Eagle Mountain Adventures Books 1-3: Eagle Mountain Adventures

By George Goldthwaite

Three full books featuring the kids of Eagle Mountain.

Survival on Mystery Mesa (Book One)
A weekend ends with a doomed plane crash in the wilds of New Mexico. The pilot is injured, leaving thirteen-year-old Alex, and her two friends, Josh and Mickey, to find food, water, shelter, and a way home. Severe weather is closing in, wild animals are on the prowl, and a mysterious stranger lurks in the shadows as the kids fight for Survival on Mystery Mesa.

Return to Mystery Mesa (Book Two)
Thrust into the spotlight following their plane crash and discovery of ancient artifacts, Josh and Alex are enlisted to help a local archaeology professor locate and protect the site. Unfortunately, Dr. Maggie and her team are not the only ones interested; a team of thieves threatens the project – and the lives of the entire crew. As the danger escalates, the pair need help from Mickey, Moose, and a mysterious stranger to save them as they Return to Mystery Mesa.

Summer at Eagle Mountain (Book Three)
An afternoon at the lake leads to the discovery of a submerged car under the murky water. Keenly curious about the rusting hulk of metal, the kids devise a recovery plan that almost costs Alex her life.

Once surfaced, the car becomes a key clue in a ten-year-old mystery, heating up the cold case as Josh, Alex, and Mickey once again tangle with Vinnie in their quest for answers, not realizing those answers could change their lives forever.

You might think that surviving a plane crash and tangling with organizing criminals would encourage the kids to lie low for a bit, but adventure is always on the menu when it is Summer at Eagle Mountain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fawkes Press
• Release date: Jun 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781945419669

Book preview

Eagle Mountain Adventures

Eagle Mountain Adventures

Books One, Two, Three

George Goldthwaite

Fawkes Press

Copyright © 2020 by George Goldthwaite

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

Survival on Mystery Mesa

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Something You Can Try

Glossary

Return to Mystery Mesa

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Epilogue

Glossary

Summer at Eagle Mountain

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Epilogue

Glossary

About the Author

Call to Action

Coming in 2021

Survival on Mystery Mesa

Eagle Mountain Adventures (Book One)

1

A re you kidding? You started the fire in your mom’s science lab?

Josh crammed books into his locker, the hall now filled with students returning from what most had at first thought was a drill. Some stared at him as they hustled past. He shrugged. More like a science experiment gone bad.

Alex laughed. You’re the talk of the school. Good thing we’re going on Christmas Break.

Great. The last thing he wanted to be known as was ‘that guy’. Probably be grounded the whole vacation.

But we’re supposed to help at the Retriever Trials.

Dad may have other ideas. Josh shrugged. He wanted to be alone. Have to pick up my brother at the elementary school.

No problem. It’s on the way. You can tell me how you did it.

Did what?

Got us out of last period.

It was an accident, Al, really. He exhaled. It looked like he was going to have company on the walk home after all. I’m growing nitrate crystals for a science project—

And that started a fire?

Well, sort of. I needed more light, so was using the plant table by the window. I had this magnifying glass on a stand, measuring the crystals’ diameters before we leave for Christmas Break.

Sounds good so far.

He sighed. When I went to get my notebook, the sun was shining through the lens, heating up the crystals. He put his fists together and pulled them apart, spreading his fingers. Kaboom.

Alex laughed. So the future scientist blew up the school?

It didn’t hurt anything.

But it set off the smoke alarm, got the firemen there.

Yeah, like three trucks’ worth. They didn’t think it was so funny.

But everybody else did. Maybe they’ll start calling you ‘Sparky’.

By the time they got to the Eagle Mountain Elementary School, Josh had taken about all the kidding he could stand. He yelled to his eight-year-old brother. Let’s go, Mick.

Playing tag with friends, Mickey ran over, out of breath. Where’s Mom?

Still at school, finishing up report cards.

Alex grinned. Or still cleaning up the lab.

Oh. Mickey pushed his glasses up on his nose. Hi, Al.

Hello, Mick. You hear what happened this afternoon?

Yeah. The sirens went right by my room. What was it? A fire in the cafeteria?

Alex chuckled and glanced at Josh. Not exactly.

Mickey perked up. Josh?

His face warmed. It was an accident.

You set the school on fire?

No.

Mickey’s eyes grew bigger. Tell me, Al.

Ask your mom. Turning the corner toward home, Alex glanced back over a shoulder. Come over later for football.

