The Lonely Skull: Dangerous Adventures, #4

By Robby Robertson

THE LONELY SKULL: Book 4 of the Dangerous Adventures Series

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Max and Hillary as they journey to the summit of Africa's majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, tasked with returning a stolen chimpanzee skull to its rightful resting place.

 

When Max's Great Aunt uncovers a hidden vault containing a century-old chimpanzee skull taken from the mountain's 19,340-foot peak, she entrusts Max and Hillary with the mission of laying it to rest. But this is no ordinary expedition – the skull holds a secret that has remained buried for decades.

 

As Max and Hillary prepare for their trip, Max's mother and grandmother decide to join them, adding an unexpected twist to the adventure. Max must carefully guard his extraordinary sensitivity to animals, a gift he has yet to reveal to his mother, who grows increasingly suspicious.

 

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and the company of rogue bull elephants and a mighty momma lion with cubs, Max and Hillary confront a series of mysteries. Why was the chimpanzee skull found alongside bull elephant remains at such a dizzying height? What prompted these animals to undertake such a perilous climb together? And what secret is Hillary harboring, one she promises to share with Max only upon reaching the summit?

 

Robby Robertson's novel is not only a thrilling tale of discovery and self-revelation, it is a true-to-life mountain adventure. Robby has himself been on a walking African safari and climbed Mt Kilimanjaro.

 

Buy The Lonely Skull now to learn Hillary's, Max's, and the skull's secrets!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis Robertson
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223120407

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

"Climbing the highest mountain in Africa to return a monkey skull does sound a little glaikit." I pictured Hillary’s frown while I read her text.

I typed back, I know. How can we convince Mom to let me go?

There was a knock on my door. Max! What are you doing up this late? You have an important soccer game tomorrow.

Startled, I texted, Mom’s here. Gotta go, and shoved my phone into a desk drawer before mumbling, Finishing a school paper.

It’s way past midnight. Why are you working on the paper now?

I slammed the laptop shut. Come on in, and spun my chair to face her. The door opened. Shrugging, I answered, Guess I needed it done.

You’re crazy. Wrapping her bathrobe tighter, Mom turned to leave. She stopped. Shaking her head, she murmured, Or up to something.

Mom, can’t a guy want to get ahead on his homework?

Not if the guy is you. You avoid, not try to get ahead on schoolwork. The only time you’re happy is at soccer. Mom’s eyes narrowed. Or texting with Hillary about crazy adventures.

She laughed, then abruptly paused. Didn’t you say Gramps called yesterday?

I froze. How did Mom figure things out so quick?

Mom’s eyes widened, and she stepped back. Oh God. He’s come up with another insane trip, hasn’t he?

She pointed to the framed picture in the center of my desk. The one Hillary took of us just after I kissed her. Is Hillary involved?

She had me. Ahhh—kind of.

After that, I ended up telling Mom everything. Well, almost everything.

---

Mom gone, I re-opened my laptop. The top of Kilimanjaro in the picture looked almost square. Just a thin covering of snow. No sign of ice cliffs or glaciers. Climbing it couldn’t be that hard, it’d just be long and high. And it was Africa! I sucked in a deep breath, thinking about the animals. There’d be cheetahs, monkeys, baboons, and elephants. Better, I’d get to be with Hillary!

I just had to go.

After waiting ten minutes to be sure Mom had gone to bed, I made the phone call. Picturing dark green eyes and flaming red hair, I whispered, Hillary.

Max, it’s nice to hear yer voice, but weren’t we going to only text using encryption? We promised to wait on calling each other until we got the new voice security app. You know, because of the reporters.

This can’t wait. I have to tell you. . .there’s a problem way worse than any reporters.

"Cac," Hillary blurted.

When Hillary swore, she did it in Gaelic. I took a deep breath. Mom knows.

Nooo… How? Hillary demanded. You were going to wait to tell her. You know, until after you checked with your teachers and coach. We had to make sure there were no problems you taking ten days off.

Mom caught me studying an article on Kili.

Hillary laughed. Ye are, without a doubt, the world’s worst secret keeper.

It really was late. I yawned.

Well, aren’t you going to tell me what your mum said?

Oh. She said she’d have to think on it.

Hillary paused before asking, Have ye told your mum how you and animals sense each other’s thoughts yet?

