‘Actually Mr Price,’ Alex said, cutting him off, ‘if it’s all right with you and you don’t mind I’d prefer you to stay.’
The Headmaster stopped in his tracks. He looked back at Alex.
‘What was that?’
Alex fidgeted with the cuffs of his jumper.
‘I’d like you to stay with me, please, Mr Price,’ Alex repeated. ‘If you’re not too busy.’
A smile crept across Matthew’s face. He nodded.
‘Of course not, Alex,’ he said gently, sitting back down. ‘I’ve got all the time in the world.’
‘Ahem.’
The cough cut through the room like a cold draught. Everyone turned round. There was a man at the door.
The policemen immediately straightened up. Officer Duncan hid his roll under the chair. Matthew was certain he felt Alex tense up beside him.
The man took up the entire doorway. He stepped into the light of the prep room, his heels clacking and cricking against the floorboards. Matthew stared in disbelief. The man was wearing a metal helmet with an enormous plume of purple feathers sticking out the top. He came to the table and slowly straightened himself. It was only then that Matthew could see that the man was, in fact, very short. He was dressed immaculately in black velvet tie and tails.
‘Sorry about the helmet,’ the man said quietly. ‘Dress rehearsal.’
No one said anything. The man looked around the room and turned to the policemen.
‘Chair,’ he spat. ‘A normal chair. Get three. You look ridiculous.’
Officer Mike immediately sped out the room without another word. The man turned to Matthew and stared at him. Matthew shifted uncomfortably. It was like being stared at by a snake.
‘Who are you?’ said the man.
Matthew got to his feet and offered his hand.
‘I’m Matthew Price,’ he said, ‘Acting Headmaster of …’
‘Do you need to be here?’ the man said. He made no effort to take Matthew’s hand. Matthew dropped it awkwardly.
‘Alex has, er …’ Matthew stepped aside to indicate the boy beside him, ‘… requested that I be present.’
Alex was hiding his face. The man raised his eyebrows.
‘Ah,’ he said quietly, staring down on Alex. ‘I see.’
The man lifted his arms, and started the careful procedure of removing his helmet. It took some time. Officer Mike returned with three chairs under his arms, and set them down. Matthew optimistically offered his hand once again.
‘I’m sorry, I don’t think I quite got …’
‘Let’s get started,’ the man snapped, ignoring him. ‘Mr Price, if you must be here then don’t interrupt.’
The man sat down, and placed the helmet on the table in front of him. Matthew glanced down at it. Carved into the gleaming silver of the forehead was the image of a knight, a torch in one hand and a sword in the other. The man turned with a sigh to Alex.
‘Well, Alex,’ said the man. ‘I suppose there’s no need to introduce myself, is there? We’ve met before.’
Alex kept his head bowed. The man smiled. His eyes were locked onto him.
‘I suppose you must be wondering why I’m here,’ he said.
It was not really a question, and Alex didn’t answer. After some time the man sighed, and carefully crossed his fingers in front of him.
‘Let me explain the current situation, Alex,’ he said. ‘Early this morning the security guards at the Cusp reported an intruder trying to break over the security fences. There’s no need for me to explain who that man was, is there?’
Again, it was not a question. Alex kept silent.
‘This time,’ the man continued, ‘he almost made it to the boundary. I hope you understand how dangerous an unplanned and unsolicited attempt to enter the Forbidden Land is, Alex.’
Alex stayed with his head bowed. There was silence.
‘It is a very serious crime,’ the man said slowly. ‘One of the most serious there is. You know what the Order does to people who try to break into the Cusp.’
The room was still. The man patiently rubbed the tips of his thumbs together.
‘Now, I’ve been told, Alex’, the man continued, ‘that when your father woke up last night he seemed … frantic. Almost as if he was desperate to get to something. Kept repeating the same word, over and over. Do you find that unusual, Alex?’
Alex didn’t reply.
‘Well, I certainly do,’ said the man. ‘It’s not often that a man lies for months in a coma before suddenly waking up with so much strength. Leaped across the room like a grasshopper, I’m told. And twelve strong orderlies – twelve! – couldn’t drag him back. And all the time, repeating the same word, over and over.’
