The Deadliest Stunt Chapter 5

The Deadliest Stunt

Chapter 5

Rhys turned and saw us coming, a smile slowly forming on his face.

You were looking for me?, Reed said, coming up to his brother.

Yeah, I wanted to talk to Justin actually. I was thinking about what you said earlier, he remarked. I noticed he was acting a little nervous. A change from his usual arrogance and belligerence. I know I’ve been a jerk. I won’t make any friends if I turn everyone off. So, I’d like to apologize.

Well, knock me down with a  feather!. Ah, OK, Rhys. I’m glad you said that because I was thinking of inviting you out tonight—like I did your brother last night. We could hang out a bit with my buddies. I could show you my favourite eating establishment, grab a bite and maybe—I don’t know. Do something. What do you say?

That’s great, Justin. What time?

About 6?

Sure, he said with a grin. He turned to his brother. You can stay in the trailer tonight if you want. I promise I won’t beat you up, OK?

OK, Reed said warily.

Look I got an errand to run for Dad so I’ll see you guys later, eh?

I nodded. Sure, Rhys. See you around.

Rhys walked off and I turned to Reed.

Who was that? Reed said. It sure wasn’t Rhys. You don’t think he’s serious about being sorry.

No, I don’t, I said. Not for one minute. He’s up to something. I don’t know what but I’m going to find out.

The rest of the day was spent talking to various members of Xander’s crew. Most of them would be leaving tomorrow—Sunday. Only a handful were staying behind. Once Xander would make his announcement that he was staying permanently in Port Salser then there was sure to be some murmuring.

The only one who stood out as a suspect was Raina. I planned on going home and doing some research. Reed had some chores for his father so around 3 pm I left to get ready for my “date” with Rhys.

I went home, showered and changed into a black long sleeve button up shirt with black Bermuda shorts. I made the extra effort and actually pulled a clean pair of socks from my drawer and put them on. (I know,  it was very strenuous).

It was only 4:30 and I was meeting the guys at Billy Burger at 6 so I had a bit of time.

I sat at my desk in my room and booted it up and did a quick search on Raina Malone. I found out her last name from Leland before I left the fairgrounds. She was 27—older than I thought, and was originally from Miami, Florida where she majored in art. More recently she got into a different kind of art—performing art. Art that was not static but fluid, that included movement and colour. She took a fascination for pyrotechnics and included them in her art.

She eventually got a job with Xander about 3 years previous in L.A. and has been with him ever since as his pyrotechnic expert.

Nothing unusual there. So the girl liked to play with fire. No reason to suspect she would want to stop the charity show. Maybe it was nobody in Xander’s group. Maybe it was somebody in Port Salser? I did a search on a few more people and even included the Wyatt’s.

I found something interesting when researching Rhys Wyatt. He had been arrested last year on a robbery charge. He stole money from another student at the high school they went to. It wasn’t the first time he had been caught stealing. He was suspended from school for a while and was almost sent to juvenile hall, but with his father being famous, he was spared such inconveniences.

There was nothing on Reed Wyatt. Well, nothing bad. He had been part of the school paper and was the editor for a while. The paper won some award about 2 years previous with him as editor. It was quite prestigious for the school.

Wow. What a difference between the two brothers. Rhys was a trouble maker while Reed was getting awards. Was Rhys jealous of his brother?

It was time to leave so I shut down my laptop and headed downstairs. Dad and Mom were about to make supper—hot dogs and fries. My younger sister Kimmy was at a friend’s house for the night.

Have fun, Mom said as I passed through the kitchen.

I will, I said as I pulled on my sneakers and grabbed my keys. I headed out to my SUV and got inside.

I backed out of the driveway and headed downtown. As I crossed the Salser River bridge it started to rain. I glanced over and saw a familiar figure crossing the bridge. He was getting soaked in the downpour.

It was my cousin, Alex. I pulled the SUV over and honked. Alex saw me and ran up and got in the passenger seat. Thanks Justin, he said, wiping water from his eyes. Can you take me to Billy Burger. I’ve got a date.

I turned to my cousin. He was dressed in denim shorts and white muscle t-shirt. The t-shirt was worn mainly to show off his tattoo on his upper arm of a large cross with a snake wrapped around it. His hair was now wet but it had enough gel that it was all shiny and flat. He used his fingers to “spike” his hair back up. He sported small CBR earrings, one in each ear. Large white sneakers completed his outfit. If you’re going on a date, you should have dressed up more, dude, I said, giving him a look.

Hey, I had a shower, he muttered. I put on cologne. That’s good enough. If the chick doesn’t like what I’m wearing, then too bad.

Whatever, I said. I pulled away from the curb and continued on. I’m going there too, I’m  meeting the guys. Say, if your date doesn’t work out, then you can join us.

