Angler Island: The Crystal Cavern

By Brad A. LaMar

With all of the excitement and chaos behind him, Evan and his friends are ready to embrace the days ahead. Unfortunately, Kent and his henchmen have other plans. Of course, Evan has Taylor and everything will be amazing going forward...right? A newly crashed ship shouldn't bring any stressors... right? How will he react when a new threat to his relationship with Taylor and his existence on the island arrives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887939100

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Angler Island

The Crystal Cavern

Brad A. LaMar

Copyright © 2023 Brad A. LaMar

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-898-1 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-910-0 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter 1

General Kent sat at his desk beneath the nylon flaps of the tent that comprised his officers' quarters, contemplating the ramifications of a colossal mistake. The night of Dr. Penano's celebration had ended on such a high note, with everything having gone to plan, that an uncalculated shock two days later nearly gave him an aneurysm. Admitting that, even to himself, made him feel weak and vulnerable, wretched at the very least, and he questioned the advancement of his plans. He held the doubt only momentarily and dismissed it as quickly as it came. He wasn't worried about an investigation or accusations that might be thrown in his direction because he was untouchable. What worried him was a possible delay in his transports and the time that would be stolen from his workers, even if it were just for show.

Sir, the cargo is loaded, and everything is accounted for, a young soldier announced, standing at attention with fear and respect etched in his posture.

General Kent grabbed an envelope from the desk and held it out to the young man. Give this to Summers and tell him that I need to see him before he leaves the island.

The youth took the package and left on the turn of his heels. General Kent leaned the chair back and raised one arm over his head to relieve the strain his neck felt from his shifting weight. The general was a massive man who towered over most and feared none. He was a professional military man, trained by America to do their dirty work in South and Central Americas, only to have left that dirty business for one that paid higher. He counted himself fortunate to be in the position that he was in. Here on this island, he was postured as the island guard general, charged with keeping peace and protecting the good citizens in their daily stupor. The majority of the island believed themselves prisoners on the island due to the unusual sea tornado that ravaged these waters. General Kent knew the secret behind this phenomenon and exploited it. These islanders were going to make him extraordinarily wealthy, and they would be none the wiser. Most of them were scientists and experts in their fields, but no matter how smart they were, he was in control.

You needed to see me, sir? Summers stood at attention at the entrance of the tent. He had the youthful face of a novice but was a highly skilled and experienced sailor.

This will be your last run for a while, proclaimed the general.

Sir?

You are going to play up to Dr. Mence and get him to name you the new head of mansion security. That spot seems to be open since your captain has departed.

Yes, sir.

Oh, be sure that the kid is placed on the next cruise. Harriet says that he is coming along well, and I have plans for him.

Kent dismissed Summers and returned to his thoughts. That night surfaced again in his mind, forcing him to critique it once more. The two things that needed to happen did. Killing Morrison had been a wise move; the Aussie was too impulsive and reckless. He could have ruined everything, but Harriet took care of that. Apparently, disposing of the remains was done in haste, and those two imbeciles had already been dealt with. A cruel smile pulled on the corners of his lips as he thought about his brand of discipline. The most important thing about that night had been the successful run of the machine. They were all so easily influenced and manipulated. He was almost at a point of elation, but he didn't allow too much celebration; there were many other tests and alterations to be made before it would be a field-ready. One thing that troubled him was that not everyone had been susceptible to the machine. Were they resistant to its power, or were there other factors? The kinks had to be mended, and the bugs needed to be flushed out and stomped on.

And what of that Burkely kid? Something was troubling in the boy's expression on the beach that day. It wasn't that he had been the one to discover Morrison's body, but it was the lack of surprise. It seemed as though he had expected it. General Kent didn't dwell on the thought. The ball was rolling, and nothing was going to stop it, especially not some stupid boy.

The sun balanced on the horizon with its presence fourfold that of its normal size. Evan sat on the northernmost beach, leaning against a small mound of sand that was pushed by the tide until it settled at the boundary of grass and beach. The night had been cool but pleasant enough to make a few observations. Zane had nodded off a little after two in the morning, using a fallen tree as a bed.

