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Alex was at war inside on how to approach this new situation. He was excited at the prospect of going back to England so soon, yet nervous with the knowledge he wasn't being told everything. He had no proof, but all his instincts told him you shouldn't trust the government too much. The Consul-General began to notice the silence, and was relieved when Alex finally answered. "I want assurances you won't hurt Nicky, no matter what, and that you'll endeavour to protect him regardless. I want those assurances in writing."

"What difference does it make if they're in writing or not?"

"Simple, really. I'm going to make copies and put them in pre-addressed envelopes. If I've not contacted the people with instructions to the contrary, then those letters will be mailed on a certain date. Consider it an insurance policy."

"You've been watching far too much television, young man. That's not how we work. Nonetheless, we'll gladly agree to that, assuming it's your only demand."

"Almost, just one more," replied Alex. He, much like most teens, wanted to get in one last perk. "I'd really like to go first class. It's such a long flight."

Michaels breathed a sigh of relief at the overly simple request, "I think we can arrange that; if you've never flown international first class, I promise you it'll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Alex was terribly excited, though outwardly he kept his composure. Like most people, he'd always wanted to fly first class, but it was out of his parents' price range by a wide margin. And international first class was obscenely expensive. This was his big chance and he jumped at it. "I think that would be entirely satisfactory. Just work it out with my mom. I'll warn you, you're going to have a hard-sell on me missing more school."

"Leave that to me. I think I can handle that with no worries." He pressed a button, and a voice responded. He asked to have Amanda summoned. She entered shortly thereafter, still looking piqued at having been asked to leave in the first place. "Ah! Welcome back, Mrs. Maitland, I believe you and I have some business to discuss. Alex, will you please step outside?" Alex complied, knowing if his demands weren't met nobody could force him to cooperate. His work was done.

The Consul-General Michaels gesture of dismissal towards Alex soothed Amanda Maitland's injured sense of propriety considerably. "Mrs. Maitland, I'm very sorry for asking you to leave, but I'm sure you understand most teenagers don't like to talk in front of their parents. I realise it was unspeakably rude asking you to leave, but we must keep up appearances to insure cooperation with teenagers. I do hope you understand." The Consul-General was good at this and knew if Amanda felt unsettled in any way, he'd have it smoothed over by now.

Indeed, the apology relieved all remaining distress Mrs. Maitland felt, though her face remained tight to any observer. "No, I understand completely, though I am glad you explained it to me. It took a burden off my mind."

Consul-General Michaels considered his words carefully and explained most of the plan to her, all the while trying to maintain a professional and dignified outward demeanour. "It's rather simple, actually. We're trying to get someone in for questioning. But we're having trouble pinning him down, you see. We feel that Nicky's father may be related to some illegal scheme, only we've been unable to locate either of them."

He paused for a moment so what he said could sink in, and then resumed, continuing in the calmest tones possible, "We're confident that Alex is in no danger, and we're only using him because he might make Nicky feel safe enough to come out of hiding." This too was a lie, like most everything he said.

He decided to invoke the deal-maker by dragging the good name of the Queen into the discussion, "Of course Her Majesty's government is always deeply concerned about bringing children into anything, and Alex will be accompanied by Scotland Yard at all times." Sometimes, Michaels almost regretted having to tell so many lies. However, it worked and Amanda felt reassured by hearing the Queen mentioned followed by Scotland Yard. It carried a lot of weight with her, more than it actually warranted.

"I will have to confer with my husband, you understand. This is far too big a decision to make without his input. And, it goes without saying, that Alex would have to agree. You'll have to ask him if he's willing to cooperate or this whole discussions is pointless."

"I'll do that next. I'm sure I can persuade him." He didn't bother to tell her Alex had already agreed, knowing that would rankle her sense of propriety.

"And we'll have to check with the school. He can't miss much more school. He's missed too much already." Amanda's concern reflected in her face.

"Don't be concerned. We'll send him on a Thursday or Friday and he'll return on a Monday. He'll only miss two or three days of school."

"That's a great deal of flying, and it'll be very expensive. We really can't afford it," stated Amanda, matter-of-factly. Her face began to show signs of irritation. She didn't come all this way to be asked to take her son out of school, pay for him to take another trip out of the country, and to be coddled by some diplomat.

