Chapter 2

 

 

In the morning Ben woke late, sleeping in till almost eleven. He hadn’t got home till near midnight from Luke’s, driven home by his dad. His gran was out, a note on the kitchen table saying she was gone for most of the day playing bridge at her club.

 

He showered, got dressed and ate some cereal and a banana for breakfast. Then he left the house and headed over to Mr Wallace’s.

 

His house was the last in a dead-end street, its rear backing onto a small river. A footpath ran down one side to a bridge over the river and Ben used it one his way to school most days. A pair of huge black iron gates stood closed at the entrance and Ben pushed one open to slip inside. A wide gravel driveway swung to the left around trees and shrubs that surrounded much of the house.

 

The driveway swung back again to stop in front of the house. It was a wooden one, painted white and with a dark shingled roof. Tall, arched windows faced the yard on both its floors, all with heavy curtains behind them. A garage stood to the left which Ben could see through the trees from his bedroom window.

 

A short path led up to a veranda at the front and Ben walked up its steps to the front door. He pressed a button on an intercom unit to one side and he heard a door bell chime inside. After a few seconds the intercom crackled into life.

 

‘Hello, Ben,’ said Mr Wallace’s voice. ‘Come on in. There’s nothing new in the museum, but you’re welcome to look. Once you’re done, I’m in my study.’

 

A click was heard as the door unlocked and pushing the door open, Ben slipped inside. Mr Wallace was quite security conscious with the intercom and being able to open the door from his study. But Ben figured that with all the valuable artefacts in his house it was probably a wise thing.

 

He stood in a large entrance foyer, the floor polished dark wooden boards. A huge, sparkling chandelier hung from a high ceiling. A hallway led to the rear of the house where there was a sunroom as well as the kitchen and laundry. To the right was a pair of sliding doors that opened into the lounge room, whilst to the left a broad flight of stairs climbed to a landing above.

 

Ben went up the stairs to a hallway. He stopped by the first door on the left and opening it, stepped into Mr Wallace’s museum.

 

It was dark inside, the curtains on the windows pulled tight. He switched on the light and the room was lit up, revealing what lay inside.

 

What always caught his eyes first was the biggest artefact in the collection, a life size sculpture of a human figure carved out of a dark blue stone. At least it was kind of human, Ben always thought. It had two arms and legs like anyone else, but its head had two curving horns sprouting from the forehead, some six or more inches long. And a pair of long wings were folded down its back, its stone feathers almost touching the floor.

 

Ben had asked Mr Wallace where had he got it, wondering whether it was Egyptian or Greek or something. But the elderly man had just smiled and said it was only a sculpture someone had made.

 

There were other sculptures in the room, mainly of strange looking animals that looked like they belonged more in science fiction movies than to history. Some sat on the floor and others on solid tables that edged the walls. Here other artefacts were also displayed. There were pieces of rock and stone and metallic items that had blinking lights on them.

 

Ben walked over to a favourite one, a silver metallic cylinder about a metre tall and twice as thick as his arm. Three columns of winking lights ran up and down it sides, flashing red, blue and green in random order. A large clear crystal ball about the size of a grapefruit sat on top.

 

The lights running up and down the cylinder would blink in a confused order for a while till each column blinked blue, red or green. That then ignited a swirling silver light show within the crystal ball until there was an explosion so bright Ben’s eyes were dazzled for a few moments. Then the ball would wash clear again and the lights would once again begin their chaotic winking.

 

Another interesting artefact was a slab of rough stone about the size of a soccer ball. It was completely black to begin with, but slowly a golden colour would stain through it till it throbbed with the colour. At its brightest it would be warm to the touch and then the colour would suddenly fade away and the process would start again.

 

Next to it was a small oval stone a little smaller than an egg and white in colour. Ben picked it up and held it in his hands for a few moments, then put it back on the table. It was now softly glowing and Mr Wallace had told him that the longer it was warmed, the brighter and longer it would glow.

 

Ben couldn’t help but think there was something almost alien about some of the artefacts. There were some obvious ones that weren’t of course, spears and swords fixed to the walls and even a suit of armour in one corner. But some of them were truly weird and he sometimes thought he might like to be an archaeologist himself one day… except that he really wanted to be a computer game designer.

