Chapter 71
When we arrived at school today, we were met with unwelcome guests. The Bureau of Investigations had visited our school, gathering students and teachers who had attended the field trip to Keetoowah Island. In other words, the Waymakers and our guardians.
This was for an urgent inquiry. The agents, dressed in dark suits with unreadable expressions, led us into a dimly lit room. The air was thick with tension. This wasn't just a conversation—it was an interrogation.
"We came here today because we need you to recount the events that transpired during your field trip to Keetoowah Island," one of the agents, a stern-looking woman with piercing eyes, demanded. "Starting with the murder of the chief."
I kept her expression neutral; I tightened my fingers into a fist under the table, annoyed by the question she was implying. "We don't know anything about that." I chose to keep quiet. I didn't feel like these affairs were meant to be acknowledged by the public.
The agent narrowed her gaze. "You recall nothing at all? What about the secret organization of bandits? The ones killed or forcibly relocated the natives? Surely, you've heard something about their presence there."
Micah shifted in her seat. "Like we said, we don't know anything."
Thanks, Micah, for backing me up, I thought to myself.
Another agent, a man with salt-and-pepper hair, leaned forward, tapping his fingers against the table rhythmically. "You were seen on the island. There are reports of disturbances and strange occurrences. We have reason to believe you were involved. Whether you understand it or not, this is a serious matter. If you know anything, now would be the time to come clean."
Becky crossed her arms. "We were just there for a field trip. All we did was help build houses and learn about the native history."
The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity before the lead investigator sighed, closing the file in front of her. "Very well. But understand this—secrets have a way of surfacing, no matter how deeply they're buried."
Duke stepped forward, his eyes sharp as daggers. "I assure you, we chaperoned these children. If we had seen anything unusual, we would have reported it. That is our duty as their caretakers. Now, my students need to return to class before they miss any more work."
The agents exchanged glances but gave a reluctant nod. As we were dismissed, I could feel their eyes lingering on us as though assessing every move.
We had managed to escape further questioning—for now. But the shadow of scrutiny loomed ever closer, and we all knew it was only a matter of time before the Bureau came knocking again.
After we were dismissed, a separate conversation took place with the Bureau of Investigations among theirs. Higher-ups. The World Bureaucracy found the group's evasive behavior highly suspicious and ordered the Bureau of Investigations to keep a close eye on the children.
Baby and Duke told us not to make any moves without them present for any suspicious activities in the future. I believe this is their way of trying to protect us.
Later that evening, we gathered at our usual spot, a cozy coffee lounge with a small library in the back. It was the safest place we could do our homework and talk without raising suspicion.
Duke leaned forward at the table, his voice low. "Aside from working on your homework, we need to discuss how we're going to handle demon activity moving forward. Although they said we were not under surveillance, we should still keep a low profile. If they have an open investigation, it should only last a few months, and then things will settle. By winter, this should clear up."
Micah frowned. "But what if there's no time? Like when I was on the train—I had no choice but to confront the demon."
Duke nodded. "We get that. Sometimes, there's no way around it. However, whenever possible, we should limit our exposure.
Baby advised. "I believe it is ideal if we pair up and strive to stay in close proximity to each other. But not so close that we all appear suspicious. If you encounter any demonic activity, do not engage; instead, call us immediately so we can set up a backup plan and confirm that everything is clear and that we are not being monitored.
"In certain circumstances, if you guys can learn to exercise demons, you can prevent some of them from manifesting." Baby's gaze drifted across the room, landing on a man sitting alone in one of the lounge chairs. He was shaking his foot anxiously, staring intensely at his cup of coffee.
She stood up and approached him. "Hey, sir, are you okay?" she asked gently.
The man was startled, looking up at her. "I haven't seen my wife and kids in days. I was working long hours—twelve-hour shifts, overtime—and then they just fired me. I went to a bar, got drunk, and now I'm here trying to sober up."
Baby tilted her head. "I'm sure your family will understand. Do you have any plans for what comes next?"
His eyes darkened. "I want to get back at them. The company that fired me. I want to make them pay." A shadow seemed to flicker over him, his bitterness taking form.
Baby placed a hand on his shoulder. He flinched but met her gaze. "Getting revenge will only take away more time from your family. They need you more than your anger does. Go home; tell them what happened. You'll find a way forward together."
A soft glow surrounded her, one that only we Waymakers could see. The energy pulsed from her hand, wrapping around the man like a warm light.
His expression crumpled. Tears welled in his eyes. "You're right. I won't waste any more time away from them. I'm going home."
As he rushed out of the lounge, Baby returned to our table.
"What just happened?" Becky asked, clearly puzzled.
Baby smiled faintly. "Some battles can be won discreetly. If you learn to exorcise demons before they fully manifest, you can stop them before they take hold. Like I told you before—sometimes, we create our own demons."