The Shadow Lake Trilogy: The Spencer Kane Adventures

By B L Hoffman

The first three Spencer Kane Adventures compiled into one set!

Book 1: Mystery at Shadow Lake
The voice appeared to come from inside the tunnel. I slowly lowered myself down to the bend to get a better look. I didn’t hear anything. I called out “Is anyone down here? Do you need help?”

I turned back to where the flashlight was aimed, and immediately saw two shining circles, resembling eyes glowing from the light, and looking in my direction. Before I could make another move, I heard. “Please help me.”

“Who’s there? I asked again.

As I watched the shiny spheres, they began moving closer and closer. I stared at them at first, not certain if the person in trouble was approaching me, or if I should be running for my life from something evil. As the eyes drew closer, I could now make out a figure. It looked strangely familiar. Then I realized the figure was the little girl I had seen in my nightmare. The same one who had disappeared in the lake and hasn't yet been found.

"This book is a thriller in the finest sense of the word."~Amazon reviewer

"B.L. Hoffman brings forth a wonderful new hero to the genre in Spencer. "~Amazon reviewer

"The ending literally left you hanging and anxiously awaiting the next adventure."~Amazon reviewer

Book 2: Escape from Shadow Lake

The danger continues, as several men, including Spencer's father, are kidnapped. Spencer searches diligently to find them - and a reason for their disappearance. As he puts together the pieces, he discovers a devastating deception. On his own, he must find his dad and the others, and return them home safely...without being captured in the process.

"What a thriller. Definitely a must read."~Amazon reviewer

"I could not put this one down."~Amazon reviewer

"Spencer is a teen hero."~Amazon reviewer

Book 3: Return to Shadow Lake

After the rescue of his dad and friends from Shadow Lake, Spencer and his family try to get back to a normal home life. Just as the family settles into their routine, they are visited by a group of American Indians that insist on meeting with Spencer and the others who took part in the removal of ancient objects from the ground at a neighbor's cottage.

Running Fox explains to the teens and their parents the necessary actions that must be performed in order to rid the lake of the evil spirits they uncovered. If the ceremony is not performed, the families will never be able to return to their cottages without the fear that drove them away only weeks before.

"I've read all three books twice and they get better each time."~Amazon reviewer

"The best series I had read this year so far."~Amazon reviewer

• Language: English
• Publisher: B L Hoffman
• Release date: Jul 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310467172

B L Hoffman

I'm married and live in Indianapolis, IN with my husband and baby Ziva (2 1/2 year old Pom/Shih-Tzu mix). I worked in the insurance industry for 34 years before starting my first book. I love the outdoors (except for the bugs), boating, fishing, cruising and traveling to new places. I love seafood, especially fresh lobster and catfish! Friday is normally pizza night. I'm very detailed (to a fault), and have been the family cruise planner, itinerary organizer and travel consultant; and think I still hold the title for most efficient dishwasher packer!

Book preview

Chapter 1

Mom and Dad always looked forward to this time of year, and the family time we had together. Our trip was always during the Fourth of July holiday, and it was a great time to see all our friends and neighbors at the lake. Most everyone we knew was there for the holiday week, to enjoy each other’s company and the annual lake festivities.

Zack and I were typical teenage brothers. We teased and made fun of each other and pushed each other around now and then. You know … the usual. Our antics weren’t appreciated when we were on a long car trip, though. Mom and Dad were quick to interrupt us when we got too rowdy.

The van was finally packed. The fishing gear, coolers, and suitcases were all checked off Mom’s list. It was time to head to the lake for this year’s two-week vacation.

The trip to Shadow Lake, Michigan, took about six hours. When I was younger, it seemed like an eternity. It was still a long trip, but Zack and I no longer asked the dreaded Are we there yet? question every twenty minutes. I know our parents didn’t miss that.

We typically tried to leave home by nine a.m. If we managed that, we could usually get there, unpack the car, and be out on the boat by five pm. Dad was very happy that everyone was ready, packed, and in the car today ahead of schedule! We were actually pulling out of the driveway at eight forty-five.

Once on the road, we began talking about what each of us wanted to do first thing when we arrived at the lake. Dad said he couldn’t wait to get in the hammock for a nap, but we all knew he’d be cleaning the boats and inspecting the dock instead. Mom wanted to make a trip to the local grocery and get a few things for dinner. Zack wanted to head down to his friend Andy’s house. I wanted to take the speedboat for a spin around the lake and see if any of my friends were out. (I’d really like to run into Angela Martin.)

