Before Parker Met Hailey

By June Kramin

When Parker met Hailey, their lives turned instantly upside-down. But what about before they met?
Join Parker and Donny when they met as teens, and the shenanigans and tragedies that made their friendship what it is, and why they started their rescue operation Parker lovingly refers to as D.O.U.C.H.E.

Dig deeper into Hailey’s teen-terror years and the events that shaped who she is, including her relationship with her twin brother Kevin who never gave up on her.

Read it first or read it last! Let the story of where it all began jump start your desire for the series or lose yourself as you dig deeper into the characters you grew to love in this fast-paced prequel!

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Jul 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463265970

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Although the drive out of the city was a wonderful change, the beauty of acre after acre of trees and farmland was lost on Parker.

Why do I have to go to this stupid camp?

Parker, please, his mother pleaded. We’ve been over this. I know you don’t feel like it now, but you’ll love it there. You need some time out of the house and away from the city.

What’s wrong with spending my days at the beach?

His father sighed heavily. I want more out of my son than a beach brat. I don’t like the looks of half those kids. I’d understand you hanging out with your friends at fifteen, but there are men twice your age, still doing the same thing they did fifteen years ago. You need to expand your list of interests, son.

But computer geek camp? Jesus, Dad.

Parker Kyle Peters, watch your mouth!

Parker stared out the window. Sorry, Mom. But come on…

I always loved going to summer camp. I bet you’ll make a lifelong friend there.

Yeah, right.

I did. Your Aunt Susan and I met when we were eleven.

She’s your friend, that doesn’t make her my aunt.

You’ve always called her Aunt Susan.

Maybe I’m not five anymore.

All right, mister. I’ve had about enough of this disrespect. We have two hours to go, and I don’t want to hear any more about it, his father bellowed. He sighed and turned to his wife. I thought the drive would be nice. Now I wish we took the chopper.

Parker put in his ear buds and cranked up the music. His playlist his mother called angry rock seemed fitting. After about a half hour, they stopped at a gas station. He picked out an energy drink he knew his parents would complain about but let him buy because of his mood. He harshly grabbed a pack of a hot cheese puffs and flavored sunflower seeds. As they stood at the counter together, he slapped down a can of chew.

You deal with him, hon. I can’t take this for another mile. His mother walked out of the store.

Without a word, his father put the chew back onto the rack and paid the bill. Once they stepped outside, he grasped Parker by the arm and led him to a picnic table in the shade.

Sit with me a second, boy.

Is this where you beat me senseless?

Nope. You wanna act big? Think doing chew makes you some kind of man?

Parker glared back. I’ve never done it. I just don’t know how bored I’ll be. Camp seems like a good time to pick up a habit.

His father reached in his pocket and pulled out a cigar.

Parker’s eyes widened. Since when do you smoke cigars?

It’s a rare occasion that I do, but I happen to have a few along. We’re going to stop at the Glenshade Winery on the way back. It sounded good. I guess my son deciding he’s a man is a good enough occasion.

He lit the cigar and handed it to Parker.

After Parker’s initial vomiting session, they had to pull over three more times for him to dry heave his already empty stomach. At the last stop, he promised his dad to never even think about a tobacco product again. He slept the last hour of the drive to camp, with dreams of karate kicking anyone who came close to him with a cigarette or cigar.

Parker’s mother shook him awake. We’re here, dear.

He sat up slowly, waiting to be queasy again, but was elated to be fine. Still feeling a bit embarrassed, he wanted to make a quick escape. His father was standing there with his suitcase. After taking it from him, Parker turned away and mumbled goodbye.

Not so easy, mister. His father brought him in for a tight hug. I love you more than you know, son. Try to have a good time. Give it a couple days. If it doesn’t work out, call me. When Parker wouldn’t look up, he lifted his chin. Okay?

Parker grumbled. Fine.

His mother was sobbing and managed only a quick peck on the cheek along with her I love you before she climbed back in the car.

And just like that, they were gone.

Hey, you must be Peter. You’re the last to show up.

Parker turned to a smiling face. The kid was about his age. They were similar enough in features, they could have been brothers.

Last name Peters. First name Parker.

The boy extended his hand. Gotcha. Last name Cummings, first name Donny. My dad helps around these parts, therefore so do I. He quirked an eyebrow at Parker. You okay, dude? You look a little green.

Parker wasn’t about to give this strange kid the story. Something didn’t sit right on the way up. Puked a lot of the way. That’s why we’re late.

Well, if we were home, I’d offer you a beer for that. Here, the best I can do is a can of Coke.

Parker laughed. You’re all right. I’m hot as hell. Any chance there’s a lake I can jump in?

