The Deadly Dare Mysteries

by Malorie Blackman

  ‘Mum, please!’ Jade protested.

  Theo, Ricky and Angela glanced at each other. Was this woman serious? Did she really want them to take off their shoes before they took another step into her house? One look at her face and Theo had his answer. Mrs Driscoll was totally, completely and utterly serious.

  ‘I won’t have them tracking mud through the house, Jade,’ Mrs Driscoll said firmly.

  ‘We’ve been walking on the pavement,’ Jade said. ‘We were nowhere near any mud.’

  Mrs Driscoll glared at Jade.

  ‘OK, Mum. OK,’ Jade said quickly. She turned to Theo, Angela and Ricky, a pleading look on her face.

  ‘Would you mind? Please.’ Her smile was an embarrassed entreaty.

  ‘Shame!’ Angela muttered under her breath.

  Mrs Driscoll didn’t hear it, but Jade did. She chewed on her bottom lip. She was deeply embarrassed and doing her best to hide it from both her mum and her classmates. Theo sure was glad it wasn’t his mum who carried on like that. He would never live it down. If his mum did carry on like that, he’d never invite anyone to his house. Never, never, never. Jade must’ve been desperate to invite them round knowing what her mother was like. Theo had to admit that he was even more intrigued now to find out what was going on.

  He bent down to untie his shoe laces. Angela bent down to do the same with her trainers. Ricky kicked off his shoes, which were slip-ons.

  ‘Would you all like something to eat and drink?’ asked Mrs Driscoll. ‘I could get you some orange juice or some cola and some sandwiches.’

  Theo didn’t know about the others but he didn’t want to take anything from Mrs Driscoll. She’d probably have her plates industrially cleaned afterwards.

  ‘No, thank you,’ Theo replied.

  Ricky and Angela mumbled the same.

  ‘Mum, can we use the computer?’ Jade asked.

  ‘The computer?’ Mrs Driscoll’s voice was as sharp as a razor. ‘No. No, you can’t.’

  And just like that, it looked like they were going to be scuppered before they’d even started.

  Chapter Nine

  Evidence

  ‘PLEASE, MUM. I’LL be very careful – I promise,’ Jade replied quickly.

  ‘Jade, you know I don’t like you …’

  ‘I’ll be really, really careful,’ Jade continued. ‘And Ricky, Theo and Angela will be with me all the time so nothing will go wrong.’

  Mrs Driscoll took another look at her daughter’s companions. ‘Jade …’

  ‘Please? Please?’

  ‘OK, then.’ Mrs Driscoll’s voice was tiny. ‘But ten minutes only.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’ Jade smiled.

  Mrs Driscoll still didn’t look happy about it. Her eyes clouded over and her lips turned down. She looked like she was about to change her mind.

  ‘I’ll be extra careful, I promise.’ Jade smiled.

  ‘I’ll rinse off these shoes and put them out in the conservatory.’ Mrs Driscoll sniffed. She walked away with their shoes, holding them at arm’s length, her head tilted backwards. Jade waited until her mum had left the hall, before turning to the others.

  ‘Mum just … Mum …’ Jade’s expression took on a stubborn turn. She pressed her lips together and looked defiantly at all of them.

  ‘All mothers are embarrassing,’ Ricky said easily. ‘Whenever anyone comes over to our house to visit, my mum breaks out the old photo albums and shows off my photos from the time I was born. I’m surprised she didn’t keep one of my old, smelly nappies to show as well.’

  Jade laughed.

  ‘You were going to show us something?’ Angela prompted.

  ‘This way.’ Jade opened the door to the room immediately to their left. It was shrouded in darkness, even though it was still light outside. Theo and his friends stood uncertainly at the door.

  ‘Just a sec.’ Jade moved across the room and opened the heavy, dark blue velvet curtains.

  It looked better with the curtains drawn, Theo thought. His first, second and third impressions of the room were that it was very cold and uninviting. The walls were a pale blue, the curtains and carpet were navy. Now that Jade had opened the curtains, dust motes swirled in the air like pirouetting dancers. There was a fine layer of dust over most of the furniture. Theo couldn’t understand it. With Mrs Driscoll around, Theo would’ve thought that dust didn’t stand a chance. Against the opposite wall, below the window, was a PC. A printer and a scanner sat on a large, wooden table and beneath the table, Theo could see the processor, standing up on its base.

