I must have fallen asleep reading Dad’s big old boring book. “T.J. T.J. Wake up. It’s after midnight.” Sydney was gently shaking my shoulder. Immediately I was wide awake. I grabbed her and held on tightly.

  “What happened, Syd? Are you ok?” I pulled away to look at her, grabbing her arms. They were scratched all over, tiny bright red lines criss-crossing back and forth.

  “I’m fine. Just had a bad interaction with those cats.” She grinned a little bit. “That housekeeper of his had a way worse time.”

  “So everything’s alright? You’re ok? Stenway…”

  “We’re both ok. Mr. Left got away, I think.” Sydney rubbed her arms, wincing a little bit. “Stenway sent me back here, said there was nothing more to do tonight. I’m pretty sure he won’t get any sleep tonight, though.” She looked around the kitchen, frowning at the empty coat rack. “Mom and Dad aren’t back yet?”

  I stared at her. “You mean no-one at that party noticed what was happening?”

  “Not as far as I know. Apparently the dessert was prepared, along with the after dinner drinks.”

  My jaw dropped. “So I didn’t even have to make that tea after all?”

  “Actually, your part in the whole evening was legit.” Sydney grinned. “Stenway saw a few guests off at one point, and one of the ladies complained that she missed Mr. Left’s ‘celebrated Assam this evening.’”

  “Syd, I’m so confused about everything.” I went into the pantry and dug out some band-aids and ointment. “I’m going to put these on you, ok?”

  She reached out and squeezed my hand. “Thanks, T.J. Then we should go to bed. It is a school day tomorrow.”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Half an hour later, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Everything had moved too quickly tonight. How could we have been so far off? I mean, we were kind of on the right track, just the exact opposite of what we thought. I thought about Mr. Left, his green eyes and gentle manner. I thought about Ms. Higley, her bubbly-ness and loyalty. I thought about Stenway and how he made deals, asked for favors, and rarely gave me a straight answer.

  And then I thought about Sydney. She cared enough about me, even if she thought I was a little crazy, to rush over and check on me. She’d gotten all scratched and beat up, and no one had even explained a thing to her until it was all over. I pulled my blanket up to my chin and pushed my head down deeper into my pillow. Sydney.

  CONFIDENTIAL

  Reckoning Blue -- File2.107

  --Ground 0—

  BEGIN MEMO

  -Dr. Tellivar

  Wednesday, 17th of March

  Prescient One, alter ego Mr. Left of Dalton City, assumed control of RB files around 7 p.m. after which sending accomplice for the RB device. Both were en route to the signaling tower of the Left manor at 7.45 p.m. when civilians interfered long enough to make the attempt to steal the RB device impossible. Civ. Sydney Kelly accosted aide Higley in her journey to the top of the signaling tower, causing an anaphylactic reaction in aide Higley by application of an aggravating substance. Civ. Stenway Park physically blocked access to the top of the signaling tower, effectively reducing the potential range of the RB device.

  Both are recommended for commendations at this time. More details to follow in further report.

  END MEMO

  BEGIN MEMO

  -Omega 1

  Dr. Tellivar, requesting information on Prescient One’s location.

  END MEMO

  BEGIN MEMO

  -Dr. Tellivar.

  Omega 1, Prescient One unaccounted for. Please advise on how to continue.

  END MEMO