'Hi guys!! Sorry for it taking so long to finish this chapter but I get
distracted very easily.especially now the summer is coming to an end
(England's never very sunny so we take all the chances to sun ourselves
that we can get.he, he)'.
Anyway here we go, hope you enjoy!
Scott: 'What? Another chapter!'
Virgil: 'Yeah, it took her long enough.'
Gordon: 'Well you know what they say.better late than never!'
Scott: 'Well the way she's going never might be a better option!'
John: 'Leave her alone, she probably has very good explanation for ignoring us'
Attic Bat: 'Eeeer.not really, just been trying to improve the story' (she says nervously)
Alan: 'Women!'
Attic Bat: 'What's that supposed to mean?' (she says in a menacing tone, finger hovering over the delete key).
All: 'Nothing'.
Attic Bat: 'Good!'
Alan: (relaxes) 'That was close'.
All: 'SHUT UP ALAN!'
Chapter 3:
They hired a car at the airport; a navy blue convertible, which Alan insisted was a great choice and drove to their hotel, which was just on the outskirts of the city center.
After signing in at the reception they dropped their bags off in their separate rooms and met up in the vast hotel lobby 10 minutes later.
"Hey what have you got that for?" Virgil asked pointing at the small black box in Alan's hand.
"Well, while I'm here offering moral support I thought I might as well get some sight seeing in", Alan stated as if his motives were obvious.
"But you've been to Detroit before", Virgil reminded, folding his arms in impatience. "Yeah on a rescue. It wasn't exactly the best time for sight seeing Virg!" Alan stated glaring at Virgil.
Sighing heavily Virgil chose not to comment and they both walked off towards the entrance doors to wait for the porter to retrieve their car.
20 minutes later they were stopped at the gates leading to the huge Air Global complex on the outer part of Detroit. The security guard glanced at them and walked up to the driver's side.
"ID Please". Virgil handed him the letter that he had received.
The security guard raised an eyebrow at the letter then looked up at them, his expression going from hard stone to a forced smile instantly. "Good day Mr. Tracy, they are expecting you". The guard answered handing back the letter.
With that the guard walked over to the small guardhouse and opened the gates.
"Friendly chap" Alan commented from the passenger seat (he lost the argument over who got to drive).
"Only when they're expecting you" Virgil answered, nodding towards the small arsenal the guard was carrying. Alan's mouth dropped open as he spotted the revolver holstered at the guard's side, stun gun on the other side, and the rifle over the guard's shoulder.
"Do you think they are expecting trouble at this event?" Alan asked as Virgil put his foot on the excelorator and drove towards the parking bays at the side of the complex.
"I don't know, but I'm getting an unsettling feeling about this whole thing". Alan glanced at his brother; 'If he's worried' Alan thought looking at Virgil's serious expression 'then maybe it was a bad idea coming'.
They parked up a short distance from the building, locked the car and made their way towards the entrance.
Alan let out a low whistle on entering the building. It was gigantic! The lobby of the building was the size of a small stadium with stairs, and elevators leading up onto a balcony walkway, and there was another balcony above that one, both traveled the entire width of the lobby with halls and doors leading if into the complex. The reception was a large oval desk in the center with three young ladies in suits sat at it in front of computer terminals.
The lobby was abuzz with business men/women in flash suits and the odd pilot in uniform.
Feeling rather small in the large space both brothers, led by Virgil made their way over to the reception desk. They were use to dealing with businesses as they would often help their father with Tracy Industries, but they had never been anywhere like this before.
They reached the desk and Virgil cleared his throat, which had the desired effect in causing one of the receptionists to look up. "Good afternoon, my name's Virgil Tracy, I'm here on invitation for the International Musicians Convention".
The receptionist consulted her computer screen, "ah yes Mr. Tracy, we are expecting you. The event manager is on his way to meet you here. He will be here shortly, please take a seat" the receptionist smiled sweetly. Virgil thanked her, smiled back and then followed Alan who had already made himself comfortable in one of the lobby armchairs along the wall.
"How come you always get a smile out of the ladies". Alan complained leaning back in his seat.
Virgil couldn't help but smile at this statement. No matter how hard Alan tried he never did do well with smooth talk and charm (only where TinTin was concerned).
"Well, it's all in the smile" Virgil answered sitting down next to Alan.
"Really" Alan said raising an eyebrow in a fashion that said that he didn't believe him.
