Chapter 2
The next day, DM woke early. He could smell bacon and eggs cooking, and realised how hungry he was.
His chicken soup had gone. DM had fallen asleep out of exhaustion when he had eaten. He guessed Kim had taken the tray away.
Danger Mouse stretched, and grimaced as cramp ran through his legs. He gritted his teeth as the pain slowly dissolved.
DM wondered if his legs were OK. He got out of bed very slowly, and then sat on the side. He very cautiously put his feet to the floor, and pulled himself up. He wobbled for a moment, and then straightened up.
DM smiled. If his legs had gone on him, it would be a disaster. He limped over to the mirror, and took a look at himself.
The bandages were still there. DM started when he saw a patch of blood soaking through.
"Are you OK?"
Kim stood there. There was another food tray in her hands. She was looking at Danger Mouse in concern.
"Yes, I'm fine", answered DM, "I just haven't seen blood for a while, that's all".
"I hope it didn't put you off your food", said Kim, putting the tray down on the bedside table.
"Not at all", said DM.
Kim came up to him, so that she was reflected looking over his shoulder at him.
"Take it easy today", she said, looking at the mirror, "It's my day off, thank heavens, so I can keep an eye on you".
"I don't know how long I'll be staying", replied DM, frowning.
"Well, as soon as you've eaten, you can phone HQ", said Kim, looking back at him. Up close, he was almost a head taller than she was.
"How did you know I was going to call headquarters?" asked Danger Mouse. But now, he didn't feel annoyed. He felt...pleasantly surprised.
"A guess".
"And a very good one".
"I'll then take a look at your bandages", continued Kim.
"I wish I could pay you money for your kindness", said DM, "But my wallet was destroyed in the explosion, so - "
Kim held up a hand.
"I don't want money", she said reassuringly, "I just want to make sure you get better".
"Thanks", said DM gently. He found himself gazing into those emerald eyes again.
Kim stared back at him. He's so handsome, she thought, so well mannered. Not like Jack.
"Well, eat up", she said gently, "Your food will get cold".
She smiled at him and left the room.
*
Kim looked at DM's bandages. She replaced the bandages on his head with a large plaster and changed the ones on his leg.
"You should be able to get around OK", she said, as she finished, "Just remember to take things one step at a time".
DM half-wondered if she meant his leg or a relationship between the two of them. He limped into the lounge, as he gave himself yet another firm shake.
Kim had Sky Digital, DM was surprised to find. He went to the Movie section and skimmed down. 'Airplane', his favourite comedy movie, was just starting. DM switched it on and settled down to watch it.
After a while, he grew tense as he saw two young lovers saying goodbye at the airport. They were hugging, and DM felt his arms fold together, squeezing his elbows.
Why did he suddenly feel like this?
The answer was simple: jealousy and loneliness. Sure, it was just a movie, but to an outside audience, it seemed real. Danger Mouse was no exception.
He was at a young age of twenty-six, and he didn't have a lover. His life was too dangerous for anything of the sort. But that didn't mean DM didn't want a lover. He had often watched people hugging and kissing, and felt left out and lonely.
I save the world and I don't have anyone by my side, thought DM bitterly.
Unless...
DM directed his gaze towards the kitchen. Kim was there, bending down into a cupboard for something. She was wearing a green sleeveless top that matched her eyes and black trousers.
On feeling his gaze, Kim turned and saw DM looking at her. She gave a smile. He smiled back.
I could just stay here, he thought, looking at the phone, Someone else can take my place. I could stay here with Kim.
No! He couldn't do that! He didn't actually know how Kim felt about him. And besides, he had only known the girl for twelve hours.
And then there was Penfold. The poor hamster had always looked up to DM, and then if he suddenly left him...
No. He had to go back.
With a heavy heart, DM reached for the phone and dialled the headquarters code.
*
Kim frowned and put down her handbag. She couldn't find her address card. She hoped she hadn't lost it. She'd look for it again later, she decided.
