“No, I don't think so. Thanks for the information,” Chris said.
“My pleasure. Have a great day,” Cynthia said brightly and she hung up.
Chris put the phone back on the table and sat there for a moment, his mind a blank. Too much had happened in the last few days and he had not had time to absorb it all yet. Then he realized that he had to be downstairs in a half hour and jumped out of bed and ran for the bathroom.
After a quick shower, Chris looked through the closest and chest of drawers and realized that all of the clothes were exactly his size. How was that possible? But he was in a rush and decided to think about it later. Finally, dressed in black jeans and a blue shirt, he shook his head once to get rid on any lingering moisture, pushed his hair back off of his face, grabbed the cellphone and slipped it into his pocket and left the room.
Chris remembered to lock the door behind him and set off for the dining hall. Following the directions he was given over the phone, he soon found himself outside of the dining room. He stood in the hall and looked inside.
The room was very large. Chris counted at least a dozen round tables scattered about, each one with six or more chairs.
The tables were covered with linen table cloths, place mats and cutlery, and a vase of fresh flowers sat in the middle of each one.
There were already people seated and eating their breakfasts, maybe a dozen so far and Chris stood looking into the room, uncertain where he should sit. Suddenly a voice behind him made him spin around quickly.
“Good morning, Mr. Wright.” It was Martin. He smiled at Chris' expression. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Come on in and I'll find you a seat.”
Chris followed Martin gratefully and they entered the dining room.
Not too far from the door, two teens were sitting together, eating breakfast with great gusto and chatting amiably. Martin led Chris to the table and waved him toward a seat.
“Good morning, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce Mr. Wright. Christopher, this is Mr. Whitby and Mr. Saint James. I'll leave you all to get acquainted.”
Martin walked away and at once the boy he named Mr. Whitby grinned and said “Sorry for the whole formal thing. The judge insists on it. I'm Tyler and this is Jacob.” Tyler was tall and skinny with dirty blond hair. He had a long thin nose and a wide mouth. His friend was almost his exact opposite; short, a bit chubby with very short brown hair and small features. Jacob nodded and smiled.
“How ya doing?” he asked through a mouthful of food. He stopped chewing then and stared intently at Chris for a moment.
“Wow,” Jacob said. “You have the bluest eyes I've ever seen.” Then he blushed and swallowed loudly.
“Um, thanks,” Chris replied, a bit embarrassed. “Call me Chris. Everyone does.”
“Cool,” Tyler said. “Ignore Jake, by the way. He has a habit of saying whatever pops into his head. So, since this is your first day, breakfast is pretty straight forward. Just serve yourself from the buffet table.” He waved toward a long table across the room. “Plates and cups are on the small table to the left. Go ahead and load up.”
Chris thanked him and headed for the buffet. After grabbing a plate and cup, he served himself a full plate of bacon, ham, eggs and toast and poured a cup of coffee, adding cream and sugar and then headed back to sit down with Tyler and Jacob.
Chris was aware of the discreet looks he was getting from various people around the room, but they were all being polite and not staring at the new guy. He felt a bit uncomfortable but appreciated that they weren't being too nosy or rude, just curious.
He began to eat and listened closely to the conversations around the room. But no one was speaking of anything more interesting than the latest news or sports scores. Once the other two teens had finished eating though, they began talking to each other.
“Look Jake,” Tyler said as he wiped off his mouth with a napkin, “I know you don't like calculus. The whole class knows you don't like calculus. But one more smart remark to Mr. Bilby and you'll be scrubbing pots in the kitchen again. You really want that?”
Jacob scowled. “It wasn't a smart remark, Ty. I was serious.” Chris saw Tyler roll his eyes. “I'm not kidding,” Jacob continued. “What possible use is calculus going to be to us? We need to spend more time with self defense and tactics and less with these stupid math lessons.”
