Chapter 2

Present Day.

The past year living just outside of London, could not be any more different than it was living in Wood Oak City. Starting over where nobody knows their past has been one of the best decisions Axel, Blaze and Leon have taken in order to lead a normal life. With the actions of the CIA embarrassingly exposed only a year ago, Leon now has greater protection. If anything were to happen to him, the world would criticize them first. The agent and individual government officials who were plotting to capture him are still a problem however, if the CIA were to take any action, they would have to also answer to MI6, the MOD and the British government due to the child's dual nationality.

The 5am digital alarm clock on the bedside table immediately startles Blaze awake. Given that the time of year is mid-November, outside is still pitch black at this time of morning, not to mention the fact that it is bitterly cold. She scans her surroundings noticing the ensuite bathroom light switched on as she hears the noise of water running from the shower.

Soon after the water switches off, Axel emerges from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.

"How are you awake so early, it's Sunday! Come back to bed I'm cold…" she says, giving him a cheeky convincing stare.

He can't help but laugh back, "Sunday? Babe it's Monday, and as much as I'd love to get back into bed with you, I gotta get ready for work!" He leans forward to kiss her on the lips.

"But I swear it's Sunday" she grins, taking his hand and pulling him towards her.

"It's definitely Monday…!" he replies holding up his cell phone displaying the date.

"Well, that's a shame cos you look very hot with that towel on right now…" she winks then throws one of the pillows at him.

"You're forgetting it's my birthday this week and I'm taking that weekday off" he grins back.

"Now why would you ever think I forgot your birthday huh? We're definitely not getting up early that day even if Leon has school…. Oww shit!" Blaze immediately places her hands over her forehead, snapping back to reality.

"What is it?"

"I almost forgot! Today is his football match after school, then it's his parents' evening. I hope he's remembered to pack all of his stuff!" she sighs.

"If I can get Luke to cover for me this afternoon, I'll be able to make it to Leon's soccer game."

"Really? Who's the next celebrity you guys are escorting around then? And I told you, it's called football not soccer, remember you live in England now!"

"Soccer babe!" He nods. "And today, no celebrities. Instead we're attending more boring political talks with the Swiss ambassador. Apparently he's very particular about the bodyguards surrounding him and our equipment so this job might be difficult to get out of early, but I'll try". He says as he buttons up his shirt.

"Don't worry, just come to the school when your done. Charlie has a vet appointment later then I'll finish teaching my dance class early enough to make it to the game."

"Thanks beautiful, I'll see you later" Axel kisses her goodbye once he is dressed.

"Leon! That was amazing! Not one or two, but 3 goals scored! You're on fire young man" Blaze congratulates him with a hi-five then a hug.

"I almost missed the penalty, I think that was luck" he replies with less enthusiasm.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with a bit of luck and you made me and Charlie here proud, he was wagging his tail every time you got the ball" they laugh.

"I thought you were working today mom?"

"I was, but I finished rehearsals early so that I could come and see your game."

"What about dad? He never said goodbye this morning…"

"He's just really busy with this new security job. But as soon as he finishes work today, he's coming to meet us and after this parent-teacher evening, we can all go out for dinner somewhere to celebrate your win, ok?" She says, scuffling his hair.

"Ok" Leon smiles.

"Now go and get showered and changed back into your school uniform, our appointment with your teacher is at 5:15. I'll meet you back here in 10 minutes".

For a minute, Blaze can't help but stare around at the other parents laughing and making conversation with one another. This kind of normal feels out of the ordinary for her but she can tell that Leon is happier at this school and has made a lot of friends on his football team. In many ways, he's the perfect kid- academic, sporty, sociable and hard working. She's certain that his teacher will have nothing to complain about later on.

A voice suddenly distracts Blaze away from her thoughts as she stares out into the distance.

"Usually it's the parents who are trouble, the kids here are great! Last time one father had to be escorted off the premises because he thought he could interfere in the game when his son was given a red card…"

"Sorry, can I help you?" Blaze is caught off guard when she notices the tall, athletic, dark haired guy rocking a small ponytail dressed in a gray tracksuit talking to her.

