The Deadliest Stunt Chapter 3

The Deadliest Stunt

Chapter 3

You can bunk at my place. No problem, I said, thinking quick. It would be cool to have Reed Wyatt staying over.

That’s great Justin. Thanks. Look, I’m sorry about earlier—being a jerk and all that. I know you’re only trying to be a bud. I appreciate it.

Sure, Reed. Now let’s get something to eat!

A half hour later, we were seated around our favourite table at Billy Burger, the gourmet burger joint in downtown Port Salser. Reed had cleaned himself up a bit, washed the blood off his nose, and had come into town in my SUV while Van and Raj came in Van’s beater of a car.

The place was crowded for a Friday night—which it usually was. As I took a bite of my culinary masterpiece—double Ginormous cheeseburger with fresh cut fries and chocolate milk shake, I scanned the restaurant—and my heart sank.

Oh, no! I muttered as my eyes made contact with the one person in Port Salser that I didn’t really like. Well, hated was a better word.

Daryl Peters. Captain of the school football team, he was my arch nemesis in every sense of the word. He resented the local publicity and popularity I had from solving cases around town and looked for any opportunity to put me down or insult me or my friends in some way—the more embarrassing the better. In the long run he actually embarrassed himself more than anything—but he was too dumb to realize it.

He was seated a few tables away with his football buddies. We made eye contact and an evil grin spread over his face. A minute later he was approaching our table.

He spotted Reed right away. Uh-oh, this wasn’t going to be pretty. Hey Macdonald, who’s your new girlfriend? He sneered.

Very funny, Peters. I said. Leave us alone, will you?

After you tell me who your girlfriend is—oh it’s not a girl. It is a guy. You had me fooled there for a minute, sweetheart, Daryl muttered.

That’s not hard to do, I said, but Daryl missed it.

What do you mean? Reed said, looking between Daryl and me. Who is this guy, Justin? The local welcoming committee? You guys need to work on that, I think.

Daryl just snorted. Not the welcoming committee. So what’s your name, sweetheart?

Why are you calling me that? Reed said with a frown, looking at me with a shrug.

No reason, Daryl said. He turned to me. So, Macdonald, are you going to introduce me to your new boyfriend, then?

Can it, Peters. This happens to be Reed Wyatt, son of Xander Wyatt the stuntman. They are in town for the charity show next weekend.

Stuntman? Peters said with a furrowed brow. What’s that?

You know, stunts in movies, that kind of thing, Van said taking a bite of his cheeseburger. Xander Wyatt is famous for his movie stunts. He’s in that new movie, The Masked Avenger.

 Never heard of him, Daryl said, still wondering what a stuntman was.

Anyway, I feel like my brain cells are slowly slipping away with you so close, so if you don’t mind, we’d like to get back to enjoying our evening, I said with a smirk. Van snickered and Raj and Reed smiled at my insult. Daryl was totally oblivious—as usual.

Whatever, he said. Have fun. With that he moved off.

What was that? Reed said. What was the sweetheart remark about.

I have no idea. the guy has serious problems, I said.

Reed just shook his head. OK. Whatever.

Trust me, he’s in the minority with his cryptic remarks. He thinks he’s being clever but he just comes across as a doofus. Don’t worry about him.

I won’t, Reed said. But don’t let Rhys hear him make comments like that. Or that guy will get a pummelling. Rhys has anger issues. Best not to poke the sleeping bear—if you get what I’m saying?

We do, I said. Trust me, we do.

When we finished it was late—11 pm. Peters and his cronies had left a while ago, and there were only a few tables left with customers. We were getting tired, and I had to get Reed set up in the guest room at home so we left. Van drove Raj home while Reed came with me.

Boy, that Peter’s guy sure is a jerk—he would get along with Rhys just fine, he added with grin.

Why do you hate your brother so much?, I asked. I don’t mean to pry—it’s just I never saw twins act so differently. You guys are like night and day.

Reed was quiet for a moment and I thought I had stepped over a line. But then he spoke up. It’s about our Mom, he said finally.

I know she’s sick, I said.

Yeah, well she almost died last year but rallied soon after. Rhys thinks she cares more about me than him. I don’t know why he thinks this. It’s crazy but every time I tell him he just gets mad and wants to pummel me. That’s what the fight was about earlier. I got a phone call from Mom and he freaked. She was going to call him right after on his cell, but the fact she called me first—well you can see my point? Look, Justin, I’m sorry but I lied about Rhys not letting me in the trailer tonight. I didn’t want to go back there. I really hate Rhys. He’s so mean and cruel to me. I wish he wasn’t my brother.