Chris swallowed the last of his breakfast. “Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt, but you guys go to school here?” The other two looked at him as he waved his hand indicating the room around them. “I thought this was the judge's home?”
Jacob and Tyler exchanged a quick glance. “When did you get here, Chris?” Tyler asked.
“Late last night. Why?”
“Well,” Tyler hesitated and Jacob spoke up. “Did the adults say why they brought you here?”
Chris looked at both of them, waited a moment then said simply “To save my life.”
“Save your life?” Tyler sat back and glanced at his friend again. Chris noticed that neither looked very surprised by what he had said. Then Tyler nodded. “Oh, I get it.” He looked at Jacob. “He hasn't had the 'speech' yet.”
“Ah, of course,” Jacob replied. “Well, that explains it.”
Chris was beginning to feel a bit irritated. “Explains what? What exactly are you guys and all these other people doing here anyway?”
Tyler opened his mouth but Jacob cut him off. “We can't tell you that, Chris.” He saw Chris' face darken and hurried on. “Not yet. Sorry, but the rule is that one of the senior members of staff has to take you through your indoctrination first. After that, we can answer any questions you have.” He shrugged. “If you have any afterward, which most of us don't, actually.”
Chris watched them both and realized from their expressions that they weren't trying to be mean. They seemed to genuinely feel badly that they couldn't answer him. He tried to smile.
“Okay, I understand.” Both of the others looked relieved. “I'm just a bit confused by all this and...kind of nervous.”
“I understand totally, Chris,” Tyler said while Jacob nodded. “We both felt the same way when we arrived. And I think we can at least tell you that you're not the only one that's been brought here for your own safety.” He looked at Jacob who quickly agreed.
“Yeah, Chris,” Jacob spoke up. “Once you pass the test...”
“Shut up, Jake!” Tyler hissed, looking around at the other tables. “You aren't allowed to tip him off!”
“Gees, Ty, relax!” Jacob glared at his friend. “I'm only saying...”
“A little too much, I'm afraid,” a voice spoke up nearby and the three boys jumped. They turned to see Martin walking toward their table. “Speaking without thinking again, Mr. Saint James? I believe that habit has served you ill in calculus class, hasn't it?”
Jacob blushed. “Sorry, Martin. It just sort of...slipped out.”
Martin sighed. “Yes, of course it did.” He turned to look at Chris. “I see you've finished your meal, Mr. Wright. I'm happy to tell you that the judge has managed to free up some time on his schedule and will see you in his office at eleven this morning.” He looked at the other two teens. “Before you gentlemen head off to class, would you kindly show our guest to the entertainment area? I'm sure it will keep him occupied until he meets with the judge.”
The boys nodded and Martin thanked them and headed out of the room. As soon as he left, Jacob turned and looked at Chris.
“You have an appointment with the judge?” he asked incredulously.
Chris stared at him. “Well, yeah, I guess so. I mean, that's who brought me here yesterday, so I suppose it makes sense that...”
“The judge brought you here?” This time it was Tyler who sounded amazed.
“Yes, he did.” Chris couldn't understand their reactions. “What's the big deal?”
“What's the big deal?” Jacob repeated. “The big deal is no one meets with the judge. Well, none of us kids anyway. Martin or one of the other sen
ior staffers usually goes through our introduction to the house and all that.” He looked over at Tyler. “I don't think either of us has ever spoken to him. Have you, Ty?”
Tyler shook his head. “Nope, and I've only seen him around a few times. I think he travels a lot, so we rarely see him in the house. I think it's awesome that you get to see him, Chris. And if he was the one who actually brought you here...” Tyler shook his head. “You must be really important.”
Chris laughed at that idea. “I'm not,” he said. “Just a kid from the streets who got in over his head.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin and pushed his plate away. “I'm grateful to the judge for his help, but I have no idea why he wants me here.”
Tyler and Jacob both looked confused but Jacob finally smiled as he stood up. “Well, whatever he wants you for, at least you're here and safe.”
