The Institute (Falling Ash Chronicles #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

breakfast,” I pointed out helpfully.
    “I know,” Kate said, looking at me like I was an idiot. “Look, I know we don’t get along. I wanted to make sure we’re going to be fine working together. You know. Considering,” Kate said. Well, that was cryptic.
    “Um…. Sure. We’re fine,” I said. Anything to get them to leave me alone.
    “Great. I just wanted to make sure there wouldn’t be any tension,” Kate said. I glanced at Tye for help deciphering, but he was still too busy twisting in his seat, staring over at a table filled with girls. One of them winked. Tye’s fingers flexed, bending his metal fork until it snapped. He cursed as he fumbled it, letting it drop to the table. The girls twittered and looked away.
    “No hard feelings. We’re fine. I’ll see you after breakfast,” I said shortly. Still hungry but not willing to sit through the inquisition any longer, I grabbed my tray and came to my feet. Kate was prepared, already reaching out to grab my arm almost before I could move. I dropped my tray with a thud, glaring down at her manicured hand.
    “That’s not all. What can you tell us about our mission?” she asked. I could instantly feel Tye’s and Jose’s eyes on me, waiting eagerly for my response. Jose even set aside his bird, letting it drop on his tray. I sighed, sinking back into my seat and grabbing my spoon. I knew an ambush when I saw it. I wasn’t getting away anytime soon. They were on an information hunt, trying to find out as much as they could before the brief. They wanted to look well informed for the Special Mission Head, Jeremy.
    “There’s not a whole lot I can tell you. We’re investigating a murder,” I said. The quicker I gave them what they wanted, the quicker I could escape. I blindly shoveled my food into my mouth, trying to get done with my meal as quickly as possible.
    “We know that. But what are the details? Come on, Ells, be a pal,” Kate urged.
    “You’re feeling out a suspect. That’s all I know,” I said around a mouthful of food. Not hardly, but I wasn’t about to tell them any more.
    “That’s it?” Tye questioned.
    “Sorry to disappoint,” I said dryly.
    “I told you she wouldn’t know anything,” Jose grumbled. I bristled, opening my mouth to retort.
    “Or maybe she’s being a good student and letting the proper authorities give you the correct information.” I snapped my jaw shut, twisting in my seat to face the newcomer. Traci Ackerman, head of Strategy and Stealth and the second head of the Scorpion team. She offered me a friendly smile as her hand landed on Jose’s shoulder. Jose scowled, attempting to shrug her hand off. So I wasn’t the only one he reserved that glare for. I barely held back a smug grin.
    “I’m glad to find you all here. Are you guys prepped and ready?” she asked. Her gaze went from one person to the next, demanding the attention of everyone at the table. I knew from classes that it was an intimidation technique. Something about establishing leadership, a silent challenge. Like when you were facing down a wolf. The first one to give in lost. I failed abysmally at my every attempt. There was just nothing intimidating about a five-foot-nothing girl with huge brown eyes that dominated her pixie face. It was a fact I’d come to terms with. As her gaze met each member, their eyes flitted away. “Has anyone read the brief we sent out last night?” she asked when her initial query was met in silence.
    “I skimmed it,” Kate offered. Traci sighed, looking disappointed.
    “You’ll need to do better than that. Your meeting is in a half hour,” Traci chided.
    “That’s why we’ve got Ells,” Kate said, nudging me with her shoulder. I flinched as she came in contact with the tiny sliver of exposed skin between my gloves and my t-shirt sleeve. In a flash I was no longer in the Cafeteria, instead out in the courtyard. I was wrapped in a passionate embrace… With Jonathan. Her memory nearly made me