"Was it your award winning smile that got you a date with that colonel Elsi?" Alan asked, his blue eyes showing innocent curiosity.
Virgil shot Alan a warning glare; he knew what Alan was trying to do. Make him talk about his past.
"That's none of your business Alan" Virgil stated coolly.
"Come on Virg, you said you to were seeing each other, why didn't you say anything about her, why didn't you tell us? We're all family," Alan pleaded.
Virgil slumped back in his seat, knowing that if one of them didn't here the truth, another of his brother. Would try to get it out of him.
Gazing at the ceiling he folded his arms, "I was 21. I'd just come out of college and enrolled myself in the U.S flight academy".
"I remember, dad was so proud that you'd decided to go, Scott too", Alan recalled.
Virgil smiled "Yeah I know they were".
Jeff had insisted on putting Virgil's enrollment certificate next to Scott's U.S Air force achievements.
Virgil was snapped out of his memories by Alan's impatient cough.
"Anyway, I was enrolled as a general engineer. I fixed whatever came into the repair bay..she.she was a pilot", Virgil sighed, lowering his gaze to stare a hole in the floor.
"What happened, I mean how did you meet an' all?" Alan asked curious at his brother reluctance.
"We met on the job, she was taxing an F15 into the repair bay when I first saw her. We got talking, went for a few drinks every now and then, and within a week we were dating", Virgil finished.
"That's it? How long were you together? Why did you split up? Do you still talk?" Alan started spilling questions and Virgil was starting to get annoyed it his young brothers interest in his private life.
"Alan! There's not a lot more to tell. We were together for about a month, and we separated because we had little in common. Now no more questions, end of interrogation".
"But..do you still talk?" Alan asked tentatively, he knew he was pushing his luck.
There was a long pause in which Virgil just glared at him. So Alan dawned his most innocent look.
"No.no we don't" Virgil finally said
Alan just nodded, seemingly mulling over this new information.
Virgil was also in thought, something strange occurred to him...He looked up and stared at his brother as a look of confusion marred his features.
"What?" Alan asked, baffled by Virgil's expression.
"It's strange..of all the great musicians in the world, why have they asked me here?"
"Mmm" Alan thought for a minute, "Probably because of Tracy Industries. After all you are the son of the owner".
"Yeah but.why me? Why not dad or Scott, they're the pilots of the family, and Air Global must be after something if they contacted me"
"You're always so negative. Don't you think they just want you for your talent, after all Colonel Vans did suggest you" Alan pointed out.
Virgil smiled "she hates the piano so I don't think that's it. Besides I'm only an average piano player, I'm no Mozart"
Alan threw his hands up in exasperation,"They must want you for your good looks then!"
"Or my award winning smile" Virgil chuckled.
Alan shot him a sidelong glare.
Virgil's smile wavered; he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his stomach.
Just as Alan was about to retaliate when a short, tubby man with a baldhead and moustache walked up to them in blue jeans and a green t-shirt. "Mr. Tracy?" Virgil nodded and he and Alan stood up.
"My name's Stan Brody, I'm the event manager for the I. M Convention". He said in a thick American accent.
Virgil shook the man's hand. "Nice to meet you, this is my brother Alan".
Alan smiled as Virgil gestured towards him. Stan shook Alan's pro offered hand.
"Well, let me give you a quick tour of where we're hosting the convention and I'll answer any questions you may have".
With that said Stan led Virgil and Alan out of the lobby down one of the ground floor halls.
Alan was in awe of the massive building with its extravagant decor. His camera still in his hand.
Stan began to brief them on the events.
"The convention starts tomorrow, it will be hosted indoors so we don't have to rely on the weather, and will run for two days. Setting up for the event has been going on for two weeks and is almost complete so if you need to rehearse the pianos are already on set."
Virgil stopped dead. "Pianos?"
"Yes pianos, we have several duets scheduled. We're having musicians coming in from all over the world and most have sent us their own instruments to set up", Stan continued.
They began walking again. They did a left and went through a set of double doors.
"Yes", Stan went on, "we have in total 32 acts to squeeze into those two days. Ten on the opening day each having a half an hour slot, then 5 more the following day again with half an hour each, and finally we have 17 acts competing in the battle of the artists on the closing night".
They went through another set of double doors and found themselves in a large warehouse style room. The room was a sea of instruments, electrical equipment, wires, engineers and musicians.