Dad bought a new van this spring, so we were riding in style. A 1994 Chevy Astro with lots of room for all our gear and room for Zack and I to sit farther apart. I wanted Dad to get a bright color, but he’d settled with the two-tone blue. It wasn’t too bad.

It was nice to have more comfortable seats and legroom for the drive. If you’ve ever driven north from Indianapolis on US 31 through Kokomo and on toward South Bend, you know how boring of a drive it could be. Once you get north of Kokomo, there’s not much to see except for farm fields. Of course, there was the one animal farm that had llamas, which always got our attention for a few minutes. Not something you see every day. There was also a chance of seeing a horse and buggy on the road due to the large Amish population that lived in the area. After that, you might as well take a nap or read a book.

At least we knew it was almost lunchtime as we got closer to South Bend. It was about the halfway mark of our trip, and we were always ready to eat and get out and stretch our legs for a while.

I’m really looking forward to the Fourth of July pitch-in this year, Mom said enthusiastically. I have some new dishes to share with everyone. Even you boys like the new pasta salad dish, right?

I do, I answered. I ate half the bowl by myself the last time you made it.

Yeah, it’s pretty good, Zack added.

I wonder where we’re roasting the pig this year, Dad added. I guess we could offer our yard, since the Grahams will no longer be there. I think it was cooked in Bob’s yard for the last six or seven years in a row. I’m really going to miss them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they showed up for the festivities this year. I hope they do.

As long as you and the boys can handle digging the hole and getting the pig in the ground, I don’t see why we can’t have it in our yard, Mom replied.

Oh, there’s always plenty of help around when it comes to getting ready for the pig roast. I think the men consider it a rite of passage to help cook the beast for the feast! Hey, I’m a poet. Dad laughed.

That’s right. I remember the Grahams’ yard was always full of volunteers when it came time to prepare the pit and get the pig ready to cook. I’m surprised you guys don’t put paint on your faces or something, Mom said, chuckling.

Didn’t you see Bob’s grandsons last year, Mom? Zack asked. "They did have paint on their faces. One was even dressed up like a Native American and carried around a bow and arrow. Lucky for us it was plastic… I was shot at least three times before Bob took the arrows in the house. Those things hurt when he shoots you from two feet away."

"Good thing you never did things like that when you were his age," Mom said with a smile.

"No, not me," Zack replied with a huge, boyish grin.

All this talk about the pig roast is making me hungry, Dad said. We’ll be getting into South Bend in about thirty minutes. How about we stop for some lunch before we get on the bypass?

Sounds good to me. I’m starving, I said.

Me, too, replied Mom.

I need food, Zack responded.

Wake me up when we get to the restaurant, I said as I rested my head against the window and closed my eyes.

≈

Wake up, you two, Dad said as he pulled into a diner.

Zack and I both stretched, unintentionally hitting each other’s arms. Hey! Zack yelled. Stop it! Then he purposely smacked my arm rather hard. I reciprocated by punching him back.

We’re not having this, you two, Dad said angrily as he opened up the back passenger door, where I was sitting.

He started it, Dad. I’m not gonna sit there and take it, I said as I got out of the van.

Dad walked toward Zack and gave him a warning as we all approached the door of the restaurant. "One more time, Zack, and you’re riding in the back with the luggage. I’m not kidding."

We had a good lunch, with no teasing or fighting. Zack and I really didn’t fight that much, it just didn’t take a whole lot of provocation to get something started. It never lasted long, though, and had never been severe.

The diner had great cheeseburgers and chili-cheese fries. Nice and greasy … just the way I liked ’em! Of course, Mom and Dad didn’t go for the greasy fries, but the chicken-fried steak they had sure looked good. And it came with a huge pile of mashed potatoes and gravy. Mom couldn’t eat all of hers, but with Zack and me there, nothing went to waste.

Back in the car with full bellies and about three more hours to go, we jumped on the US 31 bypass around the west side of South Bend, which would take us almost to Benton Harbor, Michigan. I memorized the route in case Dad ever let me help with the driving … and for sure I’d be driving up here by myself before long.

