Trail Of Terror Chapter 6

Trail Of Terror

Chapter 6 

Cody

The ATV engine roared to life. A second later Josh’s ATV roared to life as well. I glanced at the third ATV, the one Ben would usually ride and I felt a pang of guilt. I had given him a hard time that morning. I don’t know why I ragged on him so much. Was I jealous that he was smarter than me?

Come on, Josh blurted over the roar of the engine. He pulled his helmet over his head then shoved the ATV into gear and roared out into the parking lot. I pulled my purple helmet down and followed him out into the mid morning sunshine. We headed up the road to where Ben’s car was still parked off to the side of the road. On the left side a well-worn trail led into the thick woods. If we had had simple dirt bikes, we might not be able to follow the trail, but these were special ATV—as their acronym stated they were ‘all terrain vehicles’ and this was true of these machines. But these were state of the art ATV’s, they’d only been on the market a few months and Dad had gotten a good deal on them.

As the trees weren’t too thick, we could follow the trail over the scrub and dirt. The occasional twig or small tree branch crossed out path but the ATV’s went over them effortlessly.

About a hundred meters ahead Josh slowed his vehicle then came to a stop. I stopped right behind him. What is it? I said over the roar of the engines after taking off my helmet.

Josh pointed at the tree ahead. Someone’s been by here—recently.

How do you know? I said, looking at the tree but not seeing anything unusually. What are you, a detective now?

Josh maneuvered his ATV closer to the tree and showed me where someone had gouged a mark into the bark.

This tree is dying, Josh noted. So, there’s no harm done, but this mark is fresh. Like today likely. The heavy rain from last night would have soaked the gouged part. So this is new.

You are a detective, I remarked. So, who made the mark Sherlock?

It was Ben, was the reply.

And how do you know this? I asked.

The knife that made this mark, I gave it to Ben last Christmas. It makes a very distinctive mark and Ben knew this. He is the smart one, after all.

I nodded in agreement.

He likely didn’t have time to make a specific mark, like his name, Josh remarked. So he made sure that the gouge showed the distinctive serrated edge mark.

Dad would be proud. I said. Heck, I’m even proud of him, I replied.

We’re too hard on him, you know that, right, Josh said ruefully. You and me we get along—mostly, but Ben is so—

Annoying, I offered.

I was going to say “different” but yeah, Josh said. He is annoying. But he is our brother and if one of us were lost he would try to find them. Especially when they were in trouble. And the fact that Ben had to make this mark on the tree, he was not alone. And was likely taken against his will by this person.

Tyson? I remarked.

Yeah. Tyson—now there’s a guy who’s annoying. But we can’t be sure it was him. It could be anyone. Someone could have come across from the mainland—though it’s doubtful. But still possible.

If we assume it was Tyson, why would he take Ben along the trail—against his will, I asked. The guy is weird for sure, but what motive would he have.

There you are acting like a detective, Josh said with a grin. We’d make a good team, he said, putting his helmet back on and revving his engine.

I nodded and put my helmet back on. We took off along the narrow trail once again. Up and down small hills, thick with trees in some spots that we had to go around but we soon found the dirt trail again.

We made good time on the ATV’s, soon reaching the spot where the plane had crashed through the underbrush the previous evening. It looked creepy with the swatch of mud where the plane had slid down the embankment. Josh stopped again and I stopped as well. Josh turned off his engine and I followed suit. The surroundings were eerily quiet, the only noise was the brook at the bottom of the hill.

The only problem with using the ATV’s, I said, is that if anyone is around, they would have heard us coming. Josh nodded.

True, he said, I was hoping we had the element of surprise, but I don’t see anyone and the trail ends just up ahead.

Through the trees ahead we could see Storm Island Strait and the mainland.

Let’s search around, I suggested. Then we could try the landing strip at the top of the hill.

Josh nodded and we both dismounted the ATV’s and locked them. We headed down to the river and stopped. Beyond was another embankment and at the top was a thick grove of trees. Beyond was another embankment down to the shore of the island.

