Chapter Seven: A Crocodile Smile
Mr Alan Blunt greeted Alex with a warning smile. It was a crocodile smile. It reminded Alex of the mission in Kenya, where he ended up clinging onto a petal pole, dangling over a river infested with crocodiles. He had the feeling of Déjà Vu as he faced Blunt just this time the crocodiles were metaphorical.
"Rider."
Once upon a time, Blunt would have addressed him by his first name. It was a way of showing faux friendliness- a manipulation into doing his bidding. There was no need for that now though. Whatever Blunt wanted he would have to do. Gone were the days where he could argue. There was little need to waste time in pleasantries and Alex was all the more thankful for it.
Alex scowled. This was the man that was responsible for making his life hell. If Blunt had just left him alone and did his job when Stormbreaker happened he would have had a normal life. Jack would still be alive and so would the Pleasures. He would be in school worrying about football and his exam not worrying whether or not he would live to see adulthood.
"Sir," He tried to say it respectfully, but he couldn't hide the contempt he had for the man. "What do you want?"
Blunt's expression darkened and his eyes took over a steely look to them. Alex had fully expected the slap that came. Blunt's hand rocketed across his check the sound. The sound of the blow rang out, resonating against the walls. It had been expected. If the gruff tone to Alex's greeting wasn't considered rude then the pointed question that followed it definitely was. He knew the punishment for disrespect but there was something about Blunt that brought of the worst in him. Even in the year of hell, Mason hadn't completely wiped out his fiery personality. He remembered when he first met Mason, just after the Pleasures had been killed.
Three coffins were lowered into the ground. The smaller one stabbed at Alex's heart. Sabina was too young but then, no one was too young to die. She was a normal teenager and yet she hadn't been spared from the bloodshed. He had wished that he had been the only one that had been kidnapped. The only mercy was that the Pleasures had died shortly after Sabina in much the same manner. They had died without knowing what had happened to their daughter. Alex had not been spared that mercy. He hadn't had the luxury of ignorance.
"Alex."
Alex turned and saw Mr Blunt standing off to the side with several of his armed goons. It was just like when Ian died. That had happened just one year previously. Now, look at him.
"What are you doing here Blunt?" He demanded. Alex knew he wasn't blameless in the situation. The Pleasure's death was his fault. He may not have pulled the trigger, but it was responsible for it anyway. He had more or less placed the gun in the murder's hands. But he wasn't alone in the blame. Blunt had pulled him unwittingly into this world. He was the reason he was such a high target.
The man beside Blunt bristled. Alex snapped his eyes to him. He didn't know who the man was. Maybe he was Mrs Jones' replacement after that disastrous affair. Whoever he was, he didn't like the way Alex had spoken to the head of Special Operations. Well too bad.
The graveyard was suddenly empty. The priest that had spoken had disappeared as had the several mourners. They were alone. It was just him, Blunt, the man, and a few armed grunts. The situation seemed too similar, and it had him on edge at once. The man looked at Blunt, who nodded. The man didn't give him any chance to react before seizing hold of Alex's arm and smashing his fist into his face. It was followed by a sharp slap.
Alex had gotten used to being hit and hurt over the last year. He had been caught several times and thrown in a room with adults that hated his guts. But this was different. He was supposed to be on friendly ground. This was MI6. MI6 wasn't meant to hurt him- not like that.
"What the hell was that for?" Alex demanded, stumbling and the man suddenly let go of his arm.
The man raised his hand again to strike him once more, but Blunt stopped blocked it. The man stood down almost at once.
"Disrespect." The man grunted.
Alex was very tempted to swear at the man but decided against it. Contrary to popular belief, he did know where the line was between brave and stupid. Alex was stupid. He was brave.
"This is Agent Mason. He is your guardian now. You have been allowed to get away with too much Rider. This will change. If you were probably disciplined maybe this would never have happened. You certainly would never have dared to deflect to SCORPIA." Blunt explained.
"I see I am going to have my work cut out for me Rider. The first rule, you will be respectful. You will address me and Mr Blunt as 'sir' and you will not give any backtalk. The second rule, you will obey every order. I believe that nothing teaches a person to behave better than physical punishment. If you don't wish to be hit I suggest you obey. Misbehaviour will not be tolerated. Is that clear?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Alex shouted. He turned away and began walking away. He didn't get far. Mason overpowered him easily. He tried to struggle away and use his skills in combat against the Agent. It was no use. Mason had him in a chokehold and wasn't letting go.
"You have no choice, boy." Mason hissed. "Co-operation is advised but not required. You will be coming with us either way."
With that Mason tightened his hold. Soon everything went black, and Alex went limp. Mason waited a few seconds before letting the boy and cucking the boy unceremoniously over his shoulder.
