Free Wanted (Flick Carter Book 1) by Tim Arnot Page B

how he was sent to the headmaster, then he’d have to explain how he was singled, out and sent to that room, and all that stuff, and the Kingsman, and he’d never be in the Watch, and then what? No, he couldn’t admit to anything. He shook his head again.
    His father changed tack. ‘Rosie’s going to be Queen of the May this year, isn’t that good?’
    No, it’s a disaster! It’s supposed to be my big day, MY day, when I’m inducted into the Watch, and now my little sister is stealing it from me, just like she and Flick steal everything from me.
    ‘Guess so.’
    ‘Flick’s offered to make her dress, although unless we want it made from animal skins, I think we’d better buy it in!’ He laughed, ‘Bless her, at least her heart’s in the right place. Sometimes though, I think I’ve got two boys and one girl!’
    Ouch .
    His father was right though, Flick was certainly a bit of a tomboy.
    ‘Are you still excited about joining the Watch?’ his father asked, changing the subject.
    Adam hesitated. He wanted to be excited, but he was more terrified that she would stop him.
    His father picked up on the hesitation. ‘Something’s happened, hasn’t it? Look, I don’t know if it’s something you’ve done, or what it is, but I want you to know I’m your dad; I believe in you. It’s my job to protect you, at least as far as I can.’ He reached out and took Adam’s hand, clasping it in his.
    Adam nodded, ‘Yeah,’ and hoped his father was right. But how could his father protect him against a Kingsman?

    Flick had spent a sleepless night thinking about Shea. Why didn’t he kiss her? Did he not like her? She thought he did, and she’d wanted to kiss him. But she’d let him wimp out. That moment played over and over in her mind. It was silly, like being a schoolgirl again. It was one thing saving a stranger’s life, not even the Kingsmen would arrest her for that. But to go all gooey over him too? No, it was a good thing she didn’t kiss him… he didn’t kiss her. Next time she definitely wouldn’t kiss him. Definitely. And she was determined to get back out to the cottage and make sure she didn’t kiss him as quickly as she could.  
    ‘I’ve got to go, I’ll be back before curfew,’ Flick announced. It was after breakfast and she was in the kitchen. Maggie bustled about in the pantry, and Flick wished she would get a move on so she could fill up a basket to take with her.
    ‘I know what you’re doing,’ Maggie said.
    ‘What’s that then?’ Flick said, innocently.
    ‘You’re taking food–our food–to that boy, when you know there are shortages. Then you’re staying out all day doing goodness knows what, and when you come back, have you got anything fresh for the pot? No you have not.’
    Flick was dumbfounded. ‘Look… I… It’s only…’ She couldn’t think what to say, and eventually settled on a rather lame, ‘Anyway it’s not your food.’
    ‘No it isn’t,’ Maggie snapped back. ‘But I have to prepare and cook it. And the guests are paying for it, and we’ve got a full house tonight, I shouldn’t have to remind you. It’ll be busy enough without you disappearing all day.’
    ‘You sound like my dad,’ Rosie said from the table. ‘And anyway, what boy?’ She looked around eagerly.
    ‘Shut up,’ Maggie and Flick chorused in unison.
    ‘He’d be right though.’ Maggie emerged from the pantry. ‘Look, Flick, I know you think you like him, but I’m sure he’ll survive a day without you, and we really do need you here. Or at least go to the market and bring back more food.’
    Rosie pouted. ‘Not till you tell me what boy. It’s not fair, you keeping secrets.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right, Maggs,’ Flick said after a moment. Maybe next time he’d think twice about not kissing her if she didn’t show up. ‘Come on Ro, let’s go to the market.’
    Shea would have to wait.
    ‘Only if you tell me what’s going on, and who is this boy ,’ Rosie said, firmly