Chapter 2:
21 April 2017
Over the course of a few days, Holly had learned a lot about Pauline. She spoke multiple languages - French, Flemish and English - pretty fluently and even knew some German and – surprisingly – Ancient Greek. She loved books, was a fierce competitor in football, and excelled effortlessly at school. And a loneliness stemming from a lack of family - unfortunate but necessary for consideration for CHERUB.
Using a phone CHERUB had issued her for the mission, Holly called Unicorn Tire Service, the cover for the CHERUB phone line and website, and told the recruiting mission controller, Claire, that she thought Pauline would be a good fit. She would be coming that evening.
That evening, as the spring sun dipped low, Holly sat waiting on the stairs. Claire arrived precisely on time, stepping out of a sleek black car in a sharp suit. Her no-nonsense demeanour was in stark contrast to the warmth she usually displayed when visiting the CHERUB campus, her clothes in contrast to her usual colourful dresses and sweaters. After a few forged documents, a phone call to the local authorities, and some quick conversation with the staff, Pauline and Holly were on their way out – Pauline thinking it was another transfer.
"Where are we going?" Pauline asked, eyeing the unfamiliar route.
"Somewhere better," Claire replied. She handed Pauline a bottle of water.
The water was drugged. Within minutes, Pauline drifted into unconsciousness.
Two hours later, in the dark, the car passed through a gated entrance surrounded by cameras and sensors. After going through a security check, they were allowed to drive on to campus. Inside, the campus was quiet, lit by soft lamps and the occasional glow of floodlights. Golf buggies waited at the drop-off point. One whisked Claire and Holly away to the campus village; the other carried Pauline, still sleeping, to the central facilities.
Holly returned to her cottage - Cottage 26 - where she shared the upper floor with Riley and Naledi, who were 15 and 18 respectively. The lower floor housed three boys: Jason, Noah, and Kamal, 11, 14 and 16 respectively. Each one with their own story, their own scars. Holly, as the youngest at age nine, was the baby of the cottage - often subject to remarks about how cute and tiny she was from the others - though she nevertheless had their respect.
Tired, Holly got ready for bed. As soon as she closed her eyes, she was asleep.