Disclaimer: I do not own the Alex Rider series

Chapter Ten

Night Visitors

"Adam Goldman has been reported missing," Wolf said in a flat tone. Alex stared at him. Several long minutes passed in silence. Alex swore under his breath. Wolf didn't seem to hear him or if he did he didn't acknowledge it.

"What happens now?" Alex asked. Wolf was again surprised about how Alex was taking this news. The boy in front of him was completely different to the one he had met all those months ago at the Brecon Beacons. For a second Wolf felt a twinge of sorrow but he forced it down.

"Nothing. There isn't anything tying Stryker to the disappearance. All we know is that Adam didn't arrive home last night. His parents rang around to see if he was with any of his friends but no-one has seen him since football practise yesterday. They drove around looking for him, then went home and when he still hadn't come back at eleven pm they rang the police. An investigation has been launched but there's no news of him yet."

Alex was silent as he digested this information. When he spoke his voice was coloured with quiet anger. "So we do nothing." It was a statement, not a question. Wolf didn't say anything as the boy turned on his heel and left the living room, slamming the door behind him.

Two hours later Alex came back into the living room to find Wolf finishing off a piece of toast, a book resting on his lap. "I was just about to come and get you. School starts in ten minutes. You better hurry and get some breakfast." He said in a light tone.

"I'm not hungry." Alex said quietly and sat down on one of the faded blue armchairs, dropping his schoolbag at his feet. He glanced at Wolf and could tell the older man was about to say something.

"You can't let this get personal Alex. I know you got friendly with this boy…" He trailed off. "I just think you need to keep your guard up. This is going to happen again and if you can't accept that then you need to go home." Alex was surprised at Wolf's harsh tone even though he had to accept he was right. He took a deep breath and nodded. Wolf seemed satisfied and picked up his book again.

Alex left a few moments later without interrupting him.

The day passed quickly. It had begun to rain during the last period and by the time the end of school bell had rung it was hammering down. Alex arrived back at the house completely soaked through. "Dad!" He called out remembering the previous day.

"I'm in the living room," was his reply. Alex pushed open the living room door to find Wolf occupying his usual armchair. His hair was damp as if he had just had a shower.

"You're wet," remarked Wolf.

"You don't say," Alex said dryly. Wolf didn't answer and Alex went upstairs to take a shower.

Once Alex had showered and pulled on some dry clothes he came back down to the living room and started to work on his surprisingly large amount of homework. Once he had finished he noticed Wolf was staring at him over the top of his book.

"I've read your file." He said suddenly catching Alex off guard. "It's pretty impressive."

"Glad you liked it," Alex muttered. Wolf's lips twitched with amusement.

"I was interested to hear you shot the prime minister." He said.

"That was an accident," Alex said quickly. He wanted to move of the subject.

Suddenly Wolf looked serious. "I was surprised to hear about your…injury." Alex knew he was referring to his bullet wound. "You shouldn't have been in active service so quickly afterwards." Alex nodded and was relived when Wolf didn't question him any further.

Later after a hastily cooked dinner Alex bid Wolf goodnight before going upstairs and falling into bed fully clothed. His mind was spinning with the events of that day. He was unsure what to worry about – Stryker or the unknown people hunting him down. He led wide awake for a long while.

Suddenly there was an almighty bang as the front door crashed open and the sound of raised voices. Alex rolled out of bed and moved over to his door. He could hear heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. From downstairs Wolf yelled something inaudible. The bedroom door slammed open.