“That’s our case,” she said. “She exceeded protocol. This is abuse disguised as research.”
“Can we have her arrested?” Ariston asked.
“We can press charges,” the lawyer said. “But first, we get a court order to remove whatever is in Eloin’s scalp. We need medical records and photographic evidence.”
When Ariston told Elo they were going to the doctor, she went white.
“Will it hurt?” she asked.
“You’ll be asleep,” he said. “You won’t feel anything. I promise.”
She swallowed.
“Can Sky stay?”
Ariston looked at Sky.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Sky said.
The doctor they chose was kind, a woman with warm eyes who talked to Elo like she was a person and not a problem to solve. She examined Eloin’s scalp gently, fingers probing the tender spots.
“How many implants are there?” Ariston asked.
“Twelve,” the doctor said finally. “Small fiber-optic wires embedded in the follicles.”
“Can you remove them?”
“Yes,” she said. “It’s delicate, but safe. She’ll need to be sedated.”
“Will it hurt?” Elo whispered.
“You’ll be asleep for the surgery,” the doctor said. “Afterward, you’ll be sore for a few days. But the pain you’ve been living with will stop.”
“Can Sky stay until I fall asleep?” Elo asked.