After almost two and a half more hours on the road, Dad decided to pull over, fill up with gas, and give us all a stretch break. We stopped in Scottville, Michigan, which was about forty-five minutes from the lake. We were all anxious to get there and tired of being in the van. The traffic had been fairly heavy, so we were a little behind our normal time schedule.

Zack and I went into the gas station for a soda while Dad pumped the gas and Mom walked around to stretch her legs. When we came back out, we saw Mom and Dad talking with the station’s attendant. They both had concerned looks on their faces and were intently listening to what the man had to say. As we walked closer, they abruptly ended their conversation.

What’s going on? I asked.

Oh, nothing, Mom replied. Just some small-town gossip. Let’s get going. We’re almost there!

Once we were back on the road, I caught Mom and Dad glancing at each other, and it was as if their expressions were an actual conversation. Whatever the gas station attendant had told them had bothered them in some way, and they obviously didn’t want to share it with me and Zack. The rest of the drive was fairly quiet.

At last, we pulled into the driveway of the cottage. I could already hear boats speeding through the water and kids laughing and jumping off the docks. The distinctive smell of a campfire was in the air along with the mouth-watering aroma of food on the neighbors’ grill.

I stepped out of the van, onto our gravel driveway, and took a look around. We had a small parking area outside our two-car garage that barely fit our large van now. We’d have to pull in at an angle to keep the back end from sticking out in the street.

We didn’t use our garage for the vehicles … at least, not in the summer. We stored our ski vests, water toys, older fishing gear, and many other things inside. It was a pain to manually open the garage door each time we needed something. Dad didn’t think we needed a garage door opener. I wasn’t sure why.

The steps leading down the hill to the cottage were right beside the garage. Large stones of various shapes had been used to make the steps. They were extremely slippery when they were wet. Each of us had found that out the hard way.

You could see the lake from the top of the steps. Once down the hill, it was about fifty yards to the covered stoop over the kitchen door.

Not far from the stoop was a large shed. We used it for our extra refrigerator, a small deep freezer, tools, the lawnmower, and many years of accumulated stuff! If it didn’t make it to the garage, it went in the shed.

We took a quick walk through the house to make sure everything was okay and to open up the windows to let in the fresh lake air.

As you entered the kitchen door, there was a full bathroom directly on the left, followed by a utility closet. The kitchen area had been expanded a few years before and now had a larger seating area, much more cabinet space, and room for Mom’s old china cabinet. We could now seat six to eight people in the kitchen, where previously it had been only two comfortably, and four with your elbows in each other’s faces. Mom was so excited each time we arrived and walked inside. You’d think each time was the first time she’d seen the updated look.

Next was the dining area and family room, where you saw more of the old-cottage charm. Walls and beams with off-white paint, comfortable furniture you could sink into after a fun day on the lake, the stone fireplace with Mom’s many treasures displayed on the mantle, Dad’s prize-winning bass stuffed and hung over the fireplace, the sailing photos on the wall, along with other nautical-themed items Mom and Dad had found over the years. It was comfortable. It was relaxing. It was our home away from home.

The bottom floor consisted of Mom and Dad’s room, a small guest room, and two full baths. The loft had basically been built for me and Zack and our friends, to give us our own space. It was so nice to have my own bedroom, and since I was the older son, I got the lake-view room. Zack’s room was across the hall from me. We also had our own full bath upstairs. That was nice.

The three-season porch, just off the dining room area, was enjoyed all year round. It led to the deck, which was another thing Dad had improved with the renovations. I think our previous deck was twelve by fifteen feet, something like that. The new one was around twenty by forty! It was great for large cookouts.

A short walk through the yard would take you to the dock. Just where Zack and I would be headed once we helped unpack our gear.

≈

We quickly unloaded the car, and Zack and I distributed the luggage, boxes, and fishing gear to the appropriate rooms. Mom was busy unpacking food from the coolers, transferring it to the refrigerator. Dad had gone outside to turn on the gas and do a quick check of the exterior.

Once Mom gave the nod that we had helped enough, Zack and I headed down to the dock. The docks on this lake were quite long, due to the shallow water that went out about seventy yards before gradually dropping off. Our ski boat was kept farther out in the water on a boat lift when we weren’t using it. The fishing boat and canoe were on the shore, each turned over to prevent them from filling with rain and leaves.

