Map Seekers: The Brotherhood

Chapter 9

"You know... for a secret society, they were really easy to find. Who puts their secret lair on Google Maps?" Jacob asked. "Doesn't that seem just a little weird?"

It did, but Sheldon explained that these types of societies often disguised themselves as social groups to deflect their real plans.

Sheldon had done a bit of research on the group. From its public persona the Brotherhood of Saints was, for all extensive purposes, made up of many of the city's respected leaders who met monthly and provided philanthropic support to those in need, like widows and orphans. If one believed their publicity, in which Sheldon didn't, they were a religious organization that only raised money for charity and volunteered their time for various programs.

"I say we confront them head on," Alexis said. "They won't expect that from us."

"I don't expect that from us," Sheldon said. He was more than a little apprehensive now that things had turned from searching for information on the Internet to taking place in the real world. He didn't feel comfortable in the real world. He much preferred his video games and computers.

"Why? Because we're teenagers?" Alexis asked. She intimidated Sheldon most days, but when she was pumped up, her aggression really made him anxious.

"Because they think they can scare us," Hunter said, in Sheldon's defense. While Sheldon might excel at video games with running, jumping and shooting... that was only in the virtual world.

"Honestly, they kind of did. You didn't see the ugly faces on the guys who followed me," Sheldon answered for himself.

"Wuss." Alexis sneered.

"Weren't you the one who just yesterday was crying that we should give the map away to protect our friend?" Sheldon exclaimed.

"That was before I knew it was all part of Hunter's twisted imagination."

Hunter hated being reminded of his stupid, knee-jerk reaction to Maricella not answering her phone for a few hours. He hated it even more now that Maricella knew.

In hindsight he had overreacted, but in his defense he had also never been faced with goons in cars following him home after school, his phone being tapped and trying to solve a mystery thousands of years old.

The friends were at Sheldon's house again-their logical headquarters for their adventures. With no adult supervision, it was the perfect spot to plot and plan.

After Sheldon learned the whereabouts of the Brotherhood of Saints, the secret society that Mr. Bogart was part of, the group got together to discuss their next move. Unfortunately, the discussion quickly unraveled into an argument when Alexis and Jacob wanted to storm the Brotherhood's lodge in retaliation for following them from school, but Sheldon wanted to conduct more research.

"Guys, we are all on the same team here. We need to work together and work to our strengths." Hunter took control of the conversation.

"Sheldon," he said. "You are best on computers and doing research." He didn't want to say his friend would be a bigger liability than asset outside, but that was the truth. "You should stay here in case Solomon tries to contact us again."

"Yeah, that's a good plan," Sheldon quickly agreed.

"Alexis, you and Jacob are obviously the most athletic," Hunter continued.

"Plus, we can kick butt." Jacob added.

Ignoring him, Hunter continued, "So you two should lead the team whenever we have to go out on explorations. Maricella, I think you would be best here with Sheldon. You'll be safe and you can keep working on your translations."