فصل 34

chapter-34 Success high school.

The traffic was relatively light as we made our way downtown. When we were a block from the school, Ben said, “There is the school ahead of us. We are going to first drive pass the school . . .” He hesitated. “No, past the school, then drive around the block and park the van on the north side of the school. Gervaso will park across the street near the Yin Hang.” “The what?” I asked.

“The bank,” Ostin said.

As we continued ahead, I looked back to see Gervaso turn left into the bank’s parking lot. A moment later we passed a four-story, ivory-colored stone-facade building in the middle of the block.

“That is the Cheng Gung Gau Sywe,” Ben said. “Success High School.” “I hope it is,” McKenna said.

I looked around but saw no one other than the people walking on the sidewalk in front of the school. I turned to Taylor. “Look familiar?” She frowned. “This is the same place.”

“Ian sees nothing,” Gervaso said over our radio.

“Okay,” Ben said. We drove past the school, then took a right on the next street, drove to the corner, then took another right, driving past the back of the school. The grounds were empty. No sign of Elgen, at least.

A moment later Ben pulled the van up to the north side of the school. He killed the engine and looked back. “McKenna, the bell will ring in just six minutes. Are you ready?” “Yes, sir.”

“Welch is tall and the only American, I think. He will stand next to the flagpole. It is pass that food truck.” He pointed to a large white truck parked to the north of the school’s front doors. It had Chinese writing on it. “He is wearing a light blue shirt. When you see him, do not look at him, just walk pass him and tell him to follow you.” “Wait, we’re not sending her alone,” I said.

“Yes, that is the plan. It is most safe that way.” “It’s not safest for her,” Ostin said.

“That’s not going to work for me, either,” Taylor said. “I’m going with her.” “But they will see you,” Ben said, his voice rising. “That is why we have McKenna in a uniform.” “We won’t be with her,” I said. “We’ll just keep in the background.” “You are not Chinese. You will stand out.” Ben glanced at his watch. “We are almost out of time.” I slid open the van door. “Ben, it’s okay. I promise.” Ben looked frustrated but helpless. “I do not like this. Do not get caught. You have thirty seconds until bell. Twenty seconds. Ten seconds.” The school bell rang. “McKenna, go now!” McKenna glanced at Ostin. “Wish me luck.” “Good luck,” Ostin said to her.

The front doors of the school opened, and students dressed in matching uniforms poured out like water. McKenna was dressed exactly like them, and we quickly lost track of her, which, I suppose, was the point.

We continued walking toward the flagpole. I felt like a salmon trying to swim upstream against the current of kids. Ben was right, we didn’t look like them. Still we were lost in the sheer number of bodies.

As we got closer to the school, I saw a tall American man walking out from the shadow of the school. I don’t know where he came from, but seeing him gave me chills. He was taller than I expected, more powerfully built. He wore slacks and a light blue, short-sleeved linen shirt.

He fell in with a stream of students that were walking toward an aluminum flagpole with a Taiwanese flag. He suddenly stopped, casually looked around, and then began walking toward us.

“There’s McKenna,” Ostin said. “They must have connected. She’s about ten feet in front of him.” “Keep your eye on her,” I said.

“Look at him,” Taylor said. “It’s like looking at the devil.” “Hatch is the devil,” I said. “Welch is just his henchman.” “His chief henchman,” Ostin said. “The right hand of the devil.” He turned to me. “Do you think it’s a trap?” “I wouldn’t be here if it was,” I said. “Taylor, does any of this seem familiar?” “Something’s not right,” she said.

“What’s that?”

“Where are the Elgen?”

Suddenly McKenna froze. She clutched her chest, then fell to the ground.

“Do you feel that?” I asked.

Taylor was trembling. “Yes. How can they do that?” “What is it?” Ostin asked.

Taylor looked at him with pain in her eyes. “RESATs.”