The Gathering (Darkness Rising 1)

"Yes, but the questions she was asking were weird. About us again. How often did we get checked out? Did we get any special shots? Were we on special diets?"

"Oh my God," I whispered. "We're lab rats. They're experimenting on us. Building super wrestlers and singers who can take over the WWE and American Idol. The first steps to world domination."

"I think that'd be Canadian Wrestling Entertainment and Canadian Idol," Daniel said.

"Okay, the first very, very small step toward world domination."

"And that's exactly what you two can tell her," Brendan said. "She was asking who I'd pick for 'class leaders.' " He finger-quoted the phrase. "I was about to tell the truth and say that'd be me, but then I realized she was looking for someone to pester with more questions, so I nominated you guys."

"Thanks." I glanced at Sam, who was following the conversation with obvious frustration. "Did she single out anyone in particular? Not to speak to but just in general?"

"Well, she asked about Serena and--"

"Serena?" I said, Sam forgotten. "What about her?"

Brendan glanced at Daniel. "Um, nothing specific. Just reporter stuff. You know. Anyway, then she asked--"

"Was she interested in Serena's death?" I said. "Could that be what she's investigating?"

"Course not. I mean, maybe as a side story, but umm ..."

He glanced at Daniel again and when I turned, Daniel's face was averted, but I knew what had passed between them. A look from Daniel warning Brendan to get the hell off the subject before I was in no mood to enjoy my party. He was right, of course. My heart was already pounding double time.

I took a deep breath. "Did she ask about anyone else?"

"Oh, everyone," Brendan said, rushing on. "Names, friendships, hobbies. She was really interested in our hobbies. When we talked about the teams and stuff, she asked why Rafe and Sam aren't on any. I said Rafe just moved here, and I don't know what he's into."

"And me?" Sam said.

"I said you're antisocial."

"Thanks."

"She asked whether you were good at any of the school's specialties--singing, track, swimming, wrestling ... I said all I know is you like to hit people."

She flipped him the finger.

"What? It's true. Then she asked if they let girls on the boxing team and I said Mr. Barnes tried to get you on it, but you weren't interested. Then--get this--she starts asking if you've got a hate-on for certain people."

Sam looked worried, almost alarmed, but when she saw me watching, she tried to hide it and said, "So what'd you tell her?"

"That you're an equal opportunity hater. You pick on all of us. Except Daniel. I think you're sweet on Daniel."

Sam punched Brendan in the side. She made it look like a play punch, but I heard it connect, and he gasped.

"Anything else?" I asked.

"That's when she started in on the medical stuff and I said I had to leave," Brendan said, still sounding a little winded. "So, Rafe, you gonna join us on the track team? You're in g

ood shape and, without Maya this fall, we're short a member."

Rafe glanced over with a "Hmm?" He'd been walking beside me but had tuned out the conversation, gaze drifting over the forest, fingers tapping his leg, like he was bored already.

When Brendan repeated the question, he shrugged and said, "Not really my thing."

"You have to join something," Hayley said. "They're just cutting you some slack because you're new. How about swimming?"

That got a chuckle. "Definitely not my thing."