فصل 15

Chapter 15: A Second Visit

“Where are they?” I asked.

Taylor grabbed my arm. At first I thought she was frightened, then I realized she was just listening in.

“They’re one street east of you. There are about a dozen guards in three vehicles. Did you get rid of the GPs?” “No, but we destroyed the RFIDs,” I said. “At least we think we did.” “You must have succeeded or else they would have already surrounded the house. They were probably closing in on you, then lost the signal. They’ve got a helicopter and listening devices, so stay inside and no loud talking. Turn up the radio or TV. They’re also going door to door with remote el-readers. They’re sensitive up to thirty feet, so stay away from the front door and outer walls.” “What are el-readers?” I asked.

“They pick up erratic electrical signals like yours.” Taylor looked up at the ceiling. “I hear a helicopter.” “What should we do?” I asked.

“Prepare yourself for battle. Is there someone they won’t recognize who can answer the door when they arrive?” “Mitchell can,” I said. “It’s his house.” “What are you volunteering me for?” Mitchell asked.

Taylor shushed him.

“We’re positioned on both ends of the street, but we’re outnumbered. We won’t move in unless we have to. It’s best that we don’t engage them, unless you want to turn the whole area into a war zone. I’m guessing they have enough ammunition that they could level the block if they had to. Or at least the house.” The voice paused. “Did you hear that?” “No.”

“I need to go before they intercept this signal. I’ll call back when it’s clear. Be strong. Good luck.” The phone went dead.

Taylor looked at me, her eyes dark with fear. Everyone else was staring at me as well.

“What?” Ostin and Zeus asked simultaneously.

I lowered my voice to a whisper. “The Elgen are in the neighborhood.” “They’re in my neighborhood?” Mitchell said.

“Quiet,” Taylor whispered. “They have listening devices.” “Someone turn the TV on,” I said.

“What channel?” Wade asked.

“A noisy one,” I said. “They don’t know where we are. They lost our signal. So they’re going door to door.” I looked at Mitchell. “If they come here, you’re going to have to answer the door.” He turned white. “Why me?”

“Because they have machines that can detect us and you’re not one of us.” “How about we just don’t answer the door?” he said.

“Then they’ll search your place, and if they pick up our el-waves . . .” “But what’s going to stop them from forcing their way in?” “Look,” I said. “They have a lot of houses to check. They won’t attack if they don’t think we’re here. So just act normal and nothing will happen.” Mitchell just stared at me blankly. “Act normal? They’re going to kill us!” Jack put his arm around him. “Listen, Mitch. It’s cage time in the Octagon. Wipe that fear off your face. You’re a warrior. No fear.” Mitchell took a deep breath. “Right. No fear.” “Jack, you’re going to have to be his backup.” “Wade, Mitch, and I got it,” he said. “And you.” He pointed to Ostin.

Ostin looked around. “Me?”

“Yes, you. We might need your smarts.” “We’ll need to know what’s going on,” I said.

“I’ll be watching,” Ian said.

“I know. But it would be better if we could hear what they’re saying.” I turned to Mitchell. “Does your house have an intercom system?” “Yeah, but I’m not sure how to work it.” “I’ll figure it out,” Ostin said. “Just show me where it is.” “Set it so we can listen from the loft in the pool house.” “Done,” Ostin said.

“All right,” I said. “Good luck, everyone.” * * *

Ostin turned the front door’s intercom on so we could listen to what was happening. It was about twenty minutes before the doorbell rang. We heard the door open.

“Whassup, guys?” Mitchell said.

“We’re sorry to disturb you at this hour, but we’re from Homeland Security. There’s no need to panic, but we’ve received a report that there is a radiation leak in the area. For your safety, we need to check the radiation levels of your house.” “Liars,” Taylor whispered.

Mitchell said, “Radiation? Someone got a bomb around here?” “No, sir. It’s not a bomb. It may be nothing at all. May we please come in?” “Uh, my parents are out, and they’d freak if I let strangers in. You got a warrant or something?” “No, sir, Homeland Security doesn’t need warrants. This is for your safety. We don’t need your permission to enter your home.” There was a long pause. “Come on, Mitchell,” I said. “Think of something.” “Look, I just got my little sister to bed. Why don’t you come back tomorrow?” “It will only take a few minutes, sir.” “Come on, guys. It took me an hour to get her down.” We heard a high voice say, “Mitchie, who is it?” “Mitchie?” Zeus whispered.

“Was that Ostin?” I asked.

Taylor shrugged. “He kind of pulled it off.” “Just some government guys!” Mitchell shouted. “Go back to sleep!” Pause. “Really, guys. I’m sure there’s no radiation around here, or I’d be glowing or something, right? Just come back in the morning.” “Do you mind if we check around back?” Taylor and I looked at each other.

There was a long pause. “No problem,” Mitchell said. “Help yourself.” A different voice said, “I’m not pulling a reading.” “Nothing?”

“No.”

“All right. Looks like you’re good. Thank you, sir.” “Yeah. No problem. Come back when my parents are here.” We heard the door shut and lock.

“He handled that surprisingly well,” I said.

“You think that girl’s voice was Ostin?” Taylor asked.

“Probably Jack,” Zeus said.

“You’re so mean,” Abigail said.

I looked at Abigail. She was smiling at Zeus.

“I don’t like where that is headed,” Taylor whispered to me. “I see a collision coming.”