Mickey poked his brother’s arm. Tell me, Josh. What happened?

Forget it. Let’s go.

Whatever. Mickey pumped his fist. Two weeks with no homework. That’s what I’m talkin’ about.

With Mickey right on his heels, Josh walked home as fast as he could. He wanted to get far away from that middle school. Fishing a key from his pocket, he threw open the front door.

Mickey dashed into the living room ahead of him and sniffed the air. It smells just like Christmas.

Josh followed him inside and inhaled the fresh scent of cinnamon and pine. The week before, they had hiked into the mountains and brought home a tree. After Mickey picked it out, Josh cut it down and Dad tied it on top of the car. They peeked through pine branches all the way home.

Josh stared at it a minute. The angel on top drooped, her raised arms rubbing against the ceiling. It looked smaller in the forest.

I think she’s watching over us, Mickey said.

Who?

The angel. See, she’s looking down right now.

Like that’ll do me any good.

Whatever. It can’t hurt. I hope she’s watching over Moose, too.

2

When Josh wandered into the kitchen, the family’s Golden Retriever jumped against the door from the outside porch. Their mom allowed the dog in when the family was home, but for the furniture’s safety, he stayed outside during the school day.

Josh filled the feeding dish and swung open the door. Moose crashed in. Everyone and everything in his path faced the danger of being trampled, or maybe just licked to death. At least Moose won’t poke fun about the science lab.

Don’t let him get your clothes muddy.

Josh turned at the voice behind him, and Moose wagged his tail even harder as he charged their dad.

Good boy. Down.

He never came home from work at this time of day. After what had happened at school, that wasn’t a good sign.

Where’s Mom? Dad asked.

Josh held his breath and hunched his shoulders. School. Had papers to grade and report cards to fill out. Said she’d be home around four-thirty.

That’s not all I heard.

Josh thought he was going to throw up. This wasn’t good.

Dad cocked an eyebrow. They say a fire started in her classroom.

Did everyone know? Eagle Mountain was a small town, but news couldn’t travel that fast. Nobody got hurt.

Dad nodded. I want to hear what she has to say about it... get the real story.

Maybe he didn’t know how it started. The last thing Josh was going to do was tell him. How come you’re home, Dad?

Doc Alvarez came by the airport. Was going to text your mom about something he said, but forgot my cell phone. He held it up, then stuck it in a pocket. He’s been asked to treat injured dogs at the Retriever Trials in Cortez. He and Alex are flying out there Sunday and may need help. You know, hold the dogs, get medicine, whatever.

When are they coming back? Mickey asked.

That night. Doc has plans for Christmas Eve on Monday.

A grin tugged at Josh’s mouth. Al asked if I could go. It’d be awesome.

I wanna go, too, Mickey said. Josh gets to do everything.

Dad held up his hands. Hold on a minute, you two. There’s a cold front due in. They may have to drive up and spend the night in a hotel. If that’s the case, I’d want you here at home. When Josh frowned, Dad said, Let’s see what Mom has planned. Right now, I need to get back to work. Have her call my cell when she gets home.

He climbed into their old pickup and a puff of white smoke belched from the exhaust when he cranked the motor. Not long after he left, Mom pulled into the driveway. She parked her car by the side door, gathered her books and papers from school, and strolled inside.

Moose almost knocked her over. She laughed and scratched behind his ear. Can’t wait until you get a little older and settle down. She turned to the boys. Pretty exciting day, huh?

Josh exhaled. What did the principal say?

She’s not happy.

Guess that means detention.

She said your dad and I should handle it.

He perked up. And?

We’ll discuss it over dinner. How about you, Mickey, how was your day?

We had a history test. He frowned. Why do we waste time on stuff we’ll never use?

You never know what knowledge you’ll use, and it all goes together like building blocks. You have to learn certain basics before you can move on to more complicated things.

Josh had heard this speech before and hoped his little brother would try to argue with her and take the heat off of him. When he didn’t, Josh said, Can I ride over to see Al? They’re flying to Cortez and… Oh, by the way, Dad wants you to call his cell.

We’ve already talked.

What that meant, Josh wasn’t sure. Can I go now?

Take Mickey and Moose with you.

Ah, Mom…

She gave him her teacher’s look, the one that said she didn’t want any back talk. And be home by dark.

Josh sighed and let his shoulders sag. Yes, ma’am.

Race you to the bikes! Mickey dashed out the door, Moose not two steps behind.

