Hi everyone! FINALS WEEK IS OVER! THE SEMESTER IS OVER!!! THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION! Called an update. :)

Thank you soooooo much for all the love and support I've gotten in this story. I mean, we're almost up to 1K views!!! That's insane!!! It's honestly beyond my wildest dreams that people would actually WANT to read my work. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Anyway sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger! I hope this satisfies your curiosity.

Erica turns and stops midway towards the door. Her eyes went wide in shock.

“What is it?” At my pause, she says, “This isn't a movie. We can't have dramatic pauses! What, are you waiting for some background music?”

I ignored her comment. My mind was racing a mile a minute. I had to get some information first before I make wild assumptions.

“Wait, when’s Joshua getting back?” I asked hurriedly.

“Sometime tomorrow I think.” She said cautiously, “Why? What does that have to do with it?”

“He's in Sankibali, right? With King Tablin?”

“Yes…? Ben, what is it?!” Erica growled in frustration.

“Okay,” I knew we didn't have much time, so I tried to explain everything I knew as quickly as possible, “I was in the media center a while ago and on the news, there was something about a country, Zoombiaz, getting in the United Nations while Sankibali was mad because they've been begging for the chance to join them but denied every time. I forgot about it until you said Joshua was doing business in Sankibali, presumably for King Tablin to pay SPYDER to get back at Zoombiaz. That's my guess. How, I don't know. But when you said Sankibali, it registered in my head.”

Erica paused to wait for more information but realized there wasn't any. Yes, I know it is a hunch, but it's too coincidental. As Cyrus said, there's no such thing as a coincidence.

“That's it? That's all of your evidence? Joshua happens to go to some place that was on the news? Come'on Ben, even you know that's not enough evidence.”

“Yes, I know how it looks but it can't be a coincidence.”

“But what does it have to do with you and Audrey and spy school then? It must connect somehow. If what you're saying is true, wouldn't Audrey play a part in it as a mole?”

“I don't know. I can't remember Audrey asking me to do something completely out of the ordinary. Except…” I trailed off, recalling something.

“Erica,  what do you know about thermonuclear bombs?”

She gave me a confused look.

I remembered one thing Audrey asked me to do while we were in Spy School. She asked me for help on her homework from Geasiln. That wasn't too extraordinary since practically everyone at the school wants my help at some point but this homework was weird. It looked like it was printed from a home computer and didn't sound like any homework I'd seen before. It also was too repetitive, since a thermonuclear bomb was in it everytime, which doesn't make for good homework if you only have to change a few variables. I fear that I had just done SPYDER's dirty work- again.

I mentally scolded myself. First at evil spy school I did calculations for SPYDER and now, with the same trick, Audrey got me to do SPYDER’s trajectories. I knew something looked suspicious about It!

“Um… why? Thermonuclear bombs are normally dropped in battle fields but only trigger when a heat source, mainly body heat, is detected. That's what makes them so lethal. But thermonuclear missiles however use body heat or clumps of energy as a homing device to find it's precise location to land. You insert rough coordinates but it is specifically designed to kill people so it uses heat to decide exactly where to strike. Most militaries have them but they only use them in dire situations. They're cruel weapons and crazy expensive. They're not too cost effective either. It's a one use thing and they cost about the price of eight or so normal missiles or bombs. If you think SPYDER is using them, think again. SPYDER wouldn't risk them missing or them not working for the price of one. They don't take calculated risks. Too many things could go wrong. And plus, I don't think them have the money for that.”

“Unless a government, Sankibali, is funding them.” I add.

Erica gives me a dubious look, but agrees, “I guess. Why do you ask?”

I told her about the homework I did for Audrey.

“Yep, you got manipulated. I'm in her class with Geaslin. Mrs. Geaslin doesn't love her but definitely never gave her extra homework. She won't even give Greg Hauser extra homework and she hates him with every bone in her tiny body.”

Darn, I was holding on to a sliver of hope I'm not going to be the cause of a thermonuclear disaster.

Erica noticed my look of disappointment and tried to comfort me.

