The Turncoats (The Thirteenth Series #2) Read Online Free Page A

problem.”
    “Hi,” said Jason. He and Fran waved in Zac’s direction. His expression was unmoved as he stared at them both. They lowered their hands, noticeably uncomfortable.
    “Another prisoner?” Val asked, easing the icy moment as she started to collect her belongings.
    “I’ll get back to the computer room,” Jason started to head off.
    “No, it’s your dellatrax. I went to collect one for you, but it seems that it won’t work on your planet; the signal is scrambled by your moon and another twenty-five in between.”
    “Now what?” Val asked.
    “The Warden came up with a solution and the Judges have agreed. We will give you all the information you need in these.” Zac moved to reveal a pile of dated looking leather bound books on the counter.
    “Great, more books. How on earth am I supposed to carry them every time we get called out? The Warden didn’t think this one out,” Val moaned.
    “They understand that. However, the Warden feels that they will be well disguised in the bookshop and that your seer, Wendy, would be a worthy reader for you. Maybe these two others could be of assistance too.” Zac pointed at Jason and Fran.
    “Either way, this isn’t what I expected. What do you think Zac?” Val asked.
    “Sorry?” Zac’s expression changed to one of confusion.
    “I said, what do you think? Can we work like this?” Val looked at him, waiting or a response.
    “It is not my place to answer that question. Please, let us talk about you.” Zac was visibly uncomfortable.
    Wendy walked over to him and gently placed her hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand feeling even more confused. “Listen, we were just going to the Snakes and Ladders burger bar for lunch. Come with us and you and Val can carry on this conversation there.”
    “Yes mate, come on.” Jason patted him on the shoulder and they all walked towards the exit gently coaxing Zac to go with them.
    “Is this normal and appropriate behaviour?” Zac called back to Val.
    “Very.” She locked up and they all climbed into Wendy’s Morris Traveller.
    “Give your dad a call and get him to meet us,” Val shouted over the engine noise to Jason. He nodded back.
    The Snakes and Ladders was fuller than usual and Val was pleased when they managed to get a nice table tucked away in the corner. The waitress came over to take their order as Jason’s dad, Shane, arrived.
    “Where have you been?” Val stood up and embraced him. This was as close as she was going to get to a father figure for now.
    “I have a job.” He hugged her back and then went to greet the others.
    “You are Shane Walker, the painter. I am pleased to meet you. I am Zac Efron,” Zac bowed a little for him and Shane gave him a welcoming smile and a pat on the arm.
    “Hi Zac. I hear from Jason that you’re a hunter. Tell me all about it.” Shane sat next to Zac and Val smiled to see her hunter relax a little. Shane had once again willingly embraced a complete stranger.
    Jason called over the music, “Dad, when were we last here? I can’t remember.”
    Val could: the exact moment, the very day, and who was with them. She remembered the plane crash and how much she had wanted to protect her then best friend, Delta.
    “I’m not sure, son. Strange, but I can’t remember,” Shane replied.
    “Burger with cheese? Veggie delight?” the waitress called out over their heads.
    “I’m the Veggie,” Wendy leaned over to collect her plate.
    “That’s Zac’s,” Val called, grabbing the enormous burger.
    Zac’s face said it all. Val could tell that he had never seen anything like this burger. She picked up her Hawaiian and started to eat. Zac looked around the table at the others, then tentatively picked up his burger. Val nodded at him and he took a bite.
    She watched with interest as he chewed, concentrating on the new sensations he was experiencing. Finally he looked at her and declared, “This burger is very pleasant.”
    Val grinned at him. “Glad I’ve