Rocky Road Read Free Page B

things together. It was very cleverand very cool. The decoded message that EJ had just cracked flashed on to the screen.

    EJ looked at the bit that said how long it took to crack the code. ‘That’s new,’ said EJ frowning. She loved cracking codes but she didn’t like time tests.
    â€˜Yes, well spotted, EJ. We need to keep track of our agents’ times and make sure they are improving. Don’t look so worried, you did well, EJ,’ saidA1 smiling. ‘Now I think this message is very interesting. I have been hearing a lot about the Pink Shadows lately.’
    â€˜They are one of the hottest bands around,’ said EJ, wondering if A1 kept up with new music—she wouldn’t be surprised.
    â€˜Yes, I suspect you are not surprised that I know that. Indeed I received an email with a free download to one of their songs the other day, although I must say I haven’t got around to doing it yet. I think it is a re-max.’
    â€˜A re-mix?’ asked EJ helpfully, trying not to giggle.
    â€˜Yes, that was it, a re-mix,’ said A1. ‘How did you know?’
    â€˜That’s the word for a new version of a song,’ explained EJ.
    â€˜Oh, is it? Well that’s a new word for me, thanks EJ. Now let’s see what we know about these Pink Shadows people.’ A1 turned back to the Light Screen and said, ‘Pink Shadows. Show data, show footage.’
    Images started to flood the Light Screen, of theband, of the lead singer, Shady Lady, of the band at awards ceremonies. Videos started streaming of music clips, interviews and concert performances.
    â€˜Goodness, there is a lot. Report summary,’ said A1.
    A digital voice began talking. ‘The Pink Shadows is one of the most popular bands in the world. They release a new song every month and their songs always hit the top ten and are some of the most popular downloads. Their recent hits include “Listen Up”, “Master Plan” and “Getting Dark”. Their latest song is “Rock ’n’ Shine”. The band tours constantly. They are currently on their fourth tour across the country, the Decoder Tour. Shady Lady is the band’s new lead singer and is known for her unusual and striking stage costumes as well as her wild stage performances. There have been rumours that the other band members are tiring of Shady Lady already, saying she is always over-shadowing them but this is not confirmed. She is rarely seen without her dog, Pinky-poo, who, to animal rights groups’ concern, is dressed in clothes and kept inShady Lady’s handbag. Although small, Pinky-poo has been known to bite journalists who ask difficult questions. The Pink Shadows are playing the final concert of the Decoder Tour tonight to a sold-out stadium. There is a lot of online chat about the rumour that they may release a new version of “Rock ’n’ Shine” but this has not been confirmed. End of summary.’
    â€˜Pink Shadows, Decoder Tour, is that just a coincidence?’ asked A1. ‘I am not at all sure. And there is something else that is making me extremely suspicious. Watch this, EJ,’ said A1 as she again turned back to the screen. ‘Show Pink Shadows tour dates and locations.’
    A string of dates appeared.
    â€˜Show tracked SHADOW internet activity, by date,’ said A1 who then turned back to EJ. ‘While we haven’t been able to find out what they are doing, we have been able to track their internet usage. And what we have discovered from that is interesting, very interesting indeed. Look.’
    Another string of data appeared on the screen.
    â€˜Cross reference,’ said A1.
    As EJ watched, the two sets of data were merged into each other.
    â€˜Do you see the pattern, EJ?’ asked A1.
    â€˜Yes!’
    â€˜Well, what is it?’ asked A1.
    â€˜Oh right, sorry,’ said EJ quickly continuing. ‘There is a big increase in SHADOW internet