Free Camp Wacko: The Drones of Summer by Faith Wilkins Page A

requirements?”
    Dr. Wacko had begun to steer me back toward the pavilion, but now he paused. “Oh, but she did. She wasn’t right for my son, but she did have her place. The girl had extraordinary calming powers among the rest of the children. I had only sought to enhance her strengths, make her a better soldier.” His grip tightened around my arm. “You removed her before her full treatment was finished. Dustin didn’t understand what was being done at the time. He only saw Cameron as a girl in need, which is admirable, but weak. I realized that the girl was his weakness. As long as she remained alive, Dustin would be distracted.”
    My head started to spin. “She was getting better, wasn’t she?”
    His grip loosened a bit, and the crazy man smiled a little. “Yes, she was. Amazingly so. I have to admit, Cameron was a special girl. Unfortunately, she was a distraction for Dustin, therefore a liability.”
    My throat began to close. A quiet gargling sound passed my lips. “Are you saying-”
    “The security in hospitals is laughable,” he muttered.
    That’s when I collapsed, gasping for air as I held myself up with shaky hands. Dr. Wacko moved to help me, but I crawled away. I didn’t want him to touch me.
    “It was a traceless drug, slipped into her IV. She didn’t feel a thing,” he said quietly, taking my hand despite my protests.
    Forcing myself to stand, I yanked my hand away from him. “I want to go back.”
    I got my wish. We made it back to the pavilion. Dr. Wacko freed my arm and I dashed inside to safety. When True and Dustin spotted us, they stood at attention. Noticing the horrified expression on my face, they exchanged a worried glance.
    Dustin’s crazy father smiled coolly at all of us. “You were correct, my son. Lilith is a wonderful girl. She will make an excellent spouse.”
    Both Dustin and I winced at the word. Dr. Wacko seemed not to notice, for he had already turned to True.
    “Ah, so you’re the daring Trudence. Come now. There is much to discuss.” He beckoned for her to follow.
    Having no choice in the matter, she obeyed. Since I was visibly unsettled, she wasn’t too eager.
    The mad scientist turned his head slightly. “Dustin, escort our lovely guest to her room. It’s getting late.”
    Just like that, they were off into the night. Soon after their departure, I headed out with Dustin close behind. My mind buzzed with all that had been said to me tonight.
    “So, I guess he told you about his plans for us,” he hissed through clenched teeth as he drove the golf cart across the grounds.
    “Yeah,” I answered. “Your dad’s a little…”
    “Off his rocker? Not all there? A few fries short of a Happy Meal? I know. Still can’t believe I ever thought otherwise.”
    I stared out into the night. Everything was so quiet. The campers must have been in their dorms by now, getting ready for bed or just lounging around. There wasn’t even the sound of chattering bugs like usual. It was as if they had sensed the danger and left.
    There was nothing I wanted to do more than to leave this place. What Dustin’s father revealed about Cameron had to be enough information for the FBI. The guy had practically admitted to premeditated murder. Had he even told his own son what he had done?
    Dustin glanced my way. “Listen, no offense, but I don’t think I want to marry you. You’re great and all, but guys like me like to fly solo, date other girls.”
    I rolled my eyes. “No problem. I have no plans for getting married any time soon. Besides, I wouldn’t want to marry you anyway.”
    “What?” he gasped, feigning hurt astonishment. “But I’m irresistible.” He slowly ran a hand through his hair.
    Laughing, I shrugged. “Looks like I’m immune to your charm.”
    We came to a stop in front of my dorm. He hopped out after me. It was time to say our goodbyes for the night. I froze, the words at the tip of my tongue. He had to know the truth about Cameron. The smile slipped