Alex kept his head bowed.
‘I’m sure you know what that word was, Alex,’ he said quietly. The silence in the room was crisp. The man leaned forwards.
‘“Squiggles”,’ he said.
He let the word hang in the air. Alex stayed as still as a statue, his face hidden from view. The man’s eyes never left him.
‘“Squiggles”,’ the man repeated. ‘Does that word mean anything to you, Alex?’
Alex didn’t respond. The man held still for another moment, before nodding and slowly sinking back in his chair.
‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘I see. You don’t know anything. Indeed, you probably told these gentlemen here you couldn’t think why your father would escape from hospital in the first place. Am I correct?’
Alex’s face suddenly flushed. The man smiled.
‘Yes,’ he said quietly. ‘Yes, I thought as much.’
The man turned to the Headmaster. His eyes had taken on a glint.
‘Headmaster, Alex’s family and I have become – how shall I say? – well acquainted over the years,’ the man sighed. ‘We’ve had quite a few meetings like this now, haven’t we, Alex? Every time we catch Alex’s father trying to break into the Cusp, of course … How many times has it been now, Alex – twenty? Thirty? What do you think?’
Alex was no longer looking at the carpet. He was glaring across the table at the man, his face turning slowly red. The man smiled triumphantly, and leaned back in his chair as if telling a favourite anecdote.
‘Yes, who’d have thought,’ he smiled. ‘Alex J. Jennings, my old boss! Ever since that disaster of an Expedition he led years ago he’s been nothing but a nuisance to us at the Cusp. Desperate to get himself back across the boundary, no matter what it takes! Never mind that he had his chance already and messed it up. His fall from grace was a bit … difficult for him, I think. The last time we apprehended him he was caught on the fence by the belt of his hospital gown, barking like a dog, running round and around in circles …’
In a moment Alex had leaped up and thrown himself clear across the table, fists flailing. He was like an animal. At once the policemen had him by the shoulders and were pressing him back down into his chair as he scrambled furiously against their grip, baring his teeth and growling, his chest heaving.
‘Calm down, Alex, calm down!’ Matthew cried, placing a hand on the boy’s ribcage. Across the table, the man smiled. He hadn’t moved so much as a muscle the entire time. Alex glared at him with hate.
‘Leave him alone,’ the boy gasped, his voice broken to bursting by his chest.
The man raised his arms triumphantly.
‘At last, it speaks!’ he cried. ‘What was that, Alex?’
Alex trembled and clutched the table, calming his breathing.
‘I said, Davidus,’ he hissed through gritted teeth, ‘leave – him – alone. He’s sick. Leave my family alone.’
Matthew’s eyes widened. He dropped his hand from Alex’s chest.
‘Davidus,’ he repeated quietly.
The policemen exchanged a glance. Matthew turned around to face the man.
‘Davidus Kyte,’ he said. ‘You’re Davidus Kyte? The Official Head of Expeditions?’
The man gazed idly back at Matthew, rubbing his finger
nails against one another, filing them into little points.
‘What are you doing here, Mr Kyte?’ said Matthew.
The man smiled. ‘I’m trying to find out the truth, Mr Price. The truth about Alex’s father. No one repeatedly tries to break into a top-secret base for no reason … I’m just trying to find out what that reason is. And as far as I’m concerned, young Alex here knows something that he’s not letting on.’
Alex flung his head back miserably. ‘I’ve told you before – I don’t know anything! I don’t know anything about “squiggles”, or why my dad wants to get into the Forbidden Land so badly – I haven’t even seen him in years … He’s sick! Just leave him alone!’
Kyte shook his head sadly.
‘No, Alex,’ he said. ‘Not this time. We’ve let you and your father off far too many times. He’s put years of top-secret planning in jeopardy. He could have even stepped over the boundary. Do you know what happens when someone does that, Alex? How dangerous it is?’
Alex didn’t reply.
‘Of course you do,’ hissed Kyte. ‘Because you know much more than you let on, young Alex Jennings, and don’t think I don’t know it. Any idea what the punishment is for keeping secrets from the Official Head of Expeditions?’
