Disclaimer- I do not own any of the characters in this story, they are Horowitz's. No matter how much I wish I did
Previously in the Story:
"So why is this a 'matter of life and death?"
"It's very difficult to tell, you see Kingston keeps a low profile, but we think, well…" He paused, and looked at Ms. Jones. Alex saw her nod, almost imperceptibly out of the corner of his eye, "We think he's up to something."
CHAPTER TWO!!
"Like what?"
"Several days ago the MI6 intercepted an anonymous phone call," it was now Ms. Jones who spoke, "We've tracked the received call to the eastern coast of America, but we can't figure out who initiated the call."
"What did it say?" Alex asked.
"Well, we can't be sure, we only caught the end of it, but from what we can tell, someone's plotting something to do with a nuclear power plant in North Carolina called Sunny Point."
Alex snorted, "Sunny Point? What kind of name is that for a nuclear power plant?"
Ms. Jones's face remained impassive, "One of the largest in the world. It could hold the power to bring a nation or even the whole world to its knees."
Alex whistled, and Ms. Jones continued, "There are many people who would have invested interest in Sunny Point, but we've been searching for a motive, and we think we have one. You see, anyone with any large amount of stock invested in foreign oil would have a lot to loose if nuclear power grows, and the amount of foreign oil imported decreases, but even much more to gain if that plant is shut down. Billions of dollars, in fact."
"So what does this have to do with Kingston?" Alex asked, still not making the connection.
"The amount of stock trade has increased on the oil market substantially, and we've found that Kingston has several million invested in the trade. He would have a lot to loose, but, like I said, very much to gain. If he somehow was able to buy or take control of the nuclear power plant and shut it down, the government would be forced to invest even more into foreign oil. Even then, that would drive the price of oil sky high, and there wouldn't be enough to go around. There are a couple of million people relying on that plant for power. It would send the US economy into a tail spin, and we can't have that. They're in a fragile enough position, with the president's approval ratings, their position in Iraq, and their carbon footprint." Alex nodded.
"Alex, can you do this? All we need is some proof, something for the CIA. Anything that would show involvement with Sunny Point. Take a break, go to the beach, make some friends, and somehow get yourself to that island. Try diving, whatever, try getting a pass, but we need this proof. Please?" Ms. Jones entreated him.
"Yeah, sure." Alex sighed. "Whatever, but can Jackie come?"
Ms. Jones looked relieved, but Mr. Blunt looked the same as ever.
"Yes. We have worked it out already with Jack. She's sort of your cover, as well. You will need to have an adult with you, at any rate. You're only fourteen after all." Mr. Blunt replied. "Of course, we already have a plane ticket, a rental car, and hotel reservations at the Hilton in downtown Wilmington."
"So that's where I'm going? Wilmington? And how is Jack my cover?"
"She's visiting her parents, and, naturally, you're accompanying her. You will need no alias, and you still have your passport. Wilmington is a coastal town in the southern area of North Carolina. There are several beaches, and it's hot there, so pack your swimsuit." Ms. Jones nodded. "I think that's it Alex. Your plane leaves tomorrow, so I believe you will ant to get packing."
Tomorrow, typical, they always know I'll agree. Alex thought.
"But before you go, Smithers has a few things for you. He wasn't here to give them to you personally though, and he said to say hello. He's at a convention in Goa." Ms. Jones pulled open a drawer, and removed a large brown, innocent paper bag, and drew out a bottle of sunscreen. The bottle read 'SPF 30'.
"It's the same formula Smithers gave you on your first mission." Alex recalled the zit cream he had been given his first time here that had melted metal.
"Oh, cool." Alex said. Ms. Jones pulled out a Prince Tennis racket and a couple of tennis balls. "Tennis is a very popular sport in Wilmington, and there are courts everywhere. Give it a try while your there, but I don't suggest you use these balls, or this racket. The balls are stun grenades, and the racket's strings have a metal core, and the handle shoots out several darts coated in a sedative. Smithers insisted you be armed."
Ms. Jones looked displeased, and Alex knew how much she hated arming a child. Like I haven't been through a whole load of life-threatening situations without any sort of weapon to defend myself, he thought.
"I think that's it Alex. Do you need a ride home?" Mr. Blunt asked.
"No, I've got my bike at the school."
"Very well. We'll send someone to pick you and Jack up at nine tomorrow morning." Alex nodded and stood.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Mr. Blunt nodded, and Ms. Jones smiled.
"Good-bye, Alex," She said.
Alex turned towards the door, leaving with the weight of the world, although he did not know it yet, on his shoulders.
I know these have all been pretty short, but READ AND REVIEW!! I have a whole another 10 thousand words, I just need people to show some interest, some support, some advice! Thanks to all those who reviewed!
