leave, Doctor Pedemont and his assistant, Nurse Hilda,entered the room. The doctor carried a tray full of small phials, while the nurse pushed a stainless steel trolley that resembled a hospital cart. It was laden with medical charts and sets of headphones.
    Kentbridge hesitated at the door and turned back to the orphans. “We have a big day tomorrow, people.” The agent looked pointedly at Nine then left the room. Over his shoulder, he shouted out, “Tomorrow we’re off to Montana.”
    As he climbed into bed, Nine wondered why Kentbridge had looked directly at him before departing.
    If you want to tell me something, just say it, Tommy .
    He hated how Kentbridge always kept his cards close to his chest.
    In the bed next to Nine, Number Ten grinned at him. Also a Caucasian boy and the orphanage’s resident joker, Ten mimicked Kentbridge in a low, authoritative whisper so quiet only Nine could hear. “We have a big day tomorrow, people.” Ten winked at Nine mischievously. “Tomorrow we’re off to Montana!”
    Nine couldn’t help but laugh. He stopped when he saw Nurse