Chapter Five
Birmingham Airport.
Thursday morning.
The sounds of jet engines could be heard from the car park as Alex waved goodbye to Jack. "Good Luck!" She called as he saw her stoop into the car. Alex turned slowly and walked into the airport, weaving between the hectic crowds. Searching for the lounge, Alex slung his backpack over his shoulder and lugged his baggage behind him as he walked into a swarming hallway. Looking over heads, Alex thought he could see a sign with 'COFFEE LOUNGE '. Walking directly towards, he felt a slight tugging on his bag, as he saw a lady wearing ripped jeans and a deep red jacket, holding his bag. "Oh, sorry. I think my bag has latched onto yours" she laughed uneasily as Alex untangled their bags from one another. "That's ok." "Bye" The girl instantly turned away and walked toward the departure area. Alex watched her for a second, and then went on walking to the lounge.
Riley sat down triumphantly. She had found the lounge all by herself. Looking around, she checked her watch; 8:47. They were told to be there by 8:45. She was proud of herself, but only briefly, because Mrs Jones had come into view. She had been sitting on a table in the café across from the lounge. She waved to Riley, beckoning her to come over. Two boys were already sitting there, drinking milkshakes. "Good Morning Riley" Riley nodded. "This is Charlie and Nathan. Boys, this is Riley Stone." "Hi, nice to meet you" Nathan grinned. Charlie smiled as Riley sat down next to him. "Hi there" he offered a hand to Riley; who shook it. "Have you seen Alex yet?" Riley shook her head, just as Alex Rider came into view. "Talk about timing". "Hello Alex" "Mrs Jones" Alex sat down next to Riley, taking his ticket from Mrs Jones.
Ten minutes later, all 8 agents were sitting with Mrs Jones, all with their tickets and passports. "You will arrive at the Samoa Islands tomorrow morning. It will be approximately 5:00 AM. So get some rest one the plane. I will show you the terminal and then you are to find your seats. If you look at your tickets, you have split into two groups of 4. Good Luck." Mrs Jones stood up, a cue for them to follow.
She led them to the Departure Terminal, and waved goodbye as the girl with blonde hair put her bag through the baggage check machine, grabbing it at the other side of the metal detector. Nathan handed his suitcase through and finally it was Riley's turn. Putting her bag on the belt, Riley passed through the metal detector. After Riley there was only Alex and Charlie. As Alex stepped out of the metal detector he went to grab his bag when two security guards took it first. "I'm sorry sir, but we need you to come in for questioning about the kilogram of heroin in your bag" Alex froze. "What Heroin?" "Please... Mr Rider. Come with us" "Hey what's going on here?" Charlie and Riley were looking anxiously at Alex. Surely they didn't think…"There not mine. I swear!" Alex struggled as he was escorted to an empty interrogation room. "We'll get help, mate!" Charlie called out as he and Riley were pushed out of the way.
5 minutes later, Mrs Jones was walking with Riley and Charlie. She had come straight back when she had received the message. "Did you see anyone go near Alex's bag?" "No Miss. He was in front of me the entire time and no one went near it" Mrs Jones nodded as Charlie explained. "You don't think..." Mrs Jones looked at the boy. "No. Alex is a very trusted agent. Riley, did you perhaps see anything?" "No Ma'am."
"Excuse me, could you please show me where the interrogation rooms are?" The guard nodded, and pointed down a hallway. "Third left" Mrs Jones acknowledged him with a nod, and then walked on. "The three of you will have to catch the next plane tonight."