Chapter 17: The games get more complicated.

Alex made a point of silently entering the house and bypassing the kitchen where he knew Jack was at the moment. The preparation for storing his plant cuttings had begun about a week ago. Fenrir seemed to know not to interrupt. Alex wondered if it was the smell or if his wolf was just that intelligent. He made sure to thoroughly wash his hands twice, even though he had used gloves. You could never be too careful and accidentally poisoning himself would be the height of irony. The wolf silently walked up to him afterwards. Jack had probably shown him to Ian by now. Fenrir's eyes were now beginning to glow the amber color that would mark him as a wolf. The blue was fading faster by the day and would soon be gone when the wolf was entirely an adult. Alex sat down and thought about Yassen, wondering what the man was up to at the moment. The man had actually taught him something that he needed to learn. Accidentally killing someone was one of Alex's fears since he had been given a gun. Yassen had simply shown him how to control the instincts that would lead to him doing so. Alex knew the assassin prized self-control above almost everything else. Too much fear would get you killed just as much as too little, after all. Yassen wouldn't have lasted very long if he accidentally shot the wrong person, either.

Ian Rider watched the house from one of the windows that allowed for a wide view of the front of the house. They had been specially placed so that a 360 degree view was possible. No points of approach were invisible. They were also not obnoxiously large, which would make easy pickings for a sniper. He watched his nephew walk in and then out. He must have changed at school because that wasn't the uniform. Alex then left his bag inside and went to the backyard. Ian switched to the living room window that had a nice view of the backyard. Taking care of his poisonous plants, then. Ian wondered why Alex hadn't at least talked to Jack first. Alex seemed to just be taking care of the plants at the moment, but Ian was reasonably sure that Alex was cultivating them specifically for how special they were. He sincerely hoped Alex would include him if he decided to poison someone. Ian would also be rather put out if it wasn't for a good reason, though he knew he wouldn't turn Alex in. The almost disturbing level of influence Gregorovich seemed to have on Alex came to mind. Surely Alex was safe for another few years before he was contacted again? Maybe Alex took after him in more ways than one and wanted to take care of him by himself. Or maybe there was another threat that he didn't know about that Alex was preparing to take care of by himself? Ian knew he was more than a little paranoid, but Alex would tell him if someone was after him, right? Ian could barely suppress a groan as Cossack came to mind, but he hadn't actually threatened Alex. Ian decided to quit before he gave himself enough paranoid thoughts to get committed.

Alex was privately glad the basement had a full, actual lab. He doubted that he could conceal one in the house or use the outdated one at school. It didn't look like Ian used it much, but his uncle had the backing of MI6 and its labs, while Alex was technically conducting preparations for illegal black ops. One of his relatives must have had an independent streak, he supposed. Either way, it was to his advantage. Alex wondered if it was worth it to try to get supplies of the more dangerous kind past Ian or if he should just wait until Ian left for weeks on end again. In the time Ian had been away, Alex could have stolen a copy of a permit for hazardous chemicals, forged one for himself under a fake name, found and cajoled a criminal into getting it for him, and gotten it into the house under Jack's nose. There were people who would act as couriers and not ask questions about a kid delivering an order for restricted items. Drug dealers and their like tended to go young for messengers. Alex decided not to pull that one on Ian quite yet. It might get him in actual trouble. Plus, Ian was going to be watching him extra closely in case his coworkers missed something. In the man's defense, they had. Alex still felt like his privacy was being invaded. It may be a double-standard, but he was not really the happiest with Ian for spying on him. Shouldn't his uncle get enough of that at his job? With the rampant paranoia and backstabbing in intelligence agencies, Alex would expect him to have his hands full.

Alex decided to go downstairs, since it was dinner time and he couldn't avoid the inevitable confrontation much longer. Fenrir went with him, a furry side pressed against his own. He really was fond of the wolf, despite the massive size and subterfuge that his ownership had required. At any rate, the 'dog' was now legally his. Alex pet Fenrir as he walked beside him. Jack was her usual cheerful self. "Hey, Alex." Alex smiled. "Hey, Jack." Alex sat down and decided to begin eating. It was one of his favorite dishes from Jack's recipe list. "Thank you." Jack felt her heart almost stop at the warm, loving look Alex sent her way. He really was a sweet boy. In a few years, women would be all over him. "I swear that thing gets bigger every day, Alex, when do you think it will quit growing?" Alex rolled his eyes. "Pretty soon. I mean, his paws are pretty much proportional now." Fenrir went to the umbrella stand and got his lease and collar. After returning to Alex's side, the two were promptly dropped in his lap. Jack sniggered. Alex gave the furry rat a look. It had the second most pathetic expression he had ever seen. Alex sighed. "I'll walk you after dinner." At that, Ian walked in. "I'll be going with you two, then." He didn't trust the giant wolf, no matter how much Crawley told him it was perfectly harmless for Alex. Ian didn't even want to think about how much Black Operations had paid to make sure they were large, highly intelligent, and extremely predatory towards humans.

