Pep Squad Read Free

typed P.E.P. Squad into the search engine. She got over three million hits but they were all related to American cheerleading, various bands or some low-rating horror movie from the nineties. No mention of a spy organisation.
    Having run out of ideas for any other research, Jess decided to start studying for her History exam the next day. She opened her textbook and flipped to the chapter on the Easter Rising, but she couldn’t concentrate and had a second look at the prospective students’ brochure. Although almost any school would be better than Kilmaire, Jess was starting to get really excited about the idea of Theruse Abbey and a career as a secret agent.
    The next morning, Jess left early for school. When she got to the end of her street a man stepped out in front of her.
    â€˜Good morning, Jess,’ said Mr Parry.
    â€˜Oh, hello,’ said Jess, a little surprised.
    â€˜How did the research go?’
    â€˜What research?’ asked Jess.
    Mr Parry gave her a look.
    â€˜You hacked my computer?’
    Mr Parry smiled.
    â€˜If you didn’t go home and immediately try to find out all you could about Theruse Abbey and P.E.P. Squad, then you wouldn’t be P.E.P. Squad material.’
    â€˜Oh,’ said Jess.
    â€˜So, have you made up your mind?’ asked Mr Parry.
    â€˜Yeah. I’d like to give it a go.’
    â€˜Excellent,’ said Mr Parry, walking to the driver’s side of a car parked on the side of the road. ‘Hop in.’
    Jess hesitated. Mr Parry was effectively a stranger – a taller, stronger stranger – and she wasn’t sure hopping into a car with him was the best idea. Noticing her reluctance, he smiled.
    â€˜Caution is a good trait to have in our line of business. Got a mobile phone?’
    Jess nodded.
    â€˜Know how to use the GPS?’ he asked, reaching into the car and passing Jess a GPS unit. ‘Now, you can watch where we’re going, and the police are just a phone call away. You can even sit in the back seat if you like.’
    Jess opened the back door and checked to make sure the child safety lock wasn’t engaged before hopping in and fastening her seat belt. Mr Parry started the engine and pulled out into the rush-hour traffic, not going noticeably faster than Jess could have walked. However, when they got to the turn off for Kilmaire College, Mr Parry drove straight ahead.
    â€˜Uh, weren’t we supposed to turn …?’ began Jess, her thumb poised to dial 999. Then she noticed the smile on Mr Parry’s face and relaxed. ‘You’re not taking me to school, are you?’ she said.
    Mr Parry shook his head.
    â€˜What about my History exam?’ asked Jess.
    â€˜You got 96 out of 100. Apparently your knowledge of Neolithic peoples leaves a bit to be desired,’ said Mr Parry. ‘We’ve got a different type of test planned.’
    Jess turned to look out the window and smiled. They were heading towards the city and traffic was becoming heavier. As they neared the centre, Mr Parry turned a corner into a narrow laneway. It was a dead end, with graffiti spray painted over the brick walls and nothing but an industrial bin and a steel door with no handle.
    â€˜This is us,’ said Mr Parry, stopping the engine and getting out.
    Jess followed as he walked up to the door. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and then placed all four fingertips of his right hand on the rightmost brick above the door. There was a click and the door swung outwards.
    Mr Parry ushered Jess inside.
    They were in a small, windowless booth, with an LED screen mounted high on the wall in front of them.
    â€˜Agent Parry and prospective student Jessica Leclair,’ announced Mr Parry.
    A laser beam shot out from the wall in front of them, scanning their bodies down and up.
    â€˜ Identity confirmed ,’ sounded a metallic voice.
    The wall in front of them slid open to reveal a grey, dimly lit foyer,