Why Me? Chapters 7&8 Completed 5/17/2008
Title: Why Me?
Category: Books » Alex Rider
Author: Karai III
Language: English, Rating: Rated: T
Genre: Friendship/Hurt/Comfort
Published: 08-01-07, Updated: 05-17-08
Chapters: 8, Words: 26,645
[Rest of story]
Chapter 7
By the end of the week, the Italian doctors had deemed Wolf well enough to be released and at his earliest convenience, he was to see his doctor in England to discuss a plan to facilitate a full recovery. Alex on the other hand was still too unstable to be transported just yet. Wolf decided to go see him before he left for London while he waited for Santiago to return from where ever it was he'd went.
As he was making his way up the corridor on his crutches, he heard a good deal of shouting coming from Alex's room.
"Be civil? BE CIVIL!? Why would I want to be civil Mrs. Jones? My whole damn life is orchestrated by a heartless maniac and his sidekick, and you want me to speak civilly. It's all a freaking game to you isn't it." Alex was shouting. His words were slightly garbled because of his immobilized jaw but he kept on going anyway. "It's always 'If we use him this way, we'll get more done. If he dies we get someone else.' That's exactly what it is to you."
Wolf reached the door of Alex's room and looked inside the now open door just as the nurse was sternly telling Mrs. Jones to leave because she was endangering the life of their patient. Alex was wheezing heavily but the doctor was finding it hard to calm him down so he could pull an oxygen mask over his face when he knew so little English and the boy was still so angry.
When Wolf tried to enter the room the nurse said, "I'm sorry sir but you're going to have to come back when we have him under control. She started shooing him out of the room but Alex started yelling again; "There's no need for him to go anywhere, it's not him I'm mad at." He had to stop though when he was over come by a fit of painful hacking coughs that racked his whole body and left him drained when they passed. He lay still and finally stopped resisting the doctor who quickly slipped the mask over his face and checked over the various machines attached to him again, then he said some things to the nurse in rapid Italian.
She translated for Wolf "He insist on you being here so we won't argue but see to it that he does not remove that mask and that you keep his talking to none. If he has another fit like that, he could kill himself. Do you understand?" Wolf nodded while he worriedly looked at the tired, broken child lying there with half-lidded eyes.
After the two left, Wolf sat down at the edge of Alex's bed and looked at him for a moment.
Alex tiredly opened his eyes slightly and smiled sadly. "Not going to live am I?" he said sleepily
"Shhh, the doctors say you won't if you throw another tantrum like that but if you cooperate you will."
The only sound in the room for a few moments was the soft sound of Alex's wheezing subsiding. "I was shouting because I found out something." He wanted to tell Wolf about it but he knew he wasn't to talk so he was trying to get Wolf to ask about it.
"You're not going to catch me helping you hurt yourself."
"Blunt used us."
Silence
"You too."
Alex decided that Wolf's silence was an encouragement so he continued.
"Alan Blunt rigged the contest so that Jack would win because he wanted us to go to France. He knew Scorpia was doing something up here so he sent me like the naïve fool I am, to act as bait to draw them out. If I died in the process, it would have been an annoying but anticipated consequence. No pain, no gain right?" He coughed for a few seconds but forced it away and continued despite Wolf's warnings to rest.
"No I need to get this out even if you're not listening."
"I am listening Alex but you're agitating yourself to much."
Alex ignored him and went on.
"And then Mrs. Jones has the nerve to talk of a medal, for what? It's just not fair, why do I have to be abused so much? Don't I have rights too? Is it impossible for them to treat me like a normal operative?" As the previously suppressed cough claimed his voice again, Wolf tried to find something to say to ease his frustration. But, the coughs deepened and Wolf realized that Alex had bigger problems just now. While the coughs mercilessly racking his body, Alex tore the oxygen mask away from his face despite the great pain it caused his shoulder because the fact of the matter was he couldn't breath and as the coughing continued he grew desperate for a breath of air. Wolf slammed his hand down on the button used to summon a nurse and then watched in horror as Alex began to go blue in the face from lack of oxygen.
As it was becoming clear that no one was coming, Wolf took the initiative. He placed one arm firmly around Alex's bandaged back and then, reluctantly struck his chest at the point where his windpipe divides into the two bronchi, with painful but necessary force. The coughing subsided and he was suddenly able to breathe again, which he did in great earnest. However, the well-meant yet still cruel blow to his chest aggravated his wounds horridly and tears of pain and frustration stung his eyes.
He tried to turn away so Wolf wouldn't see them and think him pathetic or childish, but Wolf held his arm and pulled him into a brief but fatherly hug.
"It's okay Alex. Just let it go. Crying doesn't make a man weak, but it makes you human. Don't keep up the stress." he said as he gave him a reassuring pat on the back and released him.
Alex looked at Wolf for a moment and then he smiled, "Thanks Andros."
Wolf nodded, glad to see him better as he began to fall off to sleep. A few minutes later, the door slowly opened and Jack and Santiago walked in.
When she saw the tear streaks on Alex's face and the hard look on Wolf's own, she panicked.
"What happened?! Is he alright?" she looked at Wolf accusingly "What happened?" she demanded.
"Will you cool it Jack? I didn't do anything to him if that's what you think. He found out some things and they upset him."
Jack set the bags she'd brought with some stuff for Alex, down in the corner and looked at him with narrowed eyes. "What things?"
"That MI6 essentially used both of you to get him on this mission."
"What?!"
"What do you mean?" Santiago asked from his spot in the other chair.
"What I mean is that they knew Jack would have persuaded him to go on a vacation if she won the sweepstakes, so they made sure she did."
"But why would they want us to go?"
"So they could use Alex as bait to lure Scorpia into a trap with a chance at revenge. Then Alex would signal them and MI6 would take over yet Scorpia almost succeeded didn't they? I'm assuming that they expected him to die but he proved them wrong again."
Jack was in dismay. She sat stroking Alex's hand, tears filling her eyes.
"So if I'd just listened to him when he'd said it could be a trap, then he would have been okay right now?" she asked sadly
"I'm not saying this is your fault Jack. MI6 could have full well found a different way to get to him. I'm just saying, they are using every connection Alex has to the outside world to exploit his talents and we need to put a stop to it." the other two nodded and silence fell over the room until Santiago broke it.
"Aww, shit, C'mon bro we've got a plane to catch in a little over an hour." He walked over to Alex and ruffled his hair. "Take care of him Jack; no child deserves to be treated like that."
"I will." She said
"C'mon Andros."
Wolf looked at Alex once more before he turned to Jack; "When he wakes up, tell him I'll see him soon."
Jack nodded barely noticing as they left, as she was lost in thought about what to do.
On the plane back to London, Santiago noticed that Wolf was rather withdrawn. He seemed to be lost in thought and he wondered if it had to do with Alex.
"You okay Andros?"
"Yeah, I'm just thinking."
"It's about Alex isn't it?"
"Not so much about Alex in specific but what they did to him actually."
"I know, it's monstrous."
"It's worse than that. He's recovering from a bullet wound to the chest he got last month doing more of this crap and they disregarded that completely. That's why he was to go on this so called vacation in the first place, but it was all a trick. A plan to use him to the fullest."
Santiago was speechless for a moment, but only a moment.
"So how come this is happening to him in specific?"
"Well apparently this line of work runs in the family, but the family is gone now, so he's basically on his own. They bribe him with deporting Jack and sending him to an unpleasant boarding school if he resist, so he doesn't have much of a choice."
Santiago laughed harshly "This is outrageous." a thought suddenly struck him and he asked seriously. "You don't think he's making it up do you."
"No. I've considered that but I saw and heard the evidence for myself."
"We need to put a stop to this then."
"Yes, which is why as soon as we get back into London I'm going to have a talk with them."
"As soon as you rest off a bit, yes." Santiago partially agreed
For the duration of the conversation they'd been talking in low voices to avoid other passengers hearing, but now Wolf spoke clearly when he said; "No Santiago, on our way back from the airport, I'm going to stop and have a unpleasant talk with them." he waited for Santiago to try and dissuade him again but he didn't.
"You're right, as long as we do land in the afternoon as planned, we'll talk right away." he said.
Wolf nodded approvingly and they went back to their respective activities.
Four hours later Wolf was sitting in Mr. Blunt's office, Jones and Blunt before him, but Santiago had been detained for another team needed elsewhere. So the brothers were parting again for the meantime.
"Well I'm glad to see you're alright Mr. Mendoza and congratulations on a job well done. Is Alex alright?" Mr. Jones said by way of a greeting.
"No he's not." Wolf answered coldly ignoring her congratulatory remarks.
"I hope you haven't come here to blame us for what happened to him." Blunt interjected noticing his expression and tone.
"That's exactly what I'm doing."
"We hardly did anything. Alex wasn't forced in anyway. Ms. Starbright didn't have to go and enter that sweepstakes in the first place neither did Alex have to go. Second, we did not lie when we said Scorpia wasn't in the area nor was the contest rigged by them. We actually sent you to protect him as a precaution. If you couldn't do that then don't blame us for your short comings." Blunt heartlessly explained.
If it weren't for the cast on his right arm, Wolf would have grabbed Alan Blunt by the front of his gray jacket and hauled him across his big expensive desk. As it was he still stood up abruptly and raised his voice.
"I am not going to stand hear and have you tell me that Alex brought this on himself or because you sure as Hell didn't give him free choice in this whole damn mess."
"Andros calm down please." Mrs. Jones entreated him and suddenly he remembered Alex yelling back when she had asked him to be civil, and he knew exactly how he'd felt.
He completely ignored her and continued.
"Let me ask you, did you or did you not use Alex to get the job done?"
"To see an opportunity and willingly let it pass is foolish and there is no place for foolishness in what I do."
"So tell me, if Alex had used his free choice as you say. Would the mission have gone so well?"
No answer
"You relied heavily on him yet you say he had free choice. What if he'd used it? That seems pretty foolish to me."
What's your point?" Blunt asked testily
"If you're going to have him work for you, then do it the right way. He's a child, he has to go school, consider that. Moreover, I don't think it would kill you to pay him for what he does either. Neither is it any harder to give him the down time he needs after he's been hurt on one of his missions."
"There is hardly any need to pay him, what would a fourteen year-old boy do with that much money? Spend it on cell phones and video games?" Mr. Blunt asked in a disgusted tone.
"He doesn't have time for that," Wolf answered in an equally disgusted voice "plus it would serve as a better means of recruiting him than bribing him with the deportation of his guardian."
