Here is a sneak peek of my second book
The Kidnapped Friend
Chapter One
It's a beautiful summer day, Hank and I are strolling through the woods under a canopy of different trees. Patches of sunlight shines from above and thick green undergrowth covers the ground. The forest is alive with sounds of birds chirping merrily, woodpeckers pecking at the trees to find insects, bees are buzzing around in search of nector, squirrels chittering around to hunt for nuts, and water flowing gently from a nearby stream. We venture deeper into the forest and the further we went, it's like we are walking through a portal to another world.
The deeper we explore the thicker the foilage get, making it hard for the sun to cast its radiance upon the ground and making the forest darker and more foreboding. Just then I spot something out of the corner of my eye in the distance that made me stop dead in my track so I put my hand out to stop Hank.
"What?" He ask me.
"Shh. Get down." I whispered.
"What is it? What do you see?" He replied as he lowers himself to the ground.
"Look."
"Where? I don't see anything."
"Over there by the old ramshackled shed." I whispered as I point my finger in that direction.
"I still don't see anything! Wait? What is a white van doing way out here?"
"That's what I want to know. Come on, lets get closer and find out. Remember to stay low, keep quiet, and watch your step." I instruct him.
"Ok. Do you think we should call the police?"
"And tell them what? That we found the Mystery Machine disquised as a white work van? Besides, I don't think that there's service out here."
“Do you think they'll believe us?"
"Who? The police? No way!! They'll think that we're making it up."
"What about your uncle? Will he believe us?"
"Possibly. First we need to find out what's going on. Come on." I urge him as we stealthily approach the van.
We hid behind a fallen tree about 40 feet from the van's view.
"Get them in hereand move the van closer to the house so we can move the old ones!" A gruffy voice suddenly rang out somewhere nearby.
"Old ones? What does that mean David?"
"I don't know. He could be talking about furniture."
"Whatever he's talking about, I don't like it David."
"Me neither. Lets stay here a few more minutes and see what he's talking about first then we'll go."
"Ok boss. Whatever you say." a deep voice answered.
"Bill, make sure that the doors are locked this time because last time you fogot.. shut up in there! One of the girls tried to run away so we can't let that happen again!! You understand me?" The boss scolded.
"Yes sir." He answered defeatedly.
"Yeah it took us about two hours to recapture her, you big dummy!" A third voice taunted.
"Shut up Seth!" Bill shouted defensively.
"You know. I kind of feel bad for Bill." I whispered.
"Why? David they're doing illegal activities. I don't like being here."
"For the way they're bullying Bill. I mean he's human and that he made a mistake but they shouldn't bully him. Especially Seth. You're right, lets go before they catch us." I agree solemnly.
"Will you two morons knock it off!! We have work to do!!" A fourth voice sternly ordered.
"David, that gruffy voice belongs to Seth right?" Hank asked as he backs away slowly stepping on a twig. Snap!
"Hank! Are you trying to get us caught! Watch where you're stepping!" I hissed as quietly as I could.
"David, I'm...."
"What was that?" Seth ask causing everyone to be on alert.
We held our breath as we silently watch them just to make sure that they don't advance into the woods to investigate the noise.
"It's just a dumb animal!" Bill finally answered after a long eerie silence.
"I thought I heard voices." Seth admitted sheepishly.
"There's no one in the woods but us and the spirits of the dead miners. Oh yeah this used to be an old mining camp back in the day! We're putting the girls in that old mining cabin right there." The fourth voice said.
"David we got to..." Hank said urgently.
"Shh Hank! I want to hear more about the legend!" I replied.
"What legend?" Seth asked.
"We'll tell you tonight around the campfire." Bill stated.
"Ok Hank, we need to go!" I urgently said with a stab of fear.
"I'm right behind you!" He said as we slip away from our hiding spot unseen.
As we swiftly made our escape, I can feel fear and despair closing in on me. We force ourselves to plunge ahead faster as we zigzag around the trees to avoid running into them, leaping over rotted logs, and small streams in the darkening forrest. After an exhausting yet daring escape, we finally made it into a small clearing.
We stumble to a stop gulping for air while sweat penetrating our shirts.
"Hank. I want to go back after my boxing match.'I breathed heavily.
"Are you nuts?! If they catch you, you're dead!" He replied in shock.
"That's the chance I'm willing to take! If there's a hostage situation in that house, we need to help them!!"
"We have to alert your uncle!!"
"Not yet! We cannot tell a single soul until we have evidence. You have to spit-pinkie swear that you won't tell anyone until we have concrete evidence of what we've seen and heard!"