Consul-General Michaels looked at Amanda and knew her face clearly showed he was losing her quickly. He had to act fast. "Don't worry about the money, after all you're doing us the favour. We'll handle all of the arrangements, and Her Majesty's Government will pick up the entire bill. This sort of thing is not uncommon when we ask for the help of a private citizen, and especially one who is a foreign national."

"I'll discuss it with my husband and call you tomorrow, Consul-General Michaels," said Amanda, her movements and outward appearance showing she still was not entirely won over.

"That will be fine. Have Alex come back in and I'll try and convince him." Consul General Michaels could have simply ordered Alex back into his office -- he wanted to -- but he knew he needed to leave it in Amanda's hands in order for her to feel in control. That way the decision was sure to go his way. He was very practised at this sort of thing; it was automatic. He'd been doing this too long. He was on auto-pilot now.

Amanda went out and brought Alex back in. "Consul-General Michaels wants to ask you something." Alex could tell his mother wasn't entirely happy about the situation. He knew he had to put on an Oscar-worthy performance to get to see Nicky again.

"Alex, we'd like you to consider going back to England for a few days. We'd like to use you as bait to help locate Nicky. Would you consider doing it?"

Alex was smart. He knew the repetition of something already agreed upon meant there was more to this situation than just his mother's irritation. He turned his head so his mother couldn't see it fully, and winked his eye at the Consul-General, noticing a smile almost, but not quite, move over the Consul-General's lips. Finally, Alex said, feigning scepticism as best as he could. "Well, I guess I'd consider it, but it's so far to travel. Is there anything in it for me at all?"

"If you go, we'll give you, say one hundred pounds to spend and a half-day alone at the end of the trip to do it providing you lead us to Nicky before your flight back. Would that suit?"

"Yes, I believe it will. Of course I have school; well, I don't suppose I mind that part too much. Obviously, my parents have to agree. And I still want to think about it a bit."

"Brilliant! Of course you have concerns. I'll tell you what, Mrs. Maitland, why don't you, your husband, and Alex discuss this over dinner tonight. I wouldn't want you to do anything you're not completely comfortable with." The Consul-General was thrilled. He knew the final decision would go his way now. Alex clearly understood the situation and was working to make it happen. It concerned the Consul-General a bit, because there was obviously something he was missing here -- Alex was being too cooperative. But if it got him his catch, he didn't care. Alex was a teenager, and what threat could a teen really be?

"Well, then, Mrs. Maitland, I'll expect your call tomorrow," he said, beaming with the knowledge he'd already won. He just had to let his victim have time to reach the same conclusion. "I'm going to have an escort arranged for you, just in case. It will be discreet of course -- a plain, unmarked car."

"That reminds me, what was the van about, earlier?" inquired Mrs. Maitland.

"I don't know. We haven't received the report back from the police. They mustn't be very alarmed for they haven't given us an urgent ring." Michaels knew what the van was about, but if he said it was one of the consulate's that he'd engaged to make sure the Maitlands didn't miss their appointment, he was sure he'd lose the deal he'd just brokered. So he kept silent.

"Okay, then. I'll call you tomorrow after my husband and I discuss this."

Consul-General Michaels showed them to the office door, after which Reardon returned and escorted them to the front door. Amanda and Alex were shown to their car, and they drove off, noticing a black Ford Crown Victoria following them. This time, they were not alarmed since they knew this car was from the consulate, or, perhaps, the police. It was a long drive home, and once again conversation seemed to be what was going to pass the time. Alex wasn't very happy about this. He wanted to think about this whole thing some more. He had to make it happen. He couldn't fail.

"Well, Alex, what do you think? Do you want to do this? If you don't we're done and there won't be any discussion."

Alex wasn't prepared for the question. "What?" Alex thought for a moment, stalling for time, trying to get his mind back into the current conversation. I've got to sound like I want to go, but not like I'm eager. How should I play this? This is a touchy situation.

"Alex? Hello? Are you with us?"

