Get Smart-ish (15 page)

And though each found happiness in their own way, they also took with them a nagging little voice that popped up every now and then and asked,
What could have been had you remained with the BAE?

OCTOBER 29, 7:15 P.M. 10 DOWNING STREET. LONDON, ENGLAND

Seated at a long wooden table, a candelabra on each end, Prime Minister Falcon watched Jonathan and Shelley closely, still unsure what to make of the two of them.

“Randolph informed me of your great disappointment in missing the queen while at Buckingham Palace,” the prime minister said while carefully cutting the vegetables on his plate.

“Meeting a member of the royal family has long been on my to-do list,” Shelley said.

“But just so you know, pretty much everything is on her to-do list. And I do mean everything—learning the ukulele, space travel, hosting a television show in Bulgaria—”

“You are a most surprising set of assets,” Prime Minister Falcon interrupted. “Barely intelligent enough to name all fifty states in the union, and yet you were able to find the truth in a very complicated situation. But perhaps most astounding, you acted on your beliefs, even when you lacked support from Randolph.”

Jonathan smiled. “We're unexceptionals, sir. We're used to going through life without support.”

“Without support? You've got me!” Shelley said before turning to the prime minister. “He calls me his rock.”

Jonathan sighed. “I've never called you any such thing.”

“Just to clarify, when I say
calls
, I don't mean with words, but with feelings,” Shelley explained with a dramatic flair.

“While we British prefer not to discuss things such as feelings,” Prime Minister Falcon said in his usual formal manner, “we very much believe in showing our appreciation, which is why the queen invited you both to tea when she returns to Buckingham Palace next week. Unfortunately, Hammett informed me that due to some trouble back home, you are to return in the morning.”

Unable to contain herself, Shelley threw her arms up in the air and shouted, “We're missing the queen?! Why, God? Why?”

“Hmm,” Jonathan mumbled. “I wonder what happened.”

“You mean to say Hammett hasn't told you?” the prime minister asked, carefully lowering his fork and knife to the plate.

“Told me what?”

The prime minister paused and then looked down at his food as he answered, “I think it best you hear the news from someone in your own government.”

Jonathan leaned in, his curiosity piqued. “Why?”

“It's about your family.”

“My family?” Jonathan repeated.

“Are they dead?” Shelley blurted out.

“Dead!” Jonathan shrieked, his eyes filling with tears.

“No, Jonathan,” Prime Minister Falcon said, staring the boy straight in the eye, “your parents are not dead. They have, however, been arrested for treason.”

“That's impossible!” Jonathan answered. “You must be mistaken.”

“I assure you, young man, I am not.”

“But my parents are dog walkers. And not even very good ones. They lose at least two pets a month,” Jonathan said.

“While I don't know all the details of the situation,” the prime minister said, “isn't it possible that dog walking was simply their cover?”

“This doesn't make any sense!” Jonathan screeched. “My parents are two of the simplest, most foolish people I've ever met! They can't be spies!”

“Why not?” the prime minister responded. “Look at you.”

 

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2016 by Cat On A Leash, Inc.

Cover and interior art © 2016 by James Lancett

Cover design by Marcie Lawrence

Cover © 2016 Hachette Book Group, Inc.

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First ebook edition: October 2016

ISBN 978-0-316-40573-7

E3-20160823-JV-NF