Ian sat down and pondered the current situation while he ate. Actually, he was genuinely curious as to why Fenrir hadn't turned out like the rest of the wolves. Most of them had been so aggressive that both they and the project had been terminated. The others had been almost indomitable and had only eventually listened to one person. Then again, this wolf only seemed to like and obey Alex. Ian got the distinct feeling that it only tolerated other people because Alex wanted them around. Maybe he was paranoid, but Alex hadn't read those files. Plus, both the teeth and claws on that thing could eviscerate a grown man with a single bite or swipe. Alex had probably thought he wouldn't get the reference, but SCORPIA weren't the only ones who were familiar with mythology and symbolism. He wondered, vaguely, if Gregorovich would have gotten the anvil-sized hint. Probably. Ian knew he was fixating, but he couldn't really help but be concerned with what exactly the man wanted with his nephew. Speaking of which, they needed to have a talk about his new botanical interests. Ian had noticed that the basement had both been used and that some of the dormant section had been activated. Alex had cleaned the lab gear, at least. Ian couldn't tell if it had been used or just set up for use. His knowledge of forensics was limited.

Alex knew that when Ian was thinking that hard, the game was near or up. Wonderful, he could hardly wait for the lecture on why poison was evil. Alex was answering and on automatic motions as he had another flashback to his time before.

They had all written an essay on heroes. Alex didn't believe in heroes. He had written as much in essay. There were actions and deeds that were heroic, of course, but the quintessential do-gooders didn't exist. They were fairy tales for gullible children. When he had been summoned to the school counselor's office, Alex had a feeling he should have bullshitted the entire thing and made it about the army like everyone else. The woman had been, in his opinion, nearly hysterical. Hysterically naive, that is. She hadn't listened to a word he said. She had been one of the people who saw the government as good and everything else pure evil. Alex barely kept himself from laughing manically through her lectures on why heroes were a thing, among other things. She had made his life difficult and Alex considered it a waste of time. Also, she had been convinced he was a suicide risk and tried to integrate him into his peers. It had been an epic failure to say the least. Alex had taken care of most of it by glaring down anyone he didn't feel like talking to. Most of the student body had either ignored him or thought he was kind of terrifying. Alex preferred solitude after what had happened with Brooklands, anyway. He decided to pick up the pace and put it out of his mind before he was tempted to misuse his new poison supply.

Fenrir seemed to love it whenever they ran together. Alex had already fed him with the food he'd set up so he only had to go by once a week. The wolf consumed quite a bit of raw meat. Since Alex was used to the gore, he didn't mind feeding him at all. There were sometimes even recognizable organs. Fenrir easily outpaced him. Ian was at his side. So far, neither of them had said a word. Alex checked to make sure no one was watching and let the wolf off the leash. As Fenrir bounded about the giant park in near darkness, Alex let a small, fond smile appear on his face. He heard a yip from about fifty meters away and decided to chase the fur ball down. Ian was struck silent at Alex's complete willingness to chase down a predator in almost complete darkness and on uneven terrain. Alex walked up to the wolf after slowing down. The nights were beginning to become colder. The wolf was standing and looking as though it were on high alert. "What is it, Fenrir?" Alex drew his knife as stepped to his dog's side. The wolf began to dig. Alex was impressed at the sheer amount of dirt the thing could move with its paws. Just as suddenly as he had started digging, the wolf stopped and jumped out of the hole. Alex decided it was time for a flashlight. Ian got there just as the beam turned on. Alex felt a sense of foreboding as he shine it down the hole. "Oh, shit." Came out of his and Ian's mouth at the same time.

