Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews! I know it has been a long time, but I feel I should finnish what I started. I used to be annoyed when an author just stopped updating a story. So I am trying not to be like one of them!
Thanks for all the hints and tips, or even little typos that I miss and so does spell checker, unfortunately they happen so just let me know and I will hopefully get a chance to fix them.
I have made my choice about which plot to follow, along with so help from you fans, but if I get into this, then I might even start another story following the other plot line. I even got a fab third idea from Sagitarscorpion1 so thanks again. So may ideas ! - anyway on with the story.
Chapter 3 - Coffee with so called 'friends'
'There is a problem with your account, we request a meeting to correct the problem. Please come in at 16:30.'
Scowling Alex replied, he knew they would 'request' a meeting. He replied explaining that he would make his own way. He really didn't need any more questions if he was picked up by the men in black.
"Alex!" Tom screamed, causing said person to whip around and assess the imminent danger, a football flying towards him. Chuckling Alex kicked the ball to the next player on his team avoiding the defender, and attempting to score a goal. If only Luke wasn't in goal. The match continued back and forth, no one really had any advantage, they knew each other's strengths and weaknesses all too well. The shrill of the bell signalled it was time for the teenage mob to grumpily slump their way back to lessons.
"You should rejoin the team Al, know since your getting better." Will questioned, and he barged passed. Alex and Tom as they crossed the field, a chorus of yeah's signalled the consensus amoung the boys.
"Maybe, I can't have Luke doing all the work himself." Maybe more like if you don't find out why I'm off, all the time.
"I'm sure we will get free time at the camp. Then maybe I can kick your sorry butt." He replied ruffling Alex's hair. Alex kept his mouth shut, if they got any free time it would be spent sleeping.
"In your dreams Jackson." He called jumping out the way of his rather sloppy attempt to grab him.
"You are going to the camp Alex aren't you?" Tom asked as they began the climb to maths.
"I will need an all clear from my doctor." He moaned, he also needed the green light from Jones. But again he stayed silent.
"Harris, Rider, Jackson! No to mention the rest of you! Will you hurry up!" The battle axe teacher yelled at them. Playing fearful Alex and the others, who probably were scared, scampered to their seats and copied down the work on the board.
A smile even creeped onto Alex's face as Will made faces at him behind the teachers back. Sometime immature friends just make you laugh.
"Homework as you leave!" Their teacher called, as the boys shoved the paper in her hands and ran for the freedom of the weekend. Double maths. Last thing. On a Friday. Cruel.
"Al can I pop round to your later. Mum and Dad are at it again, and I fancy playing some COD, hopefully I can beat you this time." Tom mumbled hopefully as he unlocked his bike.
"Sure, I have to pop out, so after 6? Please you are never going to beat me." Alex snorted as he unlocked his chain and slipped on his helmet.
"Why do you have to 'pop out'?" Toms voice changed dramatically insinuating everything and nothing at the same time.
"I just need to sort out a few issues with my account at the bank." He replied hopping on his bike.
"Al!" Tom attempted to call after him, despite it being too late he added. "Don't do anything stupid!"
Mimicking Alex, Toms cycled off thing to himself, of course he will do something stupid it's Alex.
-LINE BREAK-
"Rider" Mrs Jones greeted, offering a peppermint. He declined, sitting in the chair opposite her.
"I revived your message. We need to discus your cover. We have the go ahead from the Sargent, if you don't pickpocket him again." She paused for a moment, unwrapping another mint, giving Alex a look.
"I will try." He smirked "But I do think we need to discuss my cover. As my message states I see the merits of both sides. However this one time I feel you are correct."
Mrs Jones nodded solemnly, Alex knew she was feeling bad. School wasn't his cover it was his life. "We have a cover ready. Daniels will pick you up Monday at 0600, you will have 5 days before Brooklands arrive." He could hear the unspoken 5 days to fit in and get your cover sorted. She reached over to her desk a pulled out a blank folder, and handed it over.
Alex flicked through he had medical & army records, a new SAS identity, with an ID to prove it. It never hurt to be thorough.
"I trust you can complete your appearance. We have a solid cover with your school. Any question?"
"What about my gun?" Not that a military base needed more guns, he just felt more secure having one on him.
"Keep it on you at all times. Also in a secure location when you aren't. Good Luck, contact us through Smithers if you need us." The short response and a dismissal was a sign that the meeting was over.
Shoving the folder into his bag he left, swinging it over his shoulder. Glancing at his watch he groaned. London at rush hour was a nightmare.
