Chapter 3
London Bridge
The dark shadow in the sewers of London glistened darkly and the rats ran for cover as a tall mysterious figure made his way down the damp rungs into the foot of stagnant water at the bottom. He figure muttered darkly, as he stepped up onto a small ledge on the side and shook off the excess water.
He spun on the spot and placed his cold palm against the slimy wall concealing a small trigger which opened a small depression in the stone. Inside it a handprint sensor read his hand and bade him entry into the secret chamber. Into the HQ for the Angels of Mercy.
Meanwhile, overhead amongst the rush of traffic Alex Rider was sat next to a grey Alan Blunt. The silence in the cab was almost uncomfortable.
"I suppose you have another mission for me." Alex sighed heavily. This spy business was really beginning to grow old.
"Well, yes. We have reports that a woman, named Alice Spence, has gone missing." muttered Alan glumly.
"Yes. And?" questioned Alex. Yes this agent work really needed to change. It's always the same.
"Well, I don't suppose you remember that mafia group, from a couple of years ago, who tried to kidnap you and Sofia?"
Stumbling through the events of the past few years Alex recalled the event. "Err, ye-es?"
"Well, it seems we have a problem with them again. However the good thing is that…well…you have too…umm…well…get to know the daughter to gain access to the secret HQ."
Maybe this wasn't starting to sound as bad as he thought. Starting a new life with a girl?...Could he really leave Sabina behind? Sabina…he sighed heavily. Thinking fondly of her soft brown hair and glittering chocolate brown eyes.
Alan Blunt took a swift glance at him and sighed deeply. Why do the youngsters always have to get attached to the wrong person?
"Fine, I'll do it. When do I start?" said Alex glumly.
"Tomorrow." Alan answered shortly as the cab drew to a stop outside Alex's house. Alex climbed lithely out of the car.
"Oh yes and you will need you passport." Stated Alan as the cab drove off to the secret headquarters of MI5.
A passport? Thought Alex. What will I need a passport for? I am staying in the country…?! He strode up the gravelled drive and let himself into the house.
"Jack? Jack…are you home?" Alex yelled as he wiped his relatively clean sneakers on the mat. Jack flew out of the kitchen brandishing a cleaver in her hand.
"Yes, I am…Now go and get ready for dinner. I'm doing sushi again!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Now Alex felt bad. He was going to leave Jack behind again and for who knows how long.
He ran upstairs and freshened up for dinner. Facing the floor length mirror in his room he appraised his reflection. Tall, athletic, lean but muscular, sandy, messy hair, deep tan and green eyes. He was a definite popular with the ladies but his instability and shyness around them made them wary.
"ALEX, DINNER!" yelled Jack.
"COMING!" he replied. He turned and raced down the stairs following the smells wafting from the kitchen.
On the large kitchen table, Jack had placed enough dishes to feed an army, but that was good enough for Alex. He had experience with the army and didn't plan on it again. He paused chewing on a mouthful of salmon. You have to tell her, he thought sadly.
"Jack?"
"Yes, Alex? Is there something wrong with the sushi?"
"No. Umm, Alan has organized another mission for me." He stated, staring down at his plate.
"Oh." Jack said shortly. Her face fell as she realised that she wouldn't see Alex again for a long time.
"How long?" she questioned, putting on a strained smile.
"I don't know. All I know is that I need a passport. I'm sorry Jack." He said confusedly and with that he ran upstairs to begin packing.