The Class Reunion.

Chapter 2.

Thank you SO much for all the reviews! It's really helping me out.

Yes, I know I rushed the last chapter a bit. I usually have a problem slowing things down when I have a really good idea and just HAVE to get it down on paper. Don't worry, I'm working on it.

Many thanks to people like Talionyzero, Sabsi13, and Bumpkin for writing more than a sentence and giving me some helpful advice. Not that I didn't appreciate everybody else…arg whatever.

Every review is welcome and appreciated! And that's for real.

This chapter is about the conversation between the officer and Alex right after the attack.

As the policeman brought him over to a secluded space, Alex ran over all his different excuses for his actions. He was too tired to tell this man how he really came to do what he did and knew how to do it. But he ended up not having to explain anything at all. As soon as the officer deemed the place to be free of eavesdroppers, he spun around, glaring straight at Alex.

"I don't care what other people say about you." the man started, clearly riled about something, "but I know there's something suspicious about you. So why don't you tell me what you're really up too."

Alex hesitated in both surprise and suspicion. Then he frowned. "I'm sorry," he said, "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

The policeman huffed in exasperation. "Look at me closely, kid. Don't I look familiar to you?"

Alex complied, taking in the man's short height, his shadow of stubble on his chin, and his shirt that was threatening to explode at the sheer force of his stomach that had obviously seen better days. He paused, unsure where the officer was leading, until it dawned on him. Wimbledon. His third mission with MI6. The incident with the water at the player's lounge.

The man nodded, sensing Alex's revelation. "I was the officer that was head of the Wimbledon case. You were the poor bloke who stumbled upon the mishap and nearly froze that man to death. Or at least, I thought you were."

Alex smiled grimly, remembering what happened. "I never did get you use all those generous opportunities you gave me. Tell me, how's the security there these days?"

The policeman rolled his eyes. "Better. I've been telling them they've needed to do that all along. But that's beside the point! First I see you at Wimbledon. Now here. This can't be a coincidence."

Alex looked the man in the eye. "I'm truly sorry to disappoint you," he said, secretly hoping that his face didn't reveal anything, "but this really is just a coincidence." Before the officer could complain, Alex quickly added, "If it makes you feel any better, just know that this stuff happens for me often."

The policeman looked suspiciously at Alex. Then, as if making up his mind, he nodded. "I get it." he said, slowly pulling a pair of handcuffs from a holster on his belt. "You just want to play cat and mouse with me, don't you? But let me warn you, if you're not going to answer my questions honestly, then I have no choice but to arrest you." He brought out the hand cuffs and waved it threateningly in Alex's face.

Alex glanced distastefully at the cuffs, throwing away all sense of innocence. "I see you're using the standard Speedcuff." he said, ignoring the policeman's mild surprise at his knowledge. "Designed by the late Hiatt and Company, but now produced by Safariland. They offer a greater range of wrist sizes, which probably makes it more efficient, though they obviously can't be uncomfortable for the wearer…"Alex's light rambling wandered off, as he now noticed the policeman's gaping expression. He sighed. "You want the truth?" he offered.

The policeman quickly set his face back into his usual, serious expression. "Well, you've got no choice, don't you?"

Alex barely resisted rolling his eyes. This man had been working this job for too long.

"Well, it started when I was 14…" he began, telling the officer everything from when MI6 first employed him to the present day. He didn't do it to lift the weight off his shoulder, though. Far from it. For once in his life, he actually wanted to see the disbelief on the officer's face when he later realized that he had been telling the truth.

"….So you see," Alex finished, "I already knew what to do in this situation because I've been in similar predicaments before. And that's how I managed to hold the Scorpia man at gunpoint."

The policeman contemplated what Alex just told him, having not said anything while Alex spilled his life story. Finally, he said something.

Or more like did something.

He looked Alex in the eye, and, unable to hold it much longer, began to laugh. He laughed so hard, tears started to flow from his eyes.

Alex stared at him, exasperated. To the man's credit at least, he didn't call him a liar….yet. But it was still surprising when a man of his age would still act like a child.

Finally, when the police officer regained his breath, he began to speak.

"That…'chuckle'…..was the best…'cough' 'cough'…..story I've ever heard in my life. You should….'cough' write it into a book one day. You, an MI6 spy? Ha!"

Alex looked at the officer, amused. "Since you don't believe me," he muttered, "you can just record my name in the system, cause I've got nothing else to say." And with that, he walked away, leaving the man still rolling on the ground with laughter.

Epilogue:

Officer Jacob Andersons was still chuckling as he walked over to his car, pulling out his government issued laptop from the back seat. "MI6 spy." He chuckled, listening to the low hum of the computer as it powered on. "Right. And my girlfriend's the queen."

He typed in the name Alex Rider, wondering whether he had a history of physiological problems, or if he worked as a writer part time. Or maybe even both.

Suddenly, Rider's history popped up. And what a shock it gave to the senior officer.

Name: Alex Rider

Age: 26

Occupation: MISO (further details classified)

History: Encounter with authorities at age 14. See Crane incident below.

Physical Profile: Been in hospital a total of 7 times. All St. Dominic's.

Further details: Classified.

Officer Jacob Anderson closed the laptop with shaking hands. MISO? That stood for Military Intelligence, Special Operations…..

He looked back at Alex Rider, who was talking with another man. He watched as the man laughed, and looked directly at him with an amused expression. He looked away, unhinged by both the man and Alex Rider. He sighed. The world was changing quickly. Maybe it was time to retire….

And with that, he walked away.