Why wouldn’t it work out? He said turning to me.

I’m joking, I said with a sigh. Of course it will work out. You’re a real charmer.

You bet I am, he said with a grin. I just rolled my eyes. Alex had recently moved to Port Salser and I was getting used to his blunt—almost rude at times—manner.

We arrived at Billy Burger a few minutes later. Alex took off as soon as I parked with hardly a thank you. He didn’t want to be seen hanging around with his “uncool” cousin, I think.

I went inside and found Van and Raj at our usual table. Rhys hadn’t shown up yet. I spotted Alex in the far corner sitting with a girl from my Math class. Maria, I think her name was. She was admiring Alex’s tattoo.

Alex has a hot date I see, Van said with a grin as I sat down across from him and Raj. Hope this one works out for him.

I’m sure it will, I remarked. He actually took a shower before this one. She must be someone special.

Van and Raj had a good laugh.

So are you sure about this, Justin, inviting Rhys out like this, Van remarked. He’s the polar opposite of his brother. I don’t know how they can be brothers, let alone twins.

I just want to show him that we don’t hate him. He can be a bit of a jerk but he’s jealous of his brother a little. So when he gets here act all cool and well—you know not like normal, I added with a smirk.

Van just shook his head. Oh here he comes.

I turned to see Rhys approach our table with a big grin on his face. He was wearing a nice dress shirt and Bermuda shorts with sandals.

Hey, Justin, he said as he slid in beside me. Van. Raj, he added with a nod.

Rhys, how’s it going?

Good, he remarked. He still seemed a little nervous. Say, let’s just get this out of the way. I’m sorry about earlier this morning—showing up at your house looking for Reed. It bugged me that he went out with you guys—I’ll admit that right now. But I’m over it and I’m here now, so let’s enjoy our evening? So what’s good here…

After our artery hardening meal we decided to catch a movie at the Cineplex at the Port Salser Mall. The four of us decided on the Masked Avenger—seeing as Rhys’ dad was in it. Xander had decided to do the stunt show while the movie would still be playing in theaters. Kind of a cross promotion. The movie company had sponsored a bit of the show and I wondered now if someone at the movie company was involved in the sabotage.

As I watched the movie I kept wondering what Rhys was up to. He sure changed his tune fast and I wasn’t buying any of it. He was acting nervous which wasn’t in line with his usual arrogant character. He either wanted something from me or wanted me to see something? Or wanted to keep me occupied? I didn’t know but I needed to find out.

He was unusually quiet before and after the movie. He had sure had a lot to say earlier and made it known that he did not want to be my friend. Why the sudden change?

After the movie he was ready to go back to my place for a party. An unscheduled one at that. He didn’t want to return to the fairgrounds and the bus. Reed was most likely there and would probably be sleeping.

I don’t know, I said when he suggested to continue the party at my place. My parents—.

Aw, come on Justin, don’t be a party pooper. I want to see how you Port Salser boys party.

Justin’s right, Van said. I know its Saturday night but it’s late. Raj nodded then yawned loudly as if to make his point.

Boy you dudes are a bunch of wet blankets, Rhys remarked. Can we go to a club or something? You must have something in town like that.

Sorry, no clubs, I said. Guess Port Salser is boring compared to what you’re used to.

You got that right, Rhys muttered. OK, then. Hey, what about the marina. Can we take a boat for a ride? Come on, I gotta do something. I haven’t even officially moved here yet and I’m already bored of this place. I want to have some fun.

I don’t know what to tell you, Rhys. We’re a boring town. And there’s no boats to take a ride in. Especially at this time of night.

I’m not buying it. There’s got to be something around here to do. I’m not giving up until I find it.

Well I’m giving up, Van mumbled. Raj agreed.

OK, then you guys can leave. Justin will stay with me, right, buddy? Rhys said with a big grin.

I was torn between getting a good night’s sleep and finding out why the heck he wanted to keep me occupied. I got a bad feeling something sinister was going on. I had to stay with him if I wanted to find out.

Sure, I said, with an equally bright smile.

Take care then, Van mumbled as he got in the driver’s seat of his car. Raj got in the passenger seat and they drove away.

I pulled out my cell phone and was about to text Reed to see if he was still up and to see if he was OK.

What are you doing? Rhys demanded.

Texting your brother, I said.

Why? Rhys said, more forcefully now. He’s fine. Leave him alone. You’re hanging out with me, remember?

Sure, I said, but I just wanted to make sure he was OK.

What are you, his mother? Like I said he’s fine. Leave him alone, he’s probably asleep. Come on, let’s get this party started, dude.

I put my phone back in my pocket and turned to Rhys. What was he up to? Had something happened to Reed?