It was raining and a thick fog covered everything..the trees..the other cars passing by.Emma wiped the moisture that covered the window glass.Finaly,the black taxi arrived at its destination.She paid the driver and got out.The school looked scarier than before.The doorman let her in,as soon as she told him she was going to meet Mrs Rutherscroft,the principal.Apparently,two teachers have left the school recently.|One of them got sick and the other one asked for a maternity leave.Unexpected luck..it was more than she could hope for.The inside of the school was as stern as the outside.Everything was in place,as it should be.New staircases made of marble had obviously replaced the old ones made of wood.The classrooms were located in the main building.There was also an other set of buildings,including the dormitory,the gymnasium,some physics and chemistry laboratories.St.Clare's was surrounded by a very large estate.She was told that the medical facilities and a small theater where all the festivities took place were far away,somewhere between the playgrounds.Steed had called Mrs Kelly,only to find out that the school was financed by the government and also a number of donations.Well off students had to pay tuition of course.A number of exams were taken each year to select the new pupils.Marlene had won her way in and Emma didn't know if she should be proud of her or not.Everything looked legitimate.She had to go through a maze of corridors in order to find Mrs Rutherscroft's office.Emma caught a glimpse of a classroom.Boys and girls were dressed in gray.The boys wore red ties and the girls red papillions.Emma was dressed in a rather conservative way too.Her hair was bundled up,she wore glasses,a white shirt and a black skirt.She couldn't help taking with her her black and white striped fur coat though.After all,it was so cold..cold outside and inside.She knocked on Mrs Rutherscroft's door.
"Come in please.."
The principal was a very thin,middle aged woman.She had a piercing look that concealed intelligence and something else that Emma wasn't able to determine right away.
"Hello.I'm."
"I know who you are.Sit down Miss Miller."Mrs Rutherscroft eyed Emma from top to bottom.She seemed to approve her appearance.
"I was really happy to get your letter.You see,my father died recently and I really need to work.Oh..I've been working these last few years of course.It's just that I had to go to several medical expenses."
"I understand.Overall,I must say I'm impressed with your references.".Steed had pulled some strings.
"I love children and I also like teaching very much."
"Very well.What' your field of experties?"
"I'd say physical sciences is my field of study."
"Even better then.Mrs Flanders who's going to have some kind of intestine surgery-nobody is quite sure how they call these things nowdays-was our mathematics expert.Can you replace her?"
"By all means.When..?"
She had no time to finish what she was about to say..
"Right now Miss Miller.You are available,aren't you?"
"I'll have my things fetched right away."
Emma was smiling,but Mrs Rutherscroft's lips remained a firm line.What a bitch!
The principal gave her some instructions on how to get to the right classroom.
"Thank you."Emma was more cold than she has ever been.
Mrs Ruthercroft smiled for the first time.It was a dark,scary smile..She watched Emma getting out of the room.What do we have here?A proud bird..So young and confident.Let's hope you'll still thank me,especially after I 'm done with you.
Emma had a bad feeling regarding her new job but decided not to care so much about it.She should follow her best judgement..that's what she always did. Precision,efficiency,fast reactions.There wasn't a Mrs Rutherscroft in this world that could intimidate her.She entered her classroom.The pupils immediately sat down..they were looking at her intensly.They didn't talk or move,just looked.That was odd..She looked back too.Marlene wasn't there.These children were older.
"Hello!I'm Miss Emma Miller,your new mathematics teacher."She took off her coat and spelled her name on the big black board.
"Goodmorning Miss Miller!"The classroom answered in perfect unison.
"Today we're going to talk about functions.Who can tell me what a function is?"
No answer.These children looked like a bunch of robots.