Should we check over there, I said, pointing but Josh shook his head. Only if we don’t see anything on this side. I don’t really want to get these boots wet, he said, motioning to the hiking boots he had put on that morning. I still had my red high-tops and didn’t want them to get wet either.

I’m with you, bro, I said with a grin despite the seriousness of our missing. Ben was missing and we needed to find him.

We moved away from the brook and headed back up the hill, eyes peeled for any movement in the dark forest.

Do you hear that? I said suddenly coming to a stop near where our ATV’s were parked.

What is it? Josh asked, looking around

I thought I heard someone shout.

All I hear is the noise of the water and some birds, he remarked.

We stood stock still but that was I could hear as well.

It must have been my imagination, I muttered. I went to move up the hill but Josh grabbed my arm. Now, I heard something—just now. He said, voice hoarse. It sounded like my name.

We listened again. Then I heard my name.

That must be Ben, I said. He must be around here.

Cody! Josh!

We heard it that time, clearer now. But where was it coming from?

Back down the hill to the brook. The water going over the rocks was loud and we could no longer hear our names. Let’s try the other side of the river, I suggested. So much for my new high-tops. They’re gonna get wet.

With that I trudged into the fast-moving stream, dodging slippery rocks and came up on the other side, my shoes and socks now soaking wet. I glanced across to see that Josh had taken off his boots and socks and rolled up his pant legs.

Wimp! I grunted and he just smiled. Soon he reached the other side and put his boots and socks back on. Not a wimp, just smarter, he remarked.

Whatever, I said turning and climbing the small hill towards the strand of trees at the top. Before I could take more than 3 steps a familiar person stepped out of the trees.

Tyson Brady.

What are you doing here? He muttered, coming towards me. He noticed Josh at that moment and gave a start. W-what are you guys doing here? He repeated.

Looking for our brother, if you must know, I said, moving to go past him but he caught my arm. Ben? he’s not here, Tyson said, licking his lips nervously.

In the months since I’ve known Tyson, I’ve never known him to be nervous. Usually he was a cocky jerk—self confident and full of himself.

Let go of me, I grunted, pulling my arm from his grasp.

Wait, he said. I saw him, just a while ago. He was heading to the airstrip. I think he was heading back home.

He heard someone calling our names, just a bit ago, Josh said, coming over to join us by a large tree stump.

He was probably calling from the other side of the brook, Tyson said, regaining some of his self confidence. Since I saw him go that way.

Right, Josh said, turning to trudge back down the hill. He turned back to face us after taking only a half dozen steps.

What are you doing here? He asked and I nodded, curious to know his answer. Tyson didn’t strike me as the outdoors type. He was more comfortable sitting behind a computer screen in his bedroom. What was he doing in the middle of the forest?

I—ah—was scouting out something for Dad. Something to do with an experiment he’s working on.

Yeah, right, Josh said. I was equally unconvinced. But we had no proof. As nice a guy as his dad was, he was a bit eccentric and very well may have asked Tyson to check something out for him. But don’t tell him, if you see him. I’m supposed to be on the other side of the island.

Our priority now was to find Ben. At least now it looked like Tyson hadn’t taken him against his will. Was someone else on the island and did they have Ben held captive! What was this, some kind of spy movie?

Come on, Cody, my brother said, motioning me to follow him. Leave the professor to do his errand—or is goofing off, whichever.

Tyson visibly wilted as we went back down the hill. I walked right out into the water, my shoes were already wet—and ruined, so what the heck.

I waited while Josh changed out of his boots, then back into his boots then we climbed the muddy hill, my shoes squishing in the wet ground. Remounting our ATV’s we could feel Tyson’s glare as we kicked them to life and started up the hill to the entrance that the plane had made the day before.

We came out into the bright sunlight of the island airstrip. In the distance we could see the airstrip office. There was no activity anywhere around the airstrip. On the tarmac beside the office we could see the wrecked plane and I felt a twinge of—not really sadness, but something. It was a good plane. I hoped it could be salvaged.

Come on, Josh yelled over the roar of the ATV engines. Maybe Ben’s back home.

