Free McKenzie’s Oregon Operation by Shari Barr

mind was lost in thought when she felt her cell phone vibrate in her pocket. Stepping away from the barking sea lions, she saw Bailey’s phone number on the screen.
    â€œHey, Bailey,” McKenzie answered, plugging her other ear with her finger to drown out the background noise.
    â€œI can hardly hear you,” Bailey said. “What’s all that noise?”
    â€œWe’re at the Sea Lion Harbor taking a tour. That barking is from the sea lions,” McKenzie explained.
    â€œWell, I just wanted to tell you I’ve been researching sea lions. I found an Internet article that says they make great performers in circus acts and marine shows,” Bailey said.
    â€œReally? That’s cool,” McKenzie said. “I wonder what kinds of acts they can do.”
    â€œI don’t know,” Bailey said. “The article didn’t say. Maybe the thieves want to sell them for an act, though.”
    McKenzie thought for a moment. “That’s an idea, anyway. Maybe I can ask our tour guide about it.”
    After saying good-bye to Bailey, McKenzie hung up and stuffed the phone in her pocket. The group had scattered about the observation area, many of them snapping pictures.
    While she waited for Alex to finish taping the sea lions, McKenzie walked over to Colby. He was leaning on an iron railing, staring at the sea lions below. He looked up as she approached.
    â€œMy friend and I are doing a video report for a public TV station. Could I ask you a few questions?” McKenzie asked.
    â€œShoot,” Colby answered, still leaning on the railing.
    â€œWe’re trying to figure out what happened to the missing sea lion pups.” McKenzie held her notepad and pen, poised to write. “A friend of mine said that sea lions are used for circus acts. Is that true?”
    Colby’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, some shows around the country use them for entertainment.”
    â€œHow and where are sea lions trained?” McKenzie continued.
    Colby stood up straight, looking at her with piercing eyes. He paused and asked, “What do you know about these missing pups?”
    â€œNothing, really,” McKenzie said, wondering why he didn’t answer her question. “We heard they might have been stolen, so we’re trying to figure out where the thieves might have taken them.”
    â€œSo, you think you can find these baby sea lions?” Colby smirked.
    â€œWell, we’re pretty good at solving mysteries,” McKenzie explained. “We have some clues already.”
    Colby’s eyes narrowed as he folded his arms across his chest. “What kind of clues?”
    McKenzie suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Why is he so concerned about the information we have?
she wondered while Colby tapped his foot.
    â€œWell, we have a description of the couple seen taking them. Since sea lions are used in circus acts, I’m wondering if the thieves are planning to train and sell them. If we could get inside a training center, maybe we could find the pups,” McKenzie said.
    Colby turned away and stared absentmindedly at the sea lions in the cove.
    Did I say something wrong?
McKenzie wondered.
He acts almost upset with me for asking about Mario and Bianca.
    After a minute, Colby turned back to McKenzie. “I know somebody who may have answers for you. Let me make a quick phone call.”
    McKenzie took a deep breath.
He must not be mad after all if he wants to help. Maybe he’s just concerned about the sea lions.
    Colby walked to the far side of the observation area. He pulled a cell phone from a clip at his waist. He glanced at McKenzie, then turned his back to her. The noise of the sea lions was so loud that she couldn’t hear a word he said on the phone.
    A movement behind McKenzie caught her attention. Turning, she saw Alex approaching. McKenzie quickly filled her in on her phone call with Bailey and her conversation with Colby.
    The girls waited anxiously until