A/N: I would like to take the time to thank Torn Apart Dinosaur for her part in the story. I've edited it some, but the first section is largely her work. Thanks to Nightmare world for suggesting the code name of the SAS member. (See, Liz, now you know what the name is for!)
The dark storm clouds were rolling in toward the quiet neighborhood. The time was unknown, but undoubtedly late, as no kids were running around outside. Playing various games all night long, getting the most out of the summer's cool nights.
A few street lamps up above were out, in a row. But with the clouds not yet at the moon, you could identify brief glimpses of a shadow, before it went back into the darkness. The shadow stood tall, stretching far over a single driveway.
The owner of the shadow was hidden in a hat and jacket, as if they were prepared for a random storm about to come. The said person stood about 5' 6"and had a slight musclcularbuild. Broad shoulders and bulging muscles identified the unknown person to most likely be a man.
Ian Rider was now on his mission from Alan Blunt: to kidnap, kill, or destroy Alex Rider.
The mysterious man walked up the driveway. And a few seconds later was at the door of the two story home that had been home to Alan Blunt. The person just stood there staring at the door. They did not look uncomfortable at all. If a person nearby had passed, they would have simply thought that they were maybe embarrassed as they might have forgotten their key.
Ian walked around the house, looking for anything that would let him into the house to accomplish his mission. Heading straight for the back door, he glanced briefly over his shoulder, and in one swift movement he kicked the knob with enough force to snap it off the door.
And the doorknob did just that, with a crack of his foot connecting, the doorknob fell to the ground with a clank. The door now opened an inch or so. He set his foot down on the golden knob, and glided it into the bushes where it would be hidden. He then stood up straight and walked in the house as if it were his own.
The back door leads to a small mud room. He walked though it and came to the arch way. He took a swift left turn and continued walking, the sound of tile beneath his feet.
He was now in what looked to be a kitchen. The island with a granite counter top stood out in the open. The stainless steel appliances and the china up above, proved that this house belonged to someone of power. The man didn't even seem to notice. He drew out a particular small but very sharp knife.
He turned around and walked over to the fridge; it almost being as shiny as the knife in his hand. The smooth steel looked brand new, not a dent in sight.
The other hand fumbled in his jacket pocket before he found what he wanted. Out of his jacket pocket he withdrew a small piece of paper that was folded up. Ian didn't even bother opening it as he stuck it against the middle of the block
And he brought up the knife and stabbed the middle of the note. Going in the fridge far enough to dent it, but not puncture it, though it held up the note quite nicely.
"If you call yourself a Rider, you have another think coming," he smirked as he thought of Blunt's words that he'd spoken about Alex Rider.
Yes, it was time to make Alex Rider pay for his crimes…
Alex and Eagle were currently on their way to Alan Blunt's house. After the sergeant had finally gained full custody of Alex Rider, Alex had asked if he could go to his house and collect some of his belongings. The sergeant agreed, and since he was needed at base, had given both of them a week to go and complete their mission.
Tyler was, admittedly, worried about it with Alan Blunt on the loose, but the man didn't think that he would be so stupid as to go back to his house, but had agreed to go only if Eagle would check in with him every day. Eagle had agreed on the extent that he would stop being made to clean the latrines. The sergeant had agreed.
That was why Alex and Eagle were here, sitting in front of the house. Its dark, foreboding shadows didn't make the home look welcome. Eagle glanced at Alex. He would have been nervous if he hadn't remembered the gun clipped to his waist, another condition of the trip.
The two of them climbed out of the car. Eagle had to admit that the house looked scarier without the car "protecting" them from it. "You sure you want to go in?"
"No," Alex muttered, glancing darkly at the ground. It was a stupid idea to come here, he thought, I can't believe that I was stupid enough to think of it.
"It wasn't a stupid idea, Alex," Eagle said, snapping Alex out of his thoughts. "You'll be able to get what you need, and say good-bye to your old life." He paused as he glanced thoughtfully at the hotel. "But what say we check into a hotel first?"
Alex nodded. It would give him a chance to emotionally regroup before he faced the house that had nearly killed him. Although, admittedly, the house hadn't nearly killed him – his so-called father had. "Sounds like a good idea to me," he responded.
"That's a very good idea," a voice behind them said. Suddenly, Alex clutched at his neck, grabbing behind him. Alex clutched his neck as he felt someone grab him from behind. He tried to move, but found a hand wrapped around his waist. "Why not invite me in?"
It was Ian Rider.
Alex would recognize the man's voice anywhere. His blood froze. His uncle had formerly been in prison for three counts of rape and one count of child abuse. Alex swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "N-No m-monsters allowed," he stuttered.
"Well, well, well," the man responded. He touched Alex's cheek, making the boy's skin crawl. "Looks like I get to have my fun early, nephew." He held the knife he'd acquired from the house at Alex's neck before moving it to where it couldn't be seen by passerbys. Not that there were any at the desolate hour.
"And I get an added bonus as well." He glanced at the man. It was a good thing for Eagle that Ian hadn't recognized him, because Blunt had originally wanted to shoot Eagle upon sight. "Put your weapon on the ground if you want the boy to live," Ian said.
Eagle swallowed hard, but did as the man said. The man shifted and grabbed the pistol. Now he had two weapons. "We're going to get in the car very slowly," the man said. "I'm going to get in the backseat with Alex, and you're going to drive."
Slowly, they did as the man commanded. Eagle had as sinking feeling in his gut, as if he was signing their own death warrants.
He knew he had signed his the second he was forced to peel off, leaving their intended destination behind as well as their freedom.
Two days later…
The sergeant glanced at the team. Even without their comrade, Eagle, the SAS team made formidable opponents. The team was a complete with another member, Katakana, who had been paired off from another team. He'd always been friendly with Alex and had asked to come on this mission.
Mikey clung to the sergeant's knee. He could sense the tension in the air and was worried.
"Eagle has not contacted in, and neither has Alex," the sergeant responded. His voice was worried. "I wasn't worried last night, since they would have just gotten in. But it's been two days since I've heard from Eagle, and I'm worried. However irresponsible he may be, this is not him. I have contacted local ground troops there, namely the police, and they have informed me that unless I wanted to charge Eagle with kidnapping, there was nothing they could do until they had proof Alex was kidnapped – proof we may never get."
Wolf remained silent. He was beyond angry – he was furious. He felt like he'd let one of his comrades be injured, even though it hadn't been in any way, shape, or form his fault.
"That's why I'm sending you into this territory. It may be a dangerous mission. The police may be bribed. I don't know what to expect. But I will do anything," the sergeant responded, "to get my son home again." He leveled eyes with Wolf. "Don't fail me," he added.
Wolf swallowed hard. He had the sinking feeling this would be the toughest mission he'd ever had. "Yes, sir," he responded.
It was then when Jack ran screaming through the campground, waving the mail rapidly. Wolf glanced at Snake.
It looked like they may have just found their proof.
Challenge: Since you all like these:
1. What is the "proof" that Jack got?
2. Is the new SAS member good or bad? (I'll let the general vote decide this one, so vote wisely. Does not violate TOS as my cat will help read the votes).
3. What happened to Eagle and Alex? Are they still alive?
I've done my part, now you do yours; read and review!