Inside the almost four-foot deep hole was a partially decomposed corpse was. There went his night. Alex wondered how the wolf had known to dig it up in the first place. Fenrir was looking proud of himself. Alex found himself more concerned about how he was ever going to get the wolf clean than the corpse. Well, it was dead already, so it could wait, right? Alex recovered from the shock first. "Good boy, Fenrir." The faint nausea came from the smell that was now beginning to permeate air. Alex turned to Ian. "Are we going to call the police or just leave it?" That seemed to startle Ian out of his stupor. "Time to call the police." Alex just stood there and waited. Fenrir seemed to guess he wasn't in the mood because he just sat next to Alex. Alex was privately grateful for the warm, furry wall pressed against him. He decided attaching a leash was a good idea so the officer didn't hit him with a fine. The police got there in record time. Alex had kept the flashlight on so they could find him easier. Ian must have priority status or something. Alex had a feeling it was going to be a long night. Fenrir refused to be separated from his side. Actually, he growled at almost everyone who came near him with a different leash. Alex decided it was time to move things along before someone got mauled. "I'll ride with him. He...doesn't like strangers." The officer gave him a once over and shrugged. "As long as one of us rides with you."

Alex thanked his lucky stars he looked like a harmless ten year old. The ride to the station while the others set up the crime scene was brief, but tense. Most of the officers were visibly afraid of his 'dog'. Ian was sitting next to them. When they got off, another officer tried to lead his wolf away and nearly got his arm bitten off. Alex liked that his pet was completely loyal to him, but this was kind of overkill. "Territorial, is he?" One of the officers asked. Alex ran his hands along the less dirty parts of Fenrir. "Maybe a little." Ian rolled his eyes. That 'dog' was entirely focused on staying near Alex. "Um, we have to get soil samples off the fur for evidence. At least his mouth is clean, do we don't have to check his stomach." Alex sighed. This was going to end well. "I can go with you for that, too." The officer looked really hesitant to go near the dog. Alex got up and followed the man. Fenrir padded alongside him. Since the evidence room had a clear part, Alex was told to wait outside in hopes the dog would cooperate if he was still visible. The technicians looked even more nervous than the officers. Fenrir was giving them the evil eye the entire time and shooting longing looks at Alex in between. Alex caught more than a few sighs of relief when they finished. While he didn't really blame them, Fenrir was really not that bad. The wolf went immediately to his side when they opened the door.

Alex knew he shouldn't feel so satisfied at that, but he was. Fenrir was glued to his side for the repetitive interview. Ian was too, but Alex figured it was because of the need for a guardian to be present for this. He gave anyone who got within five feet of Alex the evil eye (except Ian). After the thoroughly creeped out officers let them out, they wanted a separate interview with Ian. Alex wanted to groan. He went to sleep in the chair they had given him, with Fenrir sitting next to him. He woke as soon as the door opened. It was one o'clock in the morning by the time they got done. Alex had texted Jack before he went to sleep telling her they would be very, very late and not to wait up. At least the officers dropped them back at home. Alex knew he had to bathe Fenrir before he went inside. His vision was nearly double from exhaustion, but the sleep had helped. He turned on the light to the back porch and grabbed the hose. Fenrir was cooperative and shook himself out afterwards. At least there wouldn't be puddles. Alex walked into the house and noticed that it was nearly three in the morning. Shower time and bed. He climbed the stairs and stripped and showered in about fifteen minutes before collapsing into bed. Alex would text Yassen in the morning.

Ian made the executive decision to message the school that Alex wouldn't be going in. He even got a letter from the police department to send to them. The officers had been understanding, especially after they had gotten a special call from Special Operations. Alex had been passed out when they finally got to leave. Ian heard him come in at nearly three in the morning after washing the mutt. He would have forgiven his nephew for the dirt. Ian had been messaging his boss the details and gotten Crawley on it. The jurisdiction was going to be complicated because of his job. Jones would investigate on principle because it was him and the police wouldn't trust them to share the details. Hence, the chief and Jones would argue until the sun rose. Ian was glad he wasn't going to be involved in that cluster. Only Alex would have a genetically altered wolf who dug up dead bodies on its daily walk. The sense of smell on that thing had to be amazing to catch a body. There were corpse dogs and drug dogs, but the wolf was said to have just as good, if not better, a sense of smell. Alex really must love that damn thing. It seemed to love him back, at least. Actually, the wolf had all but scent-marked him. The fact that it was horse-sized had only served to terrify the entire station. Ian decided he was going to sleep now.