Alex looked away, his eyes filling with furious tears.
‘I’ll tell you,’ Kyte snapped. ‘Prison. And not just any normal prison, Alex. They’ve made a special one for enemies of the Order, like you and your lunatic father. It’s right on the other side of the Outskirts, where no one ever goes. I can see to it you both spend the rest of your lives there.’
Matthew stood up in disgust. ‘Now, hang on just one second …’
At once the policemen were on their feet.
‘Better sit down, sonny,’ said Officer Mike, clamping a hand on the Headmaster’s shoulder. ‘He’s not joking.’
Matthew looked at the two policemen, and glanced over at Kyte.
Davidus was smiling, his eyes glinting. ‘Sit down, Mr Price,’ he said.
‘You don’t have the power to put a child in prison,’ Matthew snorted. ‘That’s just ridiculous.’
‘I have the power to do whatever I want, Mr Price,’ said Kyte. He nodded to Officer Duncan. Officer Duncan pulled out a sealed brown envelope from inside his jacket. Kyte’s smile widened.
‘Signed by the Grand High Pooh-Bah himself,’ he said with relish. ‘That letter gives me the power to arrest anyone I choose for the good of the Order. That means that if I decide to send a boy to prison for the rest of his life – or even his meddling teacher – then I can. And no one can stop me.’
The policemen each put a hand on Matthew’s shoulders, and forced him back down into his chair. Kyte smiled, and turned once again to Alex.
‘But of course, it doesn’t have to be that way,’ he said gently. ‘Not for Alex. Not if he co-operates.’
Kyte slowly leaned over the table, and once again fixed his eyes on the boy.
‘Tell me everything you know,’ he said quietly, ‘and you’re safe. We’ll deal with your father ourselves, and you’ll never hear from us again. I’ll give you one final chance to be honest with me, Alex. You know what I’m talking about.’
Alex stayed still on his chair, lowering his eyes once again to the floor. Kyte sat silent, poised, ready to pounce.
‘Alex,’ he repeated once more, ‘… what are “squiggles”?’
Alex said nothing. The room was silent.
‘Tell me what it means,’ Kyte spat.
Alex looked up, his eyes glinting. ‘It doesn’t mean anything.’
The policemen looked at each other. Kyte paused for a moment, before suddenly snapping up, his entire body bristling with fury.
‘Right,’ he barked. ‘Have it your way. Officers, take Alex to the car. We’ll see if he’s prepared to talk more once he’s at the Cusp.’
Matthew made to stand up again. ‘Now, hang on one second …’ he said nervously.
‘I suggest you keep your mouth shut, Mr Price,’ said Kyte, throwing Matthew a furious look. ‘Unless you want to join him, too.’ He turned to the police. ‘Get the boy’s things. We leave now.’
Matthew slowly sat back down. The police got to their feet, and grabbed Alex.
‘No!’ Alex cried, thrashing desperately in their grip. ‘You … you can’t do this!’
‘I can, Alex,’ said Kyte. ‘I have the power to do whatever I have to do.’
‘Not without consent, you don’t!’ Alex cried, his eyes lighting up. ‘I’m only eleven – you can’t take me anywhere without permission from my family! Call my mother – she’ll never let you take me, she knows what you’re like, and how much you’ve always hated us …’
‘We’ve already spoken to your mother,’ Kyte said. ‘And she says it’s fine.’
Alex stopped struggling. ‘… She what?’
Kyte nodded. Alex stared back at him.
‘No,’ he said quietly. ‘She wouldn’t.’
Kyte smiled. ‘She did.’
Alex turned to face the policemen holding him. They nodded.
‘No,’ said Alex, his voice broken.
Kyte rolled his eyes. ‘Get him out of here,’ he snapped. ‘And don’t let anyone see you do it.’
The police wrenched Alex off the chair. Matthew suddenly felt a hand grab his own. He looked down. Alex was clutching his fingers across the table.
‘Mr Price,’ he said. ‘Please.’
The Headmaster looked up at Davidus Kyte, tidily arranging his cuffs across the table.
‘Alex,’ Matthew said quietly, turning back to the boy. ‘I’m so sorry. There’s … there’s nothing I can do.’
