A beat.
“Okay. So. That’s what else they’ve been saying.” Brandon exhaled. “That you would never become an Agent. A-and I’ve tried defending you many times. But I guess it’s true. So if you’re not going to be an Agent, what will you do?”
“I’m not a good fighter. I can’t pass the Junior Agent Trials. My stuff often gets stolen. And in case you forgot, I’m damaged and can’t be an Agent anyway. So I’m going to leave.”
“Leave where? There’s nowhere—”
“To Outergen. I know. Wait before you say anything. Tracey gave me the directions on how to get there.”
Brandon’s face was deadpan. His body wore discomfort.
Jioni couldn’t tell what was setting off this reaction. The fact that she couldn’t be a damaged Agent, the absurd plan to go to Outergen, or the latest slip of the tongue implying that Tracey had taught her illegal information. But whatever it was, it allowed Brandon’s chest to rise and fall without rhythm.