I didn’t know what to say. What could I say? I didn’t have a brother so I had no idea what it was like. Especially a twin brother. That had to be tough sometimes.

We pulled in the driveway of my house on Ravine Rd.,  a few minutes later. The house backed on to a ravine that sloped down to the Salser River, the river for whom the town was named.

It was now close to midnight and I was exhausted. Reed looked like he was ready to collapse as well. We headed into the quiet house but a light was on in the kitchen.

Dad was there seated at the kitchen table nursing a glass of water. He was still dressed in his dress pants and shirt, tie undone. He had just returned from Montreal on a case and he looked exhausted as well.

Who’s your friend?, Justin, he said getting up from the table and shaking Reed’s hand.

Reed Wyatt, this is my dad. Luke Macdonald.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Macdonald, Reed said with a grin.

Same here, Reed. Are you new in town?

Reed is Xander Wyatt’s son—one of his sons.

Xander Wyatt? Do I know him?

He’s a stuntman—he’s doing the charity show next week—well he was doing the show—it’s a long story and another long story as to why Reed is with me. But he needs to stay in the guest room. We can explain everything in the morning—oh, it is the morning—well later in the morning at breakfast time.

Sure, Justin, Dad said. Welcome Reed.

Reed nodded, then followed me into the hallway and upstairs. My room was at the end of the hall and the guest room was right across the hall. I quickly made the bed and gave him a ratty pair of gym shorts and old t-shirt to wear to bed, as he didn’t bring anything with him to wear.

Thanks, Justin I really appreciate this. I’m sorry again for being a jerk. I’ll patch things up with Rhys tomorrow. Then I’ll be out of your hair.

I woke with a jerk—well, to pounding on the front door of the house. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. The bedside clock read 6:45. Who was at the door? I crept out of bed. Dad was in his bedroom doorway in his housecoat. Can you see who that is? He muttered, then yawned.

I nodded as I padded down the stairs in my bare feet. The door pounded again as I reached for it and pulled it open.

I was surprised to see Rhys Wyatt standing there. He had a murderous look on his face. Where is he? He grunted pushing past me into the hallway.

Whoa! Slow down, what’s wrong with you, dude?

Where is he? He blurted again turning back to face me.

Dad appeared on the stairs. What’s going on—oh Reed, what’s happened?

Dad this isn’t—

I’m not Reed!, Rhys fairly shrieked.

What? I’m confused, Dad said, coming down to the lower level and tightening up his robe.

Dad this is Rhys Wyatt, Reed’s twin brother.

I can see that now, Dad said. I would appreciate it if you would lower your voice, young man, he said to Rhys. My wife and daughter are trying to sleep. What’s the problem here?

I want to see that jerk face brother of mine, Rhys spat. The little slime ball took off last night and left me alone.

I invited him out, I said, realizing now that it might have been a bad idea.

You! He shrieked, then lowered his voice when Dad glared at him. You invited him out. Why? I don’t understand?

Look, can we talk about this in a civilized manner, I said, pointing to the living room. I’ll go get Reed. Just wait here, quietly, please.

I’ll go make some coffee, Dad suggested and he moved off to the kitchen.

I went upstairs and knocked on the guest room door. Reed opened it a minute later. What’s up? You guys sure get up early around here. It’s not even 7 yet.

Rhys is here.

Oh, he muttered. OK, I’ll get dressed. He closed the door and reappeared a minute later in the clothes he had on the night before. He followed me downstairs.

Rhys saw his brother and stood up from the couch. So you’re staying here now?, he sneered. Why?

No, Reed said. I—just wanted to get away from you for one night. Justin and his family were nice enough to put me up for the night. You’re always at me, trying to punch and hit me. I don’t like it but you don’t see to get it. And you don’t stop.

Rhys looked ready to hit him again, but thankfully refrained. Fine, he said between gritted teeth. Can you come back to the fairgrounds with me now? Dad wants to talk to us. Rhys turned to me but didn’t say anything. I could tell he didn’t like me very much. Probably wondered why I asked his brother to come out last night and not him. I just figured I would get more information out of Reed—that was all. Reed was a lot—calmer.