After what must have seemed like an eternity..the bell rung.Her feet were hurting ,so she tried to sit to her- all so glorious!-special teacher chair.She felt a terrible pain in her thighs and bottom.She got up..A large number of pins were carefully placed in the chair.They had a dark color and it was hard to notice them.The joys of teaching!Emma removed the pins , sat and waited.How should she react?After a while the children were back.She asked them to sit down and continued as if nothing had happened.She wasn't willing to get in to a fight with them,that's exactly what they wanted.As she turned her back to write on the board she felt something hitting her head.It had stuck in her hair actually...It was a gum!That was awful!She removed it carefully and threw it in the basket nearby.She turned around to face the classroom.The children's eyes were glistening..They were enjoying it.So much anger..repressed anger actually.But why?No wonder Mrs..what was her name?No wonder Mrs Flanders had got sick!
"Who did this?" She was calm,composed.
No answer.
"Either you're going to tell me,or I'm going to punish each and one of you."
No answer again.
"All right.You can forget the word break ..until the end of this week!"
The children showed no sign of emotion.Their faces were like cold,ugly masks.They were very advanced in mathematics though..that comforted her a little bit.
A few hours later she was showed to her room.It was small and cozy,and Emma liked it.There was a bed with a nightstand,a small desk,a library,a pair of chairs,a closet.A worn carpet covered the floor.Emma also noticed a connecting door that led to her personal bathroom.There was also a large window which had a view to one of the many yards.The children had a separate dormitory,just opposite to this one.Well, that was it.She was in...in there.Steed was going to appear in a few days.She wished she had more time to meet her colleagues,but she was tired and desperately needed to take a nap.She changed quickly and disappeared in the thick bed covers.Her suitcase had remained half opened,she didn't feel like tidying her clothes right now.Emma couldn't keep her eyes open...she had almost dozed off when she felt something cold touching her..cold and wet and moving...She slowly removed her blanket,only to see a large snake cuddled near her long legs.It had a dark brown colour and cold grey eyes.Emma didn't know a lot about snakes,but she was sure this one wasn't friendly..at all!That was too much..A snake in the winter..in England of all places!Snakes are supposed to sleep in the winter!She was more infuriated than frightened.She tried to move but it started moving too.No,she was in no place to risk.Maybe it was poisonous.The snake was looking at her..trying to dazzle her ...seduce her.So much for her judo!It couldn't save her now...She looked around her and saw her suitcase.Her gun was in there but she couldn't reach it!She could call for help..It wasn't her style though.Afterall,whoever had planted it there had made sure that she wouldn't get any help.At this time the dormitory was usually empty.All the other teachers had lunch in the dining room.In the mean time ,the snake was all over her pyjamas pants.Emma felt a drop of sweat rolling on her left temple.She swallowed and found her composure again.She had to survive..once again.Besides the bed,laid a pair of high heels.The one she wore a few moments ago.She moved her left hand slowly and grabbed one of the shoes..then suddenly hit the snake..on the neck.It curled..Emma curled too and before it had time to bite her,she hit it again,twice.The snake was trembling..It was dying.Emma got up and felt an urge to watch it ...After a while it stopped moving.It was gone.Her relief was soon replaced by pain..the feeling of something breaking..lost beauty.She was always in love with nature and could never go hunting,like her father used to.That's why she had chosen to hunt evil..Oh yes..there was more evil in man than could ever be in a serpent.She wondered if the children had put it there.It was a long shot..that was probably Zero's little gift.She disposed of the dead body and put on a dress and her fur coat.She needed to talk to someone..She was afraid to admit it but she needed to talk to him badly.It hasn't been the best day of her life so far...She asked one of the maids only to find out a payphone was a few corridors away.
"Hello?"Steed was in a good mood,as always!
"It's me.."She was really tired.
"Are you in?"
"I'm in all right!"
"How is school going Mrs Peel?"Steed had missed her deep,passionate voice.He tried to imagine Emma as a teacher.
"More boring than it has ever been..and much more deadly."
"Deadly?What could possibly happen in a boarding school?"He was worried but trusted her enough to defend herself.
"More like a zoo.."
"What?Did you take the children to the zoo?So soon?"
Emma couldn't help laughing.
"No,Steed.The zoo came to us!"
"Now that you mention it..."He grabbed the morning paper and started searching.
"What's going on?"
