B.A.S.E. Camp by Rob Childs Read Free Book Online Page A

gave Eddie the chance to close the gap and theyrounded the bend shoulder to shoulder.
    â€˜Now let’s see how you like it!’ cried Eddie.
    The two boys pounded along the back straight, cheered on by the spectators, who assumed it was all part of the entertainment.
    â€˜That idiot’s really askin’ for it!’ Adam muttered. ‘Blackbeard will go berserk later, when his folks have gone home.’
    â€˜Don’t suppose Eddie even thought about that,’ said Gareth. ‘He just wants to get his own back.’
    â€˜He might do as well – YT’s already run one lap.’
    With about 200 metres to go, Eddie accelerated into the bend, hoping his fresher legs would drive him into the clear. He was running as fast as he could, hampered slightly by his tracksuit, but he wasn’t able to shake off his rival. Young Taffy was still only just behind him as they entered the home straight.
    â€˜He’s gonna do it!’ screamed Gareth, dancing up and down.
    Adam wasn’t so sure. ‘I wouldn’t bet on it…’ he began and then gasped in astonishment as Young Taffy suddenly seemed to find an extra gear to surge ahead, making it almost look as if Eddie were going backwards.
    As the winner sprinted over the finishing line, arms aloft in triumph, Eddie sagged to his knees, crushed with disappointment.
    Adam and Gareth ran across the track to pull him back onto his feet and lead him away.
    â€˜What got into you?’ Adam demanded. ‘That was a crazy thing to do!’
    â€˜More like what they’ve got into
him
!’ Eddie stormed. ‘You saw what he just did. That’s not normal. He must be on drugs!’
    â€˜Cool it, Wonder Boy!’ Adam warned. ‘Here come your folks. Don’t go rantin’ on to them about drugs and stuff. They’ll take you home.’
    Gareth and Adam moved off as Eddie’s family made a fuss of him.
    â€˜What do you think he’ll tell them?’ said Gareth.
    â€˜Not much,’ Adam grunted. ‘Not if he’s got any sense, he won’t.’
    â€˜Well I’m going to tell Gramps about what’s going on here. We need somebody on our side – y’know, just in case.’
    â€˜In case of what?’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Gareth said with a shrug. ‘That’s what bothers me.’

Chapter Nine
Out of Bounds
    â€˜Hi, Foxy!’ cried Jacko, as the three boys emerged from the trees. ‘Wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.’
    Adam had snatched a word with Jacko after the race and arranged to meet up at the old boathouse during their free Sunday evening, after all the families had left. Gareth and Eddie had come with him.
    â€˜You know me, man,’ Adam laughed. ‘But how did
you
get here?’
    â€˜A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,’ Jacko said with a sly wink.
    â€˜What’s that supposed to mean?’ asked Gareth.
    â€˜It means there’s a small hole in the fence.’
    â€˜You on your own?’ demanded Eddie. ‘Or is that freak with you?’
    Jacko’s grin faded. ‘If you mean YT, he’s at the Centre, celebrating his victory.’
    â€˜Wonder Boy here reckons YT must be takin’ drugs, the way he stormed through to win like he did,’ Adam said.
    Jacko gave a casual shrug. ‘We’ve all had a little extra help.’
    â€˜What do you mean by that?’ asked Gareth.
    â€˜Artificial help,’ Jacko admitted. ‘Just like you lot.’
    â€˜We’re not taking anything,’ Eddie denied hotly.
    â€˜Oh, yes, you are,’ Jacko told him. ‘It’s not just fruit in all that juice they make you drink. It contains special vitamins, too. Y’know, stimulants, like.’
    Eddie was not surprised by that revelation. ‘I wondered why they keep trying to force it down us. Tastes awful. I pour it away, if I can.’
    â€˜Tom-Tom can’t