He roared off towards another trail that led to the road that passed the Brady’s home then the Lamb’s, where George and his daughter lived. Both homes were quiet as we roared past. Soon our house came into view. We had done a complete circuit of the island and found no sign of Ben. Hopefully he was home.

Josh parked his ATV back in the garage and I pulled up beside him and turned off my machine. We jumped off and raced into the house. Mom was in the kitchen with Mac who was making lunch.

Any sign of Ben? Mom asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

No, we thought he was here, I remarked, exchanging a worried glance with Cody.

He hasn’t returned, Mom said. Oh, I’m worried now. We should call the police. 

We’ve already spoken to them today—and have been to the station. They want to talk to Ben about—I think his friend Vik, Josh related while I nodded.

Oh, Vik, his friend from school? Mom asked.

Yes, I said. He was arrested for—they say he’s been charged with smuggling.

Mom and Mac gasped.

Yeah, pretty unbelievable, I said. I hope Ben’s not involved somehow. He has been acting—weird lately, weirder than normal, I added with a wry grin.

You can’t think that Ben is involved in something like that, Mom said.

No, not really, Josh said, glaring at me. But we need to find him. I still think Tyson has something to do with Ben’s disappearing.

Why do you say that? I asked. We were just talking to him and he said he didn’t see Ben.

Pardon? Mom said, standing up. You just—spoke to Tyson? Tyson Brady?

Yeah, in the forest, actually near where we crashed the plane yesterday.

But Tyson is in Vancouver, she remarked. He told his Dad he was leaving early this morning. Roscoe told me this morning at the lab. Tyson was going to visit his cousin. His dad drove him to the airport and came back to start in the lab at 9 am.

Well, Tyson lied. I said. We just talked to him.

Yeah, Josh said. Now why would he lie to us—and to his father?

Trail Of Terror Chapter 5

Trail Of Terror

Chapter 5 

Ben

Where are you taking me, Tyson? I asked, wiping sweat from my forehead. The trail ahead was thick with trees and bushes, with only a small dirt path that lead us further into the woods.

You’ll see, Clayton, he said with a smirk.

Why did this dude hate us so much? I asked as much.

Tyson chuckled. I don’t hate you, Clayton, he said. I don’t hate any of you guys. Hate is too strong a word. Let’s just say I don’t think your old man should be running the lab—that’s all. My father was first choice for this position. Did you know that? He asked, turning to face me.

No, I didn’t, I said.

No of course not, he muttered. My father is a great scientist—.

I know, Tyson, I said ruefully. I know your dad is good. That’s why he works here. My father would only hire the best and your dad is the best.

But not good enough to run this place, Tyson said, stopping and facing me.

No, I said and you know why, don’t you?

Why what? He grunted.

Your father is a good scientist but he’s not equipped to handle the government.

What is that supposed to mean? Tyson said, advancing on me.

I like your dad, he’s a cool guy, but come on, he can’t handle people like Landers. Landers would crush your dad. You know it would happen.

Tyson’s fist lashed out and hit me square on the nose.

Ahh! I blurted, clutching my nose and feeling a gush of blood. What did you do that for? I spurted.

You’re a jerk, Ben, he said, turning on his heels and heading deeper into the forest.

I moved to follow him and soon caught up with him. I grabbed his shoulder and wrenched him around to face me. You’ll pay for this, I said as I balled up my fist. I was about to hit him when a loud whiny screech filled the air. My arm dropped and I glanced around. What—was that?

Tyson just smiled. So, you guys don’t know everything that goes on around here. Good. It’s going to stay that way.

What do you mean? I asked. You know what that noise is?

Maybe, maybe not, he said with a smirk. He turned around again and started walking. I followed him as we headed towards a small hill off to the right. It was devoid of trees and the sunlight beat down on the spot.

What is this place, I said looking past Tyson to the bare spot in the woods.

Just an empty spot in the middle of the woods, he said simply. Why, what does it look like to you? A spot where aliens beam up their unsuspecting victims.

You’re a very strange guy, I muttered under my breath, but he apparently heard me as he gave me a funny look.

We followed the trail past the small rise and found where it plunged into the thick woods once again.