"Sorry, Mom, I was thinking. Part of me doesn't want to do it," lied Alex, "but part of me thinks I really should help them. I've put myself in the middle of things, and it's the right thing to do, don't you think?" he asked. He knew that by appearing to ask his mother's advice, rather than state his goal, it would be easier to get what he wanted. It was an age-old teenager trick he had used before.

"I suppose so, but I'm concerned for your safety."

"I'm not. I mean, they just want me to talk to Nicky. I suppose they'll hold him until his father comes for him, or perhaps tail him. I imagine once Nicky finds me, there won't be much further use for me. Besides, he promised I'd be escorted by Scotland Yard the entire time. How much safer could anyone possibly be?"

"I'd imagine you're right. I'll be sure and clarify that issue tomorrow. Well, unless your father objects, I suppose you'll be off again." Amanda paused a moment before asking her next question. She knew how easily teens were offended by parental intrusion. "What did the Consul-General ask you in private?"

"Oh, Mom, it was a complete waste! I have no idea why he sent you off. He asked me how I met Nicky, what I knew, millions of questions, none of them important. I suppose he was checking my story and making sure I was telling the truth."

"That's what took so long?"

"Yeah. Ask him if you want." He knew his mother wouldn't ask. "I think I'll ask to be sent over first class. I don't know if he'll do that, though. I figure it's the least they could do."

"I'm ashamed at you being so brazen. How dare you!"

"But Moooooom, it's such a long flight, and I'm doing them a favour."

"Absolutely not. That's simply unacceptable. I'm ashamed you even considered it. It's not proper."

Alex sulked for quite some time. They reached home but not before more whining and whimpering about the plane flight. As they got near their home, their escort sped by them and a hand stuck out the car window, waving goodbye. As they pulled into their home, Alex wondered to himself what the real purpose of an escort home since someone could be waiting inside for them. He decided not to dwell on it.

As soon as he settled in, he called Delos on the phone. "Delos! Guess what?!"

"What? You sound like you're ready to explode. You meet someone?" she said, trying to make a perverted comment which went right over Alex's head.

"No, of course not. But I might get to go back to England if my Dad okays it. The consulate wants me back for a few days to help look for Nicky."

"Really? They can't find one kid without your help?" Delos knew there had to be more to it. Scotland Yard shouldn't need Alex to find one kid. There was more to this. She just didn't know who was withholding information.

"I guess they figure he won't hide from me."

"What do they want Nicky for?"

"I probably shouldn't tell you since I bet it's a secret, but fuck 'em. They don't want Nicky, they want his dad."

"And you're going to help the police arrest Nicky's father? I thought he was your friend. What are you going to do that for?"

Alex was shocked, scandalized, and ashamed. Deeply ashamed. He hadn't looked at it like that. "Oh, fuck, Delos. What have I done? I won't go. I won't do it. Not like this. You're right. I am so fucking stupid. Nicky wouldn't want anything to do with me if I did that."

Delos thought Alex sounded like he might cry. She'd never heard him sound so hurt. She was able to picture his physical discomfort in her mind. She knew she had hit close to home. "Well, it's better you figured it out now instead of after you got there."

"Wait! I can go. I don't have to tell them I found Nicky. I can warn him instead."

"Yes, unless they tail you. And trust me, they will."

"I'm sure I can work that out."

"I don't know, Alex; you're dealing with professionals and you're just a teenager. I know you have to do this, even if only for yourself. I know it means more to you than you're willing to tell me. I can hear it in your voice. I bet I could even see it in your eyes if I were there. Please, be careful."

"OK, Delos. Thanks. Thanks for being there. Thanks for everything. Really."

"You're welcome. Bye, Alex."

"Bye," said Alex, hanging up the phone reluctantly. He knew Delos hung up quickly because she wanted him to think. He didn't want to think now. So instead, Alex read while waiting for his father to return from work. His thoughts were devoid of everything but the book he was reading in order to catch up in his English class. It was called Youth In Revolt. He really liked it, which was unusual for assigned reading, though he thought it a rather ribald book for a school to assign to teens. He was surprised parents hadn't objected, but maybe none of them had read it, or maybe it was just because this was California.

