The man sitting across from Troop obviously appeared to be miffed about having someone younger than him running the interview. Troop had been sent to decide whether Mark Coles would make a helpful addition to the Revealers or not. As far has Troop could tell, Coles was intelligent and had enough connections to be considered a potential member. The only thing that bothered him was that Coles spoke with a condescending manner.
“What is your current job?” asked Troop.
“I review articles for the GN,” said Coles.
So he’s in the upper circles, Troop thought. Anyone who worked in the government system would be very well connected.
“What are some of your past occupations?” Troop asked.
“I used to work at a school as a writing teacher.” Coles scratched his nose and said, “Aren’t you a little bit young to be out of school?”
“I take my classes online.”
Coles made a hrming sound then said, “The quality’s just not the same as having an actual teacher.”
“Please, Mr. Coles,” said Troop. “Let’s not get off track.” He reviewed some of the background information about Mark Coles on his electro-slate. “You live alone, correct?”
“Yes.”
“None of your family members are part of the Revealers. You have a sister who was convicted for selling illegal books and sentenced to twenty years in prison. As a child, you attended a private school where you received top marks and was the valedictorian. Is all of that correct?”
Coles gaped at Troop, looking flustered for the first time since Troop had met him. “How did you know that? I don’t remember sharing that much information when I filled out the application form.” Coles expression tightened and he said, “This is an intrusion of my privacy. I demand a satisfactory explanation—”
“Just answer my question. Please,” Troop added, remembering his manners.
“Yes, all of that is true.”
Troop referred back to his notes. Time to ask a trick question, he thought. He directed his attention back to Coles and said, “You currently have two droid-cats, earn about 200,000 points a year from your job and teach part time at the Hadrian University. Is all of that true?”
“Yes.”
Either he’s lying or this person’s an imposter, Troop thought.
“Wait! I only have one droid-cat, not two,” Coles hastily corrected himself.
Never mind. This guy’s legit. Troop asked a few more questions then said, “Everything appears to be in order. A senior member of the Revealers will contact you within a few days to finalize your decision of joining the Revealers.”
“I hope this ‘senior member’ isn’t some kid,” Coles muttered just loud enough for Troop to hear. He shook Troop’s hand and said, “Thank you for your time.”
Troop strode down the street, enjoying the fair weather and sun shining down on his back. He turned a corner and saw a lady step out from an apartment accompanied by a young man. The guy’s silhouette seemed familiar.
Troop studied the guy, who had his back turned towards him, for a few more minutes. No way! Troop thought. I think I’m seeing things. There is no way that person is Mason.
He threaded his way to get closer to the-person-that-might-be-Mason. The guy besides the woman turned a bit, revealing his profile. It was Mason.
What in the world is Mason doing here? And who is that woman? Troop wondered.
The woman looked to be quite a bit older than Mason; she had her hair pulled into a tight bun and her diamond studs flashed in the sunlight.
Troop inched even closer, attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation.
“New girl?” Mason asked.
“Yes,” said the woman. “She’s settling in better than I expected.”
“What’s her name again?”
“Pierce. Remember, her name’s Pierce, not Kristi.”
They know something about Kristi! Troop wanted to grab Mason and wring out every drop of information regarding Kristi from him, but he restrained himself; he would learn more if didn’t interrupt their talk.
“Is she the same as before?” asked Mason.
“No. You won’t recognize her. The whole experiment is amazing, really. I do have some concerns about Dr. Spencer, though.” The woman lowered her voice, forcing Troop to strain his ears to catch even just half of the words she said. “Attached…it’s not right…too personal…don’t like it…” her voice trailed off into a whisper so quiet Troop wasn’t able to hear anything.
However, when Mason spoke, he spoke loud enough for Troop to overhear. “You’re keeping him away, right?”
“I’m doing my best to discourage any friendship. That should give you the chance to befriend her. If you’re able to get close to the girl, you’ll automatically become part of Dr. Spencer’s inner ring.”
“I like the name Kristi more than Pierce,” said Mason.
“Deal with it.”
Wait a second, Troop thought. Who are they talking about? Pierce or Kristi? None of this is making any sense.
“What time is it?” asked the woman.
“One-forty.”
“I need to hurry back to the C. Where’s the car?”
“Right here. When will I get to meet Kristi?”
Mason opened a car door for the woman. She slid into the backseat and said, “Don’t you mean—”
The rest of her words were cut off though, when Mason slammed the door shut.
Troop hid behind an abstract sculpture, keeping his ears tuned for any other tidbits of information they might spill. To his disappointment, Mason pulled the car away from the curb the moment he got behind the wheel.
“I knew it! Kristi’s still alive,” Troop whispered to himself.