Ignoring that Blunt continued "Besides if the need arises we have to use him again. I don't like admitting it but he is becoming our most effective operative. If we need him were going to use him." He said in a dismissing tone.
"When the wrong people know something, it can cause a lot of problems for others right Mr. Blunt?" Wolf asked deviously.
A look of contempt shadowed Blunts's face as he realized exactly what Wolf intended to do if his demands were not carried out.
"Do mean to blackmailing us into doing what you say Wolf?" Mrs. Jones asked disapprovingly
"Maybe." He answered sitting back in his seat
After a long pause
"Your request will be considered Mr. Mendoza." Mrs. Jones informed tersely him "You may leave now."
"Have a nice day." he said sarcastically as he left. He knew they would do as he said for fear of him speaking unless they planned to kill him and he wasn't exactly disposable yet.
"Here you go Alex, home sweet home." Jack said as she helped him into the sofa in the sitting room a week later and gave him the remote so he could watch television if he liked. But he said "Thanks Jack, but I don't really feel for any television right now. I'd rather just think."
"That's fine Alex. What ever you like, just relax and let me take care of you."
Alex shifted careful not to agitate his shoulders that were still VERY sore, and smiled "You don't have to feel guilty Jack. We were used and there isn't really anything any of us could do about it. You don't have to try to make up for it. You're great as you are."
"I know I couldn't have stopped it Alex but I still feel badly and would like to make it up if you don't mind, so tell me what would you like to eat?"
"Well, if you put it that way Jack, knock your self out. For some reason I feel for cake right now."
"Cake it is." She headed towards the kitchen to start. "Oh and Tom called, he wanted to know if he could come see you this evening."
"Sure, I'd like to see someone from the normal world for a change."
Later on, Jack and Alex sat eating chocolate cake that wasn't bad for a first time when the bell rang. Jack got up to open it and a moment later came back with Tom in tow.
"Well I'll leave you boys to your talk for now." She said as she cleared away the dishes.
"So I see you got busted again, latest mission?" Tom asked as he sat down at the other end of the sofa careful not to sit on Alex's foot. "I've never seen you this hurt before though, must have been really bad."
"Yeah, but I hardly did anything at all, if it weren't for Wolf I would have been dead now."
"You mean that guy from the SAS who hated you?"
"Yeah, but he doesn't hate me anymore, I don't think. Cause he said when he got some time off, we could maybe hang out."
"Cool. But does SAS get time off? I mean they're busy protecting the country and all?"
"Of course they get time off. When they shift the people around, some come on duty and some come off." Alex informed him mildly condescendingly.
"Oh yes right." After a brief pause he asked "So if you hardly did anything, how come you're so busted up?"
Alex grew serious at the mention of his injuries.
"I got tortured." He said grimly
Tom was incredulous. "You got tortured? By who?"
"The same people, Scorpia, who I was with in Venice.
"Wow, so do you mind talking about it or are you okay now?"
"I guess its better that I talk about it right?"
"I suppose. So what happened to your face, it looks like you ran into a butchery with your eyes closed and it sounds like your jaw is busted. "
"It is, Scorpia got one of their men called Dr. Three- he's an expert on pain and torture- to kill me. Since they were all pissed that I stopped there last plan, they had him bring in his torture equipment to take me out painfully. He said I would fight for the kind of death I would have; either have him torture me to death or have this other guy kill me in another God forsaken way."
"Gee-whiz Alex, are you sure you don't mind talking about it?"
"If I don't then I'm going to keep having nightmares about it for a long time, its best I get it over with."
"Alright go ahead."
"Anyhow the first thing he got was this mechanical spider thing with razor blades for legs. It got me in the face and I had to tear it off to get free. Jack said I had to get massive plastic surgery to fix it."
"What else could you have endured?" Tom asked in awe.
"Now that I think about it, I don't see how come I'm not dead, but after the spider thing was off, he threw this coil of some kind of spring loaded wire at me. It didn't hit me but when it hit the ground it sort of flew open so it slashed me up on my right thigh real bad. The doctors say if I ever want to be able to use it fully again I have to stay off of it for a week and then have intense PT to strengthen it and that still that wasn't the most painful thing."
"You're giving me nightmares and I wasn't even there. Then, through all this, where was the SAS guy?"
"His code name is Wolf and-"
"Do you know what his real name is?"
"Yeah but I'm not telling you."
"Oh alright, so where was he?"
"Well, first when we got captured he was shot in the leg and then they must have given him something to knock him out cause when I came around he was out, but either way he was tied up in the corner of the room with some of the same wire that Dr. Three cut me with."
"I bet you thought you were done for."
"Yeah. After that he kicked me in my chest right on the bullet wound from last time. Now that really hurt but it still wasn't the worst. I only got to hit him once after that when I tripped him so he broke his nose on the floor."
"Good!" Tom exclaimed
"But then he broke my jaw with a round house kick. By now Wolf was trying to get free despite the detriment to his wrist but it wasn't working. I realized that I should at least let him know that MI6 was on the way because I'd signaled them back we had been captured."
"Using one of your gadgets?"
"You could say that. Now the thing is I couldn't full well let the bad guys hear that back was on the way so, I had to get to Wolf to say it and Dr. Three wouldn't have that. Just so I couldn't get there, he cut up my back with some kind of super sharp knife and then he yanked my left shoulder out of socket. But since I kept on going-"
"You kept on going?" Tom's mouth was actually hanging open
"I had to. Since I kept going he had the guard stationed right behind Wolf, try to move him away so I wouldn't get any closer, but Wolf took advantage of it and knock the guy clean across the room in to a wall."
"Dr. Three?" Tom asked hopefully
"No not him yet, the guard. But with the guard out the way he got mad. I couldn't really hear much any more 'cause all the pain was clouding my mind but I know Wolf did something that got him really mad cause he said something to him and then he slowly pulled my other shoulder out of socket."
"That's what hurt the most wasn't it?" Tom asked sympathetically
"Yeah I passed out then only to be awakened again by an injection."
Unbeknownst to the boys, Jack had been standing there for a while listening to what she knew Alex would never willingly tell her and the tears just came. She would never have imagined that he had been through so much; it was unthinkable. But she had learned her lesson thoroughly; never trust MI6 again.
"Then what happened? Did you get to tell Wolf about the back up?" Tom asked earnestly but Alex wasn't listening.
"I think he was actually crying." He mumbled thoughtfully "I know I felt tears and they weren't mine." A kind of frightened pained looked came over his face as relived the moment when he had lost all hope. It was a moment that would haunt him for some time.
"You okay Alex?"
A second later Alex seemed to remember where he was and his face cleared. "Did you say something mate?"
"I was wondering if you were okay. You kind of zoned out."
"I was thinking about something." he said vaguely
"Well did you ever get to give Wolf the message?"
"Yeah, I think Three must have left for something and then I told him and helped get his hands free, but I don't remember anything after that till I woke up in the hospital." It was clear that he didn't want to talk about it anymore so Tom let up.
"Wow, you really are something Alex I bet no one over at MI6 could ever say they endured anything like that. You should consider yourself a hero. Jack told me that there were a bunch of bombs that were to go off at some embassies but you and Wolf stopped it. That's a pretty impressive record."
"Thanks Tom, it's the reason why I told you about everything and no one else really; you always seem to understand."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until the phone rang and Alex yawned. "It's late I better get going."
"How are things with your parents?"
"As bad as ever. I usually sneak in through the back door and then they never notice I was gone. Only if I get back so late that they lock up for the night does it become a problem."
Alex nodded understandingly.
"Alex, it's for you." Jack said as she came over to hand him the portable phone.
"I'll see you around Tom."
"Yeah, see yuh."
Jack had a funny smile on her face when she gave him the phone like it was a joke but he took it anyway.
"Hello?"
"How's it going Cub?" a familiar voice answered.
"Wolf!"
"The one and only."
"I didn't expect you to call."
"Surprises generally work that way." Wolf laughed "So how are you?"
"I'm basically okay. Bored but okay. How are you, working again?"
"I'm fine, and no I'm not actually on active duty but I do have some work to do."
"Sounds like more fun that what I'm doing. Resting."
"Take it easy Alex, you need that rest."
"I know."
"Look I don't have long to stay on the phone but I just wanted to tell you; I spoke to your employers and you should expect to see a check in the mail in a couple days and a definite change in attitude from them."
"Really? You're the best, I never thought there was anyone who could stand up to them and get anything done. Are you sure they mean what they say?"
"Believe me I'm sure." Wolf laughed. Alex's earlier comment was not lost on him either. It was a kind of exalting feeling when you could make a child happy and get his gratitude in return.
"Thanks a bunch, I wonder how much I made over the past few months."
"A lot, just don't waste it okay? You want some left to do important things you know. Any way I'll see around, probably when you're well enough to travel. Take care of yourself. Bye."
"You to." Alex hung up the phone feeling different. He felt good and he had some things to look forward to. Life wasn't all bad.
Chapter 8
"I'll get it Jack." Alex shouted as he limped over to the door to answer it. When he looked through the peephole and saw that it was Wolf, he opened it immediately.
"Hey Wolf, you came early, come on in."
"Thanks, how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good, I'm only limping right now because I just came back from PT, which was pretty rough today."
He led Wolf into the sitting room while they talked. "I know what you mean;" Wolf agreed "I still have PT for this leg but its but its not so bad now."
"So do you have any grub?" Wolf asked "I never seem to have anything up at my house."
"Sure help yourself." Alex led Wolf into the kitchen where Jack was warming a piece of chicken in the microwave.
"Hi Jack."
"Hi Andros, how've you been?" she greeted him while hurrying to get some bread off the fridge top to have with the chicken.
"Not bad. You seem to be in a rush." he commented as he took down the bread for her.
"Thanks, just because Alex is getting so tall he's always putting the bread up there. I'm rushing because I'm about to be late for my afternoon class up at the University, but I have to get something to eat before I leave, I'm okay now though."
She gathered up her handbag and kissed Alex on the cheek. "Enjoy yourself Alex."
"Thanks Jack, now hurry before you're late."
The next second she was out the door.
"Busy huh?" Wolf commented while he rummaged through the refrigerator.
"Yeah I'm glad she's not so worried about me anymore and can take care of herself. So where are we going?" Alex was bursting with curiosity to know what Wolf had planned for there trip. It had been a while since his last outing with his uncle and he kind of missed them.
"Impatient are we?" Wolf provoked as he made himself a roast beef and cheese sandwich.
"Come on." Alex mock pleaded.