Virgil found himself staring in awe at the musician's paradise and the streams of people milling around.
"What's all this for?" Alan asked not impressed in the slightest.
"This" Stan pointed out "is the Musicians Convention. We have representatives from every major electronics, and instrumental company in the world. Not to mention all major record labels and business companies. They will all have their own area and stools set up".
Virgil and Alan gazed around the amazing site as Stan smiled smugly at their reaction, then his smile wavered.
"There is one thing though" Virgil and Alan turned to face him. Virgil noticed that he seemed tense. Come to mention it as a looked around again at all the people in the warehouse they all seemed to be a little nervous. Even frightened.
A frown appeared on Virgil's face "What?"
"Security at this event is extremely tight. You will both be issued with passes. Do NOT loose them or you will have the guards on ya!" Stan pointed to the security guards posted at the main entrance.
Standing behind Virgil, Alan swallowed visibly, remembering their own little encounter with the guard at the front gate.
"So.why is the security so tight, I mean its only a music convention. They hold these kind of events all over the world" Virgil asked.
Stan stared at them for a minute, and then he quickly glanced around then pulled both of them to one side.
"I don't if you've been told, or whether they want you to know but..this is no ordinary air base," Stan whispered.
Alan and Virgil looked at each other in confusion. "This base is a research center where designs for new aircraft equipment are built and tested" Stan was beginning to sweat as he continued.
"Due to the highly sensitive new equipment they keep here it entices thieves".
Theives!"Alan repeated in a disbelieving tone "Who could get into this place?"
"Sssh.keep it down will ya. You'd be surprised what some will do" Stan shot back. Alan glared at him as though he were mad.
"What are you getting at Stan" Virgil asked also not quite convinced.
"What I'm trying to say is these thieves are after this technology. The technology is kept here, well in the underground labs anyway and the convention may be prove to be an enticing cover for them".
"Have you had any trouble so far?" Virgil asked remaining calm, although inside he was starting to get nervous.
Stan was silent for a long moment before he answered, "Yes. Yesterday at 8:35pm we had an attempted kidnapping". Virgil and Alan were stunned for a moment.
"What happened?" Alan asked.
"One of our student musicians was attacked outside her room. Thankfully she was able to fight him off, but the police believe she was attacked for her security pass. So this morning we've had all passes fitted with an access code".
"Was the girl ok?' Virgil asked.
"Oh yes she was fine. The kidnapper was taken away with matching black eyes. I'm telling ya I don't know what there teachin' kids these days!" Stan said.
Alan smirked at this. He was also referred to as a kid, but his family knew exactly WHAT he could do.
"Well any how you, two just keep an eye out fer trouble ok? Like I said if you wanna rehearse you can use one of the pianos on stage that is if some one doesn't beat ya to it " Stan said smiling, seriousness forgotten.
"Thanks Mr. Brody it was nice to meet you and thanks for the tour" Virgil said again shaking the man's hand.
"Awe it was nothin' and call me Stan please." Stan turned towards the sea of mayhem then stopped and looked back.
"By the way don't forget your security passes. You can pick them up from the reception desk.. and one more thing.we're having a full rehearsal tonight beginning at 5pm. Your slot is at 7:15pm. You need to be there or the stage manager'll hunt you down and drag you there" Stan grinned.
Alan chuckled as he watched Virgil blush in embarrassment at the last remark.
Clearing his throat Virgil and Alan headed back to the reception desk.
Once out of earshot they were safe to talk freely.
"Well?" Alan asked eyeing his brother.
"Stan seems friendly enough. But there is still something about this whole thing that bothers me. What's worse is I don't know why it bothers me," Virgil admitted.
"Well, when we get back to our hotel I'll call home and tell them the situation" Alan stated as they continued to make their way to the entrance lobby.
"Good idea...but don't mention the kidnapping to father," Virgil said without looking up from the floor.
Alan looked at him in confusion "Why. It's pretty important don't you think"
"Yes, but I want to know more about it before we go worrying the rest of the family. You know what grandma's like and dad would sooner order both of us back to the Island at the first sign of trouble".
Alan grinned "Yeah I know. She'll get all worried then father will get all worried and so on.and so on".
Virgil smiled and looked up at Alan "You got it in one kiddo".
"So..what do we do?" Alan asked.
They came up to the final set of doors and stopped.