"What if something happens to one of us?"
"Then if that happens, we can call it in. We can't think about that right now because we need to get away from here and fast!"
"Yeah, that'll be a great idea!" Hank agreed.
"What time is it anyway?"
"It's 2:35."
"Shoot! My training starts in 25 minutes! By the time I get back to my house, change into my uniform and arrive there, I'll be 30 minutes late!!" I said in fustration, nearly punching a tree.
"David, I know a short cut that we can take and it will get you there about five minutes early." He offered.
"Where's that?"
"Thrill Mountain."
"Thrill Mountain? The notorious hill that's 200 feet long at a 47 degree angle that draws all thrill seekers?"
"The very same!"
"Well come on then! I can't be late!" I took off with Hank hot on my tail.
"David slow down!!"
"No, you speed up! We're losing precious time!" I hollered back as I burst out of the woods and jumped on my bike.
"Don't forget your helmet!" Hank shouted as he crashed through the thick undergrowth.
"I'm already on it!"
"David, before we go, lets do the spit-pinkie swear real quick!"
"Ok. Repeat after me. I solemnly spit-pinkie swear that I won't tell a single soul about what I've seen and heard until we have solid proof." I said as we spit in our hands, shake them, and then smoothly slid our hands into a pinkie promise.
"I spit-pinkie swear!" He vowed.
"Ok. Lets roll!" I agreed and peddle away.
"Do you know where you're going?" Hank yelled from behind.
"Yeah!" I hollered back.
Peddling as fast as our legs can pump, we zoom around turns almost wiping out until finally making it to Thrill Mountain where we continue to peddle up the hill. Pumping our legs harder to make it to the top but the gravity was too much for us to continue peddling. We got off our bikes and push the rest of the way up to the top. Finally conquering the climb, we stop to rest and admire the view. We felt like kings standing there high on there hill looking over God's country. Then I look down and my legs starts to wobble like Jell-o.
"What's wrong?" Hank asked as he studys me for a couple seconds.
"Nothing. It's just that, umm, I'd never realize how steep this hill is until I'm standing on top of it. That's all." I answered sheepishly.
"Have you ever gone down this hill before?"
"No. This is my first time." I admitted.
"Are you scared?"
"Petrified."
"I was too my first time but once you start to go down and feel the wind in your hair as you fly down the hill, you'll forget about feeling petrified. Don't worry about it." He encouraged me.
"Really? It looks really dangerous."
"David. If it was that dangerous, the city would've closed this road and demolish it."
"True. Still many thrill-seeking teenagers have seriously injured themselves and a few have lost their lives going down this hill."
"That's because they were drinking, doing drugs, and getting high before going down. Plus they were sometimes going down this hill in pouring rain. I went down this hill plenty of times and never wrecked." He admitted proudly.
"I guess it's too late to take the long way around. I have no other choice now, I'm already running late." I said as I got back on my bike and put one foot on a pedal.
I close my eyes and took a few deep breaths to controls my nerves. I open my eyes, hold my breath, and push the left pedal down to begin my descent on Thrill Mountain. As I pick up speed, my heart's racing harder and faster threatening to rip out of my chest. The wind rushing rapidly my face, my shirt flapping madly in the wind as I rapidly gain speed. I squeeze the brake handles to control my speed but for the first time my brakes refuse to work. Terrified, I try applying them again and again but without success.
"Use your brakes!" Hank screamed from behind.
"I'm trying!!" I hollered.
"Apply the brakes!" Hank keeps shouting repeatedly.
"I can't!! My brakes aren't working!!" I screamed in horror as my life flashes before my eyes.
Racing down Thrill Mountain on a run away speeding bullet with no brakes, the speed increases to a dangerous rate as my bike begins to shake violently about half way down.
"David, use your feet!!"
"Are you crazy?! I'll burn my feet off!" I screamed.
“Then go in the ditch!!”
Struggling to maintain my balance, I directed my bike towards the ditch on my right. Then all of the sudden, I heard my front tire crunch; my reflexes stiffen as I was being catapulted off my bike, toss like a rag doll down the hill and came screeching to a halt on my face. Waking up from my brief unconsciousness, I am confuse and disoriented. Looking around, I notice that my helmet is shattered to pieces and that someone is yelling. Not understanding what they are saying, I try to move but only to find out that I am being held to the ground.
Aware of the other person still talking, I strain to listen to what they are saying. Finally I made who it is and what they are saying. It was Hank and he was yelling my name.
“David, David, David! Are you ok?” He keeps asking.