Abso-fucking-lutely. Just let me have my old man check you in and we can sneak off. There’s nothing but meet and greet scheduled for today, and I’m the only one worth meeting in this week’s bunch. He laughed, then slapped Parker in the chest. I know this place like the back of my hand. There’s one not too far off. No one will bother us.

After getting Parker signed in, they got his bag to his assigned cabin. No one else was in there, so they made a clean getaway.

I appreciate it, Donny. You’re making this a little easier to swallow. I didn’t want to come here.

Donny nodded in understanding. I feel ya, man. The idea of summer camp isn’t always appealing. Most kids are kicking and screaming about coming, but it’s the reverse when it’s time to go.

They don’t want to go home?

That’s right. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun. No Mom and Dad, but there are still rules. It’s just easier to take from a hot counselor than your live-in maid.

Parker stopped walking.

How do you know I have a maid?

Seriously? If you’re here, you have a trust fund, and your old man has his own plane. Donny continued heading down the trail.

It’s that expensive to be here?

As far as camps go, I guess so. But it’s not just that. Your kind tends to keep their mingling in their own tax bracket.

I’m trying not to take offense here.

None intended. Sorry if it sounds that way. It’s just the facts, that’s all. It’s not like I’m poor. We do all right for ourselves. No Learjet, but I have a nice life. This place is my dad’s summer gig and I get to tag along. Anyway, now that the ‘you show me your wallet, I’ll show you mine,’ is out of the way, what do you like to do for fun?

They chatted like old friends for the fifteen-minute walk to the lake. As soon as it was in sight, Parker removed his shirt.

Is it deep enough to jump in? Or do you have to wade out?

Donny pointed to a large, almost perfectly round rock. You could dive off that and not hit the bottom.

Parker went running, kicking his shoes off on the way.

Donny was close behind. He waited for Parker to surface before he cannonballed right next to him. They laughed and splashed around for a half hour before they finally swam to shore.

You seem like you’re feeling better, man, Donny said as they rested on a field of weeds.

Yeah, I am. I was too embarrassed to say earlier, but honestly, my old man pulled the cigar bit on me.

Donny laughed hard. You’re a man now, son. Smoke away if you want.

And I fell for it.

Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about you sneaking away to steal a smoke at night.

Not for the rest of my life. Parker rested his hands on his stomach. It was still too fresh of a wound. So…are the counselors smokin’ hot?

Donny laughed. Yeah, they are. And if you’re not…y’know…broken in yet, I may know one who can help you out.

Gee. I didn’t think I knew you well enough to cover the virginity subject already.

Donny sat up and shrugged. Gotta help a guy out. So, are you?

No. Dad thinking I was a man when I turned fifteen and needed that taken care of was a lot nicer approach than he was with the smoking thing.

He got you a hooker?

An expensive escort, very skilled in her profession. I think I’m still coming.

Donny pelted out a hard laugh.

What about you, Cummings? Oh, I didn’t even hear that until just now. Hell of a last name you got there.

Douche. I never went there, either. He gave Parker a playful shove. I’ve had my share.

Counselors?

Some. And some guests. Been working on one this session, but she doesn’t seem interested.

Well, it has only been a day, Parker teased.

She got here yesterday.

Then you must be out of practice.

Donny stood. She’ll come around. He extended his hand to Parker and helped him to his feet. We should get back. They’ll be ringing the chow bell soon.

Is the food decent?

Excellent, actually. You know a place like this isn’t going to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

But what if I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

Then I’m sure Chef Marco will whip you one up.

Chef Marco? I figured it would be a hick, fat, ex-Army man called Mom.

Donny laughed hard. Sorry to disappoint. Come on. The place will grow on you, I promise.

After they ate their not-so-humble grilled steak dinner, Donny walked Parker to his cabin to get settled in. He introduced Parker to his three other bunkmates and headed for his Dad’s private cabin. After finding his dad in the shed, nose-deep in an AC repair book and a unit almost apart, he headed to the common area in the lodge. Donny could have fixed it, but his father refused help.

I can do it. Why don’t you go read something? Keep your nose out of that blasted computer for one night.

How would I even get on it? You stole my power cord.

If you’d keep your ass outta those damn titty sites, I wouldn’t have to.

It was a pop-up ad, Dad.

And I was born yesterday. Let me finish this, I’ll be in after a bit. I want you in bed by ten. It’s a busy day tomorrow. One of the coding teachers couldn’t make it. An emergency of some sort. I need you to step up and run the class.

They gonna pay me?

You’ll get paid, computer boy. As long as you keep everyone’s attention, and they all learn something other than how to search titty sites.

Pop-up ad, Dad. Pop-up ad.

He sighed. If you’re so damn smart on that contraption, find a way to make those ads not mysteriously pop-up.

Give me back my cord and I will.

You don’t need to solve the world’s problems tonight. Go read a book.

