Avery let go of Bill's hand as they appeared hidden from view near the Hanson's house. She rubbed her nose lightly and smiled at the teleporter.
"Thanks," she said. "I swear, I'm going to buy you a present one day."
"Make sure it's a big one," Bill replied jokingly. He saluted and then shimmered out.
Avery climbed over the hedge, almost tripping over as she walked up to the front door. She searched her bag for her keys, locating them, then opening up the door and closing it behind her.
She yawned and then went upstairs, looking for a family member to harrass.
Walker
Walker heard the footsteps on the stairs, and made his way to the doorway to see who it was. Sighting Avery making her way down the hall, he cleared his throat.
"Avery Laurel?" he called, "could you come into the study for a moment? I need to ask your view on something."
Avery
"Uh-oh, I got middle-named," Avery said, half joking.
She changed her course of direction to Walker's study.
"Am I in trouble? Whatever it is, I didn't do it, nor was I going to, it was probably Zac."
Walker
"No, you're not in trouble. Yet," Walker gave her a wink as he directed her inside.
He closed the door, then went to sit at his desk.
"I had a call from Wayne recently, and he's given me - or you, rather - an interesting proposal. I'd like to talk it over with you and see what you think."
Avery
Avery sat down in the other chair in front of the desk and leaned back.
"O...k. Why do I get the feeling I'm going to run from the room screaming?"
Walker
"If you do take up the offer, you'll have to understand that not everyone will be happy with it," Walker lay down straight away, "but many will also be very grateful. It could be dangerous, but I've decided I should no longer be in a position to make assumptions when it comes to my daughter and so rather than say no straight away I decided to leave it to you."
He took a deep breath and clasped his hands together on the desk.
"YIRAAS security have asked your assistance in interrogation," he revealed, "one of their current issues involves a Dathrian who has a large mental shield, and for some reason Wayne is not willing to rely on Tanya to break through it. He's decided to come straight to the most powerful telepath he knows."
He raised his eyebrows, bracing himself for a first reaction.
Avery
Wow, she was the most powerful telepath he knew?
Ok, that wasn't the real issue here.
Avie, say something, you're beginning to look crazy, just staring at your father.
"Um."
Well done, Avery. How many years of schooling have you had? Obviously not enough, if your first reaction is "um".
"I don't know," Avery managed.
Walker
"You have some time to make up your mind," Walker assured.
"But I will need to let Wayne know, as you understand. This person has been quite helpful with them so far, but they're sure he's also hiding a lot of very important information. They would just need to organise sometime where you could be in the vicinity of the man. I guess what's expected is that you break through the shield and either dissipate it for other telepaths to intrude, or pass along some information yourself. I think the first seems more likely, as you're still under age and these are criminals we're dealing with. You never know what you might see."
Avery
Avery took a deep breath.
"Um..."
There was that word again. But it seemed to just say so much.
"If I change my mind closer down the track, can I pull out?"
Walker
"Of course," Walker insisted, "Wayne wouldn't make you do anything you felt you couldn't or shouldn't."
He hesitated, debating the next part internally.
"Do you want to know who's involved?" he asked.
Avery
"I guess that's probably the smart thing to do."
Avery eyed her father, knowing he was holding back, but opting not to 'overhear' his thoughts.
"Who is it?"
Walker
Walker continued his internal debate, before convincing himself it was better if she knew now than later.
"They need your help with Christian Thomas," he said finally.
"I know you haven't seen him in a long time."
Avery
Avery narrowed her eyes.
"Not since he came back here and pretended to be Taylor, no."
She folded her arms across her chest.
"I'll do it."
I want to talk to him, maybe I'll even push a few wrong buttons in his brain...
Walker
"And you know he's been spending quite some time with him since," Walker went on.
"I wouldn't like this to come between you and your brother, whatever you decide."
Avery
"Taylor has been spending time with Christian?" Avery asked in disbelief.
She knitted her eyebrows together.
How could he forget what he did??
"I guess I'll talk to Taylor about it."
And ask him what the hell is going on.
Walker
"You didn't know?" Walker frowned, suddenly realising his mistake.
"Sorry. I guess you have been away such a long time. I'm beginning to forget which end is up."
He chuckled.
"And I'm getting old."
Avery
Avery grinned cheekily.
"Weeeelllll, we didn't want to say anything but... we have noticed."
She rubbed her eye.
"So... what's going to happen?"
Walker
"Well, I'll call Wayne tonight and leave him a message. Hopefully he'll get back to me tomorrow," Walker explained.
"I'll let you know what he says."
Avery
"So, they'll take me to Christian when it's time?" Avery asked, leaning back in her chair.
"Could I talk to Tanya about it?"
Walker
"I'd suggest not mentioning it to her yet," Walker suggested.
"I'm not sure if Wayne has spoken to her or not. Let's wait until we hear from him."
Avery
Avery nodded slowly.
"O...k. Well... yeah, I guess just wait until we know what's going on, then?"
Walker
"Just wait," Walker agreed with a shrug.
"I'll let you know when I hear from him. Why don't you go see if your mother needs help with lunch?"
Avery
"K."
Avery stood up and started to leave the study.
"Thanks Dad."