Crocodile Tears - Chapter 12: Exit Strategy

Prepare as I delve further into this grand adventure of Alex's and as excitement continues to mount so steadily that I'm practically screaming in mingled anticipation and relief...

I've decided to show you my emotions whilst reading this chapter, as words cannot describe the feelings I felt as Alex just about manages to escape from a life-threatening situation.

(Just so you know if you haven't read it, the first part of this chapter is from Alex's friend Tom's POV)

"I am very sorry boys and girls," she exclaimed. "I am afraid we are going to have to end your visit to Greenfields. An emergency situation has arisen and you must return to your coach at once".

Oh no what about Alex, how will he know to get back to the coach???
Ok back to Alex's POV.

"Ahead of him a wide tarmac driveway ran straight between what looked like two rows of  factories. This was the only way with no guards, and it might lead im back to the block where the school visit had begun. A single white-coated technician stood in his way but he was busy funnelling a steaming liquid from a stell cylinder. Liquid nitrogen." *Alex throws it at the guards pusrsuing him and escapes*

Oh Alex you have the best ideas

"There was a communications system built into the pocket calculator that Smithere had given him. He would use it to call MI6."

WHY DIDN'T YOU THINK OF THIS BEFORE?? But also relief as it seems he may be able to escape now...

Alex runs up onto the roof of a building and sees

"The coach was parked at the far end of the driveway. The school visit must have ended early as it was already loading up. Even as he watched he saw Tom Harris and James Hale climb on board"

AAAAAARGH!

"The chimney was modern and silver; and as far as he could see its outer casting was fairly thin. He didn't have time to work out the measurements but surely if it was horizontal, it might reach acroos to the next rooftop. He could use it as a bridge. And he had the means to bring it down."

Phew! Again, genius.
But, unfortunately the chimney isn't long enough, and the guards are catching up with Alex. This leaves him with only one option left.

"Alex dived headfirst into the opening [of the chimney]. The chimney was just big enough fo him with his backpack still strapped to his shoulders. It was like being inside a chute at the swimming pool. The round shiny surface offered no resistance and Alex shot down." And he lands ON THE ROOF OF THE BUS!!!

The bus speeds out of Greenfields and Alex manages to get Tom's attention, the bus stops and Alex gets back onboard.

Man.

That was soooo intense!