Schooled By Jeff Adams
Genre: YA, GLBTQ, MM
Tropes: Suspense, Covert Agent
Released: June 15, 2021 (re-release)
Publisher: Big Gay Media
Series: Code Name: Winger, Book 2
Length: 230 pages
Secret agent and teenage computer genius Theo Reese lives in two separate worlds—and they’re about to collide.
Theo’s high school computer science club is gearing up for a competition, and Theo agrees to lend his knowledge of cybersecurity to help them win. The covert agency he works for also needs his talents. An encrypted key that allows access to the nation’s electrical grid has been stolen. Theo’s skills are crucial in its recovery before disaster strikes.
When the file shows up at the competition as one of those to be decoded, Theo must find a way to be both an average high school student and Winger, his secret identity. The file must be secured—all while protecting his teammates from those who will use any means necessary to get the file for themselves.
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“It’s reasonable to believe that the person who wants this file decrypted is here,” Dad said. “They wouldn’t allow it to be opened and then leave it on a server as part of a competition.”
“Unless someone at the school that submitted it plans to transfer the file directly from here.” I agreed with Dad, but we had to consider a transfer might happen from here even if it would put the data into the open. “Of course, the way the competition computers are connected, a transfer wouldn’t be the easiest thing either. Doc, do you see anyone else in the system like you are?”
“No. And we’re monitoring for that.”
“What’s the plan, Doc?” Dad’s question surprised me because he was the senior agent present.
“With so many students and other civilians nearby, I’m tempted to suggest the plan Theo threw out with Dean earlier—do nothing, let no one hack the file, and let the competition end. The other schools are continuing to stay away from it. Meanwhile, we work to find who’s behind it and apprehend them while they’re close. ”
I didn’t like it. There was no guarantee we could find who put the file here before the competition ended. We had the chance to put a stop to this now, and it felt like we should be more aggressive. Dad still didn’t speak up, so I did.
“While there are a lot of students, we also have to be aggressive and recover this file while it’s here. We still need to find out which school put it into competition. The sooner we do that the better. I’ll start talking to other competitors too and see if I can get any clues.”
I paused a moment for any discussion. When there wasn’t, I continued. “If we can’t sort it out tonight, I say Lorenzo and I hack the file in the morning and see who comes after it. Even if there are other copies in play, if we hack one, it’s a safe bet the person that put it here will want to collect it. Let’s get more agents here so we can manage whatever happens.”
Dad looked to John and they nodded. “It’s risky given our public venue, but I agree. This is the best chance we’ve got right now.” I was proud Dad agreed with me so completely. It was silly to feel that way, but I couldn’t help it.
I recognized Lorenzo’s conflicted expression. “Okay. But, above all, the safety of civilians must come first.”
“Absolutely,” Dad said.
“I need to brief Red Hat. I’ll be in touch when I know more. Winger, I’m on comms for the duration.”
“Thanks, Doc.” The video chat ended.
I looked to Dad, still confused why he wasn’t the lead.
“What?” he asked.
“Why aren’t you the mission leader?”
“While I have seniority overall, this is an IT mission. Lorenzo’s in charge unless he turns it over to someone else. As one of his senior agents, you certainly have more to say on this than we do. Make no mistake, if I had something to contribute or felt that a mistake was being made, I’d speak up. But you guys are doing fine.” He clapped me on the back.
“Yeah, you’re doing great, Theo.” John put out his fist and I bumped it.
Jeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009 when his first short stories were published. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.
Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty years, Will Knauss. Some of his favorite things include the musicals “Rent” and “[title of show],” the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey teams, and the reality TV competition “So You Think You Can Dance.” He also loves to read, but there isn’t enough space to list out his favorite books.
Jeff is the co-host of the “Big Gay Fiction Podcast,” a weekly show devoted to gay romance as well as pop culture. New episodes come out every Monday at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
You can find out more about Jeff’s books at JeffAdamsWrites.com
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