 

There was nothing new in the room as Mr Wallace had said and Ben left, turning off the light and closing the door again. He headed further down the hallway, passing doors that led to bedrooms till he reached the last one on the right. It was open and he stepped into Mr Wallace’s study.

 

It was a large room as well and overlooked the front yard. Both side walls were taken up with book cases and they were filled with books of every size imaginable. A large desk with a computer on it sat under the windows and here Mr Wallace was seated, a book in his hands.

 

‘Hello, Ben. It’s good to see you,’ he said warmly.

 

‘Hello, Mr Wallace,’ Ben said as he seated himself in one of two plush chairs sitting before the desk.

 

‘How’s your grandmother?’

 

‘She’s fine. She’s off playing bridge today.’

 

‘Ah, yes… a fine game. When I bump into her she’s always asking me to come down and play… but you know what I’m like.’

 

‘You like your privacy,’ Ben said, knowing that whilst Mr Wallace was quite friendly, he was quite solitary. And since he travelled a fair bit, often being away for weeks at a time, he didn’t have much time for local socialising.

 

‘Indeed I do,’ he replied with a wink.

 

‘So what job do you have for me today?’ Ben asked.

 

‘Well, the car needs a wash and there are some leaves on the lawn that could do with raking up.’

 

‘Sounds like something I could do,’ Ben replied with a grin.

 

‘Very good. You’ll find the car keys in the kitchen as usual. There is some soft drink in the fridge if you get thirsty and some fried chicken to keep you from getting hungry.’

 

‘Thanks, Mr Wallace,’ Ben said.

 

‘My pleasure. Come and see me when you’re done.’

 

* * *

 

Ben headed back downstairs to the kitchen. He opened the fridge there and sure enough there were cans of soft drink inside. There was also a large plate of fried chicken and some fresh potato salad in a bowl. Even though he had only just had breakfast he helped himself to a chicken leg and a can of drink. He might as well fuel up a bit more before he started he thought.

 

The back door was locked, but he knew where the key was kept and was shortly outside. There was a side door to the garage and going inside, he opened the main door. He got into the old car and starting her up, backed her out onto the driveway. He then filled a bucket full of water, dropping in some car wash detergent. He gave the car a quick spray with water and then started to wash it.

 

Ben gave it a good cleaning, making sure the wheels were done as well so the silver metal gleamed. The old car had been kept in excellent condition and he wanted to make it look its best. Once he was done he drove it back into the garage and locked her up. He then found the grass rake and began to work his way round the large yard.

 

By the time a couple of hours went by Ben found himself hungry again. He had just put a pile of leaves into the compost bin by the garage and figured it was time for a break. He headed back into the house and piling some chicken onto a plate with some potato salad, he began to eat at the kitchen table.

 

But he had only eaten a few bites when he heard the sound of a car coming up the driveway. Curious as to who was coming to visit Mr Wallace, Ben walked out to the foyer. For some reason he thought he shouldn’t let the visitor know he was there, so he carefully parted an edge of a curtain and peered through the window.

 

An expensive looking black car was just pulling him. It stopped and the driver got out, a big man with a crew cut. Ben thought he looked more like a bodyguard than a driver and he had what he could only describe as a dangerous look about him.

 

The man moved to a rear door of the car and opened it. A second man got out, this one of average height and size and dressed in a smart dark blue suit. He had short dark hair and pale skin that looked like it didn’t see much sunlight.

 

Ben watched him look up at the house and a sudden chill went through him at the smile that crept across the man’s face. It was not a pleasant one, but cunning and menacing all at the same time. He said something to the big man and then stepped up to the veranda.

 

‘Don’t let him see you, Ben,’ Mr Wallace’s voice said behind him, making Ben jump back, startled at his sudden appearance.

 

‘Gee, you scared the life out of me, Mr Wallace!’ he exclaimed in a low voice.

 

‘Sorry, Ben,’ Mr Wallace replied, then added in a serious tone. ‘But I would prefer you not to be seen by these men. It would be best if they didn’t know you were here.’

