Downsized: Skateboard

By Kushie

I do not own Numb3rs I do not own Colby Granger. I've got a nice stuffed bear though!

Continuing on from the earlier story Downsized.

Chapter Five: Freedom

Colby looked at his watch for the eleventh time in an hour. But now he smiled. It was almost time to take back his life. He

rose from his work desk and crossed to his door. Outside the main VCU was busy. Colby's eyes skimmed the area. Don

was on the far side with his back to him. David and Ian were also facing away. Colby took the opportunity.

He took a deep breath then scooted across to the nearest sheltering, cubicle wall. He peered around it. David was still oblivious to him. But Ian had turned.

The tall Amerind recognised the desperate look in the boy's eyes and casually stood in front of his cubicle entrance.

Effectively blocking it and the view of beyond. He put his right hand behind his back and gestured. Colby understood the

signal and dashed for the stairs. He was through in a trice. But was bright enough to control the door. So it closed silently.

Back in the office Ian smothered his grin. He decided that it was fun to help Colby engage in a little mischief. Ian

disapproved of the way David and Don were leaning on him. After all he only looked nine. He wasn't really a kid.

Colby cautiously checked the corridor was empty. Before he knelt down and retrieved his skateboard from it's hiding

place. He put on his helmet, but as he was inside. Didn't bother doing it up. Instead he took a couple of practice

runs on his board. Skating up and down the long empty passage. Then from far off he heard the elevator coming.

He got into position then pushed off. Gathering speed as he went. Directors Fornell and Wright had just emerged

from the lift and turned the corner On the way to their elite commissary When a small figure riding a red and silver skate

board Hurtled down the straight expanse and crashed headlong into Director Wright. He staggered back against the

wall and collapsed to the floor. Colby faking it fell off his board and rolled sideways.

Fornell gasped in shock. Then hurried to help his fellow Director to his feet. Director Wright then leaned down and

lifted up the small boy.

"Agent Granger what is the meaning of this?" He had rehearsed his speech

"I'm terribly sorry sir. I thought this corridor was safe to play in. I didn't think any one ever used it."

"Clearly young man," Wright said sternly "That was an erroneous assumption. But! That aside. I would ask Why

are you skate boarding inside. We have a perfectly good garden for that sort of thing."

"But I'm not allowed outside. Colby, acting innocent, grassed.

"What are you talking about? Of course you are allowed out. You're not a prisoner boy."

"Eh! But Supervisor Eppes and Agent Sinclair won't let me go sir." Colby again manipulated the Director

To get his own way.

"I shall speak to Supervisor Eppes." Wright smiled down at the boy agent. Then he leaned forward and buckled Colby's helmet. "So let's keep this done up nice and tight and no more Skate boarding up here Okay?"

Yes sir!" Colby nodded obediently, then as the chuckling Directors continued on their way. He allowed himself a very

satisfied smile. He'd got what he wanted Permission to go outside And he was sure. He'd soon fiind a secret

way out of the garden.

A little while later Director Wright strode onto the investigations floor of the VCU

"Supervisor Eppes!" Don looked around from talking to David.

"Yes sir!"

"I just caught Agent Granger using the Level Five Restricted Corridor as a Skateboard Park

That is unacceptable."

"Skateboarding?" Don blinked. "Eh! Eh! I'm sorry sir, he apologised. "I'll speak to him at once and put a stop to it."

"There's no need. I sent him down to the garden."

"The garden?" David moved forward. "You mean outside bu.."

"It's perfectly safe. It's completely walled in and.. The IT division has it's labs down on the ground floor.

SAIC Flanighan will keep a watch on him."

"Right!" Don moved to get the Director out of his unit. Before he started to get interested in their case and delayed them further.. with mindless questions. But Wright wasn't inclined to hang around. He wanted a nice cup of coffee.

To calm his nerves. Little boys dashing about on skateboards Was definitely not good for his heart. He strode off.

As he left David scowled.

"Don! It's not safe for Colby to be out alone.."

"David! Take a Chill Pill man! You heard the Director. Flanighan has eyes on Granger."

David gave a reluctant nod. But as he turned to return to his cubicle a thought occurred

"Where did Colby get a skate board?" Then comprehension dawned

"EDGERTON!"