Chapter 2
"We learned little of the Vespers except this. They want Cahill power, and they will do anything to get it. They are a group of people, not a family, which makes them all the more dangerous. They can recruit the best," he said as he looked around at them. "The branch leaders have gotten together and discussed the best course of action." He paused then spoke.
"You will all stay here."
"WHAT?" exploded from eleven throats. Dan was furious. They can't do that! Everyone started yelling at McIntyre.
"Silence!" Fiske yelled. He nodded at McIntyre to continue after the kids quieted down. "The Vespers are targeting the younger generation, mostly. The people in the branch that are helping unite the branches. They don't want us working together. Some of you know that Amy and Sinead," he nodded at the two girls, "have a boot camp of sorts. We are changing the idea to make it a school for Cahills. All of you are required to attend. We will tell your current schools that we will be homeschooling you for a year."
"B-but Mr. McIntyre!" Amy protested, "Sinead and I are teaching ourselves. We can't teach everyone!"
"We are hiring teachers. You have normal classes such as math and english. But you will also participate in code breaking, escape, agility, intelligence, strength and many more classes focused on Cahill subjects. As we learned from Amy's relationship with Evan, school could be filled with Vesper infiltrators. We are tripling security. This is the real reason the adults left. This is one of the many safe houses being built to for Cahills. But it is the only one that is also a school."
All the kids stared at him. Dan was the first to speak.
"I have to survive a year with these people," Dan said, stunned.
"Yes."
"I'm doomed," Dan groaned as he laid his head on the table.
"At the end of the year you will be given a written exam. If you pass that, you do one mission that determines whether you pass or fail. If you survive that test, then you are done with the year. What's the day Fiske?"
Fiske checked his calendar. "Friday," he responded.
"Good," McIntyre responded. "Tomorrow you will get your schedule. As there are only eleven of you, you all will have the same classes at the same time. Any supplies will also arrive then. There is only one rule. There will be absolutely no fighting. I know this group works together, mostly. But we can't risk one of you getting hurt. We need every one of you to succeed. Anyone who decides to pick a fight will be given a solo mission in Antarctica. We will come back in a helicopter at the end of a month to pick you up. If we can find you." He looked around to make sure the lecture hit home.
"On a happier note, we had enough rooms for everyone to have their own. Amy, Dan the rooms are in the guest hallway. The names are on the doors. Amy, you and your brother…"
"I am here, you know," Dan grumbled, miffed that he was being ignored.
"You will sleep in the same hallway with the rest of the students. You will all get your clothes and other belongings tonight."
"Tonight!" wailed Natalie. "What will I change into after lunch?"
"You can visit the mall quick," Amy reassured Natalie as Fiske spoke.
"Until Monday, children. Now run along."