Rhys turned and headed to the door. Reed followed him. Come on, Dad’s waiting for us, Rhys muttered.

Reed looked at me. Justin, can you come with us?

He wasn’t invited, Rhys grunted.

I’m not going with you alone, Reed said, stopping at the front door. No way.

Why not?, Rhys said turning back to face him. I’m not going to do anything.

I don’t trust you, Reed remarked. And—I’m scared. I’m—scared of being alone with you.

W-what? Rhys said with a smirk. Scared of me? Come on, that’s nuts, man. What are you talking about?

I’ll drive Reed out to the fairgrounds, I offered. It’s no big deal. Reed doesn’t want to go with you.

This is none of your business, Justin, Rhys said with gritted teeth. Keep your nose out of it.

It is my business if Reed needs my help. Reed’s my friend. I don’t know what your problem is, Rhys, but your brother doesn’t trust you—and frankly I don’t either. So, I’m driving him. We’ll meet you at the fairgrounds.

Rhys glared at me, but didn’t respond. He just turned around and left the house. I ran upstairs to change into cargo shorts and t-shirt. I found a pair of sweat socks rolled up on the floor and put them on then went back down and pulled on my high-tops at the door. Dad appeared with two travel mugs with coffee. For the road, he offered. Reed and I thanked him and left.

Whoa, dude your brother has some serious anger issues, you weren’t kidding. He could have just texted you to come out to the fairgrounds, I said as we headed to my SUV.

He wanted me alone—probably so he could beat me up.

The early morning mist was rising above the lawn, my cell phone beeped with an incoming message as I got in the driver’s seat.

It was from Xander Wyatt.

<Justin you need to get out here now something serious is going down! I hope reed is with you.>

The Deadliest Stunt Chapter 2

The Deadliest Stunt

Chapter 2

What in the—! Xander said, rushing to the door and heading outside. Van, Raj and I followed outside—into chaos! People were running everywhere, black smoke billowing out from the fairground stands about 100 m ahead of us.

An older gentleman came up to us. He was dressed in a dark ill-fitting brown business suit and had a nerdy haircut with a thick moustache and had a bit of a paunch. Wyatt, you gotta see this, come on, the man said, eyeing us curiously but then ignoring us. Xander followed the man around the line of trailers to where the bleachers faced the small enclosed field. Normally during the annual fair this was where the livestock shows were held and stages were set up for music concerts.

A whole section of the bleachers had been blown away, leaving a gaping hole! Was anyone hurt? Xander said and the man shook his head. Not that we know of.

Reed and Rhys came up to us at that point. What happened here? Reed asked wide eyed.

Sirens filled the air as the police, firetruck and ambulance were on their way.

I don’t know, Xander said. But this is certainly going to put a kibosh on our charity show. We may have to cancel it—the local police were concerned about safety—well this is a huge safety breach.

You’re here to find out who’s been threatening Dad to cancel the show? Rhys Wyatt said, turning to me with a scowl. You’d better find out—quick.

I will, I promise, I said, looking at Van and Raj who just nodded. I turned to Xander. I’ll have a talk with the local authorities. I’ll see if we can get more security round the clock. And if we can find out who’s behind this before the show on Saturday night—then maybe the show will go on.

Xander nodded. Thanks, Justin. He turned to his sons. I want you two to help Justin and his friends. I don’t want to hear of your giving him trouble. Xander turned to me. Let me know if these guys give you any problems?

I nodded.

Rhys didn’t look too enthusiastic but said he would help me. Reed looked a little more cooperative.

We moved off to survey the damage. A whole section of bleachers was blown to bits. The fire crews worked to put out a small blaze and the police milled around asking for eyewitnesses. Officer Canning came up to us at a minute later. He eyed me suspiciously. Figured you would be here, Justin, he said with a sigh. I always seemed to be in the middle of it when something bad happened.

Yeah, I said. Pure coincidence, Paul, I said. Paul Canning was a friend of Dad’s and knew well of my reputation in town. He liked to joke around but deep down he respected me and I respected him as a good policeman. He usually gave me a wide berth when investigating mysteries around town.

Any idea how it happened? Xander said, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Not yet, Canning said. But obviously this changes things for the charity show. We’re going to have to consider cancelling—.

