Reunion: Underground Book 3

By Casia Schreyer

Ethan and Shawna should be jumping for joy. Against all odds Ethan has returned to Complex 48. But both twins have changed, and new secrets threaten their friendship further.

This is the third book in the Underground series for middle grade readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Schreyer Ink Publishing
• Release date: Jan 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781988853154

Casia Schreyer

My name is Casia Schreyer. I write YA/NA novels and short stories in multiple genres.I am married and the mother of two. I live in Southeastern Manitoba in Canada.

Book preview

Reunion

Underground Book 3

Casia Schreyer

This is a work of fiction. All characters are the invention of the author. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

Published by Schreyer Ink Publishing, Canada

Copyright © Casia Schreyer, 2017

All rights reserved

Cover © Andreas Ganz, 2017

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher.

ISBN 978-1-988853-14-7

E-ISBN 978-1-988853-15-4

Proudly published in Canada

This book is dedicated to Colin D. and John E.

Thank-you for your support.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

About Schreyer Ink Publishing

Upcoming Releases

More from Casia Schreyer

About the Author

Prologue

You were right, Sir, Ethan Grieves found a way up to the warehouse, Martha said. She was seated in her office, a seamless white room no bigger than the ones Ethan and Shawna had written their tests in. In fact, the Complex 50 testing facility for this sector was just down the hall, closed now until the end of the school year. Her monitor was divided into four and in each square, there was a man’s face.

Where is he now? her boss asked.

We lost him Sir, she said when the other three participants in the virtual meeting offered no answer.

Lost him? How can you possibly lose him when there is a GPS chip in every cell phone in use in every complex and each one is set to alert us if it is tampered with?

He – well, he left his phone in my apartment, Sir.

Do we know where his sister is?

Another face on the monitor, this one belonging to Tom Shard in Complex 48, said, Yes Sir, no sign of irregular activity. We’re tracking her phone, and her roommate’s.

And her behaviour?

The third face, a middle-aged man named Gerald, said, From what I’ve seen she’s exactly as described – quiet, reserved, a loner. She’s not asking any odd questions.

Their boss was nodding. And the inside report?

The fourth man was younger than the others and Martha didn’t know his name. This didn’t surprise her; she didn’t even know all the agents working undercover in Complex 50. I’m told everything is progressing according to schedule. The mark is being kept up-to-date on Ethan’s status.

Isn’t it dangerous to give him that information? Gerald said. If Ethan does make it back here he’ll see right through your mole.

That’s been taken care of, their boss said. Martha, ship Ethan’s device and personal possessions to Complex 1 for inspection.

Of course, Sir. When can I expect to pick them up again?

You won’t be.

Oh, but I thought … the ultimatum …

That’s not your concern.

Of course, Sir. I’ll have it all ready for transport before the end of the day.

See to it. Tom, make arrangements for the tour. Gerald, continue to monitor her behaviour.

His orders were met with a Yes, Sir, and a sharp nod from both men.

Don’t worry Sir, the young agent said. The plan will stay on schedule.

Good. Now …

Sir! On the screen Martha could just see a door opening behind her boss. Whomever this new voice belonged to was likely standing in the now open doorway. Captain Gibson, head of security at Complex 48, just contacted us. They’ve located Ethan Grieves, Sir.

Where exactly?

The warehouse at 48, Sir. He was in one of the transport pods.

Have him brought in for questioning.

It’s already being done Sir. One of our men is with Captain Gibson now.

Good. Agents, you have your orders. His window went dark. One by one the other men signed off. Martha sighed and turned her computer off too.

Six months ago, Ethan’s file had landed on her desk, complete with a photo. Back then that’s all he was to her, some papers and a picture, a future assignment. It was written in his file that he’d be temporary, a fact she’d never revealed to Devin. Maybe she should have. He hadn’t spoken to her since that night.

Now they’ve found him. Maybe that will cheer Devin up. But if I tell him that he’ll want to know when Ethan is coming back, and then what do I tell him? She sighed and started for home. Devin was in class still, so she boxed Ethan’s belongings and called security for a pick up.

When Devin got home he didn’t even greet her. Before he could disappear into their room she said, They found him. He made it back to Complex 48.

His question was not what she expected. Is he in danger?

She stared at him for a long moment. Why would he be in danger?

Has he seen too much?

Martha didn’t have an answer for that. I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows that yet. He’s just a kid. He’s not in danger.

He nodded but didn’t smile and continued to their room. She’d been married to Devin for twenty years and knew the look on his face as he walked away. He didn’t believe her.

Chapter 1

The sound of heavy boots on metal woke Ethan. How long have I been out? Where am I? He sat up, still groggy, and came face to face with the mouth of a gun. He swallowed hard.

The gun was held by a man in a security uniform. Put your hands where I can see them and don’t get up. Once Ethan had complied the guard grabbed his radio. I’ve got him.

A voice crackled over the speaker. Bring him down to the transport level.

Yes sir. He focused on Ethan again. Get up slowly, you’re coming with me.

Ethan knew better than to ask the guard any questions, at least out loud. Stepping out onto the warehouse platform one of his questions was answered. There was a giant 48 painted on the wall. He was home. He reached back with his gift, gently rifling through the guard’s thoughts.

Apparently, it had been eight days since he’d left Complex 50. A lot of people were looking for him and this man was already mentally patting his own back and labelling himself a hero. They were going down to the transport level to meet with a Captain Gibson, most likely the man on the radio moments earlier. Beyond that, this security guard knew nothing of importance.

They crossed the length of the warehouse, gathering a following of security guards. Most of them considered him a nuisance, a trouble maker, and they were glad he’d been found, but there was one thought pattern that was different, out of place.

Did he get out? Can he tell us for sure? Will they even allow him to return home? Did he see too much? I wish I could have just a minute alone with him. Maybe he’ll help us.

Ethan glanced from face to face