No, I whispered.

"Damnú!"

Staring at the phone in my hand, I imagined Hillary’s freckles now being swallowed up by angry creases in her frown. She’d been texting me for weeks to tell Mom. I kept promising I would.

But it was going to be so hard. How would I even bring it up? Worse, what if Mom asked why I hadn’t told her earlier?

Did your mum say when she’d give you an answer on the trip?

No. But…

But what?

Well… I told her we were climbing Kilimanjaro because Gramps always wanted to go. That Great Aunt Elizabeth agreed to pay. I didn’t mention the monkey skull.

There was a long pause at the other end. Yer so lucky I don’t know any other boys, she said and then giggled. Is your mother still seeing that police sergeant?

Yeah. What does Don have to do with anything?

At least your mum won’t be lonely while we’re gone. She laughed while I told myself that Don being around was okay. Dad’d died over two years ago so—

I heard Hillary giggle again, and I stared at the picture on my desk. For the ten thousandth time. So cool how the freckle lines across her cheeks and nose wrinkled. Her long red hair smelled like fresh sunshine and—I sure missed her. Glasgow was so far from Seattle.

I rubbed my eyes. Have you asked your mom yet?

I asked my uncle Ronald, and the new nanny. They called Mum who said she thought my climbing Kilimanjaro would be great publicity as long as Ronald came. More important, I’ve been researching chimpanzees and elephants in Tanzania. Maybe your Great Aunt’s story isn’t so wild.

Wow. I’d only texted Hillary about the trip a day ago, and she already knew more than I did.

Max.

Yeah?

Have you seen the monkey skull yet?

No. Gramps said Great Aunt Elizabeth is FedEx’ing it to him. And, I swallowed, hard. I’d like to wait until we get to Africa before getting near it.

There was a long pause, then Hillary whispered, I’m worried too.

Yeah, that wee one in Death Valley was pretty scary, I whispered as I remembered having to carry the ancient Panamint basket everywhere we went.

CHAPTER 2

MAX. MAX, WAKE-up. Mom pounded harder on my door. Fat Willy grumbled as he slid off my bed.

Ahhh, I groaned and glanced at the clock. It was only seven thirty in the morning. It was a Saturday, too. What do you need, Mom?

Grandma called. She insisted we come for breakfast with her and Gramps. So, get moving, Mom yelled through the closed door.

Any meal at Grandma’s was great—but why breakfast? I rolled out of bed and headed for the shower.

Thirty minutes later, we were knocking at Grandma and Gramps’ front door. Grandma opened it and I followed Mom inside. Grandma grabbed my arm as I went by. She hugged me, holding tight until Mom was at the other end of the hallway talking to Gramps.

Then Grandma whispered, Don’t get upset with what happens today. More important, plan on coming over as soon as the skull arrives. I’ll call you.

She gave me a serious look and motioned for me to follow her down the hall towards Mom and Gramps.

We ate at the kitchen table and breakfast was great, as always. Mom and Grandma sat together so I sat next to Gramps. The conversation started off okay. Gramps said he’d checked his calendar with the court clerk and the only way he could get two weeks off is if we left next week.

I’m sorry there’s so little time Max, but my being a judge has its responsibilities.

I nodded in agreement. Besides, the sooner we went the sooner I saw Hillary. Mom and Grandmother both told Gramps they understood. After that, the conversation got strange.

They discussed climate change impacts on Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, elephant poaching, and other sad things that had nothing to do with our trip. I knew the three of them were stalling. Must be what Grandma warned me about. I stayed quiet, trying to figure out what was going on. Was Mom going to let me go, or not?

Partway through a super dull description of Tanzania’s current politics by Gramps, Grandma raised her hand. He finished in three words and turned to face her.

Instead of the African trip just being a bunch of men and Hillary… Grandma paused for a sip of tea.

A long, slow sip. I wanted to jump up and beat my head against the wall.

I was wondering if your Mom and I shouldn’t go, too. We could stay in a nice lodge while you guys climbed the mountain.

Huh? What? Whose dumb idea was—

Grandma twisted in her chair to look me square in the eyes, It would be a nice opportunity for Hillary and Joan to meet each other.