"There it is!"He read loudly."Female viper vanished from the National Zoo this morning.Species in danger.Search started."
"They are not going to find it!"
"Have you?"
"I've just made her acquaintance. "
"I see.."Steed was smiling.There wasn't a female in this world that could be more deadly and dangerous than Mrs Peel.Some times poisonous too..
"It's not funny!The poor thing..I'm sure it deserved a better fate."
"Zero must have a vivid imagination."
"Among other things...".
"What about your pupils?What exactly do you teach them Mrs Peel?"
"Do you have a vivid imagination too Steed?"She had missed the way he used to tease her."Anyway..these are not children..they are monsters!".
"I'm sure you 're going to find a way to bring them to their senses."
Emma was playing with the phone cord.She wanted to keep talking to him.Just to keep talking..If only she could touch him...She looked at her clock.Five o'clock..They used to have tea at five o'clock,when not working of course.She needed to say something,but had no idea what.What was wrong with her?It was not like her!
"Are you still there?Mrs Peel?"
"I'm here."Her voice was thick.
"What is it?What 's wrong?"Steed was surpised.Had something else happened?She appeared to have a completely different demeanor.
"I'm tired."
"If you need to get out of there,I'll find someone else to handle it."What have they done to her?What was her secret?
"How can you even suggest something like that?Have I ever walked away in the middle of a case?"
"I respect your work ethic but darling..I strongly believe you need some time off."
"Forget it!"Some comfort was all she asked for..some affection...not a vacation!
" I'm coming tomorrow then."
"Tomorrow!That's not what we agreed on.Steed..they might suspect."
"They won't.Afterall,I think they 're expecting us ."
"You can stay where you are."Who needs you?I certainly don't!
"I beg your pardon?"
"You've heard me.I'm sure you can find someone else to take your place."
"Is that what you want or are you trying to protect your secret?"
"I have no secrets."Her voice was cold and distant.You must never know about her..
"We've decided to be partners once.Remember?"
Oh yes..She did remember.Steed had opened the oldest bottle of champagne he had in his possession just for her..It was delicious!After that they went out for dinner...someone was playing the piano.He took her palm in his and kissed it..just that.They shared their first kiss two months later.He had earned it of course!He had taught her how to shoot and she tried to teach him judo.To no avail!It wasn't his style.They've been around for soo long the two of them..
"I have to go now.Goodbye John."She hung up.
Steed stayed there holding the receiver in his hand.He had no time give her an answer.
"Goodbye...John."That phrase was pounding in his head.Finaly he hung up too.They had a long way ahead of them.
Emma returned to her room.She needed to take a warm bath.It would help her feel better.As she entered her bathroom her look fell on the mirror.Someone had used her red lipstick to write a series of numbers on it.It alerted her..What was that?A code ..Another warning?Another message like the ones they used to receive?She copied the numbers on a piece of paper.She couldn't find a pattern or a sequence of any kind.Numbers within the range of one to twenty five.There were spaces between them.Too easy to be a code.But what if..what if..she opened the big dictionary that decorated her library.She matched the numbers to the letters of the alphabet.They formed the following sentences:
"And the raven,never flitting,still is sitting,still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming."
She couldn't believe in her eyes.She had read these lines before.It was a quotation from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe.What was the meaning of these words?She haven't seen any ravens so far!She should try a search on them.What would Steed think about it?Steed..She shouldn't have talked to him the way she did.Not that she could really understand how his mind worked sometimes!Emma changed again.She decided that a white pants and a pink shirt would be just fine.So much for her catsuits!There was a large library-studying room in the main building and that's where she spent the rest of her evening.It was filled with high school pupils and she could also spot some other teachers here and there.Suddenly, she noticed that a young man was watching her.Thin and tall and handsome.He seemed to be really friendly too.Emma was smiling.She knew deep down that no man could resist her smile.The young man approached and introduced himself.
"Hello!I'm Ian Holmes..and history is my field of study.You must be.."
"How do you do?I'm Emma Miller,I'm here to replace Mrs Flanders."A handshake followed.