 

‘Who are they?’ Ben asked.

 

Mr Wallace didn’t reply at first, his eyes holding a far away look and a little… desperate Ben thought.

 

‘Someone from my past, Ben,’ he replied distantly.

 

‘What do they want with you?’ Ben asked. ‘Are you in some kind of trouble?’

 

‘Don’t worry yourself about it, Ben,’  he said. ‘Go into lounge room and close the doors behind you and wait. I’ll deal with them.’

 

Ben hesitated, but Mr Wallace smiled and patted him on a shoulder.

 

‘It’s all right, Ben,’ he said reassuringly.

 

At that the door bell chimed and Ben walked over to the lounge room doors. He slid one open and went through, but then closed it so that a small gap was left he could put an eye to. He was a little concerned for Mr Wallace and wasn’t going to just let him fend for himself. If he was threatened by these men he would do something to help.

 

He watched as Mr Wallace opened the door, its frame cutting off Ben’s view so he couldn’t see the man outside.

 

‘Hello, would you be Mr John Wallace?’ said a voice.

 

‘Yes, I’m John Wallace.’

 

‘I’m so glad. My name is Alex Runcin. I think you may have heard of my family’s company, Runcin Limited.’

 

‘The name does sound familiar,’ Mr Wallace’s replied. ‘What can I do for you?’

 

‘Well, I’m hoping you can clear up a little history for me, Mr Wallace. I’m doing some research on my family and it appears that you might have known my father when he was alive. If you can answer some questions, it might help me tie up some loose ends to his past.’

 

‘I think you might have me confused with somebody else, Mr Runcin,’ Mr Wallace replied. ‘I don’t think I’ve never met your father.’

 

‘Are you sure?’ Alex Runcin’s voice pressed. ‘I don’t often make mistakes.’

 

‘I think you might have this time, Mr Runcin. I say again, I’ve never met your father.’

 

There was a pause and when Alex Runcin spoke again, there was no mistaking the threatening tone in it.

 

‘And I think you have old man. I know who you are and there is unfinished business to discuss between us.’

 

Hearing Mr Wallace threatened like this made Ben suddenly angry. He made to slide the door open to go and tell this Alex Runcin to nick off or he’d call the police. But then there was the sound of another car pulling up in the driveway. A door opened and then the sound of a sliding one.

 

‘Hi, Mr Wallace!’ said a cheerful man’s voice in greeting. ‘Here’s your shopping. Hope I haven’t interrupted anything.’

 

Ben breathed a sight of relief. It was the driver of the van that delivered Mr Wallace’s weekly groceries.

 

‘No, that’s fine, Andrew,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘Can you take them into the kitchen for me?’

 

‘Sure can!’ Andrew’s voice replied and Ben watched Mr Wallace step aside, allowing a young man of about twenty loaded with shopping bags to come inside.

 

Ben watched him head down the hallway toward the kitchen and then Alex Runcin spoke again.

 

‘This is not over between us old man!’ he said coldly. ‘This time there’ll be no escape for you.’

 

Then he must have walked away, because Mr Wallace stepped back into the house and closed the door. As soon as he did he leaned against it, a hand clutching at his chest. Ben quickly opened the sliding door.

 

‘Are you all right, Mr Wallace?’ he asked, hurrying over to him, worried at the pale look on his face.

 

‘I’ll be all right in a second, Ben,’ he replied. ‘Just help me into lounge room if you would.’

 

Ben helped him into the room where the elderly man eased himself into a chair and closed his eyes. Ben hovered over him, wondering just who this Alex Runcin was. Why had he been so threatening to Mr Wallace?

 

‘Do you need a doctor, Mr Wallace?’ he asked.

 

Mr Wallace opened his eyes and shook his head.

 

‘No, I’ll be fine, Ben.’

 

Then they heard the voice of Andrew.

 

‘All done, Mr Wallace!’ he said, appearing at the door and nodding at Ben. ‘Hi!’

 

‘Hi!’ Ben returned.

 

‘This is Ben, Andrew,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘He’s a neighbour of mine… doing some gardening for me.’

