This short extract was published on Kate Mosse's Labyrinth website during 2003's Baton Stories competition and was part of the winning story, 2244.

 

Page drags her through the apartment to their bedroom. Rachel's silent as he slides the door shut. A blonde woman called Marilyn is making out with a young Elizabeth Taylor on his and Rachel’s bed. His face floods red as he grabs the blonde by her cloned arm and throws her off the crumpled sheets. 'Get out of here!' he yells as they clatter out in their ridiculous high heels.

Rachel smirks. 'They were your bedtime present,' she whispers in his ear.

Sneaky little bitch, he thinks as he pulls away from her sweet teasing breath. 'Those sorts of presents are expensive,' he mutters.

'I have to say it was perfect timing as always for you to interrupt, Page,' Rachel scalds, ignoring his dig as she goes to her dressing table and injects herself with a shot of Mexim. He watches as her pupils widened and the white’s of her eyes turned golden. He rips the needle from her pale hand.

'This is ruining us,' he spits.

'So is all the dope you smoke.'

'You can’t even compare. I’ve counted a few more clones than our agreed three parading around our apartment tonight.'

'Aren’t they delightful!' Rachel says kissing Page’s cheek. 'They had a 2 for 1 deal, I couldn’t resist.'

'This has got to stop!'

'No Page, your rudeness has got to stop. Frost, who we thoughtlessly left alone out there, has discovered our secret and she’s willing to pay.'