"You'll see in a little while." He sat down with the sandwich across from Alex. "What have you done with your money so far?"
"I put most of it in a savings account and I left out a little over a thousand to do stuff."
"Wise kid."
In a few more bites Wolf was finished the sandwich and ready to go.
"You sure you don't want another one?" Alex asked skeptically
"Nah, we've got places to go."
Four hours, later they were still driving.
Wolf glanced over at Alex as they left Milton Campsie in the far north and started up a long, winding, steep road.
"You aren't about to asked 'are we there yet' are you?"
"No," Alex answered pleasantly, looking out the window "I've been memorizing the whole way so I could drive back if I had a license."
Wolf look at him for a second with something close to admiration "Everything is a puzzle or challenge to you, isn't it?"
"It makes things more interesting." Alex answered "But now that you've given me the idea, are we there yet?"
"About 15 minutes more. If you haven't already guessed this is my old home. I thought we do a bit of real camping up here, not the stuff Scout Troops do."
"I figured as much after a while." Alex answered "Do you're parents still live up here?"
Wolf took a moment to answer because he was concentrating on maneuvering the winding roads "My mum does but dad passed away a few years back."
"Oh, sorry." Alex was thoughtful for a moment "I wonder what's worse; not having parents or having crap ones."
"Depends on the parents, but crap ones or not I've got to visit mine from time to time to make sure she's okay."
"You must spend the day if it takes this long to get there."
"Not necessarily, often the drive is more pleasant."
"Oh."
"Here we are, Bull's Hole." Wolf smiled, heading around to the back of the truck to get out the tent and supplies.
Alex got out of the vehicle and walked around, taking in the scenery; the medium sized clearing covered with saw grass and clover and the surrounding trees forming an almost complete circle. The air smelled of pine and grass and the effect was satisfyingly relaxing.
"Stop goggling and give me a hand with this stuff." Wolf quipped
After they got an area clear, Wolf sent Alex for some firewood while he set up the tent. "It'll soon be dark and when it gets dark up here it gets cold, so make sure you bring a lot. Over there is a good place to start."
Alex set off in the general direction of east, whistling.
After a while, he had gathered a nice arm load but as he was coming back towards the clearing he heard a twig snap behind him. He dropped the wood and whirled around in a karate stance, slightly stretching the month old wound on his back. "Who's there?"
A figure stepped out of the brush "Easy, I didn't mean to startle you I was looking for something." A boy of about 15 or 16 answered.
He had unruly black hair and bright slate blue eyes that seemed to twinkle with a secret only he knew. He smiled in a sort of lopsided way and said "I used to live up here some years back but now I just come and visit from time to time when I'm able to. I've been looking for something I lost when I left"
He seemed to be hiding something as he spoke because he kept his right foot planted firmly on the ground beside strange looking patch of ground.
"Oh, well sorry to turn on you like that, sometimes I get a little jumpy." Alex offered his hand "Alex."
"Nice to meet you Alex." the boy shook his hand but did not offer his name, "I see you were gathering some firewood there. I know where some of the best wood is, mind if I help?"
"Not at all." The two boys spent the better part of an hour searching for wood and talking till ,Wolf, back at camp, was beginning to worry about what was keeping him. He decided to go look for him in case he'd ran into trouble.
Alex and his new friend were on their way back to the spot were Alex had dropped his first bundle as they had used it as a drop off point and there was quite a pile now, when they heard Wolf calling. "Alex!"
"Aw man, it's been a while hasn't it?" Alex said but the other boy was suddenly tense. "I think I'll be going now. Bye Alex, nice meeting you."
"Wait, where are you going?" Alex called to the retreating figure. "Wolf, I'm over here." he answered the second call. A moment later Wolf entered the area where Alex was when he met the mysterious boy.
"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" Wolf shouted
Alex stared; he hadn't been gone that long had he?
Wolf realized that he was overreacting and cooled down some but he was still angry.
"There are bears in these parts you know. I thought you were- look I'm responsible for your safety, don't go off for that long again with out telling me alright?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Alex answered ashamedly "I just met this guy and he was helping me gather firewood and we talked so I lost track of time."
Wolf frowned "Then where is he now?"
Alex went to investigate the area that the mysterious boy seemed to be hiding. "I don't know; he took off as soon as he heard you call me."
Wolf's frown deepened but he let the matter drop. "What are you looking at?" he noticed that Alex was examining the ground where he stooped with great interest.
"What's this?" Alex asked interestedly
Wolf stooped down by him and studied the circular patch of ground with a fading painted metal circle pressed into it. The pattern on the metal was like a coat of arms with a green snake, red bear and blue bird on it. After a moment a slow smile spread across his face.
"What is it?" Alex asked eagerly
"I totally forgot about this." Wolf laughed to himself as he pried the metal cover out of the ground. Alex was getting impatient though, so he explained.
"All the way back when I was twelve and Raimundo was eleven, he came up with the idea that we write a letter to ourselves now and open it when we're twenty-one to see if we'd fulfilled any of our childhood ambitions. After we wrote them we dug this hole, booby trapped it and hid the letters in there until we came back for it around ten years later. Raimundo designed the cover so we'd always remember the spot. 'Always in the area where the good wood was.'" Wolf was thoughtful for a moment. "I really don't remember what I wrote."
"Cool." Alex said "Do you mind if I see?"
"No, go ahead, but make sure your arm doesn't touch the sides; it's lined with poison ivy."
Alex stretched into the hole and brought out two beer bottles and gave them to Wolf who after checking them out broke one of them on a stone and extracted the roll of paper from the mess. Alex watched over his shoulder as he read.
If you are older than twenty-one when you read this then you're either just like regular grown-ups who forgets the little things in life or you've dismissed the idea as childish and only just ran into it for some reason, Either way I hope you're doing something more interesting and prestigious than what dad does. I hope that by this time you are either a General in the SAS, a physicist, or a hydraulics engineer. If you aren't already married then remember to make sure your future wife is not like mom. She's too unreasonable and mean. If you are married though, don't forget the promise you made to be good to ALL your kids. Remember to try your hardest to be at the top of the charts in whatever it is you're doing because as Santiago says "Great men aren't born that way." Last, I hope everyone is doing well and that we still stick up for one another.
Yours Truly
Twelve year- old Andros Mendoza
Alex looked at Wolf for a second afterwards, "You were an ambitious kid weren't you?" he asked
"We all were." He answered quietly lost in thought.
After a moment he replaced the cover and rose from the spot leaving the other bottles behind.
"Don't you want to read the others?" Alex asked
"Not really, they're not mine to read ."
Alex nodded and followed him back to the camp site with some of the fire wood.
When they reached the now expertly erected tent, Wolf asked "Do you know how to kindle firewood?"
Alex gave him a look.
"What? I honestly don't know. I would assume that you do since you seem to be a smart kid but then again maybe not."
"Yes I do, since I was six." Alex rolled his eyes taking away the flint and twig Wolf had been set to teach him with.
"Every other month or so, when he was alive, my Uncle Ian would take me on an extreme sport, survival or cultural outing. So I learned a lot with him," Alex continued somewhat wistfully.
"Well then," Wolf answered in an effort to keep the mood light "I'll let you lead, just to see how much you know."
"Okay" Alex agreed as he got the fire safely started.
That night they sat under the stars trading memories and eventually jokes until when they finally went to sleep in the darkest hours of the night both had found out a lot more about the kind of person the other was and had had many a good laugh as well.
Next day in the wee hours of the morning, Wolf lay on his back thinking, which he didn't do often, while Alex still slept in the sleeping bag next to him. The whole ordeal with Alex and Scorpia and then the recollection of what had happened to Raimundo, especially Santiago's side of it all, had set him thinking. It was true that anytime he thought about the incident that killed his little brother, he blamed himself, but only from a logical point of view. It's not like he thought he was supposed to have been able to perform some sort of miracle but he knew that if he had made certain decisions then and there, Raimundo's life could have been spared.
It also irked him somewhat that he had survived the same fall; barely yes, but survived nonetheless. Wolf was far beyond thinking simply in fair and unfair terms but it still made him feel badly.
To his left Alex was beginning to stir and he turned to watch the child for a moment thinking about all that he'd learned about him. He definitely had experienced his fair share of grief and pain for one so young but he was an interesting and multifaceted person despite it all. A moment later Wolf realized that Alex wasn't awakening, but was having a nightmare, most likely concerning his recent ordeal. The next second he shot up from his sleeping bag with wide but clear eyes. He shook his head to clear it and mumbled something about dying.
"What?" Wolf asked startling the youth further
"I said I'm glad I always wake before I actually die." He frowned "How long have you been awake?"
Wolf got up and stretched "A little while now, you okay?"
"Yeah" Wolf nodded and stepped outside of the tent to see about breakfast while Alex dressed. When he immerged, Wolf was setting two eggs to roast.
"I've never had roasted egg before." Alex stated "Though I've been offered a raw one."
Wolf looked at him quizzically "Who eats raw eggs?"
"An insane Russian general who thinks he can use nuclear weapons to return Russia to its former glory."
Wolf stared at Alex for a moment then went back to poking the eggs. "Sarov, right?" recalling what Alex had told him in the park.
"Yep"
After eating the eggs and crackers Alex asked "So what's up for today?"
"I was thinking we could go either hunting or rowing. It depends on whether you're up to it."
"Why can't we do both?"
"Because they both take all day and even though this is supposed to be fun I don't want you to overexert yourself."
"Fine," Alex huffed in annoyance at Wolf protectiveness
"Wolf grinned "So which will it be?"
"Rowing."
They made a small trek through the woods until they came to a boat house on the bank of a small lake, It was in dire need of repairs and an elderly man stood in the doorway smoking a pipe. When he saw Wolf his mouth fell open for a second before he let out a hearty laugh.
"Andros, you wayward youth! Where have you been?" The men clapped each other on the back in greeting.
"Busy." Wolf explained not seeming to mind being called a youth by this man.
"Ah, too busy for a poor old man I see."
Wolf opened his mouth to say something but the old man beat him to it. "Ah, but I understand that a mighty soldier doesn't have time for the lesser things in life, no?"
"D-" Wolf tried to interject
"Which is why I ask what brings you here now?"
"I'm on-"
"And who's the lad over there, your son?" Up until now Alex had been pretty much forgotten.
Wolf gave the man a withered look. "Do I look old enough to have a son that age?"
The man chuckled.
"This is Alex. Alex meet Don."
"Nice to meet you" Alex answered.
Don nodded in what seemed to be approval and then asked Wolf: "Then if he isn't your son, who is he?"
