CHERUB: Knight

19: Scheme

"Mr Knight, why are you in my office again?" Rose asked, looking up from her copy of Cosmopolitan. "There had better be a good reason."

George sat down in the chair opposite her. "I was going to ask whether I was going to get a mission soon."

"I told you before, if you behave yourself and keep your head down, you'll be selected for something soon."

"But it's been over a month since I passed basic and I'm still waiting," George whined, planting his elbows on the desk. "Can't you recommend me or something?"

Rose tutted and wagged a finger. "I'm starting to get the impression that you come in here to whine at me when you've got something else you'd rather not so."

Of course, she was right. George had a big pile of maths homework on his desk that he was avoiding, but he didn't want to tell her that. "I just really want a mission. Letty's been on one!"

"George, we try and give every Cherub experience working undercover. Unless you're suspended from missions, you're always considered. Just be patient."

"But-"

"No buts. I can't walk up to the mission controllers and demand you get a mission any more than you can. Look on the bright side; if you've got a long period built up on campus, you're more likely to get a long mission instead of a security check."

"I suppose."

"Now, if you've had enough of moaning to me for one day, you can close the door on your way out," Rose said, pointing to the exit. "Do not trouble me again."

"Will you let me know if I do get a mission?"

"You'll know as soon as I do. Anyway, don't you want to be on campus for the big wedding*?"

George was halfway through getting out of his chair and he paused. "Wedding?"

"Chloe Blake, one of our mission controllers, is getting married in a few weeks. The service will be held on campus, it'll be a big thing," Rose explained. "She was one of the older agents during my time here."

"Sounds boring," George admitted. "Church stuff doesn't really get my pulse racing."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Boys," she said dismissively. "Anyway, there'll be a disco for the younger kids. Those things usually turned into a bit of a riot when I was your age."

"Yeah, maybe."

"Time for you to go," Rose grinned.

George turned and headed for the door, dreading his maths work.

"Oh, George? Try to get that maths homework done. I've had Mr Brennan in here twice this week."

Rex was lying on his back, facing the ceiling with his feet up on the sofa when George strolled into his room.

"Sup," George said nonchalantly, sitting on his unmade bed. "Much going on?"

"Nothing," Rex replied. "Got homework to do but I'm procrastinating."

"Long word."

"Yeah."

"Did you do the maths yet?" George asked hopefully.

"No, not yet. You shouldn't always sponge off me, you know."

"Whatever. I can't help that I'm terrible at everything," George shrugged, looking out of the window at the rain trickling down the pane. "Can I copy off you when you're done."

"I suppose. Just make sure you give it back," Rex replied, not moving. "Did you get a mission yet?"

"Nope. Rose says she doesn't know when I'll get one," George said, deflated. "Letty will probably get her second before I get one."