More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
“Finished, Captain Gally?” Newt asked. “Quit being such a smart aleck, Newt,” he spat, his face flushing red.
For the first time, Thomas felt a little empathy for Gally—he did have a point about how Newt was treating him. Gally was a Keeper, after all. But I still hate him, Thomas thought.
Thomas was elated that it was finally Minho’s turn; surely he’d defend him to the end.
Minho stood quickly, taking everyone off guard. “I was out there; I saw what this guy did—he stayed strong while I turned into a panty-wearin’ chicken. No blabbin’ on and on like Gally. I want to say my recommendation and be done with it.” Thomas held his breath, wondering what he’d say. “Good that,” Newt said. “Tell us, then.” Minho looked at Thomas. “I nominate this shank to replace me as Keeper of the Runners.”
statement. Some Keepers seemed to actually agree with Minho’s recommendation—like Frypan, who clapped to drown out Gally, clamoring to take a vote.
Finally, Newt put his notepad down and stepped out from the semicircle, screaming at people to shut up.
restored and everyone sat down. “Shuck it,” Newt said. “I’ve never seen so many shanks acting like teat-suckin’ babies. We may not look it, but around these parts we’re adults. Act like it, or we’ll disband this bloody Council and start from scratch.” He walked from end to end of the curved row of sitting Keepers, looking each of them in the eye as he spoke. “Are we clear?”
I’m the only Runner in this group, and the only other one here who’s even been out in the Maze is Newt.” Gally interjected: “Not if you count the time I—” “I don’t!” Minho shouted.
“Just a few days after this guy shows up, he steps out in the Maze to save two shanks he hardly knows. All this klunk about him breaking a rule is just beyond stupid. He didn’t get the rules yet. But plenty of people had told him what it’s like in the Maze, especially at night. And he still stepped out there, just as the Door was closing, only caring that two people needed help.” He took a deep breath, seeming to gain strength the more he spoke. “But that was just the beginning. After that, he saw me give up on Alby, leave him for dead. And I was the veteran—the one with all the experience and
...more
“Gally,” Minho said in a calmer voice, “you’re nothing but a sissy who has never, not once, asked to be a Runner or tried out for it. You don’t have the right to talk about things you don’t understand. So shut your mouth.” Gally stood up again, fuming. “Say one more thing like that and I’ll break your neck, right here in front of everybody.” Spit flew from his mouth as he spoke. Minho laughed, then raised the palm of his hand and shoved Gally in the face. Thomas half stood as he watched the Glader crash down into his chair, tipping it over backward, cracking it in two pieces. Gally sprawled
...more
Thomas’s heart sank. As if things hadn’t been awkward enough already.
“He’s finally whacked for good,” Minho said, almost in a whisper. Thomas couldn’t tell if he’d meant for the others to hear him. “Well, you’re not the bloody saint in the room,” Newt said. “What were you thinking? That was a little overboard, don’t ya think?” Minho squinched up his eyes and pulled his head back, as if he were baffled by Newt’s question. “Don’t give me that garbage. Every one of you loved seeing that slinthead get his dues, and you know it. It’s about time someone stood up to his klunk.” “He’s on the Council for a reason,” Newt said. “Dude, he threatened to break my neck and
...more
“We can’t vote without all the members here,” Winston insisted. “Unless they’re really sick, like Alby.” “For the love, Winston,” Newt replied. “I’d say Gally’s a wee bit ill today, too, so we continue without him.
Everyone else chimed in their approval, filling Thomas with relief and a sense of pride. Winston was the only one to say no. Newt looked at him. “We don’t need your vote, but tell us what’s bonkin’ around your brain.”
The meeting was dismissed and everyone except Newt and Minho left the room in a hurry. Newt hadn’t moved from his chair, where he sat jotting notes. “Well, that was good times,” he murmured. Minho walked over and playfully punched Thomas in the arm. “It’s all this shank’s fault.” Thomas punched him back. “Keeper? You want me to be Keeper? You’re nuttier than Gally by a long shot.” Minho faked an evil grin. “Worked, didn’t it? Aim high, hit low. Thank me later.”
“Out!” Alby sat up as he yelled, his voice cracking with the strain of it. He scooted himself back to lean against the headboard again. “Get out!” Newt’s face sank in obvious hurt—Thomas was surprised to see no anger there.
“Hungry, Tommy?” Newt asked when they were outside. Thomas couldn’t believe the question. “Hungry? I feel like puking after what I just saw—no, I’m not hungry.” Newt only grinned. “Well, I am, ya shank. Let’s go look for some leftovers from lunch. We need to talk.”
“We have to find Gally,” Newt said through a bite of carrot, changing the subject. “Bugger’s gone off and hid somewhere. Soon as we’re done eating, I need to find him and throw his butt in jail.” “Serious?” Thomas couldn’t help feeling a shot of pure elation at the thought.
Avoiding other people was his new goal in life.
“I know you don’t remember anything, Thomas! Quit sayin’ that—don’t ever say it again. None of us remember anything, and we’re bloody sick of you reminding us. The point is there’s something different about you, and it’s time we figured it out.”
“That’s bloody interesting.” Newt examined him for a second, not hiding his obvious suspicion. “Well, keep lookin’ for it. Strain your mind, spend your free time wanderin’ your thoughts, and think about this place. Delve inside that brain of yours, and seek it out. Try, for all our sakes.” “I will.” Thomas closed his eyes, started searching the darkness of his mind. “Not now, you dumb shuck.”
Thomas, relieved that Newt still hadn’t erupted into accusations,
Stronger recognition briefly tickled the back of his mind—a flutter of wings in a dark corner, unseen but there all the same.
Thomas felt … odd—an uncomfortable feeling, like something supernatural had just occurred.