Josh shook his head and followed them. He couldn’t understand why his little brother had to tag along everywhere, especially when Alex might still want to hassle him about the explosion at school. He didn’t need Mickey getting any ideas.

3

Their friend was tossing a football in the air when the boys pedaled up. Moose flew ahead and pounced.

Alex fell down laughing. This dog gets bigger every day. Glad Papa found him for you.

Hi, Al! Mickey dumped his bike on the brown winter grass.

Hello, Mick. Go long.

He took off, looked back over his shoulder and shouted, I’m open. Alex launched the ball in an arcing spiral. Just as it reached Mickey, Moose jumped high in the air, trying to catch it at the same time. They came down in a heap of flapping legs, arms, and tail.

Incomplete! Josh waved his arms back and forth in front of his waist like referees at the Friday night games.

That was interference, Mickey said. Throw a flag.

No penalty. He was going for the ball.

Aw, Josh…

Alex beamed. Moose has the makings of a great retriever. A little training and he could win at the Trials.

That’s why we came over, Josh said.

Out of breath, Mickey trotted back with the football. Yeah. What is that, Al?

It’s a contest. People take their dogs to win prizes. My favorite part is the Big Air Contest, where dogs jump off a dock into the water. They really fly.

Mickey pushed up his glasses and tossed Alex the ball. Sounds like fun. Wish we could go.

Our plane has four seats.

Josh frowned. Have to see what Dad says.

Still think you’ll be grounded?

He shrugged. Guess we’ll find out tonight.

What about the weather? Mickey asked.

Something about a stalled-out cold front, Alex said. Whatever that is.

Josh stood up straight. It’s a line of low pressure, warm on one side and… When his friend gave a look that said ‘who cares,’ he swallowed and changed the subject. I could help your dad—that is, if you don’t have to spend the night.

He checks the weather about every two hours, so we’ll know by tomorrow afternoon. If some dogs get hurt, he can get really busy.

That would be awesome. Josh moved his hand like an airplane in flight. I’d love to see Mesa Verde from the air. I saw a history special about it on TV. People called the Anasazi lived there on the sides of cliffs hundreds of years ago.

Mickey laughed. That’s crazy. They’d just fall off.

Josh sighed. They built homes in the sides of mesas to make it hard for others to attack. You know, ‘cause they were up so high.

In caves?

No, rock houses.

In the cliffs?

Yep. And they were big astronomers, kind of like the scientist I want to be someday.

So they had robots and spaceships?

No, silly. They didn’t even have electricity. But their homes were cool in summer and warm in winter. The show said they led good lives.

Aw, c’mon, Mickey said. How could they have a good life without TV and video games?

Good point. Alex laughed and tossed up the football. Game on. Mick, you’re center.

The rest of the afternoon, Alex made spectacular passes, the two brothers taking turns as receivers, all while stumbling over the canine defender. It was the perfect beginning of a two-week vacation.

They played until the sun sank in the western sky and the wispy clouds above changed to pastel shades of pink. While the boys pedaled home, Josh turned to Mickey. Have you ever seen a girl who can throw a football like that? She’s terrific.

Yeah. Think we can go with them?

We’ll see what Dad says at dinner, and watch the weather after we eat.

4

Josh, Mickey, and Moose crashed through the kitchen door without regard for whom or what was on the other side. Dad jumped back. Well, if it isn’t the three musketeers.

I’m starved! Mickey shouted. He cocked his head. And what’s a musket ear, anyway?

Dad chuckled. Tell you later. Go wash up.

Josh led off toward the bathroom, all the while dreading what he’d hear at dinner. He plunked down at the table and it seemed to take forever before Mom and Dad finished whispering by the sink and joined them.

Oh, boy! Mickey said. Chicken fried steak. That’s my favorite meal in the whole world. He sniffed at another aroma floating in from the kitchen. What else is cooking?

Oatmeal cookies. Thought you’d like some for dessert, Mom said.

Wow. Can’t wait.

Josh could wait. He’d probably spend the whole vacation grounded. Maybe they’d at least let him keep his cell phone so he could text Alex while she was at the dog trials.

The family bowed their heads, and as soon as Dad said ‘amen,’ Mickey jabbed the serving spoon into the mashed potatoes and piled them on his plate. He dished out a hole in the top. This is the volcano, and the gravy is hot lava.

Josh frowned and started to say something, but Dad cut him off. So tell me about the fire.

Josh had grabbed the potato spoon, but left it in the bowl. It was an accident.