The familiar sounds of a car door slamming, the jingling of keys, and a door opening told Alex that his father had come home. Rather than go downstairs, he stayed in his room and waited for his parents to work it out between themselves. He didn't hear any shouting or arguing which was good. Part of him wanted to run downstairs and eavesdrop but he decided not to. It wasn't worth the effort. He knew they'd call him when they were ready, but the anticipation was killing him. There wasn't much he could do to swing the decision now. Another half-hour elapsed, which he occupied by trying to finish up this book for English. No matter how good the book, anything he was forced to read tended to irritate him a little just on principle.

"Alex, dinner!" shouted his mother.

The fact that they were calling him to dinner meant the decision had already been reached. He began to get nervous. He wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not. He went to the washroom and washed his hands, bounding down the stairs in the hopes the news would be good. If his mother started speaking first, it was good news. If his father started speaking first, it would be bad. That's how it usually worked, anyway.

He went into the dining room and sat down. The food, as always, smelled wonderful. Alex could tell from the delectable smell that his mother had made a beef stew. He was rather fond of beef stew, especially his mother's homemade family recipe. He was torn between waiting for the food to come in and waiting for the decision to come out. The food was the first to arrive.

Alex was so nervous, he could barely eat. He served himself up a big plate, as he usually did, but he was slow to eat. He picked at it, waiting for the inevitable discussion. He'd done his best, and he didn't know what else he could do to improve the situation. I'd even pray if I thought it would help.

After everyone began eating, to Alex's dismay, his father spoke. "Well, Alex, your mother tells me the Consul-General has asked you to return to England."

"Yes, sir. He did."

"I must say I don't very well approve of this. Your mother also has misgivings as well. She also tells me you aren't entirely sure."

"Well, um, that's not quite it..." started Alex, trying to save the situation, before he was interrupted.

"However, I'm proud of you that you're willing to go and do the right thing. As much as we don't want you to go, and as much as you're not entirely sure you want to go, we're going to support you. I've always believed in doing the right thing."

"Thanks, Dad." Alex was blown away. His dad supported him. This was too unusual for Alex to deal with. He was certain space aliens had stolen his family. "I'll leave it up to Mom to call and work out the details."

They finished dinner, mostly while discussing details such as Alex's school work and being sure he was committed to staying caught up. They also tried to ask Alex about his time with Delos, but he was, as expected, not forthcoming. Alex would have been chagrined to know that his reluctance to talk about Delos caused his parents to jump to several conclusions which would have quite possibly upset him.

After dinner, Alex went to his room and read himself to sleep with his assigned reading. The sleep didn't last long, for he spent most of the night awake, thinking about Nicky. And it was thoughts of Nicky that filled his head as he dozed back off again each time. He couldn't wait until everything was arranged.

The next morning he awakened, figuring on planning for his return to school the following Monday. It was Thursday already. He knew he couldn't put it off forever, so he puttered around, looking at his books, making sure he was relatively caught up. Although Alex was never a fan of school, he was often weeks ahead on his assignments. Part of the deal for his trip was that he not fall behind on his school work. Before he left on his first trip, he had done all the assignments through to this week. So, at most, he was a few days behind. He'd finish up the reading, and do any problems that were required. He could call Delos about any missed assignments. He didn't want breakfast, so he started doing some of the easy work, such as his computer class, which was more automatic than any real work. Next, he did his English reading, and before he knew it, it was close to lunch time.

He decided he'd go eat and then see if his mother had heard back from the consulate, or even if she'd called. He had to play it cool and not seem eager. He was pretty hungry now, anyway. He ran into the kitchen, but his mother wasn't there. He heard the television and shouted out to the living room, "Mom, what do we have to eat?"

"There's no breakfast left. We have cold-cuts in the fridge or you can go out for fast food."

"No, I'm trying to finish up some assignments for school. I'll make a sandwich and go back to my room."

"Alright, dear. Come by here on your way up. I've got some news for you."

"Okay, I'll be right there!" Alex's pulse quickened as he heard that, but he made his sandwich, got some chips, and a can of Dr. Pepper. He tried to be as calm as possible as he walked out to his mother. "News?"