"He's a friend of mine and we came up here to hang out a bit, that's why I came to ask-"
"Can you borrow a boat?" Don finished for him
"Well?" Wolf asked
"I have to think about it." The man made a show of considering it.
Wolf resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"I suppose." The man finally conceded. He led them into the rundown shack where he had two boats. Alex glanced around at the dismal state of the structure as Wolf picked out theirs.
"Your friend here has been promising to fix this place for years but I guess a poor old man isn't important enough to be remembered." Don called to Alex as he noticed him staring.
Alex stared at Wolf "We could do it now if you want. I would help him and we'd still have time to go rowing. What do you say?" He knew he was placing himself in a situation by putting Wolf on the spot like that and the man confirmed it by sending him a death glare, but Don was grinning from ear to ear when he said he would.
"Do you have the tools and the wood?" Wolf asked
"Yep right back here." He scrambled over to another room that was piled with planks of wood and a bucket of old tools in a corner. "I bought them a couple years back when you said you'd be up here in a-"
"Okay I remember." Wolf broke in before he could feed more notions of Wolf being a supremely unreliable person into Alex's head.
Alex however was thoroughly enjoying himself
While Don directed them, Alex and Wolf got to work measuring and sawing wood to repair the most dilapidated parts of the shack.
By high noon, all three men were satisfied with their work. The place was looking much more appealing than before and the roof of the living quarters no longer leaked. Some other places need repair too but they could wait.
"The rain can come as much as he likes now." Don beamed. "Thank you boys."
"I suppose it was long over due." Wolf answered "But now we're off, see you around Amigo."
"Permanecen en contacto los jóvenes uno." Don called to him as he climbed into the boat.
"Pretenderé" Wolf answered.
After Don had went back inside Alex said " I was supposed to get in first Wolf."
Wolf grinned at him evilly, with something hidden behind his back "You don't think I was going to let you get away with that did you?"
"And the way get back at me is making me push off the boat?" Alex asked incredulously, but it was too late by the time he realized what Wolf was doing. Just as Alex was stepping into the boat that was now drifting, Wolf leaned against the siding of the boat, pitching Alex into the water with a comical look of surprise on his face.
Alex resurface, glaring at Wolf, only to find him grinning wildly with a camera in his hand.
"The look on you're face was golden Alex and I got it on film," He laughed holding up the camera "It'll definitely be useful someday."
Alex spat water out of his mouth and scowled "Put it away and help me out of the water." he demanded.
Still laughing Wolf put it in its case and cautiously grasped Alex's hand. He was not oblivious to the fact that the boy was obviously seeking revenge.
Alex took hold of his arm and pulled as hard as he could. Sure enough Wolf came tumbling head first into the water too despite his precaution. Keeping a boat steady was much harder than tipping it after all. Now Alex was screaming with laughter swimming out of reach.
"The look on your face was absolutely priceless Wolf. You'd better be glad I didn't have a camera too."
Wolf found himself grinning despite himself.
"You'd better catch the boat before it drifts away." Wolf pointed out since Alex was closer.
The rest of the day was just as interesting and by the time they were building the fire for the evening meal Alex was exhausted and Wolf was comfortably tired. They ate the evening meal in companionable silence, until they heard a twig snap not far from where they sat.
Alex peered into the darkness as Wolf shouted "Whose there?"
A figure rushed past some trees close to their clearing and Alex caught a glimpse of the boy he'd met the day before.
"Hey it's you, wait!" Alex shouted, rushing into the trees but the boy had vanished. Alex was sure he'd run because of Wolf.
"Who was that Alex?' Wolf demanded
"The kid I met yesterday when I was looking for fire wood. He keeps running when you come near."
Wolf frowned and went back to his dinner more vigilant than before.
The next morning Alex got up before Wolf to explore the woods. He told himself it was exploring but he really wanted to see if he could find the mysterious boy.
He was almost sure he would find him in these woods again and as crazy as it sounded it considering that the boy had never met Wolf before, he knew he ran every time he thought Wolf was near and in the spirit of his usually daring personality the mystery only served to lure Alex in rather than scare him off.
Sure enough Alex found him searching through the bushes for something again. It occurred to him the kid looked kind of familiar but what was more interesting was the fact that he didn't seem to know what he was looking for.
"Hey there" Alex called softly so as not to startle him. "Want some help?"
The boy with no name seemed to have already known he was there because he gave absolutely no indication of surprise.
"I don't really know what I'm looking for," he confirmed "I just know it's missing."
He made his way gradually towards Alex and Wolf's Camp and Alex some how felt sorry for him. He just seemed like a lost soul wondering around with no where to go.
"Where's your family? Alex asked
"I told you I'm looking for something."
Alex switched tactics "Why do you run away every time my friend comes near?"
"Who is your friend?"
"The man who was looking for me yesterday, Wolf."
"Wolf" The boy repeated, confused "I don't know," he admitted
"I can introduce you to him and you can see his not all that bad. I don't think he'd mind meeting you"
As the mysterious boy opened his mouth to answer, they heard Wolf shouting
"ALEX, get back here NOW!"
"Geez, you'd think I'd done something." Alex complained as he turned to the boy, but he was gone.
Alex was more than a little surprised by this but he answered Wolf and hurried along.
"I'm coming."
When he got to the camp Wolf wasn't quite livid but definitely angry.
"What the hell did you mean by going off like that?"
"What do you mean; I didn't do anything except explore the woods a bit how can-"
"Did it occur to you that when I got up and found you missing I might want to know where you where?"
"But it was just-"
"People have been known to get attacked in those woods. I'm not saying you can't go, just let me know." He ran his hand through his hair that was growing out from a close crop "If this is how you normally are then I think I know how Jack must feel."
Alex sighed "I didn't mean to worry you I was just exploring a little before you got up."
"Fine" he sighed as well "I guess I overreacted I just don't want Jack to get on my case if something happens to you."
Alex smiled knowing that was not exactly the case. "Did you plan out today too?"
"Yeah I think we'd both appreciate a hike through these woods in particular."
"Okay then, lead the way." Alex said regaining his previous enthusiasm.
Their hike was mostly silent and meditative; it was simply relaxing to quietly make their way to the top of the hill pointing out things now and then. The most significant thing they found before reaching the top of the hill, was a bear. Alex was the one who'd spotted it.
"Wolf, look." Alex had whispered, but when the man hadn't acknowledged, he tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the large brown bear a few feet from them, in awe.
Wolf had smiled and nodded as they stilled themselves to watch and when the bear had finally looked up and seen them, she gave them no heed and eventually lumbered past them as though knowing they meant no harm.
The next thing that happened was both terrifying and wonderful at the same time.
When they arrived at the top of the hill and immerged from the surrounding trees at evening, the view was truly breathtaking.
"Wow" Alex breathed as he took in the enormity of it all.
"I know" Wolf agreed "I'm not one to go on nature walks often but when you see something like this you can't help but admire it. It kind of reminds you of how small you puny you really are."
"Exactly" Alex agreed. Seeing the rolling hills and the sky meeting ground with the sun burning in between as a formidable red disc, really brought you close to earth.
After watching the sun go down for a while but not completely Wolf turned around to get something from their packs that they'd rested against a tree.
When Wolf turned but didn't move again for a while, Alex broke away from the scene to see what the matter was.
What he saw frightened him to no end. He'd never seen Wolf terrified before. Sad yes, angry, maybe even a little scared, but not like this, this terrified frozenness was something else altogether.
Looking beyond Wolf he saw the point of focus and his stomach dropped. He realized why he'd thought the boy looked familiar. Seeing them together, he realized they were similar enough to be brothers.
"Y-You!" Alex stuttered momentarily stunned again "You're Raimundo."
The boy glanced at Alex but didn't answer.
Wolf regaining some composure gulped and asked in a mostly steady voice. "You've seen him before?"
"Yes," Alex answered "He was the one who helped me find the firewood and who ran last night and this morning I was talking to him again."
Wolf took a deep breath "So then either we're both hallucinating or you're for real."
"I'm looking for something." he said "I think you have it."
Wolf and Alex looked at each other. "He'd been looking for something since I met him but he doesn't know what." Alex offered
"Where did you lose it?" Wolf cautiously asked
The boy seemed to think for a moment "over here" he finally said. He started to walk in the direction that they'd come in. They walked for what seemed an eternity with Alex often questioning the sanity in following what was obviously a ghost. But Wolf seemed alright with it. Long after the sun set and the starts and moon took its place, the group stopped at the spot where Raimundo had died. Alex knew it before Wolf said anything. Then the apparition sat down on the edge of the precipice and said "I lost it down there. If I wait awhile I'm sure I'll find it." he turned to Wolf who was taking it all surprisingly well. "I know you have it I just don't know how to get it. I think if we all think about it we'll figure it out. I'm very tired but I need to find it before I go."
Wolf took in the image of his younger brother in what could pass for the flesh and the fact that he was a wondering soul looking for his rest. Sighing, Wolf placed his headin his hand beginning to despair because he couldn't figure out how to help his brother this once. After a moment Alex tapped him on the shoulder "Wolf I think you're doing something you shouldn't."
Wolf looked and saw that Raimundo was much farther over the edge. "Looking at him Raimundo frowned "It doesn't work when you do that. You have to try doing it differently."
Wolf started really thinking now and so did Alex.
"Wolf you still blame yourself, don't you?"
Wolf's silence answered for him. Then he said 'But I shouldn't"
Then Raimundo looked at Wolf again from a comfortable perch and started to talk.
"You know big bro, Where I went was really nice so comfortable and safe but everybody else had something that I didn't. I realized that I had to comeback to get mine but I don't know what it is. But I know that when I find it will be good for both of us and you'll be happy too."
Wolf smiled and nodded his head. "Who do you think sent you there?"
"I don't know. But I like being there I want to go back but I sometimes miss you too."
Wolf hugged him and got up. "I know what you mean, I'm going to miss you too Little bro. I hope I see you again when I come."
"Thanks, I'll look for you but I know it won't be so hard to find." The two brothers hugged each other and Alex could have sworn he saw a younger form of Wolf for a second then Raimundo disappeared before their eyes and they heard him say. "Thank you Andros and you too Alex I found it."
They were silent for about an hour Alex contemplating what he'd just seen as Wolf just stood by the edge of the cliff thinking. When Alex had looked up once he saw a tear shining in his eye but now there was just a little smile as he turned to head back to the camp. As Alex fell into step beside him Wolf put a friendly arm around his shoulder.