“Look, Ben, it's not your fault. Audrey and SPYDER burned us again. You had no idea. But we need a plan to take down SPYDER. If your guess is correct, thermonuclear bombs aren't pretty. But I don't think Joshua is back until tomorrow, so we have time to plan something. I think we should-”

Erica's statement was cut off by Murray bursting in the room looking frazzled and nervous. His face was stick with cold sweat.

“Scarlett,” Murray exhaled, giving Erica a pointed look, “Joshua is back early. He's in the building, now! You have to get out.”

Erica's undercover name must have been Scarlett and since the door was slightly open, she resumed her British accent.

“How much time do we have left?”

“I don't know. I overheard a guard saying his plane just landed. You have to go.” Murray gave me a look and turned his attention back to Erica.

She turned to me, “I'll do what I can from a distance, but it's going to be up to you and we probably won't be able to communicate. Do what you can and just use common sense. We have no idea when this is going down so you'll be the best bet from the inside. I'll try to be in touch. You got this Ben.” With that, she rushed out of the door with Murray hot on her heels.

XXX

And I sat. Still in my handcuffs to remind you. Forever. And I was hungry. I wanted to get out of the room. And if I could guess what time it was, it was about two hours after Joshua apparently landed and two hours since Erica left me. Alone. Tied to a chair. With nothing but ceiling mold to keep me company. Hungry. It was beginning to become Hangry. Did they forget about me? Normally if bad guys forget about you, it's a good thing. Not if you're tied to a chair with nowhere to go. And when you're hangry.

I was starting to lose my mind a little bit and my legs were killing me from sitting for so long. But finally, finally the door opened. I didn't care if it was my worst nightmare, as long as it could get me out of the chair and to the can. I had to pee now too.

My worst nightmare wasn't far from it. It was none only than Joshua Hallal himself.

“Ben Ripley! It is always a pleasure to see you. Though I'm not surprised. You just can't seem to get out of our business.” Joshua strode into the room, polished hook and leg gleaming in the harsh light.

He looked even more handsome than I last saw him. He had a square jawline, shining white teeth, gigantic muscles, perfectly tanned skin, no pimples and styled hair (with a gallon of hair gel of course). The only thing evil looking was his eyes. They were cold and merciless.

“Not on purpose.” I retort.

He raised a smug eyebrow, “Then you must have really bad luck, hmm?”

“You can say that again.” I mumbled.

He gave this charming laugh that was super out of place in this situation.

“So, what's been going on with you?” he asked casually.

“Other than another mole manipulating me into doing SPYDER’s dirty work AGAIN, nothing much.” I growl.

Joshua looked really pleased with himself, “Well, you should learn from your mistakes. But you can't seem to do that.”

“So I should never make a new friend at spy school because they might be a spy?” I reply sarcastically.

“Bingo! If you want to be smart. But I'm perfectly content with you being an idiot every time because it makes our plans go so smoothly and easily. Especially with hot women. You seem to like that type.”

“You too.” I can't help replying.

He gave that concerning laugh again. He was way too happy, “I guess you’re right. I mean, your mole friend is my girlfriend.”

I can't contain my shock, “You're dating Audrey?!”

“Yep. Proud of it too. She's hot as hell. I can't wait to see her again. I was away for business for awhile and she was at the school.”

“So you're into Hales huh?” I snap.

He gave a fake look of guilt, “So you know the sister thing? I knew you would. Yeah it is weird I was into Erica and now Audrey but they're only half sisters. Like I care anyway.  Erica was boring and I was desperate back then. I haven't seen Erica in forever and I don't want too. She's got too big of an ego. Audrey's interesting. Erica was smoking hot and there's he only thing going for her. Her personality is nonexistent.”

I have gotten to know Erica better after the time we've known each other and she actually does have a great personality and feelings under that tough exterior. But no way I was telling Joshua that. I'm interested that he's opening up about his love life, but it's awfully suspicious.

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked cautiously.

He smirked, “I wanted to let you know you can go after Erica and not worry about her liking me. I have zero feelings for her now. She still thinks there's a spark, but it's not there.”

“You're right. The spark died when you betrayed her.” I snarl in Erica's defense. I also hope she's okay and got out safely. Joshua hasn't said anything about it so I'm guessing he didn't catch them.

He struggled, not concerned, “Whatever.”