-LINE BREAK -
"Morning Al-Cub." Ben cheerfully greeted him. He was remarkably cheery for going back for training, and at 0558 in the morning. But then again he hadn't spent nearly the whole weekend in a COD marathon with Tom. Even though Tom left every game, and barely give him a change to 'get ready' for this morning.
"Coffee? It's Jaguar by the way." He replied as he filled up a thermos of his own.
"I think the shorter dark hair, tanned skin and blue eyes were enough. But if you say so." He replied nodding as Alex filled his thermos. He had spent the small remainder of the weekend attempting to learn his cover. He was now Chris Jones, MI6 liaison with the SAS. He was back for PT, coincidently the same time as the school kids.
Handing Ben his coffee he switched of the remaining lights and scooped up his kit bag lying next to the door and set the alarm. As they left Alex slipped on his beret, tugged on his jacket and tucked in his dog tags. Keeping an eye out they exited the back of Alex's building, the only sound the thundering of their combat boots. "At 0740 an ambulance with be called here, they will respond and take a dummy of you into hospital. Mr Harris usually walks with you on a Monday, he is due to arrive at 0750, giving you a solid cover." Ben briefed as he unlocked the car. "You didn't say anything right?"
Alex shook him head, Tom would kill him. Then again he would be alive to do so. Through his bag into the back for the car, he looked on the brighter side of things."At least we don't have a 4 hour drive with Eagles singing." He said switching his accent to a bland non-regional one that news reporters have.
"I still wonder how he passed the psychological tests to even get into selections."
"My bet is bribery."
"I'm thinking brain washing." That one earned a chuckle. Alex took a sip of his coffee, placing it in the holder before fastening his seatbelt.
"You alright driving all the way? We can swap once we cross the border?" Now it was Ben's turn to laugh.
"I have driven with you before, never again."
"Not even if we are being chased by a sociopathy?"
"We were being chased by a sociopathy!"
"That's why my driving wasn't very legal, you do also remember the gun fight at the same time?" Alex gestured a shooting motion with his hands.
"You still weren't much better when I dislocated my shoulder."
"You needed urgent medical attention." He stated simply, he could do this all the way to camp.
"Really so if your being chased around the Kremlin what would you do!" Alex sighed in exasperation, the debate had in fact lasted them hours. Although he still wasn't allowed to drive them despite making many valid points. He let his accent slip back to the Chelsea one, it annoyed Ben too much.
"Well I wouldn't do what you did! Do you know how much paperwork we had to do to cover up that little international incident." There conversation muted as they pulled into the gate for the camp.
"ID'd please." The stone faced man ordered. They both instantly handed them over. "Oh hey Fox and..." The solider on the gate obviously recognised one of them, after looking up from the clipboard.
"Jaguar." Alex growled in his bland accent, void of emotion.
"Jaguar, sorry. You two are cleared. Booth wants to see you in his office ASAP." Fox nodded as they entered the camp. It was just as dull and muddy and grey as the last time he was here.
"Fox you always bring me to the most wonderful places." Alex remarked as he heaved his kit bag over his shoulder and made his way to the main office. The debate would just have to continue later.
"That sarcasm is going to get so annoying so quickly." Fox opened the foyer door, allowing him through.
Knocking on the office door, they paused for a moment waiting for the order, entered and stood to attention.
"At ease." Both followed the orders.
"Fox, good to see you back. K-Unit have missed you. Cub I believe," he turned to him sharply.
"Yes sir." Booth paused studying his appearance, he seemed to approve,
"I have green lighted this cover. Not that I am happy about my mens training is going to be screwed up by some snotty-brats. But I see the merit. I have been informed you know your cover, as soon as you leave my office it's live you understand."
"Yes, sir."
"Cub, next time you come here, please don't involve school children. Here are the details of the arrangements we have made, go over them adjust them or whatever. You timetable is included as is Fox's. Report to the assault course in one hour." Taking the dismissal Alex took the folder saluted him and left, as did Fox.
"That was almost friendly." Fox remarked as they headed to K-Units cabin.
"I have been told he is fond of me." Alex quoted.
"Someone has to be." Alex punched him in the arm, almost offended. "Let's get this over with." Alex remarked as the walked up the stairs to the bunk cabin. He pulled his arm back and knocked sharply.
Thats it for this chapter, stay tunned, I am due to get no sleep this week and this is a great way to calm and destress. Please review, it's nice to get an email from something other than a clothing brand offering a 5% discount.
Until Next Time...
Pageturner123.