"I see you're interested in birds."The book she was reading was about them.
"Yes,bird watching is one of my hobbies and I must admit that ravens are my soft spot."
"Ravens?I was always afraid of them.You won't find any of them here."
A friendly chat followed about teaching and children and about how angry children could get.Mr Holmes agreed on the fact that the austerity of the environment could be the root of the problem.Emma noticed that this conversation topic upset him.Interesting..He laughed though when she mentioned what her pupils had pulled on her.At some point,Mr.Holmes said that his pupils-working on a project on Mary Stuart,Queen of Scotland- needed him and left.Emma returned to her room again and after tidying up,taking a shower and double checking her bed,fell asleep.
The next morning,after spending some time with her pupils,decided that she needed to be briefed by Mrs Rutherscroft on school policies and on which chapters of analysis should be taught.Emma yawned.The children were almost asleep this morning and now she felt really sleepy herself.A child's cry brought her back to her senses.It was piercing,dreadful..and somehow familiar.Emma turned her back only to see a fat lady carrying Marlene who was yelling and crying and cicking..They were heading to Mrs Rutherscroft's office as she was.What was going on?That woman was holding her daughter like a parcel!She had seen her before but didn't know what her name was.The woman and the girl disappeared into the principal's office.Emma got in there too but before she had a chance to talk the other woman started.
"Mrs Rutherscroft, I can't go on like this!That child is disturbing for my class!" Marlene was in such a state that didn't notice Emma standing behind her.
"Calm down Mrs Murphy.Miss Miller what can I do for you?"
Emma explained what she wanted and the principal asked her to step outside.Emma insisted on staying but Mrs Rutherscroft wouldn't take no for an answer.There was a small waiting room just outside the officeShe pretended to be reading a magazine but her mind was elsewhere..She could make out some words...
"Spoil everything..."The principal's voice.
"Home home..no more playing!"The child was still crying.
"Punish..break..before it's too late..upset the others."That elephant like creature had a very thin,shrewed voice.
Emma threw the magazine away and started pacing up and down.She was rebellious too as a child..They were going to hurt her..there was no doubt about that!
The door opened and the two women and Marlene got out.
"I see this girl is in distress.Can I help?"Emma appeared to be in control.
Marlene looked at her and opened her mouth,ready to talk.Emma looked back intensly and the girl said nothing.She wasn't crying now,just standing there like a ghost.
"This girl is going to the isolation room."The principal answered.
Mrs Murphy was smiling.She had triumphed!
"What has she done to deserve this kind of punishment?She is just a little girl!Maybe you should reconsider your decision!"Emma 's voice was cold and deadly.
"Maybe you should remember where is your place here."Mrs Rutherscroft had the same gray eyes that viper had.
It was useless..She couldn't help her!It would be suspicious to insist on saving the girl.It could blow up her cover.Afterall,so many children where in danger in there,not just her own.She had to think about them too.
"Can I take her there?"
"Mrs Murphy will take her."
Luck had other plans though..Mrs Rutherscroft's secretary was coming towards them.
"Mrs Murphy!It's your son on the phone!"
"Oooh.My darling Thomas!!Mrs Rutherscroft,may I talk to him?It'll only take a few minutes."
The principal nodded.
"Coming!I've missed him..my baby.."Mrs Murphy disappeared.
"The isolation room is close to the rest of the medical facilities.She will stay there for a week...and Miss Miler.."
"Yes?"Emma would love to karate chop her.Any time!
"I think that you like this girl,although I don't know why.She isn't one of your pupils.."She paused.
There was definitely something there..a hint,a threat..or was she just fishing?
"I just want the children to be happy!"Emma was sad.
Marlene was just looking at them with her big brown eyes.She was holding Emma's hand.
"You won't like her so much when you get to know her.Let the punishment fit the crime...Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Take her!"She was looking at Marlene as if the child was a flea.
Emma walked away with her as fast as she could.When they left the main building she took her in her arms and kept caressing her back.
"What's the isolation room?"
