Emmitt’s arms remained folded, lips pouted once more. “Thank you. Anyway, I say this because of the stories we used to read. It’s been fun trading books with you throughout the months before they became a form of payment,” Emmitt said solemnly. “My favorite book is Amelia’s Prom. The world there seemed so much fun: …
“It’s because we read way too many books.” Jioni laughed; she held her mouth as giggles escaped. It is true that they read more books than everyone else, but what did that have to do with anything? When she realized that Emmitt wasn’t laughing, she got closer and raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry. Let me …
Emmitt shook his head. “Anyway, of course, he’d think it’s a bad idea: he’s already a Junior Agent. The dude practiced becoming one as soon as he could walk—and his sister, a top student—his parents are also well respected and high ranking Agents.” Emmitt said, a tang of jealousy in his tone. “He has everything …
“Brandon, who’s that again?” Emmitt asked. He paused to think. “Oh yeah, I remember him. He’s the kid with the big ears and a bandaid on his nose. I keep forgetting his name.” Jioni leaned back in her seat once again as she listened. The room was silent, but the paranoia of hearing footsteps began …
“Ms. Tracey, she…well, she—she told me how to get to Outergen and that I have a day to make a decision—I’m not going—I’ll wait until the morning to talk to her and clear up this debacle.” Emmitt shot up out of his seat. As he was about to say something, Jioni stood up too and …
“So,” Emmitt said. “You said there were two things. What’s the second reason why you’re wanted?” Jioni tried to think of a way to tell her embarrassing story; she held up a finger and avoided his gaze. Nervous, she leaned back and folded her arms. Why did she have to say two things? Now he …
Jioni reached into her bag and handed him a carrot. “Here’s a carrot, no lance twirling necessary.” Emmitt took a bite first, then said, “Thanks.” “I wish you the best with that, but the trials aren’t a cakewalk.” Jioni paused for a long time—she began eating the other carrot and looked at the floor. “But …
“Yeah, you aren’t alone on that one. I suspect I have twelve months, maybe less. I checked the GeoCredit ATM down near city hall—six thousand credits left—can you believe that?” Emmitt looked away. “I considered being a Junior Agent right there and then.” Jioni put her hand on her face with eyes wide. Emmitt shrugged …
Jioni rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Emmitt. Anyway, I messed up, and I need a plan to make everything right. I just need some time.” “First, I need to know what you did. You’re acting like you just murdered someone—did you murder Mac?” “No, no, as far as I know, Mac is still alive,” Jioni replied. …
As her vision adjusted, she looked inside to see rows and rows of blue vinyl chairs, worn out and some knocked over; she coughed as dust filled her lungs; there was black mold on the edges of the walls. She walked over and touched a potted plant that was still green. To her surprise, it …