"He's going to give you a hard time Antony," Blunt commented.
"Don't worry, he'll learn," Mason replied.
"I never doubted you my friend, but he is very obstinate."
"I know what you mean. Perhaps it might be a good idea to introduce him to the belt?"
Blunt smiled. "Of course, whatever you think is necessary."
Mason shoved the unconscious teenager into the car. Rider had been the source of great pain in his friend's side. He had heard about the missions that the boy had taken part in and would have to admit that. Yet, it seemed the boy was insolent and disobedient. He didn't seem to realise that he was needed for queen and county. Mason wouldn't let the boy disparage his duty or his friend. Blunt was an old friend who had earned his loyalty. He would do anything for him. Rider would learn to be obedient and respectful. He would be taught to be the perfect soldier and weapon for the United Kingdom. Mason would see to that.
Alex was brought back to the room by another slap to his face. Whether it was due to his previous rudeness or due to the fact he spaced out, he wasn't sure. It didn't really matter. Alex knew he had to tread carefully. He knew that if he was going on a mission Blunt wouldn't leave too many visible injuries. It would draw too much attention. It didn't mean that he wouldn't hurt him at all. It just meant that they would be restricted to areas hidden by his clothes.
"That was rude Rider." Blunt scolded. "I would have thought that after the last time you displeased me you would toe the line. Do I need to ring your guardian? Mason is very busy with his own affairs. I can't imagine he would be happy to have them interrupted to deal with you."
Blunt looked down at Alex's hands and gave it a rough shake of his head. It was all the reminder that he needed. They were still hurting even after a few days since the incident. The pain had lessened slightly so that it was more of a dull throbbing when he wasn't actively touching the welts.
"No, sir. I'm sorry." Alex apologised ducking his head submissively. "What can I do for you, sir?"
Blunt seemed happy with the response. Alex sighed inwardly. He had managed to delay any further punishment. He hoped he could continue that throughout the conversation. He waited with bated breath as Blunt cleared his throat.
"There is a situation that requires your attention. You will need to come with me. We are going to the Bank."
Alex had the good sense not to argue. Whatever the mission was, he had no illusion that he had a choice in the matter. If he argued then it would only result in him being beaten to submission. That would make his job harder as it would restrict his moves. It would increase his chances of being killed in the line of duty, enforced though it might be. He doubted Blunt would even care. He would just be disappointed to lose an asset. His death would be covered up just like it was with Jack and the Pleasures. Then, what would there be to stop Blunt from enlisting another child? Nothing. That was the answer. Alex wouldn't let that happen if he had his way.
The drive between the Brecon Beacons and London normally takes about three hours and 36 minutes. This isn't that long for people used to long journeys. The UK was quite a small country, so most places were within a day's travel of the capital. Even then, it nearly took four hours to get to London, usually. Usually being the operative word. What I am about to tell you is Top Secret. If you tell anyone, you'll soon find yourself being taken away. The people you informed of this secret would shortly disappear thereafter. So, if you can't keep a secret skip the next two paragraphs.
Underneath Britain, below the underground, there is a network of hidden roads and tunnels. These tunnels are for the use of the secret service. When you need to travel the length and breadth of Britain, the last thing you need is to be caught in traffic. Of course, another disadvantage of public roads is that is used by other drivers. If you have ever experienced that, either as a passenger or a driver, you'll know that some drivers are idiots. In fact, with some people, it is a wonder how they managed to pass their drivers test. So, to avoid all that, secret roads were built so that government agents could quickly and easily make their way across the country. This meant that a journey that on average, took about three hours and 36 minutes took just under two.
Blunt edged the Bentley on. He eased the car up to sixty and drove down to the entrance that led to the secret road. I can't tell you where that entrance is. Even I am unaware of this fact. I do know, that if you got too close then your car would end up in a tragic car accident. So, you will have to quell your curiosity.
All right, it's safe to read again. I won't make you sign the Official Secrets Act. Just be careful.
Blunt didn't say anything to him until they were about three-quarters of the way there. Alex had been only too glad for the silence. If he was being ignored, he wasn't being hurt. When it came to Blunt and well practically every adult Alex knew, any attention was unwanted attention. He had been taught not to speak unless address but Alex was thankful for that. He had never enjoyed idle chatter at least not with Blunt. Since Mason became his guardian, idle chatter had become a luxury he couldn't afford.
"I hear from Mason that you have been giving Sargent Young a hard time," Blunt stated.
That wasn't good. There were very few ways this conversation could go and none of them resulted in a situation that could end well for him. If Blunt didn't like his answers, he could very easily pull over and deal with him. With no one else around and little reason to hold back other than the impending assignment, there could be no telling Blunt could do to him. Alex made sure to put on a respectful tone before answering.