No, I said, Please Paul. Give us some time to find out who’s behind this.

The police are looking into it Justin. Now, Mr. Wyatt here may have asked you to investigate but the safety of the staff here at the fairgrounds and Mr. Wyatt’s people is our biggest concern.

This sabotage was obviously done to stop the show. We’d be giving in to the saboteurs. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to stop a charity show—but someone wants it stopped. You do your investigation and I’ll do mine. Together we can find out who’s responsible. But this is too important to cancel. The hospital needs funds to be built.

Don’t you think I know that,  Justin, Canning said with a frown. It would be a tragedy if the show was cancelled. But if someone were badly hurt—or killed that would be an even bigger tragedy.

It’s very important that the show goes on, Xander remarked. I have other reasons that I’d rather not discuss at present, but suffice it to say that I have a lot riding on this show going on as planned.

We were silent for a moment. Then I spoke up. I’m sorry, Paul. I know you’re thinking of the safety. But is there some way we can compromise? What if we were to continue with the show, but if we can’t find out who’s responsible then at that time we cancel.

I don’t know, Justin, Canning said. If we continue on and someone is hurt—then was it really worth the risk?

I see your point, I said with a sigh.

What if we say that the show is cancelled? Then whoever is behind this will stop because they’ll have thought they won? Rhys Wyatt spoke up. His brother looked at him and rolled his eyes.

I don’t know, son, Xander said. It takes a lot of preparation to get the show ready. If we stop working on it now—we won’t have enough time to get ready for it if we do catch who is behind this.

How long do you need to get ready? I asked. Would three or four days be enough?

Xander pondered that for a moment. I supposed four days would be enough time. I mainly came here early for publicity events and this reception tonight. I had some media events planned for next Friday and Saturday morning, the day of the show.

Good. I said. So if you cancel them hopefully they can be uncancelled closer to the day of the event.

Meanwhile, I could announce that we are cancelling the show due to technical difficulties, Xander remarked.  I could send some of my people back to L.A.—but we could stay, he said added looking at his sons. Say we’re just visiting my sister and family.

And I—we try to flush out the saboteur, I said glancing at Canning who nodded.

Who do we let in on this little secret? Xander said looking between me and Canning.

No one but this little group, Canning said. We have no idea who is behind this, if it’s one of your people, or someone else. We can’t take that chance. As far as anyone is concerned, the show is off.

We were all silent for a moment. I just hoped that this worked. I had some major work to do myself. Thankfully I had some help as I was sure Van and Raj would help me. Having the Wyatt twins  helping I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a mistake. I guess I would soon find out.

And find out I did.

An hour later Xander Wyatt stood on the main fairgrounds  and before media people and town dignitaries that included Mayor Trevor Harding, announced that due to technical difficulties beyond his control, the charity show would have to be cancelled.

A murmur of voices went up from the gathered crowd. Is it because of the explosion? A voice called out from the group of media people.

Not directly, Xander said smoothly. But I will say one thing. Safety is a top priority among stuntmen in general and me in particular. I didn’t rise in this field by taking unnecessary chances. Safety is a huge issue and the events of earlier this evening have certainly made an impact on my decision to cancel.

That last remark was said in case the saboteur was in attendance, which they very likely could be. All of Wyatt’s people were present. The dorky guy in the suit with the moustache I had met briefly earlier, was seated on stage and he looked extremely annoyed that the show was cancelled. He was, I found out a short time ago, Leland Mortimer, Xander Wyatt’s manager. He was actually the one who suggested a charity show and had contacted Millie Pruitt about setting it up here in Port Salser.

He was not in on the ruse. It could have been him who was behind the sabotage, but I didn’t think so. What would he possibly have to gain by stopping it? What would anyone have to gain by stopping it?

But someone did want to stop it. But why?

After the reception was over it was now close to 10 pm. I decided to get to know the Wyatt twins a little better and decided to ask them if they wanted to hang out at my favourite burger joint in town, Billy Burger.

I found them out behind the trailers a short time later. Fighting. Actually rolling around in the dirt, punching each other.

Hey! A voice roared from behind me. Xander Wyatt approached his sons who had stopped their altercation. The both stood up, dirt smeared on their faces, arms and legs. Reed had a bloody nose and Rhys had a cut on his lip.

What are you two doing, Xander exclaimed glaring at them. You promised me you would get along.