“Everything hurts!” I moan.
“OK. Just stay still. I’m calling 9-1-1!!”
“Please hurry Hank!”
“I’m trying! Try not to move. Everything is going to be ok.” He says as he dials 9-1-1.
“All I feel is pain and I taste blood!!” I moan.
“Hello! 9-1-1? This is Hank Jackson and I’m at Thrill Mountain with my best friend David and he just had a major bicycle accident!!” He choke over the phone as he tries to hold back tears.
“Hank, I don’t think I can stay awake much longer.” I mumble.
“David, you have to stay awake for me buddy!! Help is on the way!!” He sobbed.
“I’ll try.” I said softly.
“David, keep talking to me buddy!” He pleaded while on the phone with 9-1-1.
“I don’t know if I can. The pain is hurts too much!”
“I know it hurts. Try to take your mind off of it.”
“I’m really scared and cold.” I begin to shiver.
“I know you are. You need to keep talking so I’ll know you’re still alive. Help will be here any minute. Ok, buddy?”
“I’m… sorry… I… don’t…. think… I’ll…. Make… it.” I replied as I begin to lose conscious.
“Yes you are!! Listen they’re almost here! I can hear them coming!! Stay awake buddy! PLEASE!!” He pleaded as help arrives.
“Hank. Don’t… go back… without me.”
“I won’t.”
“Promise?”
“Promise. Stay alive for me David. Please.” He stated as he held my hand.
“I’ll try.”
“Ok son. You’re going have to move back so the medics can help him.” One of the responding officers ordered.
“Hank.” I croak as the paramedics put a neck brace on me and load me on the stretcher. “Buddies for life.”
“Buddies for life.” He replied as they load me into the Ambulance.
‘David, we’re going to give you some pain killers ok. Can you tell me on a scale of 1-10 how bad you’re hurting?” A woman paramedic ask.
“About a twenty!” I moaned.
“Ok. Where does it hurt the most?”
“Everywhere!”
“How old are you?”
“13.”
“When is your birthday?”
“June 26, 2005.”
“How’s the pain now?”
“About a 15.”
“Ok. I’m going to put you to sleep now and you’ll wake up in the hospital.”
“That’s fine. How did you know my name anyways?”
“My son boxed against you and plus your friend told us.”
“That explains it.” I mumble as I drift off to a deep sleep.
Chapter One
It's a beautiful summer day, Hank and I are strolling through the woods under a canopy of different trees. Patches of sunlight shines from above and thick green undergrowth covers the ground. The forest is alive with sounds of birds chirping merrily, woodpeckers pecking at the trees to find insects, bees are buzzing around in search of nector, squirrels chittering around to hunt for nuts, and water flowing gently from a nearby stream. We venture deeper into the forest and the further we went, it's like we are walking through a portal to another world.
The deeper we explore the thicker the foilage get, making it hard for the sun to cast its radiance upon the ground and making the forest darker and more foreboding. Just then I spot something out of the corner of my eye in the distance that made me stop dead in my track so I put my hand out to stop Hank.
"What?" He ask me.
"Shh. Get down." I whispered.
"What is it? What do you see?" He replied as he lowers himself to the ground.
"Look."
"Where? I don't see anything."
"Over there by the old ramshackled shed." I whispered as I point my finger in that direction.
"I still don't see anything! Wait? What is a white van doing way out here?"
"That's what I want to know. Come on, lets get closer and find out. Remember to stay low, keep quiet, and watch your step." I instruct him.
"Ok. Do you think we should call the police?"
"And tell them what? That we found the Mystery Machine disquised as a white work van? Besides, I don't think that there's service out here."
“Do you think they'll believe us?"
"Who? The police? No way!! They'll think that we're making it up."
"What about your uncle? Will he believe us?"
"Possibly. First we need to find out what's going on. Come on." I urge him as we stealthily approach the van.
We hid behind a fallen tree about 40 feet from the van's view.
"Get them in hereand move the van closer to the house so we can move the old ones!" A gruffy voice suddenly rang out somewhere nearby.
"Old ones? What does that mean David?"
"I don't know. He could be talking about furniture."
"Whatever he's talking about, I don't like it David."
"Me neither. Lets stay here a few more minutes and see what he's talking about first then we'll go."
"Ok boss. Whatever you say." a deep voice answered.
"Bill, make sure that the doors are locked this time because last time you fogot.. shut up in there! One of the girls tried to run away so we can't let that happen again!! You understand me?" The boss scolded.
"Yes sir." He answered defeatedly.
"Yeah it took us about two hours to recapture her, you big dummy!" A third voice taunted.
