The Mission to Find Max: Egypt by Elizabeth Singer Hunt Read Free Book Online Page A

you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Switzerland!’

    Max pulled a note out of the pocket of his jeans and handed it to his mother. ‘This is for you,’ he said. He winked at Jack.
    Corinne’s eyes scanned the note. ‘It’s a letter from your principal,’ she said. ‘It says your school had to close down because of money trouble. He’s going to arrange for you to go to our local school. Well, why didn’t he tell me this before?’ she said crossly. ‘Sending a young boy alone on a plane is dangerous!’
    â€˜It’s OK, Mom,’ said Max, trying to calm her down. ‘An escort travelled with me.’ He winked at Jack again. ‘I was in good hands.’
    Corinne sighed deeply. ‘I suppose the most important thing is that you’re safe.’ She looked around Jack’s bedroom, confused. ‘Where are your bags?’
    â€˜In my room,’ said Max.
    Jack knew that Max was fibbing, but Max had said it so confidently, his mom had no choice but to believe him.
    â€˜And tomorrow is your twelfth birthday!’ Corinne cried. ‘What terrific timing! Your father will be pleased!’
    In all the commotion, Jack had forgotten about Max’s birthday. His mother was right. Perfect timing indeed.
    Corinne dashed out of the room. ‘John!’ she called as she bounded down the stairs. ‘Guess who’s home!’
    Max turned to Jack. ‘Thanks again,’ he said. ‘For everything.’
    Jack smiled at his brother.
    â€˜I’m going to go and check out my room,’ said Max. ‘I hope Mom hasn’t painted it pink.’
    Max made his way to the door, and closed it behind him.

Chapter 16:
The Decision
    Jack paused for a moment and let everything sink in. After all this time, his mission to find his brother had finally come to an end. And he was tired. Really, really tired. During the last few months Jack’s body had been pushed to the limit. He’d nearly been gobbled up by a dinosaur, stung by deadly jellyfish, eaten by a polar bear and beheaded by a master illusionist.
    Going over to his computer, Jack signed on to the GPF secure site. He quickly typed the following email:
    Dear Director Barter,
    After fighting no less than twelve criminals (and a dinosaur), I’ve decided to leave the GPF. I want to be a normal kid. I want to hang out with my friends. I want to be able to read a book without having to go off on a mission nearly every night. If you need me, you know where you can find me.
    Sincerely,
    Secret Agent Courage
    Jack moved the mouse to push the SEND button. But something stopped him.
    What was he thinking? He didn’t have to quit the GPF. After all, he loved being a secret agent. And since Max and Kate were GPF agents, they might be able to go on more missions together. Perhaps he could just take a break.
    Jack added ‘for a few months’ after the part about deciding to leave the GPF, and pressed the SEND button.

    Putting on his pajamas, Jack crawled under the covers and looked at the glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling – the ones his dad had bought for him and his brother, Max.
    â€˜Goodnight, Max!’ he shouted happily.
    A voice came from the room next door. ‘Goodnight, Jack!’ said Max.
    Jack smiled. Thinking that was the best thing he’d heard in months, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep, satisfied sleep.

SECRET AGENT