I needed him to keep talking. This is stalling whatever evil plan he is cooking up.

“I thought relationships were liabilities.”

Joshua smiled, “For spies it is dangerous. But really only serious relationships. Little flings aren't dangerous. Erica could never grasp that concept. She was hell bent that I would he used against her or something. See what I'm saying? Erica’s too wound up and serious. Let loose women. Plus Audrey and I both know we'd let the other die if the success of the mission rests on it. No gutsy moves with saving the other. Just a fling. Some teenage fun. You should try it sometime.”

“Erica would probably beat me up. “ I admit.

“You're right. We're into strong, dominant women aren't we? But strong women need a strong man. You might wanna work on that.”

“Haha,” I barked a fake laugh, “so I'm guessing you didn't come all the way out to me to make small talk.”

Joshua snapped with his good hand. “You’re correct again.”

After he snapped, a fleet of about five men rushed into the interrogation room with machine guns and murderous expressions. They all grabbed at me. One slapped a hand over my mouth while another attempted to gag and a put a bag over my head. Two more untied me and pushed me up and grabbed my forearms. The other finished securing the bag over my head while the last dug the barrel of his gun in my back.

Joshua’s voice came from outside of the room. “Gentleman, follow me.”

And between the guards, I was marched towards an unknown room.

XXX

When we, I guess, arrived, I was shoved back down and tied to yet another chair. What is with SPYDER and their chairs?

When I was secured, the bag was ripped off.

At first it looked like a NASA control room. A giant screen with a bunch of tech nerds (not looking evil one bit with their vintage video game shirts) sitting at their computers typing in commands. Towards the back where I was, I saw Joshua talking to this man who I, at first, suspected to be Mr. E, but realized was just another techie. It seemed that Joshua was the only SPYDER member I recognized as in charge until Audrey strolled into the room. She locked eyes with Joshua and walked forward and gave him a passionate hug. It would be cute if they weren't planning to cause chaos and mayhem on a potentially global scale.

The whole time I was here, I was trying to grasp what the plan was. The gigantic screen was black and the techie's computer screens were too small and the numbers were flying by too fast for even my mathy brain to comprehend and commit to memory.  It looked like a rocket launch if I didn't know any better.

I'm guessing they're using a plane to drop the thermonuclear bombs by the choice of an Air Force base and the homework. Where, I'm guessing (if they're working with Sankibali) Zoombiaz to get revenge on not letting them in the UN. But I was in the dark. Physically and literally. All I could do was watch.

I looked over and saw Joshua give Audrey a peck on the cheek. Gross. Then Joshua handed Audrey a paper and gestured to a computer. I recognized the paper. It was the homework assignment I helped Audrey on.

My guilt skyrocketed. Not only am I helplessly watching from the sidelines, I helped and is part of the problem. And I can't do anything to stop it. Because I'm tied to a, you guessed it, a chair.

Audrey was looking at the homework and inserting numbers into the computer, presumably the coordinates because I worked everything out for them. The trajectories, wind factor, airplane position, weight, location; everything. This is basically my fault.

After a lot a prep, I sat quietly. I knew why Joshua wanted me to watch. To punish me. To show me what I did. Because he knows I will feel an overwhelming amount of regret.

“The operation is a go in t minus 10 seconds.” A loudspeaker crackled to life, “I repeat, operation is okay to go in ten seconds. Let's light this up!”

The crowd of techies cheered. I don't know if they know they're working for the bad guys. It doesn't seem like they know.

The lights dim and the giant screen glows brightly with the countdown.

“Ten… nine…” the techies shout.

I steal a glance at Joshua and Audrey. Joshua is holding Audrey close to his body in a protectful hug. Audrey is smiling but you can tell she's not enjoying it as much as Joshua seems to be.

She glances over in my direction and our eyes lock for half a second. An embarrassed look crosses her face for a second and to my surprise, quickly pulls out of Joshua's embrace. She muttered what seemed to be an apology and Joshua nods but doesn’t look happy. She sneaks one more look at me as the clock nears the end of the countdown.

But something registered to me way too late. Why would SPYDER need a countdown if they were merely flying a plane?

Ugh! Yes another cliffy. But honestly, were you surprised? Nope. Cuz I'm a bully! :)