Alex continued to look at Matthew. Then, slowly, he relaxed his grip, and let go of his hand. The policemen dragged him out of the room.
‘I’ll take my leave now, Mr Price,’ said Kyte, picking up the helmet in both hands. ‘I have a rehearsal to attend. And if I’m not mistaken, I believe you have a school to run.’
He placed the helmet back on his head and strode out after them.
And with that, it was as if no one had ever been there at all.
4
The policemen marched Alex down the corridor, their hands firmly on his shoulders. Alex stared ahead glumly. There was no one around to see him led away. He doubted anyone would have helped if there had been.
‘Take this,’ grunted Officer Duncan.
He slammed Jeremy’s horn case into his chest, knocking the breath out of him. Alex clutched it feebly.
‘Which way to the dorms?’ barked Officer Mike.
Alex let out a feeble wheeze. Officer Duncan gripped his wrist.
‘You’d better answer him,’ he threatened.
Alex waved his arm down the empty walkway ahead of them. Officer Duncan looked back at him suspiciously.
‘You’re sure?’
Alex nodded.
‘Good,’ said Officer Mike, tightening his grip on Alex’s shoulder. ‘Now, don’t try anything stupid.’
Alex nodded miserably, and started walking along the silent corridor. His eyes flickered across the doors lining the walls. They’d be passing the PE hall any moment. It had fire escapes at the back. They led out onto the playing fields. He could be out the school and into the fields in a matter of seconds …
Then Alex’s heart sank. Outrun the policemen? He could barely run the length of the hall before he had to stop for breath. This was the signal for Mr Braker to stand Alex up in front of the others, and carefully explain that one length of the hall was two hundred feet exactly, and that was not very far for a boy Alex’s age. A boy his age, he would say, should be able to run farther than a dog running into the woods.
‘And how far can a dog run into the woods, Jennings?’
The other children would snigger and nudge each other. They all knew that the wrong answer meant doing Mr Braker’s weekly underwear wash. No one knew what saying the right answer meant. Nobody had got it right yet.
‘A mil
e?’ Alex would guess. Or something like it.
A hush of silence. Mr Braker would stare down at him. Like all PE teachers, he was an expert of the sadistic pause.
‘WRONG!’ he would suddenly bellow. The class would collapse into howls of laughter. ‘Wrong again, Jennings! Wrong again!’
Alex looked gloomily down the corridor. He didn’t know how far two hundred feet got him from here, but it certainly wasn’t far enough to escape the two policemen. He signalled wearily up a spiralling stairwell beside him.
‘This way,’ he said.
The three of them filed slowly up the stone stairs. The dormitories lay either side of another long corridor at the top. Officer Mike gave Alex a nudge.
‘Which one’s yours?’ he said.
Alex pointed to the nearest door. From behind it came the blaring of extremely loud guitar music. Jeremy was obviously still inside. He had already found the time to vandalise their new door plaque with Tipp-Ex.
‘Someone in there?’ said Officer Mike.
‘My roommate,’ said Alex drily, pointing at the name on the door. ‘You’ll have to excuse him. He’s a moron.’
The policemen looked at each other nervously.
‘What do we do?’ said Officer Duncan in what he imagined was a whisper. ‘You heard what Kyte said. We can’t be seen by anyone.’
Mike’s moustache bristled. He turned back to Alex.
‘There another exit in there?’ he said, jabbing a finger at the door.
Alex shook his head.
‘No other doors?’ said Mike. ‘Windows?’
Alex snorted. ‘What kind of bedroom wouldn’t have a window?’
Mike’s eyes thinned. He grabbed Alex by the collar. ‘Listen here, squirt,’ he snarled. ‘You’ve got one minute to get in there and get out. One peep to your friend in there, and we’ll make sure your ride to the Cusp is a long and unpleasant one. Understand?’
Alex nodded nervously.
‘Good,’ snapped Officer Duncan, leaning forward and grabbing the black case out of his hands. ‘Now get inside.’
‘Hey!’ said Alex. ‘I need that!’
The policemen stared at him. Alex pointed at the black case.
Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door Page 3