"Thanks Alex, for everything."
finis
Category: Books » Alex Rider
Author: Karai III
Language: English, Rating: Rated: T
Genre: Friendship/Hurt/Comfort
Published: 08-01-07, Updated: 05-17-08
Chapters: 8, Words: 26,645
[Rest of story]
Chapter 7
By the end of the week, the Italian doctors had deemed Wolf well enough to be released and at his earliest convenience, he was to see his doctor in England to discuss a plan to facilitate a full recovery. Alex on the other hand was still too unstable to be transported just yet. Wolf decided to go see him before he left for London while he waited for Santiago to return from where ever it was he'd went.
As he was making his way up the corridor on his crutches, he heard a good deal of shouting coming from Alex's room.
"Be civil? BE CIVIL!? Why would I want to be civil Mrs. Jones? My whole damn life is orchestrated by a heartless maniac and his sidekick, and you want me to speak civilly. It's all a freaking game to you isn't it." Alex was shouting. His words were slightly garbled because of his immobilized jaw but he kept on going anyway. "It's always 'If we use him this way, we'll get more done. If he dies we get someone else.' That's exactly what it is to you."
Wolf reached the door of Alex's room and looked inside the now open door just as the nurse was sternly telling Mrs. Jones to leave because she was endangering the life of their patient. Alex was wheezing heavily but the doctor was finding it hard to calm him down so he could pull an oxygen mask over his face when he knew so little English and the boy was still so angry.
When Wolf tried to enter the room the nurse said, "I'm sorry sir but you're going to have to come back when we have him under control. She started shooing him out of the room but Alex started yelling again; "There's no need for him to go anywhere, it's not him I'm mad at." He had to stop though when he was over come by a fit of painful hacking coughs that racked his whole body and left him drained when they passed. He lay still and finally stopped resisting the doctor who quickly slipped the mask over his face and checked over the various machines attached to him again, then he said some things to the nurse in rapid Italian.
She translated for Wolf "He insist on you being here so we won't argue but see to it that he does not remove that mask and that you keep his talking to none. If he has another fit like that, he could kill himself. Do you understand?" Wolf nodded while he worriedly looked at the tired, broken child lying there with half-lidded eyes.
After the two left, Wolf sat down at the edge of Alex's bed and looked at him for a moment.
Alex tiredly opened his eyes slightly and smiled sadly. "Not going to live am I?" he said sleepily
"Shhh, the doctors say you won't if you throw another tantrum like that but if you cooperate you will."
The only sound in the room for a few moments was the soft sound of Alex's wheezing subsiding. "I was shouting because I found out something." He wanted to tell Wolf about it but he knew he wasn't to talk so he was trying to get Wolf to ask about it.
"You're not going to catch me helping you hurt yourself."
"Blunt used us."
Silence
"You too."
Alex decided that Wolf's silence was an encouragement so he continued.
"Alan Blunt rigged the contest so that Jack would win because he wanted us to go to France. He knew Scorpia was doing something up here so he sent me like the naïve fool I am, to act as bait to draw them out. If I died in the process, it would have been an annoying but anticipated consequence. No pain, no gain right?" He coughed for a few seconds but forced it away and continued despite Wolf's warnings to rest.
"No I need to get this out even if you're not listening."
"I am listening Alex but you're agitating yourself to much."
Alex ignored him and went on.
"And then Mrs. Jones has the nerve to talk of a medal, for what? It's just not fair, why do I have to be abused so much? Don't I have rights too? Is it impossible for them to treat me like a normal operative?" As the previously suppressed cough claimed his voice again, Wolf tried to find something to say to ease his frustration. But, the coughs deepened and Wolf realized that Alex had bigger problems just now. While the coughs mercilessly racking his body, Alex tore the oxygen mask away from his face despite the great pain it caused his shoulder because the fact of the matter was he couldn't breath and as the coughing continued he grew desperate for a breath of air. Wolf slammed his hand down on the button used to summon a nurse and then watched in horror as Alex began to go blue in the face from lack of oxygen.
As it was becoming clear that no one was coming, Wolf took the initiative. He placed one arm firmly around Alex's bandaged back and then, reluctantly struck his chest at the point where his windpipe divides into the two bronchi, with painful but necessary force. The coughing subsided and he was suddenly able to breathe again, which he did in great earnest. However, the well-meant yet still cruel blow to his chest aggravated his wounds horridly and tears of pain and frustration stung his eyes.
He tried to turn away so Wolf wouldn't see them and think him pathetic or childish, but Wolf held his arm and pulled him into a brief but fatherly hug.
"It's okay Alex. Just let it go. Crying doesn't make a man weak, but it makes you human. Don't keep up the stress." he said as he gave him a reassuring pat on the back and released him.
Alex looked at Wolf for a moment and then he smiled, "Thanks Andros."
Wolf nodded, glad to see him better as he began to fall off to sleep. A few minutes later, the door slowly opened and Jack and Santiago walked in.
When she saw the tear streaks on Alex's face and the hard look on Wolf's own, she panicked.
"What happened?! Is he alright?" she looked at Wolf accusingly "What happened?" she demanded.
"Will you cool it Jack? I didn't do anything to him if that's what you think. He found out some things and they upset him."
Jack set the bags she'd brought with some stuff for Alex, down in the corner and looked at him with narrowed eyes. "What things?"
"That MI6 essentially used both of you to get him on this mission."
"What?!"
"What do you mean?" Santiago asked from his spot in the other chair.
"What I mean is that they knew Jack would have persuaded him to go on a vacation if she won the sweepstakes, so they made sure she did."
"But why would they want us to go?"
"So they could use Alex as bait to lure Scorpia into a trap with a chance at revenge. Then Alex would signal them and MI6 would take over yet Scorpia almost succeeded didn't they? I'm assuming that they expected him to die but he proved them wrong again."
Jack was in dismay. She sat stroking Alex's hand, tears filling her eyes.
"So if I'd just listened to him when he'd said it could be a trap, then he would have been okay right now?" she asked sadly
"I'm not saying this is your fault Jack. MI6 could have full well found a different way to get to him. I'm just saying, they are using every connection Alex has to the outside world to exploit his talents and we need to put a stop to it." the other two nodded and silence fell over the room until Santiago broke it.
"Aww, shit, C'mon bro we've got a plane to catch in a little over an hour." He walked over to Alex and ruffled his hair. "Take care of him Jack; no child deserves to be treated like that."
"I will." She said
"C'mon Andros."
Wolf looked at Alex once more before he turned to Jack; "When he wakes up, tell him I'll see him soon."
Jack nodded barely noticing as they left, as she was lost in thought about what to do.
On the plane back to London, Santiago noticed that Wolf was rather withdrawn. He seemed to be lost in thought and he wondered if it had to do with Alex.
"You okay Andros?"
"Yeah, I'm just thinking."
"It's about Alex isn't it?"
"Not so much about Alex in specific but what they did to him actually."
"I know, it's monstrous."
"It's worse than that. He's recovering from a bullet wound to the chest he got last month doing more of this crap and they disregarded that completely. That's why he was to go on this so called vacation in the first place, but it was all a trick. A plan to use him to the fullest."
Santiago was speechless for a moment, but only a moment.
"So how come this is happening to him in specific?"
"Well apparently this line of work runs in the family, but the family is gone now, so he's basically on his own. They bribe him with deporting Jack and sending him to an unpleasant boarding school if he resist, so he doesn't have much of a choice."
Santiago laughed harshly "This is outrageous." a thought suddenly struck him and he asked seriously. "You don't think he's making it up do you."
"No. I've considered that but I saw and heard the evidence for myself."
"We need to put a stop to this then."
"Yes, which is why as soon as we get back into London I'm going to have a talk with them."
"As soon as you rest off a bit, yes." Santiago partially agreed
For the duration of the conversation they'd been talking in low voices to avoid other passengers hearing, but now Wolf spoke clearly when he said; "No Santiago, on our way back from the airport, I'm going to stop and have a unpleasant talk with them." he waited for Santiago to try and dissuade him again but he didn't.
"You're right, as long as we do land in the afternoon as planned, we'll talk right away." he said.
Wolf nodded approvingly and they went back to their respective activities.
Four hours later Wolf was sitting in Mr. Blunt's office, Jones and Blunt before him, but Santiago had been detained for another team needed elsewhere. So the brothers were parting again for the meantime.
"Well I'm glad to see you're alright Mr. Mendoza and congratulations on a job well done. Is Alex alright?" Mr. Jones said by way of a greeting.
"No he's not." Wolf answered coldly ignoring her congratulatory remarks.
"I hope you haven't come here to blame us for what happened to him." Blunt interjected noticing his expression and tone.
"That's exactly what I'm doing."
"We hardly did anything. Alex wasn't forced in anyway. Ms. Starbright didn't have to go and enter that sweepstakes in the first place neither did Alex have to go. Second, we did not lie when we said Scorpia wasn't in the area nor was the contest rigged by them. We actually sent you to protect him as a precaution. If you couldn't do that then don't blame us for your short comings." Blunt heartlessly explained.
If it weren't for the cast on his right arm, Wolf would have grabbed Alan Blunt by the front of his gray jacket and hauled him across his big expensive desk. As it was he still stood up abruptly and raised his voice.
"I am not going to stand hear and have you tell me that Alex brought this on himself or because you sure as Hell didn't give him free choice in this whole damn mess."
"Andros calm down please." Mrs. Jones entreated him and suddenly he remembered Alex yelling back when she had asked him to be civil, and he knew exactly how he'd felt.
He completely ignored her and continued.
"Let me ask you, did you or did you not use Alex to get the job done?"
"To see an opportunity and willingly let it pass is foolish and there is no place for foolishness in what I do."
"So tell me, if Alex had used his free choice as you say. Would the mission have gone so well?"
No answer
"You relied heavily on him yet you say he had free choice. What if he'd used it? That seems pretty foolish to me."
What's your point?" Blunt asked testily
"If you're going to have him work for you, then do it the right way. He's a child, he has to go school, consider that. Moreover, I don't think it would kill you to pay him for what he does either. Neither is it any harder to give him the down time he needs after he's been hurt on one of his missions."
"There is hardly any need to pay him, what would a fourteen year-old boy do with that much money? Spend it on cell phones and video games?" Mr. Blunt asked in a disgusted tone.
"He doesn't have time for that," Wolf answered in an equally disgusted voice "plus it would serve as a better means of recruiting him than bribing him with the deportation of his guardian."
