Wyoming Undercover by Karen Whiddon

Author:Karen Whiddon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Though Jack had come to enjoy his walks, he couldn’t take the chance of running into Sophia, so he went straight to the compound’s border. A quick climb over the fence and he disappeared into the trees. The same spot where Sophia had gone after the cookout.

Thinking of her made his chest ache. He had no doubt she was pretty freaked out right now. That’s how people like Ezekiel regained control, through fear and bullying. More than anything he wished he had a way to contact her without anyone knowing, but the only way he could do that here would be through Rachel.

The next morning when he walked to the school, a pale and jumpy Rachel let him in.

“Is Sophia all right?” he asked, trying to keep from sounding too alarmed.

She jumped. “Yes,” she said, then leaned in close so she could whisper in his ear. “She and I think we’re being spied upon. So be careful what you say or do.”

He wasn’t surprised, just annoyed that he hadn’t thought of that possibility sooner. Slowly he nodded.

“Today I’ve received permission to have you meet with three of the more troubled children,” she told him out loud, her voice clear and professional. “You’ll have one hour with each and you’re free to split them up however you prefer. Just make sure that you allow time for lunch and for recess.”

Recess. At least, contrary to his previous belief, the kids got to play outside. Sure, it was in a large, inner courtyard, but they were under the sun and in the fresh air.

Since he’d already met with Benjamin, he decided he’d talk to him last. Maybe if the kid saw him talking to some of his classmates, he’d open up a little. Ha, Jack amended. Maybe he’d actually speak.

Once the class was assembled and every child at his or her desk, he asked Rachel who the other two were. She quietly pointed out a little blond boy and a sullen, red-haired girl. “Theodore and Samantha.”

He decided he’d take Theodore first. In light of what Rachel had said about possible listening devices, he asked her if it would be all right to talk with the boy outside.

Understanding flashed across her face as she pretended to consider his request. “I don’t see why not,” she finally said. “There’s no way to leave the courtyard without one of the guardians letting you back in.”

Again, he realized how much this school resembled a prison for children.

When he called Theodore’s name, the boy jumped up so quickly he knocked over his chair. After hurriedly picking it up, he ran over to Jack, barely skidding to a stop before barreling into him.

“Walk, Theodore,” Rachel admonished. “You know we don’t run.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Let’s go outside and get some fresh air,” Jack said in a friendly voice. The boy nodded his head so violently Jack nearly winced.

Once outside, Theodore took off as soon as Jack told him it was okay to get some exercise. Running, running, running, as if trying to escape the inescapable.

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