Disclaimer - I don't own any thing by Anthony Horowitz okay, everything else is mine though.

Jace spent the next few days keeping a close eye on Alex Rider, taking all the precautions she knew to stop him noticing. She did not think Alex Rider was her main worry but she didn't want underestimate him either – others had done that before.

Jace had tried every way she knew to try and contact her team but MI6 had bumped up the school's computer security making it impossible for Jace to hack without the help of Ash Miller and she was certain the telephones were tapped – obviously MI6 expected to try something.

Jace knew she didn't have much time. Tough MI6 would never hurt her, unless they were trying to start a war with the US that is, not badly at least. But Jace's friends, preoccupied with the consequences of the blast in Bern would be vulnerable to an attack - especially when they thought they were safe in Ireland.

There was no way Jace could contact them outside of Brookland, after school she was transported directly to a safe house in inner London where Agent Ben Daniels watched her like a hawk. MI6 did not want to dirty their hands by dealing with her friends themselves but she had been warned that if she tried to escape from Brookland or the safe house they wouldn't hesitate blowing Alistair's Irish estate into oblivion – with everyone inside.

It was against Jace's instincts to stay in the one place too long. Even though she was in British custody she knew it was only a matter of time until another country or group made a play to get her – and no matter how bad MI6 was being in US hands with her father was worse.

Jace had considered blowing the whistle on Alex Rider and MI6 and taking the story to the press, which would put MI6 into damage control and make it much easier for Jace to slip away in the confusion – but she didn't know if she could make it to Ireland before MI6 carried out their threat.

She had a week – tops.

This left her one option – Alex Rider. Jace had seen his profile, the blackmail MI6 used to make him work, but deep down Alex Rider wanted to be a spy. There were ways around MI6, he could have left with his housekeeper, there is always a choice – always. But Alex Rider had made none of those choices which told Jace Alex liked being a spy – even if he wouldn't admit it to himself.

Classes seemed to drag past that morning until finally Jace arrived at the gym, the only class aside home room she shared with Rider.

After changing Jace waited with the rest of the class as the teacher , Mr Jones, handed out notes. Jace looked down at the piece of paper that was handed to her – a reminder about a surfing excursion – tomorrow,

"Ah Sir" Jace called

"It's alright Winters; I phoned your uncle Ben today he faxed me the permission slip at recess"

"Oh" Jace looked away, Uncle Ben 'ha, that'll be the day'. Nevertheless the surfing trip would provide Jace with the perfect opportunity to get what she needed off Rider, his phone.

The class started with a game of dodge ball, Alex went out early and Jace deliberately got herself out and dropped onto the bench beside him. Alex didn't acknowledge her aside from a small nod.

Jae scooted closer "I know you know who I am Alex" she murmured. Alex nodded his head again.

"I need a favour Alex; I think you might be the only one who can help me"

Alex looked at her curiously, "What might that be?" he asked.

Jace looked down for moment "Alex, you and me, we're pretty alike – I never wanted to a part of my father's world either "

Alex's face softened, Jace continued "your housekeeper, Jack, your car for her don't you?"

"She's the only family I've got left" he replied in a soft voice,

"I had a brother called Jack, but he's, well – I'm sure you've read the file"

"Yeah Blunt showed it to me"

Jace coughed slightly " well, I don't know if you know this, but my best friend Ash-"

"_ the Australian?" Alex inquired

"Yes, well – kinda like you house keeper, Ash is the only family I've got left too_"

"But you dad"

Jace scowled "he doesn't count"

"Oh"

"Anyway, MI6 plans to wipe Ash and all my other friends off the map Alex, they're going to blow them up –"Jace's throat constricted " and I can't let that happen – you understand"

Alex nodded looking sombre "what do you need me to do?" he asked quietly

Jace looked deep into the boys' eyes "you're clever Alex; you have ways to contact people without MI6 knowing"

"Smithers gave me an untraceable phone a while back"

"I need to warn them Alex, I need to borrow your phone – tomorrow if i can, please Alex I've lost too many friends already"

Alex nodded "you can borrow it tomorrow"

Jace's face broke into a wide smile "Alex, I can't tell you how much this means to me – I'd hug you but people would get suspicious"

Alex smiled at that. "i know how your feeling i guess" he said just as the game ended and a new started.