Alex felt better about after having about seven hours of sleep. He decided to text Yassen before the assassin came sniffing around. He opened the phone and saw three unanswered texts. Each one sounded progressively more menacing.

Alex, is everything going ok?

-C

Alex, you are late and I saw they found a body on the news.

-C

Alex, if you do not answer in twenty-four hours, I will assume you are the dead body and come to avenge you.

-C

Alex rolled his eyes. Really, Yassen? Ever heard of a sleep-over? Honestly, the paranoia award was currently a tie between him, Ian, and Jones. He decided to text the guy back before he jumped the gun, so to speak.

I'm fine Yassen. For your information, I found the body. The police kept until one in the morning and the dog kept me until three in the morning. The wolf dug it up when we were on a walk.

-A

Cossack felt an unspeakable sense of relief when he finally got a message from Alex. When he had figured out that Alex enjoyed risk-taking, the feeling of dread had slowly emerged. He hoped teaching Alex self-control would prevent him from finding trouble. The idea behind his lesson was that he should look before relying on instinct. Yassen was back to receive another assignment. If he took long or unusual breaks, the board would notice in their ever-vigilant paranoia. Since he didn't have a meeting for another hour and he had already gotten his four hours of sleep, he decided to text Alex back.

Why did you go out at dusk? It doesn't seem safe, no matter what neighborhood you live in.

-C

Alex knew he really shouldn't have, in retrospect. Still, he could pretty much take care of himself. Ian had been with him and he had done it dozens of times with only Fenrir. He decided to amend that part out. The assassin was probably pissed as it was.

Ian was with me. He isn't you, but I was safe enough. I had other things that required daylight.

-A

Cossack supposed that was safe enough. He couldn't really complain. Alex carried and could shoot competently enough. The wolf was an unknown factor, but it seemed protective of Alex. He had felt particularly paranoid, since he left Alex with MI6. They didn't exactly have a spotless track record when it came to kids either. Jones would probably protest anything of that sort, but Blunt could easily keep a secret from her.

Be careful, Alex. And never, ever trust anyone who works for an intelligence agency. Loyalties are difficult to predict and can change at a given moment. I have to go, but text me later.

-C

Alex almost smiled at the warning. It was about as warm and fuzzy as Yassen would ever get. The man was on his way to semi-trustworthy status. Alex had no illusions about who Yassen was and what he did, but the assassin seemed intent on not harming him. Maybe someday...no, it was impossible. As much as he loved Ian and Jack, he knew they would never quite understand him and Yassen. Alex barely understood it himself. The dynamic that was slowly growing between them was less homicidal than last time, but it could go either way this time.

Cossack snapped the phone shut with a click. Alex should be able to stay out of trouble for long enough with his uncle back around. Then again, Ian Rider was not the most responsible of guardians. Alex could take care of himself, unless someone got pissy enough to hire professionals. Cossack decided his meeting would need the full extent of his concentration and shut down any stray thoughts he had. While he was standing outside, Nile came walking up. Cossack mentally repressed a sigh. Any assignment that required both of them was sure to be extra fun or failing and in need of success. At least the man who was Rothman's second knew better than to try to talk to him. Nile was more casual than he would ever be. Both men were tense as the door opened to admit them. Rothman was present, Cossack assumed it was because of Nile or perhaps it was her turn to lead a large assignment. Yassen only kept a loose track of who was in charge because all board members were equally paranoid and ruthless. Rothman took her time beginning the assignment. Mind games. Finally, she handed them both their files. "We've been having a bit of trouble with a kidnapping. Hopefully, sending in you two will fix things right up. You'll be leaving tomorrow, so you can both still come to my dinner party." Yassen bit back a curse at the aforementioned party. He knew orders when he heard them. This one of the times he questioned the sanity of a board member. Inviting deadly operatives to a party with alcohol. Joy. He was taking extra weapons.

