Crossroads Read Online Free Page B

like not to have anyone to sit with at lunch? It su…it stinks! I sat by myself every day until they invited me. I owe them,” he said fiercely.
    An ominous chill went down Tess’s spine. The scenario Bruce had just described was exactly the one Mitch Jackson had used as an example. By drawing him in, by accepting him, the group he’d hooked upwith had evoked not only a sense of gratitude, but of obligation. Which could be very dangerous.
    â€œYou don’t owe them a thing,” Tess shot back, but she could see that her words fell on deaf ears. She rose, trying to control her panic. “Okay. Until further notice, you’re to come home right after school.”
    Bruce sent her a venomous look. “You’re grounding me?”
    â€œYou got it.”
    â€œWhy? I haven’t done anything wrong. You said you believed me.”
    â€œI do. But I think you’re on dangerous ground.”
    â€œSo you’re going to lock me up? I bet that was Mr. Jackson’s idea,” he said angrily.
    â€œAs a matter of fact, it wasn’t. I thought it up all by myself.”
    â€œI’ll still see the guys at school,” he countered defiantly.
    â€œThat’s true. But I think Mr. Jackson will be keeping his eye out for you there.”
    â€œI should have figured you two would team up,” he said bitterly. “Adults always stick together.”
    Instead of responding, Tess simply left the room. Once out of sight, she leaned against the wall, struggling to control the tremors that ran through her body. Please, Lord, help me! she prayed desperately as another wave of panic washed over her. She had no idea how to deal with this situation. But she knew she needed help. The counseling session Mitch had invited her to couldn’t come soon enough. Because Bruce was in way over his head.
    And so was she.
    Â 
    â€œMorning, Tess. Have I got a story for you!”
    Tess glanced up at the managing editor and smiled. Caroline James was about the same age as Tess, but she was light years ahead of the paper’s newest reporter in terms of sophistication and polish. Why someone with Caroline’s experience, abilities and contacts was content to be the managing editor of a suburban newspaper was beyond Tess’s understanding. She was just grateful to have the chance to hone her skills under the guidance of a true pro.
    â€œHi, Caroline. What’s up?”
    â€œA great coup for our little paper, that’s what.” Caroline sat on the single chair in Tess’s cube and crossed her legs, revealing their shapely length under her fashionably short skirt. As she leaned back, her silk blouse shimmered in the overhead light, as did her simple but classic gold necklace. Style. Class. Poise. Caroline had it all, Tess thought wistfully. In her tailored slacks and baggy sweater, Tess felt dowdy and plain by comparison. Not to mention awkward. Even on her best days, Tess didn’t move with the lithe grace that came so naturally to Caroline. Yet her boss was completely down-to-earth, without a pretentious bone in her body, and she had gone out of her way to make Tess feel at home on the paper. It was hard to be envious of someone so nice.
    â€œSounds promising,” Tess replied.
    â€œMore than promising. A sure thing. It seems we have a man of great distinction right here in our midst.”
    â€œReally? Who?”
    â€œOne Mitch Jackson, local principal.”
    Tess stared at Caroline in shock. “Mitch Jackson?”
    â€œYeah.” Caroline tilted her head and gazed at Tess. “You look funny. Do you know him?”
    Tess nodded and cleared her throat. “Yes. Sort of. That is, we’ve met. Briefly. He’s the principal at my son’s school.”
    â€œGreat! A connection! That will make it even easier to scoop the daily. Hopefully he’ll give us first crack.”
    â€œAt what?”
    â€œA feature profile. He’s just been