  ‘I’ll just switch it on.’ Jade pressed the POWER button on the processor. Immediately the monitor on the table crackled into life. Jade switched on the scanner and the printer.

  ‘What has the computer got to do with your dad talking to you?’ Angela asked.

  Jade slid the PC mouse over its mat, clicking with deft movements as she selected the options she wanted.

  ‘Take a look at this,’ she said at last.

  Theo, Ricky and Angela gathered around the PC for a closer look.

 

  To: JDriscoll@JDriscoll.private.uk

  From: PDriscoll@PDriscoll.private.uk

  Darling Jade,

  How are you? I know these messages frighten you – and that’s the last thing I want. Please don’t be scared. I’d never do anything to hurt you – or make you unhappy. I’ve tried to talk to you before but you couldn’t see me. I want you to know that I’m watching over you. I wouldn’t let anything or anyone harm you.

  This is so bizarre: When I was alive, I was the last one to believe in life after life and here I am clinging on to God knows what and God knows why. No, that’s not strictly true. I think I know why I haven’t moved up or on or over or whatever the phrase is. It’s because I left some unfinished business behind me. Yes, that’s a good way to put it – unfinished business. But that’s my problem. Or maybe not … Jade, maybe you could help

  Theo leaned forward to scroll down the page but Jade hit the key to clear the screen before the second part of the e-mail could appear.

  ‘This is just one of the e-mails I’ve received,’ Jade said quickly. ‘I’ve had quite a few.’

  ‘Is this really from your dad?’ Theo asked what they were all thinking.

  Jade nodded. ‘At first I didn’t believe it either, but it is him. He’s said things in some of the other e-mails I’ve received that only he would know.’

  ‘What sort of things?’ Angela asked.

  Jade shrugged, careful to avoid catching anyone’s eye. ‘Different things. For example, two years ago when we were on holiday, Dad and I went out water-skiing. Mum wouldn’t give it a try, so it was just me and Dad and the man driving the boat. Well, one of Dad’s messages to me told me what the two of us were talking about. There’s no way anyone else would have known that. And there’ve been lots of examples like that.’

  ‘What’s this unfinished business your dad talks about?’ Ricky asked softly.

  Jade licked her lips. For the first time she looked at them directly. ‘I … nothing. It’s not important.’

  ‘Are you sure about that?’ Ricky prompted.

  ‘Positive.’

  ‘If you were that positive, I don’t think we’d be here,’ Ricky pointed out. ‘You can’t expect us to help you if you only give us half of the story.’

  ‘There isn’t much more to tell.’ Jade’s voice held angry defiance. ‘I just needed to tell someone what was going on, that’s all. I just needed to know that I’m not imagining things or going crazy.’

  ‘Well, we all saw a message …’ Theo began.

  ‘But that doesn’t mean it’s from Jade’s dad,’ Angela cut in. ‘That message could’ve been sent by anyone.’

  ‘But I just told you that Dad mentioned things …’

  ‘But he could’ve told someone else about your holiday without you knowing it,’ said Angela. ‘He might’ve told someone he worked with all about your holiday and they c
ould be the one sending you all these messages.’

  ‘Why would anyone want to do that?’ Theo asked.

  ‘How should I know?’ Angela said, exasperated. ‘All I’m saying is that there are a number of other options to consider before we start believing that Jade’s dad is talking to her from beyond the grave and via the Internet!’

  ‘Why is it so hard for you to believe in ghosts?’ Ricky frowned. ‘Don’t you believe in something above and beyond us? Don’t you believe in life after life?’

  ‘No, I don’t,’ Angela said, her voice crackling with bitterness. ‘We’re alone in this world and when you die, you die. That’s it. End of story.’

  Theo didn’t need to ask. He knew she was thinking about her brother, Tom. Angela’s voice always grew cold and hard when she thought about Tom. Theo knew it was just a defence mechanism. Angela’s way of trying to stop herself from hurting too much but from her voice, it didn’t seem to do much good. Impatient, Ricky turned from Angela to Jade.

  ‘Jade, has your dad asked you to do anything for him?’ Ricky asked.

  ‘I … not really, no.’

  ‘What does that mean? Not really?’

  Licking her lips, Jade’s expression finally cleared. She had obviously made a decision about something.

