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A/N: This chapter is back to real time. I hope it is clear enough and not confusing for anyone. Enjoy!
Chapter Seven
Alek gazed in the jewelry store window, his mind continuing to mull over everything that had happened since last week. Over all, it had been an extremely unpleasant experience.
First, he had discovered how the boffin responded to being threatened. And he had no wish to see it again. Adele Rogers had been forced to make a rather hasty departure from the zoo, minus her notebook, which Dr. Barlow had confiscated.
Then, Alek had had to explain the entire fiasco involving the rabbit to her and Deryn. He had been called a ninny at least a dozen times.
Dr. Barlow had immediately organized a search for the mysterious boffin, no doubt disturbing quite a few peoples' sleep in the process, but not a trace of the man could be found.
The rabbit had been promptly returned to its cage in Dr. Barlow's laboratory, and extra security measures had been enforced. Alek had watched with considerable relief.
When the birds, Clementine and Winston's, cage had been examined, a small black thread had been found caught in the wire. It seemed the man had draped a cloth over their cage which had kept them from making any unwanted noise.
The entire scheme had been planned and executed perfectly. Not a detail had been left unaccounted for.
But one thing still bothered Alek: Why was Count Volger still trying to have him put on the throne? Alek thought he had made it clear that he had no desire to rule. He would have to have a talk with the count.
Alek let out a sigh as he turned from the jewelry store and began to walk. His footsteps carried him back the way he'd come, past shops and restaurants, and down now quieting streets.
The sun had nearly set, and the winter sky glowed with brilliant shades of pink and orange. Soon it would be dark, and the lamp posts would be lit.
He couldn't wait to get back to his apartment. Deryn had her own flat in the same building, so they often cooked dinner together.
Their attempts had ended with varying results. Apparently Deryn had been paying some attention during her mother's efforts to teach her, and Alek had learned a bit when he had been on the run in the stormwalker. Even the count, he had discovered, could cook a little.
Alek shivered as he turned a corner into the wind. A few more streets, and he was home.
He climbed the front steps and entered the tall, stone building. It was quite modern with electrcity and even a telephone connection. Not at all what he had expected upon moving there.
Alek headed up the stairs to Deryn's apartment on the third level and knocked on the door.
"Come on in, Alek. It's unlocked."
He pushed the door open to the scent of food drifting from the dining room table.
"Something smells nice," he said, as Deryn set a covered dish on the table.
She snorted. "No thanks to Count Volger here. He nearly let the entire dinner burn!"
"I did not," the count muttered from his seat at the table.
Alek chuckled. "Do you need any help now?"
"No. Thank you, though. Everything's ready. Now let's eat."
They sat down and were just beginning to enjoy dinner when the telephone rang.
"I'll answer it," Alek said, pushing his chair away from the table. He walked over to the phone and picked up the receiver.
"Hello?" he said, and listened for a few moments.
"Who is it?" Deryn asked.
The apartment was quiet as he spoke to whomever was on the other end. At last he hung up.
Alek turned and looked at Deryn, a smile on his face.
"It's Dr. Barlow," he said, "She wants us to come over to the zoo immediately. Apparently, she has a mission for us."