While Mom went to the local grocery, Dad, Zack, and I turned over the fishing boat and canoe and hosed them off. Then we pushed them into the water and tied them to the dock.

Dad and I emptied our pockets and waded out to the boat lift. We lowered the speedboat into the water and removed the cover. After a few attempts, Dad was able to get the motor started. He backed it out of the lift station and headed toward the dock at a slow idle, careful to keep the motor high enough to avoid dragging on the shallow bottom.

I threw the bumpers over the side of the boat to prevent it from scraping against the dock. Once we were close enough, I tossed the bowline to Zack, and he secured it on one of the cleats.

Since the speedboat had been covered, it wasn’t in bad shape. We gave it a swift cleanup, and it was ready to go.

You two want to go for a quick run? There’s probably enough gas for once around the lake, then we’ll need to go fill up the gas cans, Dad said.

I immediately answered, Absolutely!

I’d rather head down to Andy’s, Zack replied.

Dad nodded. As Zack headed up the dock and into the backyard, Dad yelled, Be back by seven for dinner!

Zack waved his hand in the air in acknowledgement.

Once Dad was in the driver’s seat, I untied the bowline, pushed the boat away from the dock, and jumped onboard. We idled out of the shallow water, then Dad opened up the throttle, and we went cruising around the perimeter of the lake with the warm sun on our faces.

Shadow Lake was eighteen hundred acres in size, and its shape slightly resembled the head of a bear if you looked at a map. There were many cottages around the lake. You didn’t see a lot of wooded areas except on the north shore, or a few trees or shrubs between properties for privacy.

These were not mansions or luxury homes. They were true cottages. Even though some homeowners had added square footage to their living areas with renovations, they had kept the style intact. The quaint feel of the area remained the same year after year. I never wondered why Mom and Dad wanted to own a cottage in this area.

As we rounded the west end of the lake, we noticed a patrol boat and three others gathered together with their engines off. Dad and I both recognized one of the boats. It belonged to our next-door neighbor, Dan Miller. He and his family had been friends of ours for over ten years, ever since they’d bought the cabin just west of us.

Dad steered the boat toward the group and slowed as we approached. Hey there, Dan! Is there a problem? Anyone need help? Dad asked.

Dan turned and waved, then replied with a big smile. Hey, Hoosiers! Glad to see you made it. The family was hoping you’d arrive today. Pat has been gathering new recipes and cocktail ideas to share with Amy. How are you two?

Fine, Dad and I said in unison.

We also knew the lake patrol officer, Ian Parks. Hi, Ian. What’s going on? Can we help? Dad asked.

No, don’t need any help, Ian replied. "Just talking about a strange fish or something these guys spotted."

Dad’s expression suddenly changed from a smile to a look of concern. A guy at the gas station in Scottville was telling some tale about a dark, shadow-like object of some sort that was spotted up here and is scaring the pants off of everyone. He said a family who just left the lake had stopped by and told him about it today. How exaggerated is that? Dad asked.

Well… Ian answered, "I’ve received several reports this past week, and the descriptions vary quite a bit. Some sightings were in the water, and some weren’t. Your neighbors April and Charlie were sitting out by a campfire in their yard last weekend and said a strange shadow appeared near their fire, and then they heard rustling in the bushes behind them. When they looked around, no one was there. They shrugged it off as being a dog or something and went back to their campfire.

Did you see this thing, Dan? Dad asked.

"Well, I saw something. I have no idea what it was. I was fishing over by the point and saw what looked like an oil spill on the water. I moved the boat a little closer to see if that’s what it was, and it went straight down in the water and didn’t surface. Now, that’s not oil!"

Dad looked at the men in the other two boats and didn’t recognize either of them. Hi, I’m Steve, he said to each of them. This is my older son, Spencer. Our family has a cottage on the southeast side of the lake.

Nice to meet you, said one of the men. I’m Doug Jenkins. My wife, Jenny, and I and our daughter are renting a cottage at the far southwest side of the lake. This is our first year here. We really like the lake so far but aren’t sure what to think about these strange stories. I haven’t seen anything yet, personally. I just stopped by to introduce myself and ask the patrol officer a few questions.