“Yeah,” Tyler agreed. “So let's show you where you can hang out until you have to meet with the judge.”
The three teens made their way out of the dining room and turned left. Chris followed the others as they led him on a winding, slow-paced tour of the house; both of the boys pointing out various rooms and making comments as they went.
“Here's the old chapel,” Tyler said with a nod toward a set of ornate double doors. “It's not used much anymore, but take a look when you get the chance; it's really beautiful in there.”
“The library,” Jacob pointed at a large oak door. “You'll be amazed at the size of that place.” He grinned at Chris. “If you stay and have to study, you'll be spending a lot of time in there. It has several computers for surfing the Net too. Mrs. Stiles is the librarian. She's great.”
Chris was tempted to stop and explore. During his time on the street, he'd spent hours reading at the main library and had even taken a few free online courses to try and keep up with his education. But the boys were moving on, so he just made a mental note to come back as soon as he could.
By the time the three teens had reached the entertainment area, or games room as Jacob called it, Chris was lost and a bit bewildered. He had had about a dozen different rooms pointed out to him by his two guides and had no idea how he was supposed to remember all of them.
Tyler must have noticed his confused expression and, before they entered the room, pointed to a small plaque to the left of the door.
“Don't worry about keeping it all straight, Chris,” he said. “All of the public rooms have a sign next to them, telling you what they are. Are you carrying your phone?” Chris nodded. “Cool. So just tap on the icon of the house and it will bring up an inside map of the place with a small blue dot showing your location. It's easy to find your way once you get used to the app.”
Chris pulled out his phone and saw the little picture of a house. He touched it and a small map appeared with a blue dot in the center. The corridor was there and a room marked ent. cntr. “Wow, that is so cool,” he said, staring at the map.
“Yeah,” Jacob chuckled. “Rumor is, the judge is a gadget freak. We heard that the cell he always carries was made specifically for him. He loves all the new tech that comes out and keeps up with everything in the high tech world.”
“Just remember,” Tyler said, sounding serious for a change. “Any room not marked by a plaque is private. If you are curious about what's inside, knock first. If there's no answer, just move on.”
“Yeah, the adults take privacy very seriously here,” Jacob added.
“Martin mentioned something about it last night,” Chris added. “He said no one was allowed in my room without permission.”
“Yeah, exactly,” Jacob agreed. “Anyway, since we're here, we might as well show you around for a minute,” he said.
“Just for a minute, Jake” Tyler cautioned. “We'll be late for class if we don't hurry.”
The boys entered the games room. Chris was amazed. The room was easily twice the size of the dining room, with groups of comfortable chairs along the walls.
Every bunch of chairs were centered around either a video game console or foosball and pool tables. In the center of the room were more chairs, each with a small table beside them with hand held video games on each. Other tables with chess boards, piles of gaming magazines, decks of cards and a backgammon board could be seen as well. There was a mainstream pop music station playing in the background. Chris was more than impressed.
“This place is amazing!” Chris said in a hushed voice. The other two guys chuckled.
“Yeah,” Jacob grinned. “It's cool. We spend a lot of time here after dinner and on the weekends. Ty is a video game master.”
Tyler punched Jacob lightly on the arm. “I'm only fair, dummy. You're much better.”
Chris continued to look around while the two friends bickered. He knew he would enjoy himself here and he glanced almost fondly at his two new friends, happy that he had found others to talk to so quickly. Tyler and Jacob finally stopped arguing about who was the better gamer and Jacob slapped Chris on the back as they headed for the door.
“Have fun, bud. Hope your talk with the judge goes well,” he said.
“Yeah, me too,” Tyler said. “We hope you can stay a while.” Then he winked and the two teens left the room.
Chris stood for a moment and looked around, trying to decide what to do for two hours.
Video games are fun, he thought, but solo playing is boring. Then he remembered the library they had passed on the way to the entertainment center. Chris thought that he'd rather read a book to pass the time. A good book always made him forget things that were bothering him. He headed out into the hallway and made his way back to the library.
