Chapter Four
Central London.
Royal Bank.
Wednesday Morning.
The Headquarters of MI6 had slightly changed since Riley had last been there. They had painted the walls white, rather than the usual pale grey colour. Riley smiled despite herself. She had always cursed the place. Riley tilted her head, allowing the window to be viewed. Outside it was a bleak day; barely any sunlight could break through the cloudy barrier. "Miss Stone, Mr Blunt is awaiting you" Riley nodded to the lady. "Hello again, Mrs Jones" Riley smiled, trying to be polite. Mrs Jones was silently sucking on a small peppermint. Riley stood up, pulling her jacket tighter around her as she walked towards the elevator.
Entering, Riley stood next to Mrs Jones, trying to think of an explanation. Riley had been out when Mr Crawley had been sent to get Riley. Why did they want her? She had only ever worked there once, after completing the SAS course, and the mission had been fine, except for a one or two casualties, as Mr Blunt had put it. Finally, the lift opened to an empty hallway, and the pair walked towards a door, labeled 'A. Blunt'.
"Come in" called a dull voice. As Riley walked behind Mrs Jones, she saw a face she would never forget. Grey Hair. Grey Suit. Grey Life.
Mr Blunt was sitting behind a simple desk, covered in various documents and records. Alan Blunt was reading something from a manila folder, with the marking 'CONFIDENTAL' when he had heard the knock at the door.
Mrs Jones walked in, a small smile pulling at the corners of her lips as she sat across from Mr Blunt, Riley, came in behind her, sitting down next to Mrs Jones. "Welcome Riley, I hope the flight wasn't too tiring" Mr Blunt enquired, not really caring about the answer. "Not really" Riley replied." Before the others arrive I would like to inform you of a new assignment- Excuse me- Mrs Jones can you please go get Mr Rider" Mr Blunt said, not removing his eyes from Riley. "You have been called, along with 7 other agents, to join our new organization"
As Riley took in the news, Mrs Jones returned, behind her a boy about her age with short blonde hair and a look, saying he didn't really want to here. "Hello again, Alex". Alex acknowledged him with a slight nod, sitting down on Mrs Jones' left.
"Alex, this is Riley Stone. She is one of the certified trainees from the course; she was recruited to MI6 last year, for her skills in the field.
Riley, this is Alex Rider, excellent boy. I believe you too will be well acquainted by the end of the week. You two have been hand picked, along with 6 other individuals." Riley looked at Alex, "Nice to meet you" Alex smiled casually, "Likewise". Mrs Jones looked at Mr Blunt and nodded. "The others have arrived; I will go down and greet them" Mr Blunt nodded. Briskly, Mrs Jones left the room, leaving Alex, Riley and Mr Blunt alone.
Mrs Jones walked briskly to Mr Blunts office, leading 6 teenagers, all taking in the new surroundings. "Why are we here, Mrs Jones?" A girl asked with long blonde hair. The boy next to her looked intently at Mrs Jones, waiting for her reply. But before she could answer, a tall dark boy spoke up. "Well, since we've been training for so long, we are finally ready for our first task." Mrs Jones threw the boy an odd look. "Yes. We have known for quite sometime now that you are ready, just haven't had anything for you to undertake. And we have recruited two others, who are already in Mr Blunts office. You have all been invited here for your talent.' The rest of the journey to Mr Blunts office was quiet. Lightly knocking on the door, Mrs Jones walked inside, ushering them inside behind her.
Walking inside, Mr Blunt now stood alone, the door behind them closing briefly. "Welcome to the MI6 headquarters!"