Whatever. Goodnight, Dad.

Goodnight. See you in the morning.

Donny killed some time checking his social media accounts and catching up with some friends on his phone, but without his computer to mess on and unwind for a while, he wasn’t ready to turn in. He snuck out to the main cabin’s common area, expecting to be alone there. He’d hacked into the desktop long ago and added a backdoor for himself. The password changed every year, but it wasn’t an issue for him.

It surprised him to find his new friend on the couch. Even more surprised that he was making out with Ramona Jones, a gal he’d set his sights on a few years back but knew enough to stay away. She was the owner’s daughter. She didn’t roam down from the main house often, but when she did, Donny would remain polite and kept his hormones in check. Ramona was a beauty, but her dad was a mean sonofabitch.

Hey, Last Name Peters.

Their kissing abruptly broke apart.

Donny tilted his head to Ramona. Hey, RJ. I see you met the new kid.

It was dark, but he was sure she was blushing. Hi, Donny. I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a walk and ran into Parker.

I’ll say. Where’s your dad?

On the yacht. Some office shindig I wasn’t invited to. The new nanny could sleep through a tornado. She stood. I should get going, though.

Don’t go on my account, Donny said, crossing his arms.

No, really, it’s time to go. It was great meeting you, Parker. Maybe I can sneak out again some night. She glanced Donny’s way after she said that. I trust you won’t mention this to your father, Donny.

Give me some credit, RJ.

Thanks. See you guys around.

Once the door closed, Donny walked over to the couch and slid down the back, plopping himself next to Parker.

You move fast, Peters.

Parker shrugged. She made the first move. It’s not my fault. He scooted back. Whoa. Please tell me that’s not the chick you had your sights on.

Donny pelted out a loud laugh. No. It’s not Ramona. I’m quite fond of my dick, thank you very much.

Pardon?

Didn’t she tell you her father owns this place?

Yeah, she did as a matter of fact. Somewhere between her tongue being down my throat and her hand on my junk. Remind me to take you off my Christmas card list for not letting me know about her.

I’m touched I made the cut already. He turned slightly and stared hard at Parker, as best as he could in the dimly lit room. She’s cute and all, but seriously, dude, she’s bad news. I mean, she’s okay, but her old man will gut you with a dull knife if he finds out. And that’s only if he can’t make it to his extensive gun collection first.

And who’s going to tell him?

Donny pointed up at two of the four corners of the room.

Ah shit. I should have known a place like this would have kick-ass security.

No worries, friend. I got your back. Donny slapped Parker’s knee as he stood, then went over to the computer.

As he keyed away with speed and skill, Parker whistled. Damn. You really know your shit.

Child’s play. Give me a minute. He keyed some more before scooting back. Boom. Caught it before it went to the cloud. That would be a little more difficult for me to erase. He spun the chair and faced Parker. Seriously, dude. This is your first night. Could you have picked a better way to risk your life?

Hey…I didn’t do anything. I was just out for a walk. She scared the shit out of me, then about tried to do me on the spot. What is she? The resident nympho?

I think she has the whole ‘preacher’s daughter syndrome’ thing going. She tries a little too hard to play the bad girl. And maybe she is a bit of a nympho.

You done her?

Donny shook his head. No way. I could get my dad fired. Even I have limits.

She turned you down cold, did she? Parker said with a laugh.

Donny slugged Parker’s arm. Asshole. Seriously, I can’t screw things up for my dad.

Aww…sorry dude.

Plenty of fish in the sea and all that. My care meter is zero. Come on, let’s go. Security could still do a random check.

Thanks for saving my ass.

Yeah, you owe me.

I do. You let me know and I’ll return the favor.

I’ll do that.

Chapter Two

Parker wasn’t any more thrilled about being at camp when he woke up the next morning, but at least the idea of having Donny to hang out with made the thought of the day more bearable. He tried to be friendly to the other guys in his cabin, but it wasn’t returned with any level of enthusiasm. A couple of them were the stereotypical assholes you’d see in a terrible movie. I have money and I’m too good for you. Parker knew two of them by reputation. Philip had been in rehab before he was fifteen. Aaron was new to his fortune and spent it faster than his dad could make it. He’d crashed five cars last year alone.

Parker quickly slinked out the door before he got sucked into any Well, my dad’s newest Ferrari… conversations turned to him. Donny was waiting on his cabin’s front porch.

Hey, Peters. You wanna ditch cafeteria breakfast and have a real meal at my place this morning?

I thought there was an omelet station.

There is.

Parker thought about it for a moment. You got Peanut Butter Captain Crunch?

You bet.

Then lead the way.

Donny laughed and led him to their cabin. I knew you were my people.

You sure I won’t be missed at roll call or anything?