Nile bit back a sigh at his boss's overt gaming. At times, he wasn't the most subtle, but he could appreciate the need for it at least. Everyone knew full well Yassen Gregorovich was not a man you invited to a party, unless you wanted someone to have an 'accident' or a 'spontaneous' heart attack. Actually, this meant he got to go to because he was supposed to make sure that the staff was reasonably safe. Knowing Gregorovich, he might poison them out of pure spite. His boss was more uptight than he was. She had a tendency to be temperamental, impulsive, and considered the solution to everything to be more money. Not that he would say so, but both he and Cossack knew it for a fact. The man was a professional. It didn't stop Nile's blood pressure from increasing when the man suddenly turned towards him. "I will be in my room, going over the papers. I will meet you in the atrium of Rothman's house at eight o'clock." With that Yassen stalked off. Nile took that to mean that most of the array of heart-stopping poisons would not be coming. He hoped no one was dumb enough to provoke the man. Usually, he would just hide somewhere no one would find him. Nile shrugged. He had papers to read and he had long ago quit fathoming at Gregorovich's mind. No one had figured him out and no one probably ever would.

Alex had been up for hours by the time anyone came down the stairs. Fenrir had been walked (at a different park). He had broken into Ian's office and left his paper on the table and relocked the door. Alex was fully able to make his own meals and had forgotten about the fact that he was still in Chelsea with Ian and Jack. Jack had walked in on him making his own lunch. "When did you learn to cook?" Alex had jumped a little. Fenrir had come down the stairs and sat in the kitchen, like a giant shag rug. Alex had been relaxing. "It's more assembly, in this case." Jack rolled her eyes. "Answer the question, Alex." Alex actually had to think for a minute. He had almost always been able to take care of himself. He didn't actually know. "Don't remember. I've never been able to remember a time I didn't know I could just stick something in the microwave." Actually, he had figured most of it out by himself and watching other people. Ian had taught him the camping version when he was very young. He didn't think Jack would approve of that little tidbit. Jack wondered if Alex had actually wanted to learn or if he had to. She was going to phrase this as gently as possible. "Alex, what was your life like before I came along?" Alex wondered why it mattered. She was here now, wasn't she? "Does it matter? You are here now." Jack turned him around to face her. "It matters because I care and I want to know." Alex sighed. He didn't suppose he minded that much. The memories were very hazy a best, anyway. Alex just had a feeling that Jack wouldn't like it very much.

Jack personally wondered whether she should be asking, technically it was none of her business, but she wanted to know. Alex returned to making his sandwiches. For a second, she thought he wasn't going to answer her. "I don't remember much from before I was five." Jack supposed it was that way for everyone. "And after?" Alex had to think about it for a minute. It seemed a like a lifetime away. "Ian had a lot of trips. I usually went with him, since they sometimes lasted months. We had a few housekeepers that didn't last very long. I usually took care of myself or Ian did." Alex would never forget those lessons or living in various foreign countries. It had been really fascinating, but kind of lonely. At any rate, he was able to blend in those countries like a native. Alex supposed that had been the point. Moving around with Ian had been pretty fun, even if he hadn't really made any close friends. Jack groaned. That was nowhere near normal. Alex seemed have turned out ok, but still… "Did you have friends you made or something?" Alex rolled his eyes. "I was five, six, and seven, Jack." That told her absolutely nothing. She had feeling Alex wouldn't go into much more detail. Alex decided it was time for a subject change. "Lunch, Jack?" Jack was glad she didn't have to cook for once. "Sure."

Ian Rider got down the stairs just in time to see his nephew finish up a sandwich for Starbright. They seemed perfectly happy eating with the pair of them. He felt a stab of unexpected jealousy. He knew a sandwich didn't necessarily mean anything and that it was completely irrational, but he still felt jealous for a reason he couldn't quite determine. It didn't help that he knew full well he was away a lot. Alex turned towards him. "Sandwich, Ian?" Ian waved his nephew off. "Thanks, I'll make my own." They were all sitting and eating lunch together. A knock came upon the door. Ian got up to answer it. Since he was not going to work today, he had dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. Alex followed a couple steps behind. He was done anyway. To his surprise, it was Tom and Jerry. "What's up guys?" They both step past Ian and into the door. Tom sounded partially strangled. "Can we talk in private?" Alex shrugged. "Sure." This hadn't happened last time, so what was going on? Alex led them to the living room and shut both the doors and all of the blinds.

