Agent Matt: Academy of Shadows

Chapter 9: Without a Shadow of a doubt

The helicopter circled twice over Osokiuo Mansion before beginning its descent. It was a Robinson R44, four seater aircraft, American built. There was only one person the pilot-inside. George Hiroku had returned from Tomoeda, and he and his wife came outside to watch it land in front of the house. The engine noise died down and the rotors began to slow. The cabin door slid open, and the pilot got out, dressed in a one-piece leather flying suit, helmet, and goggles. The pilot walked up to them, extending a hand. "Good morning," she shouted over the noise of the rotors.

"I'm Mrs. Stenavich. From the academy. . ." If George Hiroku and Lady Christine had been thrown by their first sight of Matt, the appearance of the assistant director left them frozen to the spot. George Hiroku was the first to recover.

"You flew the helicopter yourself?"

"Yes ... I'm qualified," Mrs. Stenavich answered.

"Would you like to come in?" Lady Christine said. "Perhaps you'd like some tea." She led them into the house and into the living room, where Mrs. Stenavich sat, legs apart, her helmet on the sofa beside her. George Hiroku and Lady Christine sat opposite her. Tea had been brought in on a tray.

"Do you mind if I smoke?" Mrs. Stenavich asked. She reached into a pocket and took out a small packet of cigars without waiting for an answer. She lit one and blew smoke. "What a very beautiful house you have, Mr. Hiroku. Georgian, I would say, but decorated with such taste! And where, may I ask, is Matt?"

"He went for a walk," George Hiroku said.

"Perhaps he's a little nervous." She smiled again and took the teacup Lady Christine had proffered. "I understand that Matt has been a great source of concern to you." George Hiroku nodded. His eyes gave nothing away. For the next few minutes, he told Mrs. Stenavich about Matt, how he had been expelled from six private schools, the people he hangs around with, how out of control he had become. Lady Christine listened to all this in silence, occasionally holding her husband's arm.

"I'm at my wit's end," George Hiroku concluded. "We have an older daughter, and she's perfectly delightful. But Matt? He hangs around the house. He doesn't read. He doesn't show any interest in anything. His appearance ... well, you'll see for yourself. The Ombre Académie is our last resort, Mrs. Stenavich. We're desperately hoping you can straighten him out." The assistant director poked at the air with her cigar, leaving a grey trail.

"I'm sure you've been a marvellous father, Mr. Hiroku," she purred. "But these modern children! It's heartbreaking the way some of them behave. You've done the right thing, coming to us. As I'm sure you know, the academy has had a remarkable success rate over the years."

"What exactly do you do?" Lady Christine asked.

"We have our methods." The woman's eyes twinkled. She tapped ash into her saucer. "But I can promise you, we'll straighten out all his problems. Don't you worry! When he comes home, he'll be a completely different boy."

"Are you sure?" George Hiroku asked.

"Without a shadow of a doubt." She smiled.

Matt was in the centre of the small village of Hinamizawa when he heard the rotors overhead. He followed the helicopter to see where it was going, matt had guessed right it was heading for Osokiuo Mansion. He knew George Hiroku was home and the helicopter didn't belong to him so it must have been from the academy or someone to collect him. He made his way to a field where he would meet his "Gadget Specialist and Gadget dispenser." As his feet dragged along the dusty road he suddenly saw green grass either side. It seemed strange for the grass to be lush and so green but for the road to be dusty and dry. It was like the rain was only drawn to the grass and not the road. Up ahead he saw why the grass was so green. An old fashioned waterwheel was turning in the stream nearby. It was a single box house with a wheel turning. The water was churning as it went around and splashed onto the ground. He stopped suddenly. While he was taking in all his surroundings he didn't see who was standing by the water wheel, it was Mion Sonozaki. He remembered what she had said to him about approaching her again.

"Don't follow me." She rasped. Matt stopped dead in his tracks at the sound of her voice. "Matt Ishida or Hiroku, you're a liar all the same. I don't want to see you again." She then showed him her gun. "If you ever approach me again, I won't think twice about using it."

He went to turn away to find another path, he didn't want to get killed before his mission began.

"Where are you going?" Mion called out. She started to approach him, matt wanted to run but the sound of her footsteps she didn't want to hurt him she would have run faster and given him no warning if she did. He turned to face her, to his surprise she was smiling. Had yesterday's events been forgotten?

"Hey, Mion...you're not going to kill me are you?" he asked nervously. Mion looked at him bewildered.

"Why would I do that?" she asked.

"It's because I told you the truth yesterday and you thought I was lying." She smiled.

"Oh that. Well..." she began "Maybe I overreacted a little yesterday." Matt looked at her, her personality took a full 180 twist. "Maybe, a little she says" he thought to himself. But what came out was.

"Oh, ok. I just thought you didn't want to be my friend anymore."

