The team of SAS men that burst into the room, were dressed in khaki shirts and trousers. They each carried a customized weapon. The man at the front, codenamed Wolf, carried an AK – 47 machine gun, with a stainless steel barrel, and an iron stock. The others carried semi – automatic pistols, shotguns, and a bazooka, which had been used to blast open the huge titanium door.

As he made his way into the room, Wolf realized the gravity of the situation. Alex Rider, their objective was in immediate danger. If action wasn't taken fast, they would have to cut open the crocodile's stomach, and remove the greasy mask that had once been Alex Rider.

Instinctively, Wolf aimed, and fired two shots into the rear of the animal's skull. Another casualty to add to the long list that had grown during this mission. Wolf smiled grimly. First had been two security guards who had been about to raise the alarm, then came Kurst's bodyguard, and finally, Zeljan Kurst himself. There had been no other option. Oh, and how could he forget. Dear old guard whom he had killed while escaping. Mrs. Jones wasn't going to be happy, but what could one do?

The backup he had called for had brought him the suit he was wearing, and his favorite weapon. He had to be careful. There had not been time to bring along extra ammunition, and what had was all he was getting.

As he ran towards Alex, he wondered what the boy's reaction would be when he heard that Julia Rothman and Nile's father were in the building. "Alex," he said. "Are you alright?"

Alex opened his eyes. He seemed remarkably calm after what he had just faced. In fact, he had seen death, looked it in the eye, and only then had he realized how precious life was.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Skipping all questions, he asked, "What's the plan."

In response, Wolf grabbed Alex's hand, and yanked him up. He ran to the door, checked that the coast was clear, and then signaling to his team, he ran out.

XXXXXXXXX

Julia Rothman sat sipping her cappuccino. She eyed the man in front of her. Nile's father was a giant. He was at least six foot seven, and weighed over four hundred pounds. The chair he was sitting in had been reinforced with steel to stop it collapsing.

She had just received news, that Alex Rider had backup. The bank of security cameras showed her that the band of infiltrators were making their way out with as much noise as they could. Even as she watched, two security guards were shot. It didn't seem right to her. She had suspected, her opinion supported by the man in front of her, that they would try to end the situation there and then.

XXXXXXXXX

Alex was following Wolf, without knowing where they were going. They headed towards the perimeter fence, and though it had been electrified, there was no power in it now. Eagle and Fox had taken care of that.

As they headed out onto the main road, Wolf took out two Scorpia men, and then jumped into the BMW that had been parked there. He took out a small remote control, and over his shoulder Alex could see that he had set the timer to 60 seconds. He then pressed three red buttons which turned green, and threw the device into the premises owned by Scorpia.

He revved up the car, and backed it out, while the others got into a military jeep behind. As Wolf sped away, Julia Rothman was more confused than ever. She had thought that they would look for the Jones boy. As it was they had killed him, and created the illusion that he was in charge.

Twenty miles away, Wolf saw the explosion. The building was completely torn apart, and yellow flames licked at the surrounding shrubbery. The three bombs that had been planted, had done their job. Alex looked back, shielding his eyes, and thought that no one could have survived an explosion of that magnitude.

XXXXXXXXX

The grey Alfa Romeo that had been parked outside the building, sped away towards the shore. Julia Rothman smiled to herself as she accelerated. Nile's father was dead. He had been the only obstacle to her leadership. But now things had changed. Scorpia would regain their lost prestige, and Alan Blunt would die.

No one saw the privately owned Boeing 737 aircraft take off from the grounds of a huge manor three hours later. Neither did they see the single passenger inside, sipping a vodka martini, smiling at the sweetness of success.

That was the last chapter. Hope you liked it. Sequel depending on the reviews. Ciao for now-

Magical Conductor.