Mom chimed in barely a second after Grandma finished. Nicole has a good idea, Max. It’s time I met Hillary. Anyone who reads a newspaper, or watches YouTube or social media knows her better than I do.

What? I turned to Gramps, whose eyes were now focused on his coffee cup.

Grandma ignored me, turning to Mom. I agree Joan. It would be a wonderful time for everyone.

Mom, a small smile on her lips, nodded agreement. They had planned this!

I scowled at Mom before pleading with Gramps, You’ve started the travel arrangements. Right? There’s probably not room for more people. Oh God. How could I keep my secret about animals and me from Mom if—

Gramps shook his head. I was going to plan the trip today, right after breakfast. However, that’s not necessary now. Gramps stood and excused himself. Sorry, but I have court work I have to finish this morning. He headed upstairs to his office.

I noticed Mom smiling. Smiling at me. Ohh—what did Gramps mean, it wasn’t necessary for him to plan the trip?

Max, I believe you and I should make the travel arrangements. It’d be a wonderful learning experience for you. Mom’s smile got huge. You could also keep a diary on the trip. Then write a school paper afterwards based on it.

Yeah, sure, that sounds great. I turned away and rolled my eyes. She had to be kidding. Diaries were something people did a zillion years ago, if ever. I sure wasn’t going to keep one.

Mom and Grandma stayed at the breakfast table with me. They talked about how interesting making the arrangements would be. How much I’d learn.

I tried to focus on my second croissant. After it was gone, I reached for a chocolate one that Grandma called a pain au chocolate.

Max, are you paying attention?

Of course, Mom. They were having fun throwing out travel planning tips. This was such a setup. God! How would Hillary and I ever get time alone?

Mom waved to get my attention. The flight arrangements are the most important, right after you get a schedule from the guide service Max. The flight plans will be last moment, so we’ll not have many choices.

I agree Joan. Since everything is on such short notice, you and Max should check the airlines first. Before you finalize the guide service part of the trip. Grandma waved her hand, I wonder how many airlines fly from here to Tanzania? You will also have to consider which airline is best. Especially since we’ll be making arrangements for a famous movie star’s daughter.

Mom leaned her head to the side. Max, after the crazy press you and Hillary got in Bhutan and Death Valley, keeping this secret will be mandatory. Mom gave me her furrowed brow, tight-lipped look to make sure I took the secret part serious.

Teeth clenched, I tried to keep control. Hillary and I hated the crazy media attention more than any of them.

Grandma was grinning now. She was enjoying this.

Not me. I was totally pissed. I know, I forced between clenched teeth as I shoved away from the table.

Mom put a hand on my arm and laughed. It’s time Max and I go. He has a lot of things to worry about this weekend. Not to mention homework and an important soccer tournament this afternoon.

I followed Mom to the front door and Gramps returned. He stopped me and mumbled, Here. He held out a map. This shows the Kilimanjaro routes. I marked the one we need to take to return the skull. You need to make that clear when you’re picking a guide company.

I grabbed the map and ran to catch Mom. How was I going to explain Mom coming with us to Hillary?

Halfway home, Mom started teasing me again. Giving me her silly grin, she asked, Max, since I’ve never seen Hillary, does she wear fancy, you know expensive clothes like her movie star mother? Should I pack my best clothes?

Ignoring Mom, I continued to stare out the window on my side of the car.

Hey. Don’t get mad, Mom said. I’m sorry, but you picked a girlfriend that lives on a different continent. This is the first real chance I’ve had to tease you.

We made it home, and I took the stairs to my room three at a time. What I should do next? Just before I closed the door, Mom called up to me. We need to look for guide companies. Ones that lead climbs on Kilimanjaro. Right?

I collapsed into my chair and flipped my laptop open. A quick search for Kilimanjaro climbing guides turned up a zillion. How will I know a good one? This is so crazy.

I yanked my phone out and called Hillary.

Max, she exclaimed. I’m so glad you called, even though you still shouldn’t be using the phone.

Oh? I whispered. I could hear Mom moving around. Was she coming up the stairs?

Hillary, bubbling with excitement, said, "I searched on elephants and Kilimanjaro and found the coolest video. It’s called To The Roof of Africa. Best yet, it’s even got a scene with an elephant skeleton high on the mountain."

You’re kidding, I whispered. Lord, this whole crazy skulls thing on Mt Kilimanjaro might be for real.

