"Anthony Wall - The Eden Mission 2" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wall Anthony)

The Eden Mission by Anthony Wall in two volumes (youth project)

Volume 2

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9. Revelations

It took a lot to annoy Yves, who would rather forgive and forget than let resentment fester. Despite everything, he'd been willing to tolerate his unco-operative room-mate. But that was before Darren stole the pen. A thief, there could be no doubt.

"Why didn't I punch him on the nose?" Yves was still fuming as he passed Vanessa and Susan's door. Shall I tell them about Darren? He kept moving. Tell one of the teachers, Ben or the captain? He couldn't think straight.

Five minutes later he was back in the cabin. Darren had retreated beneath a bunk blanket. Yves said nothing, biding his time.

The time to speak out came next day. After breakfast, ingeniously prepared in the post-hurricane galley, Darren rose and left the others. Now, having considered carefully, Yves produced his pen. Vanessa reached for it. "Where ...?"

"Darren's bag. He said he found it."

Susan kicked Gary under the table.

"Maybe he did find it," Vanessa offered weakly.

"Yeah, in my drawer!"

Norman toyed with a spoon. "What are you going to do, Yves?"

"Search through his belongings, that's what. And I want you all to be there."

Vanessa protested: "We can't. It's not right."

But Yves' mind was made up. "Suit yourselves. I'll just have to handle this alone." Taking the pen from Vanessa, he stalked out of the dining-room. As he expected, four figures followed him.

Darren was absent from the cabin. While Norman stood guard outside, Yves emptied the hold-all on to the bottom bunk. Vanessa exclaimed, identifying her watch. There was more "loot": a pocket calculator, a lighter, officers' brass buttons, ship's cutlery, a bundle of ten-dollar bills, a sealed packet, an orange pennant bearing the words "FRIENDS OF THE SEA OTTER". Seeing this last item, Susan had to giggle. "How on earth ...?"

Three sharp raps at the door. Norman. Soon after, the door swung open - and in walked Darren. He froze. Only his eyes moved, missing no detail. Then, defiantly, he advanced to the bunk. "Hands off! That stuff's private, personal. I'll ..."

"Report us?" Yves jeered. "Go ahead. You can explain how Vanessa's watch jumped into your bag."

Darren wheeled, as if to break away, but the escape route was barred by Gary and Norman.