"Yes, dear. I spoke with someone at the consulate earlier. Not the Consul-General, mind you, but some other official. They'd like you to leave tomorrow. I wasn't happy about it, but it makes more sense than going back to school for a week and then missing it again. Your father isn't pleased either, but we think this plan is for the best. Two gaps is too intrusive, and we feel one long, uninterrupted break is easier. The consulate is going to send the tickets over late this evening by courier."

"Awesome!" shouted Alex before realizing he shouldn't have appeared so excited. It was too late and there was no use hiding it at this point. "I mean, I'm so glad there's no reason for me to be worried about it at this point." It sounded hollow, even to him. He decided to excuse himself and he busied himself finishing his homework.

Alex had difficulty concentrating on his homework, so he went about packing for his trip instead. Having just come back, packing wasn't much extra work. He knew what he needed. He was prepared in no time, some of his things never being fully unpacked, and went back to finishing his homework.

When it was late enough for Delos to be back from school, he gave her a call. Her mother answered and let him know she hadn't made it back quite yet, but she'd deliver the message. Alex was disappointed because he really didn't have anyone else to share the news with. Nonetheless, he had to wait, so he returned to his homework. He was pleased, because he figured he'd be finished within the hour.

The doorbell rang, but he didn't move to answer it because he knew his mother would get it. Besides, it wouldn't likely be for him at this time of day. Unless it's the tickets! Cool! The tickets! He leapt up and ran for the door, but by the time he got there, his mother had already answered it. She looked askance at the obviously excited teen.

He was disappointed for a moment when it was not a courier with the tickets, but rather Delos. Then he cheered up immediately. "Guess what?!" he asked as soon as his mother had left the room to go about her business.

"You're going to London," she replied matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, we're waiting for the tickets. And the best part is I'm going to go first class!"

"First class? You're mad -- you can't afford that, not even in your wildest dreams."

"They agreed to pay for the upgraded ticket as a reward for me helping them. I have to admit, I was blunt and asked for it. It's such a long trip and it was so unpleasant, I might as well enjoy it this time around."

"I suppose so. Have you given any further thought about how you're going to make sure Nicky doesn't get hurt? Or don't you care?"

Alex was hurt. He couldn't believe she still thought that, though he was forced to admit he hadn't given it any further thought. After all, it was such a long flight, he'd have plenty of time to think about it. He realized he hadn't answered her questions when the doorbell rang again. Delos noted that he didn't answer the question.

"I'll get it, Mom," he yelled as he went for the door, hoping it was the tickets. Indeed, as he looked through the peephole, a uniformed courier stood there with an envelope and in the background was a courier truck. Alex opened the door.

"Peninsula Couriers. I'm looking for Alexander Maitland. I have an extremely urgent envelope."

"That's me!"

"The package is marked ID Required, so if you don't mind show me something with a picture."

Alex pulled out his school ID, and waved it at the driver, and then signed the courier manifest. He took the envelope once the driver was willing to let go, thanked her, and took it back in to Delos.

"Who was it, dear?" called Amanda from the other room.

"It's the tickets, Mom. I'll open them in a second."

"That's fine. Just let me know when the flight is."

"Let me see! Open it!" demanded Delos, suddenly excited.

Alex opened it, and was pleased to see his ticket inside: first class, roundtrip. He was a bit irritated to notice the outbound flight was booked from San Francisco to New York and then on to London. He thought that odd since there were direct flights, but with a free first class ticket, so who was complaining about another five hours? He could read, think, sleep, whatever.

There was a smaller envelope inside the larger one; the smaller contained a letter which was the letter Consul-General Michaels had promised him. On an especially ornate letterhead, it read: 'In consideration of your cooperation, Her Majesty's Government agrees not to harm the individual you know as Nicky Vonamoor for the duration of this operation.' It was signed. Alex was pleased. He'd leave it with Delos: just in case. The qualification tacked on to the end of the agreement escaped Alex's notice. Had he been more cynical and less trusting of government, he'd have noticed it right away.

"That is so sweet. I can't believe you get a first class ticket to anywhere. You should wear a jacket and tie, and look the part."

"Fuck no! I hate ties. HATE! HATE! HATE!"