Hi, I’m John Butler, the other man replied. We’re on the east end of the lake, so probably not too far from your place. My wife, Joan, and I have a two-year-old, Cameron. He’s still afraid of the water, but we’re hoping he’ll get used to it in another year or so. My wife and I actually met here as kids. Our parents came here every year for our family vacations, too. We knew we’d keep coming here after we got married.

"I thought you looked familiar. We have met before, right before you left for college, I believe. I know your parents well, Dad replied. I’m sure we’ll be running into each other over the next two weeks. Have you seen anything strange?"

"Well, I didn’t, but my wife thought she saw something yesterday. Joan was putting steaks on the grill for dinner, and she came running in the house screaming that someone was outside watching her from under the dock. All she could describe was a dark shadow that was moving around. I told her it was probably kids playing a prank, but I don’t think it made her feel any better. She was so scared she knocked over our charcoal grill when she ran in the house. At least she wasn’t burned. Of course, the T-bones ended up on the ground. If I find out this was some local kids, they owe me some steaks."

Hmmm, Dad mumbled to himself. He was staring straight ahead as though he was in deep thought for a second. I’m glad your wife wasn’t hurt, John. I agree … if some kids around here are causing all this trouble, they need to be dealt with.

What about the dark liquid, or whatever it was, that I saw in the water? Kids couldn’t have done that, Dan said as he looked around at each person in the group.

Finally, Ian answered, No, I don’t see how kids could have done that, either, but they could be responsible for scaring John’s wife. They also could have been the source of the shadow and noises at April and Charlie’s campfire. If you’d all just keep your eyes open for anything strange and report it to me, I’d appreciate it. You might want to let your neighbors know what’s going on, too. The more people we have paying attention, the better chance we have of getting to the bottom of it.

Each of the men nodded to Ian and acknowledged they would share the news and keep him informed.

Well, we’d better be heading back, Dad said. Amy will wonder what happened to us. It was nice to meet you both. I’m sure we’ll see you later.

On the way back to the dock, Dad and I didn’t talk about the strange incidents that had been reported. The only thing Dad said was, Don’t worry your mother with this. She heard enough from the gas station attendant to make her nervous. For all we know, these are just pranks, anyway.

I nodded to Dad. I won’t say anything to her. I do think it’s just kids trying to scare people. The oil thing could have been just a dark-colored fish that came to the surface and went down when the boat came near.

At this point, I had no reason to believe that these incidents couldn’t be explained. It seemed that Dad felt the same way, or I think he would have said something to me. I understood why he didn’t want to worry Mom, since the gas station attendant apparently already had done that, and there might have been no basis for it, anyway.

Hey, Spence, let’s see what kind of speed we can get out of this thing. I had it serviced recently, and the mechanic said it should be running better than ever this season. Hold on. Dad pushed the throttle all the way down, and we were up to speed quickly.

Whoa! Is this the same boat that could barely pull a skier last year? I asked. I don’t think it’ll be a problem now. I had to hold on with both hands to keep from launching out of my seat. It was great.

As we approached the cottage, Dad slowed to an idle and raised the motor. I jumped out and tied off the lines on the dock.

We headed into the house, where Mom was clearing away some spider webs in the corner of the living room. The house had been empty for several weeks and always called for a little cleaning when we arrived.

The cottage was typically rented out for most of the summer and fall, unless we were going to be there ourselves. Mom had a friend, Alice, who lived in the area and had a housecleaning business. Alice cleaned the cottage after each renter left. It was impossible to expect no dust or spider webs when we arrived. They seemed to reappear within hours. Mom didn’t seem to mind a little dusting and spider-web cleaning. Actually, she seemed to enjoy housework when we were at the lake. Something about it being different from cleaning at home… I don’t know.

Zack is upstairs, Mom replied. He’s getting the webs cleaned for me up there.

Really? I replied. That’s something I have to see for myself. I headed up the stairs to give Zack a hard time.

Zack, where are you? I asked. At first, there was no reply, so I walked down the hall toward the bedrooms.

He was in his room actually cleaning spider webs from the light fixture. Hey, I said. Didn’t you hear me yell for you?

Yes, I heard you. There are only three rooms up here. I knew you’d find me in a minute, anyway.

I thought you were going to Andy’s.

He wasn’t home.

So, you’re into house cleaning this year, huh?

Shut up, Zack said sarcastically. At least I’m helping Mom while you’re out racing around in the boat. By the way, you can do your own room.