He’s a jerk, Reed Wyatt spat. And a bully.

You’re the jerk, Rhys muttered trying to take another swing at his brother. He turned to me. What are you looking at? Want a piece of me? Hunh, Macdonald. I’ll whip your butt, just like I whipped my little brothers’ butt.

You did no such thing, Reed  blurted. And I’m not your little brother.

I did too, Rhys retorted. He turned back to me. Come on let’s see what you Port Salser boys got. Come on!

Rhys. Go back to your trailer.

But—.

Now, Xander roared. Rhys walked off muttering to himself. Xander turned to Reed who just watched his brother walk away. Wow, for identical twins these guys were sure different.

What was that all about? Xander said, glaring at Reed who was wiping blood from his nose.

Nothing, he muttered. He turned to walk away.

Reed, what is your problem?

Leave it dad, he mumbled and shuffled away.

Xander turned to me. Sorry you had to see that, he remarked. Those two have been at each other for months. I don’t know what’s got into them. I brought them on this trip hoping they would get along better, you know keep them busy with the charity show. Now that’s not going to happen. I don’t know what to do.

I shrugged. Sorry I don’t have teenage sons, I said. But my dad does, I added with a grin. Maybe you could talk to him.

What do you want? Reed Wyatt said, looking up at me as I entered the front door of his dad’s trailer.  He unfortunately shared another trailer with his brother and Rhys had locked him out. His nose was swollen and he had tissues plugging up his nostrils. Just leave me alone, will you?

Sure, I can do that, I said, but I actually came to invite you to come into town with me and my buddies to hang out for a while. You know, get away from this.

Reed looked up at me. Just me—or did you invite jerk face along too?

No, I didn’t invite Rhys, I said. I know you guys aren’t getting along—.

Reed snorted—as much as he could with tissue up his nose. You think? He muttered. Boy you are a good detective.

You know what? I don’t care what your beef is with your brother—I really don’t. I’m just trying to be friendly to a guy from out of town—whose Mom’s in the hospital. I thought if you got away from your dad and your brother and just hung out—that hey—you might relax a little.

Why me? He said, pulling a bloody tissue from his nose.

Because you aren’t as likely to want to rip my head off as your more hotheaded brother.

Reed smiled. That’s true. Rhys always had a bad temper.

So what do you say, dude?

He thought for a moment then said, sure. Can I tell Rhys where I’m going. He’ll be really ticked he wasn’t invited.

I just shook my head. Sure, I said. But make it quick.

He returned a moment later. I have a problem, he said. My brother won’t let me back into the trailer. Dad doesn’t have any room in his trailer. I have nowhere to stay tonight.

The Deadliest Stunt Chapter 1

The Deadliest Stunt

Chapter 1

Rain spattered against the large window beside me. I was sitting in History class and it was last period on Friday. Through the rain I could see the cars in the student parking lot getting splattered.

Justin? A voice called out.

Hmm? I said turning around to face—the whole class staring at me. Yes, right—the battle of 1812! I blurted out, sitting up straight in my seat. A handful of students chuckled and the teacher, Mrs. Pruitt smiled. I hardly think that was when Prime Minister Trudeau signed the Charter of Canada, she said with a smirk. Very well, she added with a sigh. Seeing as it’s Friday before the long weekend, you can all go five minutes early. Remember your reading assignment for the weekend. Two chapters for Tuesday. Class dismissed.

I jumped up from my seat at the back of the class and headed to the front where the door exited to the hallway.

Justin? Can I see you for a moment? Mrs. Pruitt remarked.

Sure, I said, stopping at her desk. I figured she was going to ream me out for dozing off in class. I’m sorry about that, not paying attention. It won’t happen again.

Oh, never mind that, Justin. That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.

Oh? Ok, what’s up?

She smiled. I know you’re a bit of an amateur detective and—well I was wondering if you could talk to my brother?

Ah, sure, I said. What’s happened?

It’s just—well he’s gotten a few threatening notes and phone calls and he doesn’t know from who or why.

Has he told the police? I said, putting my books down on her desk. They were getting heavy—I had a lot of reading homework for the weekend.

Yes, she said. He has. You see, my brother Xander Wyatt is somebody—well he’s famous—in his field anyway.

I’ve heard of him, I said. He’s a stuntman, isn’t he?

