Read Online The Wayward Gifted - Broken Point by Mike Hopper, Donna Childree - Free Book Online Page A

“What
makes you think that I have an interest in politics? You’re so silly.”
    “You could change your mind.”
    “I don’t think so. Maybe you should go into politics.”
    Steuart shrugged, “Things like this can
follow a person forever.”
    “You’ve got to stop reading those Tad
Grey novels.” Sam turned her back to the tree and leaned against the ladder.
“Steuart, you’re acting extra silly. Everyone knows that you’re entertaining,
but I’m getting bored.”
    “I’m not trying to be humorous.”
Steuart picked up two more leaves and created a new mask. “I’m serious,” he
laughed.
    “This is not one of your comedy
routines. We’re losing time with all of this silliness.”
    “I’m not teasing. I remember. You do
too.”
    “I think we’re safe. We’re not going to
be arrested.”
    “You don’t know that. All it takes is
being in the wrong place at the right time. Maybe there’s a dead body up there.
We could be framed.”
    “Stop it!” Sam held up her hand and
pointed her finger in the air towards the leaves. “I will concede that we
shouldn’t have gone into that woman’s building back home. And I have no problem
telling you that I will never do that again. This, however, is not the same
thing. This is different.” Sam sighed and shifted her feet. “Steuart, we need
to get started.”
    “How is it different?”
    “This is a tree house. That was a
shed.”
    Steuart dropped his leaves, “We
shouldn’t be doing this.”
    “Don’t you think you’re overreacting
this time—just an itty bitty bit?”
    Steuart stared at his sister.
    Sam sighed, “I’m sorry that you’re
feeling upset. I’m sorry that I’ve picked on you today. I am sorry that you’re
uncomfortable.” She turned and faced the tree, placed both hands on the ladder and
looked up at the leaves. “I have to have one of those leaves. I’ll climb-up,
get one, and then I will leave.” She turned and looked at her brother, “I have
to know that you’ll not say anything to Mother or Grandmother. Can I count on
you? You can go home now. I won’t be angry.”
    “I don’t know. I don’t feel comfortable
leaving you here alone.”
    “I’m staying.” Sam began to climb the
ladder.
    Steuart continued to stare. He said
nothing.
    Sam stopped and looked down at her
brother, “You know how important my colors are to me. Do I ever stop you from
getting new words? I always support the things you want to do. I never give you
a hard time. I always support you, don’t I?” She began to cry.
    “Don’t start with tears. Please, don’t
do it. Don’t cry. I refuse to fall for that.” Steuart picked up his bike. “You’re
not winning any points with me.”
    “I’m asking for help from my brother.
That’s all I’m doing,” Sam sniffled.
    “I never break and enter to get new
words.” Steuart straddled his bike, folded his arms and looked at his sister.
    Sam turned her head and looked at
Steuart who was still staring without any expression. “It’s just a color,” she
looked up at the house, “and I doubt seriously that these people have a guard.”
    Steuart didn’t move.
    “Tell you what. I’ll make a deal with
you. Help me get my leaf and in exchange, I’ll make your bed for the next three
days.”
    Steuart shifted from one foot to the
other. He got off the bike for a minute, changed his mind, and then got back
on. “Three days?” He shifted a tiny bit more, pursed his lips, cocked his head,
and looked around for watchers.
    “What do you say?” Sam asked.
    Steuart knew that Ida would be
disappointed in the conversation. She wouldn’t agree with making these kinds of
bargains and would be quick to tell him so. He looked up at the tree house with
a curious sort of expression and muttered something under his breath as he let
out a sigh. He smiled, “Maybe we can negotiate.”
    “What?” Sam stepped down a rung, “I
can’t hear you. What did you say?”
    Steuart got off his bike and lay it on
the