I figured that, I replied. Give me the broom when you’re done. I walked across the hall to my own room, where the windows were already open and the lake breeze was blowing the curtains. I liked having the room on the lake side of the house. I could look out and see if any of my friends were nearby and sometimes see who was out in their boats.

Here, Zack said as he threw the broom on my bed and walked away.

You jerk. You didn’t have to put it on my bed, I yelled, hopefully loud enough for Mom and Dad to hear.

Zack, what did you put on your brother’s bed? Mom asked.

Nothing. He asked for the broom.

So you put the dirty broom, spider webs and all, on his bed? Mom said scornfully.

I guess.

Why do you do things like that, Zack?

I don’t know. He was making fun of me for cleaning.

Zack was now in trouble. Life was good. I grabbed the broom and went to work in my room. As I was swiping at the ceiling, I saw someone out of the corner of my eye walking across the yard. I stopped and looked out the window. It was none other than the girl I’d been waiting to see, Angela Martin, walking with one of her friends. They didn’t stop by, just walked through the yard and on toward Angela’s cottage a few doors down.

Angela’s family must have just arrived in town. I had already looked toward their property when Dad and I were on the speedboat, and the house had still been closed up and no cars in the driveway. Angela was another reason I couldn’t wait to get to the lake during the summer. We’d been friends for years but only last year had begun to see each other as more than friends. We had kept in touch over the winter months, but I hadn’t heard from her the past several weeks. I’d been worried that she wasn’t coming to the lake. I was glad I was wrong.

I took a few more hasty swipes at the larger, more visible spider webs in my room and decided that was good enough. I now had something more important to do. I hoped I could catch up with Angela.

I took the broom downstairs and out the door toward the dock to shake off the dirt. I was hoping Angela might see me and come back. I even hit the broom against the dock, expecting to draw her attention, but she and her friend must have already gone inside. I wondered if this friend had come to stay with Angela’s family for the entire vacation. I’d never get time with Angela if she was always with her friend. I guess I’d find out soon enough.

Spencer! Mom called to me from the back porch.

Yeah, I replied.

Honey, would you start the grill? Your dad will be putting the burgers on soon.

Okay.

I walked back to the porch, watching for Angela all the way. There was no sign of her. I put the broom away, then walked over to light the grill. I was surprised to see that it hadn’t been covered. That was something Dad put on the list of things our renters needed to do before they left. They must have forgotten.

As I opened the lid, I was immediately stunned by something dark with large eyes as it leaped toward me, making snarling screeches while scratching my face and digging its claws into my chest. Ahhhh! I yelled as I fell backward over one of the chairs and landed heavily on the wooden deck. I turned my head just in time to see a large, hissing and very upset black cat jump off the deck and run at lightning speed across the yard and under the neighbors’ porch. I didn’t move for a few more seconds, still scared out of my wits at what had just happened.

Mom and Dad came running out to see what was wrong. What happened? Dad asked anxiously.

Mom leaned over me, and her expression became more worrisome as she saw the scratches on my face and neck, which had now begun to bleed, and the small holes in my shirt, which also showed blood seeping through them. Honey, you’re hurt. What happened? Can you get up?

I’ll be fine once my heart starts beating again, I replied. Some idiot put a cat inside our grill. When I opened it up, the crazy thing attacked me!

Good thing you always open the lid like you’re supposed to before you light the grill, Dad said. We could have had one charred kitty!

That’s horrible! Mom replied. Poor thing was probably scared to death. Who would put a cat in a grill and leave it there? What a terrible thing to do.

Probably some kids, Dad answered as his eyes met mine. We both knew of other recent events that could be related.

Spencer, did you hit your head? Mom asked.

No, I don’t think so.

Come inside and let me check out these scratches, Mom said.

I’m fine, Mom. It’s no big deal, I replied.

Mom looked more closely at my neck and then underneath my shirt, where she determined I had puncture wounds from the cat’s claws. In the house, she said.

With the look on her face and the motherly tone in her voice, I knew I didn’t stand a chance. I looked over at Dad, who had also seen my wounds when Mom lifted up my shirt. He was nodding in agreement that I should go in the house and listen to Mom.

As we all walked inside, Zack came running down the stairs. What’s all the yelling about? Did Spencer blow up the grill? he said with a laugh. Or did his girlfriend attack him? he said as he looked at my face and shirt.

