Detain the Beast

Prologue

The embers of our small fireplace flicker across my father's face, creating a halo of shadowed fire. Perhaps he is the devil...

"This is the perfect opportunity for you Belle! I don't understand why-"

"Opportunity? You want to send me to America. To a prison! That is certainly not an opportunity I would ever willingly take." It's getting harder to stay calm, my words tumbling out of my mouth like a disjointed circus.

He sighs and pulls his hand over his face. "Belle, if there were some other way, I'd grab it without hesitation. They're running out of options and he's running out of time and- I just, God, Belle please."

"Who is 'they'?" I ask, looking down at my pre-packed suitcase. Seems as if the decision had already been made. 

"The Establishment. They're working with us and sweetheart, they're serious about this. There is nothing I can do." He frowns, lying back on the couch.

Dad works for MI6 and, to be awfully honest, I have no idea what he does there. I do know that 'The Establishment' is an organisation that deal with humans that are... different; mutated. Supposedly, they round up these people and teach them how to use their powers for, I'd assume, good.

"And what would I be doing in prison then?"

"You've heard of Augustus Black?" He rubs the back of his ear, pulling at his lobe.

He's nervous.

"Yes... the guy that murdered the teenager in the grocery store. Turned into a wolf looking thing. Of course, I know."

"Right," He gulps. "The Establishment want him. They know he's very powerful but they don't know if he's alright in the head. If he is sane then they can train him to use his power for good. If he's not sane, then there is no point. Your job is to, well, befriend him-"

"What?" It's a mere whisper of disbelief. 

"- and find out his state of mind. You've been chosen because, as much as you may not agree, you're strong-minded and easy to get along with. And you did fantastically undercover last year." The proud smile that spreads over his lips shocks me. 

"Uhh, that was working with the Prime Minister's baby daughter! This seems entirely different, Dad. Are you forgetting that he is a murderer?"

"He's a 19-year-old boy, Belle. Plus there is maximum security there. He can't do anything to you."

My argument falls against a wall and Dad pulls me against his chest.

"You'll be doing the world a favour, gorgeous. And I know you want to be part of MI6 when you're old enough. This gives you a one-way access." My ears perk and I lean up towards him.

"Really?"

"Definite entrance into the program, Belle." He smiles and I smile, and for a moment I forget that he's sending me off to a prison for those who've truly messed up.