Hunt for Jade Dragon Read Free Page A

hesitated, then said, “Maybe. That’s all I can tell you.”
    â€œWho are you?” Jack asked.
    â€œMy name is Joel,” he said. “I forgot to tell you, before you enter the compound there is one inconvenience. My men need to check you for RFIDs. Then we’ll show you to your quarters. You have a few hours before the reception.”
    â€œReception?” Taylor said.
    â€œWe’ve put together a reception in your honor. You’ll have time to rest a little, then shower and change before then.”
    â€œChange into what?” Tessa said. “We don’t have any other clothes.”
    â€œSydney Lynn will take care of that,” he said. He turned and walked back toward the building.
    The woman who had walked out with Joel stepped forwardcarrying a clipboard at her side. “I’m Sydney Lynn. After you are checked and cleared, I’ll take you to your rooms, where you can rest, then clean up and change. I’ll come get you when it’s time for the reception. In the meantime, if you need anything, please let me know. I’m here to take care of you.”
    â€œLike I just said,” Tessa said, “change into what? We don’t have any clothes.”
    â€œWe have clothes for you,” Sydney Lynn replied. “They should fit.” She looked at Ostin and me. “Michael, you’ve grown taller.”
    â€œI think so,” I said, wondering how she knew.
    â€œThat which doesn’t kill you only makes you taller,” Tessa said.
    â€œAnd Ostin, yours might be a bit loose. It looks like you’ve lost weight.”
    Ostin smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
    â€œIt’s the Peruvian prisoner diet,” Taylor whispered to me.
    I suddenly realized why Sydney Lynn looked familiar. She was the woman who had handed me the cell phone at Jack’s sister’s tanning salon. “You helped us in Meridian.”
    She smiled. “Bronze Idaho,” she replied. “It’s good to see you again, Michael.”
    Just then a shrill Southern voice pierced the air. “Ostin!”
    We looked over to see Ostin’s mother running toward us from the side doorway, her arms flailing like she was going to sack a quarterback. A much more subdued Mr. Liss was a few yards behind her.
    â€œMom!” Ostin shouted.
    As we watched their reunion I heard someone say, “Michael.” I turned back. My mother was walking toward me from the front door.
    â€œMom!”
    Her eyes were full of tears. We didn’t say much, just hugged. When she could speak she asked, “Are you okay?”
    â€œYeah,” I said.
    She looked at me as if she couldn’t believe we were really together, then she brushed the hair back from my forehead. “I heard about Wade. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œIt was awful,” I said. “Still is awful.”
    She hugged me tightly again. As we parted Taylor said, “Hi, Mrs. Vey.”
    â€œTaylor,” my mother said. She hugged her.
    Everyone gathered around my mother like she was a magnet, which, in a way, was true. Everyone except for Jack, who stood a few yards off, quietly watching.
    My mother walked over to him. Without speaking, she hugged him, then gazed into his face. “I’m so sorry about Wade. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. If I can do anything for you, or you just need to talk, I’m here.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Vey,” Jack said.
    â€œCall me Sharon,” she said.
    It was a little strange seeing my mother so familiar with everyone. The last time I’d seen her was just before everyone fled through the pipe at the Peruvian Starxource plant and I’d been captured. Since that time my mother had been through a lot with the rest of the Electroclan.
    â€œZeus, who is your friend?” my mother said, looking at Tessa.
    Tessa stepped forward. “I’m Tessa.”
    â€œTessa,” she repeated. “Is that short