61 Leo's Story

61 Leo's Story 'I know about Chroma,' said Leo, matter-of-factly. 'That is to say, I know that a place called Chroma exists somewhere, and that it's the hub of all of the world's creativity.' 'YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATED CITY?' shouted an astonished Peanut. ' But... but how?' Leo closed his eyes. 'Dad told me.' 'Dad? But he disappeared over a year ago!' 'Yes. He, er, told me a few months before he... went.' Peanut stared at her brother. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. 'So, what happened?' asked Little-Bit. 'It was a Sunday afternoon, and you two had gone

somewhere with Mum, probably to Auntie Jean's. Dad called me into his studio and said that there was something important that he needed to tell me, something that Gran had told him when he was eighteen, and that he was going to tell me when I was eighteen. He said that because I was his first-born child, it was my birthright to know.' 'But you weren't eighteen then. In fact, you're still not eighteen!' said Peanut, finding her voice again. That was my response, too. But Dad said he was telling me early because—' Leo made quote signs with his fingers— 'certain forces were at play, and he couldn't wait any longer. I got the impression that he was scared of something. That he knew he was in danger. It seemed as though he were telling me as quickly as he could just in case something happened to him.' 'Well, he was right, wasn't he?' said Rockwell. Leo nodded. 'I guess so. ' So, what was it he had to tell you?' asked Peanut. ' He said that there was this really important secret city called Chroma, that hardly anyone knew about. He said it was this place in a different dimension where all of the world's creativity sprang from, and that only a few people ever get to visit it. Only those who need it, find it, he said. He said that

for generations, knowledge of the city had been passed down through our family, and that it was time that I learned about it. He said he would take me there.' 'So Dad is Conté's heir...' said Little-Bit, a hushed awe in her voice. 'He is what?' said Leo, confused. 'Don't worry, we'll get to that another time,' said Peanut. 'Carry on.' 'OK. Er, where was I? Oh yes. Then a few days later he came into my room and said there was something else he had to tell me about.' Again, Leo glanced down at Peanut's bandolier. 'He mentioned a pencil. Peanut's hand automatically went to Little Tail. ' That pencil, by the looks of it,' said Leo. 'Dad described it to me: yellow with a handmade feel, a blue eraser and a really long, sharp lead. He said it was the most beautiful pencil you could ever hope to see. Apparently, it's extremely important. He also said it was hidden somewhere safe.' He cast a quizzical look at Peanut. ' So, er, where did you find it?' Peanut picked up the box and showed Leo where the secret compartment was. 'Ah,' said her brother, nodding. 'Makes sense.' 'So, then what happened?' said Little-Bit. 'Dad made me promise not to tell anyone about Chroma or the pencil. Not even Mum. He said the fewer people who

knew about it, the safer we would all be.' 'Safer from what?' asked Rockwell. 'He didn't say. But there was definitely something that he was afraid of. He even told me what I should do if he were to ever mysteriously disappear.' 'He did WHAT?' shouted Peanut. 'HE GAVE YOU SOME INSTRUCTIONS?' 'Peanut, you promised you wouldn't get cross with me.' 'BUT... BUT YOU KNEW! THE WHOLE TIME! WHAT ABOUT ALL THE FIGHTS I HAD WITH MUM AFTER HE DISAPPEARED?' she screamed. 'WHEN I WAS SAYING HE WOULD NEVER JUST UP AND LEAVE US? THAT HE WOULD NEVER VOLUNTARILY DO THAT TO US? YOU COULD HAVE BACKED ME UP! BUT YOU SAID NOTHING?' 'I had no choice, Peanut! Dad said that if I was to let on that I knew anything, I would be putting you and Mum and LB in terrible danger. He made me swear to keep quiet and not say a word. Don't you think I wanted to tell you everything? Don't you think I wanted to back you up? To make you feel better? I was totally torn! It was awful! The worst time of my life.' Peanut looked at her brother. He was telling the truth, she could see it in his eyes. She took a breath. She remembered how Leo had changed after Dad had left. He wasn't the same fun-loving, wise-cracking big brother that she had loved

so much. He had changed overnight. All of a sudden, he'd spent all of his time either in his room or out 'with friends'. He stopped smiling entirely, instead wearing a permanently anxious expression on his face. Peanut's eyes filled with tears. It all made sense now. She balled her fists and took another deep breath. 'OK,' she said in a much calmer voice. 'I'm sorry, Leo. I understand. I'm not cross any more. It must have been really hard for you. ' Thanks, Topknot,' he said. 'It was. Actually, I could really use a hug. Peanut smiled. It had been a long time since he'd called her Topknot. She put her arms around his waist. It felt really nice to have her big brother back. 'This is all very touching,' said Rockwell, 'but I for one want to hear the rest of the story. Leo, what instructions did your dad leave you?' 'Well, it was a bit odd,' replied the boy. 'So odd, in fact, that I had to write them down to make sure I hadn't dreamed the whole thing.' He stood up and pulled a dog-eared piece of paper from his back pocket and showed it to them. Go to the National Portrait Gallery and find a security guard called Stanley. He'll be able to help you.