"We do some investigating of our own," Virgil answered. Alan grinned back as they walked through the doors.
Anyway here we go, hope you enjoy!
Scott: 'What? Another chapter!'
Virgil: 'Yeah, it took her long enough.'
Gordon: 'Well you know what they say.better late than never!'
Scott: 'Well the way she's going never might be a better option!'
John: 'Leave her alone, she probably has very good explanation for ignoring us'
Attic Bat: 'Eeeer.not really, just been trying to improve the story' (she says nervously)
Alan: 'Women!'
Attic Bat: 'What's that supposed to mean?' (she says in a menacing tone, finger hovering over the delete key).
All: 'Nothing'.
Attic Bat: 'Good!'
Alan: (relaxes) 'That was close'.
All: 'SHUT UP ALAN!'
Chapter 3:
They hired a car at the airport; a navy blue convertible, which Alan insisted was a great choice and drove to their hotel, which was just on the outskirts of the city center.
After signing in at the reception they dropped their bags off in their separate rooms and met up in the vast hotel lobby 10 minutes later.
"Hey what have you got that for?" Virgil asked pointing at the small black box in Alan's hand.
"Well, while I'm here offering moral support I thought I might as well get some sight seeing in", Alan stated as if his motives were obvious.
"But you've been to Detroit before", Virgil reminded, folding his arms in impatience. "Yeah on a rescue. It wasn't exactly the best time for sight seeing Virg!" Alan stated glaring at Virgil.
Sighing heavily Virgil chose not to comment and they both walked off towards the entrance doors to wait for the porter to retrieve their car.
20 minutes later they were stopped at the gates leading to the huge Air Global complex on the outer part of Detroit. The security guard glanced at them and walked up to the driver's side.
"ID Please". Virgil handed him the letter that he had received.
The security guard raised an eyebrow at the letter then looked up at them, his expression going from hard stone to a forced smile instantly. "Good day Mr. Tracy, they are expecting you". The guard answered handing back the letter.
With that the guard walked over to the small guardhouse and opened the gates.
"Friendly chap" Alan commented from the passenger seat (he lost the argument over who got to drive).
"Only when they're expecting you" Virgil answered, nodding towards the small arsenal the guard was carrying. Alan's mouth dropped open as he spotted the revolver holstered at the guard's side, stun gun on the other side, and the rifle over the guard's shoulder.
"Do you think they are expecting trouble at this event?" Alan asked as Virgil put his foot on the excelorator and drove towards the parking bays at the side of the complex.
"I don't know, but I'm getting an unsettling feeling about this whole thing". Alan glanced at his brother; 'If he's worried' Alan thought looking at Virgil's serious expression 'then maybe it was a bad idea coming'.
They parked up a short distance from the building, locked the car and made their way towards the entrance.
Alan let out a low whistle on entering the building. It was gigantic! The lobby of the building was the size of a small stadium with stairs, and elevators leading up onto a balcony walkway, and there was another balcony above that one, both traveled the entire width of the lobby with halls and doors leading if into the complex. The reception was a large oval desk in the center with three young ladies in suits sat at it in front of computer terminals.
The lobby was abuzz with business men/women in flash suits and the odd pilot in uniform.
Feeling rather small in the large space both brothers, led by Virgil made their way over to the reception desk. They were use to dealing with businesses as they would often help their father with Tracy Industries, but they had never been anywhere like this before.
They reached the desk and Virgil cleared his throat, which had the desired effect in causing one of the receptionists to look up. "Good afternoon, my name's Virgil Tracy, I'm here on invitation for the International Musicians Convention".
The receptionist consulted her computer screen, "ah yes Mr. Tracy, we are expecting you. The event manager is on his way to meet you here. He will be here shortly, please take a seat" the receptionist smiled sweetly. Virgil thanked her, smiled back and then followed Alan who had already made himself comfortable in one of the lobby armchairs along the wall.
"How come you always get a smile out of the ladies". Alan complained leaning back in his seat.
Virgil couldn't help but smile at this statement. No matter how hard Alan tried he never did do well with smooth talk and charm (only where TinTin was concerned).
"Well, it's all in the smile" Virgil answered sitting down next to Alan.
"Really" Alan said raising an eyebrow in a fashion that said that he didn't believe him.
"Was it your award winning smile that got you a date with that colonel Elsi?" Alan asked, his blue eyes showing innocent curiosity.