What an odd twist that fate had thrown at Evan and his family. One moment they're on a cruise through crystal-clear waters, having a nice family vacation, and then the next thing he knew, the boat was nestled up against an uncharted island. He had no idea of knowing that this island housed many of the world's leading scientific minds, his dad included, or that one man would pose such a threat to his family. Evan thought that being trapped on a deserted island would be enough to make anyone happy to just have others around them, but that's not the way Marsdale, the island's owner's assistant, thinks. Evan had thought that Marsdale was planning to kill his father, but it turned out that he was wrong—not about a murder but who would be the victim.

Zane's snorted loudly, and Evan was startled a little. He couldn't sleep even though he had finished his assignment just after Zane had crashed. Evan couldn't figure it out. He loved camping, and he certainly loved the beach. Why couldn't he sleep? He could only think of one excuse that might make a little sense.

He remembered scanning this same beach for crabs not much more than a month ago, coding them, and logging their descriptions. It was a little cooler that day, with storms on the horizon and creeping in swiftly. He closed his eyes, and the memory flooded his mind. He had been standing nearby when he discovered the washed-up body of Guy Morrison. Evan got to his feet and walked over to the spot without thinking. He couldn't stop himself from staring at the sand, seeing that bloated corpse beached like a whale, the vision flashing before his eyes in strobe fashion. He shuttered and stumbled back, catching his foot on a half-exposed shell. He tumbled to the beach, landing on his back and slamming his head on the packed sand. He closed his eyes and grabbed the back of his head with both hands. He turned on his side, ready to push himself to his knees, when he saw the body once again, only this time it lay next to him. Morrison's eyes opened, and his hand reached for Evan. Evan froze; his body was unable to move, only his eyelids would work, and he shut them tightly.

Morrison opened his mouth and, in a horrible, high-pitched, death, rattle-like utterance said, Murder…plans…deception…danger.

Evan forced one eye open and saw the body no more. The vision was gone, but his heart pounded; and despite the cool of the morning, he was covered in sweat. He rolled onto his back and rubbed his eyes with both hands. He cursed his imagination and began to stand. A flash vision invaded his sight again, the body still lying on the beach, but this time the tide swept it up and was forcing it out to sea. Morrison managed one more call of Danger! before being washed away.

Evan sat shaking his head and cradling his legs near his chest. What was going on here? He doubted that it was a visit from a ghost, so the next logical thing was his own imagination. He knew what Morrison's body had said was true. Despite how terrifying it was to hear it from a dead man, a murder did happen, and somebody had plans to deceive. Who was deceiving who, and why was there a need to deceive anyone on an island that no one could get away from? His first guess was Marsdale, but what could he do about it?

Dude. A clammy hand grabbed Evan's neck, causing him to scream and roll away. He didn't time his escape that well and ended up face-first in an oncoming wave, spraying his opened mouth with salt and sand. He stood on all fours coughing and gagging, trying to force the granules out of his esophagus. Between hacks, he could hear the cackling laughter of his best friend, Zane.

Aren't we a little jumpy this morning? Zane reached down and pulled his friend out of the surf.

Yeah—more coughs—I guess so.

So what's up? Did we tag the crabs and all?

Evan spit out a little more sand and wiped his hair away from his eyes. He nodded slowly and spit a few more times. Let's get home. I need a shower and a nap.

Sounds good. We'll get to the market, pick up some grub, and head home to chow, Zane said, psyched about his plan.

We're closer to home, so why don't I stop and get a shower in, and you head on to the market for the grub. Just bring me back a little something.

Zane didn't care how it went as long as the food was involved. They packed their equipment and walked to a secondary path that would take them back home. Evan only paused a moment to look back at the beach. This time, he could only see the bright yellow morning sun and its rippled reflection off the crystal blue water. Morrison made no appearance, and Evan sighed in relief.

Taylor was at the office waiting for her computer to boot when she had a visitor. The door was ajar, so the sharp tapping startled her. She looked up from her desk and smiled at Zorna, her roommate and best friend.

So how's it going? I didn't get to talk to you last night, Zorna said, taking the seat across Taylor.

Oh, fine. We had a late dinner before he started his assignment at the beach. Taylor yawned but covered her mouth with her forefinger. "Evan had to sleep at that beach."

He was at North Beach? Zorna asked in astonishment that teetered on twisted curiosity. Taylor nodded. How did he take that, I mean, with discovering the body there?

He didn't really say, but it sure looked like it bothered him. You know, that's not the part that bothered me about him last night, though. It was how much he went on and on about Marsdale.

He still hasn't given that up yet? Zorna asked, rolling her eyes.

