Troubleshooters

By David G. Phillippe

There's something strange happening in the woods near camp. Could it be another trick by the camp prankster, or is something much more sinister happening? Zach and his friends find answers to these and other troubling questions, with more adventure and danger than they ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Phillippe
• Release date: Jan 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386350842

Book preview

For Mom and Dad because of all the trouble we could have gotten into, but didn't.

Chapter One:

Arrivals

ZACH GILLMOORE TUCKED his paperback into his backpack as the bus pulled up to the front gate of camp Y.E.S. Straightening his round brim glasses, he noticed that almost everyone was standing up, eager to disembark after two hours of sitting still. Being planted in a bus seat wasn't much fun for him either. The ride had been long and noisy. He would be glad to be settled at camp and have some time to relax for a while. Reggie Mincks, a friend of Zach's, sat in the seat next to him. Reggie was athletic and great when it came to playing basketball. He had been silent during most of the ride, but when Zach stopped reading, he said, You've been awfully quiet. That must be a good book you're reading.

Zach nodded. Yeah, it kept me from going nuts on the long ride; one of the better books I've read lately. He glanced at Reggie, remembering how they'd first met two weeks before school ended for the summer. Zach hadn't seen him since, but maybe he would get to know him better at camp. 

The boys edged their way between the seats. Want to shoot some hoops after we get settled? Reggie asked.

Zach shrugged. What he really wanted to do was get settled in his cabin this afternoon, but he could use the exercise after sitting all morning. Sure, he said. Why not? He followed Reggie to the back of the bus, where an attendant was pulling luggage from the bus carriage compartment.

Look at all of that, Reggie said eyeing the array of leather and fabric. How do they fit all that in there?

Zach didn't answer. He was bent over two brown, leather bags. Spirals of blonde hair hung in front of his eyes as he checked the neatly written tags. Here's one of mine, he said.

Reggie quickly collected his own bags and turned to Zach. You coming?

Zach nodded. You go on. I've got to find Ralph.

Do you think he caught another bus?

Zach shrugged. Probably not, but I should check anyway.

Reggie shook his head. I can't believe he actually missed the bus to camp.

Yeah. I sure hope he has a way to get here.

Well, I'm going to get my cabin assignment, Reggie said. Why don't we meet after lunch for basketball.

Sounds good. Zach watched Reggie for a moment. If you see Ralph, tell him I'm looking for him.

Will do!

About an hour later Ralph showed up. His dad drove him to the front gate in a fully marked police car. Neither of them looked very happy. Zach walked to the car and bent to look into the passenger window. Hey, Mr. Walker, it's been a while since I've seen you.

Hey, Zach. Mr. Walker smiled briefly, then popped the trunk, and climbed out of the driver's seat.

Zach cringed slightly when the door slammed. Let me help you with that, he said and turned toward the back.

Ralph, by that time, was crawling out the passenger side. It's okay, I can take it. There's not much to carry. He grabbed a bag in each hand and lifted them out of the trunk. Losing hold of the largest one, it fell on his foot. Once again, he lifted both bags, limped over to the curb, and set them down.

Can you boys handle everything from here?

Zach gave a confident smile. No problem. All we need to do is get our cabin assignment.

Mr. Walker looked at Ralph. Sounds good. You two have fun. He hugged Ralph, then hopped back into the car and sped off down the road.

Man, he was hot, Ralph said. I don't think he said a word during the whole trip.

I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to get here.

I almost didn't. It took some major convincing to get him to bring me.

So what did you do? Zach asked.

Ralph grinned like a Cheshire cat. I convinced him it would be a good chance to see Brent Watkins. He lives near here somewhere. He's one of the park rangers.

Interesting, Zach said. He heard a gurgle, and realized it was Ralph's stomach.   Come on, let's get checked in. Then we can eat lunch.

They went to the Welcome Center to find their cabin assignment. On the way, Ralph fumbled with his bags and stopped to readjust them.

Do you want some help with those? Zach asked. He didn't figure he'd be able to help, but it seemed he should at least offer.

No, it's okay. I've got it, Ralph said. The smaller of his two bags dropped on the ground. You've got your arms full anyway.

At the door to the Welcome Center, Zach put down his luggage and held the door for Ralph. Another rather large, dark headed boy pushed through the open door, almost colliding with Ralph.

Watch it, punk, he growled.

Hey! Ralph shouted. He dropped his luggage again, trying to avoid the boy. The boy ignored him and kept running.

Zach caught himself gawking in disbelief. Where's the fire? he said turning his attention back to Ralph. Ralph shrugged and once again picked up his bags.

The center didn't seem to be very busy at the moment. There were a few campers in groups talking to each other. Another group was walking upstairs to a room marked OBSERVATORY. To the right, in the entryway, was a bulletin board marked CABIN ASSIGNMENT. A petite girl in a bright orange hat was studying the board. Zach smiled at her when he and Ralph came closer. She gave a mocking grin and promptly left. Ralph giggled. I'm sure she's just playing hard to get.

What do you mean?

Ralph's voice was suddenly quiet. Zach, I've known you for too long. I can tell when you like someone.

Who, her? I don't even know her. I haven't even met her. She's a stranger. Why would I like someone like her?

Ralph nodded. Yeah, she's probably a snob.

How would you know that? Zach said. She could be a very nice person.

Oh, so now you're defending her.

No. I'm only being open minded.

Yeah, well I think you're in love.

I am not. Don't be ridiculous. Zach said. He tried to focus his attention on the bulletin board.

Okay, Ralph conceded. I believe you. He was silent for a few seconds, then he added, It must have been that orange hat she was wearing.

Zach wasn't listening to Ralph. He had found the cabin number. Uh oh. This is odd, he said. They have us in different cabins.

What!

Zach checked again to make sure he was reading the chart correctly. Yeah, they have me in cabin 1A and you're in 2A.

"But