Dad winked at Mom. So I heard. Go on.

It was the sun, shining through the magnifying glass. It must have focused on the crystals, heated them up to a flash point, and set them off.

That was part of your experiment?

Uh-oh. This conversation isn’t starting well. No, I was trying to measure the crystals, get their size, then compare them when we got back from vacation.

Dad frowned. So in two weeks, they would be a lot bigger. And if they’d gone off with no one around?

I don’t leave them in the sun under the magnifying glass. We keep them in a steel cabinet, in the dark.

Dad looked to their mother. Anne?

That’s right. The main thing is, what did you learn from the experiment?

That heating up nitrate crystals isn’t a good idea.

Dad chuckled. Someday I’ll tell you the stupid things we did when I was in school. He picked up his knife and sawed on his steak.

So, I’m not, like, grounded?

Your mom and I talked it over. Make sure the report you make on the experiment says what you just told me.

Hopeful he was off the hook, Josh looked to his mother. But the experiment failed. I never found out how big the crystals would grow.

Just because it doesn’t turn out like you want doesn’t mean failure. That’s the beauty of the scientific process—as long as you learn something and document the facts, it was a success.

Josh still couldn’t believe he was off the hook. Dad, about the retriever trials?

I talked again this afternoon with Doc Alvarez. He paused, chewed a piece of meat, and washed it down with a sip of water. If the weather’s good enough for them to fly, you can go, on one condition.

Josh grinned. Anything he wants!

You both go.

The two boys locked eyes, and the smile migrated from one to the other. Why?

Doc has two older brothers, and he always got left behind. Dad winked at Mickey. He said little brothers have to stick together.

Josh shrugged. Okay, if he has to. But if he doesn’t behave we’ll feed him to the dogs.

Dad put his fork down and waited for both boys to look at him. He will behave and you’ll be responsible for him. He turned to the little brother. Mickey, listen to both Dr. Alvarez and Josh. Do what they tell you to do. And if the weather’s bad, you’re both staying home. I don’t want to hear any complaints from either of you.

Yes, sir.

Can we take Moose? Mickey asked.

No. Doc will have his hands full. Moose will be waiting for you when you get home.

Josh dug into his dinner, thinking about the trip in the doc’s little 4-seater airplane. He couldn’t wait to see Mesa Verde from the air. We might even see some of the old Anasazi ruins. And he really looked forward to watching the dogs jump in the water. This is going to be a great adventure.

5

Around two o’clock on Saturday afternoon, Alex rang the doorbell. Hi, she said when Mickey opened the door.

As she followed him into the living room, Josh wandered in. Hi, Al. What’s up?

We’re flying there in the morning.

So the weather’s okay?

Alex nodded. Looks like.

Awesome! Mickey pumped his fist. That’s what I’m talking about!

Alex turned to Josh. Papa wants to load up around six-thirty. We’ll fly to Durango and go to the trials, then leave for home before the front comes through. That should put us back here a little after dark.

I’ll have Dad get us to the airport early. What should we bring?

Just warm clothes and maybe a camera. Cortez is pretty high up and might get kind of cold.

The weatherman said it might snow here, Mickey said.

Alex smiled. That would be after the cold front. We’ll go sledding then.

But first I want to see all those dogs jump in the water.

We’ll have a cooler with drinks and our backpacks. Josh nodded toward the kitchen. Mom said we can take some cookies, too.

There’s not a lot of room. I’ll just have a little backpack with the rubber football and my laptop. She reached for the door.

Wait. Josh picked up a copy of his favorite magazine about history and culture. I want to show you this article about the Anasazi.

I’ve got to get home. We’re having dinner…

Then take it with you. It’s about what we’ll be flying over.

She shrugged. Mickey, think you’d like to spend all afternoon reading that stuff?

He frowned and shook his head. No way.

Me neither. I’ll look at it next week.

Josh’s shoulders fell and he tossed the magazine on an end table. Okay, it’ll be here when you want it.

I’ll read it when we get back. I promise. She pulled open the door and headed for her bike. See you tomorrow.

Can’t wait!" Mickey called as Alex pedaled off for home.

6

The next morning, Mom woke the boys before first light. Unlike on a school day, Josh popped out of bed and darted about, slipping into his clothes and brushing his teeth. Mickey rushed into the kitchen first, where Dad sat at the table, sipping his morning coffee.

The younger brother plopped down and stuffed hot oatmeal into his mouth. He let out a yelp and followed the scalding dollop with a gulp of cold orange juice.

