'Hey Michael Guerin, you got a letter!'

'Huh?'

Michael and Isabel were standing by the lockers talking about what was happening with Max.

'Hey now this is creepy, Michael Guerin Gets Fan mail! What does it say?'

'Michael,

I know all about you, in fact we might even be related. I have news of Nasedo. Come to the first service station on 285 South, and bring your Bride. DO NOT bring Max!

Your Secret Friend.'

Isabel stood dumbfounded, 'But…? Michael this is serious! We have to tell Max!'

'No! I'm going and I don't want this to stuff up! OK?'

'You can't just not tell him because you're still mad at him! It could be anyone! It might be the FBI!'

'How would they know about Nascedo? And why shouldn't I go just cos I'm annoyed at Max? I'm second in command! That gives me at least some power!'

'You're never gonna change are you?' said Isabel frustratedly.

'Nope!' replied Michael irritatingly.

'Well looks like we're going on a little trip!' sighed Isabel.

'You're coming?'

'Doesn't look like I've got much of a choice! Someone has to look out for you!'

'Great, thanks for the vote of confidence!'

***

Rath looked at Lonnie, 'You really think they're gonna fall for that dumb letter?'

'What do you think! Let me guess, you would have just blasted them' she gave him a withering look.

'OK, fine!' said Rath irritated. 'When do we enter the building then?'

'As soon as they go out, we go in…'

From a little way away a silent figure stood and stared.

***

'Hey Max!'

'Huh? Oh hey Isobel, Michael…'

Lonnie and Rath smiled at each other.

'We have to go to the Granolith later…'

'Why?' asked Max looking confused.

'I can't tell you here, but we've found something out. Just don't bring Tess. OK?'

'Sure I guess…'

'Hey guys!'

Max swung round and saw Liz, she was standing shyly in front of them smiling. A strand of hair was just hanging over her face, he just wanted to reach out and brush it away… God, she was beautiful! Max felt himself going red and quickly swung back away.

'You OK?' asked Liz. 'Michael?'

Why was he looking at her like that? It reminded her of someone, who was it?

'We've gotta go to class,' Max blurted out.

'Oh, OK,' murmured Liz, hurt by the coldness of his voice.

Max could feel that he had hurt her, how could he have hurt her again? When ever she was with him she seemed to get hurt….