Kim had just made a cup of tea for Danger Mouse and herself. She was still pleasantly surprised at the way he had looked at her earlier. Could that mean...?
Nah! She was a waitress! He was a secret agent! He couldn't possibly take an interest in her - could he?
Had she made a mistake inviting him into her home? What if he was just some big-shot looking for a one night stand? What if he was like Jack?
But Jack flirted with the girls he set his sights on. DM was polite and caring.
If I want to know what DM's like, I'll have to get to know him, thought Kim. She went into the lounge and saw DM there speaking into the phone.
"Mmm, yes..."
DM turned and saw Kim. She jumped, mouthed "Sorry" and retreated back to the kitchen. She waited there.
"Alright...thankyou". Kim heard the phone being put down and came back in.
"Here", she said, offering him a mug.
"Thankyou", said DM. He was smiling.
"Good news?" asked Kim.
"Yes, very", grinned DM, "They're sending another box - tight security, so no one can get in and place anymore bombs".
"When?" asked Kim.
"A week".
"Oh".
Secretly, Kim was delighted. That meant she could have some time with this agent!
"So, I guess you're stuck here", she smiled.
"It looks that way. I'll try and leave if I can - "
"No". Kim held up a hand, "It's best if you stay here. They don't have a lot of women at HQ, do they?"
"Erm - not really", said DM, somewhat surprised at this remark. "And none of them are very gentle with injuries", he added.
Kim laughed. Then she looked up at DM...up into his amber eyes. There was no sign of anger or cruelty there. Just smiles and gratefulness.
"Oh, by the way", she said quickly, "I can't seem to find my address card. I carry it around with me".
"I'm sure we'll find it. Want to watch this?" asked DM, gesturing back at the TV.
"Sure", answered Kim, "This is my favourite movie!"
We have something in common, thought the White Wonder, thrilled.
They settled down on the sofa and watched the film. DM didn't show any signs of taking things too fast. After a while, Kim rested her head on his shoulder. DM jumped. Then when the shock had passed, he very gently put his arms around her.
"You're freezing", he said in surprise.
Kim gestured to the window. DM looked up and saw that it was raining hard. He tightened his arms around Kim. Her skin felt soft.
"Better?" he asked.
Kim nodded. They smiled at each other. DM lowered his head, and for a fleeting second, Kim thought -
Ding dong.
"Oh!" Kim jumped, "I'd - I'd better get that". She edged out of the room, disappointed.
Opening the door, Kim was alarmed to see a soaked hamster there. He was about half her size and looked nervous.
"Oh, erm, hello", he said, "I-I'm looking for a Mr. D. Mouse".
Kim heard footsteps. She quickly caught the hamster by the sleeve and pulled him inside, slamming the door behind them.
"DM!" she called, "You'd better get out here!"
Puzzled, Danger Mouse came out from the lounge. His eyes widened when he saw the hamster.
"Penfold!" he cried.
"Cor, Chief!" said the hamster, "I'm so glad I found you! I came home early, and I saw the pillarbox debris! I was so frightened!"
"It's alright, Penfold", said DM, and kneeled down by his young assistant. He felt very sorry for Penfold. He should have contacted him. How stupid he was, to forget about his little friend!
"This is your assistant?" asked Kim, looking at Penfold.
"Yes", said Penfold, turning to her proudly.
"He's so cute!" exclaimed Kim. This bit was true. Penfold did look rather adorable.
"Why, thankyou", said Penfold, blushing. It wasn't every day he got a compliment!
"You're Kim, aren't you?" he added.
"How did you know?" asked Kim, dumbfounded.
"I found this". Penfold held up something.
"My address card!" exclaimed Kim.
"I found it on the pavement and thought I'd come here", explained Penfold.
DM was impressed. Maybe Penfold could make a good agent yet.
At that moment, the phone rang. Kim answered it.
"Hello? Yes. It's for you", said Kim to DM, dropping the phone into his hands.
"Would you like a chocolate biscuit?' she asked Penfold.
"Cor, yes!" said Penfold enthusiastically. Kim took him into the kitchen whilst DM spoke into the phone (It was headquarters).