Nah. I’ll make sure you’re counted and back for the first lesson. I gotta be there. I’m teaching it.

Parker stopped walking. "You’re teaching it?"

Donny shrugged. New guy cancelled last minute. It’s just basic HTML stuff. It’ll be cake. I’ll probably throw in a couple ‘how to’ on some hacks while I’m there.

Parker laughed, but Donny remained serious.

You’re a hacker? I thought what you did last night was just because you knew the system here.

I do know the system, but not because I’m supposed to, he said with pride. What you saw last night barely even taps into my talents.

A humble hacker at that, Parker teased.

Donny smirked. Nothing to be humble for. It’s just how I’m wired.

Seriously though, dude. I can’t even imagine the skill behind that. I’m not sure skill is the right word. Hacker isn’t a pleasant word in my house. Dad pays some big bucks IT guys to constantly monitor our accounts. They’re supposed to be the best.

Hopefully, they’re worth it. Getting in is easy, it’s the taking that can be tracked. I guess getting in can be tracked, too, if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Parker stopped again. You hack into people’s accounts?

No, Donny said, shaking his head. But I could. I use my powers for good, not evil.

Like what?

Black Web stuff.

Parker’s eyes widened. You do Black Web?

Not partake or anything. If I come across a kiddie porn site or something, I disable it.

Aren’t there FBI teams for that stuff?

Of course, but they’re slow. I don’t have to abide by their rules. The pricks don’t, why should I?

I guess you have a point there. Is there some deep, dark past of yours that made you seek this stuff out?

Did Uncle Al molest me, you mean? The answer is no. It’s just wrong. I don’t have a superhero complex or anything. He paused and laughed. I just got it.

Got what?

Your name. Dude, you’re Spiderman.

Parker laughed hard. You’re a quick one there, Cummings.

Jesus. That’s hysterical. Let me guess, your sister is Stacy Gwen.

You looked that up.

You’re fucking kidding me. I did not look that up. That’s for real?

Dad loves Marvel. What can I say?

Donny was still laughing when they reached his cabin. Oh, I gotta warn you about my little broth— His sentence was cut off as he was tackled to the ground.

Parker rushed to pry the boy off his new friend and pulled him to the ground.

Whoa. Easy, Peters. That’s my little brother. He pulls that shit every time. Donny reached his hand out and helped Parker up. He reached for his brother but instead of helping him up, he shoved him back down. Good one, dickless. He turned to Parker. That’s Tyler. I’m pretty sure he’s the mailman’s kid.

Tyler stood. Parker’s eyes widened. Kid brother? Holy shit. Are you taking growth hormones?

Har de har har. Never heard that one before, douche.

Douche, huh? Parker nodded his head. Great name for your rescue operation, Cummings.

Donny gave him a shove. Cold day in hell, Peters. Cold day in hell. Come on, I’m starved.

The boys made more small talk over breakfast, getting to know each other. Parker liked Donny more with everything he learned about him. He had an odd obsession with Gilligan’s Island, though. He’d had friends with odder quirks, so Parker just laughed with each reference and let it slide.

Truth be told, Cummings, I don’t even know why I’m here. I know just enough to get by on a computer. I’m guessing Dad thought I’d need to know this shit someday.

Computers are an absolute must for everything these days. I get twitchy if I’m away from any device for too long. He pushed his chair back. Come to my room for a second. We have ten minutes before we have to leave. I wanna show you something.

Please tell me you don’t have a spot on your dick you want me to look at.

Donny snorted a laugh. No, you asshole. I’m building something.

I’m guessing it’s not the Eiffel tower out of popsicle sticks.

You guessed right. Come on.

Donny led them down the hall to his bedroom, then over to his desk. He had at least three different cell phones completely taken apart and computer guts everywhere.

Are you trying to rebuild a cell phone?

Enhance one. I’m tired of my dad thinking he needs to boot me off my computer.

I bet he thinks you’re just looking up porn, Parker said with a laugh.

Yeah…I keep telling him no, but he insists I need to log off and get out more. With this baby, I’ll be able to do anything, anywhere, and then some. Gonna name her Maryann when I’m done. Donny paused. I know you’re dying to ask about my obsession with that show.

Nope. That’s your business. You’re funny as hell, so I can look past it. Parker smiled.

Donny shrugged. I never answer when someone asks. Between you and me, I honestly don’t know what it is. The way I love technology, you think it would drive me nuts. Maybe it has a calming effect on me. I can kinda relate with the professor, y’know? Make something outta nothin’. He waived his hand over his desk. My brain is on overload 24/7. I rarely sleep. That show is the only time when I can truly shut down and just rest. Maybe it’s as simple as that.

Makes sense.

"You know, the producers hated the show. They kept moving the time slot around, trying to