The Emerald Casket by Richard Newsome Read Free Book Online Page A

your health, imagine what might be in the other two.’
    â€˜But…’
    â€˜And imagine if those caskets got into the wrong hands. Why, there could be a terrible tragedy.’ Green’s eyes narrowed. ‘Or three.’
    Without warning, the man leapt at Gerald and grabbed him by the throat. He jabbed the tip of the sword into Gerald’s chest.
    â€˜It’s time you got some skin in the game, son.’ With a grunt, Green thrust the sword home, deep into Gerald’s ribcage.
    Gerald gagged; saliva blocked his throat. He felt like he was about to drown. He launched himself upright, finally waking. His T-shirt was soaked in sweat. He ran his hands down his chest. There was no sword, no wound. He stared at the curtains that were billowing freely in the breeze. He crossed to them, closed the window and collapsed back onto the bed.
    What had just happened?
    A dream?
    Or something else?
    In his mind’s eye he could still see the apparition of Sir Mason Green, gloating.
    The interior of the Archer Airbus A380 Flying Palace has featured in design magazines from Milan to New York. But the lavish descriptions in those publications didn’t come close to Sam’s response when he climbed on board.
    â€˜This. Is. Fan. Tastic !’
    Gerald led a tour of the aircraft. Sam and Ruby’s jaws dropped lower and lower the further they ventured.
    â€˜There’s a bedroom suite at the back and once you’re past the dining room and the bar area there’s this great cinema set-up. There’s something like ten thousand movies and a stack of video games,’ Gerald rattled off. ‘Then upstairs there’s an office with satellite access, a gym with a hot tub and a library. It’s pretty cool, actually.’
    â€˜Pretty cool?’ Sam said. ‘It’s amazing. And all this is yours?’
    â€˜I guess so,’ Gerald said, slightly embarrassed. ‘I’m not really used to it yet.’
    â€˜Keep it that way,’ Sam said. ‘You don’t ever want to take this for granted.’
    Mr Fry appeared behind them, carrying a clipboard and checking items off a list.
    â€˜Careful,’ Sam said. ‘Here comes the karate kid.’
    Fry marched past them. ‘Monthly meeting of Mensa, is it?’ he said, without looking up.
    â€˜What’s he on about?’ Sam asked. Gerald shrugged.
    â€˜The captain wants a word with you before takeoff,’ Fry said over his shoulder.
    Gerald watched the butler as he headed towards the galley at the rear of the aircraft. ‘At least he’s not flying the plane,’ he said.
    A tall woman in a blue pilot’s uniform stepped from the cockpit.
    â€˜Hello, Mr Wilkins,’ she said, shaking Gerald’s hand. ‘I’m Captain Baulch. But please call me Laura. We’re waiting on a final clearance from the tower then we can get underway. I expect you and your friends are aware of the usual safety warnings.’
    They all nodded.
    â€˜Good,’ the captain said. ‘So you don’t have to hear any of that rubbish from me. I think all you really need are these.’ She opened a cupboard and pulled out three large plastic trays and three bicycle helmets.
    Gerald took a helmet in one hand and a tray in the other. ‘What are these for?’
    Captain Baulch looked surprised. ‘You’ve never been plane sledding?’
    Fifteen minutes later, the airbus was at the start of the runway, engines thrumming. The captain called back from the flight deck. ‘Ready?’
    â€˜Yep!’ Gerald, Sam and Ruby chorused. They each sat on a plastic tray on the floor at the front of the jet, helmets on.
    â€˜Righto. Hold on!’ Captain Baulch pushed forward on the flight controller and the jet accelerated down the runway.
    Gerald gripped the sides of his tray and he glanced at his friends. Ruby gave him a quick thumbs up. Sam was grinning insanely. The plane gathered speed and they