Mr. Bradshaw was, in a way, my second father. I trusted him and wanted to make him proud. But that day, as I lowered myself to the ground in shock, it was hard to believe I was staring up at the same person.

I'd grown to trust Mr. Bradshaw, even though he was the one who had taught me how to lie. Not to mention the day he lectured me on how to get close to someone to find out the truth about them, as if he was the ultimate expert. Nevertheless, I trusted him. I really did.

Rosalie had never been one to question or accuse, just to forgive -- but I guess everyone had their limits when it came to tolerance levels, and I’d crossed the line.

I was going to die. I was going to die, right now, right here, before I even had a chance to thoroughly apologize to anyone for what I’d done...before I had a chance to forgive myself. I wasn’t even going to leave with a bang, one final act of dignity or at least the thought that I still belonged somewhere; I would die without even the simple acceptance that I’d done everything I could. Tears welled in my eyes, but I didn’t let them fall. I didn’t want to die crying.

I tried to blink back the tears that just kept coming. Eventually, I gave up and let my sight be obscured.

I’m fine. I’m at an antique store, by the clothes store just a mile or so from-” “Which clothes store, Tess? If you haven’t noticed, there are about a million.

Aren’t there different electrical outlets here? And what about money? And isn’t it-” “Relax, Tess,” Taylor told me. “I have everything covered.

For once in my life, I wished Mr. Bradshaw had slipped a tracker into my shoe or my coat pocket. I wished that he was still keeping tabs on me, even when I told him that I didn’t need him to, or that I could take care of myself. Because the truth was that I knew I’d always need help along the way. I needed help now, and at some point in my life I’d need help again.

I know you’re hurting, Taylor, but grief is clouding your judgement and you need to stay focused. If you attack her now, you won’t win. You know she has the advantage, Taylor. I’ve taught you this. Please, we just need to get out of here.

I ran, and I just kept running. I wasn’t going to stop until I got back to my family; I wasn’t going to stop until I got home.

One flub, one little mistake, could ruin everything.

I felt my eyes widen slightly, feeling like the kid of the group who didn’t understand anything and was a pain to have around.

Honestly, I’m sorry you have no more power over me, but I’m not scared of you anymore. It’s just not worth my time.

I can’t tell you the things I know,” I repeated. “Why not?” “They aren’t my secrets to tell.

Taylor,” Nathan said, “Why didn’t you take the rest of us?” “I didn’t want to put you in danger,” she said. “Gee, thanks,” I said. “Hey, I brought Jayden, remember? He insisted on bringing you.” “Gee, thanks,” Jayden crossed his arms and frowned.

His hair was red, and his eyes were a color blue that put the ocean to shame.

Paige cleared her throat. “Hey, Taylor?” “What?” she snapped. “Um...he...maybe he can help us?” “He doesn’t seem very helpful,” Taylor said grumpily.

Taylor, listen to me. I could tell you that it’s okay. That she wasn’t a wonderful person, or I didn’t love her. I could tell you that she’s happier now, and her life would’ve been sad and filled with pain and longing to see her love again. I could say that I’m not struggling with her death, as well as the death of the hope that she could once again be part of my life. But instead I’ll just say that I’m sad, too, sweetheart. That way I can spare you the struggle of detecting the lie in my words.

The Didots created happiness and power, or in this case, pain and sadness...but only within its subject’s mind. The power it held was real, but it was not a physical power. It was the power of persuasion, the power of illusion. Mr. Bradshaw was a genius.

From the moment I met Christina Georgia, I knew why Mr. Bradshaw had chosen her. She was incredibly smart and thoughtful, and her emerald green eyes were huge and wise. Her wispy blond hair was beautiful and shoulder-length, and her bubblegum pink lips stood out on her pale face. She was awesome, and we were friends after about two minutes of talking.

Why would you tell us the truth? If Christina really wasn’t here, you’d tell us she was, to stall us from finding her. If James taught us one thing, it’s how to detect a lie. You just want us to leave so you can get her to talk. By the way, good luck with that -- Ida can’t even get her to admit that she stole her cousin’s candy at Halloween last year. And that was pretty obvious.

Jayden shoved through the crowd and pulled me to my feet. I hadn’t realized I was crying until he wiped a tear from my face. “What happened?

The thing is, Ms. Embers, they aren’t exactly on our side.

Waiting. That’s always what being a spy comes down to, isn’t it?

The lie detector didn’t react to anything I said, but I wouldn’t dare smile.

Are you okay?” someone asked. “I’m fine,” I snapped, turning to face Jayden Griffin. “I have to admit, you’re getting better at lying, Tess Embers,” he said quietly. “However, I know you’re not okay.

That’s not necessary,” Mr. Bradshaw said, “although you are all perfectly welcome in the guest rooms upstairs, I won’t ask you to lie to your-” “Mr. Bradshaw.” Nathan grinned. “You’ve been asking us to lie to our parents from the moment we each set foot in this house. We’re spies; we’ll all find excuses to stay here. No one wants to leave the only place in the city where the Pentagon won’t dare enter. Not tonight. Not after what happened.