Spy School Goes to Trial

Chapter 24 - Progress

Maximum Security Prison
Secret Location in Virginia
May 30
1700 Hours

Cyrus Hale had arrived with what looked like a small group of special forces soldiers, covered from head to toe in camouflage gear, including green and black face paint.

"Those kids aren't important! You three, go in and make sure none of the other prisoners are trying to escape," he ordered, and the soldiers obeyed without question. The remaining ones lowered their weapons.

I admit, I was little offended at being referred to as kids and unimportant. At the least, he could have called us agents, or the good guys.

"You," Cyrus pointed at me. "Where's Erica?"

"Nice to see you, too," Mike mumbled.

"I'm not sure. She took off as soon as we hit the ground, and ran inside the prison," I answered.

"And you let her go into a maximum security prison filled with dangerous people. By herself," he asked, incredulously.

He knew Erica better than anyone, and so he should have known that no one let her do anything, she did whatever she wanted. Plus, I was probably more worried for her than anyone else. So I shot back, "We wouldn't of needed to go in alone, if you had gotten here on time."

For once in my life, Cyrus actually looked like he was sorry. Usually he brushed aside these comments by criticizing me. Instead, he actually explained himself, "I couldn't get anyone to take my phone call, and the ones that did pick up thought I was crazy. They couldn't believe someone would know where such a highly classified place was, let alone break into it. I had to improvise, so I called in some of my buddies from the retirement home."

We all started wondering if 'retirement home' referred to some military installation that housed an elite group of soldiers. Our confusion must have been obvious, because the remaining soldiers all lifted up their protective goggles, revealing their faces. We suddenly realized, despite their strong builds and youthful energy, they were Cyrus's age. Apparently, he had meant a literal retirement home. Actually, Cyrus didn't really act his age either, and could probably take an army of bad guys with his pinky finger.

Just then, we heard a call from behind us. One of the soldiers had found Erica, and he was supporting her while she held onto her side, wincing as she walked. I could see Chip and Jawa escorting Jessica Shang behind them. I was thankful that everyone now seemed safe, but was worried for Erica.

"Elvis! Is this your granddaughter? We found her with the others upstairs," the soldier called out. Mike and I realized he had directed this nickname at Cyrus. We smirked at each other, while Cyrus made a slicing motion with his hand across his neck.

Then I ran over to Erica and asked, "Are you okay?"

Erica looked past me at Cyrus who was looking down. I could tell he wasn't happy with himself for not getting there on time. Erica was probably the person he cared the most about in this whole world, and he was upset he hadn't been able to stop her from getting hurt.

"I'll be alright. I think I bruised a couple of ribs, though." The soldier sat her down on a piece of debris, and I squatted next to her.

"What happened," I asked.

"I went upstairs looking for Murray near where Agent Durkee and Ms. E's cells were supposed to be. They weren't there but three of their henchmen were. It was a long fight. Where did you go? Why are you all wet?"

"I found Murray trying to steal a candy bar in the cafeteria."

"Of course you did," she groaned.