"I would never say that." She smiled. As quickly as it came that smile disappeared, only to be replaced with a face of seriousness. "Be careful up in the mountains, danger lurks in shadows and even your shadow could be your greatest enemy." Matt stood there stunned, looking into the glazed eyes of Mion Sonozaki. She then smiled and said. "Don't worry you'll be fine." She waved goodbye and said a quick 'see ya later' before disappearing. This girl probably changed her personalities more than she did with her clothes. She seemed to be wearing the same thing as yesterday. Her choice in fashion, too bad he wasn't in his.

Matt had reached the edge of a field about a half mile from the house. He was replaying things in his mind, the shooting in the woods, the train tunnel and the clinic. But what stood out the most was the clinic, what kind of doctor's surgery has barbed wire fences. But that was a distraction, it was something else. Something about yesterday, what was it? He would figure it out sooner or later. When he saw the helicopter land he knew it was time to go. But he wasn't ready yet to leave. Mrs. Jensen had telephoned him the night before. Once again, JIN 7 wasn't going to send him empty-handed into what might be enemy territory.

He watched as a combine harvester rumbled slowly toward him, cutting a swathe through the grass. It jerked to a halt a short distance away, and the door of the cabin opened. A woman got out-with ease. She was so beautiful that matt gazed how incredible she looked, and how out of place she was. She rested one leg on the ladder and the other followed. She stood with her shoulders and head looking straight ahead. The woman was wearing a checked shirt and blue overalls-a farmer's outfit. But even if she'd had a straw hat and a blade of corn between her teeth, Matt could never have imagined her actually farming anything. She was out of place, like a super model at an ugly contest. The woman grinned at him.

"Hello, again matt!" she said cheerfully.

"Hello, again Mrs. Taylor," Matt replied. Samantha worked for JIN 7. She had supplied the various devices Matt had used on his last mission. "I hope these people haven't pushed you around, you know how rich people can be so snobby!" She exclaimed. She winked. "What do you think of the cover? I was told to blend in with the countryside."

"The combine harvester's a great idea," Matt said. "Except, this is April. There isn't anything to Harvest."

"I hadn't thought of that!" Samantha beamed. "The trouble is, it's been a while since I was in the field. In the field!" She looked around her and laughed, matt smiled and shook his head. That was the thing about Samantha she always seemed in a good mood when he was around her. "Anyway, I'm glad you're ok to tell you the truth I was worried. This time around matt-it's been tricky to think up a few bits and pieces for you. It's not often my company gets used in helping agents with JIN 7, epically a teenager. " She reached into the cabin and pulled out a suitcase. "I have surprise for you, from Madison." she went on. "But first the gadgets."

"Have you got another Nintendo Game Boy?" Matt asked.

"No. That's just it. The school doesn't allow Game Boys-or any computers at all, for that matter. They supply their own laptops. I could have hidden a dozen gadgets inside a laptop, but there you are! Now, let's see. . . ." She opened the case. "I'm told there's still a lot of snow up at Ombre Académie so you'll need this."

"A ski suit," Matt said. That was what Samantha was holding.

"Yes. But it's highly insulated and also bulletproof." She pulled out a pair of green-tinted goggles. "These are ski goggles. But in case you have to go anywhere at night, they're actually infrared. There's a battery concealed in the frame. Just press the switch and you'll be able to see about twenty yards, even if there's no moon. Madison was working day and night for the past week on them. She wants to make sure your safe." Matt smiled, now that Madison knew his secret she was able to help him. Samantha reached into the case a second time. "Now, what else would a boy of your age have with him? Fortunately, you're allowed to take a Sony Discman, provided all the CDs are classical." She handed Matt the machine.

"So while people are shooting at me in the middle of the night, I get to listen to music," Matt said.

"Absolutely. Only don't play the Mozart!" Samantha held up the disc. "The Discman converts into an electric saw. The CD is diamond-edged. It'll cut through just about anything-useful if you need to get out in a hurry. There's also a panic button I've built in. If you're in real trouble and you need help, just press the stop button three times. It'll send out a signal that our satellite will pick up. And then we can stop your operation!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Taylor," Matt said, but he was disappointed and it showed. Samantha understood

"I know what you want," She said. "But you know you can't have it. No guns! Mr. Ooishi is adamant. He thinks you're too young."

"Not too young to get killed, though."

"I know. So I've given it a bit of thought and rustled up a couple of ... defensive measures, so to speak. This is just between you and me, you understand. I'm not sure Mr. Ooishi would approve." She held out a hand. A gold ear stud lay in two pieces in the middle of her palm: a diamond shape for the front and a catch to hold it at the back. The stud looked tiny in her soft elegant hands. "I saw Madison decided on the full rebel look, so I made you this," She said. "Be very careful after you've put it in. Bringing the two pieces together will activate it."

"Activate what?" Said matt as he put it in. Matt looked doubtful.