"Come on, I've never seen you in one. I bet you'd be cute."

Alex pantomimed gagging sounds and motions. He hated to be called cute, but from Delos he'd put up with it.

"You are so silly, Alex. Anyway, I just came by to see how things were and drop off a few assignments for you. Since you said you were going to London, I thought I'd grab them for you."

"Thanks. Just what I need to cheer me up. More homework. Joy," deadpanned Alex.

"Alright, well, I'll talk to you tomorrow before you go. My mom will be expecting me at home because I forgot to call her and tell her I was stopping by."

"Ignore the message she'll give you. I left one, but you were, obviously, not there."

"Clever boy," she said, and tapped his nose with her forefinger.

Alex went to his room after letting Delos out, and checked the departure time on the ticket. "Oh, shit!"

"Mom! MOM!" Alex screamed, running down the hall.

"What is it now, dear? And you don't have to shout."

"The flight leaves tonight."

"Tonight? Don't be silly. Let me see."

Amanda looked at the tickets. "You're right. How odd. You leave here late tonight, and go through New York. I see they gave you that first class ticket you wanted. You should be ashamed. That's probably why they sent you through New York, because they had space available because there are more flights. That extra five or six hours won't seem such a good deal even if you are in first class. Well, I don't suppose it makes much difference. The flight isn't until nearly 11 tonight, so we can work it out." She was rather irritated that the consulate had made a change like that without consulting her.

Amanda stopped for a moment, collected herself, and continued. "Make sure your homework is done or you'll have to bring it with you to finish it. You will keep your end of the bargain. Have Delos check with your teachers for any other assignments. If you need anything for when you pack, let me know."

"It's all done except for the few new assignments Delos brought today, which of course means she's already brought them for me. As for packing, it's all done. I'm going to go back into my room and finish the rest of the homework before I go. If you could have it dropped off at school, that would be great. Then they'll know I'm up to date. I'm sure Delos would swing by and do it for you if you don't have time."

"Alright. I'll call you when dinner is ready. That still gives you some time. Don't rush through it and mess it up. Take your time."

"Yes, Mom," said Alex, dashing up the stairs. Despite his mother's instructions, Alex raced through his homework so it would be done. He had it done before his mother called for dinner, so he checked his packing job again, then proceeded to pack some new CDs and books for the plane ride and then changed the batteries in his Sony Discman.

Finally he heard his mother call him for dinner. That meant he hadn't heard his father return from work. Odd, since he usually came in to see what Alex was doing. Oh well, like I really care. "I'll be right there. Let me wash up!" he shouted, running into the washroom to clean his hands before dinner.

He came into the dining room, and his father was seated there reading the paper. "Hi, Dad."

"Hello, son. Your mother tells me you're leaving late tonight. I can't say that I'm happy, but if that's the way it must be, I guess we have to live with it. We're not giving you any spending money for this trip; just a bit for meals and such. After all, you just got back from vacation and they are supposed to cover everything. We figure $200 should cover it; we do know it's expensive there. We expect any change to be returned to us."

He paused, took a bite of food and continued, "Further, you are to call us every single day and let us know what they have you doing. If we don't like it, we'll have our embassy send you back home. I spoke with them today and they'll keep an eye on you; I've got the number for you here."

"Thanks," said Alex, knowing he'd never ask to be sent back. He didn't think he'd need their help. He kept the number just the same.

They ate dinner with the discussion revolving mostly around the trip and Alex's safety. Alex knew he was lucky he was going. After dinner, Alex went to his room and brought his things downstairs and placed them by the door. He decided that he wanted to shower before the trip, so he went back upstairs again. The shower relaxed him, and he felt much better. He found his most comfortable clothes -- what he called his travel clothes -- and put them on.

"Alex, it's time to go," shouted his father.

Alex was irritated. He was hoping his mother would drive him to the airport. There wasn't much he could do about it now, he supposed. He loaded the car with his stuff, and waited. His father came out, followed by his mother. That made him feel a little better, though he wasn't quite sure why. He got out of the front seat and into the back seat to make room for his mother. They backed out of the driveway and headed off to the airport.