Adam and the Arkonauts by Dominic Barker Read Free Book Online

implemented that even the laws have laws. Due to the zero-tolerance policy of Chief Grivas, most of the people in the city have been fined so often they are weighed down with debt, for the fine doubles with each new offence. This is why I based my entire campaign on one policy only: to introduce a new Crime and Punishment Code for Buenos Sueños. If all the people voted for it, then even Grivas would be forced to concede and the citizens of Buenos Sueños would be happy again. But that was before the Dreadful Alarm started. Since then, Felipe Felipez has begun to campaign with his policy of ignoring new laws and promising instead simply to deal with the Dreadful Alarm, and my support has fallen away. Do you see how vital it is that I stop the alarm before the election? Only then will I be able to win and change the laws to save the city.’
    â€˜We have said that we will help,’ said the Doctor. ‘But now I must insist that you finally permit me to open this letter from my wife.’
    The Mayor looked momentarily confused as though he didn’t know what the Doctor was talking about, before his eyes lit up with understanding. He raised his hand to slap himself for being so forgetful, but then remembered, too, how much that had hurt last time.
    â€˜Of course, of course. Please, go ahead,’ he said, lowering his hand.
    The Doctor needed no further encouragement. He deftly opened the envelope and slipped out a single folded sheet of paper. Next to him, Adam craned his neck. The Doctor unfolded the paper and looked at its contents.
    â€˜What is the meaning of this?’ he asked.
    â€˜Is something the matter?’ said the Mayor.
    â€˜What is it?’ said Adam.
    The Doctor’s face was dark with anger. Adam had never seen him like this before. He held the paper out towards Adam.
    It was blank.
    Adam couldn’t believe it.
    Neither could the Doctor. He always maintained that one should keep one’s emotions in check and respond to any situation, however difficult, with logic and restraint, but this was too much. Such was the strength of his anger that the Mayor backed away behind his desk.
    â€˜I have sailed halfway round the world for a blank piece of paper.’
    â€˜A message was left for you and I passed it on,’ the Mayor protested. ‘What else was I to do?’
    â€˜After ten years!’ the Doctor shouted. ‘Ten years of searching.’
    For a moment, Adam actually thought that his father would hit the Mayor. But instead the Doctor, with what appeared to be a tremendous effort of self-control, thrust the message into his pocket and turned away.
    â€˜Come on, Adam,’ he said, striding to the door. ‘Come on, Sniffage.’
    â€˜I hope this doesn’t affect your agreement to help me solve the mystery of the Dreadful Alarm,’ the Mayor ventured.
    The Doctor spun round to give the Mayor a withering glare.
    â€˜I assure you that any agreement we had is now terminated.’
    â€˜But the people of Buenos Sueños, the election, Felipe Felipez . . .’ pleaded the Mayor.
    â€˜Are none of my concern,’ said the Doctor.
    He turned and led Adam and Sniffage from the room, slamming the door behind him.

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    CHAPTER 7
    â€˜Where have you been?’ chattered Simia as Adam emerged from the hatch on to the deck. ‘The Doctor said we were to make an early start this morning and yet you’ve been a lazy slug-a-bed, not helping at all with the preparations.’
    Adam looked at the sun. It still sat low in the east and its weak rays sent out none of the heat they would doubtless do later in the day.
    â€˜It’s only just light,’ he protested.
    â€˜Only just light,’ mocked Simia. ‘That’s humans for you all over. Centuries of evolution and what do they do with it? Stay in bed!’
    â€˜Where’s my dad?’ asked Adam, trying to avoid yet another tirade.
    â€˜The Doctor needs his rest,’ said