Yes, Mrs. Pruitt replied. Xander—he’s from Toronto originally but he moved to L.A. a few years ago with his family. He was actually a stuntman on that last superhero movie—what was it called again? The Masked Avenger—or something like that. I don’t keep up on all these new movies. Anyway he’s coming to Port Salser for a charity show that’s happening next Saturday night. He’s doing it for one of my charities, I asked him if he would come here and do a show.

Right, I said, remembering now the ad in the local paper. “The Deadliest Stunt” I think his show is called. He’s going to perform some stunts from popular movies, then for the final stunt, he’s going to ride a motorcycle from an airplane with a parachute and land and then ride away.

Mrs. Pruitt looked impressed. Yes, Justin. That’s right. We’re very proud of Xander. He’s worked hard to get where he is. But now—I.

Something’s happened?

Nothing too serious—yet, like I said, he’s received threats. Well I guess that is serious.

What kind of threats? I asked, my interested now piqued. You mentioned threatening notes and phone calls.

His office in L.A. has received some threatening phone calls. His secretary is quite distraught over this whole thing and has asked for a leave of absence.

Then, last week he received a letter in the mail, threatening to sabotage the stunt show here in Port Salser if he were to go ahead with it.

Someone doesn’t want him to perform the stunt show here in town? Why is that? Did the letter say anything like that?

I’m not sure, Justin, Mrs. Pruitt said. Xander will be in town tonight—there is a reception being held out at the fairgrounds at 7. Were you planning on being there?

No, I said. I had other plans—but they can be postponed. I would really like to meet Xander. My friends would like to meet him as well. Is this an invitation?

Yes, she said with a smile. I know of your reputation and that of your fathers’. I know you would be able to help Xander—if you want to that is. He’s spoken to the police in L.A. and has been in contact with them here as well, so the security will be beefed up for the stunt show.

Right, I said. So he has no intention of stopping the show, then?

Not at the present, Mrs. Pruitt said. If the authorities deem the threats serious enough to harm public safety then they will pull the plug—but Xander is doing this for a local charity—the new children’s hospital they’re building downtown. It’s a charity that I belong to. Like I said, he’s doing this for me.

Yes, that’s due to start construction in a few months. I wasn’t aware of the involvement of the charity in the stunt show. It didn’t mention that in the paper.

No, Xander wanted to announce it at the event next Saturday. Now, Xander is a little—different—but you’ll see that when you meet him tonight. His sons will be there—twins Reed and Rhys. They’re about your age. They travel with their father, their mother is back in L.A. she’s ill—with cancer. Xander didn’t want to leave her, but Ruth insisted he come with the boys.

Mrs. Pruitt sighed and put her head down. I’m a little ashamed to admit it, but Xander and I didn’t always get along when we were younger. He is a bit of a—rebel. I was a lot older than him. He was bit wild like I said. But we’ve patched things up over the years—I’ve learned to accept him as he is and he’s learned to put up with a boring older sister. Anyway he’s excited to do this charity thing for me—but you’ll meet him anyway tonight—if you want to talk to him, that is?

Sure, I said. I would love to meet him—frankly I’m curious.

Thanks, Justin. I really appreciate it. But don’t think by your helping me that you can fall asleep in my class!

Right, I said, sheepishly. It won’t happen again.

At 7 pm, my buddies Van and Raj met me at the front gate of the town fairgrounds, north of the city limits. Port Salser was a city of about 30,000 on Lake Ontario, just east of Toronto.

Van Gilman was about an inch shorter than my 6’1” and had dark hair and brown eyes. He was the goalie for the local hockey team, the Port Salser Porcupines. He loved all kinds of sports and was always involved in something all year round. He was a good guy to have in a fight. He was dressed casually in cargo shorts and t-shirt and work boots as he had been working at a garden centre for a few hours after school. His shift had just ended a short time ago.

Raj Mistry was a year older and was originally from Mumbai, India and had moved with his mother, father and twin sister Neela to town a while back. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes and sported a cool moustache. His attire included basketball shorts and flip flops with a muscle shirt with a famous rock band logo on the front.

Dude, we’re really going to meet Xander Wyatt? Van blurted as we went in the front entrance of the fairgrounds. The “meet and greet” was by invitation only and Mrs. Pruitt had left 3 of them for us at the front gate.

Yeah, Raj said, eyes twinkling. He’s really famous—not many stuntmen are but everyone wants to work with him in Hollywood.

