I apologize in advance. I was reluctant to post this, because, well... it's so short! But... faster update, yeah? Next one should be pretty soon, too. This length really is unusual, but it needed to be separate from the next chapter.

Review Replies:

Guest/NonPM- Profile
Signed- PM Box

Oh, and thank you to Armand who saw the mistake before I made it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Alex Rider.

O-o-O-o-O

Alex's eyes shot open.

A phone was ringing.

Vibrate, it sounded like- except it seemed both muted, but was distantly echoing.

Moonlight spilled through the cracks of the shades- mainly smothered by the way the heavy drapery that shrouded it.

Nighttime.

2:00 or 3:00PM, by the look of it. Who would be calling- ?

Ah. Stupid question.

Alex mentally berated himself- there was only one person it would be.

The only problem was... he didn't have a cellphone. Not now, at least- they always seemed to be destroyed too easily (and too quickly).

It wouldn't have been one of K-Unit's- they hardly came into his room, anyway, and they wouldn't be so careless as to leave their phones around.

There was only one other possibility he could think of- that MI6 had hidden one in this room, and somehow had predicted which room he would pick while staying at his old house (which was oddly disturbing, now that he thought about it. It was, unfortunately, hardly surprising).

It didn't take much effort to find it, but he did have to find it quickly- too many past mistakes of ignoring phone calls; or worse, he grimaced, picking up the phone and still ignoring it.

The teen pried off the metal grate that filtered the ventilation system, plucking up the phone that was still buzzing softly.

He rolled his eyes- Unknown Caller ID.

Of course.

How obvious.

How predictable.

Still, there was a moment of hesitation- before remembering the previous times when Blunt had dolled out punishments all too eagerly.

"Yes?" he asked tersely.

"Really, Alex," the dry voice began. "That's no proper way of addressing the Director of MI6."

He had mentally prepared himself for that voice- but hadn't realized how much power could be relayed over a telephone line.

Even now, it was practically stifling.

"I apologize, sir," Alex forced his voice to remain steady, resisting the urge to fling the phone across the room, and then be smothered by the comfort K-Unit could- and would- provide.

"With all due respect, sir," the boy said quickly, before Blunt could cut him off. "I still have two more days left, and-"

"Quiet, Alex," the harsh voice reprimanded him. "I decide when you come back; not you, and not K-Unit." A pause. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," he said quietly, subdued.

"Very good." The amusement in his tone was clear. "There will be a car waiting for you outside- you will not resist, nor will you tell K-Unit," he ordered sharply.

Alex's heart sank. "When?"

"Now."

The line clicked dead.

He closed his eyes. Of course- it would mean no time to prepare, or change his mind about not telling K-Unit, or even going at all.

Alex quickly threw on some clothes, before cautiously going to the window.

He was only on the ground-level, which was a relief- but K-Unit were soldiers; he would have to be careful.

Alex clicked the lock off; the window slid open easily.

The spy slipped out, silent as the grave; a deadly shadow of the night.

O-o-O-o-O

Orders are orders. Following them will cause pain, yet to disobey is far worse.

O-o-O-o-O

Okay, I know this is an unusual request, but I would like you, in your own words (no duh), to describe Blunt. 'cause I'm going to need that next chapter. I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something ;)