"The ear stud is actually a small but very powerful explosive device. Like a miniature grenade." Matt froze in horror, but Samantha smiled. "Don't worry. Separating the two pieces again will set it off, it's fine as long as it stays in your ear." As she put her suitcase back in the combine harvester she then told matt. "Count to ten and it'll blow a hole in just about anything ... or anyone, I should add."

"Just so long as it doesn't blow off my ear," Matt muttered.

"Don't get so worked up Matt, you know I would never let one of my gadgets harm you, I test them one hundred times." Samantha smiled. "And finally, I'm very pleased with this. It's exactly what you'd expect to find in a young boy's luggage, and I designed it especially for you." She had produced a book from the cabin. Matt took it. It was a hardcover edition of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

"Thanks," he said. "But I've already read it."

"This is a special edition. There's a gun built into the spine, and the chamber is loaded with a stun dart. Just point it and press the author's name. It'll knock out an adult in less than five seconds." Matt smiled. Samantha climbed back into the combine harvester. For a moment she seemed to have hesitated like she was saying goodbye to matt, but then she climbed in and shut the door. She then rolled down the window and shouted over the roar of the engine.

"Good luck, Matt," She said. "Come back in one piece! You must come around for tea with us again!" matt nodded. The combine harvester was leaving, almost on instinct he placed the gadgets down and ran by the side of it and shouted back to her.

"Tell Madison I said thanks for the ski suit, Mrs. Taylor."

"Sure matt." She smiled. "And please," she added. "Don't be afraid to call me Samantha." As matt stopped running and continued to wave to her, she caught one last glimpse of him in her side mirrors. She then took out a handkerchief and wiped a tear from her eye, in the corner a red mark was there, the same lipstick as Madison's. And just like that she was gone.

It was time to go.

Matt's luggage was being loaded into the helicopter, and he was standing next to his new parents, clutching the Great Expectations book. Eva Stenavich was waiting for him underneath the rotors. He had been shocked by her appearance, and at first he had tried to hide it. But then he'd relaxed. He didn't have to be polite. Matt Ishida might have good manners, but Matt Hiroku wouldn't give a fuck what she thought. He glanced at her scornfully now and noticed that she was watching him carefully as he said good-bye. Once again, George Hiroku acted his part perfectly. "Good-bye, Matt," he said. "You will write to us and let us know you're okay?"

"If you want," Matt said. Lady Christine moved forward and kissed him. Matt backed away from her as if embarrassed, otherwise he'd probably let her. It's been a long time since he was kissed by his mother. A shadow of a memory, that's all she was now. Although he had to admit that if she was here she would look exactly the same as Christine Hiroku did now, she looked genuinely sad. But it was all for show matt thought.

"Come, Matt!" Mrs. Stenavich was in a hurry to get away. She had told him that the helicopter had a range of only four hundred miles they would have to land at the city airport, then from Kenobi airport they would take the private jet to Rome, where another helicopter would take them all the way to Ombre Académie. And then Alice appeared, crossing the grass toward them. Matt hadn't spoken to her since the business at the tunnel. Nor had she spoken to him. He had rejected her, and he knew she would never forgive him. She hadn't come down to breakfast this morning, and he'd assumed she wouldn't show herself again until he'd gone. So what was she doing here now? Suddenly Matt knew. She'd come to cause trouble-one last jab below the belt. He could see it in her eyes and in the way she flounced across the lawn with her hands rolled into fists. Alice didn't know he was a spy. But she must know that he was here for a reason, and she had probably guessed it had something to do with the woman from Ombre Académie. So she had decided to come out and spoil things for him. Maybe she was going to ask questions. Maybe she was going to give Mrs. Stenavich a piece of her mind. Either way, Matt knew that his mission would be over before it had even begun. All his work memorizing the files and all the time he had spent with the family would have been for nothing.

"Alice . . ." George Hiroku muttered. His eyes were grave. He had come to the same conclusion as Matt. She ignored him.

"Are you from the academy?" she asked, speaking directly to Mrs. Stenavich.

"Yes, my dear."

"Well, I think there's something you should know." There was only one thing Matt could do. He lifted the Great Expectations book and pointed it at Alice, then pressed the spine once, hard. There was no noise, but he felt the book shudder in his hand. Alice put her hand to the side of her leg. All the colour drained out of her face. She crumpled to the grass. Lady Christine ran to her. Mrs. Stenavich looked puzzled. Matt turned to her, his face blank. "That's my sister," he said. "She gets very emotional, it can be really annoying." Two minutes later, the helicopter took off. Matt watched through the window as Osokiuo Mansion got smaller and smaller and then disappeared behind them. He looked at Mrs. Stenavich, hunched over the controls, her eyes hidden by her goggles. He eased himself into his chair and let himself be carried away into the darkening sky. Then the clouds rolled in. The countryside was gone. So was his only weapon. Matt was on his own.