21
RILEY
Age 14
“Eagle Eye, come in.”
I put my homework aside and reached for the radio on the desk. “This is Eagle Eye, over.”
“There’s been an invasion and we need your help. Over.”
I looked at the radio in confusion, trying to decipher Beckett’s code. “Repeat. Over.”
“There’s been an invasion at the base and we need your help. STAT. Over.”
I glanced at my homework then at the clock. “Thirty minutes tops. Over.”
“Over and out.”
A soft laugh came from somewhere behind me, making me turn. Harold was leaning against my doorframe, a wide grin on his face.
“So glad you boys are still making use of those old things.” A fit of coughs came out of nowhere, making him smack his chest. He’d been coughing a lot lately and it worried me. “This weekend I’ll need your help around here, okay?”
“Sure. Can Beckett help?”
“If you can rope him into doing chores for fun, sure. We’ll take all the hands we can get. Going to empty out the barn loft. I think it’s time to get rid of some things.” He motioned to my desk. “Go on, finish your homework and go see Beckett, but be back before dark, you hear? It’s still a school night.”
“I’ll sweep the patio before I go,” I said as he turned to leave.
He raised his hand in dismissal. “You’ve done more than your share of chores this week, Riley. Just go see your friend.”
Ten minutes later, I ran down the street and cut through the field, ducking between the trees. Beckett was standing at the bottom of the tree house, a bag in one hand. He grinned when he saw me, then glanced back up.
“They’re back,” he said pointing.
I shielded my eyes from the sun and glanced up. Two red birds with black wings were building a nest on the ledge of one of the windows, happily chirping away as they did.
“We haven’t seen them in a couple years!” I said, excitedly. “When they were dancing inside, remember?”
“I know.”
“They’re so pretty.”
Beckett glanced at me, still smiling. “I looked them up once, did I tell you? You’ll never guess what they’re called.”
“What?”
“Scarlet tanagers.” He nudged my shoulder. “You’re named after a bird, Riley Tanager. Spread your wings and fly!”
“Only if you come with me,” I said, smiling.
Beckett locked an arm around me and scrubbed my head with his knuckles. “Like you could ever get rid of me!”
***
I was growing concerned that I hadn’t heard from Beckett again. He’d called me on his way back to Atlanta, but that was several hours ago already. Twelve hours ago, actually. I kinda thought I’d hear from him by now. It was dark outside, and I couldn’t ignore the tickle in my belly that something was wrong.
I set my paintbrush down and dialed his number, but it went to voicemail. I tried again, but when he still didn’t answer, I sent him a quick text instead.
