Read Online Blue's Revenge by Deborah Abela - Free Book Online

in?’
    Toby went to walk past but Linden put out his arm and stopped him.
    â€˜Now isn’t great. I’ll ask Max to call you later.’
    â€˜But I’m here now. I’ll only be a minute.’
    Toby ducked under Linden’s arm and headed towards the lounge, where he could hear voices. ‘Sounds like there’s a party going on.’
    Linden followed him as he flung the door open and stared at the people gathered around Max. Toby didn’t know who they were but he had the strangest feeling he’d met them all before. ‘Hi, my name’s Toby. Max and I go to the same school. Don’t we, Max?’
    â€˜I tried to keep him out but he got past me,’ Linden explained.
    â€˜It’s okay,’ Eleanor said gently as Max sank back into the lounge.
    There was an awkward silence. Toby noticed Max’s pale and drawn face.
    â€˜Aunt Mable said you called.’ He felt suddenly uncertain. ‘I left messages, but when you didn’t call back I thought I’d come over.’
    Max pulled the blanket higher over her pyjamas. The day had been one of the worst in her life, and Toby seeing her in this state was only making it worse. ‘Don’t bother saying anythingabout how awful I look. Whatever you’re thinking, I already know I look worse.’
    Toby said nothing. He knew from Max’s voice that something terrible had happened. He also knew he probably should leave, but his feet wouldn’t move.
    Eleanor stood up and walked towards him. ‘It’s been a bit of a rough day, Toby. Maybe Max could call you when she’s feeling better.’
    â€˜Sure.’ Toby wanted to stay and make sure Max was okay, to ask what was wrong and see if he could help, but he also had to tell her something.
    â€˜Mum and Dad have to stay in Europe for the rest of the year and they want me to go and live with them,’ he blurted as Eleanor opened the door for him.
    Linden saw an even deeper sadness settle in Max’s eyes.
    â€˜When?’ Max asked softly.
    â€˜In two weeks.’ Toby paused. ‘I just wanted to tell you.’
    Max was silent. Now she knew why Toby had looked so sad in the park. His parents were heart specialists who’d been working in Austria for the last few months. He’d stayed home so he wouldn’t interrupt school, but also because he didn’t want toleave his friends. Now it looked like he was going to have to leave them for good.
    â€˜Do you have to go?’ Max felt the ache in her chest suddenly get worse.
    â€˜Mum and Dad have already organised it.’
    Toby paused. He and Max had never been friends, but when he’d found out about his parents’ plan, Max was the first person he wanted to tell.
    â€˜Well, I’ll see you later then.’ Toby walked out of the room and, seconds later, the front door clicked shut after him.
    Eleanor settled herself even closer to Max and kissed her on the forehead. Harrison nodded to Steinberger, who handed him a tape.
    â€˜Here’s a copy of all the video taken at the wedding. I know it may be difficult to look at, but it might give you more of an idea as to what happened,’ Harrison said. ‘We will be in touch as soon as we know more and have a further plan of action.’
    Max carefully took the tape.
    â€˜Agents Canon and Crampton are positioned downstairs,’ Steinberger explained. ‘You can contact them with your palm computers if you need anything. They will also be watching the area for any suspicious behaviour, so you are completely safe.’
    Linden flinched. He hadn’t thought they may be in danger as well.
    â€˜The news will also be on every network and front page throughout the country, so the media attention is going to be fierce. The agents will also be in charge of keeping them away.’
    Max said nothing as she stared at the tape.
    â€˜Eleanor, I’ll leave it to you to call Linden’s dad. Max, your