us have undertaken actions in that name in the past,?Jo nodded. But were moved on. We're setting up a new organisation, the Animal Freedom Army. If you really believe in animal liberation, this is probably the best opportunity youEl ever have to make a difference.?
Ts it really necessary to point that gun at us??Kyle asked edgily. Maybe Ire watched too many movies where people get shot accidentally, but you're freaking me out.?
Blease don't take offence. Your sister was overheard mentioning that you're both third dan Karate black belts,?Jo explained. Think of it as a compliment: I'll only holding this gun because you two could overpower us in a straight fight.?
Can't you at least point it at the ground??Kyle grinned.
James thought he could see a hint of a smile through Jot Balaclava as she lowered the gun. Tour stepfather, Ryan Quinn, devised a wise strategy and always kept Zebra eighty-four as a small group. Recruiting members is the riskiest thing any anti-government organisation has to do. The less recruiting you do, the longer you're likely to stay in operation. But of course, theret a downside to that way of working.?
James butted in, Tou can't do much if you don't have any members.?
Brecisely,?Jo nodded. Te're part of a new organisation that aims to raise the bar for the animal liberation movement. We're putting together a spectacular: probably the most sophisticated liberationist raid ever. WeEl need some fit young lads like you to pull it off and if we succeed, youEl be helping to generate unprecedented global publicity for our cause.?
Eo what is this masterplan??James asked cheekily, fully aware that he wouldn't get an answer.
T'll afraid I can't reveal details until immediately before the operation, but IEl be frank with both of you. The operation we're planning is a huge gamble. I'll confident that my plan will work, but I'll not going to sugar-coat the risks: if either of you are caught, the chances are that youEl be charged under anti-terrorism laws and go to prison for many years. You're both extremely young ?are you really comfortable with that possibility??
Kyle shrugged uneasily. So smoke without fire, I guess.?
Are Tom and Viv going to be involved??James asked.
Jo nodded. Theyre both agreed to work with us.?
T'll in if Tom and Viv are,?Kyle said.
Jo smiled. Ttt good that you're both enthusiastic. But when you're planning a complex operation, every member of the team must show absolute commitment. The only way I can be confident that you won't back out under stress is if your abilities are put to the test.?
Tested how??James asked.
Tf you accept the invitation to join our group, weEl assign you an operation to carry out with Tom and Viv. The task we set will be risky, but straightforward. If you perform it successfully, youEl be considered a paid-up member of our group and you might even get to see our faces.?
Eounds fair,?James said.
Eo, do you tell us about our operation now, or what??Kyle asked.
Jo shook her head. My colleagues will drive you back into town and you can expect to hear from us at some time within the next couple of weeks. I want you both to think seriously about what we're asking you to do.
Tf you have any doubts, just say the word and you can walk. But once youre made a commitment to our group, I expect it to be absolute. If one of you chickens out and ruins a major operation, we might have no option but to kill you in order to maintain security. Is that understood??
James and Kyle both nodded.
Ehall we take 抏m back to the van??one of the other women asked.
Jo nodded, but suddenly changed her mind. She stepped forwards and pointed the gun at James?black school trainers. Are they leather??she asked accusingly.
Teah, my mumt always been veggie, but we only went vegan when we moved in with Ryan.?
Jo shook her head with contempt. Tf I see you walking around with bits of dead cow on your feet again, IEl shoot your bloody toes off.?
24. DEBRIEF
Zara phoned Lauren on the bus from school and told her not to bring Stuart home that afternoon. Meatball greeted Lauren in the hallway, barking and wagging his tail, but the little dog found himself shunned as she rushed through to the kitchen to find the cause of all the excitement.
慤nbelievable,?Lauren grinned, once the dayt events had been explained. Then her face dropped. Bity I'll not involved in any of this.?
James, Kyle and Zara were leaning over the kitchen table. Theyr spread