Ignoring that Blunt continued "Besides if the need arises we have to use him again. I don't like admitting it but he is becoming our most effective operative. If we need him were going to use him." He said in a dismissing tone.
"When the wrong people know something, it can cause a lot of problems for others right Mr. Blunt?" Wolf asked deviously.
A look of contempt shadowed Blunts's face as he realized exactly what Wolf intended to do if his demands were not carried out.
"Do mean to blackmailing us into doing what you say Wolf?" Mrs. Jones asked disapprovingly
"Maybe." He answered sitting back in his seat
After a long pause
"Your request will be considered Mr. Mendoza." Mrs. Jones informed tersely him "You may leave now."
"Have a nice day." he said sarcastically as he left. He knew they would do as he said for fear of him speaking unless they planned to kill him and he wasn't exactly disposable yet.
"Here you go Alex, home sweet home." Jack said as she helped him into the sofa in the sitting room a week later and gave him the remote so he could watch television if he liked. But he said "Thanks Jack, but I don't really feel for any television right now. I'd rather just think."
"That's fine Alex. What ever you like, just relax and let me take care of you."
Alex shifted careful not to agitate his shoulders that were still VERY sore, and smiled "You don't have to feel guilty Jack. We were used and there isn't really anything any of us could do about it. You don't have to try to make up for it. You're great as you are."
"I know I couldn't have stopped it Alex but I still feel badly and would like to make it up if you don't mind, so tell me what would you like to eat?"
"Well, if you put it that way Jack, knock your self out. For some reason I feel for cake right now."
"Cake it is." She headed towards the kitchen to start. "Oh and Tom called, he wanted to know if he could come see you this evening."
"Sure, I'd like to see someone from the normal world for a change."
Later on, Jack and Alex sat eating chocolate cake that wasn't bad for a first time when the bell rang. Jack got up to open it and a moment later came back with Tom in tow.
"Well I'll leave you boys to your talk for now." She said as she cleared away the dishes.
"So I see you got busted again, latest mission?" Tom asked as he sat down at the other end of the sofa careful not to sit on Alex's foot. "I've never seen you this hurt before though, must have been really bad."
"Yeah, but I hardly did anything at all, if it weren't for Wolf I would have been dead now."
"You mean that guy from the SAS who hated you?"
"Yeah, but he doesn't hate me anymore, I don't think. Cause he said when he got some time off, we could maybe hang out."
"Cool. But does SAS get time off? I mean they're busy protecting the country and all?"
"Of course they get time off. When they shift the people around, some come on duty and some come off." Alex informed him mildly condescendingly.
"Oh yes right." After a brief pause he asked "So if you hardly did anything, how come you're so busted up?"
Alex grew serious at the mention of his injuries.
"I got tortured." He said grimly
Tom was incredulous. "You got tortured? By who?"
"The same people, Scorpia, who I was with in Venice.
"Wow, so do you mind talking about it or are you okay now?"
"I guess its better that I talk about it right?"
"I suppose. So what happened to your face, it looks like you ran into a butchery with your eyes closed and it sounds like your jaw is busted. "
"It is, Scorpia got one of their men called Dr. Three- he's an expert on pain and torture- to kill me. Since they were all pissed that I stopped there last plan, they had him bring in his torture equipment to take me out painfully. He said I would fight for the kind of death I would have; either have him torture me to death or have this other guy kill me in another God forsaken way."
"Gee-whiz Alex, are you sure you don't mind talking about it?"
"If I don't then I'm going to keep having nightmares about it for a long time, its best I get it over with."
"Alright go ahead."
"Anyhow the first thing he got was this mechanical spider thing with razor blades for legs. It got me in the face and I had to tear it off to get free. Jack said I had to get massive plastic surgery to fix it."
"What else could you have endured?" Tom asked in awe.
"Now that I think about it, I don't see how come I'm not dead, but after the spider thing was off, he threw this coil of some kind of spring loaded wire at me. It didn't hit me but when it hit the ground it sort of flew open so it slashed me up on my right thigh real bad. The doctors say if I ever want to be able to use it fully again I have to stay off of it for a week and then have intense PT to strengthen it and that still that wasn't the most painful thing."
"You're giving me nightmares and I wasn't even there. Then, through all this, where was the SAS guy?"
"His code name is Wolf and-"
"Do you know what his real name is?"
"Yeah but I'm not telling you."
"Oh alright, so where was he?"
"Well, first when we got captured he was shot in the leg and then they must have given him something to knock him out cause when I came around he was out, but either way he was tied up in the corner of the room with some of the same wire that Dr. Three cut me with."
"I bet you thought you were done for."
"Yeah. After that he kicked me in my chest right on the bullet wound from last time. Now that really hurt but it still wasn't the worst. I only got to hit him once after that when I tripped him so he broke his nose on the floor."
"Good!" Tom exclaimed
"But then he broke my jaw with a round house kick. By now Wolf was trying to get free despite the detriment to his wrist but it wasn't working. I realized that I should at least let him know that MI6 was on the way because I'd signaled them back we had been captured."
"Using one of your gadgets?"
"You could say that. Now the thing is I couldn't full well let the bad guys hear that back was on the way so, I had to get to Wolf to say it and Dr. Three wouldn't have that. Just so I couldn't get there, he cut up my back with some kind of super sharp knife and then he yanked my left shoulder out of socket. But since I kept on going-"
"You kept on going?" Tom's mouth was actually hanging open
"I had to. Since I kept going he had the guard stationed right behind Wolf, try to move him away so I wouldn't get any closer, but Wolf took advantage of it and knock the guy clean across the room in to a wall."
"Dr. Three?" Tom asked hopefully
"No not him yet, the guard. But with the guard out the way he got mad. I couldn't really hear much any more 'cause all the pain was clouding my mind but I know Wolf did something that got him really mad cause he said something to him and then he slowly pulled my other shoulder out of socket."
"That's what hurt the most wasn't it?" Tom asked sympathetically
"Yeah I passed out then only to be awakened again by an injection."
Unbeknownst to the boys, Jack had been standing there for a while listening to what she knew Alex would never willingly tell her and the tears just came. She would never have imagined that he had been through so much; it was unthinkable. But she had learned her lesson thoroughly; never trust MI6 again.
"Then what happened? Did you get to tell Wolf about the back up?" Tom asked earnestly but Alex wasn't listening.
"I think he was actually crying." He mumbled thoughtfully "I know I felt tears and they weren't mine." A kind of frightened pained looked came over his face as relived the moment when he had lost all hope. It was a moment that would haunt him for some time.
"You okay Alex?"
A second later Alex seemed to remember where he was and his face cleared. "Did you say something mate?"
"I was wondering if you were okay. You kind of zoned out."
"I was thinking about something." he said vaguely
"Well did you ever get to give Wolf the message?"
"Yeah, I think Three must have left for something and then I told him and helped get his hands free, but I don't remember anything after that till I woke up in the hospital." It was clear that he didn't want to talk about it anymore so Tom let up.
"Wow, you really are something Alex I bet no one over at MI6 could ever say they endured anything like that. You should consider yourself a hero. Jack told me that there were a bunch of bombs that were to go off at some embassies but you and Wolf stopped it. That's a pretty impressive record."
"Thanks Tom, it's the reason why I told you about everything and no one else really; you always seem to understand."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until the phone rang and Alex yawned. "It's late I better get going."
"How are things with your parents?"
"As bad as ever. I usually sneak in through the back door and then they never notice I was gone. Only if I get back so late that they lock up for the night does it become a problem."
Alex nodded understandingly.
"Alex, it's for you." Jack said as she came over to hand him the portable phone.
"I'll see you around Tom."
"Yeah, see yuh."
Jack had a funny smile on her face when she gave him the phone like it was a joke but he took it anyway.
"Hello?"
"How's it going Cub?" a familiar voice answered.
"Wolf!"
"The one and only."
"I didn't expect you to call."
"Surprises generally work that way." Wolf laughed "So how are you?"
"I'm basically okay. Bored but okay. How are you, working again?"
"I'm fine, and no I'm not actually on active duty but I do have some work to do."
"Sounds like more fun that what I'm doing. Resting."
"Take it easy Alex, you need that rest."
"I know."
"Look I don't have long to stay on the phone but I just wanted to tell you; I spoke to your employers and you should expect to see a check in the mail in a couple days and a definite change in attitude from them."
"Really? You're the best, I never thought there was anyone who could stand up to them and get anything done. Are you sure they mean what they say?"
"Believe me I'm sure." Wolf laughed. Alex's earlier comment was not lost on him either. It was a kind of exalting feeling when you could make a child happy and get his gratitude in return.
"Thanks a bunch, I wonder how much I made over the past few months."
"A lot, just don't waste it okay? You want some left to do important things you know. Any way I'll see around, probably when you're well enough to travel. Take care of yourself. Bye."
"You to." Alex hung up the phone feeling different. He felt good and he had some things to look forward to. Life wasn't all bad.
Chapter 8
"I'll get it Jack." Alex shouted as he limped over to the door to answer it. When he looked through the peephole and saw that it was Wolf, he opened it immediately.
"Hey Wolf, you came early, come on in."
"Thanks, how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good, I'm only limping right now because I just came back from PT, which was pretty rough today."
He led Wolf into the sitting room while they talked. "I know what you mean;" Wolf agreed "I still have PT for this leg but its but its not so bad now."
"So do you have any grub?" Wolf asked "I never seem to have anything up at my house."
"Sure help yourself." Alex led Wolf into the kitchen where Jack was warming a piece of chicken in the microwave.
"Hi Jack."
"Hi Andros, how've you been?" she greeted him while hurrying to get some bread off the fridge top to have with the chicken.
"Not bad. You seem to be in a rush." he commented as he took down the bread for her.
"Thanks, just because Alex is getting so tall he's always putting the bread up there. I'm rushing because I'm about to be late for my afternoon class up at the University, but I have to get something to eat before I leave, I'm okay now though."
She gathered up her handbag and kissed Alex on the cheek. "Enjoy yourself Alex."
"Thanks Jack, now hurry before you're late."
The next second she was out the door.
"Busy huh?" Wolf commented while he rummaged through the refrigerator.
"Yeah I'm glad she's not so worried about me anymore and can take care of herself. So where are we going?" Alex was bursting with curiosity to know what Wolf had planned for there trip. It had been a while since his last outing with his uncle and he kind of missed them.
"Impatient are we?" Wolf provoked as he made himself a roast beef and cheese sandwich.
"Come on." Alex mock pleaded.
"You'll see in a little while." He sat down with the sandwich across from Alex. "What have you done with your money so far?"