Virgil shot Alan a warning glare; he knew what Alan was trying to do. Make him talk about his past.
"That's none of your business Alan" Virgil stated coolly.
"Come on Virg, you said you to were seeing each other, why didn't you say anything about her, why didn't you tell us? We're all family," Alan pleaded.
Virgil slumped back in his seat, knowing that if one of them didn't here the truth, another of his brother. Would try to get it out of him.
Gazing at the ceiling he folded his arms, "I was 21. I'd just come out of college and enrolled myself in the U.S flight academy".
"I remember, dad was so proud that you'd decided to go, Scott too", Alan recalled.
Virgil smiled "Yeah I know they were".
Jeff had insisted on putting Virgil's enrollment certificate next to Scott's U.S Air force achievements.
Virgil was snapped out of his memories by Alan's impatient cough.
"Anyway, I was enrolled as a general engineer. I fixed whatever came into the repair bay..she.she was a pilot", Virgil sighed, lowering his gaze to stare a hole in the floor.
"What happened, I mean how did you meet an' all?" Alan asked curious at his brother reluctance.
"We met on the job, she was taxing an F15 into the repair bay when I first saw her. We got talking, went for a few drinks every now and then, and within a week we were dating", Virgil finished.
"That's it? How long were you together? Why did you split up? Do you still talk?" Alan started spilling questions and Virgil was starting to get annoyed it his young brothers interest in his private life.
"Alan! There's not a lot more to tell. We were together for about a month, and we separated because we had little in common. Now no more questions, end of interrogation".
"But..do you still talk?" Alan asked tentatively, he knew he was pushing his luck.
There was a long pause in which Virgil just glared at him. So Alan dawned his most innocent look.
"No.no we don't" Virgil finally said
Alan just nodded, seemingly mulling over this new information.
Virgil was also in thought, something strange occurred to him...He looked up and stared at his brother as a look of confusion marred his features.
"What?" Alan asked, baffled by Virgil's expression.
"It's strange..of all the great musicians in the world, why have they asked me here?"
"Mmm" Alan thought for a minute, "Probably because of Tracy Industries. After all you are the son of the owner".
"Yeah but.why me? Why not dad or Scott, they're the pilots of the family, and Air Global must be after something if they contacted me"
"You're always so negative. Don't you think they just want you for your talent, after all Colonel Vans did suggest you" Alan pointed out.
Virgil smiled "she hates the piano so I don't think that's it. Besides I'm only an average piano player, I'm no Mozart"
Alan threw his hands up in exasperation,"They must want you for your good looks then!"
"Or my award winning smile" Virgil chuckled.
Alan shot him a sidelong glare.
Virgil's smile wavered; he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his stomach.
Just as Alan was about to retaliate when a short, tubby man with a baldhead and moustache walked up to them in blue jeans and a green t-shirt. "Mr. Tracy?" Virgil nodded and he and Alan stood up.
"My name's Stan Brody, I'm the event manager for the I. M Convention". He said in a thick American accent.
Virgil shook the man's hand. "Nice to meet you, this is my brother Alan".
Alan smiled as Virgil gestured towards him. Stan shook Alan's pro offered hand.
"Well, let me give you a quick tour of where we're hosting the convention and I'll answer any questions you may have".
With that said Stan led Virgil and Alan out of the lobby down one of the ground floor halls.
Alan was in awe of the massive building with its extravagant decor. His camera still in his hand.
Stan began to brief them on the events.
"The convention starts tomorrow, it will be hosted indoors so we don't have to rely on the weather, and will run for two days. Setting up for the event has been going on for two weeks and is almost complete so if you need to rehearse the pianos are already on set."
Virgil stopped dead. "Pianos?"
"Yes pianos, we have several duets scheduled. We're having musicians coming in from all over the world and most have sent us their own instruments to set up", Stan continued.
They began walking again. They did a left and went through a set of double doors.
"Yes", Stan went on, "we have in total 32 acts to squeeze into those two days. Ten on the opening day each having a half an hour slot, then 5 more the following day again with half an hour each, and finally we have 17 acts competing in the battle of the artists on the closing night".
They went through another set of double doors and found themselves in a large warehouse style room. The room was a sea of instruments, electrical equipment, wires, engineers and musicians.
Virgil found himself staring in awe at the musician's paradise and the streams of people milling around.
