Radioactive

10. AFTERNOON TEA

The bell rang for lunch and there was a mad rush to make it to the canteen. A few of the girls, who had been giggling during the whole lesson, shoved Alex out of the way. Just before they left the classroom, the science teacher stopped the cherubs.

"You're wanted in reception," he said and went for his own lunch.

The twins exchanged a glance and walked to the school office.

"It's probably John," Alec said as they pushed the double doors open into the office.

Alec was right. John was sitting in the office, dressed in a pair of casual jeans and a jacket, and stood when he saw them. To the cherubs, it was strange to see John, who was usually dressed immaculately, to be wearing clothes that were so casual and normal.

"Got a new wardrobe?" Alex joked.

"I have to look the part," John winked. "Just like you two. Come on, I'm taking you two out for lunch."

"Cool, I'm starved." Alec grinned and pulled the shoulder strap of his bag higher up his shoulder.

"Is food all you ever think about?" Alex jested and poked her brother who batted her hand away and ignored her.

John signed the release forms and then the three were walking out the door to John's car. The car was parked outside the school and it was strange to see the road so bare compared to the morning rush.

Alec immediately called shotgun - "Boys." Alex rolled her eyes - and hopped in the passenger side while Alex took the back seats. John was last in, as he had paused to shoot a wary glance about.

"What's all this in aid of?" Alex asked from the back as John started the engine.

"Just want to go over some final things plus it gives any of Janet's contacts the chance to see you guys, might speed the whole process up." John said, slowing the car at a pedestrian crossing.

"Well I'm starved!" Alec said again.

*

About ten minutes later, John and the cherubs were sat in a quiet café, sipping glasses of pop and talking in low voices. Alec was onto his second plate of onion rings at this point.

"There's been increased chatter amongst some of Janet's contacts - the IT guys at MI6 are pretty sure they know you're in the area." John explained.

"It won't be long before the whole thing is off the ground then?" Alex asked apprehensively.

"I don't think so. You guys already know the risks and the plan so you should be okay - even if they pick you up unawares." John said.

"I'm not sure if it's worth mentioning, John," Alex muttered. "We met someone, her name's Anastasia, we're not sure if she's involved in all this."

"Anastasia? Did you get a last name?" John asked.

"Smith." Alec said.

John nodded and assured them he'd look into it. Just before they left, John reached into his pocket and handed the cherubs two small, rectangular slips about half a centimetre thick.

"For if you get into a jam or if you find something big out." John said. "If you want to contact us, and you don't have access to a secure phone, press the small black button and you'll automatically go through to an MI6 agent. Don't worry the line is completely untraceable - don't use it too much though, the battery's quite limited."

Alec and Alex took the slips and examined them curiously. They looked as though they could fit in a shoe. John consulted his watch and let out a drawn-out whistle.

"Blimey, is that the time?" He said. "I should get you back to the home, the house parent might do her nut in if you're not home soon."

"I highly doubt that." Alex muttered. "I think she'd be glad if we never showed up again."

"Alex got in a fight." Alec sniggered.

Alex shoved her brother. "Nobody likes a grass."

"A fight? Over what?" John raised an eyebrow in disapproval.

"This girl tried to steal my phone so I took it back." Alex said simply.

"You're supposed to blend," John rolled his eyes.

Alex shrugged and the three got up from the table, John paid the bill and left a tip, and they proceeded outside to the car. Alex was designated to the back again, after an intense game of rock paper scissors, and was just opening the door when someone shouted her name.

"Alex!"

"Oh hey, Anna," Alex greeted her.

Anna slowed to a steady jog and stopped in front of Alex, she looked into the car, saw John, and frowned.

"Who's that?" She interrogated.

"Foster dad." Alex said bluntly. "What's up?"

"Harry and I are going bowling tomorrow night," Anna explained. "Do you and Alec wanna come?"

"Sure. Text me the details." Alex grinned and got in John's car.

John had been waiting patiently and when Alex got in the car, he pulled off quickly as he realised the sun was fading fast.