  ‘I want all of you to promise that you’ll never talk to anyone about what I’m about to show you.’

  ‘We’ve already promised,’ Theo reminded her.

  ‘I want you to promise again,’ Jade insisted.

  ‘We promise.’ Ricky answered for all of them. ‘You can trust us, Jade. I promise you that too.’

  Finally satisfied, Jade turned back to the screen and recalled her last message. Scrolling down, she stepped aside to let Ricky, Angela and Theo read the rest of the message.

 

  But that’s my problem. Or maybe not … Jade, maybe you could help me. It would be so wonderful to rest. Simply to rest. I wouldn’t even mind if that was all there was to it. I’m so tired. And existing like this … it’s worse than you can possibly imagine. It’s like being stuck in a box with no way out. It’s like being stuck in a coffin. This world has become my coffin, Jade. But you could help me to change all that. I did something very wrong and I need your help to put it right. Don’t worry, it’s not illegal or dangerous. I just need you to deliver something for me. Once this package is delivered I will be at peace. Just saying the word makes me long for it. Let me know when you’ve found it and I’ll give you more instructions. I’m getting weak. Time to go. I know you’ll help me. I know I can rely on you.

  Dad.

  ‘What package?’ Angela asked immediately. Theo raised his eyebrows. Ricky sighed. Theo found himself wishing that for once, Angela wouldn’t be quite so direct, quite so blunt. He and Ricky could put up with it because they knew that Angela wasn’t as brusque as she sometimes came across but it did tend to put other people’s backs up – like now!

  ‘I don’t know.’ Jade’s voice was clipped. ‘I wish I did. Dad hasn’t said.’

  ‘Your dad wouldn’t have asked you to deliver this package unless he thought you knew what he was talking about.’ Angela frowned.

  Jade bristled like a porcupine. ‘Angela …’

  ‘Angela, if Jade says she doesn’t know then she doesn’t,’ Theo interrupted quickly.

  ‘I only …’ Angela trailed off. ‘Sorry, Jade. Sometimes I get a bit … sorry!’

  Jade visibly relaxed. ‘Sometimes I get a bit … myself!’ A trace of a smile flickered across her face.

  ‘Have you spoken to your mum about this?’ Ricky asked.

  ‘Not yet. To be honest, I don’t think I will.’

  ‘And you haven’t spoken to anyone but us about it?’ Ricky questioned.

  Jade shook her head.

  ‘What exactly did your dad do?’ said Ricky.

  ‘He worked for Diadem-21 Software Systems. He’s the one who thought up and designed The Land of Dreams – amongst others.’

  ‘I thought he worked with Theo’s mum in the marketing department,’ said Angela.

  ‘I didn’t know The Land of Dreams was your dad’s idea.’ Ricky was astounded. ‘Theo never told me that.’

  ‘I didn’t know,’ Theo replied, more than a little impressed himself. ‘Jade, I knew your dad was a software engineer but I didn’t realize he was responsible for The Land of Dreams.’

  ‘What’s The Land of Dreams when it’s at home?’ Angela frowned.

  Ricky stared at her. ‘Where have you been? It’s the latest PC game. You have to solve puzzles and defeat the cyborgs and live through your worst nightmares. It’s great! It starts when you go to bed and then you find yourself in the middle of a strange, gruesome dream but you can’t wake up and then …’

  ‘I get the idea, Ricky,’ Angela interrupted.

  ‘That was all Dad’s idea,’ Jade said proudly.

  ‘The only game that comes anywhere near The Land of Dreams is Dyna-Cybo Warriors!’ Theo told Angela.

  ‘Sounds like a classic!’ Angela said wryly.

  ‘It is!’ Theo enthused.

  ‘Dad’s friend, Alex came up with that one – Dyna-Cybo Warriors,’ said Jade. ‘I don’t think Dad was too happy about it to be honest. He always refused to mention it and I think he and Alex had a big quarrel about it.’

  ‘Over what?’

  Jade shrugged. ‘I don’t know all the details. All I know is Alex stopped coming over to our house after the game came out.’

  ‘Was your dad jealous?’ Angela asked what Theo was wondering.

  ‘Of course not,’ Jade denied vehemently.

  ‘Did your dad and this Alex person stop being friends just because Alex came up with a game as good as The Land of Dreams?’ said Angela.