Dad chuckled. Slow down there, Mickey. We have plenty of time.

He broke into a sheepish grin. I know. I just can’t wait.

Josh blew across a spoonful before tasting it. Mom, I told Al I’d bring some drinks and cookies for a snack.

What, no in-flight movie? Must be a no-frills airline.

He swallowed his oatmeal. We can watch DVDs on Al’s laptop.

Mom winked at Dad. I already packed some drinks in the cooler and put a plastic container of cookies in Mickey’s backpack. She handed each a couple of bills. Here’s some spending money. Be sure you don’t fill up on junk food before you eat a good lunch.

We won’t, Mom. Josh pecked her on the cheek. He pulled on his parka and shivered when he climbed into the pickup beside Dad and Mickey. The old truck’s engine seemed to take forever before it warmed up. They were almost to the Eagle Mountain Airport before the first hint of heat escaped from the air vents.

Dad wheeled up to the closed hangar door emblazoned with the words ‘Schmidt’s Flying Service.’ A glint of sunrise lit the horizon, but not yet enough to reflect off the frost-covered windows. You two can help me open up this morning.

They stepped out and Mickey bent down to pet a muddy-colored tabby licking itself outside the building. Hi, Bernoulli, he said. Keeping those mice away from all the planes?

He does a good job, Dad said. Now help me get these open.

The immense doors groaned as the boys pushed and pulled, puffs of steam forming with each breath. The panels creaked along tracks mounted above them and soon left a gaping passageway into the hangar. Inside, Josh breathed in the mingled smells of engine oil and dust.

Electrical switches mounted on the fuse box clanked when Dad turned them on and amber quartz lamps mounted along the ceiling flickered to life. They took several seconds to reach full brightness, but soon the windshields and glossy paint of the aircraft parked inside gleamed under the artificial light.

Doc Alvarez and Alex pulled into a parking space beside the hangar, grabbed two bags stuffed with supplies to treat injured dogs, and carried them to small plane painted in desert camouflage. A red mouth, with wicked-looking teeth, gaped at them from beneath the engine.

Wow! Just like the A-10 Warthog, Josh said as he helped load the vet gear, along with the kids’ backpacks, through the plane’s cargo door.

Or the Flying Tigers before that. Doc glanced at their gear. Good job keeping the weight down. That’s important in a small plane flying over the mountains.

Together, they pulled the loaded aircraft toward the open hangar doors and around the other parked airplanes. Once outside, Josh helped chock the wheels on the parking pad. How’s the weather look?

We lucked out. Doc showed him a computer printout of jumbled letters and numbers.

What is it?

A forecast. As long as we’re back in the air by 4 p.m., we’ll be ahead of the front.

Awesome. Let’s go.

Not ‘til I check everything out first.

Dad drove the fuel truck to the front of the airplane, climbed a stepladder, and filled the tanks in the wings, replacing the fuel caps. You’re good to go, he said before rolling up the hose.

Doc performed his preflight, checking the tires, brakes, pitot tubes, and just about everything else visible on the outside of the plane. The last thing he did was climb up and check that the fuel caps were screwed down tight.

Josh glanced at his father, wondering why Doc hadn’t trusted him.

Dad winked. Never hurts to check again.

The boys started to climb in the back, but Alex said, I ride up front all the time. Why don’t you get up there, Mickey?

I want to watch DVDs on your computer.

I’ll sit up there, Josh said. Thanks. After fastening his seatbelt and closing the door, he waved to his dad. This was going to be a fun day, and he couldn’t wait to tell Dad all that had happened.

7

From the front passenger seat, Josh watched Doc flip switches and pull levers. After he yelled out the window, Clear, the propeller hesitated as each cylinder compressed its volatile mixture of fuel and air. One blade passed the windshield, then another and another. With a cough and a belch of white smoke, the plane shook as the engine sputtered to life. The propeller whirled so fast it became a blur. Doc turned on the radios and signaled the passengers to put on their lime-green headphones. Com check, he said into the boom mike attached to his earpiece.

Each one checked in, and Mickey laughed. It makes your voices sound funny.

At least we won’t have to yell. Alex showed him how to adjust the volume while they taxied away from the hangar.

Doc stopped the plane short of the takeoff area. One last checklist and we’re on our way. He turned into the wind, ran up the engine, and wiggled the controls. All set?

Yes, sir, the boys said. Alex smiled and lifted a thumb.