No, and I can't really blame him either. Don't look at me like that! You weren't there to hear the threat. Taylor could still hear the vicious words that Marsdale spar out while she and Evan were hiding in the bushes. He had clearly stated that he was going to kill Evan's father, Alan, and Evan hadn't been in the same sense.

But that was over a month ago, and besides, his dad works with Marsdale every day, Zorna said sensibly.

Taylor fiddled with a pen on her desk. I know, but he keeps going back to some plot or something. I don't know. I just thought he would have worked past it by now, you know.

Maybe you should talk to him, get him to open up. You could tell him your secret. Zorna smiled devilishly, knowing that she had just broached a taboo subject.

Shhh! What? Are you crazy? Taylor's head moved like a weasel trying to peer past Zorna and into the hall for anyone listening.

What? You're never going to tell him?

I just can't. What if he's right? What if someone out there does have a plot and finds out about me? Taylor shook her head with deep concern. No, it would be too dangerous for him and his family.

Well, I'll leave you with this, Zorna retreated to the doorway, If you don't open up to him, then how can you expect him to open up to you? I'll see you tonight.

Taylor mulled Zorna's point over in her mind, realizing that it had merit. She let her attention wane when her monitor showed her login screen. Lose yourself in work, girl. Think about the heavy stuff later.

*****

Water dripped from Nikole's face forcing her to clamp her eyes shut while her hands groped the air for her towel. She ran her fingertips across the wall and scraped the edge of a fluffy object. She snatched it up and dried her face off. She wiped her eyes free of water and shook her head slightly. She was agitated over having to start school today. Her friend Rose assured her that it was going to be fun, but when had school ever been fun? Fun? School on a deserted island is fun? Did her brother, Evan, have to go to school? No, and why was that? Because he was all fifteen years old!

The whole idea was beginning to ruin her day. School was boring and a waste of her time. She knew she was smart, probably smarter than the idiot who was going to teach her. Sure, he knew about chemistry, but did he have any common sense? Doubtful. She reached down and seized her lotion. Nikole popped open the tube and squeezed too hard, squirting vanilla blossom body lotion, made with all-natural ingredients that were grown on the island, onto the bathroom door.

Great! she muttered, using the towel to clean up the mess. Mumbling the rest of the time, she managed to get dressed, comb out the tangles in her hair, and brush her teeth after forcing the last dab of toothpaste out from its hiding place near the nozzle but under the thicker plastic. She emerged from the bathroom tenser, grumpier, and more peeved.

Good morning, sweetheart, her father greeted her warmly, which made her even angrier.

What's so good about it! she snapped. She sat on the couch and laced up her boots. She was told that the boots would come in handy with the lessons.

We're a little snippy this morning, aren't we? her mother, Josie, said from the kitchen. She didn't even look up from the stove. She lifted the pan and shook its contents around. You want some breakfast?

No. I'm too angry to eat. She sat back and slumped into the soft cushions. Why do I have to go to school? Isn't it bad enough that I have to be stuck here?

Never miss an opportunity to learn something new, Nikole. That's how we grow as individuals. Alan didn't seem too concerned about his daughter's plight, so she felt that she had to defend her point.

What could I possible learn at island school that could be useful? She looked back and forth between her parents and received no attempts at an answer, so she provided one. Nothing, that's what!

Well, when you get to school, you'll find out, won't you? said her father thoughtfully.

Nikole sighed heavily, showing her disdain for the school idea. She slapped her hands down on the sofa's cushions and pushed out of the seat. I'm gonna go get Rose. I'll tell you later how worthless it was.

Goodbye, dear. Have a nice day, Josie called after Nikole. She then threw an omelet in front of Alan. See you later. I have a new CD to try out today in my class. Josie was the island guard's personal workout and self-defense instructor. She got the job soon after her arrival. On her first day, she was handed a CD player and a CD that incidentally had music from the 1940s on it. Needless to say, it was not popular music for the classes.

No more '40s, huh?

Nope, Dilly's bringing me one of her CDs. See ya. Dilly was an island guard and Josie's best friend. Josie kissed Alan goodbye and left for the Staging Area. Alan hammered down the omelet and then walked to the bathroom.

Finally, the bathroom's free.

Mornin', dudes.

Namon and Terry turned in their swivel chairs and greeted Zane and Zorna. They were the island's tech support, and they had embraced Zane into the job when he first arrived. Not only was Zane an extremely fast typist, but the kid was very tech-savvy, and that impressed them. I see thou hast brought doughnuts, joked Terry.