On we trudged for what seemed like hours but was likely only about 20 minutes—the island wasn’t that large. Soon the surroundings looked familiar. Over the birds chirping in the trees, I could hear the rush of water and as we rounded a bend in the trail, the hillside to our left showed a large swatch of mud.

This was where Josh crashed the plane last night.

The plane was now gone—George must have had it moved already—but the evidence was still there and would be there for a long time.

Where are you taking me? I asked. I stopped a moment later to survey the damage to the trees and bushes.

Come on, Ben, Tyson said. I need to show you something.

No, I’m going back, I said. I’ve had enough of this. I started to climb the muddy hill, just like I had done the night before. My shoes were caked in mud and the bottom of my jeans were wet and muddy. But I didn’t care. Tyson had lured me with the promise of showing me something “interesting” but I was getting tired of this. A cicada buzzed in a tree overhead as I reached the top of the hill. The hole in the underbrush caused by the plane crashing through was now suddenly darkened.

Two men stood in the middle of the opening. One was tall and had a thick beard and long dark brown hair. The other was shorter with blond hair. They didn’t look very friendly.

I stopped and watched the two men approach. Tyson came up from behind me. Who are you? I asked as the men stopped in front of me.

They’re friends of mine, Tyson said as he came to stand beside the two men.

Nice friends, I muttered. Is this what you wanted to show me?

Oh, a wise guy, the tall bearded guy said. Suddenly he lashed out and punched me in the gut. Oof! I grunted and keeled over, the wind knocked out of me.

Shane! Tyson cried out. Easy on this guy. This is Ben Clayton. His old man runs the lab here and works with my dad. We can’t hurt him or we’ll be in a lot of trouble.

No names, Shane admonished but Tyson just ignored him. Yeah, I know who this is. Thomas Clayton’s son. Tyson nodded.

Who are you guys? I said getting to my feet once I could breath again. My nose was hurting as well, blood crusting around my nose and lips.

Never mind us, the blond man grunted. He turned to Tyson. What are we going to do with this guy? You shouldn’t have brought him here. We were almost finished our operation. Another day or so. Now if this guy talks—.

He won’t, Tyson said with a sly grin. I’ll take care of that.

What are you talking about—what operation?  Is something going on here on the island that my father doesn’t know about?

Shane and the blond guy chuckled but Tyson looked—irritated.

You and your family shouldn’t have come to this island, he said finally. It was too soon after the—never mind.

What? I said. What are you talking about? My father was selected by the committee back in Ottawa to run this lab—here on Storm Island. What was going on here before?

Nothing, Tyson said loudly as if to shut me up. Nothing, he repeated more calmly. Not your concern, Ben.

Come on, Shane said. We have to clean this up. This jerk’s father can’t know about what’s going on here. His brothers are going to come looking for him. And I saw the cops earlier—

What? Tyson blurted.

They were here earlier but I don’t think it has anything to do with us, Shane went on.

Vik. I said. My friend Vik was arrested last night.

Vikram Nath? The blond guy remarked.

Yeah, I said. He’s a friend of mine from India—why am I telling you guys this. I would like to go back home. If my brothers are looking for me which I’m sure they are, then I need to go.

You aren’t going anywhere, Shane said, pulling a gun from the pocket of his jacket.

Really? I asked looking between Shane and Tyson. What have you gotten mixed up in, Tyson? Does your father know about any of this—about these guys?

No, he muttered. And it’s going to stay that way.

Little melodramatic? I said, glancing back at Shane. I tried to look cool but I was about to be sick to my stomach.

The dude had a freakin’ gun!

He put the gun back in his pocket. We don’t need this, he said finally, probably thinking of the ramifications of shooting me in the middle of the forest. Come on, let’s put him in the shed.

The blond guy grabbed my arm. For a small guy he was quite strong. He pulled me along the trail back down the hill towards the river. We splashed through the stream and found the trail on the other side. If my sense of direction was any good, we should be coming to the end of the island soon, the airstrip was behind us. Sure enough, about 5 minutes later I could see the water of the Storm Island Strait through the trees. The mainland was off in the distance. Off to the side of the trail was a small wooden hut, cleverly hidden in the trees. No one would have seen it unless they knew it was there. It looked like it had been there a long time.