"Shut up Seth!" Bill shouted defensively.
"You know. I kind of feel bad for Bill." I whispered.
"Why? David they're doing illegal activities. I don't like being here."
"For the way they're bullying Bill. I mean he's human and that he made a mistake but they shouldn't bully him. Especially Seth. You're right, lets go before they catch us." I agree solemnly.
"Will you two morons knock it off!! We have work to do!!" A fourth voice sternly ordered.
"David, that gruffy voice belongs to Seth right?" Hank asked as he backs away slowly stepping on a twig. Snap!
"Hank! Are you trying to get us caught! Watch where you're stepping!" I hissed as quietly as I could.
"David, I'm...."
"What was that?" Seth ask causing everyone to be on alert.
We held our breath as we silently watch them just to make sure that they don't advance into the woods to investigate the noise.
"It's just a dumb animal!" Bill finally answered after a long eerie silence.
"I thought I heard voices." Seth admitted sheepishly.
"There's no one in the woods but us and the spirits of the dead miners. Oh yeah this used to be an old mining camp back in the day! We're putting the girls in that old mining cabin right there." The fourth voice said.
"David we got to..." Hank said urgently.
"Shh Hank! I want to hear more about the legend!" I replied.
"What legend?" Seth asked.
"We'll tell you tonight around the campfire." Bill stated.
"Ok Hank, we need to go!" I urgently said with a stab of fear.
"I'm right behind you!" He said as we slip away from our hiding spot unseen.
As we swiftly made our escape, I can feel fear and despair closing in on me. We force ourselves to plunge ahead faster as we zigzag around the trees to avoid running into them, leaping over rotted logs, and small streams in the darkening forrest. After an exhausting yet daring escape, we finally made it into a small clearing.
We stumble to a stop gulping for air while sweat penetrating our shirts.
"Hank. I want to go back after my boxing match.'I breathed heavily.
"Are you nuts?! If they catch you, you're dead!" He replied in shock.
"That's the chance I'm willing to take! If there's a hostage situation in that house, we need to help them!!"
"We have to alert your uncle!!"
"Not yet! We cannot tell a single soul until we have evidence. You have to spit-pinkie swear that you won't tell anyone until we have concrete evidence of what we've seen and heard!"
"What if something happens to one of us?"
"Then if that happens, we can call it in. We can't think about that right now because we need to get away from here and fast!"
"Yeah, that'll be a great idea!" Hank agreed.
"What time is it anyway?"
"It's 2:35."
"Shoot! My training starts in 25 minutes! By the time I get back to my house, change into my uniform and arrive there, I'll be 30 minutes late!!" I said in fustration, nearly punching a tree.
"David, I know a short cut that we can take and it will get you there about five minutes early." He offered.
"Where's that?"
"Thrill Mountain."
"Thrill Mountain? The notorious hill that's 200 feet long at a 47 degree angle that draws all thrill seekers?"
"The very same!"
"Well come on then! I can't be late!" I took off with Hank hot on my tail.
"David slow down!!"
"No, you speed up! We're losing precious time!" I hollered back as I burst out of the woods and jumped on my bike.
"Don't forget your helmet!" Hank shouted as he crashed through the thick undergrowth.
"I'm already on it!"
"David, before we go, lets do the spit-pinkie swear real quick!"
"Ok. Repeat after me. I solemnly spit-pinkie swear that I won't tell a single soul about what I've seen and heard until we have solid proof." I said as we spit in our hands, shake them, and then smoothly slid our hands into a pinkie promise.
"I spit-pinkie swear!" He vowed.
"Ok. Lets roll!" I agreed and peddle away.
"Do you know where you're going?" Hank yelled from behind.
"Yeah!" I hollered back.
Peddling as fast as our legs can pump, we zoom around turns almost wiping out until finally making it to Thrill Mountain where we continue to peddle up the hill. Pumping our legs harder to make it to the top but the gravity was too much for us to continue peddling. We got off our bikes and push the rest of the way up to the top. Finally conquering the climb, we stop to rest and admire the view. We felt like kings standing there high on there hill looking over God's country. Then I look down and my legs starts to wobble like Jell-o.
"What's wrong?" Hank asked as he studys me for a couple seconds.
"Nothing. It's just that, umm, I'd never realize how steep this hill is until I'm standing on top of it. That's all." I answered sheepishly.
"Have you ever gone down this hill before?"
"No. This is my first time." I admitted.
"Are you scared?"
"Petrified."