Chapter 6
Chris opened the door and slowly entered the library. He quietly closed the door behind him and looked around.
Jacob had been right; the place was huge. Rows and rows of shelves towered to the high ceiling, stuffed with books. There were several display cases scattered near the entrance and Chris saw through their glass tops that there were a few old scrolls and a stone tablet with cuneiform characters on it that Chris found intriguing. He loved the old relics that his Dad used to show him on those few times the university had sent him on archaeological digs.
As he was staring at the relic, lost in thought and memory, the sharp sound of someone clearing their throat behind him made him spin around quickly, his heart suddenly in his mouth.
A tiny old lady was standing close to him with her hands on her hips. She looked him up and down without speaking, then folded her hands and raised an eyebrow expectantly.
“Um, good morning,” Chris said hesitantly. “I'm Chris, Chris Wright. Are you Mrs. Stiles?”
The lady finally smiled. It changed her whole face. “Yes, that's correct. Mr. Wright is it? Yes, a new arrival. I've heard.” She turned and walked to a desk, sitting down behind it. She waved at a chair in front of the desk and Chris quickly walked over and sat down.
“So, Mr. Wright. What can the library do for you today?”
Chris stared at the woman for a moment. She spoke as if the library itself was a person. “Well, I have a meeting with the judge in two hours or so and I was supposed to wait in the games room but, well, I just felt like reading a good book would pass the time better.” He shrugged at what he was sure was a lame answer. To his surprise, Mrs. Stiles smiled widely.
“A teenager who would prefer to read rather than play video games? Oh my. I suspect that you and I are going to get along famously, Mr. Wright.” She stood up abruptly and Chris jumped to his feet as well. “So, young man. What topic would you be interested in?”
Chris thought about for a moment. “I've always liked ancient history,” he said. “My Dad taught about ancient religions and I guess I got the bug. I especially like books about the old Roman or Greek civilizations. Do you have anything like that?”
Mrs. Stiles looked amazed. “Well, that's a coincidence for you.” She motioned for Chris to follow her and headed into the rows of books. “The judge has a passion for ancient peoples and reli
gions. So we have a rather overstocked selection on those topics.”
They stopped in front of a towering bookcase packed with thick leather-bound tomes. “We have a lot of books on ancient Rome and Greece, Mr. Wright. Feel free to look through them and find something you like.” Mrs. Stiles smiled at Chris again and then walked back toward the front of the library.
Chris quickly found a book that looked promising, returned to the front of the room, grabbed a chair and started reading. He made sure to mention to the librarian that his meeting with the judge was at eleven, in case he lost track of the time and then opened the book and found himself roaming the streets of ancient Greece.
“Mr. Wright!” Chris bolted upright from where he was curled up reading on the chair. He caught the heavy book as it was sliding off of his lap then looked, bewildered, at Mrs. Stiles.
“Yes ma'am?” he said in confusion. “Was I doing something wrong?”
The lady chuckled. “Of course not,” she answered and then pointed to a large clock over the library entrance. “But you only have ten minutes to make your appointment with Judge Hawkes, and I know for a fact that he doesn't like to be kept waiting.”
“Oh, right. Thanks, Mrs. Stiles.”
“You're welcome.” She motioned for Chris to hand her the book. As he did, she glanced at the cover. “So, what was such an engrossing read? Ah yes. Ancient Greece. Fascinating topic.”
“I really like the way the author sucks you into his world,” Chris said with enthusiasm.
“Hmm, M.F.L. Seguin. Yes, well, I find him a trifle pedantic myself but to each his own I suppose.” She smiled at Chris. “If you really enjoy the subject, check out his wife Amanda's work. She's less cluttered and more imaginative. Now, you'd best get moving, Mr. Wright. Do you know how to get to the judge's office?”
Confronting the Fallen Page 5