"What's all this for?" Alan asked not impressed in the slightest.
"This" Stan pointed out "is the Musicians Convention. We have representatives from every major electronics, and instrumental company in the world. Not to mention all major record labels and business companies. They will all have their own area and stools set up".
Virgil and Alan gazed around the amazing site as Stan smiled smugly at their reaction, then his smile wavered.
"There is one thing though" Virgil and Alan turned to face him. Virgil noticed that he seemed tense. Come to mention it as a looked around again at all the people in the warehouse they all seemed to be a little nervous. Even frightened.
A frown appeared on Virgil's face "What?"
"Security at this event is extremely tight. You will both be issued with passes. Do NOT loose them or you will have the guards on ya!" Stan pointed to the security guards posted at the main entrance.
Standing behind Virgil, Alan swallowed visibly, remembering their own little encounter with the guard at the front gate.
"So.why is the security so tight, I mean its only a music convention. They hold these kind of events all over the world" Virgil asked.
Stan stared at them for a minute, and then he quickly glanced around then pulled both of them to one side.
"I don't if you've been told, or whether they want you to know but..this is no ordinary air base," Stan whispered.
Alan and Virgil looked at each other in confusion. "This base is a research center where designs for new aircraft equipment are built and tested" Stan was beginning to sweat as he continued.
"Due to the highly sensitive new equipment they keep here it entices thieves".
Theives!"Alan repeated in a disbelieving tone "Who could get into this place?"
"Sssh.keep it down will ya. You'd be surprised what some will do" Stan shot back. Alan glared at him as though he were mad.
"What are you getting at Stan" Virgil asked also not quite convinced.
"What I'm trying to say is these thieves are after this technology. The technology is kept here, well in the underground labs anyway and the convention may be prove to be an enticing cover for them".
"Have you had any trouble so far?" Virgil asked remaining calm, although inside he was starting to get nervous.
Stan was silent for a long moment before he answered, "Yes. Yesterday at 8:35pm we had an attempted kidnapping". Virgil and Alan were stunned for a moment.
"What happened?" Alan asked.
"One of our student musicians was attacked outside her room. Thankfully she was able to fight him off, but the police believe she was attacked for her security pass. So this morning we've had all passes fitted with an access code".
"Was the girl ok?' Virgil asked.
"Oh yes she was fine. The kidnapper was taken away with matching black eyes. I'm telling ya I don't know what there teachin' kids these days!" Stan said.
Alan smirked at this. He was also referred to as a kid, but his family knew exactly WHAT he could do.
"Well any how you, two just keep an eye out fer trouble ok? Like I said if you wanna rehearse you can use one of the pianos on stage that is if some one doesn't beat ya to it " Stan said smiling, seriousness forgotten.
"Thanks Mr. Brody it was nice to meet you and thanks for the tour" Virgil said again shaking the man's hand.
"Awe it was nothin' and call me Stan please." Stan turned towards the sea of mayhem then stopped and looked back.
"By the way don't forget your security passes. You can pick them up from the reception desk.. and one more thing.we're having a full rehearsal tonight beginning at 5pm. Your slot is at 7:15pm. You need to be there or the stage manager'll hunt you down and drag you there" Stan grinned.
Alan chuckled as he watched Virgil blush in embarrassment at the last remark.
Clearing his throat Virgil and Alan headed back to the reception desk.
Once out of earshot they were safe to talk freely.
"Well?" Alan asked eyeing his brother.
"Stan seems friendly enough. But there is still something about this whole thing that bothers me. What's worse is I don't know why it bothers me," Virgil admitted.
"Well, when we get back to our hotel I'll call home and tell them the situation" Alan stated as they continued to make their way to the entrance lobby.
"Good idea...but don't mention the kidnapping to father," Virgil said without looking up from the floor.
Alan looked at him in confusion "Why. It's pretty important don't you think"
"Yes, but I want to know more about it before we go worrying the rest of the family. You know what grandma's like and dad would sooner order both of us back to the Island at the first sign of trouble".
Alan grinned "Yeah I know. She'll get all worried then father will get all worried and so on.and so on".
Virgil smiled and looked up at Alan "You got it in one kiddo".
"So..what do we do?" Alan asked.
They came up to the final set of doors and stopped.
"We do some investigating of our own," Virgil answered. Alan grinned back as they walked through the doors.