The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

Nice Shoes!

17

Ryan followed Declan to the reception area, where the elderly woman seemingly stood guard. Almost oblivious to her surroundings, the receptionist, sporting short cropped gray hair and red framed glasses, played solitaire on the computer. A thought danced into Ryan's mind. 'That's Kaye, our receptionist. She has absolutely no Idea what this place is. She thinks it's a school for agriculture.'

Ryan couldn't help a giggle, as his thoughts floated to Declan, 'None of these people look like farmers.'

Declan chuckled also, as Kaye looked suspiciously over at them. 'She thinks we're laughing at her shoes. She picked them up at Goodwill for three dollars. Not because she doesn't have the money for something better, it just reminds her of high school.'

Ryan looked under the desk towards her feet. There, sat a pair of black and white saddle shoes. "Kaye, is it?"

Kaye lifted her eyes from the screen, slightly paranoid, "Yes it is."

"Those shoes, I thought I saw a pair at Goodwill for three dollars."

Her face became stern, "Look mister, I don't need to listen to your guff! Just because I shop at Goodwill, doesn't mean I can't afford better!"

Ryan felt a little shocked. "No, I don't mind them at all. They're very....creative."

"Well, thank you." She said with a smile. "They caused blisters on my heels, and the arch support wasn't the best. But I just lodged some cotton balls and..."

While Kay rambled on about her shoes, Chloe Nunez walked into the room. Today she looked like a spokesperson for Levi's. She wore a dark pair of jeans with a lighter denim jacket. A white and red t-shirt that read 'Believe the Hype' was underneath her coat. Her hair was cropped under a throwback Montreal Expos ball cap.

"You know that team doesn't exist anymore." Ryan thought, in hopes she would catch it, amused by the choice of hat.

She shot back with an annoyed glance, as a thought came to him. "Yes it does, it's known as the Washington Nationals now. I spent time in our Nation's Capital. I think the W emblem is pathetic. The pretty Red White and Blue of the Expos is cool.'

Ryan thought back. 'Hey isn't putting thoughts in heads grounds to get thrown out of TALONS?'

'I'm carrying on a conversation, not suggesting an action or convincing someone it's their thoughts'

Ryan spoke out loud. "Don't get me wrong, I think it's an excellent choice of clothing."

Kaye sighed with irritation. "Okay, one comment about the shoes is nice. However," She paused as she rolled her eyes, "If you keep going on like that, I'm just going to assume that everything rolling out your mouth is a load of trash."

"What? No...I didn't mean...I mean, you look primed for the annual Senior Sock Hop."

Kaye looked stunned, as she asked with a delighted gasp. "Is there such a thing?"

Ryan hid his guilt, judging that Kaye was totally psyched about something Ryan pulled from nowhere. "Actually, I don't know. But I'm sure they must do something like that." He turned to Chloe, "Wouldn't they?"

Chloe's eyes fell to the ground, shaking her head with a crooked smile fixed on her face. "C'mon, I'll show you to your new residence."