"You'll have a room all to your self."More like a prison all to yourself..
"But I won't be able to get out of there.."Emma was surprised ..The girl did understand afterall.
"You must be brave sweetheart.It's just for a week"Emma 's chest was in pain.
"I don't want to be brave.You said we were going home.."
"We are.I'm working on it.Now,I want you to tell me..What's going on in here?"
Marlene was afraid to talk.Emma kissed her on the forehead.
"Come on..darling I'm not going to hurt you."
"I know.I like you!"
"I like you too."Emma couldn't help feeling blessed like any mother would.
"I'm a good spy!"
"Prove it!"
"It's a game..but I don't like it."
"Why?"
"All we have to do is hurt other people..or steal..or pretend to be someone else."
"When do you have to play?"
"I don't know.I can't remember.."
"Where?"
"I don't now.So sleepy.."
Marlene fell asleep in her arms and Emma let her find some peace.They have reached their destination.A nurse was coming towards them.She was young and her long brown hair fell on her shoulders.The young girl was smiling.
"Give her to me.."
Emma kissed her daughter on the cheek and handed Marlene's skinny body to the nurse.
"Please take care of her.."
"I'll do my best but we're supposed to punish her."She looked at Emma,then at the girl."She looks so much like you..Are you related?"
"No.I've never seen her before.."The last thing she needed was Zero to find out that her daughter was there.The nurse didn't insist though.She had believed her and she was the only one that noticed the resemblance.
"Will she get to eat at all?"
"Just milk and bread.Mrs Rutherscroft's orders."
"I see."She could bring her some food later..when everybody was asleep.Emma left.It had cost her a lot..She was trying to convince herself that her daughter was as strong as she was.What had she put her through?Why did she have to meet her only child in this way?There were hundreds of boarding schools in England!She didn't feel like facing anyone right now.Going back to the main building Emma noticed a group of rose trees.They separated the two larger playgrounds and a small warehouse was built right besides them.She just sat down amongst the rose trees,placing her back on the warehouse wall.Although she was wearing a black pants and a black blouse which had white fur around the neckline,the colorful flowers hid her pretty well.She took a pack of cigarettes out of her pocket, lit one and started smoking.She rarely smoked but somehow couldn't help herself..Another one followed..and another one ..She liked watching the smoke going up in circles..Long,slow puffs..A tear rolled down her cheek.
A male figure was watching her crying silently.He was hidden in the rose trees,just a few feet away from her.He was crawling, approaching her slowly.Emma heard the hissing sound he made and before he had a chance to flee,got up,kicked him and was ready to hit him on the head when..
"Mrs Peel!You always break my heart!"
Emma was left speechless.Steed..in a gardener's outfit!He was also wearing a very dirty hat.As he was facing the ground,she hadn't recognized him.
"For God's shake Steed..I could have hurt you!"
"You did."Steed got up.He was trying to walk,his arms around his stomach.
"You were supposed to be the chauffer!"
"They hired someone else."Steed sat exactly where she was sitting a few moments ago.She joined him.
"Are you all right?"She had kicked him very hard.
"Are you?".He looked at her tear stained face.She wiped it with her sleeve.
"I'm now.You shouldn't spy on me..".
"I could see you didn't want company.Emma.."
She was looking away.. at the roses.
"Did they hurt you..touch you?"Steed knew Zero wasn't the real problem.He remembered that day.. near the sea shore..
"I wouldn't let them!"Don't you know who I am Steed?
"Keeping everything inside it's only going to make you more vulnerable..and that's dangerous..especially now."
"As you've just witnessed I'm able to defend myself!"
"What possibly could be so dreadful that we can't even talk about it?"
"It has nothing to do with you and you shouldn't worry about it.It's a part of my past."
"It is breaking us up."
"Can't you just..just once!"
"What?"
"Hold me and be quiet!"She had blushed.
Steed gave her a hug.He could hold her..and be quiet.He pulled her close to him,caressed her cheek but didn't kiss her.Emma snuggled in his lap like a kitten.
