In the Shadow of the Forest

By Maxwell Strathmore

Ethan, this brilliant young mind with a keen sense of deduction, finds joy in solving puzzles and crafting intricate scenarios. His lifelong accomplice, James, shares his fascination for detective novels, though his passion doesn't reach Ethan's near-obsessive intensity. Together, they have been through incredible adventures, until they witness a homicide in the heart of the forest during an unexpected escapade.

The lives of the two comrades then turn into an unparalleled storm when they find themselves captive along with a group of other children. Determined to free themselves from their captors and uncover the truth behind the crime, Ethan and James will mobilize all their resources and their sharp intellect.

Immerse yourself in the epicenter of this thrilling plot, where each twist and turn keeps you in suspense. Follow the perilous journey of Ethan and James, these two fearless heroes, in a relentless race to unveil the truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maxwell Strathmore
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215337813

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kane, a spectacular metropolis of the old world, shines like a sparkling star in the cityscape's firmament. It's a place of endless motion, bright lights, and sound vibes. Shops, cinemas, restaurants, playgrounds, educational institutions, and many other spaces coexist in harmony. The citizens of Kane radiate friendly warmth, striving to embrace happiness with insatiable resilience. In some neighborhoods, time seems to have stopped, harking back to a bygone era when community was paramount. Neighbors exchange sweet words, with camaraderie as their daily rhythm of life. However, like any great city, Kane has its dark side. Drugs circulate, and nighttime festivities sometimes spiral into tragedies. Every night, somewhere, a celebration might go wrong. The authorities struggle to curb these excesses, but the solution remains elusive. Despite these concerns, life in Kane possesses an undeniable charm.

At the heart of this great city is Ethan, a thirteen-year-old teenager. Born into a modest family, his mother, Olga, chose to devote her time to motherhood, leaving behind a nursing career. This was a mutual decision with her husband. Both parents cherish the education of their son Ethan and their sixteen-year-old daughter Olivia. Ethan's father, William, works as an accountant in an import-export company, providing for his family so his wife doesn't have to work. They formed an ideal family, as long as Olivia didn't go through a teenage crisis. She was in the midst of hormonal turmoil, a hurricane of mood swings. A cold anger was visible in her eyes towards everyone she met, except her two inseparable friends. With Ethan, their days were marked by almost constant confrontations. They argued over access to the bathroom, the privilege of sitting in the front seat of their father's car, or the chore of washing dishes after dinner. But despite these tumults, William and Olga managed to navigate these choppy waters with unwavering patience and determination.

Now let's talk about Ethan, an extremely intelligent young boy. From an early age, he showed signs of a sharp mind. Like many brilliant people, he had trouble fitting in at school. He had only one friend there, James, with whom he spent most of his time. The only other people Ethan interacted with were the school bullies who tormented him and James. It was hell for them, wishing they were bigger and stronger...

Ethan loved thrilling detective novels. His favorite part was how the hero outsmarted the bad guys. He enjoyed the bits where the hero had to come up with a plan to save someone, a city, or even the world. Ever since he got into these books, he often thought about puzzles and imagined tough situations he'd have to escape from. It became an obsession, and he seemed to get better at it. For example, in a store, he would think about how to leave if the main door was blocked, where all the security cameras were, and how to avoid their view. James liked these kinds of adventures too, but he wasn't as obsessed as Ethan. They had some great adventures together, which they could laugh about for hours afterwards.

It was Thursday, and like every Thursday this year, they had a math class. Ethan loved math, but for James, it was a nightmare. James got a D- on a test again and had to redo the exercise about 30 times for next Monday's class. For James, this was the last straw. He'd been punished like this over four times in less than a term. After handing back the tests, the math teacher, Mr. ATINKSON, reminded everyone who got less than a B+ of the punishment.

Aren't you tired of this, Sir? James shouted from the back of the class.

What? Who said that? Mr. ATINKSON asked, not really hearing what was said.

The class was silent, no one daring to speak.

I'll ask again, but at the third time, you'll all go to the principal's office, the math teacher repeated.

At that, all eyes turned to James who finally stood up. He wasn't scared, but determined, though he might be mistaken. That was one of James' qualities: his determination and honesty.

What did you say a moment ago, Mr. Jackson? the teacher asked.

I was wondering if you're tired of giving us these assignments, as if you want to force us to memorize things we don't understand. Don't you think it's time to change your method? James retorted, unflinchingly, facing an increasingly furious Mr. Atinkson.

You want to tell me how to do my job, is that it? the teacher growled.

No, it's not that, but... James started before being rudely interrupted by Mr. Atinkson.

Quiet! I don't want to hear another word! Mr. Atinkson shouted, startling almost all the students.

At that same moment, the school's siren went off. Mr. Atinkson told everyone except James to go home. It was clear that James was about to have a tough time with this merciless math teacher. Ethan felt he needed to help his friend out of this tricky situation. James might have been strong mentally, but he wouldn't be able to handle what Mr. Atinkson was about to do to him physically. Ethan had to think of a plan to get his friend out. Deep down, he thought maybe James deserved what was coming, but friendship and brotherhood won over. He needed a solution. So, he ran down one of the school corridors and set off the fire alarm. When this alarm sounded, no one was allowed to stay in the school for safety reasons. The other students ran towards the main exit, but Ethan waited for his friend in the corridor. James finally joined him, a mischievous smile on his face, as if he knew Ethan had set off the alarm. The two friends then ran towards the exit like everyone else.

Mr. Atinkson was furious when the alarm went off, James said.

Yeah, I can imagine, Ethan replied. You should apologize to him. He's just doing his job, after all.

What? James exclaimed. Why should I apologize? His job is to punish and threaten us? He should change careers, that old man.

That's easy to say for someone who's never looked for a job. Tomorrow, he'll be in the senior classroom. You should go see him, Ethan advised.

How do you know that? James asked.

It's not important. What matters is that you go apologize to Mr. Atinkson, Ethan insisted.

Fine, fine, I'll go. But this is your fault, you know.

The two friends continued on their way home. They had to get back quickly; they still had classes that evening. Once home, Ethan was supposed to have lunch with his mom.

At Ethan's house, his mom had already prepared everything, and a nice smell filled the whole house. Strangely, she was neither in the kitchen, nor in the living room, nor in the dining room. While searching for his mom, Ethan suddenly heard screams coming from upstairs.

Ethan, is that you? she asked.

Yes, Mom, it's me. I was looking for you, Ethan replied.

I'm in my bedroom, studying for my courses, she explained.

Ethan's mom had been taking courses for a few weeks, with his father's support, to become more qualified as a nurse. Despite all her responsibilities, she took care of the household chores, and all the meals were ready on time. Ethan couldn't even remember the last time his father complained about a late meal. The only one who ever complained about the food was his sister. But she didn't like to eat anything other than