  ‘My dad’s not like that. I don’t know if that was the reason – and neither do you,’ Jade replied, chips of ice glinting in her eyes.

  Angela shrugged. ‘I was only saying.’

  ‘Some things you should keep to yourself.’ Jade’s feathers were definitely ruffled.

  ‘Jade, you should’ve said about your dad,’ Theo said. ‘That’s amazing. What other games …?’

  ‘Theo!’ Ricky interrupted.

  ‘Sorry!’

  ‘Your dad and Alex … strange thing to fall out over. A game,’ Ricky said thoughtfully. ‘Huh! Grown-ups!’

  ‘That’s just what Mum said, except she said “Men!” instead of “Grown-ups!”’ said Jade.

  ‘So when you two are grown-up men, you’ll have no chance!’ Angela grinned.

  Ricky looked at Theo. ‘I think we’re being got at!’

  ‘You’re not grown-up men yet!’ Angela scoffed. ‘You’ve got more brains than most grown-up men!’

  ‘That was a good backhanded compliment.’ Jade looked at Angela, impressed.

  Much as he was tempted, Theo didn’t reply. Angela was obviously remembering her brother and the rest of his so-called friends. They were the ones responsible for Ricky being kidnapped and now they were all in prison.

  ‘Jade, why …?’ But Ricky got no further.

  ‘That’s enough. Jade, switch off the computer. That’s enough.’ Mrs Driscoll stood in the doorway, swaying slightly. It was as if she wanted to come further into the room but just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

  ‘Mum, can’t we just …?’

  ‘No. Switch it off – NOW,’ Mrs Driscoll ordered.

  Jade and her mum stood watching each other. Long moments passed. Finally Jade did as directed and switched off the PC.

  ‘I think you others should go home now. I’m sure your parents must be wondering where you’ve got to,’ Mrs Driscoll said.

  Why doesn’t she just lift us up and hurl us out the door? She’s not even subtle, Theo thought sourly.

  They all stood up and left the room, skirting around Mrs Driscoll who stood at the door like a sentinel. Theo remembered reading a Greek myth once about a scary three-headed, dragon-tailed dog called Cerberus who guarded
the gates to Hades, but that dog had nothing on Jade’s mum!

  ‘See you tomorrow, Jade.’ Ricky smiled.

  ‘Bye.’

  ‘Yeah! Bye!’

  Mrs Driscoll followed them out into the hall. Ricky had opened the front door before he remembered.

  ‘Mrs Driscoll, can we have our shoes back please?’

  Startled, Mrs Driscoll glanced down at their feet.

  ‘Just a moment.’ Mrs Driscoll disappeared towards the back of the house. Moments later she returned carrying a tray lined with newspaper. And on the newspaper sat Theo’s, Angela’s and Ricky’s now cleaned shoes.

  ‘Thank you,’ Theo mumbled as he retrieved his shoes. He didn’t wait to lace them up either. Mrs Driscoll made him feel too uncomfortable. The moment his shoes were on his feet, he was out of there. And Angela and Ricky weren’t far behind him either. Jade stood at the front door, her eyes dancing with what she couldn’t say now that her mum was right behind her.

  ‘I’ll see you at school tomorrow,’ Jade said at last.

  ‘Take care, Jade.’ Ricky smiled. ‘And thanks for showing us your computer.’

  ‘No problem,’ Jade replied.

  But Theo watched her face as she shut the door. ‘No problem’ was an out and out lie. Jade had problems up to her eyebrows – only one of which was her dead father.

  Chapter Ten

  Uncle Pascoe

  ‘SO WHAT D’YOU make of that then?’ Angela asked as they walked along.

  Theo shrugged. ‘I’m not sure what to think.’

  ‘Jade doesn’t behave like someone whose dad has just died,’ Angela said, more to herself than to anyone else.

  ‘How’s she meant to behave?’ Ricky rounded on her. ‘Where’s it written that you have to behave in a particular way? And besides which her dad died three months ago.’

  ‘Three months isn’t very long. Three months is nothing …’ Theo began.

  ‘Ricky, I was just saying,’ Angela said defensively. ‘There’s no need to jump down my throat. It’s just that when she talks about her dad, there’s no grief there.’

  ‘I think she’s feels that when she thinks about him,’ Theo said slowly. ‘When she talks about him though it’s like … it’s like …’