Kim had just made some hot chocolate for Penfold and given him some chocolate biscuits on a plate when DM came back in.
"New information on our new base, Penfold", he said. Kim quickly left the kitchen.
"Yes, Chief?" asked Penfold.
"Our new home is coming in a week's time", said DM, "In the meantime, we're going to stay here. The Mark III was transported to HQ thirty minutes ago. The mechanics there are going to repair it".
"Good", said Penfold, his mouth full of biscuit, "I can't wait to get home. I'm just glad that I took my teddy on holiday with me".
DM rolled his eyes and helped himself to hot chocolate from the pan.
"One of us will have to be there for the unloading of the new pillarbox", he said over his shoulder.
"I'll do it, Chief", said Penfold casually.
DM nearly dropped his mug. Had he just heard what he thought he had heard? He spun around, thinking Penfold was joking. But there was nothing but seriousness in Penfold's eyes. That was un-natural.
"Erm - are you feeling alright?" asked DM.
"Fine, thankyou, Chief", replied Penfold, a little surprised.
"Penfold...you don't have to supervise the unloading of our base".
"I'll do it", assured Penfold.
"What's brought this on, then? Oh - Penfold, I told you, you're not getting a scooter", sighed DM.
"For heavens sakes", said Penfold, annoyed, "I need something to do - I want to be out of the way".
"Out of the way? What do you mean?" asked DM, confused.
"Oh, come on, Chief", said Penfold, "I saw the way you looked at Kim! You're smitten with her, aren't you?"
"I'm not!" Danger Mouse felt his face grow hot. Penfold saw.
"See! You are! I want to be out of the way, Chief. Let me take care of our new home. You spend the evening with Kim".
Danger Mouse was annoyed, touched and impressed all at the same time. Penfold wasn't as dim as DM had made him out to be. But then, they had lived together for two years - maybe Penfold was finally beginning to learn something.
"Penfold", said DM quietly, "One day, you'll make a great agent".
The next day, DM woke early. He could smell bacon and eggs cooking, and realised how hungry he was.
His chicken soup had gone. DM had fallen asleep out of exhaustion when he had eaten. He guessed Kim had taken the tray away.
Danger Mouse stretched, and grimaced as cramp ran through his legs. He gritted his teeth as the pain slowly dissolved.
DM wondered if his legs were OK. He got out of bed very slowly, and then sat on the side. He very cautiously put his feet to the floor, and pulled himself up. He wobbled for a moment, and then straightened up.
DM smiled. If his legs had gone on him, it would be a disaster. He limped over to the mirror, and took a look at himself.
The bandages were still there. DM started when he saw a patch of blood soaking through.
"Are you OK?"
Kim stood there. There was another food tray in her hands. She was looking at Danger Mouse in concern.
"Yes, I'm fine", answered DM, "I just haven't seen blood for a while, that's all".
"I hope it didn't put you off your food", said Kim, putting the tray down on the bedside table.
"Not at all", said DM.
Kim came up to him, so that she was reflected looking over his shoulder at him.
"Take it easy today", she said, looking at the mirror, "It's my day off, thank heavens, so I can keep an eye on you".
"I don't know how long I'll be staying", replied DM, frowning.
"Well, as soon as you've eaten, you can phone HQ", said Kim, looking back at him. Up close, he was almost a head taller than she was.
"How did you know I was going to call headquarters?" asked Danger Mouse. But now, he didn't feel annoyed. He felt...pleasantly surprised.
"A guess".
"And a very good one".
"I'll then take a look at your bandages", continued Kim.
"I wish I could pay you money for your kindness", said DM, "But my wallet was destroyed in the explosion, so - "
Kim held up a hand.
"I don't want money", she said reassuringly, "I just want to make sure you get better".
"Thanks", said DM gently. He found himself gazing into those emerald eyes again.
Kim stared back at him. He's so handsome, she thought, so well mannered. Not like Jack.
"Well, eat up", she said gently, "Your food will get cold".