 

‘Good for you!’ Andrew grinned at Ben and then addressed Mr Wallace. ‘I’ve unpacked the bags for you onto the kitchen table. I’ll probably see you again next week, eh?’

 

‘No doubt,’ Mr Wallace replied with a weak smile.

 

‘Cheers, then!’ Andrew responded and he was away, the sound of the front door opening and then closing again.

 

‘Are you sure you’re all right, Mr Wallace,’ Ben asked. ‘You don’t look very  well.’

 

Mr Wallace smiled at him and shook his head.

 

‘Just old age catching up with me, Ben,’ he replied in a quiet voice.

 

‘Who was that man… Alex Runcin?’ Ben asked. ‘It sounded like he was threatening you.’

 

Mr Wallace looked at Ben, his eyes narrowing in thought.

 

‘You’re a smart boy, Ben and I won’t lie to you. Alex Runcin is someone I had hoped to avoid. But don’t suggest calling the police as they would not be able to help.’

 

Ben frowned at this comment.

 

‘But if he means you any harm…’

 

Mr Wallace quickly shook his head.

 

‘They would be of no help,’ he said.

 

Ben frowned. Surely the police could help if the Alex Runcin was a threat, he thought. But Mr Wallace spoke again before he could say anything else, his eyes suddenly quite intent.

 

‘Tell me, Ben. You’re an adventurous lad, aren’t you?’

 

Ben nodded.

 

‘Yeah… I like to play sport, ride my skateboard. But I’m really just a  normal teenager, Mr Wallace.’

 

Mr Wallace smiled.

 

‘Perhaps a bit more than normal?’

 

Ben grinned.

 

‘Well… I’m not scared of much. I like to try anything once… you know, like scuba diving or skydiving one day.’

 

‘Well… they are exciting things to do,’ Mr Wallace said casually, though there was a momentary look in his eyes that gave Ben the impression that some kind of decision had been reached.

 

‘Why do you ask?’ he asked, wondering where this was leading.

 

‘Oh… I’m just curious. I saw you almost jump out the door when Runcin became threatening. That driver of his would have put me off doing something like that.’

 

Ben laughed.

 

‘Well, I wouldn’t have taken him on!’ he said. ‘But I could have slammed the door in Runcin’s face!’

 

‘Yes… I guess you could of at that. Now, have you finished raking yet?’

 

‘Not yet,’ Ben replied.

 

‘Then off you go and finish up. I’ll be fine and you can come and see me again when you’re done.’

 

‘If you’re really sure,’ Ben said.

 

Mr Wallace nodded and getting to his feet, patted Ben on a shoulder.

 

‘I’m fine.’

 

* * *

 

Another couple of hours later Ben was home again, the raking done and a hundred dollars in his pocket. Mr Wallace had again been very generous for the work he had done for him. He had seemed more or less recovered when Ben had left, though he was still worried about him. He hadn’t like the way Mr Wallace had clutched at his chest, knowing that that sometimes meant someone had a bad heart.

 

He also couldn’t help but think that he was in some kind of serious trouble. This Alex Runcin had scared him and Ben figured he would be back. That gave him an idea and going into his bedroom he switched on the computer on his desk.

 

He dialled into the Internet and once the screen came up, he did a search on Alex Runcin’s name. He wasn’t too surprised when it came up with a considerable number of references. He read that Alex Runcin was the CEO of Runcin Limited, a large company that had offices all over the world. It had interests in many things, oil and  mining, finance, even computer game design.

 

He also read that there was a little mystery behind Alex Runcin himself. Whilst he was the CEO of the company he was described as a bit of recluse, rarely seen in public, but also described as a bit of a tyrant in business. When he apparently wanted something, he usually got it.

 

‘So why is he interested in Mr Wallace?’ Ben said out loud.

 

He heard the front door open and then his gran’s voice.

 

‘Hi, Ben! I’m home!’

 

‘Hi, gran!’ he called.

 

‘Come and help with dinner!’

 

‘Okay!’ he replied and switched off the computer. He would have to do a little more research later. Alex Runcin had said Mr Wallace had known his father, so there might be information about him.

 

He also promised himself he would check on Mr Wallace tomorrow… just to make sure he was okay.