The Ark Plan by Laura Martín Page B

his, what did you call us? His lackeys?”
    Todd stiffened, and I stopped laughing, not wanting to offend.
    â€œThat’s not what I’ve heard,” Todd said. “My mom said that guy is so power-hungry he’ll recruit just about anyone if it means keeping control.”
    â€œYou don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shawn bristled. “The Noah saved us. The compound protects us; without it, the human race would be extinct.”
    â€œI’d like to present exhibit A,” Todd mocked, gesturing to himself, “that proves that statement is dead wrong.”
    â€œWell, this has been fun,” Shawn said, “but we need to get going.” He started to turn away, but I grabbed his arm and jerked him back.
    â€œWait,” I said, irritated. I turned my attention back to the dark-haired boy in front of me. “Have you ever met anyone else from a compound? We are looking for someone. His name was Jack Mundy?” When Todd didn’t say anything, I went on. “He was around six feet tall, brown hair, a beard? Kind of skinny?”
    â€œNo, sorry,” Todd said, and I could tell he didn’t want to give us any more information than he already had.
    â€œSky,” Shawn said. “I doubt your dad came this way.”
    Todd’s eyes softened a little. “Your dad?”
    â€œYeah,” I said. “He’s been missing for five years.”
    Todd hesitated, biting his lip. “Well,” he finally said. “Jett might have heard of him. He’s the leader of the Oaks.”
    My heart gave a hopeful squeeze. “Could you tellme where to find him? Please?” I stopped, processing what he’d just said. “Wait. What’s the Oaks?”
    Todd studied us. “Are you sure you aren’t government spies?”
    I groaned in exasperation. “I promise.”
    Todd stood for a moment, torn, and I held my breath.
    â€œI’m really not allowed to show you where I live,” he finally said, and I deflated a little in disappointment. “But after that stunt you just pulled, I don’t think you two would survive much longer without some help.” I grinned at Shawn, but he didn’t grin back.
    â€œBut,” Todd said, pointing a long finger in our faces, “if you betray us, don’t think I’ll hesitate to put those ventilation holes in you I mentioned earlier.” He patted his bow.
    I gulped, nodding. “Thank you.”
    â€œDon’t thank me yet,” Todd said. “Jett might not let you up.”
    â€œUp?” I whispered to Shawn as Todd turned and headed away from the meadow, obviously expecting us to follow. I was about to when Shawn grabbed my backpack.
    â€œWhat?” I hissed as Todd stopped and turned back, waiting.
    â€œHow do we know we can trust this guy? For all weknow, he’s taking us back to his mud hut to eat us. He’s not from a compound, which means he’s been living with no laws his entire life.”
    â€œHe saved our lives.”
    â€œSo he says. I don’t like it, Sky. He has no respect for our Noah.”
    I groaned in frustration. “Listen. I’m willing to risk it if it means finding out about my dad. If things look dicey, we run for it. Deal?” Shawn’s lips pulled into a tight line. I rolled my eyes. “I promise I won’t let him eat you in his mud hut or whatever.”
    â€œI’m holding you to that.”
    â€œAren’t you even a little bit curious how people have managed to survive if it wasn’t in a compound?”
    â€œNo.”
    I gave him a look, and he huffed in defeat.
    â€œOkay, fine. Maybe a little.”
    â€œMake up your mind,” Todd called, glancing nervously at the sky. “It’s almost dark, and you already cheated death once today.”
    â€œWe’re coming!” I called. “How far away is it?”
    â€œNot far,” he said, smirking. “Let