"Hi there, I don't think we've met before. I'm Leon's football coach, Mr Connor" he extends his hand to shake hers.

"Oh, I'm sorry I was a million miles away daydreaming, it's been a long day! That was an amazing match by the way" she smiles.

"Yeah, Leon is one talented kid. Ever since he arrived, he's been great for the team morale and the other boys look up to him. In fact, the head coach and I were thinking about nominating him for player of the season."

"Really? That's great! He'l be so happy!" Blaze grins with excitement. "I didn't realise how good he was, usually I'm working but I'll definitely be coming to his matches more often."

"Yeah, the next one is at the end of the month. We're facing one of the rival schools at the top of the table in an away game".

"Well, I'll make sure Leon keeps up with his training, it sounds like an important game. I can see what you mean about the other parents. Everytime I pick up Leon they look at me with disgust on their faces. I don't know what it is, maybe they don't like me bringing a dog into the school."

"Nah, they're probably just jealous of you," he replies.

"Jealous?" Blaze laughs, taken back surprised.

"Yeah! Look at you, you're a stunner!"

Again, he catches her off guard which results in Blaze rolling her eyes feeling embarrased.

"I'm sorry, that just came out so wrong…no offense intended" he blushes.

"It's ok, thank you" she smiles, putting him at ease.

"Maybe sometime the two of us could go for…."

"Hey! I'm sorry I'm late, there was traffic!" Axel jumps in, interrupting their conversation.

"Hey!" Blaze gives him a shy smile. "This is one of the school's coaches, Mr Connor. Coach, this is Leon's father" she hastily introduces them as the two of them shake hands.

"I'm also this stunner's husband." Axel gives him a sarcastic smirk as he tightens his grip on their handshake. "Nice to meet you".

"Likewise" the coach embarrassingly replies with his smile fading.

The couple then walk off side by side with the dog to wait for Leon.

"Thanks for coming to my rescue back there!" Blaze says, feeling relieved.

"Anytime gorgeous! I know you'd do the same for me".

She laughs "you know I'd do more than the same, I'd probably break the bitch's hand during that handshake".

"You actually would!".

"Weren't you jealous that he was hitting on me?" She queries.

"No!" Axel replies defensively. "I mean, part of me could see it from a mile away by how he was looking at you but I trust you so it doesn't bother me anyway". Without realising, his answer fills her with disappointment. Blaze hates to admit it, but part of her really wanted him to be jealous.

"Yeah well, according to one stupid signed legal document, you might be my husband but that doesn't mean I married you!"

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" He shrugs, feeling shocked by her outburst.

"You know exactly what I mean! How many more hints would you like, or is a 10 year old engagement ring enough for you?"

"Come on, don't be like that. You know shit right now is still crazy, it's barely been a year since we arrived here plus all of our friends are back in Wood Oak City".

"I wrote my vowels for you a long time ago, Axel. I know for you it's just a piece of paper but to me it's so much more than that."

"Blaze, it's just the wrong time right now and…"

"Save it!" She abruptly cuts off his sentence as soon as she sees Leon running towards them.

"Dad!" He immediately wraps his arms around Axel.

"Hey, I heard you scored a hatrick today for your team! Well done!"

"Yeah, it was awesome and I couldn't have done it without my friends' assistance."

"Well I'm glad you see it that way. Now I'm hoping to hear some good news from your teacher in there."

The three of them enter the building then sit next to each other with Leon in the middle, waiting patiently to be called up after the two parents in front of them.

"Mom, Dad, what were you both like at school?"

Axel is first to answer. "I liked school. I found the subjects like Math and Science difficult but I always tried my best and got it in the end. My teachers were always there if I got stuck and it helped a lot".

"What about you mom?"

"Well to be honest, studying was a piece of cake, I just paid attention when I needed to, completed everything they wanted and in the end I aced the exams. But… unlike this one here, my teachers hated me…"

"Why?" Leon asks, confused.

"Being ahead of everybody else meant I got bored and distracted easily.… wait here with Charlie" she orders as they're suddenly called up.

