Renegade World: Future Past by GD Patten Read Free Book Online Page A

and then shifted his stance slightly. Pausing just long enough for the crowd to quiet, he brought his elbow up, and with a tremendous yell, drove it into the middle of the top block, smashing the top
five blocks into multiple pieces and cleanly cracking the bottom three blocks.”
    Thor asked, “The fourth-degree was Mr. Schmidt, right?”
    “Yes.” She shook her head. “Learn what you can during his sparring sessions. I've yet to see
anyone as good as him.”
    The three teens said goodbye to Rebeka Lee and waved as she
drove away. “I feel gross,” Erica said and went inside to shower.
    “Leave me some hot water!” yelled Thor as Erica disappeared
into their house.
    “Wow, is Mr. Schmdit awesome or what?”
    Thor nodded. “For sure, but I've got questions.”
    “Like what?”
    “Like, why is Mr. Hyon a sixth-degree black belt now and
Mr. Schmidt is still a fifth-degree. Like, when did Rebeka Lee start working
for the Schmidts? Like, why won't Rebeka Lee or our parents tell us exactly
what they do at work?”
    “I think I can answer your first question.  Mr. Hyon opened
up his studio right after he moved out here to teach criminal justice at the
college. I asked my dad once about requirements for advanced black belts, and
he said that in addition to techniques, forms, sparring, and breaking that you
had to teach classes. Obviously, Mr. Schmidt is too busy to teach on a regular
basis.”
    Aaron rubbed his face and looked at the salt and grime that
came off onto his fingers. “I'm going to hit the showers too. See you at
practice tomorrow.”
    Thor waved his goodbye to Aaron. “There better be some hot
water left,” he muttered as he walked away.
    Aaron saw Naami wave to him as she and her dad drove past. I see
where Naami gets her strength and explosiveness. I wonder if her mom is anything like Rebeka Lee.
    L eonardo, connect me with Naami, please.” He and
Erica planned to practice archery at Rebeka Lee's later that day.
    Hi, Aaron , came the thought. I'm glad to hear
from you.
    Erica and I are going to Rebeka Lee's and—
    Let me check with Camila to make sure she can bring me.
I think she can, but I need to ask.
    Leonardo alerted Aaron that Naami was conferencing in
Camila. Aaron heard Naami asking Camila if she could drive her. The exchange
was in Spanish.
    Mr. Aaron? Is this OK?
    Yes, it’s OK.
    Where is the archery range?
    It’s about 12 miles from here. Naami has the location.
She can download it to your vehicle.
    When?
    One o’clock.
    OK.
    Camila dropped off the connection. Naami, remember you’re
just going to watch.
    I know. I know.
    I'll see you later. Leonardo dropped the connection
for Aaron.
    A t one o'clock, Rebeka Lee took a break from the report
she was working on and looked out her window.  She saw Erica and Aaron setting
up to shoot at her range as a black SUV came to a stop on the gravel driveway
near them.  Aaron waved at the SUV, and the passenger door opened. Uh–oh! I
should have asked who when I said that they could bring a young friend to
watch. Naami will probably pester me non-stop to teach her, and she won't want
to hear that she's too young or not strong enough.  It’s amazing how persuasive
she can be. I'm definitely not going over there.
    Before she went back to her report, she watched Naami greet
the two teens. She might turn out to be as smart as her mother, but s he’s
so much more social than Anita. Anita still comes off as aloof and awkward, but she’s a lot better
than when we were kids. At least, she tries to make eye contact. Though
five years younger than Anita, Rebeka Lee had been Anita’s closest childhood
friend. Agamede, who was that doctor who treated her?
    Dr. Shemesh.
    N aami watched Erica, then Aaron, and then Erica again.
Erica was a better shot than Aaron. Abraham? Are they good?
    I will check.
    A few minutes went by while she continued to watch. From
what I scanned, I think people would consider them very good.  I also found
several records of