Shift:A Virals Adventure(4)

Ben smirked but shrugged his agreement. Hi gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

I sighed. There was no point arguing.

“Fine. But let’s at least try not to get into trouble?”

I’m not sure Tory heard me. She was halfway up her stairs, Coop at her side.

I pushed my glasses back up the bridge of my nose.

Gonna be one of those days.





I hustled inside and grabbed the keys to Sewee.

The old man was out in Hugo, shuttling people as usual. Not that he’d have bothered me. Tom Blue wasn’t that type of dad.

Keys in hand, I hurried back outside and down to the Morris Island dock. I was quickest, as usual, so I prepped my boat while the others took their sweet time.

Checking the outboard motor, I couldn’t help but laugh at Dr. Howard. Once again, he had no idea what Tory was planning. She’d slip right under his nose, as usual.

For a smart guy, Kit was clueless. He never saw what was coming next.

Not with Tory.

Not like me.

Tory’s aunt might be wise, though. She’s no dummy.

I shook my head. In the end, Tory would get her way. Always did. Her insisting the Virals investigate the break-in had been the least shocking thing in the world. She lived for mysteries like this. It’s what I liked most about her.

Not that there was much I didn’t like.

A sigh escaped my lips. I glanced around quickly, making sure no one heard.

Just get the boat ready, Ben.

Footsteps thumped on the wooden planks. I looked up to see the doofus twins. Hi now wore red plaid shorts, a sky-blue pocket tee, and slip-on, black-and-white checkerboard-print sneakers. Shelton sported a white polo and green basketball shorts. Neither of those guys could dress worth spit.

I hadn’t changed clothes. Didn’t feel the need.

I spotted movement on the hill—Tory, jogging down from the townhomes.

No wolfdog?

She’d stuck with her gray Outward Bound tee and tan shorts, but had pulled her hair back in a ponytail. Even dressed down, she was beautiful.

Not model gorgeous, or anything fake like that, but . . . striking. I can’t really explain it.

And what’s the point in trying? We’re just friends.

And even if you weren’t, she’s out of your league.

Irritated, I brushed the thought away. But knew it was true.

Tory was destined for Big Things. Renown. Honors. Any dope could see that.

Me? I just hoped to land a gig like Dad’s shuttle route. Work outdoors.

“We should design matching outfits.” Hi stepped aboard and bounded into the passenger chair. “Crime fighters usually wear sweet gear. And helmets.”

“We’re not crime fighters.” Shelton flopped onto the aft bench. “And I’m putting this whole trip under protest. Messing with a real-deal crime? At LIRI? We’re headed for disaster. You heard it here first.”

I caught Hiram’s eye, then pointed to the bench beside Shelton.

“Boo.” But he complied. We went through this almost every time.

The copilot seat was for Tory.

“You had better plans today?” Not a boating enthusiast, Hi was already snapping on a life jacket. “We’re investigating actual criminal activity. How cool is that?”

Shelton snorted. “We might get busted for obstructing justice. How’s that gonna play at your house?”

Hi tightened the final strap. “Lots of extra time at temple. I’ll survive.”

“Stow those lines.” I pointed to a pair of ropes securing the stern. “And hustle up, you know she’ll want a quick getaway.”

Though I kept it to myself, I actually agreed with Hi. The day was looking way more interesting than when I got up.

“Take it easy on the way out, Blue.” Hi grimaced while coiling a length of thick nylon. “I haven’t puked in days, so I’ve got some catching up to do.”

“Not on my deck,” I warned, well aware of Hi’s weak stomach. “Aim overboard.”

I unhooked the bowline, double-checked the buoys, then slipped into the captain’s chair. My favorite spot on earth.

Tory bounced aboard. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

“Since you asked so nicely.” But I fired the ignition.

“No Bow Wow?” Hi said.

Tory shook her head. “Unfortunately, Coop’s not well suited for this type of trip.”

“See!” Shelton slapped his forehead. “We are gonna buzz the crime scene!”

Tory simply winked.

Maneuvering Sewee from the dock, I spun her clockwise and hit the throttle. Spray kicked up on both sides as we knifed across the breakers.

I almost grinned with pleasure. But I’m not the smiley type.

“Once more, it begins.” Hi’s face was green. “We need a helicopter.”

“Take the shortcut,” Tory instructed. “Please,” she added, as if suddenly aware she’d been barking orders.

In truth, I didn’t mind. Despite being youngest, Tory was our unacknowledged leader. She had the knack. I was okay with her making most of the decisions.

Not that I’d ever let that on.

I nosed Sewee toward a warren of sandbars a hundred yards offshore. Only shallow-draft vessels like my runabout can negotiate them, and even then you need to know the proper route.