The blond guy wrenched open the door and pushed me inside. I turned around to face the three guys. You’re just going to leave me here? I said, looking at Tyson who just had a smirk on his face.

Your dad’s not going to be too happy about this, nor is my father—when he finds out, and you know he will find out. My brothers will find me.

I don’t think so, Tyson snickered, looking at his two companions in turn. Your brothers don’t like you. They don’t care what happens to you.

You’re wrong! I blurted. You don’t know my brothers like I do. They’ll come looking for me when they see my abandoned car.

Tyson just shook his head and rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Shane smiled, showing stained teeth. Come on let’s get out of here.

Wait! Tyson said, advancing on me. He grabbed my jacket and pulled my cell phone out of my pocket.

Nuts! I thought. I was hoping these guys weren’t too bright and wouldn’t think of my cell phone. But Tyson was smarter than I thought.

He turned around and with a pitch worthy of major league baseball, threw my phone into the trees. Good luck finding it now, I thought.

Should we tie him up? Blondie muttered.

Yeah, Tyson said with a gleam in his eye. A large tool box was on the floor at the back of the small room. I hadn’t noticed it in the dimness of the small room. Tyson opened it and pulled out some nylon cord. Knew this stuff would come in handy, he gloated. Before I could see what was inside, he shut the lid. He proceeded to tie my hands up behind my back with the help of Blondie while Shane held my arms steady. His breath smelled of garlic. That reminded me—I was hungry.

There, Tyson muttered moving away from me. My arms were already starting to hurt.

You can’t just leave me here, I exclaimed. What if I get hungry—or have to go to the bathroom.

Tough, Blondie grunted. Shane and Tyson just snickered at my predicament.

Tyson, I said. You don’t want to do this.

Yeah—I do, he said with a smirk—his usual expression. With that, he slammed the door shut and I heard a padlock being put on the door. It was dark in the room, only a sliver of light coming from around the door frame.

I turned and surveyed the room. It was empty except for the tool box. If I could get into that I might be able to find something to cut the nylon cord. A few seconds later the padlock was removed again from the door and then it opened.

Change your mind? I asked hopefully as Tyson stood in the doorway.

No, Tyson said, coming into the room. He grabbed the tool box and picked it up. Forgot to take this he said with a smug look on his face.

With that he left the shed, closed the door and padlocked it again. How was I going to get out of this mess?

Trail Of Terror Chapter 4

Trail Of Terror

Chapter 4 

Josh

 Vik? He’s my brother Ben’s friend. Not mine. I don’t really know him.

You’ll have to come with us regardless, Officer Murphy said. Dad was seated at the kitchen table sipping his coffee and got up and came over to us.

What is this about, he said, looking between the officer and me.

The officer sighed. I’m sorry, sir, but we just need to speak to Josh and his brothers. You are free to accompany them if you wish.

I certainly will accompany you. My son Cody is still a minor.

Right, the officer said, sheepishly.

Just let me change and we’ll be on our way, Dad said.

The police car was parked in the driveway. Another officer was on the radio to headquarters. Dad and I got in the backseat while the Officer Murphy got in the passenger seat.

We can’t locate Ben Clayton, the other officer, a female named Overton, said to Murphy. 

We passed a car on our way here, Overton said, turning to face us. It was a Chevy Cavalier, dark blue. License B9T955.

That’s Ben’s car. Where did you say you found it?

Just along the road by the bridge to the mainland, Murphy said, putting the car in gear. A few moments later we saw the car off to the side of the road. No one was around.

George called me just a while ago. He found the car when he was driving Cody to his band’s practice in town. I got a text message from Ben soon after saying that he was OK, that he was with Tyson Brady.

You should have mentioned this to us earlier, Mr. Clayton, Murphy said, stopping the police car behind Ben’s car.

Why? Dad said. You didn’t ask me about my other sons’ whereabouts. I thought you already knew where they were.