"I put most of it in a savings account and I left out a little over a thousand to do stuff."
"Wise kid."
In a few more bites Wolf was finished the sandwich and ready to go.
"You sure you don't want another one?" Alex asked skeptically
"Nah, we've got places to go."
Four hours, later they were still driving.
Wolf glanced over at Alex as they left Milton Campsie in the far north and started up a long, winding, steep road.
"You aren't about to asked 'are we there yet' are you?"
"No," Alex answered pleasantly, looking out the window "I've been memorizing the whole way so I could drive back if I had a license."
Wolf look at him for a second with something close to admiration "Everything is a puzzle or challenge to you, isn't it?"
"It makes things more interesting." Alex answered "But now that you've given me the idea, are we there yet?"
"About 15 minutes more. If you haven't already guessed this is my old home. I thought we do a bit of real camping up here, not the stuff Scout Troops do."
"I figured as much after a while." Alex answered "Do you're parents still live up here?"
Wolf took a moment to answer because he was concentrating on maneuvering the winding roads "My mum does but dad passed away a few years back."
"Oh, sorry." Alex was thoughtful for a moment "I wonder what's worse; not having parents or having crap ones."
"Depends on the parents, but crap ones or not I've got to visit mine from time to time to make sure she's okay."
"You must spend the day if it takes this long to get there."
"Not necessarily, often the drive is more pleasant."
"Oh."
"Here we are, Bull's Hole." Wolf smiled, heading around to the back of the truck to get out the tent and supplies.
Alex got out of the vehicle and walked around, taking in the scenery; the medium sized clearing covered with saw grass and clover and the surrounding trees forming an almost complete circle. The air smelled of pine and grass and the effect was satisfyingly relaxing.
"Stop goggling and give me a hand with this stuff." Wolf quipped
After they got an area clear, Wolf sent Alex for some firewood while he set up the tent. "It'll soon be dark and when it gets dark up here it gets cold, so make sure you bring a lot. Over there is a good place to start."
Alex set off in the general direction of east, whistling.
After a while, he had gathered a nice arm load but as he was coming back towards the clearing he heard a twig snap behind him. He dropped the wood and whirled around in a karate stance, slightly stretching the month old wound on his back. "Who's there?"
A figure stepped out of the brush "Easy, I didn't mean to startle you I was looking for something." A boy of about 15 or 16 answered.
He had unruly black hair and bright slate blue eyes that seemed to twinkle with a secret only he knew. He smiled in a sort of lopsided way and said "I used to live up here some years back but now I just come and visit from time to time when I'm able to. I've been looking for something I lost when I left"
He seemed to be hiding something as he spoke because he kept his right foot planted firmly on the ground beside strange looking patch of ground.
"Oh, well sorry to turn on you like that, sometimes I get a little jumpy." Alex offered his hand "Alex."
"Nice to meet you Alex." the boy shook his hand but did not offer his name, "I see you were gathering some firewood there. I know where some of the best wood is, mind if I help?"
"Not at all." The two boys spent the better part of an hour searching for wood and talking till ,Wolf, back at camp, was beginning to worry about what was keeping him. He decided to go look for him in case he'd ran into trouble.
Alex and his new friend were on their way back to the spot were Alex had dropped his first bundle as they had used it as a drop off point and there was quite a pile now, when they heard Wolf calling. "Alex!"
"Aw man, it's been a while hasn't it?" Alex said but the other boy was suddenly tense. "I think I'll be going now. Bye Alex, nice meeting you."
"Wait, where are you going?" Alex called to the retreating figure. "Wolf, I'm over here." he answered the second call. A moment later Wolf entered the area where Alex was when he met the mysterious boy.
"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" Wolf shouted
Alex stared; he hadn't been gone that long had he?
Wolf realized that he was overreacting and cooled down some but he was still angry.
"There are bears in these parts you know. I thought you were- look I'm responsible for your safety, don't go off for that long again with out telling me alright?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Alex answered ashamedly "I just met this guy and he was helping me gather firewood and we talked so I lost track of time."
Wolf frowned "Then where is he now?"
Alex went to investigate the area that the mysterious boy seemed to be hiding. "I don't know; he took off as soon as he heard you call me."
Wolf's frown deepened but he let the matter drop. "What are you looking at?" he noticed that Alex was examining the ground where he stooped with great interest.
"What's this?" Alex asked interestedly
Wolf stooped down by him and studied the circular patch of ground with a fading painted metal circle pressed into it. The pattern on the metal was like a coat of arms with a green snake, red bear and blue bird on it. After a moment a slow smile spread across his face.
"What is it?" Alex asked eagerly
"I totally forgot about this." Wolf laughed to himself as he pried the metal cover out of the ground. Alex was getting impatient though, so he explained.
"All the way back when I was twelve and Raimundo was eleven, he came up with the idea that we write a letter to ourselves now and open it when we're twenty-one to see if we'd fulfilled any of our childhood ambitions. After we wrote them we dug this hole, booby trapped it and hid the letters in there until we came back for it around ten years later. Raimundo designed the cover so we'd always remember the spot. 'Always in the area where the good wood was.'" Wolf was thoughtful for a moment. "I really don't remember what I wrote."
"Cool." Alex said "Do you mind if I see?"
"No, go ahead, but make sure your arm doesn't touch the sides; it's lined with poison ivy."
Alex stretched into the hole and brought out two beer bottles and gave them to Wolf who after checking them out broke one of them on a stone and extracted the roll of paper from the mess. Alex watched over his shoulder as he read.
If you are older than twenty-one when you read this then you're either just like regular grown-ups who forgets the little things in life or you've dismissed the idea as childish and only just ran into it for some reason, Either way I hope you're doing something more interesting and prestigious than what dad does. I hope that by this time you are either a General in the SAS, a physicist, or a hydraulics engineer. If you aren't already married then remember to make sure your future wife is not like mom. She's too unreasonable and mean. If you are married though, don't forget the promise you made to be good to ALL your kids. Remember to try your hardest to be at the top of the charts in whatever it is you're doing because as Santiago says "Great men aren't born that way." Last, I hope everyone is doing well and that we still stick up for one another.
Yours Truly
Twelve year- old Andros Mendoza
Alex looked at Wolf for a second afterwards, "You were an ambitious kid weren't you?" he asked
"We all were." He answered quietly lost in thought.
After a moment he replaced the cover and rose from the spot leaving the other bottles behind.
"Don't you want to read the others?" Alex asked
"Not really, they're not mine to read ."
Alex nodded and followed him back to the camp site with some of the fire wood.
When they reached the now expertly erected tent, Wolf asked "Do you know how to kindle firewood?"
Alex gave him a look.
"What? I honestly don't know. I would assume that you do since you seem to be a smart kid but then again maybe not."
"Yes I do, since I was six." Alex rolled his eyes taking away the flint and twig Wolf had been set to teach him with.
"Every other month or so, when he was alive, my Uncle Ian would take me on an extreme sport, survival or cultural outing. So I learned a lot with him," Alex continued somewhat wistfully.
"Well then," Wolf answered in an effort to keep the mood light "I'll let you lead, just to see how much you know."
"Okay" Alex agreed as he got the fire safely started.
That night they sat under the stars trading memories and eventually jokes until when they finally went to sleep in the darkest hours of the night both had found out a lot more about the kind of person the other was and had had many a good laugh as well.
Next day in the wee hours of the morning, Wolf lay on his back thinking, which he didn't do often, while Alex still slept in the sleeping bag next to him. The whole ordeal with Alex and Scorpia and then the recollection of what had happened to Raimundo, especially Santiago's side of it all, had set him thinking. It was true that anytime he thought about the incident that killed his little brother, he blamed himself, but only from a logical point of view. It's not like he thought he was supposed to have been able to perform some sort of miracle but he knew that if he had made certain decisions then and there, Raimundo's life could have been spared.
It also irked him somewhat that he had survived the same fall; barely yes, but survived nonetheless. Wolf was far beyond thinking simply in fair and unfair terms but it still made him feel badly.
To his left Alex was beginning to stir and he turned to watch the child for a moment thinking about all that he'd learned about him. He definitely had experienced his fair share of grief and pain for one so young but he was an interesting and multifaceted person despite it all. A moment later Wolf realized that Alex wasn't awakening, but was having a nightmare, most likely concerning his recent ordeal. The next second he shot up from his sleeping bag with wide but clear eyes. He shook his head to clear it and mumbled something about dying.
"What?" Wolf asked startling the youth further
"I said I'm glad I always wake before I actually die." He frowned "How long have you been awake?"
Wolf got up and stretched "A little while now, you okay?"
"Yeah" Wolf nodded and stepped outside of the tent to see about breakfast while Alex dressed. When he immerged, Wolf was setting two eggs to roast.
"I've never had roasted egg before." Alex stated "Though I've been offered a raw one."
Wolf looked at him quizzically "Who eats raw eggs?"
"An insane Russian general who thinks he can use nuclear weapons to return Russia to its former glory."
Wolf stared at Alex for a moment then went back to poking the eggs. "Sarov, right?" recalling what Alex had told him in the park.
"Yep"
After eating the eggs and crackers Alex asked "So what's up for today?"
"I was thinking we could go either hunting or rowing. It depends on whether you're up to it."
"Why can't we do both?"
"Because they both take all day and even though this is supposed to be fun I don't want you to overexert yourself."
"Fine," Alex huffed in annoyance at Wolf protectiveness
"Wolf grinned "So which will it be?"
"Rowing."
They made a small trek through the woods until they came to a boat house on the bank of a small lake, It was in dire need of repairs and an elderly man stood in the doorway smoking a pipe. When he saw Wolf his mouth fell open for a second before he let out a hearty laugh.
"Andros, you wayward youth! Where have you been?" The men clapped each other on the back in greeting.
"Busy." Wolf explained not seeming to mind being called a youth by this man.
"Ah, too busy for a poor old man I see."
Wolf opened his mouth to say something but the old man beat him to it. "Ah, but I understand that a mighty soldier doesn't have time for the lesser things in life, no?"
"D-" Wolf tried to interject
"Which is why I ask what brings you here now?"
"I'm on-"
"And who's the lad over there, your son?" Up until now Alex had been pretty much forgotten.
Wolf gave the man a withered look. "Do I look old enough to have a son that age?"
The man chuckled.
"This is Alex. Alex meet Don."
"Nice to meet you" Alex answered.
Don nodded in what seemed to be approval and then asked Wolf: "Then if he isn't your son, who is he?"
