Camp Wacko: The Drones of Summer Read Online Free

I’m supposed to report to Dad and he’ll send someone. I guess I could just come and get you myself.”
    I stared out into the night, thinking. If Dustin was the one to come and get me, at least I would know when he was coming so I could form my plan of escape by then. If Dr. Wacko decided to send one of his goons, then this would be another unpredictable variable that I really did not need.
    Ultimately, I was going to have to call that number and see what would happen. But wouldn’t I be leading Dustin into an ambush of FBI agents? He wouldn’t get in trouble for something his dad made him do, right?
    “Maybe it would be better if you came to get me,” I decided.
    He stared at me. “But I’d have to force you to come. I don’t think I can do that.”
    “I won’t fight you,” I promised quietly, careful not to look directly into his eyes.
    This time it was his turn to stare off into space, his jaw clenched tight. He unwrapped his arm from around my shoulders. I straightened up and moved over, skirt rustling. I kicked off my shoes and tucked my legs under me, waiting for his answer.
    “So you’re not going to come on your own, but you won’t fight me when I come to get you?” Dustin asked. “I’m not sure I understand.”
    I gave him a look. “Dustin, I only have forty-eight hours left with my friends and family. Wouldn’t you want to spend every minute of it? So no, I’m not coming to you. You’re coming to me.”
    He flashed me a sad smile and nodded.
    The night sky had grown a shade darker. Stars sparkled and shimmered overhead. The calmer wind carried the sound of voices and cars beeping to our ears. A few kids were whining about their clothes and how this was the worst dance ever. But most sounded like they had had a blast and were thrilled to have finally been in a real-life food fight.
    Remembering where I was, I jumped up and slipped my shoes back on. Dustin stood up too.
    “Time for me to get out of here. Here’s my cell phone number.” He handed me a piece of paper. “Call me if you need anything, or if you change your mind. I’m sure you won’t, but still…”
    I stared down at the paper. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, and when I looked up, his face was level with mine.
    “I really am sorry. This was never supposed to happen. I was sure our plan would work. You believe me, right?” he pleaded.
    “I should be getting back,” I answered, quietly shrugging his hand off. “Thanks for telling me.”
    Dustin gave me a look like he knew I was ignoring his question. “Yeah, see you around.” With that he turned and left, disappearing within seconds.
    Stuffing the crumpled paper in my dress pocket, I hurried back into the gym. Out front, people stood in tight groups as they waited for their rides to arrive. Chase spotted me immediately, waving me over to the little group my friends had formed.
    “Hey, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” He grinned. “You’re a mess.”
    My laugh sounded a little forced. “You’re not exactly spotless either.” I brushed some crumbs off his shirt to make the point.
    His smile faded as he got a closer look at me. “Are you all right? Your eyes are kinda red.”
    The lie came easily. “Oh, I’m fine. Just got a little something in my eye, that’s all. A piece of cake or something.”
    Chase took a deep breath. “Listen, do you think maybe you’d wanna—”
    A car horn sounded, drowning out the rest of his sentence. Our ride had arrived.

No Choice
    “ABSOLUTELY NOT,” MY mother said with conviction.
    We were sitting at a park picnic table, concealed from view by the rich foliage surrounding us. Off in the distance, I could hear the soft screeching of rusty swings being forced to move back and forth. The sounds of giggling children and scolding mothers reached my ears as well, causing a small involuntary smile to turn up the corners of my lips.
    Agent Cooper, the same guy who had approached me in the cemetery, sat across from us