"Okay, what's going on?" Jerry started. "Mum and dad really lost it this time. Throwing stuff and all. Can we stay a few days?" Alex was not about to say no to that. "Sure. Just set up in one of the other rooms." Both of them looked extremely relieved. Jerry went upstairs. Tom stayed behind and shut the door. "Alex… I'm not sure where to start." Alex gave him a dry look. "At the beginning, Tom." Tom rolled his eyes, but got a lot more serious. "I'm not sure we can go back there and… It's better if I just show you." Tom made a move to remove his shirt. The movements were hesitant and like he was in some sort of pain. Alex helped him out. Since they had played and had gym together, he was we used to the sight of other shirtless boys. Alex immediately saw what Tom had been trying to hide. Light bruises were already forming. Alex felt a sliver of white-hot rage begin to burn at the back of his mind. In the past, his parents had never gotten physical, except with each other. What had changed? "Oh, Tom…" He breathed. His friend grabbed his arm. "You can't tell anyone. Promise?" Alex knew he was going to regret this later, but couldn't bring himself to say no. "I promise, Tom." Then again, Alex didn't actually have to bring in adults to do something about this. He already began forming a plan at the back of his mind as he helped Tom back into the shirt. It never even occurred to him to talk to Ian or call the police. He could do it, sure, but this was…personal. The words of Yassen Gregorovich rang in his ears and told him not to get overly emotional during an operation. SCORPIA was known to have clean, professional ops and so was MI6. This would be clean.

Alex stalked back into the kitchen, careful not to telegraph his rage. Ian could probably tell, but Jack wouldn't. When Alex entered the kitchen resembling an angry panther, Ian started to get worried. Alex kept his tone perfectly chipper. "Can Tom and Jerry stay over a few days?" Jack smiled. "Of course, sweetie." Ian wasn't feeling any less uneasy. It wasn't his friends, but something to do with them. It wasn't like they couldn't afford it. Money was pretty much a non-issue as far as this went, anyway. Alex gave Jack a tight smile. "Thank you." It was time for him to go for a walk. "Fenrir!" The wolf came up to him with the collar and leash right away. "I'm going to walk the dog. See you guys on a bit." Alex immediately took off after leaving the house. The wolf kept up with him effortlessly. It was a bit of a stiff run and Tom's neighborhood wasn't the best, but it was time for a look around. Alex was doing his best to stay calm, but he knew that if someone set him off, they might actually die. After he got to Tom's street, he took a few breaths. Alex was glad he exercised every day because the run would have exhausted him otherwise. When he got to Tom's house, it was oddly quiet. Alex checked the driveway- looks like top of my shit list numbers 1&2 are out. Alex decided B&E was excusable under the circumstances. The street cameras had been 'killed' by rocks. He pulled out the lock pick set he had borrowed from the Basement. Call him paranoid, but he knew it wouldn't do any good in the house. Alex scanned the street before striding up to the door. He was in luck. The lock was more than a few years old and, even when it had been new, it was known to be easy to pick (in certain circles, anyway). It took one try and Alex knew he was rusty. The door swung open. "Hello?" No answer, which was good.

Alex decided he may as well give himself a legitimate reason to be there and packed a bag for Tom and Jerry. Tom would need his uniform for the rest of the week and both would need other clothes and schoolwork and the like. With a very convenient duffel he found in Jerry's room, two people were packed with necessities and a few personal effects with military efficiency. He slung it over his shoulder in case anyone walked in on him. Alex knew he shouldn't stay much longer, but he couldn't help but wonder what two adults could possibly argue about so much. He went to the one computer in the house. It was also very old and laughably easy to break into. Now that he had their IP address he could do a variety of questionable and highly petty actions to said computer, remotely of course. Alex went through a quick overview of their finances. Money was one of the most common things he was familiar with adults (criminals) arguing about. A quick look was all Alex needed to tell that they were not outstandingly wealthy, but not in any trouble either. The computer didn't have much else on it, so he moved on to their room (gag). What? He was mentally sixteen. They didn't have much of personal effects, but if the unopened ring cleaning kit was anything to go by, their marriage wouldn't last much longer this time either. Alex decided to risk opening the nightstands. There were some things you didn't want to know about adults, you know? Even as an almost adult mentally.

