Dynamic Disaster

CHAPTER 5: Work Commences

“Did you know Nathaniel before?”

“Not to well, I think last year when I raided Recruit’s shack he was there. He helped me escape. That’s how he also knew their secrets and why he is on this mission with us.”

“Why did you choose me for this mission?” Tracy said sitting down on the lush grass.

       Tex didn’t answer. He simply walked away silently. Tracy sighed.

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       Nathaniel toyed with his new laptop for a while before he decided to go home. He didn’t really have a house in Oxford as he was American based but one of his bosses at the Fraction Agency lived here and offered to accommodate him. They had met some years ago when his boss, Mark Wood, came to the branch where Nathaniel worked. He was a kind man who was attracted to Nathaniel’s intelligence. He had five kids and a lovely wife. He was 39 years old and his beautiful wife Stella Wood was 35 years old. He had a happy family and a large house in Oxford. It was a moderate mansion. 

         He arrived at the gate of the house at 7:00pm since he just walked and pressed the bell. The gate opened to reveal a butler. The fence of the house consisted at the bottom of white painted bricks while inserted upwards were black iron rods. The gate itself was black. The friendly butler led him further into the compound. Artistically cut bushes, a mowed lawn, exotic flowers and a fountain with a statue was what he saw. They arrived at the large double doors to the mansion and it was opened by Stella, and her eight year old son Jake.

“Welcome Nate, it is so nice to see you again after a long time.”

“Thanks ma, it is nice to meet you again. I am really grateful for letting me stay at your place.”

“Oh please, the pleasure is mine. Come in and thank you Michael for guiding him in.”

“You are most welcome, ma. If you will excuse me I’ll retire to my abode now.” Michael the butler replied then he walked off.

        Nathaniel entered the house and Jake glued to his side. Nathaniel ruffled the boy’s brown hair and entered the entrance hall. It had yellow walls with different works of art scattered around then he entered the luxurious parlor. He sat on the blue and golden arm chairs and Jake sat on the fluffy gold rug in the middle playing near the center table while Stella went further inside to get her husband. Nathaniel took the remote and tuned in to M-net channel. Jake crawled up to the couch and sat leaning on Nathaniel.

“Nathan welcome to my humble abode.” Mark said as he came down the stairs. His khaki skin was strategically scarred at some areas and his brown hair obviously showed who Jake got his hair color from. His blue eyes were identical to his wife’s and his smile revealed a set of pearly white teeth.

“Thanks sir for the privilege to stay here for a while.” Nathaniel replied standing up and giving a little bow. 

“Do have your sit, enjoy your movie; dinner will be ready soon right Stella?”

“Yes dad!” his daughter Tess replied instead of her mother. That sounded suspicious so he excused himself and went to check what his twelve year old daughter was doing in the kitchen.

        Nathaniel sat down and watched some TV series with Jake explaining some life facts to Jake in a fun way. It was discovered that Tess was helping to cook up a dinner that was fancy and delicious. They all chatted happily over the food treating Nathaniel like a member of the family. Nathaniel had the chance of coming here before and he had made a good impression for the few moments he lived with them at that time.

“So Nathan,” Mark asked “what brings you to Oxford?”

“I came to meet up with an old acquaintance to work on some things.” Nathaniel replied not really being able to call Tex his friend.

“I hope you are not getting into any trouble.”

“No, just have some things I want to achieve and I remember he was good in those sorts of things.”

“Ok, so for how long will you be engaged in those things because I hope it won’t affect your studies or if you want I could hire a home tutor?”

Nathaniel smiled. “Actually it depends on how long the person requires to complete the task. Sorry if I can’t shed more light on the task, it is personal.” Actually now that he thought of this he didn’t know how long this mission will go on for.

“That’s all right. Just know that my doors are wide open at any time.”

    After dinner, Nathaniel decided to walk outside to explore the city. He walked around seeing shops, buying little stuffs and generally people watching. The night brought along a cool breeze and this place had moderate night activity. He started heading back when he collided into someone. It was Lydia.

“Sorry miss.” He apologized.

“Oh, no problem.” She replied and then they both continued their journeys.    

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Tracy got home with her new laptop. She met Marley on her MacBook working on some Streampoint stuff. She greeted her which was unusual of her and even Marley was shocked that Tracy greeted her. However she didn’t reply but only nodded. 

“Didn’t you just get a new laptop at that launch yesterday why a new one of the same brand. Besides, before all this you had a functional MacBook.” Marley inquired.

“Ahh, this is more secure for extremely personal research. I am dabbling into a secret business lately and the other one I just bought it out of impulse since it was a launch.” Tracy replied.

“Oh well, every kid has to establish themselves at some point and it all starts with secret business. You better give one out you know Dad doesn’t tolerate frivolous spending.” Marley concluded and went back to her work.

       Tracy was grateful she didn’t probe further. However her grandfather – just as Marley predicted- did. He questioned her and scolded her. Marley came to her rescue giving Mr. Trenwood the same explanation Tracy gave earlier but in a more convincing way than Tracy could ever think of and adding that Tracy is still young and would change and also she will give one out. This pacified Mr. Trenwood and Tracy thanked Marley profusely who just shrugged.

       As Marley walked upstairs Tracy knew she owed Marley big time, now to work, on Tex’s mission and on hers.