How do you know this? Van said turning to Raj.

I am up on all current events, he said with a  big grin. I read the movie magazines too. Xander Wyatt is a well-known name around the movie business.

I nodded. Yeah, and Mrs. Pruitt is his sister, can you believe it?

No, Van muttered. I can’t. She’s so—straight laced and proper but Xander—have you seen a picture of him?

Not recently, I said. Why?

You’ll see. The guy’s actually cool, he remarked.

Up ahead by the back of the bleachers, two young guys were arguing. A moment later I realized they were identical twins.

That must be Xanders’ sons, Reed and Rhys, I said pointing. Looks like trouble.

I didn’t put it there, one of the youths retorted.

Well I didn’t either. I’m telling Dad about this.

The two youths turned and saw us watching them. Who are you? One of the youths asked.

I pointed to myself, Me? I said.

Yeah, the youth who had an ultra-blue long sleeve t-shirt and baggy black jean shorts and black high-tops said. He had blond spiky hair with blue eyes. Do you guys want something?

You’re the Wyatt brothers? I asked.

Yeah, so who wants to know? The other youth retorted. He had a red long sleeve t-shirt and khaki shorts and white sneakers—and the same blond hair. 

I’m Justin Macdonald. These are my friends Van Gilman and Raj Mistry. Your aunt—actually I don’t know her first  name—well she asked if I would talk to your Dad.

The Wyatt brothers looked at us like we were joking. Blue shirt guy chuckled. Aunt Millie is your history teacher, right?

Yes, and you are—?

The youth in the red shirt spoke up. I’m Rhys and my brother is Reed. He’s not as good looking as me as you can see.

Reed, Rhys, great to meet you, but is your dad around? I asked.

Sure, Rhys said, pointing to the line of trailers behind the bleachers. Dad’s getting ready for the party, he added. He turned to his brother. I’m telling Dad that I didn’t put his phone on the sink. It’s your fault it fell into the water and got ruined.

Well I didn’t leave it there, either. Tell him if you want.

Reed turned to me. I’ll take you guys to Dad. Reed led the way and Van, Raj and I followed, leaving Rhys alone. He just muttered and shook his head as we left.

A large trailer was parked at the end of a line of trailers. As we walked towards it, Reed spoke up. Sorry we were so rude back there. Rhys can be a bit of a jerk sometimes. We’ll be moving to Port Salser in a few weeks and Rhys isn’t happy about it. Seems he has a girlfriend back in L.A. I know hard to believe, eh? He’s an ugly butt. Personality to match.

But he’s identical—Raj was about to say but I shook my head. He’s joking, I mouthed to him.

Reed knocked on the door of the large trailer and a moment later a head popped out.

What is it Reed? The man said, then saw us standing behind him. Oh, you must be Justin and his friends. Come on in.

Xander Wyatt stood aside as we went inside his massive trailer. He turned to his son. Go get your brother and bring him here—now!

Reed moved off.

The inside of the trailer looked like a home on wheels. I turned to Xander and was a bit surprised at his appearance. He was tall about 6’3”, and was very slim. He had dark spiky hair and green eyes.  A small patch of whiskers graced his chin. He wore a white muscle shirt that showed off sleeve tattoos on both arms. They were colourful  pictures of birds with leaves and vines. He had jeans with holes in the knees. Leather studded bracelets hung off one wrist and he had a chain around his neck with a strange symbol in silver with a cross as well. Large gleaming white high-tops completed his outfit.

You’re one of Millie’s students, he said, shaking my hand. He was surprisingly soft spoken and had a bit of an accent. Was it Australian?

Right, I said, I’m Justin and these are my buddies Van and Raj. Xander shook each of their hands in turn.

Nice to meet you all. I see you’ve met Reed—my son.

Yeah, Van said. We met Rhys as well. They seem like nice guys.

Oh, very good, he said. Now, Millie, my sister asked you to come to talk to me. I will admit I was a bit skeptical when she said you were her students, but she informed me that you were a very good amateur detective. I’ve notified the police both in L.A. and here about what’s been happening, but frankly there isn’t much they can do. The notes were not able to be traced nor the phone call neither. It was made from a pay phone in downtown L.A., so anyone could have made it.

What were the threats about? I wondered.

Before he could answer a powerful explosion rocked the area!