"I'm, sorry sir." Alex apologised glancing down at his palms.
"Mmm. I am sure you are, now. Why must you anger me so? Why do you anger Mason?"
"I'm sorry, sir." He repeated.
"Yes, you've said that before." Blunt pointed out sternly. "I dislike insubordinate behaviour. I hope that we shall see an improvement in your behaviour."
"Yes, sir." Alex agreed. "Are you going to punish me again, sir?"
He needed to ask the question. His heart was thumping like crazy. Blunt could be just as harsh as Mason, but he was less unpredictable. With Blunt, he could get a warning. He was more likely to be consistent. There were a few seconds before he got an answer. Blunt had obviously spent some time thinking over his options.
"That depends on your behaviour on this mission Rider. At the moment I am willing to allow Mason's punishment to be the last of it, but I may change my mind."
A warning and a promise at the same time. Alex was quite sure that Blunt would follow up on that threat if he displeased him. It was so easy to displease Blunt though. He remembered Blunt being annoyed to see that Alex had grown as if he had done it purposefully out of insolence.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Alex thanked.
He was not going to voice his worries that he would displease Blunt simply by existing. Not for the first time, he wondered if Blunt had children. He had to be married, at some point at least, because he had a wedding ring. Try as he might though, Alex couldn't picture the head of Special Operations as a family man. It didn't fit his cold and stern persona. Maybe he had two sides to him. Maybe his wife (or husband Alex wouldn't wish to make assumptions) saw a different side to him. Maybe there was a softer side to Alan Blunt. No. He doubted it.
Blunt didn't say anything else for the rest of the journey. In fact, other than the odd audible intake or outtake of breath he didn't make any noise. That was just fine with Alex. It allowed him to go back to his own thoughts. Again, he found himself thinking about Mason and his first few weeks in the agent's tender loving care. The first few weeks had been the worst.
Alex was awoken rather harshly by being dragged off his bed. He landed on the floor with a hard thump. He gave out a pained cry as his back, covered in welts from Mason's belt, smacked against the wooden floor. The bleariness of sleep was immediately wiped away and he shot to his feet.
Mason was examining him dangerously. Alex felt himself flinch. It had been the first of many flinches that had happened that year.
"It's time to get up, boy. You have things to do today, Rider and I will not tolerate laziness."
Alex didn't say anything. He didn't trust his tone not to betray him. He wasn't going to give Mason the satisfaction of hearing how scared he was. Mason may have succeeded in drawing a flinch out of him, but he wasn't going to give him any other reaction. Mason's face was pinched in fury. He wasn't happy with the lack of verbal response.
SLAP.
"When I give you an order you will respond with 'yes sir'. Do not ignore me." Mason rebuked harshly.
"Yes, sir," Alex replied. It felt wrong to submit to Mason's will. However, pride was something was that got Agents killed. If you wanted to continue to have pride you had to learn to ignore it.
"Go to the kitchen and cook breakfast. I'm not waiting around your hand and foot. Training starts as soon as you have cleaned up and lasts as long as I decide. As always, misbehaviour will be punished."
That was becoming very clear. His face was bruised and red after his first meeting with Mason. His left cheek had been unmarked but was now red and smarting from the slap. Then there was his back. Alex had no misgivings about Mason's temperament now. The man had no qualms about hurting him. It would be unwise to anger him.
"Yes, sir."
"Dismissed."
Mason left the room leaving Alex to get dressed. He was glad of the cooking lessons that his uncle had made him take. Of course, it had been a part of his training. Everything about his childhood had been a lesson. He was thankful that they had been disguised as games though. He was under no illusion though. Ian wanted him to be prepared. He wanted him to be part of this life. Ian Rider's nephew, John Rider's son would be well trained in every area.
Alex was drawn out of his musing at the Bentley pulled up outside the Royal & General Bank. Every time he was here, he ended up in trouble. Blunt walked to the front entrance without checking that Alex was following him. He knew that Alex had no choice and more importantly, Blunt knew Alex knew it too. Just as they were getting towards the door, Alex stopped. This had been the exact spot he was in when he had been shot by SCORPIA. He felt a twinge in his scar, as he remembered it. Alex pictured the pavement stained with his blood.
"Rider?"
The prompt had a dangerous warning to it. If Blunt realised the significance of the spot he was in, he didn't say anything. If he knew why Alex stopped, didn't care.
"I'm coming, sir." He responded.
Alex followed Blunt to the front door of the bank. At least this time he wouldn't have to persuade the receptionist to bid him enter. Even now, he was only allowed in the Bank if he was invited. It was just another way of showing him that he didn't truly belong anywhere. He wasn't a kid, but he wasn't an adult. He was in a league of his own. That wasn't a good thing.