I'm so happy with this chapter. I've never written a chase scene before so utilised the advice I was given regarding fight scenes and came up with my own list of essentials so I really hope this reads well. In this Chapter Shan is still determined to catch Tintin. Please enjoy. TR56.

Suggested Music

1. Black Widow Theme - Epic Trailer Version - L'Orchestra Cinematique

2. Black Widow Unofficial Theme (Marvel) - Samuel Kim

3. Methods of Madness - Secession Studios

Chapter 7

Tintin placed his foot flat on the road as he came to a stop on the crossroads. He continued to gaze at his goal. He was now on the outskirts of Shanghai. He couldn't lose focus now, not when he was so close.

As he glanced into his side mirror, a black car, a few lengths back, caught his eye. The two men in the front seat looked very familiar.

Don't turn round.

Don't alert them.

Exhaling deeply he waited patiently for the lights to turn green but every second his hands wound up gripping the handles even harder. He wished he'd tried harder to memorise the map of Shanghai. Only small remnants remained and he wasn't sure if his recall was accurate enough to risk his life but there was a lot at stake.

As the lights turned green Tintin drove off at a safe speed, briefly taking his eyes off his mirrors.

Maybe they haven't seen me, Tintin thought, relaxing slightly.

Suddenly a number of bullets whizzed past his ear, narrowly missing him. One of the men was leaning out of the car, brandishing a large gun. As the man pressed the trigger to fire at him again, Tintin immediately took off down the road, attempting to put as much distance as possible between him and the shooters. The bullets continued to echo around him but Tintin's effortless weaving through the other vehicles on the road decreased the odds exponentially.

Careful one false move could get you into a lot of trouble here, Tintin thought to himself, not realising that the traffic lights in front had turned red. Tintin turned hard, shooting straight into another road but they were right behind him. Sweat ran down his brow as he tried to focus.

Come on Tintin, think!

Without warning a well-aimed bullet smashed into one of his mirrors, shattering it into smithereens. He nearly skidded but managed to hold on just as a van pulled out from the side of the road, blocking off the entire road. Tintin didn't even have to think as he turned at the last possible moment, nearly coming off the motorcycle in the process. His heart was pounding so hard with adrenaline, that it was nearly coming out of his chest. As he risked turning his head back his desperation increased even more. Now two cars were following him, both firing at him in quick succession.

He was gaining ground, getting closer to the city centre every second. He was so close. Tintin kept his head low and manoeuvred constantly. orbs of Sweat continued to drip down his face and mouth. Salt danced upon his tongue reminding him of his fears.

As the cars came within touching distance Tintin slammed on the brakes disappearing between both the cars not hesitating to head through another side road.

x

Braking didn't aid them at all. One car skidded, barrelling into scaffolding at the side of the road. Shan managed to control his car, nearly colliding with several pedestrians in the process. He cursed loudly in Chinese as he attempted to reverse and turn the car around, banging into packages outside a restaurant before eventually twisting the car into the correct direction.

"Where is he?" Shan shouted.

"No idea sir"

Shan drove his teeth into his bottom lip in frustration to stop himself from groaning in exasperation.

"Find him, NOW!" Shan demanded. "Split up and radio me if you get anything"

x

The second he found a phone booth, he immediately took advantage. Pulling up he used the last of the coins he had left and thrust his fingers against the numbers, dialling the Chinese Secret Service.

"I need to speak to the Director" Tintin managed through his heaving chest and laboured breathing.

"I'm sorry but the Director is unavailable"

"What about The Thompson's. This is really important"

"Please hold"

Tintin took the time to try and calm his breathing. His gaze kept averting to the road, scanning the area for the cars. It wouldn't take them long to recover and he wanted to be in the Hotel as quickly as possible.

"Tintin?"

Thompson sounded surprised.

Tintin breathed in relief as he heard Thompson's voice. Tintin didn't even realise he was smiling.

"Thompson there's something you need to know"

"Are you alright? We all thought you were dead. Did you call from Hukow?" Thompson exclaimed. Clearly, Thompson was shocked at the fact that he was still alive after going after the Serpents.

"Yes. I was interrupted before I could get through the Director. Thompson, I found the Serpents but that's not the problem. I also found the Blue Dragon"

Thompson didn't reply straight away.

"You know his identity?"

"That's the problem. It's ... It's Mitsuhirato"

"That's ... Tintin, that's impossible"

Without any warning, a single bullet shattered the glass surrounding him. They'd found him. As men ran towards him, Tintin abandoned his position leaving the phone hanging by the wire. As he jumped straight back onto the motorcycle one of the cars started to close in.

He didn't have many options.

Tintin risked his life and immediately surged onto the other side of the road, speeding up to match the velocity of the other vehicles. As the rest of the vehicles started to come to a stop he kept going ignoring the shouts. It was only when he neared the front of the block that he understood why all the cars had ceased their movement. A large truck was blocking the entire road. He glanced back to see that the men were caught up with him and aiming straight at him.

Tintin didn't have a choice so he took the risk. Speeding up he manoeuvred the bike on its side, sliding straight under the truck much to the frustration of the men chasing him. He quickly remounted the bike on the other side and disappeared, knowing it would take them a while to get out of the traffic. Despite having no idea where he was he slowed down to a more manageable speed. He was so distracted he didn't see a car pull out from a concealed entrance.

Unable to brake in time the car ploughed into him, throwing him from the safety of the bike and onto the road. He was more dazed than hurt. He was lucky the car had been just pulling away from its position. Had it been travelling at a normal speed he could have been left with serious injuries. A number of passers-by immediately surrounded him, helping him onto his feet.

"Thank you," Tintin responded, grateful for their help.

Limping over to a signpost he was relieved to find the hotel name and ran.

He was nearly there. He would finally see the Captain and Chang again.

What will await him in the Hotel room? I hope this reads well.