I shot a disgusted look at Zack.

So, what happened?

Some jerk put a cat in our grill. When I opened the lid, it jumped on me and tried to rip my face off.

Cool, Zack replied. I always miss the good stuff.

Off with the shirt, Mom instructed me.

As I pulled the shirt over my head, I couldn’t help but let out a little groan. That cat actually had sunk its claws into me. I could now see the puncture wounds and deep scratches for myself. I was suddenly grateful that Mom was a nurse.

Mom grabbed the first aid kit from under the kitchen cabinet and brought it to the table. After a thorough examination, she cleaned my wounds and bandaged a few of the deeper ones, covering them first with an antibiotic ointment.

That’s good for now, Mom announced. "We’ll have to keep an eye on this, Spencer, to watch for infection. Please keep the bandages on until we see how this looks tomorrow."

I’ll try, I replied. Thanks, Mom.

The phone rang. Zack immediately grabbed the receiver as though he knew the call was for him.

Hey, Andy. Zack and Andy had been running around together since they were about eight years old. Andy and his family had a cottage near the west end of the lake, so the two of them would usually meet halfway on bikes or on foot. Okay, meet you by the Harrisons’ mailbox.

Zack, it’s almost six, Mom pointed out.

I figured we wouldn’t be eating at seven now … unless we’re having hairy cat burgers! he sarcastically replied as he made clawing motions with his hands. Besides, I’m riding my bike, so it doesn’t take long to get there and back.

Mom was noticeably displeased by his remark. Zack, that’s disgusting! Go on. You are to be home at seven thirty for dinner.

See ya, Zack replied as he went out the kitchen door.

Mom turned to Dad with a helpless look. I know, Dad responded. He gets a little out of control sometimes. We’ll talk with him later. Right now, we need to figure out where we can get a new grate for the grill.

I can’t eat off that grill again, Mom replied. There’s been a cat in it, for God knows how long. It could have urinated in there … or worse.

Good point, I replied. I don’t want to eat off it now, either, Dad.

Okay … we’ll run down to the hardware store and get a new grill, Dad said. This one is getting pretty rusty, anyway. Besides, we need to get more gas for the boat. Can the patient be released to help me out? Dad asked with an amorous smile.

Yes, I think he can manage, Mom smirked back as she lightly tapped me on the arm.

I ran upstairs and put on a clean shirt and headed out the kitchen door to catch up with Dad. He was in the shed looking for the large red gasoline containers that were supposed to be by the door. Why can’t people put things back where they found them? Dad said with frustration in his voice. I may have to say something to our last tenants. They didn’t cover the grill, and now I can’t find the gas containers.

We both walked around the large shed for several minutes, moving items around to see if the containers were hidden from view by something else. No luck.

I’ll go look in the garage, I said and headed up the steps. Dad, I need the key. He was already on his way across the yard to bring me the key to the side door.

Here you go. The cans aren’t in the shed.

I opened the padlock to the side door, turned the knob, and tried to push the door open. The door was blocked by something on the other side. I could only push it open about two inches. Are you kidding me? I said.

What’s the problem, son?

The door is blocked. I can’t push it open any farther. It’s almost like something is pushing back … I know that sounds crazy, but that’s what it feels like. We’ll have to go through the overhead door.

I hope I remember which key to use. I haven’t had to use it for a while, Dad replied.

We walked to the front of the garage as Dad searched through his keys. "This might be it. I’ll give it a try. Dad inserted the key into the lock and tried to turn it. Nope … not that one. This is it, Dad said as he put the key in, turned the lock, and pulled the door up.

We looked around the garage and quickly spotted the red gasoline containers. They were sitting near the side door but not close enough to block it. We walked over to get the containers and see what we needed to move away from the door. We didn’t see anything that should be blocking the door from opening all the way. We looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders.

I’m gonna try it again, Dad. Stay in here and see if you can tell why it won’t open. I walked back to the side entrance, turned the handle, and pushed on the door. It opened effortlessly and stopped when it hit the inside wall of the garage. Okay, that was funny, Dad. What did you have to do? I asked.

I didn’t do anything, Dad replied. Really, I didn’t. It just opened right up.

I gave him a look of disbelief and thought he would confess to moving something out of the way or fixing a hinge or something.