Sat in front of the couple are two teachers, one being a short stocky old lady who is of retirement age and the other being a second teacher in her mid 30s. To make matters worse, Leon's football coach Mr Connor from earlier is also sat beside them.

"So, how's he doing?" Axel asks, feeling hopeful.

The old lady starts with the briefing. "Your son is doing amazingly! As you can see from his test results, he is at the top of his class in every subject except for English but his literacy and numeracy are comparable to that of a 12 year old child, two years his senior."

"That's great!" He proudly smiles.

"He asks questions, he shows interest in his subjects and he has never once missed a homework!" She continues.

"May I…?" The younger teacher cuts in. "It's true, Leon is an incredibly gifted student both academically and in sport as Mr Connor suggests here. He does everything expected of him but, his behaviour sometimes can slip a little…"

"What do you mean?" Axel asks, feeling concerned.

"Once he has completed his own work, he seems to think it's okay to chat to his friends and distract the class. Two weeks ago, Miss Nolan caught Leon in the playground selling the answers to several homework assignments throughout the term. He ended up making over £30 from it!"

"That's pretty smart!" Blaze proudly grins, folding her arms back in her chair.

"Smart!? It's against the school rules! He could get kicked out for doing shit like that!" Axel replies.

"Well maybe he's bored or not being challenged enough. You said it yourself, he completes everything with ease. It's better to stretch him now before he loses interest" Blaze advises.

"He tried moving up a year in his old school but it didn't work!" Axel argues.

Blaze ignores him then turns towards his teachers. "Look, Leon is one of those kids who wants to learn and he loves learning! He's full of energy and enthusiasm. I know it's difficult because you have 30 other kids to teach but if there's a way we can stretch his mind and keep him occupied, he'll stay interested and he won't misbehave, I guarantee."

The tension in the air on the journey home from dinner is hostile and cold between the couple who avoid talking to one another until Leon is upstairs getting ready for bed.

"Why did you do that? I totally felt undermined in front of Leon's teachers earlier and you even condoned his behavioural issues!"

"I didn't condone anything! I know him and I hate to break it to you, but he's exactly like me! So he's not the perfect child that you once were! Sure Leon's a fast learner but he needs attention otherwise he'l misbehave. With some extra support from the school and from us, I'm sure this can easily be resolved".

"How would you know what's best, you've been around for one year out of 10!"

"Yeah! And it drives you crazy doesn't it? That he's closer to me despite that as well as the fact that he can tell me anything, even the things he can't talk to you about. But you know what the saddest thing is? All he wants to do is become just like you! Leon loves you so much that he's terrified of disappointing you. You're expecting this strong, perfect kid with no emotional baggage…"

"That's not true!"

"Why don't you ask him then? Why he keeps a knife in his room under the bed. Or why he turns the lamp on at night after you've closed the door. Or even why he refused to go on that school trip inside one of the tallest skyscrapers in London. What went down a year ago still…."

"JUST STOP!" Axel snaps back, refusing to listen.

Blaze can't help but stare at him with shock on her face. "I'm sorry I shouted at you, I shouldn't have done that" he sighs feeling guilty.

"You know what, why don't you sleep on the couch tonight. We'll see you when you get back from work tomorrow". She quietly heads upstairs, leaving Axel to process the harsh reality in front of him. The fact is, Blaze is right. Not once since that night at Y-Tower has he reached out to Leon just to ask how he's feeling about what they went through a year ago. It was so much easier to leave, start over and move forward, ignoring the past. Maybe it's time to finally deal with it once and for all.

Axel reluctantly reaches for his cell phone then he quickly dials an unsaved number.

"Hello?" A tired voice on the other side of the line answers.

"Max, it's me. We need to talk."

"Man, it's been almost a year and I've heard nothing from you except for this letter! What's going on? Are you ok?"

"I'm not sure. I know it's a long shot but do you think you could get a flight here tomorrow?"

"Yeah buddy, of course! I'll be there as soon as I can!"

"Thank you. And Max?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry. For everything".