"I was too my first time but once you start to go down and feel the wind in your hair as you fly down the hill, you'll forget about feeling petrified. Don't worry about it." He encouraged me.
"Really? It looks really dangerous."
"David. If it was that dangerous, the city would've closed this road and demolish it."
"True. Still many thrill-seeking teenagers have seriously injured themselves and a few have lost their lives going down this hill."
"That's because they were drinking, doing drugs, and getting high before going down. Plus they were sometimes going down this hill in pouring rain. I went down this hill plenty of times and never wrecked." He admitted proudly.
"I guess it's too late to take the long way around. I have no other choice now, I'm already running late." I said as I got back on my bike and put one foot on a pedal.
I close my eyes and took a few deep breaths to controls my nerves. I open my eyes, hold my breath, and push the left pedal down to begin my descent on Thrill Mountain. As I pick up speed, my heart's racing harder and faster threatening to rip out of my chest. The wind rushing rapidly my face, my shirt flapping madly in the wind as I rapidly gain speed. I squeeze the brake handles to control my speed but for the first time my brakes refuse to work. Terrified, I try applying them again and again but without success.
"Use your brakes!" Hank screamed from behind.
"I'm trying!!" I hollered.
"Apply the brakes!" Hank keeps shouting repeatedly.
"I can't!! My brakes aren't working!!" I screamed in horror as my life flashes before my eyes.
Racing down Thrill Mountain on a run away speeding bullet with no brakes, the speed increases to a dangerous rate as my bike begins to shake violently about half way down.
"David, use your feet!!"
"Are you crazy?! I'll burn my feet off!" I screamed.
“Then go in the ditch!!”
Struggling to maintain my balance, I directed my bike towards the ditch on my right. Then all of the sudden, I heard my front tire crunch; my reflexes stiffen as I was being catapulted off my bike, toss like a rag doll down the hill and came screeching to a halt on my face. Waking up from my brief unconsciousness, I am confuse and disoriented. Looking around, I notice that my helmet is shattered to pieces and that someone is yelling. Not understanding what they are saying, I try to move but only to find out that I am being held to the ground.
Aware of the other person still talking, I strain to listen to what they are saying. Finally I made who it is and what they are saying. It was Hank and he was yelling my name.
“David, David, David! Are you ok?” He keeps asking.
“Everything hurts!” I moan.
“OK. Just stay still. I’m calling 9-1-1!!”
“Please hurry Hank!”
“I’m trying! Try not to move. Everything is going to be ok.” He says as he dials 9-1-1.
“All I feel is pain and I taste blood!!” I moan.
“Hello! 9-1-1? This is Hank Jackson and I’m at Thrill Mountain with my best friend David and he just had a major bicycle accident!!” He choke over the phone as he tries to hold back tears.
“Hank, I don’t think I can stay awake much longer.” I mumble.
“David, you have to stay awake for me buddy!! Help is on the way!!” He sobbed.
“I’ll try.” I said softly.
“David, keep talking to me buddy!” He pleaded while on the phone with 9-1-1.
“I don’t know if I can. The pain is hurts too much!”
“I know it hurts. Try to take your mind off of it.”
“I’m really scared and cold.” I begin to shiver.
“I know you are. You need to keep talking so I’ll know you’re still alive. Help will be here any minute. Ok, buddy?”
“I’m… sorry… I… don’t…. think… I’ll…. Make… it.” I replied as I begin to lose conscious.
“Yes you are!! Listen they’re almost here! I can hear them coming!! Stay awake buddy! PLEASE!!” He pleaded as help arrives.
“Hank. Don’t… go back… without me.”
“I won’t.”
“Promise?”
“Promise. Stay alive for me David. Please.” He stated as he held my hand.
“I’ll try.”
“Ok son. You’re going have to move back so the medics can help him.” One of the responding officers ordered.
“Hank.” I croak as the paramedics put a neck brace on me and load me on the stretcher. “Buddies for life.”
“Buddies for life.” He replied as they load me into the Ambulance.
‘David, we’re going to give you some pain killers ok. Can you tell me on a scale of 1-10 how bad you’re hurting?” A woman paramedic ask.
“About a twenty!” I moaned.
“Ok. Where does it hurt the most?”
“Everywhere!”
“How old are you?”
“13.”
“When is your birthday?”
“June 26, 2005.”
“How’s the pain now?”
“About a 15.”
“Ok. I’m going to put you to sleep now and you’ll wake up in the hospital.”
“That’s fine. How did you know my name anyways?”
“My son boxed against you and plus your friend told us.”
“That explains it.” I mumble as I drift off to a deep sleep.