We-est havest, dudest, Zane placed the bag on a free table. How have you guys been? Zane missed working in the tech center because the guys were nice and the work was fun, but being an assistant to Dr. Penano allowed him to work with Evan every day.

We're pretty good here. Namon didn't look up while he spoke but rather selected a maple icing doughnut with big, happy eyes. Thanks for bringing 'em, guys.

No problemo. Hey, I gotta get going. Doc Penano's got us on something today. Later, bros. Zane waved at his fellow computer czars and backed out into the hallway.

I'll be right back, Zorna said to her coworkers, and then she followed her boyfriend into the hallway.

Don't play kissy face all morning. We've got work to do, Terry teased the young couple, receiving a bogus angry look from Zorna.

They stepped out of earshot, and Zorna turned to face Zane. How's Evan doing? Taylor's kinda worried about him.

He seems fine to me. Although he was a little freaked out this morning. Zane brought his left hand to his chin at the thought.

Well, I guess I can understand that since it was the same beach where he found the body. Does he talk about that with you?

He hasn't really, but then again, I've never asked him about it.

You're his best friend. Don't you think you should talk to him about something that traumatic? Zorna couldn't believe how thick Zane was sometimes.

Zane considered the notion for a minute and then read her scrunched face. Ah…yes. Look, I'm about to go and see him, and I'll ask him about it then.

Zorna pecked his lips with a kiss and sent him on his way.

Jeffrey Redd couldn't believe the information that was handed to him. He went through it several times, recalculating data and counting the harvest again and again, but no matter how it was figured, they were not going to meet the demand. This was going to be the first month that he couldn't fill the quota. There was a scare last month, but in this month, it was a fact. His team was doubtful for next month as well. Redd didn't want to think about what this could mean to this little island community.

His silent aide watched the boss's face in its painful position and waited to be addressed. Redd looked up and said, We've been on target every month until this one. Why is that?

Well, over the last two months, we've only been able to harvest once, but it had been our largest yet. The numbers look right for what we had projected, but since the last crash…we're just coming up short. The aide's words were true, but it wasn't news to Redd. After the latest census, it showed a twelve percent population growth, and with only a three percent increase in our produce, well, you can see our problem.

Redd didn't like the situation at all. He was responsible for all vegetative produce that these people would consume, and he was failing. He was a simple farmer who had made a great discovery. Rapid plant maturity and fecundity in a fifth of the time, but it still wasn't fast enough. It took him several years and trials to get his desired results, always thinking about what good he could do with it, but what was the point if his small plantation couldn't service the small number of islanders?

He asked his aide to fill out the report and send it to Marsdale. The next move would be up to the people above him.

Zane walked into Dr. Penano's office and shouted a What's up? to Evan whose back was turned to the door. Evan nearly fell out of his seat at the call. Dude, you startle so easily. You're like a little girl or something.

You're an idiot. Why would you yell like that when someone's not looking at you?

I wasn't tryin' to scare you, bro, but you know, you've been kinda jumpy the last month or so.

Evan knew what he was getting at, and he wished he wouldn't. Zane had given him space. Intentionally or not, Evan didn't know, but it was appreciated. He really didn't want to say anything about the body or what he was thinking, but this was Zane, his best friend. He was supposed to be able to tell him anything, right?

Evan drew in a long breath and then looked up at his friend, who seemed to be paying attention. You're right. I've been a little jumpy recently.

I understand. You were on the beach doin' your thing, checking crabs and coconuts and stuff, and then there was the body. Anyone would be shakin' up some, but it's time to let that go. You're lettin' it affect your thing with your girl.

It's not the body so much as what I know. Maybe the visions are a little freaky, Evan admitted to himself.

What is it that you know, Evan? Zane asked. He was sitting and looked to be actually listening, which would be rare for Zane. Evan wasn't sure if it really was Zane or not.

I don't know, maybe nothing. I think someone out there shot Morrison and probably Cap. I think Marsdale is going to try to kill my dad, and I think that all this is connected. I don't know why Morrison was shot or where Cap is right now or why Marsdale wants my dad out of the way, but I think that I need to find out. Cap, there was an old memory. Cap was the captain of the ship that Evan and his family had been on when the boat became shipwrecked. Cap disappeared right around the time that Evan had been so worried about his father. All this was starting to play on Evan's emotions, and talking about it made him feel exposed. I need your help in finding out the truth about this island, Zane. Evan looked back up and noticed an odd look on Zane's face. Zane?

