The Missing by Garth Nix & Sean Williams

Author:Garth Nix & Sean Williams [Nix, Garth & Williams, Sean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2014-12-14T21:00:00+00:00

Through the open kitchen door, Jaide could hear the adults arguing.

“What does it hurt to ask?” Susan was saying. “I’m sure Aleksandr isn’t the monster you make him out to be.”

“He’s not a monster,” said Hector. “He’s just determined to do what he thinks is right.”

“But how can he not think this is right? There are children over there now. Can’t you convince him that we have to rescue them before his people cut them off forever?”

“Project Thunderclap will only work if The Evil doesn’t get wind of it first. That’s how he and the Hawks will see it.”

“Then he is a monster,” said Susan, her voice catching. “They’re all monsters, everyone who’s working for him….”

“Can I just remind you that I’m working for him, too?”

“Aleksandr’s thoughts have ever been of the greater good, and nothing else,” said Grandma X. It was hard to tell if she was trying to soothe Susan or agreeing with her. “He wouldn’t rescue his own daughter if she was in Jack’s position.”

“So what do we do to help him?” asked Susan.

“He is not helpless,” Grandma X said, “and Lottie is there, too. They are both resourceful. Together, I believe they will find a way.”

Susan’s fist hit the table with a loud bang. “I’m supposed to go to work tomorrow. How can I do that before we get Jack, Tara, and Kyle back? How can I do anything?”

“Yes. I’ll be doing everything I can, given the restraints I am under. A Warden’s promise is binding….”

“I think that’s our cue,” whispered Jaide to Stefano. “They could be at this for hours.”

She and Stefano inched past the doorway, into the laundry room where the bikes were kept.

“Ahem,” said a feline voice from behind them. “Where do you think you’re off to?”

“It’s okay, Ari,” said Jaide, turning. She had the excuse ready. “We’re going to check the wards.”

“Now? At this time of night?”

“It’s not that late. And there’s no trace of The Evil at the moment. I just want to make sure that’s not how it’s getting in.”

“I’m going to check with your grandmother.”

The sound of raised voices made him pause in mid-step.

“On second thought, I’ll just get Kleo.”

He scampered off, and Jaide and Stefano continued untangling the bikes. There were just two of them, but until they were separated it seemed like there were eight wheels, five handlebars, and at least six pedals to negotiate.

The two cats returned with Kleo in the lead.

“I understand that you, Jaide, have been inducted into the full knowledge of the wards of Portland,” she said. “What about Stefano?”

“Well,” said Jaide, “he did pass the second Examination, and you wouldn’t want me riding around on my own, would you?”

Kleo was forced to concede that last point.

“If you discover anything at all, you’ll call.”

“Yes,” Jaide said, tapping the pocket containing her phone and tapping her head, too. Thanks to the ability to teep, she would never be out of touch again. “I won’t take on anything alone, I promise. My Gifts are still feeling weak.

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