Free Ghost of a Chance by Franklin W. Dixon

happens, don’t move. We’ll take care of it.”
    When he finished his announcement, Lloyd took his place at the edge of the set.
    Dustin nodded at Joe. “Let’s do it,” he said.
    While Dustin walked Joe through the scene, thecrew took light readings and adjusted camera settings. Finally the moment came for Omar’s appearance. “Okay, wrangler, it’s time for the cat,” Dustin called out.
    At that moment Joe’s back was to the film crew. He was facing Lloyd. The puma would sneak up behind Joe, moving toward Lloyd.
    â€œCome on, let’s go, fellows.” Dustin’s voice sounded behind Joe.
    Then he heard Lloyd call out from the edge of the set. “Gene! Let him loose! We’re … Okay, there he is. Omar just stepped out of the woods, Joe.”
    Joe felt a rush. In his mind’s eye, he pictured Omar stalking toward him.
    Lloyd’s voice pierced the image in Joe’s mind. “Hold it, everyone,” the wrangler said.
    Something about the change of tone in Lloyd’s voice made Joe catch his breath. He heard a gasp from behind him, and then another. He turned slowly. The puma was walking toward him. Even though he knew it was a just an act, Joe still felt a spark of adrenaline shoot through his body.
    â€œJoe, stop,” Lloyd murmured. “Don’t move. That’s not Omar.”
    Lloyd’s words sliced through the air. The puma paused and gazed at the wrangler. Then the sleek head turned back, its eyes focused on Joe. The puma’s head was raised into the air, its chest billowingas it caught a scent. Then it hunched its head down into its shoulders. Staring steadily at Joe, it stalked toward him.
    It was very quiet, and Joe felt drops of sweat break out on his temples.
    â€œWhat’s happening, Lloyd?” Dustin asked in a low voice. “What’s going on?”
    â€œDon’t anyone move,” Lloyd repeated. “I’m right behind you, Joe. I’ve got the tranquilizer gun. Do not raise your arms. I’m going to knock the cat out. Everyone stand very still.”
    Even though Lloyd stood nearby, his voice seemed so far away to Joe. It was almost like an echo. Joe took small breaths, barely moving his chest. His body told him to run, but his mind knew he had to follow Lloyd’s command.
    The mountain lion stopped abruptly. Then, with a low rumbling growl, it pounced in a graceful arc aimed sraight for Joe.
    Joe was trapped. The puma was in the air, leaping toward him. Lloyd was standing behind him, about to shoot the tranquilizer dart. If Joe moved, he’d be shot. If he stood still, he was lion lunch.

9
Where’s Omar?

    Joe stood transfixed, watching the puma fly through the air toward him.
    â€œNow, Joe!” Lloyd called from behind. “Roll!”
    Joe heard the
ping
of the tranquilizer dart gun firing. Remembering his training, he dropped to the ground, kicked out his feet, and rolled to one side.
    Surprised by the dart’s sting in its flank, the pouncing puma twisted and missed a direct hit on Joe. It bounced off Joe’s legs and thudded to the ground.
    Joe jumped to his feet. He could hear Lloyd’s voice in his mind as he remembered the first day of training. “If you’re threatened by a mountain lion,” Lloyd had said, “try to make yourself look asbig as possible. Open your coat out to make the puma think you’re wider.”
    As Lloyd had taught him, Joe took the corners of his open jacket and held them out wide like huge wings. Never taking his eyes off the lion, he slowly backed away.
    The puma tried to rise to launch another attack on Joe, but its legs were wobbly, and it fell once more to the ground. This time it stayed.
    â€œEveryone back away,” Lloyd said, “and leave the area.” No one needed to hear that order twice. The set was cleared in just a minute.
    â€œMan, that was close,” Lloyd said as he lay his head on the