Alex found nothing special in the fa-Shit 1's nightstand. Shit Parent 2 had a journal. Alex decided to take that. With any luck, they would follow their usual pattern of blaming each other for anything that went wrong in the house. He put that in his jacket. Alex had options, which would depend on what the journal had. He decided to start thinking of them by nicknames. Never name the target. Fenrir was outside. Alex couldn't risk his fur getting everywhere. He hefted the bag back onto his shoulder and exited the house. It had been nearly three hours since he left. By the time he got home, it would be near dinner time. Oh well, at least the trip had been good for something. Alex felt no need to disguise the graceful, silent walk on the way back. He was still pissed as hell, but it was turning into a cold, deathly fury. It had been the first time he was tempted to use his wide array of heart-stopping poisons. On reflection, walking around with temptation of the murderous kind was not a good idea. As a kid, he could hardly get custody of his friend. Jerry might, but then Tom would have to go into court. Alex figured the parents probably wouldn't notice or care where their kids had gone for a few days, especially with the clothes and books gone. Fenrir seemed to scare off anyone who thought of approaching him. By the time he got home, it was dinner time. The wolf was pretty much walked out at least. Alex was to.

Alex went up the stairs quietly and dropped the bag in the room the two of them had obviously set up. The two of them and Jack were out in the garden. Alex decided to go out and meet them. Ian was probably in his office or something. He was kind of avoiding the man, since the body-finding incident. Also, they hadn't talked about his plants or his 'dog'. Alex had done the work his teachers sent him this morning and was set for the next day. They probably thought he was some kind of death magnet. Speaking of Death, was he ever going to hear from the bastard again or was it a one-off? Who knew? Alex still had the ruddy tattoo as proof he wasn't insane, at least. If he saw Death he would ask the guy to move it somewhere less visible and maybe not a flower? Alex refocused on the present when he got to the garden. "Got your stuff and moved it to your room." Tom looked at him. "Thanks, man." Alex gave him a slight smile. "No problem." Trust Tom not to ask him how he got in without a key. They could have a spare somewhere, he supposed. Jerry gave him a knowingly raised eyebrow, but otherwise didn't comment. Jack decided it was time to rag on Alex. "Do I have you two gentlemen to thank for the walking shag rug?" Jerry laughed. "No ma'am. That was all Alex. He brought it in and found it." Alex mock clutched at his chest. "The heart-stopping betrayal never ends. E tu Brutei?" The four promptly burst out laughing.

The two guests had dinner and them and Jack decided to turn in early. Tom and Jerry had homework and Jack had an earlier morning. Since Alex was done, he decided to wait on the couch for Ian with Fenrir. Ian did a double-take on finding him and Fenrir on the couch together. Alex had decided to go barefoot in the house. The journal felt heavy in his jacket, but he knew they were probably overdue for another talk. Ian still mentally panicked at the sight of Alex's new furry companion. It was just huge and wolf-ish and had its mouth uncomfortably close to his nephew's neck. He decided it was time for the poison and deadly pet talk, along with the finding dead bodies in the park talk and the something is wrong with your friends talk. "Alex, we need to have a talk." Alex couldn't help his snarky reply. "Probably more than one Ian, where did your counting skills go?" Ian smirked. "They were eaten by your mutt as a side dish to your common sense." Alex knew a winning burn when he heard one. Ian was who he got the snark from, after all. Still didn't see the issue with Fenrir, though. He gently pet the wolf some more, before getting up to go with Ian. Fenrir got up and followed him. "The shaggy horse stays outside the office." Alex have Ian his most innocent look. "But why?" Ian rolled his eyes. "That look doesn't work on me, remember? I'm the one who taught you it."

Yassen Gregorovich was getting ready for a party he did not wish to attend. Since he had already planned out most of his evening, his thoughts fell to Alex. Ian Rider had actually done a passable job of teaching him the basics. While the man had nothing on him in terms of combat, he was considered one of the best agents for a reason. Ian was better at spying. He was better at killing. It was why they both held their current jobs. Even so, Alex still managed to find trouble. A wolf, a corpse, and him- it sounded like the beginning of a bad joke. Speaking of bad jokes, he was carrying a certain array of nerve poisons, knives, and guns to said party. Yassen would be damned if he let himself be caught unprepared. It was about time for Rothman's husband to have an accident, as well. They never did last very long. Yassen had offed some probable tails that had gotten too suspicious on the way over. Better safe than sorry. The files had been read and memorized. Some idiot drug dealer had managed to piss off the CIA bad enough for them to hire SCORPIA. The only problem was, his security was (understandably) tight and even highly trained operatives didn't see a way to get in and kidnap the guy. Of course, it was also in South America and the CIA did not want another blown operation in that area. Things were still very tense in the political sense. He and Nile were expected to succeed where the others had failed. The success of the operation was now a matter of face as well as profit. It helped that they were paying out the nose for it as well.