She smiled at him and left the room.
*
Kim looked at DM's bandages. She replaced the bandages on his head with a large plaster and changed the ones on his leg.
"You should be able to get around OK", she said, as she finished, "Just remember to take things one step at a time".
DM half-wondered if she meant his leg or a relationship between the two of them. He limped into the lounge, as he gave himself yet another firm shake.
Kim had Sky Digital, DM was surprised to find. He went to the Movie section and skimmed down. 'Airplane', his favourite comedy movie, was just starting. DM switched it on and settled down to watch it.
After a while, he grew tense as he saw two young lovers saying goodbye at the airport. They were hugging, and DM felt his arms fold together, squeezing his elbows.
Why did he suddenly feel like this?
The answer was simple: jealousy and loneliness. Sure, it was just a movie, but to an outside audience, it seemed real. Danger Mouse was no exception.
He was at a young age of twenty-six, and he didn't have a lover. His life was too dangerous for anything of the sort. But that didn't mean DM didn't want a lover. He had often watched people hugging and kissing, and felt left out and lonely.
I save the world and I don't have anyone by my side, thought DM bitterly.
Unless...
DM directed his gaze towards the kitchen. Kim was there, bending down into a cupboard for something. She was wearing a green sleeveless top that matched her eyes and black trousers.
On feeling his gaze, Kim turned and saw DM looking at her. She gave a smile. He smiled back.
I could just stay here, he thought, looking at the phone, Someone else can take my place. I could stay here with Kim.
No! He couldn't do that! He didn't actually know how Kim felt about him. And besides, he had only known the girl for twelve hours.
And then there was Penfold. The poor hamster had always looked up to DM, and then if he suddenly left him...
No. He had to go back.
With a heavy heart, DM reached for the phone and dialled the headquarters code.
*
Kim frowned and put down her handbag. She couldn't find her address card. She hoped she hadn't lost it. She'd look for it again later, she decided.
Kim had just made a cup of tea for Danger Mouse and herself. She was still pleasantly surprised at the way he had looked at her earlier. Could that mean...?
Nah! She was a waitress! He was a secret agent! He couldn't possibly take an interest in her - could he?
Had she made a mistake inviting him into her home? What if he was just some big-shot looking for a one night stand? What if he was like Jack?
But Jack flirted with the girls he set his sights on. DM was polite and caring.
If I want to know what DM's like, I'll have to get to know him, thought Kim. She went into the lounge and saw DM there speaking into the phone.
"Mmm, yes..."
DM turned and saw Kim. She jumped, mouthed "Sorry" and retreated back to the kitchen. She waited there.
"Alright...thankyou". Kim heard the phone being put down and came back in.
"Here", she said, offering him a mug.
"Thankyou", said DM. He was smiling.
"Good news?" asked Kim.
"Yes, very", grinned DM, "They're sending another box - tight security, so no one can get in and place anymore bombs".
"When?" asked Kim.
"A week".
"Oh".
Secretly, Kim was delighted. That meant she could have some time with this agent!
"So, I guess you're stuck here", she smiled.
"It looks that way. I'll try and leave if I can - "
"No". Kim held up a hand, "It's best if you stay here. They don't have a lot of women at HQ, do they?"
"Erm - not really", said DM, somewhat surprised at this remark. "And none of them are very gentle with injuries", he added.
Kim laughed. Then she looked up at DM...up into his amber eyes. There was no sign of anger or cruelty there. Just smiles and gratefulness.
"Oh, by the way", she said quickly, "I can't seem to find my address card. I carry it around with me".
"I'm sure we'll find it. Want to watch this?" asked DM, gesturing back at the TV.
"Sure", answered Kim, "This is my favourite movie!"
We have something in common, thought the White Wonder, thrilled.
They settled down on the sofa and watched the film. DM didn't show any signs of taking things too fast. After a while, Kim rested her head on his shoulder. DM jumped. Then when the shock had passed, he very gently put his arms around her.
"You're freezing", he said in surprise.