Neither Murphy nor Overton responded. They got out of the car and approached Ben’s car. They returned a few moments later.

Any idea why he left the car here? Murphy asked as he got back in the driver’s seat.

No, Dad said. He didn’t mention anything about his car, just that he changed his mind about going into town and was with Tyson.

And who is this Tyson Brady. A friend?

No, I said ruefully. Tyson’s father Roscoe works in the lab with Mom and Dad. He’s a bit of a—well jerk.

Josh, Dad admonished. That’s not fair.

I remained silent. Overton made a call into headquarters.

Where does Mr. Brady live? Murphy asked.

Back down the trail past our house. They live in the log house along the road past the labs, Dad said resignedly.

Murphy turned the cruiser around and we headed back down the road past our house. Soon the Brady’s home came into view. It looked deserted.

Mr. Brady Sr. is in the lab, Dad said when Overton returned from knocking on the door to the house.

We headed to the lab and parked. We followed the two officers into the lab. The building housed a few different labs actually. A forensic lab that specialized in crime scene investigation. A chemical lab where experiments on chemicals were performed. The government lab was underground and was only accessible through a special door at the end of the corridor. The local police did not even know about this special lab.

There was a computer lab as well. Roscoe Brady was working in the chemical lab.

He looked up in surprise when the two officers followed us into the room where he was seated at a table with beakers and syringes surrounding him.

He was of medium height with dark brown hair and beard. He had on a white lab coat. Goggles covered his eyes. He removed them as he got up from his seat.

Are you Roscoe Brady? Overton asked and Roscoe nodded, glancing at Dad.

It’s OK, Roscoe, the police are just looking for Ben and Tyson, Dad said.

I—ah haven’t seen my son since last night, Roscoe said. And I haven’t seen Ben either.

When is the last time you saw Ben Clayton? Murphy asked, opening up his small notebook.

I—ah don’t remember. It was before they left on their trip, he stammered, looking again at Dad.

My sons ran an errand for me in Vancouver, Dad said evenly. They took our plane and returned last night. My son Josh here was flying.

Murphy nodded. Ok, he said. So, Mr. Brady, you haven’t seen your son or Ben Clayton today at all?

N-no, Roscoe said, scratching his beard nervously.

Very well, thank you for your time, Mr. Brady, Overton remarked. She turned to us. We will now go to the station in Maple Grove. When Ben shows up, we will want to talk to him as well. Actually, him especially as he is friends with Mr. Nath.

Overton and Murphy followed Dad and me from the lab and we returned to the car.

If it’s all the same to you, I would like to follow you into town in our own car, Dad said to the officers. That way we can return on our own when we’re done.

Murphy and Overton exchanged a glance then concurred.

A few minutes later, we were once again on our way to town. Cody was likely already at Police Headquarters as he was already in town. I was worried about Ben, though. His connection to Vikram Nath and now the fact that he was with Tyson Brady.

Tyson was not a friend. He disliked our family since he believed that his father should be running the labs. Roscoe was quite willing to leave the reins of the operation to Mom and Dad, but his son didn’t agree. So why did Ben leave his car and go off with Tyson? It made no sense.

We passed his car as we followed the police cruiser, then crossed the bridge to the mainland. Thick forest bordered the road into the town of Maple Grove. The town was so named as there was a grove of maple trees in the centre of town that had been planted by some visitors to the area over a hundred years earlier. Ben had told us this the day we arrived in the area, being as he was the resident brain of the family—after Mom and Dad of course.

We arrived at Police Headquarters, a block over from the maple grove. Cody was already being questioned and Dad was soon in the room with him. I followed a few minutes later.

What do you know about Vikram Nath? One of the investigating officers asked me after I took a seat next to Cody who just gave me a questioning look.

Not much. I know him from school, I said. I don’t really know anything about him. He’s Ben’s friend. And if he were here, he could tell you more than me or likely Cody as well.

The investigating officer, Officer Melrose nodded and made notes. Vikram Nath was at your home two weeks ago on Friday, Melrose remarked, checking his notes.

I shrugged. I guess. I don’t remember.

Did he leave anything behind, or do you recall him brining anything with him when he arrived but then left without taking it.

