Black Friday (CHERUB) - Robert Muchamore Page 0,29

on-screen bar said Thanksgiving Terror and there was a grainy, distant shot of a huge explosion, followed by a cut to live footage of a smouldering ranch house. As the newsreader spoke to a terrorism pundit, the scrolling news bar spelled out the facts:

College football game called off after plane explodes on inaugural day of Alabama stadium • Cargo pilot’s family held hostage, then rescued in dramatic FBI raid • Explosion at ranch house • FBI hunting for ten explosive-packed trucks • Public told to stay away from shopping malls in Texas, Florida and six other southern states.

James was shocked, but also relieved because Kerry and his American uni mates lived in northern California, over a thousand miles from where everything was kicking off. As he sent Kerry a one-word reply saying WOW!, the presenter on his phone cut to a newsflash.

‘News agencies are now reporting that a large explosion has occurred on a highway near the town of Jackson, Louisiana. Police there identified a truck fitting the description of one of the wanted vehicles. After a brief chase, suspects ran from the vehicle on foot but were apparently able to detonate the vehicle remotely. There are reports of damage to a footbridge and injuries from flying glass, but so far no information on fatalities … If this information is correct, it means that two trucks have been located, with eight still unaccounted for.’

‘Heavy, shit,’ Leon said.

Grace seemed less interested. ‘There’s a Hollister across the street,’ she said eagerly. ‘Any chance we could pop in before we get back in the cars?’

James scoffed. ‘I’ve done enough clothes shopping with Kerry and my sister, Lauren. I’ve seen too many “quick pop-ins” that turn into hour-long sessions where you have to try on twenty-six garments and then walk out without buying anything.’

Ning smiled. ‘That’s a highly sexist generalisation. Although in Grace’s case you’re spot on.’

Grace scowled at Ning. ‘Whose side are you on?’

‘Mine,’ Ning growled back.

Alfie made a purring sound. ‘Me-ow, girls!’

The waiter came over with their drinks and their attention drifted away from the news broadcast until Leon’s phone started ringing. Campus Calling flashed up, and the voice on the other end belonged to CHERUB’s chief handler Meryl Spencer.

‘I wanted to check if you’d heard about Alabama?’ Meryl asked.

‘Watched it on James’ phone a few minutes ago,’ Leon said. ‘Why are you calling me about this?’

‘Agents aren’t supposed to gossip about their missions, but I know they often do and I didn’t want you worrying about Ryan.’

‘Ryan’s in Alabama?’ Leon gasped. ‘I thought he was in Keer … Kyar-git-stan or however you’re supposed to pronounce it.’

Everyone around the table tuned in when Leon mentioned Alabama. James whispered to Ning, ‘Is Ryan his older brother?’ and Ning nodded.

‘Well it’s nothing to worry about,’ Meryl told Leon. ‘Your brother’s been through an ordeal but he’s OK. Now I need you to put James or Bruce on.’

Leon handed the phone over and James spoke cheerfully. ‘Hey, Meryl!’

‘I need you and the kids back on campus by four,’ Meryl said. ‘Zara’s getting everyone together in the main hall. All lessons and training are cancelled and there’s going to be an announcement.’

Everyone had been called to the main hall a few times when James had been an agent. Usually it was an opportunity for the chairman to read the riot act about some behaviour problem. But that had always been first thing, or after dinner. He’d never known everyone to get called back to campus in the middle of the day.

‘Is it old chairman Mac?’ James asked. ‘I heard he’s been sick.’

‘James, if I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you,’ Meryl said. ‘But it’s definitely not Mac. The last I heard he was spending Christmas skiing with Fahim and some young drama teacher he met at a parents’ evening.’

15. DALLAS

Two staff manned the CCTV booth in the security building and a senior controller stayed on duty in mission control, but everyone else on CHERUB campus had crammed into the assembly hall, from tiny red shirts sitting cross-legged on the floor near the stage, to kitchen staff, teachers and gardeners clumped at the rear.

The only other time James Adams had seen this many people in the hall was for present opening on Christmas morning. A ripple of anticipation crossed the space as Chairwoman Zara Asker rose three steps on to the stage. She wore a flower-print dress with a black cardigan over her arms.

There was silence as Zara tapped the microphone to make sure it