Doc pulled onto the runway and eased the throttle forward. The engine roared and the plane bumped down the pavement as if pushed from behind by a giant hand. They seemed to be going about as fast as a car on the highway when he said, Here we go. He pulled back the control yoke, causing the nose to lift. The bumps smoothed out when the ground sank away, and the world seemed to shrink as they climbed higher into the sky.

Trucks on the roads soon looked like tiny toys. The sun behind them rose faster than it should, sending golden beams into the shadows cast by hills in the rolling landscape. Farm fields, some planted in winter wheat and others barren, became a patchwork quilt that blanketed the countryside. From high above, Josh watched the world awaken to the new day.

The airplane gained such an altitude the ground blurred and just the big roads and towns were visible. The air cleared as they climbed and the flow from the vents seemed colder. Away from pollen and dust that hovered near the ground, it smelled clean and fresh. Josh glanced through the windshield at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, still over a hundred miles away.

While the others watched movies on the laptop in the back seat, he glued his nose to the window the entire trip, fascinated with the changing scenery and landscape. The airplane’s high wing let him look straight down past the landing gear and from there he had a clear view all the way up to the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Clouds filled the sky past the mountains ahead. Doc, is that the cold front? he asked.

That’s it, but it’s still a long ways out. Won’t be here for another twelve hours or so. Dr. Alvarez eased back on the throttle and they started a gentle descent to the Durango airport. That’s Mesa Verde out to the right.

The flat-topped hills of the national park looked as smooth as the top of a kitchen table. Josh glanced back at Alex and winked, wishing she had read the article about the Anasazi. Everything about today seemed magic, even more so since he was sharing it with his best friend. Sure, he had to put up with his little brother tagging along, but he’d made up his mind not to let that spoil his excitement.

8

The kids wandered through the Montezuma County Fairgrounds where the Retriever Trials were being held. Josh decided he was seeing the best trained dogs in the country. At one of the vendors’ booths, Mickey picked up some sample puppy treats for Moose.

Late in the afternoon, Alex checked the clock on her phone. The Big Air Contest starts in a couple of minutes. We’d better hurry.

Already? Josh nodded toward an aisle between the vendor’s stands. Should be down that way.

After finding a long water tank, they climbed into crowd-filled bleachers just as a man tossed what looked like a stuffed sock off a wooden dock. Right behind it, a yellow Lab dashed to the end and leapt high in the air. He almost caught it in his mouth before splashing into the water, but not before flying over fifteen feet. The crowd cheered as the dog grabbed the floating sock and swam back toward the dock.

That’s what I’m talking about! Mickey pumped his fist. That is so cool!

Josh couldn’t keep his eyes off the parade of dogs taking turns. They seemed to sprout wings and fly off the dock. Moose would be great at this. He loves to swim, and he can really jump.

Alex grinned. That’s what he was bred for. It’s in his genes.

Just then, a black Lab slipped as he made his leap. He tumbled off the end of the dock and crashed into the water. When he crawled out, blood dripped from his front leg. A wicked-looking splinter stuck out from his paw.

Alex gasped. We’d better get Papa.

The kids tore around the corner to the vet tent. Doc was on his cell phone when they came in.

Papa, a dog’s hurt.

Just heard. They’re bringing him here. Get some bandages, the antiseptic, and the magnifying glass from that big bag.

The owner carried in the injured dog, the man’s shirt soaked with water from the animal’s fur and the blood still dripping from the wound.

Put him here on the table. Doc examined the splinter with the magnifying glass. Know how to hold him while I pull this out?

The owner nodded. Had to do this once before. He looped an arm so his elbow was beneath the dog’s throat and grabbed his wet shirt on the opposite shoulder. With his other hand, he braced the dog’s head so he couldn’t move. Okay, we’re ready.

Hold him tight. Here goes. The vet took a pair of forceps and worked the splinter free.

The dog yelped and tried to wriggle away, but the man held him steady. He whispered and stroked the Lab’s head, still holding him tight. The dog finally settled down but the man was shaking.

Are you alright? Doc asked.

Just cold. That wind’s kicking up and this shirt is soaked through.

You can let him go as soon as I put on some antiseptic and bandage it up. Doc took several minutes, first dabbing the cut with medicine, then Petroleum jelly. He finished by covering the foot with gauze and wrapping it with tape. There, I’ve got him. Go ahead and dry off.

Thanks. The man took off his shirt, dried his chest with a towel, and pulled on his jacket. Will he be alright?

Doc nodded,