Opheliac by J. F. Jenkins Page A

happy. His brow was deep, and the lines around his eyes were much more obvious. The guy was tired, no doubt about it. There was a slight hint of irritation as well, and at first JD thought it was directed at Orlando. But then Alan spoke.
    â€œI don’t believe them. I wasn’t even aware my people were making a deal with these youths. This was sprung on me about an hour before I arrived here. My superiors and I had many words over the issue. In the end, my opinion was overruled. The chance at having extra help was worth the risk of intellectual security. I’ve been assured that these youth will be watched thoroughly at all times. After all, the blue and green tribes know they have been betrayed by these few teenagers. This will not be something that goes unpunished.” Alan shook his head. “Another reason why I did not think it a good idea for them to do. It would be one thing if they were military-trained, but they’re innocents.”
    â€œAnd if things keep going this way, the fighting won’t be a secret for much longer,” JD said. He bounced in his seat, proud of himself for coming up with a logical conclusion that was more or less spot-on. Cadence isn’t the only smart one in the group! I can figure stuff out too. Keeping the war hidden from the everyday public was one of the group’s main missions.
    Making a soft “hmm” sound, Alan returned his gaze to the window.
    Orlando leaned forward in his seat. “What aren’t you telling us?”
    â€œWe are getting a new team member,” Alan said. His face became stoic once more and his gaze never moved to look at anyone else in the room.
    JD would have pegged Angela or Orlando as the one to flip out. It was Cadence, however, who had the most dramatic of the reactions. “They can’t do that without talking to us! This isn’t fair!”
    â€œWe’re just the minions, Slick, why would they ever be so considerate of our opinions when they won’t even consider Alan’s?” Orlando stated with a lot more calm than JD expected. The guy’s fists were clenched, however, making it clear he was reserving himself. He didn’t usually restrain himself so much. JD wasn’t sure what that meant.
    Taking in a slow breath through his nose, Alan exhaled slowly from his mouth. “I’m not pleased either, though the extra help is always handy. He’s a student at your place of education, Orlando. It will be good for you to have another ally to work with there. Our double agent is attending there as well, but you aren’t allowed to make contact with him for obvious reasons. You don’t need to befriend this boy either, but you can at least talk and pass messages along to one another with ease.”
    â€œNia is kind of an ally,” Orlando pointed out.
    Angela laughed. “She tried to kill you. How is she on our side?”
    â€œBecause I volunteered to give up my life so my best friend could live. Did we forget that part?” he snapped. “Speaking of, Dallas needs a place to stay. I was thinking maybe he could stay here in the Apartment. I haven’t mentioned it to him yet, because I wanted your permission first before making any major decisions.” He shot Alan a dark glare that made even JD bristle.
    â€œIs that safe? Given all that we do here…” Cadence said softly.
    Orlando shrugged. “He already knows. While he was dead he stalked me and found about all of the stuff happening with Altura. So long as he stays out of the way, I figure it’s not a big deal. He could help too. When he was resurrected, his powers unlocked. It’ll only be temporary until I can get him an actual apartment or condo or something. And I won’t let Nia come over.”
    Frowning, JD weighted the pros and cons to allowing Dallas to stay in their headquarters. There was certainly space for him to do so, and if he had powers that could prove useful, that was