Zane sat with his arms folded and his head slightly tilted toward the floor. His eyes were open, but Evan heard a quiet purr that was being emitted from his mouth.

Armadillo! Evan yelled, and Zane leaped out of his chair, blinking and looking in all directions.

'Dillo, where? Zane jumped into the chair and searched the floor for the scaly varmint like he was a fifties housewife and a mouse had just scuttled into his kitchen. He found nothing but laughter filling the room. Dude, that was a wicked, cruel trick to play on me. You know I hate 'dillos! What is wrong with you?

What's wrong with me? I'm not the one who asked his friend what was going on only to fall asleep with his eyes open, now am I?

Zane cocked his head. I don't know if you are the one. I was sleeping over here. You could've been the one.

No, moron, you just feel asleep on me. Just forget it and let's get to work, Evan was more hurt than he let on.

See, this is why you're messing up with Taylor. You don't open up and share your thoughts and feelings.

Evan gave his usual stare and headshake at Zane's wisdom. Thanks for the advice. Now let's just record the data.

Just glad I could help, Zane said, smiling broadly at his accomplishment.

Despite himself, Evan could see a shred of truth in what Zane had just said. He wasn't opening up fully to Taylor, and it was straining their relationship. He was the one who suggested total honesty, and there he was, hiding things away. He would have to change that.

Nikole leaned against the market door and looked around at all the kids who were waiting with her for class to start. Rose was busy talking to a small boy and his smaller sister, and Nikole brooded in her anger. She watched the other kids and wondered if they were as upset about this as she was. She listened in on conversations trying to get a feel for the group. One girl, who looked to be fourteen and who happened to tower over everyone else in the group, talked about how she would only be around a month or so before she would start her job and get her new place. Other kids, some a year or two older than Nikole and some a few years younger than Nikole, also expressed their glee in starting school. Nikole was alone in her misery.

Hey, Rose said, strolling over to her.

Hey, Nikole replied blandly. She knew this was an odd response to her friend, but that was all she could muster.

You still look upset. Believe me, it won't be that bad, Rose said convincingly, but Nikole highly doubted it. Just try to keep an open mind.

I guess there's not much I can do about it, is there? Nikole folded her arms in a further display of her annoyance. It just bothers me because we were having so much fun—oh, and learning so much. I just don't think that it's fair. They had gone on so many adventures prior to this vial day, though Nikloe could have gone without getting shot at that one time.

Rose just smiled, but before she had a chance to reply, Dr. Penano walked over to the group. He looked casual in khaki shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and a short-sleeved lab coat. What a dork! thought Nikole.

Hello, kids. For those of you who don't know me, I am Dr. Jamie Penano. I am a chemical biologist and have worked with many of your parents. I will be your main instructor but not your only instructor. The first thing we will need to do is find out who you are and what you are interested in. Basically, this is the general preparation for island life and for the many interesting vocations that you can go into. This is a real opportunity for you because, soon enough, you will learn to specialize. The skills you obtain here can translate into many job opportunities if we ever get off the island, that is. So let's head into the market and sit in the cooler temperature of the dining section.

Dr. Penano scanned his thumb on the lock and held the door open for the class. Nikole was the last one in. All the students took a chair and turned to face Dr. Penano, who sat on one of the stools by the counter. We will start with this side and work our way around. Just tell me your name, your age, a couple of things that you like to do, and your favorite school subject.

The tall girl sat on the opposite side of the room from Nikole and was the first to speak. My name is Gretchen Webber. I am fourteen and won't be here very long. I like to play soccer and read, and my favorite subject back home was math.

Nikole studied Gretchen and couldn't decide what to think about her. She was sort of pretty but by no means beautiful. She seemed to have a great deal of confidence, and that made her appear stronger for some reason. Dr. Penano greeted her warmly and told her that she was the only one who would have specialized assignments. Nikole scoffed, That figures, nothing special for the rest of us.

Bobby Francis was next, and he told the class that he was nine. He was followed by Trey and Tory Hellenbrand, eight and ten, respectively. James Swartz and Marna Lopez were both thirteen. James was quiet and shy, while Marna spoke for ten minutes about herself. Nikole rolled her eyes.

Rose introduced herself, and then it was