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Chapter 16:

The Decision

Jack paused for a moment and let everything sink in. After all this time, his mission to find his brother had finally come to an end. And he was tired. Really, really tired. During the last few months Jack’s body had been pushed to the limit. He’d nearly been gobbled up by a dinosaur, stung by deadly jellyfish, eaten by a polar bear and beheaded by a master illusionist.

Going over to his computer, Jack signed on to the GPF secure site. He quickly typed the following email:

Dear Director Barter,

After fighting no less than twelve criminals (and a dinosaur), I’ve decided to leave the GPF. I want to be a normal kid. I want to hang out with my friends. I want to be able to read a book without having to go off on a mission nearly every night. If you need me, you know where you can find me.

Sincerely,

Secret Agent Courage

Jack moved the mouse to push the SEND button. But something stopped him.

What was he thinking? He didn’t have to quit the GPF. After all, he loved being a secret agent. And since Max and Kate were GPF agents, they might be able to go on more missions together. Perhaps he could just take a break.

Jack added ‘for a few months’ after the part about deciding to leave the GPF, and pressed the SEND button.

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Putting on his pajamas, Jack crawled under the covers and looked at the glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling – the ones his dad had bought for him and his brother, Max.

‘Goodnight, Max!’ he shouted happily.

A voice came from the room next door. ‘Goodnight, Jack!’ said Max.

Jack smiled. Thinking that was the best thing he’d heard in months, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep, satisfied sleep.