I swear, Spencer, Dad said with laughter in his voice, "I didn’t do anything."

Okay, I answered, as I gave Dad a puzzled look.

We put the containers in the van, and then Dad and I headed for the hardware store. We pulled in just as the owner was taking his lawn mowers inside to close up for the day.

Hey there, Burt! Dad called out to get the owner’s attention.

Well, hello there, Mr. Kane. Hi, Spencer. You two need anything in particular? I’m going to be closing up pretty soon.

Yes, Dad replied. We need to fill up a few gas containers, and we need a grill. Nothing fancy, but preferably something that’s already put together.

Come on inside. I have a few that are ready to go. Just set your gas containers here by the door, and I’ll have my son fill ’em up for you.

We followed Burt inside the store and over to the grills. "How about this one, Dad? It’s a little larger than the old one and has a tray on the side to set things on. Mom’s always saying she’d like to have one like this.

Did you look inside to make sure there were no cats? Dad chuckled.

Funny, I replied.

Dad looked at the other grills on display, which were larger and more expensive, then came back to the one I’d pointed out. After looking it over, he said, We’ll take this one, Burt.

Okay. Come on over to the register and we’ll take care of this while Spencer and Mike load the grill into your vehicle. He should be finished filling your gas cans by now.

Burt’s son, Mike, had just walked inside and overheard the conversation. Did someone call my name? he asked.

Yes, son, Burt replied. Will you help Spencer get this loaded while Mr. Kane and I take care of the bill? Leave the LP tank here. I’ll need to fill it. You won’t be cooking with an empty tank.

Sure, Dad, Mike replied. Mike and I grabbed the grill and headed outside to the van. You think this is gonna fit, Spencer?

I think so, but we’re gonna have to lay down the back seat first. I pulled the lever and pushed the seat as far as it would go. That should do it.

Mike and I loaded the grill and the gas containers, then Dad handed me the filled LP tank to load also. I was barely able to close the door.

Thanks for your help, gentlemen. I hope we didn’t keep you too much past quittin’ time.

Oh, no, Burt replied with a smile. Maybe one less fish I’ll have time to catch before dinner.

Burt waved to us as we pulled away and drove back to the cottage.

Dad and I unloaded the new grill and put it on the back deck. Mom came out to give her approval as we hooked up the propane tank.

Good choice, Mom said. I like this one much better than the old one. A side table and a top rack, too. You guys are spoiling me.

That’s what we’re here for, honey, Dad replied with a smile.

I rolled my eyes and walked into the house. Mom and Dad were close behind.

"Oh, Spencer, Angela stopped by while you were gone. She had a friend with her who is vacationing with them this year. I think her name is Cassie. I told her you’d stop by her place after dinner."

I looked at the clock and back at Mom, hoping there was time to go before dinner. She knew what I was going to say and reacted to the request I hadn’t even made yet.

I know you’re anxious to see her, Spencer, but the burgers will be on the grill in a few minutes. I think you can wait until after we eat.

Let’s go out and get this grill started, son. We might need to let it warm up longer than usual since it’s new, Dad said.

Dad and I went outside and walked around the grill, examining it as if we had just purchased a new car. Dad opened the lid and said with a silly grin, Look, Spencer, no cat.

You’re too funny, Dad, I replied.

You know, we probably should have used up the rest of that old propane tank first. I didn’t even think about it. Oh, well. We can store it in the shed, and it’ll be there when we need it, Dad said.

Dad started the grill, and we sat at the patio table while it was warming up. I looked around the neighbors’ yard to see if there was any sign of the cat. I didn’t see anything… It was probably still hiding under the deck. I turned to look in the other direction, toward Angela’s house, but the trees were too thick to see through to her yard.

Dad got up and checked the grill temperature. Another few minutes should do it. Then we’ll get those burgers cooking. I’m really getting hungry. I can hear my stomach growling.

I’m starving, I replied. It seems like we haven’t eaten for a long time.

When you’re on the road, you don’t always get to eat at your normal time. If it hadn’t been for that crazy cat, we’d already be finished with dinner by now.

Right. Stupid cat, I said as I looked over my recent claw marks. Is the grill is ready now?

Yep. It’s ready enough, Dad replied.

I went inside and brought back the plate of burgers and put them on the grill. They instantly smelled so