Young Prodigies: Secrets

Saige

Direct permission to hack into the elevator count me in!

It didn't take long with both me and Samuel to do it, and within five minutes flat we were on our way to the school office.

We ran the whole way there because Mr. Lukas never gives permission to hack into anything! So whatever reason he wants in the school office so bad it must be important.

The office is located in the heart of the school, and the school is huge. So by time we got there we've been running for five minutes without stopping. Which wouldn't have been a big deal for either of us if we had eaten breakfast.

On the elevator ride and while we were running Sam told me how he lost his appetite when he witnessed his roommate drip hot sauce down his shirt, and when the light shined on his hair, grease just soaked his head. Just thinking about it made me want to vomit, but of course Sam may be exaggerating it. Then again the more I think about it, and the more I picture it I wouldn't put it passed Dominick.

Mr. Lukas, Violet, Xavier, and Mr. Hoffman were all in the office talking. All conversation stopped when we walked in.

Mr. Lukas got up from his seat, and clapped his hands slowly, "Well, look who decided to join us. I was expecting you to be at least another ten minutes to rewire an elevator."

I smiled, "Nope, hacking into an elevator... easy-peasy, right Sam?" Sam gazed around the room, and didn't seem to notice me. I nudged him with my arm, "Right Sam?"

He seemed to come out of la-la land, "Oh yes, easy-peasy."

Mr. Lukas smiled and directed us to the chairs, "Very impressive. So why don't you join us."

Mr. Lukas pointed to the map and began, "If you know this please sit tight and listen, because both me and Mr. Hoffman want to make sure we cover everything. Our school has a hidden location that not many people know about. It was used to train kids like you, but in order to keep in a secret from outsiders me and Mr. Hoffman camouflaged it so others couldn't find it. So long story short we hid it so well we don't even know where it is. We made a map to show how to get there, but two former students stole it and we haven't seen them or the map in over twenty years."

Mr. Hoffman stood up and took over, "This morning Mr. Lukas got a note from my daughter, Phoebe. The note was written in blood. She said she was hurt, and that she was at the secret location. She needs help, but Mr. Lukas and I aren't smart enough to back track our steps. So that's why we need you to uncover the map and find Phoebe. If you don't she'll die."

I raised my hand and started talking, "But how do we find this map if it was stolen by former students, and why can't the Smithonian police help us?"

Mr. Hoffman looked at Mr. Lukas and began, "The police are considered outsiders to the school they don't know anything about the Secret Location, and you're smarter than they are." He paused to catch his breath and continued, "About the map, I didn't tell Mr. Lukas, but I phoned the former student's best friend Sara Mike, and she said she will gladly give over the information, but she doesn't want to do it over the phone. So you will have to go to her she lives in Oakland, and she will lead you from there."

Mr. Lukas took his turn, "But before you go find Sara you need to go to Bellcrest Smithonia to pick up the last member of the team. Her name is Zahra Zesiro she is a foreign exchange student. Her host parent is Mrs. Thompson." Mr. Lukas handed Violet a piece of paper and the note that Phoebe sent and continued, "Zahra's address is on the notecard, and the napkin is the note that Phoebe wrote to me, don't lose it! It could be very valuable." Mr. Lukas scrambled through papers he had on his desk, and when he found the one he wanted he continued, "Ah yes, stay hidden from society we don't want anyone know you're out and about with no adult supervision, and no matter what don't tell anyone besides for Sara and select few you're real names. Phoebe is very skilled and she should last a few days foraging for herself, but we don't know how hurt she is so you need to stay cautious about your time."

Violet exchanged looks with me and asked, "How are we supposed to get across the country within a few days?"

Mr. Hoffman smirked, "Oh yes, we have a plane for you guys to use. Don't ask why, but we just happen to have one. This plane can get you to any place in Smithonia within a few days."

Xavier and Samuel both liked the sound of that, but Mr. Lukas put an end to their fun.

"You must be careful the plane can be very dangerous, and that's why you only can use the plane to get to the outskirts of the city. You have to park it in the woods and walk to your destination so nobody suspects anything. Do we have an agreement?"

Everyone nodded enthusiastically. Mr. Hoffman continued, "There are a few things we need to talk about before you guys go off on this dangerous trip."

I crossed my arms grumpily, "Like what?" Mr. Hoffman gave me a look that pretty much said get a better attitude, "Well, Saige, I need each of you to call your parents to make sure you have permission to go, and the second thing is that you don't need to pack anything because the plane already has everything you need inside it."

Violet and Xavier left the room to call their parents, and Samuel decided he would call ours. I didn't say anything but I couldn't help but think our parents will let us go just to get off the phone faster. So they can go back to work. I'm sure they won't even ask Sam any questions about the quest like the other kids.

A few minutes later Sam came back. He turned to Mr. Lukas and smiled enthusiastically, "Mr. Lukas, me and Saige can go."

I didn't understand why he sounded so surprised, and he usually gets depressed after getting off the phone with mother and father, because they don't have time to listen to what we have to say. He elbowed me a little, and I pulled away. He didn't let that bother him as he smiled.

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes, "Why are you so happy?"

He smiled and started laughing, "Mother and father asked a bunch of questions about the quest. She almost said no because it sounded so dangerous, but I convinced her. She listened to me Saige and actually had time to talk for once!"

I felt a tear swell in my eye as I quickly wiped it away before Sam could see it. I'm happy for him, really, it's just I wish I could call them at just the right time so they would have enough time to talk to me.

A few minutes Xavier and Violet came in. Xavier seemed pretty shaken, but he could go. Something about his brothers.

Violet was peppy as always, "I can go! YAY!"

She squealed and jumped in the air.

Mr. Lukas put his hands together, "Very well. Follow me to the plane."