Kim gestured to the window. DM looked up and saw that it was raining hard. He tightened his arms around Kim. Her skin felt soft.
"Better?" he asked.
Kim nodded. They smiled at each other. DM lowered his head, and for a fleeting second, Kim thought -
Ding dong.
"Oh!" Kim jumped, "I'd - I'd better get that". She edged out of the room, disappointed.
Opening the door, Kim was alarmed to see a soaked hamster there. He was about half her size and looked nervous.
"Oh, erm, hello", he said, "I-I'm looking for a Mr. D. Mouse".
Kim heard footsteps. She quickly caught the hamster by the sleeve and pulled him inside, slamming the door behind them.
"DM!" she called, "You'd better get out here!"
Puzzled, Danger Mouse came out from the lounge. His eyes widened when he saw the hamster.
"Penfold!" he cried.
"Cor, Chief!" said the hamster, "I'm so glad I found you! I came home early, and I saw the pillarbox debris! I was so frightened!"
"It's alright, Penfold", said DM, and kneeled down by his young assistant. He felt very sorry for Penfold. He should have contacted him. How stupid he was, to forget about his little friend!
"This is your assistant?" asked Kim, looking at Penfold.
"Yes", said Penfold, turning to her proudly.
"He's so cute!" exclaimed Kim. This bit was true. Penfold did look rather adorable.
"Why, thankyou", said Penfold, blushing. It wasn't every day he got a compliment!
"You're Kim, aren't you?" he added.
"How did you know?" asked Kim, dumbfounded.
"I found this". Penfold held up something.
"My address card!" exclaimed Kim.
"I found it on the pavement and thought I'd come here", explained Penfold.
DM was impressed. Maybe Penfold could make a good agent yet.
At that moment, the phone rang. Kim answered it.
"Hello? Yes. It's for you", said Kim to DM, dropping the phone into his hands.
"Would you like a chocolate biscuit?' she asked Penfold.
"Cor, yes!" said Penfold enthusiastically. Kim took him into the kitchen whilst DM spoke into the phone (It was headquarters).
Kim had just made some hot chocolate for Penfold and given him some chocolate biscuits on a plate when DM came back in.
"New information on our new base, Penfold", he said. Kim quickly left the kitchen.
"Yes, Chief?" asked Penfold.
"Our new home is coming in a week's time", said DM, "In the meantime, we're going to stay here. The Mark III was transported to HQ thirty minutes ago. The mechanics there are going to repair it".
"Good", said Penfold, his mouth full of biscuit, "I can't wait to get home. I'm just glad that I took my teddy on holiday with me".
DM rolled his eyes and helped himself to hot chocolate from the pan.
"One of us will have to be there for the unloading of the new pillarbox", he said over his shoulder.
"I'll do it, Chief", said Penfold casually.
DM nearly dropped his mug. Had he just heard what he thought he had heard? He spun around, thinking Penfold was joking. But there was nothing but seriousness in Penfold's eyes. That was un-natural.
"Erm - are you feeling alright?" asked DM.
"Fine, thankyou, Chief", replied Penfold, a little surprised.
"Penfold...you don't have to supervise the unloading of our base".
"I'll do it", assured Penfold.
"What's brought this on, then? Oh - Penfold, I told you, you're not getting a scooter", sighed DM.
"For heavens sakes", said Penfold, annoyed, "I need something to do - I want to be out of the way".
"Out of the way? What do you mean?" asked DM, confused.
"Oh, come on, Chief", said Penfold, "I saw the way you looked at Kim! You're smitten with her, aren't you?"
"I'm not!" Danger Mouse felt his face grow hot. Penfold saw.
"See! You are! I want to be out of the way, Chief. Let me take care of our new home. You spend the evening with Kim".
Danger Mouse was annoyed, touched and impressed all at the same time. Penfold wasn't as dim as DM had made him out to be. But then, they had lived together for two years - maybe Penfold was finally beginning to learn something.
"Penfold", said DM quietly, "One day, you'll make a great agent".