"It's all right to cry."Steed kept stroking her.Her pain was transparent...like a glass of water.
"I'm not crying!"Her eyes were glistening and this time her look was wilder than it has ever been.
She paused,then continued:"Who is she?"
"What are you talking about?"
"A few days ago I saw a young,blond girl,coming out of your apartment.I mean..I know I haven't been the only woman in your life but why...why now..why her?"She was calm,but distant.
"You're probably talking about my niece,Lucy Smith.She lives in a small village in Cornwell and had come to London for a few days.In fact,she is still in London and she wants to meet you!"Steed was stunned.He didn't expect her to be jealous..He had hurt her..had been flirting a lot.Well,sometimes not just flirting..but he always came back to her,she was his shelter.That was their secret pact..
"I see.Anyway,it's your right to meet new people as it is also mine."You believe I wouldn't care about the others but yet you expect me to have feelings for you..I belong to the human race too!
"Emma..I can't believe you've never mentioned anything..not a single word!"
"Did I have to?Would it make a difference?"Can you really change Steed?
"It would make a big difference!I care for you..you know that!"
"I refuse to talk about it any further!"She broke their embrace and got up.
"You will!"First you drop the bomb,then you go away.
Emma lit a cigarette and pretended to completely ignore him.
"I'never seen you smoking before.."
"There's the first time for everything!"
"I'm serious.You're going to destroy your wonderful voice..your skin."
"My voice is the last thing in my mind Steed."
"What about the first one?Is it me?"His goal was to charm her.
"Maybe..maybe not!"She was smiling.He had cheered her up.He always did.
Steed smiled too.Nothing more interesting than a playful Emma.
"What do you know about ravens?"
"What?"
She told him all about the secret message.Steed was at a loss too.
"First vipers,then ravens!"
"I think they teach the children in the night."
"Where?Who?"
"All I know is Mrs Rutherscroft is in it...but what do you know about gardening Steed? "
"Absolutely nothing...but my auntie Victoria is an expert!That hat is her idea.."Steed hated it.
It was right then that they heard footsteps.Someone was approaching..running actually.They hid in the small warehouse.They were looking outside through the cracked door.
"I know him!"
"Who's he?"
"Mr Holmes,a colleague of mine."
Ian Holmes was in distress..sweat was dripping all over him.He was running towards the main building.
"He knows something.He's our chance to get to the bottom of it."
Emma agreed, then looked at her watch.
"Oh!My..I've got to go.My class is waiting for me."
"Mrs Peel.."
Their eyes locked.
"It won't happen again..I understand now.."No more playing around.
She said nothing,but Steed saw something sparkling in her eyes..or was it just his imagination?No..there was definitely something there..
"Are you free tonight?"She had that half crooked smile on her face..
"What do you have in mind?"He was teasing her.
"Some night air..a look around."
"I'll wait for you here.Twelve sharp."
Emma agreed.She threw away her cigarette,stepped on it and then left.Steed put on a pair of gloves and tried to water the rose trees.

Not far away from St.Clare's Zero was taking off his mask.He looked at himself in the mirror.He was no more than a weak,old man.He had lost everything..freedom ,a chance to have a career..all for her.They had said he was gifted..that he could reach the top but he gave it all to her!!He had loved her and what did he take in return?Nothing..now love was gone too.Everything was about to change though...Soon.No, he was much more than an old man.He had a strong influence on everything and everyone..politics..art..science..buissness.His numbers have never let him down...and he was Zero..the center of the universe.He thought about them..Steed and Peel.They were lovers..he could tell.A pair of star crossed lovers!How dramatic is that!They had what he could never have!WHY?He wanted them alive..That moron had put a snake in her bed!It wouldn't do..He wanted them ALIVE.Torture them..keep them apart forever..then force them to live.A sweet..ever lasting punishment.Not to mention that their knowledge and skills were exactly what he needed.He opened his closet and took one of his costumes out.Hamlet..yes that was his favourite.He put it on and started performing.The room was lit up by his strong presence..