No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

the situation would change. Someone could get all the way to where they think they have caught the “runner,” but one bad choice would send them back to the beginning, to a new case with new clues.

There were several similar games on the market, but it was a growing genre. If Hector could develop it fast enough, Ellie would pitch it to the clients for whom she did the beta testing.

She typed a message to Hector:

Ellie: Would you personally own it and be able to sell this game, or would the school take ownership?

Hector: Good question. I’ll check with my teacher. Thanks for the heads up. And the help!

Ellie: No prob.

She sat back in her chair. This could help her out a lot. Not the money but the game. She would help Hector make it sophisticated enough that it would attract young people with a high intellect. The kind who watch Jeopardy every night. She liked the idea and would discuss it with him at some point. But he had to do the basics before she could get involved.

The rest of the morning ran as usual. Slow. Steady.

She went downstairs to fix some lunch. Buddy was getting antsy. He was getting so used to his playdates with Jackson that it seemed as if he knew what time it was.

“Are you waiting for your friend?” She patted him on the head. “Just a couple more hours.” He snuggled against her in response. Percy jumped on the counter, as if to say, “Excuse me, but I’m here, too.”

“Oh, you goofball. I love you, too!” Ellie scratched Percy’s ears and rubbed his face. “I know. It’s time for a treat.”

Percy’s meow almost sounded like he was saying “treeeeeet.”

That always made Ellie laugh out loud. Ellie reached into the pantry and took out some dental treats for her cat. After the incident, Ellie thought getting a cat and a dog would be good therapy for her. She had gone to the local shelter, where she found both of them. They were each around two years old and had grown up in the same house. Unfortunately, the owner could no longer care for them and had surrendered them to the shelter. Ellie couldn’t think of separating them, so she adopted both. That’s when the veterinarian suggested that Ellie brush Percy’s teeth. As if that was ever going to happen.

Ellie fixed herself a roast-beef-and-cheddar sandwich and stood at the kitchen counter. Spring had come a couple of weeks early, and the daffodils, crocus, and tulips were peeking their heads above the ground. She had to admit, Hector was a kid of many talents. Not only was he a computer genius, he was an excellent gardener. Ellie felt that was a good combination for a balanced life.

She knew about his parents and his strict upbringing— strict in an old-fashioned way. Everyone in the family had dinner together every night, and without being tethered to an electronic device. They went to church together every Sunday and celebrated holidays with friends and relatives. And if someone was alone, they would be invited to join.

Ellie had been invited to dozens of dinners and celebrations, and had declined them all, until she felt she needed to explain.

Dear Mrs. Cordoba,

I want to thank you for your many generous offers for dinner. I appreciate the invitations greatly; however, there are circumstances beyond my control that makes leaving my home extremely difficult. I hope you understand, and perhaps one day we shall meet in person, and I will enjoy one of the wonderful dishes Hector has bragged about.

Sincerely,

Ellie Bowman

After she had written the note and given it to Hector, she chuckled to herself. What if they think I’m under house arrest? She mulled it over and decided that was much more interesting than the truth.

In the generous and kind manner the Cordoba family always displayed, Hector’s mother prepared a special dish and sent it to Ellie via Hector.

“My mother asked that I bring you this.” Hector had smiled with delight. “Lechon asado and papas rellenas. Marinated pork and Cuban potato balls.”

“Oh, Hector. That was so kind of her.” Ellie’s mouth had been watering. Aside from her bland chicken and fish dishes, and occasionally pasta, Ellie wasn’t a very good cook. It was ages since she had savored something this good. “It looks and smells delicious.”

“Oh, it’s one of my favorites! Good thing my mom let me use her car; otherwise, it would be Cuban goulash if I had been on my bike!” Hector joked through the window.

“Please tell her how much I appreciate it. I can’t wait to dig in!”

“I will tell her. She is quite proud of her cooking, so I hope you like it. Have a good night.”

Buddy nudged Ellie’s knee, bringing her thoughts back to the kitchen in which she was standing. She looked at her roast-beef sandwich. “You’re no ropa vieja, either.”

She washed down a bite with a swig of what was left of her morning coffee. It didn’t matter that it had been sitting around for a couple of hours. She didn’t mind it at room temperature. It was like iced coffee without the ice.

Buddy watched her in anticipation of a taste of the sandwich. “OK, you beggar. But this is it.” Ellie tore off a small piece of her sandwich and made Buddy give her his paw before she rewarded him. “Good boy.” She gave him a smooch on the head. Percy was still sitting on the counter, looking bored to tears.

After finishing the last bite, Ellie washed the dish and coffee mug. “Why do I even bother to use a plate?” she asked out loud. “I don’t even sit down.” She shook her head at herself.

“OK, guys. Back to work.” Ellie headed back upstairs, with Buddy at her feet and Percy meandering at his own speed.

She logged in, letting her client know she was available for customers. Within minutes, one of her computers dinged. It was an e-mail coming in on her