Over the Edge by Gloria Skurzynski Read Free Book Online Page B

quick to defend, now accused him, his deep voice rising and falling between Olivia’s staccato outbursts.
    â€œWhat the heck is going on?” Jack whispered to Ashley, not so much to keep from being overheard but to keep from missing any possible bit of conversation he might decipher from the next room.
    â€œI don’t know for sure. I just—I saw my name.”
    Jack felt his heart pump faster. “Where?”
    â€œOn that Web site. I’m pretty sure that Snipe guy wrote something bad about me. It was under a headline that said, ‘Government Injustice.’”
    â€œThat can’t be right—Snipe doesn’t even know you.”
    â€œMorgan does. I think he sent one of those flame things to Snipe, and Snipe posted it.”
    â€œMorgan wouldn’t do that! When could he have—no way, Ashley!” Jack shook his head hard, more for himself than for his sister. He pressed his ear against the door, but the sound was still too muffled for him to make out individual words. Ashley stomped over to him, her hands on her hips and her head high.
    â€œOf course Morgan would never dream of doing the same thing to me that he did to everyone in Dry Creek! You always think the best of him.”
    â€œNo, you always think the worst of him! Look, he’s weird, but he wouldn’t do that to you.”
    â€œWanna bet? I’ll crack open the door, and then we’ll find out if I’m right.”
    â€œYou mean eavesdrop?”
    â€œDuh! Don’t you want to know the real story and not some lie Morgan tells you? You do what you want. I’m listening.”
    With that, Ashley put her hand on the knob and turned it so slowly it was barely perceptible. She opened the door cautiously, creating a space less than an inch wide. It made all the difference, like turning up the volume on the television. Jack could suddenly understand every word spoken in the next room.
    â€œâ€¦about her. Snotty? Arrogant?”
    â€œHey, I was letting off steam. I didn’t know he’d post it. Snipe’s mad about the way the government broke in and took me away from my home. He’s using what happened to me as an example.”
    â€œWhen did you write the e-mail?” This from Steven.
    â€œWhile you were at the Grand Canyon, that first morning.” Morgan’s voice sounded tight as he continued, “But I wouldn’t write the same stuff now. Try to understand, my freedom was taken away, and I was mouthing off to a friend. It doesn’t mean anything.”
    Inside, Jack groaned. So it was true. Morgan had flamed Ashley. How dumb could he be?
    Olivia’s voice was sharp. “I’m afraid it means a great deal to me.”
    â€œBut I swear, I didn’t know Snipe would post it. Blame him, not me.”
    â€œYou’re always the victim,” Olivia snapped. “The thing is, Morgan, I can take the harsh words you wrote about me. You think I’m a brainless, government pawn whose joy is suppressing your freedom? Fine. I’m an adult. I can take your nastiness. But I can’t—no, I won’t allow you to trash my daughter. It’s obvious to me that bringing you here was a mistake.”
    â€œOlivia!”
    â€œI mean it, Steven. I want to call Ms. Lopez and see if other arrangements can be made.”
    â€œYou can’t do that! I’ll be sent to juvenile detention,” Morgan cried. “Mr. Landon—”
    â€œYou should have thought of the consequences before you wrote that e-mail,” Olivia insisted.
    â€œI don’t want to go!”
    Olivia’s voice was equally forceful. “This isn’t about what you want. Look, I have a CNN interview to do, and then Steven and I will decide on the next step. For now, I don’t want Ashley to know what was said on that Web site. Is that clear?”
    â€œI’m supposed to obey you when you want to ditch me?”
    â€œOK, OK, let’s all calm