Extraits

“Congratulations, son,” the headmaster said warmly, glancing around to make certain no one was near. “That was your first kill–and it won't be your last! The problem with Number 6 was that he enjoyed hurting people, a flaw that ultimately would have limited his usefulness. Because pleasure skews judgment. So you did us a favor, freed yourself from tyranny, and proved what you can do. I'm proud of you, and so–for that matter–is Dr. Ort-Meyer.

“But from this point forward,” he added, his expression turning grim, “you are not to kill without permission. Is that understood?”

Number 47, his eyes wide with wonder, nodded his head

“Good,” Lazlow said contentedly. “Now, have some waffles.”

And, looking back over the intervening years, breakfast had been the most important meal of the day ever since.