Read Online Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz - Free Book Online Page A

week. I thought—because you were here only for charity and all the rest of it—I thought you were just an oik. But I was wrong about you. You’re really great.
    And I know we’re going to be friends now.‛ She half closed her eyes and moved toward him, her lips slightly parted. ‚You can kiss me if you like,‛ she said.
    Alex let go of her and turned away. ‚Thanks, Fiona,‛ he said. ‚But frankly I’d prefer to kiss the horse.‛

SPECIAL EDITION

    THE HELICOPTER CIRCLED twice over Haverstock Hall before beginning its descent. It was a Robinson R44, fourseater aircraft, American built. There was only one person—the pilot—
    inside. Sir David Friend had returned from London, and he and his wife came outside to watch it land in front of the house. The engine noise died down and the rotors began to slow. The cabin door slid open, and the pilot got out, dressed in a one-piece leather flying suit, helmet, and goggles.
    The pilot walked up to them, extending a hand. ‚Good morning,‛ she shouted over the noise of the rotors. ‚I’m Mrs. Stellenbosch. From the academy…‛
    If Sir David and Lady Caroline had been thrown by their first sight of Alex, the appearance of the assistant director left them frozen to the spot. Sir David was the first to recover. ‚You flew the helicopter yourself?‛
    ‚Yes … I’m qualified,‛ Mrs. Stellenbosch answered.
    ‚Would you like to come in?‛ Lady Caroline said. ‚Perhaps you’d like some tea.‛
    She led them into the house and into the living room, where Mrs. Stellenbosch sat, legs apart, her helmet on the sofa beside her. Sir David and Lady Caroline sat opposite her. Tea had been brought in on a tray.
    ‚Do you mind if I smoke?‛ Mrs. Stellenbosch asked.
    She reached into a pocket and took out a small packet of cigars without waiting for an answer. She lit one and blew smoke. ‚What a very beautiful house you have, Sir David.
    Georgian, I would say, but decorated with such taste! And where, may I ask, is Alex?‛
    ‚He went for a walk,‛ Sir David said.
    ‚Perhaps he’s a little nervous.‛ She smiled again and took the teacup Lady Caroline had proffered. ‚I understand that Alex has been a great source of concern to you.‛
    Sir David Friend nodded. His eyes gave nothing away. For the next few minutes, he told Mrs. Stellenbosch about Alex, how he had been expelled from Eton, how out of control he had become. Lady Caroline listened to all this in silence, occasionally holding her husband’s arm.
    ‚I’m at my wit’s end,‛ Sir David concluded. ‚We have an older daughter, and she’s perfectly delightful. But Alex’? He hangs around the house. He doesn’t read. He doesn’t show any interest in anything. His appearance … well, you’ll see for yourself. The Point Blanc Academy is our last resort, Mrs. Stellenbosch. We’re desperately hoping you can straighten him out.‛
    The assistant director poked at the air with her cigar, leaving a gray trail. ‚I’m sure you’ve been a marvelous father, Sir David,‛ she purred. ‚But these modern children! It’s heartbreaking the way some of them behave. You’ve done the right thing, coming to us. As I’m sure you know, the academy has had a remarkable success rate over the years.‛
    ‚What exactly do you do?‛ Lady Caroline asked.
    ‚We have our methods.‛ The woman’s eyes twinkled.
    She tapped ash into her saucer. ‚But I can promise you, we’ll straighten out all his problems.
    Don’t you worry! When he comes home, he’ll be a completely different boy.‛
    Alex had reached the edge of a field about a half mile from the house. He had seen the helicopter land and knew that his time had come. But he wasn’t ready yet to leave. Mrs. Jones had telephoned him the night before. Once again, MI6 wasn’t going to send him empty-handed into what might be enemy territory.
    He watched as a combine harvester rumbled slowly toward him, cutting a swathe through the grass. It jerked to a halt a short