Story Notes: Quite happy with this story now. It's nice to have a story with Rastapopoulos in. I may work on some new what if's involving him and try to publish them in the spring. I've got two what if's for Lake of Sharks planned after I realised I'd missed a potential adventure out despite that story not being written by Herge. I'm looking forward to publishing them soon.
Chapter Summary: Tintin comes face to face with an old enemy, and Haddock wakes up to find Snowy alone and sitting by the window. Where is Tintin?
Suggested Music
1. Shed My Skin - Within Temptation
2. Bring Me To Life - From Ashes to New
3. Going Under - Lauren Babic
Hands grabbed him and dragged him up the gangway.
"Get your hands off me!" Tintin yelled, trying to push the hands, seizing him and forcing him in the direction of the ship.
I'm such a fool!
Why didn't I bring Snowy?
As a hand dug in hard to his shoulder, he grimaced and started to resist, lashing out with his hands and arms. A thick fist landed against his cheek, swiftly ending his rebellion. Unable to nurse his sore cheek, he pressed his eyes shut then open again in an attempt to hold his composure. The hand grabbed him by the scruff of his neck instead and herded him forward onto the brightly lit deck. Floodlights focused the light into the hold. He couldn't quite see what lay within, but he suspected guns. Before he could move, the man turned and forced rope around his hands, binding them tightly together, as another man paced towards him.
"So... You're the famous Tintin. You don't look like much for a reporter. He's a scrawny kid,"
The entire crew burst into boisterous laughter.
Tintin remained silent, unwilling to dignify that with a response.
"Don't be so sure, Ali. For a scrawny kid, he's a big handful," A voice reverberated from above.
Tintin turned to face the voice. The gleam of the floodlights prevented him from seeing the man who had spoken. Footsteps spread as he made his way to the bridge. He noted the suit, but the familiarity of the voice struck him the most.
I know that voice... Why?
As he revealed his identity, Tintin's body grew rigid.
No.
It can't be.
Rastapopoulos.
Tintin's lips hung open slightly as he stared at the man in front of him. A big smile spread over Rastapopoulos' face, seemingly enjoying the situation.
"You seem astonished," he smirked.
"You're supposed to be in Jail,"
He'd aged considerably since their last meeting. His crows' feet were pronounced, adding to the creases growing upon his brow. As he smiled, they accentuated, adding more years. This wasn't quite the enemy he'd faced before, but his age hadn't diminished his abilities.
"It seems no jail can hold me,"
The crew chuckled, as did the American.
Tintin gazed around.
I'm surrounded.
If I move now they'll take me down in seconds.
"So, here we are again. Tintin the famous Reporter finally comes to die,"
"I'm not a reporter, not anymore," Tintin stated shakily.
"Oh, so you're no one, really. Prepare to cast off. Throw him in the hold, I'll deal with the pair of them once we get to Italy,"
Hands tugged at him, attaching to his collar and pulled him towards the steps to the next deck.
Nice job, Tintin, He cursed in his head.
What a mess you've gotten yourself into.
x
The wind wrapped around Marlinspike Hall pushing easily into the open window in Captain Haddock's bedroom. He welcomed the chill as he tossed and turned. Tintin's endeavour lay heavily on his mind. In the light of the moon, the clock hands came into focus and revealed the late hour.
It's 1 a.m.
He sat up and pushed the covers back.
Blistering bedsheets! I can stand this no longer!
Standing, he reached for his dressing gown, striding into the hallway. Despite his fatigue, he spotted Tintin's half-open door.
"That's unusual," He exclaimed quietly.
He peeped his head around the door to find Snowy peering out the window, whining softly in the darkness.
Tintin wasn't there.
He wasn't sleeping.
Where is he?
Blistering...
It's 1 am!
Where is he?
Haddock eased the door back into its position and headed downstairs. The Hall seemed too quiet without Calculus, who was currently in Spain with Professor Tarragon and Professor Cantonneau. He started to make a brew in the dim light of the kitchen, but his thoughts overtook him in the silence.
Why isn't he back yet?
Haddock grimaced.
The docks are an unsavoury place at night ...
He tried to push the thought away but failed miserably.
After pouring the hot water into the teapot, he padded into the hallway and lifted the phone receiver, stabbing a series of numbers into the pad. At first, all he heard was a tone.
Come on! You Nitwits, answer the thundering phone!
"Hello? Who's ringing us at this time of the night,"
"It took you long enough to answer, Thomson," Haddock exclaimed, trying not to be too loud.
"Captain, it's the middle of the night,"
"You told me you were always on duty," Haddock replied.
"Within reasonable hours. What's wrong?"
"It's Tintin. He left Marlinspike Hall, and he hasn't returned. He left at 9 pm. It's now 1 am,"
"Captain, I'm sure he's okay,"
"Thomson, you know what he's like. Someone told him that something strange was going on down the Docks. He went down to investigate. He hasn't come back,"
Thomson stifled a yawn, then spoke again.
"I'll get in touch with the local police, I'm sure they'll be able to find out if anything has happened. Think positive, Captain,"
I know him too well, what he's walked into something bad ... I can't shake it. Even Snowy's spooked.
Thanks for nothing, Thomson.
Haddock hung up and sighed in frustration, pulling his hands through his tousled hair.
I know what he's like...
His eyes drew to his shoes. Before he could do anything, lights filled the road in the distance. Assuming the motorcyclist to be his best friend, He slumped into his tub chair. Thomson's words remained in his head but not for long. Sleep overcame him so quickly he didn't get the time to do much else.