Deadly Secrets by Jessica C. Joiner

Author:Jessica C. Joiner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: spies, espionage, terrorist, family, secret agent, preteen, thriller
Publisher: Faith, Loyalty, Adventure Publishing
Published: 2018-09-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

As soon as the door was closed, I pressed my lips together and hit the rail on the side of my bed hard with the palm of my hand.

“I’m sorry,” Chris said sympathetically, “but he’s probably right.”

“I know that,” I said sharply, “that’s what’s so frustrating. I bring danger to anyone associated with me.”

I looked at him sharply. “What if Matt had been with me last night? He was going to go, you know.”

“I know. He told me.” Chris sat on the arm of the recliner.

“Why hasn’t your dad done the same as Coach Shiloh?”

“I’m sure you’ve noticed, but Dad is not exactly the most involved parent ever,” Chris said dryly, “especially where Matt is concerned. After Matt’s run in with Winston a couple months ago, Dad told Superintendent Hinkly that, unless he was expelling Matt, all further problems should be referred to me.”

“Why haven’t you done something, then?” I picked a piece of lint off the white blanket across my lap and added bitterly, “You know the danger I’ve put him in over the last couple months better than anyone.”

Chris looked thoughtful for a moment. “It’s really not that simple. First, I think you’re good for Matt. Before he came to the Academy and met you, his friends were not the best influence on him. They encouraged him to solve his problems with his fists and didn’t even try to encourage his walk with Christ.” He gestured to me. “I’ve observed you two over the last few years. You strengthen each other. Matt’s faith is stronger because of his friendship with you, and I think yours is stronger because of your friendship with him.” A wistful look crossed his face as he stood and crossed the room to the window. “It reminds me of my friendship with your dad.”

I felt my face heat with embarrassment at Chris’s praise, but found I agreed with him. Matt and I always tried to build each other up, and Matt had been there for me through the especially difficult time I’d had since my parents were kidnapped. I wouldn’t be the person I was without his friendship.

“Second,” Chris continued somberly, “separating you two assumes that the risk to Matt will end when he’s out of your immediate company. That’s simply not true. Kestler and I were enemies long before he turned his attention to you. Matt’s connection to me puts him in as much risk as his association with you. Besides, Kestler’s nuts, not stupid. Just because Matt, or even Trinity, stops hanging around you doesn’t make them less of a target. Kestler still knows that you care about them.”

“That’s an encouraging thought. Thanks.”

“It does, however, limit their risk of becoming collateral damage in an attack on you,” Chris conceded as he turned from the window. “That brings me to my next reason to keep the two of you together. I’m tasked with keeping you safe. If Matt is with you, I can keep an eye on him also. The way I see it, the best way to keep Matt safe is to keep you out of trouble.

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