Lies: A Gone Novel by Michael Grant Read Free Book Online Page B

were interested. That market sold alcohol and pot and various other contraband. Sam had tried to put a stop to the alcohol and drugs, but he had not accomplished much. He had more pressing priorities.
    â€œNew graffiti,” Astrid said, looking up at the wall behind the meat stand.
    The black and red logo formed a crude “H” and “C.” Human Crew. Zil Sperry’s hate group.
    â€œYeah, it’s all over town,” Sam said. He knew he shouldn’t keep talking, but he did, anyway. “If I weren’t on a leash I’d go over to Zil’s so-called compound and put an end to this once and for all.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? Kill him?” Astrid said, playing dumb.
    â€œNo, Astrid. Haul his butt to town hall and stick him in a locked room until he decides to grow up.”
    â€œIn other words, put him in prison. Because you decide to. And for as long as you decide to keep him there,” Astrid said. “For a guy who never wanted to be in charge, you’re awfully willing to be a dictator.”
    Sam sighed. “Okay, fine. Whatever. I don’t want to fight.”
    â€œSo, how is the little girl from last night?” Astrid asked, changing the subject.
    â€œMary was taking care of her.” He hesitated. Looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was within range to overhear. “Mary asked her to sing. She says it’s like the world stops when she sings. Like no one talks, no one moves, the whole preschool just practically froze. Mary says it’s like an angel is singing. Just to you.”
    â€œAn angel?” Astrid said skeptically.
    â€œHey, I thought you believed in angels.”
    â€œI do. I just don’t think this little girl is one.” She sighed. “More like a siren.”
    Sam stared blankly at her.
    â€œNo,” Astrid said. “Not like a police car siren. Like Odysseus. Ulysses. The sirens. The ones who when they sang no man could resist them?”
    â€œI knew that.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œI did. They did a parody on The Simpsons .”
    Astrid sighed. “Why am I with you?”
    â€œBecause I’m incredibly attractive?”
    â€œYou are mildly attractive, actually,” Astrid teased.
    â€œSo, I’m a kind of really hot dictator?”
    â€œI don’t recall saying ‘really hot.’”
    Sam smiled. “You didn’t have to. It’s in your eyes.”
    They kissed. Not a big passionate kiss, but nice like it was always nice. Someone hooted derisively. Someone else yelled, “Get a room.”
    Sam and Astrid ignored all that. They were both aware that they were the “first couple” of the FAYZ, and their relationship was a sign of stability to kids. Like seeing Mom and Dad kissing: kind of gross, but kind of reassuring.
    â€œSo what are we going to do with the Siren now?” Astrid asked. “She’s too old to stay with Mary.”
    â€œOrsay took her in,” Sam said. He waited to see whether the mention of Orsay would get a reaction from Astrid. No. Astrid didn’t know what Orsay was up to.
    â€œExcuse me. Sam?”
    He turned around to find Francis. Not the best time to be interrupted, not when he was trying to discuss his attractiveness with Astrid.
    â€œWhat’s up, Francis?”
    Francis shrugged. He looked confused and awkward. He stuck out his hand. Sam hesitated; then, feeling slightly ridiculous, he shook Francis’s hand.
    â€œI felt like I had to say thanks,” Francis said.
    â€œOh. Oh, um…cool.”
    â€œAnd don’t take it like it’s your fault, okay?” Francis said. “And don’t be mad at me. I tried…”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œIt’s my birthday,” Francis explained. “The big One-Five.”
    Sam felt a bead of sweat roll down his back. “You’re ready, right? I mean, you’ve read the write-up on what you have to