Hullo, everyone! I’m going to be honest here and tell you that this part was one of my favorites to write. Just because… well, it was fun. Still working on that special announcement for you guys – hopefully I’ll get that finished soon! đ Check out part one if you’re new.
Everyone in the room goes still, except for Jen, The Finch, and Keller. Jen responsible? Causing amnesia somehow? That seems absolutely ridiculous, but⌠itâs possible, isnât it?
âWhat?!â Blaze nearly shrieks. âThatâs nuts!â
I hear a low growl from Anvilâs direction and turn to see his eyes flashing and his fists clenched. I shrink back in my chair and quickly look over at The Finch. Heâs leaning forward, contemplating Jen with an interested look.
Jen sighs. âIf I could, I would let you go in my head and see that I had nothing to do with it. But I canât.â
âYou mean you wonât,â Keller says, lifting and eyebrow.
âNo, I mean that I canât,â Jen says firmly. âI told you no oneâs ever been able to get in my head. Iâve tried to let people in, and it never works.â She motions to the door. âCom canât even get in â he has to do a special signal thing.â She gives a lopsided smile that looks a little sad. âIâm not really a telepath, anyways.â
âAnd how do I know thatâs the truth?â Keller retorts.
Jenâs computer starts rattling on her desk, and I see Brooklyn grab her earrings out of the corner of my eye. Everything metal on me â zippers, the little metal circle thingies on my shoes, my empty locket necklace â starts vibrating. Jen leaps to her feet. âCade, youâre dismissed,â she says firmly.
Cade?
Anvilâs voice is thick with anger. âData does. Not. Lie,â he growls, stepping towards Keller. She looks at him, eyes wide, and I think this must be the first time sheâs truly been afraid of someone.
âCade.â Jenâs voice sounds as dangerous as the look in her eye. âYou. Are. Dismissed.â
Anvilâs anger seeps out a little, and the metal in the room stops vibrating. He exhales slowly, then spins on his heel and disappears through the door. Jen relaxes and sits back down in her chair. âBack to it, then. Keller, I canât proveââ
Keller holds up a hand. âStop. Youâre just going to completely ignore what just happened? HeâŚâ
âHe did nothing,â Jen says calmly. âYou made him angry, but nothing happened, and he didnât threaten you.â
Keller stares at Jen, then rubs her forehead. âRight. Sure. Go on, then.â
âI canât prove that Iâm not involved,â Jen says quietly. âBut we need you if weâre going to find out who is behind it, and as much as Iâm sure you hate to admit it, you canât do it on your own.â Jen leans forward and looks Keller in the eye. âYou need us, Keller. Will you join?â
Keller looks from Jen to Maddie, then back to Jen. She sighs. âNo, I wonât.â Jen straightens, and Keller continues. âOh, Iâll help you find this jerk. But Iâm not going to join this group. I donât do well with rules or other people or their secrets.â She gives Jen a pointed look. âIâll help, but Iâm keeping my independence. Got it?â
How can she bargain like that with Jen? Jenâs frowning, but she has a look of quiet respect, too. âWe have a deal.â She offers a hand to Keller, and they shake on it.
I clear my throat, and Jen turns to look at me. âI just have one question. Whereâs Volt?â