What do you mean? I asked, glancing at Cody and Dad.

An envelope or a small box. Did you see him when he was at your home?

I shook my head. I don’t—recall seeing him.

Me either, Cody said exasperated. Can we go now?

Melrose glared at Cody then turned back to me. So, you didn’t see him leave anything behind, then.

How could I have seen that, if I didn’t see him at all that day? I turned to dad. Why do the police always ask dumb questions?

Josh—Dad admonished with a furrowed brow.

It was Melrose’s turn to glare at me.

Your sons are quite disrespectful of authority, Mr. Clayton.

It might help, Dad remarked, ignoring him, that if we knew why these questions are necessary. And what Mr. Nath has been charged with. Surely this is not a secret?

Vikram Nath has been charged with smuggling, Melrose said after a pause.

Smuggling? Dad said, incredulous. But Vik is only a high school student. What was he charged with smuggling?

I am not at liberty to extrapolate on Mr. Nath’s charges. We believe that Mr. Nath’s recent trip to India was to set up a smuggling operation. Our location near the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime area for smuggling—add to that our remoteness. And Storm Island and its proximity to the ocean is suspect as well.

And you think because we live on an island that has access to the ocean and because my son is Vik’s friend—that he’s what? That he’s involved? That any of us are involved? That’s ludicrous.

Then you won’t mind us searching your premises? And any other area of your lab that we deem may be pertinent?

Dad shook his head. Not without a warrant. I can’t believe you called my sons here for questioning without notifying me first. Especially Cody who is only 16.  I also can’t believe you are accusing us of helping with a supposed smuggling operation. We are new to this town and resent the implication that we are involved in anything illegal.

I’m not accusing you of anything, Mr. Clayton.

I also don’t believe that Mr. Nath is involved—but I cannot speak for him. I don’t really know him.

Mr. Clayton. We apologize for this—handling of the situation. We don’t get much of this kind of thing here in Maple Grove. It just seems that it’s too much of a co-incidence that you arrive in the area. You live on Storm Island and have a lab built there. Your son befriends Mr. Nath, who then travels to India under suspicious circumstances soon after. Just what kind of experiments are you working on out there?

That is classified. Dad said finally. We work for the government of Canada. I know Ottawa is far away, but there is where you need to look for answers. Answers that I can’t give you at the present.

Melrose nodded. Again, we apologize, he said. You are free to go. But I will get that warrant.

Very well, Dad said, turning to Cody and me. Let’s go, boys.

As we got up and were about to leave, Melrose said. We need to speak to Ben, he said. He still might know something about Mr. Nath.

Dad nodded. Very well. We’ll let you know when we find him.

Thanks, Melrose said. He turned back to his paperwork, which was a dismissal. Just as well, I didn’t want to spend another minute in that cramped little room.

Out in the corridor Dad turned to us. We need to find your brother. He might still be on the island. I’m worried that he was seen with Tyson. I trust Roscoe, but his son—I don’t trust him at all.

We returned to the car. Cody put in a call to George who was still at the hardware store to tell him that he wouldn’t need a ride back to the island. Then we set out.

We arrived back home shortly thereafter. Mom was in the kitchen, still dressed in her lab coat.

Roscoe told me about the police visit, she said, taking a sip of her coffee. What’s wrong?

Dad related what had happened and about Vik being arrested for smuggling.

And they think Ben is involved? Mom asked incredulous.

Not at the present, Dad said. But they are suspicious—of us and of our operation here. I need to call Ottawa. He turned to Cody and me.

I need you boys to find your brother.

Right, I said. Come on, I said to Cody. Let’s use the ATV’s. Some of those trails can be treacherous.

He smiled. Sure, I’ve been itching to use those since we moved here, he said.

Boys, Dad said. This is serious. We need to find Ben—and soon.

I know, and we’ll be careful, I said.

As Cody and I made our way to the garage where the ATV’s were, I had a nagging feeling Ben was in trouble. We didn’t always see eye to eye but the fact that he was in danger, I was worried for him. I had a bad feeling something had happened to him.