"Alex?" somebody half yawned.

He turned to find Jasmine half asleep, standing at the door. Or rather, leaning. She was wearing her pyjamas and a very large rug was wrapped around her shoulders.

"Oh, Hey."

Jasmine walked over to the bench while Alex pulled out three bowls and started looking for some form of food. Jasmine muttered something about cold weather and preferring the Australian climate before helping him look.

"I don't think those boys know how to set up a house," Jasmine remarked on finding the cereal under the sink. "Where is Laura?"

Alex thought for a moment. He could tell Jasmine about the man and the incident or he could just pretend nothing had happened. That seemed the safest option.

"Not sure. She is probably asleep."

"Oh."

Jasmine seemed too sleepy to register anything at the moment anyway. Alex and Jasmine sat and ate their breakfast in silence. Alex kept sending glances to the door, hoping Laura would walk in. He wasn't so sure leaving her in a dumpster was such a good idea anymore. By the time they had finished, Laura still hadn't showed. Alex had to admit, he was worried. Jasmine told Alex she was going to go and get ready, and Alex decided to go look for Laura. He ran to the window.

"Hey, Alex?" somebody called from somewhere near him. Alex looked around. He couldn't see anybody. "Over here!"

"Laura?"

She was standing over near one of the cars. She looked as messy as ever. But what really grabbed his attention, was what she was holding. A gun of some sort.

"PUT THAT DOWN!" he yelled.

She dropped it as soon as the words had left his mouth. Alex sprinted out of the apartment, all his running had come in handy yet again. He passed Jasmine ("Alex?") and dove down the stairs.

He ran out to Laura, only to find her surrounded by a gang of some sort. He hadn't been seen yet, so he crouched down behind a nearby car. His spy instincts kicked in immediately. He only wished Laura's would too – if she had any. The gang members were all rather large and intimidating. There were four of them, each holding their position in a half-circle around Laura.

"Come here, girlie," one of the men in the group called, beckoning her forward.

Laura stepped backwards out of the way and Alex had a clear view of her. She had the gun in her hands again, pointing it at the man who had spoken. Alex was surprised at her confidence. She was normally an emotionally challenged teenager, but with a gun, she was very James Bond. He knew most girls who were in a situation like that wouldn't be able to think clearly – especially if they were in their pyjamas and covered in rubbish.

"Come on, hand over the gun," the tall bloke to the left demanded.

"No!" Laura hissed, turning the gun on him.

The man took a step back. "Whoa there. Now you don't want to do anything stupid, do you?"

Laura's confidence failed. She shook her head, allowing herself to look scared. Alex swore under his breathe and shuffled over to a different spot. It was smaller, and there was a good chance he could be seen, but it was closer to Laura. He quickly tried to think of a plan. There was some rope and a long stick nearby. He carefully reached out a hand to grab it.

"Hey!"

Alex snapped his hand back in. He closed his eyes and waited for one of them to come around the corner and knock him flat. When they didn't, Alex realised they were talking to a woman walking past. She was very attractive and looked well dressed. She stopped when they yelled at her, giving them a curious look. All the men turned their attention on her. Laura and Alex – with out knowing what each other were doing - immediately acted in their weakness. Alex grabbed the rope and tumbled out from his spot. Laura hid the gun away in a nearby bag before picking up the stick and holding it in a ready position.

"Alex!" Laura whispered, grateful for company.

The gang turned back to Laura. Shock hit them like a tomato to a bad comedian. They weren't expecting another person to show up. Especially not one who looked like he could wipe them out with one fatal blow. Alex was dangerous. They were scared. What else could go his way?

"Get them," the leader hissed.

The two men to his left pounced on Laura, almost knocking her down. She used her martial art skills to hit both of them around the neck at the same time, knocking them unconscious. It was a lucky break.

The leader and the henchman to the right advanced on Alex. They were the better skilled of the four. Alex had been in a situation like this before. In the breakers yard near his uncle's car. He had fought and won. This time should be no different since he had grown and was stronger than ever. Plus, he had Laura.

"Take the one on the left," Alex told Laura, dodging the larger of the men and pointing to the weakest one.

"On it."

"Game over, buddy!" the leader spat, trying to pull Alex into a headlock.

Alex tied the rope in a lasso shape with one hand, defending with the other. He managed to block one last punch before the gang member knocked him into a wall, hurting his back. Alex could barely move his lower body now. He was done for unless Laura could get to him.

Meanwhile, Laura was having a battle of her own. The man had a slice of her stick, pressing up against her throat. She was pinned to the wall and the only thing keeping the man from choking Laura, was that she was kicking his shins. She couldn't keep it up for much longer, though. She was done for unless Alex could get to her.

Or... the gun.

And I am stopping it here. Sorry if you wanted more. I have written three chapters today (although I am only sending one in at a time) and my fingers hurt. I might get a strain if I don't quit now. You don't want me to be an invalid, do you? I can't update if I am...

Still star searching...send in those characters.

RG