Bound for Danger Read Online Free Page B

expression: Do you think they’ll let us go? His expression: Who can predict anything in this crazy world?
    Finally the discussion seemed to break up, and the masked figures turned to face us again. The lead figure spoke.
    â€œWe have chosen to believe you truly don’t know Principal Gerther’s motivation. But the fact remains: you do not belong in the brotherhood. The brotherhood has bonded and suffered together. We deserve to be there, but you two do not.
    â€œThis is what will happen: tomorrow the two of you will go to Principal Gerther’s office and announce you’re quitting the team. No explanation. You will take whatever punishment he hands down. And after that, you can go about your lives as normal. If you never speak of this again, we have no reason to seek revenge.”
    Here the masked figure paused and cleared his throat. When he spoke again, even with the modulator, I could tell that the tone was lower and more serious.
    â€œIf you don’t, you boys will regret that you were ever born.You have not yet seen what the brotherhood is capable of. Our reach extends far beyond this room, or this town, even. If you boys want a future, you will quit.”
    I glanced at Joe. Both of our expressions: Daaaaaaaaaaang.
    â€œ Do you understand? ”
    â€œI understand,” I said. I understand that I want to get off this darn pedestal.
    The figure turned to Joe. “I need both of you to say it.”
    Joe nodded. “I understand,” he said.
    â€œVery well. Brothers?”
    Faster than I would have thought possible, the masked figures advanced on us. I was dragged down from the pedestal, the bag thrown back over my head, my hands bound with what felt like tape. We were led back up the stairs, out onto the driveway, and back into the trunk, and then our ankles were bound. The trunk lid slammed down on us, and the engine started up again.
    We were bouncing along for a minute or two when Joe muttered, “Well, that wasn’t fun.”
    â€œYeah,” I agreed. “Not what I expected at all.”
    â€œDid I almost get branded  ?” Joe asked.
    â€œI’m not sure,” I admitted. “Do you think they really would have done it?”
    â€œIt sure felt like it,” Joe said.
    â€œWhat do we do now?” I asked.
    Joe groaned. “Get home,” he said. “Have some of Aunt Trudy’s leftovers. Then decide.”
    After a few minutes the engine stopped. Seconds later the car doors opened and the trunk was popped. Cool air flooded in as hands reached down to lift us out and carry us . . . somewhere.
    Suddenly I was placed in a semi-upright position on something cold and metal, sitting down. I could hear Joe being positioned nearby.
    Then there was a scurrying sound, doors opening and slamming, and a car driving away.
    â€œDid they seriously just leave us here tied up?” Joe asked.
    â€œI think so,” I said.
    Joe groaned and I could hear him begin to struggle. “It’s, like, thirty degrees out here. Do you think you can wiggle out of your restraints?”
    I tried, but they were too tight. “Negative. We’re going to have to wait here for someone to find us.”
    â€œWhere do you think we are?”
    I sighed. “Hopefully in front of a Walmart or something. Somewhere really busy.”
    But that seemed doubtful. Once the car drove away, we didn’t hear another one for a few minutes. It sounded like we were on an out-of-the-way street.
    It felt like six hours, but was probably only thirty minutes or so, before we heard the rumble of a car approaching, then a door opening and shutting, followed by a startled, “What the . . . ?” from a young-sounding male voice.
    I heard footsteps approaching, and the bag was rippedoff my head. I was looking at a startled, pimply-faced teenager in a Paco’s polo shirt and baseball cap. We were back in Paco’s parking lot, propped in the small outdoor