I Am the Traitor by Allen Zadoff

Author:Allen Zadoff [Unknown]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Boys & Men, Juvenile Fiction / Law & Crime
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2015-06-08T22:00:00+00:00

I RUN.

Through the woods, up one hill and down another, the thrum of the rotors growing in volume.

I crest the top of another hill and I see the helicopter landing in a small valley with a hill on one side and a river on the other. Together they form a natural defensive perimeter.

I walk down the hill, approaching the aircraft slowly, my hands held away from my body so it’s clear I’m not carrying a weapon.

I can make out a pilot in the front seat wearing a helmet with a reflective visor that covers most of his face. There’s a copilot in the passenger seat, similarly dressed.

The cargo bay door slides open, and a third man steps out. He wears no helmet.

It’s Father, my commander in The Program. He’s come for me himself.

I lift a hand in greeting. I walk toward the open door.

“Hello, son,” he says, shouting to be heard over the noise of the rotors.

“Another helicopter ride?” I say, referring to our last mission together.

“It’s worked for us before. Why mess with success?”

“You want to drive, or you want me to?” I say.

“This time we’re both passengers. It will give us a chance to talk.”

He extends a hand, pulling me up into the helicopter and sliding the door closed behind us.

The helicopter makes a combat takeoff, rising with maximum power. It’s a dangerous maneuver normally undertaken in battle conditions.

“Combat maneuvers?” I say to Father.

“A precaution,” Father says.

I’m confused for a moment, wondering what risk there could be in a rural area of Pennsylvania.

That’s when I understand.

It’s me they’re worried about. I am the risk.

I look around the cargo bay. Two soldiers in combat gear flank us. They are armed and in shooting position, ready to attack if called upon.

Father leans in close so he can be heard.

“You’ll forgive me if I get right to business,” he says.

“Of course.”

I relax my shoulders, allowing my body to react as if I’m unconcerned about the weapons being pointed at me.

Father says, “We’ve had reports of some unusual activity in the last twenty-four hours.”

“Could you be more specific?” I say.

“Is that necessary?”

“It is if you want me to know what you’re talking about.”

Father studies my eyes. I show him nothing.

“We had a security breach at a Program facility,” Father says.

“Are you accusing me?” I say.

“I’m asking you.”

“I’ve been standing down in Columbus for several days now. If I recall, it’s you who took me off the board in the first place. You said I needed some rest.”

“Zach, I’m trying to help you here. I need you to level with me.”

Help me with what?

I hesitate for a moment, wondering if there’s more going on than I can perceive. Perhaps I should tell Father the truth.

No. This is a game of chess. Move. Countermove.

“Here’s the truth,” I say. “I was in Columbus. Mother called and asked me to join her for a birthday celebration. I would have brought party favors, but time was a little tight.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“That’s all there is.”

“You don’t know anything about these issues I mentioned?”

“I don’t.

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