Max, I heard Mom yell from the top of the stairs. Then her footsteps. I have something to show you.

Mom’s coming. I can’t talk.

She’s coming into yer room?

Yes—no. On the trip. I jammed my cell in my pocket exactly one half second before Mom knocked on my door. Come on in.

She swung the door open. Max, I believe I’ve found a good Kilimanjaro guide company. Here, look at this printout I made from their website.

Mom headed back downstairs, leaving the printout. I pushed it to the side without a glance. I’d remembered the map Gramps had given me. The one with the route he said we needed to use to find the elephant skeleton. I stretched out the map. It was big, colorful, and had eight different routes to the top.

Gramps had circled one entering the park on the west side named ‘Lemosho.’ I studied the routes, wondering how Gramps knew the one closest to the elephant bones? Have to ask him, I murmured and pulled over the printout Mom left. The guide service she’d found included the Lemosho one. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so hard after all.

Honey, Mom yelled up the stairs.

Yeah?

Time to leave for the soccer tournament. It’s in Forty Acres, way over on the east side of Lake Washington. It’ll take us at least an hour. If we’re lucky.

I spit out, Darn! Or something like that.

And Max. Mom yelled.

Yes, I mumbled as I dropped to my hands and knees, looking for my soccer ball under the bed. There it was. I reached for it.

I’ve been thinking on my idea for you to keep a diary. You know, to record your personal thoughts and observations. It’s not such a bad idea. It’d help you write a great school paper after the trip.

I slugged the ball so hard it bounced back off the wall and hit me in the nose.

---

We were five minutes late because of traffic. Mom followed Ty’s mom’s car into the parking lot. He and I jumped out and hurried across the field. Ty suddenly stopped, grabbing my arm. Why is your nose all red and swollen?

He was my best friend. But there was no way I could explain slugging the soccer ball. I couldn’t tell him I was upset because Mom was making me write a dumb diary for a trip she was coming on to meet Hillary while we returned a chimpanzee skull on Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. That would sound a bit too crazy.

It’s nothing, I mumbled and pointed across the field to where the coach and most of the team huddled. We’re late.

I wondered, while we jogged the rest of the way, when should I tell Coach about the Kilimanjaro trip? We got closer, and I saw Coach give the other team, already out on the field warming up, a grim look. I decided to wait and call him after the game. Besides, if someone on our team heard me mention the trip, they might blab to the news media. Then Mom and Hillary would be mad.

You two are late.

I slid to a stop, glancing sideways. Ty was staring at Coach’s feet. I did the same.

Three fast laps around the field after the game for both of you.

Yes, Sir! Ty spit out and ran toward where the rest of the guys were waiting.

Coach held up a hand. Max, I want you to start as center midfielder. Then he surprised me even more. He handed me the captain’s armband, too. That was great but what would he say when I told him I was going to be gone for ten or twelve days?

The ref blew the whistle. The game was on.

It didn’t go well. They were big, fast, talented, and organized. We played our guts out and held it to two goals to nothing at half. I’d ended up playing defense almost the entire first half. We couldn’t keep the ball long enough to be much of a threat, no matter how I tried to organize our attack. The biggest problem was their center mid. He was quick, not just with the ball, but with recognizing who was going to be open downfield. Man, was he tactical!

I walked off the field. Coach would be unhappy with me. This day sure wasn’t going well.

Max, please come over for a moment.

Yes, sir.

Ty gave me a sympathetic smile, and I grimaced.

Coach walked us over to where the other guys couldn’t hear. He spun me so the team couldn’t see my face. Don’t tell anyone else, but you guys are doing great, he said softly. We’re playing the best team in the state. Their center mid is even in the Sounders Discovery Program. They expect him to go semi-pro in three years. At seventeen!

You’re kidding.

Coach smiled. Actually smiled. I’m glad you’re on the team, Max. You’re a good leader, a great example. You work hard, thinking, sacrificing for the team.

Coach and I rejoined the other guys, and he told us how we had to keep control of the ball longer. Be watching for the open player. And, Coach added with his right fist doubled up, those without the ball had better work harder to get open. You hear me?

Yes Sir, we yelled.

We lost two to one. Ty got a break away and was fouled in front of their goal. I pissed Ty off when I