"He's a friend of mine and we came up here to hang out a bit, that's why I came to ask-"
"Can you borrow a boat?" Don finished for him
"Well?" Wolf asked
"I have to think about it." The man made a show of considering it.
Wolf resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"I suppose." The man finally conceded. He led them into the rundown shack where he had two boats. Alex glanced around at the dismal state of the structure as Wolf picked out theirs.
"Your friend here has been promising to fix this place for years but I guess a poor old man isn't important enough to be remembered." Don called to Alex as he noticed him staring.
Alex stared at Wolf "We could do it now if you want. I would help him and we'd still have time to go rowing. What do you say?" He knew he was placing himself in a situation by putting Wolf on the spot like that and the man confirmed it by sending him a death glare, but Don was grinning from ear to ear when he said he would.
"Do you have the tools and the wood?" Wolf asked
"Yep right back here." He scrambled over to another room that was piled with planks of wood and a bucket of old tools in a corner. "I bought them a couple years back when you said you'd be up here in a-"
"Okay I remember." Wolf broke in before he could feed more notions of Wolf being a supremely unreliable person into Alex's head.
Alex however was thoroughly enjoying himself
While Don directed them, Alex and Wolf got to work measuring and sawing wood to repair the most dilapidated parts of the shack.
By high noon, all three men were satisfied with their work. The place was looking much more appealing than before and the roof of the living quarters no longer leaked. Some other places need repair too but they could wait.
"The rain can come as much as he likes now." Don beamed. "Thank you boys."
"I suppose it was long over due." Wolf answered "But now we're off, see you around Amigo."
"Permanecen en contacto los jóvenes uno." Don called to him as he climbed into the boat.
"Pretenderé" Wolf answered.
After Don had went back inside Alex said " I was supposed to get in first Wolf."
Wolf grinned at him evilly, with something hidden behind his back "You don't think I was going to let you get away with that did you?"
"And the way get back at me is making me push off the boat?" Alex asked incredulously, but it was too late by the time he realized what Wolf was doing. Just as Alex was stepping into the boat that was now drifting, Wolf leaned against the siding of the boat, pitching Alex into the water with a comical look of surprise on his face.
Alex resurface, glaring at Wolf, only to find him grinning wildly with a camera in his hand.
"The look on you're face was golden Alex and I got it on film," He laughed holding up the camera "It'll definitely be useful someday."
Alex spat water out of his mouth and scowled "Put it away and help me out of the water." he demanded.
Still laughing Wolf put it in its case and cautiously grasped Alex's hand. He was not oblivious to the fact that the boy was obviously seeking revenge.
Alex took hold of his arm and pulled as hard as he could. Sure enough Wolf came tumbling head first into the water too despite his precaution. Keeping a boat steady was much harder than tipping it after all. Now Alex was screaming with laughter swimming out of reach.
"The look on your face was absolutely priceless Wolf. You'd better be glad I didn't have a camera too."
Wolf found himself grinning despite himself.
"You'd better catch the boat before it drifts away." Wolf pointed out since Alex was closer.
The rest of the day was just as interesting and by the time they were building the fire for the evening meal Alex was exhausted and Wolf was comfortably tired. They ate the evening meal in companionable silence, until they heard a twig snap not far from where they sat.
Alex peered into the darkness as Wolf shouted "Whose there?"
A figure rushed past some trees close to their clearing and Alex caught a glimpse of the boy he'd met the day before.
"Hey it's you, wait!" Alex shouted, rushing into the trees but the boy had vanished. Alex was sure he'd run because of Wolf.
"Who was that Alex?' Wolf demanded
"The kid I met yesterday when I was looking for fire wood. He keeps running when you come near."
Wolf frowned and went back to his dinner more vigilant than before.
The next morning Alex got up before Wolf to explore the woods. He told himself it was exploring but he really wanted to see if he could find the mysterious boy.
He was almost sure he would find him in these woods again and as crazy as it sounded it considering that the boy had never met Wolf before, he knew he ran every time he thought Wolf was near and in the spirit of his usually daring personality the mystery only served to lure Alex in rather than scare him off.
Sure enough Alex found him searching through the bushes for something again. It occurred to him the kid looked kind of familiar but what was more interesting was the fact that he didn't seem to know what he was looking for.
"Hey there" Alex called softly so as not to startle him. "Want some help?"
The boy with no name seemed to have already known he was there because he gave absolutely no indication of surprise.
"I don't really know what I'm looking for," he confirmed "I just know it's missing."
He made his way gradually towards Alex and Wolf's Camp and Alex some how felt sorry for him. He just seemed like a lost soul wondering around with no where to go.
"Where's your family? Alex asked
"I told you I'm looking for something."
Alex switched tactics "Why do you run away every time my friend comes near?"
"Who is your friend?"
"The man who was looking for me yesterday, Wolf."
"Wolf" The boy repeated, confused "I don't know," he admitted
"I can introduce you to him and you can see his not all that bad. I don't think he'd mind meeting you"
As the mysterious boy opened his mouth to answer, they heard Wolf shouting
"ALEX, get back here NOW!"
"Geez, you'd think I'd done something." Alex complained as he turned to the boy, but he was gone.
Alex was more than a little surprised by this but he answered Wolf and hurried along.
"I'm coming."
When he got to the camp Wolf wasn't quite livid but definitely angry.
"What the hell did you mean by going off like that?"
"What do you mean; I didn't do anything except explore the woods a bit how can-"
"Did it occur to you that when I got up and found you missing I might want to know where you where?"
"But it was just-"
"People have been known to get attacked in those woods. I'm not saying you can't go, just let me know." He ran his hand through his hair that was growing out from a close crop "If this is how you normally are then I think I know how Jack must feel."
Alex sighed "I didn't mean to worry you I was just exploring a little before you got up."
"Fine" he sighed as well "I guess I overreacted I just don't want Jack to get on my case if something happens to you."
Alex smiled knowing that was not exactly the case. "Did you plan out today too?"
"Yeah I think we'd both appreciate a hike through these woods in particular."
"Okay then, lead the way." Alex said regaining his previous enthusiasm.
Their hike was mostly silent and meditative; it was simply relaxing to quietly make their way to the top of the hill pointing out things now and then. The most significant thing they found before reaching the top of the hill, was a bear. Alex was the one who'd spotted it.
"Wolf, look." Alex had whispered, but when the man hadn't acknowledged, he tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the large brown bear a few feet from them, in awe.
Wolf had smiled and nodded as they stilled themselves to watch and when the bear had finally looked up and seen them, she gave them no heed and eventually lumbered past them as though knowing they meant no harm.
The next thing that happened was both terrifying and wonderful at the same time.
When they arrived at the top of the hill and immerged from the surrounding trees at evening, the view was truly breathtaking.
"Wow" Alex breathed as he took in the enormity of it all.
"I know" Wolf agreed "I'm not one to go on nature walks often but when you see something like this you can't help but admire it. It kind of reminds you of how small you puny you really are."
"Exactly" Alex agreed. Seeing the rolling hills and the sky meeting ground with the sun burning in between as a formidable red disc, really brought you close to earth.
After watching the sun go down for a while but not completely Wolf turned around to get something from their packs that they'd rested against a tree.
When Wolf turned but didn't move again for a while, Alex broke away from the scene to see what the matter was.
What he saw frightened him to no end. He'd never seen Wolf terrified before. Sad yes, angry, maybe even a little scared, but not like this, this terrified frozenness was something else altogether.
Looking beyond Wolf he saw the point of focus and his stomach dropped. He realized why he'd thought the boy looked familiar. Seeing them together, he realized they were similar enough to be brothers.
"Y-You!" Alex stuttered momentarily stunned again "You're Raimundo."
The boy glanced at Alex but didn't answer.
Wolf regaining some composure gulped and asked in a mostly steady voice. "You've seen him before?"
"Yes," Alex answered "He was the one who helped me find the firewood and who ran last night and this morning I was talking to him again."
Wolf took a deep breath "So then either we're both hallucinating or you're for real."
"I'm looking for something." he said "I think you have it."
Wolf and Alex looked at each other. "He'd been looking for something since I met him but he doesn't know what." Alex offered
"Where did you lose it?" Wolf cautiously asked
The boy seemed to think for a moment "over here" he finally said. He started to walk in the direction that they'd come in. They walked for what seemed an eternity with Alex often questioning the sanity in following what was obviously a ghost. But Wolf seemed alright with it. Long after the sun set and the starts and moon took its place, the group stopped at the spot where Raimundo had died. Alex knew it before Wolf said anything. Then the apparition sat down on the edge of the precipice and said "I lost it down there. If I wait awhile I'm sure I'll find it." he turned to Wolf who was taking it all surprisingly well. "I know you have it I just don't know how to get it. I think if we all think about it we'll figure it out. I'm very tired but I need to find it before I go."
Wolf took in the image of his younger brother in what could pass for the flesh and the fact that he was a wondering soul looking for his rest. Sighing, Wolf placed his headin his hand beginning to despair because he couldn't figure out how to help his brother this once. After a moment Alex tapped him on the shoulder "Wolf I think you're doing something you shouldn't."
Wolf looked and saw that Raimundo was much farther over the edge. "Looking at him Raimundo frowned "It doesn't work when you do that. You have to try doing it differently."
Wolf started really thinking now and so did Alex.
"Wolf you still blame yourself, don't you?"
Wolf's silence answered for him. Then he said 'But I shouldn't"
Then Raimundo looked at Wolf again from a comfortable perch and started to talk.
"You know big bro, Where I went was really nice so comfortable and safe but everybody else had something that I didn't. I realized that I had to comeback to get mine but I don't know what it is. But I know that when I find it will be good for both of us and you'll be happy too."
Wolf smiled and nodded his head. "Who do you think sent you there?"
"I don't know. But I like being there I want to go back but I sometimes miss you too."
Wolf hugged him and got up. "I know what you mean, I'm going to miss you too Little bro. I hope I see you again when I come."
"Thanks, I'll look for you but I know it won't be so hard to find." The two brothers hugged each other and Alex could have sworn he saw a younger form of Wolf for a second then Raimundo disappeared before their eyes and they heard him say. "Thank you Andros and you too Alex I found it."
They were silent for about an hour Alex contemplating what he'd just seen as Wolf just stood by the edge of the cliff thinking. When Alex had looked up once he saw a tear shining in his eye but now there was just a little smile as he turned to head back to the camp. As Alex fell into step beside him Wolf put a friendly arm around his shoulder.
"Thanks Alex, for everything."
finis