Castaways by Brian Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

to have a spy in Stefan's group. So who wants to talk to her?"
    "I can give it a try," Shonette volunteered. "It's my turn to get fruit, anyway. How about me and Ryan ask her to go with us and help us out? And then we'll talk to her about Stefan while we're away from camp."
    "That might work," Jerry agreed. "But the others might wonder why me or Becka or Troy didn't go help you instead. Or, they might want to tag along with you. We'll have to distract them."
    Ryan frowned. "How?"
    "I'm not sure yet," Jerry admitted. "We'll just play it by ear. If we get the chance, we can—"
    He stopped, glancing at Troy, who was twitching and playing with his hat.
    "What's wrong?" Jerry asked.
    "I told you before. I need some fucking nicotine, man. Just ignore me. I'll be okay."
    "Have you tried chewing on twigs or something?" Becka asked.
    "Twigs? Ain't no nicotine in twigs, Becka."
    "Maybe you should eat something," Shonette suggested. "That's what I did when I quit. I gained like fifteen pounds."
    "I would, but all we've got is that fucking rice and fruit and shit. I'm sick of that stuff. Maybe I'll take a nap."
    "Go ahead," Jerry said. "If you do, maybe Stefan will leave at least one of his group here to keep an
    eye on you. That would help with keeping them away from Shonette and Ryan while they try to get Roberta to switch sides."
    Troy grinned. "Shit, if sleeping will do that, then I'm your man, dude. Fuck it."
    "Okay," Jerry whispered. "Let's do it."
    Becka, Shonette, Ryan, and Jerry returned to the campflre while Troy made a big production of getting some sleep. Stuart followed along, hovering at the edge of the group, filming everything. When Troy was sure that Stefan and the others had noticed him, he crawled into the lean-to and lay down on a bed of leaves.
    "What's up, guys?" Raul waved his hand, offering them a seat.
    "Not much," Jerry said. "We were just talking about the storm. Pretty freaky, isn't it?"
    "Yeah," Pauline said. "We were just saying the same thing. Something like this has never happened on Castaways before. I mean, people have been bitten by snakes and stuff, and Sheila broke her leg. And that one season, the camp flooded and that guy got pneumonia, but there's never been anything like this."
    Raul glanced up at the sky. "It doesn't look like rain. You ask me, they're exaggerating it so that they can get a reaction out of us."
    "Maybe," Ryan agreed, "but the wind has definitely picked up. You can feel it. And look at the tree-tops."
    They did, and saw the trees swaying back and forth in the breeze. The sky was noticeably free of birds.
    "We should have more firewood on hand," Jerry suggested. "Just in case, you know? Maybe we can put it in the shelter so it doesn't get wet."
    "That's an excellent idea," Stefan agreed. "You gents should get started while there's still daylight."
    "You want to help?" Jerry asked.
    Stefan smiled. "I would, but you heard Stuart. I'm afraid that I've got an interview scheduled for later."
    Jerry turned to the others. "Jeff, Raul, Pauline? Care to give us a hand?"
    Jeff and Raul stood up and brushed themselves off. Pauline hesitated, but then reconsidered and stood as well.
    She smiled coyly. "Guess I wouldn't want to lie around camp when there's an exile coming up."
    "No," Shonette agreed. "Probably shouldn't."
    Stefan, Jeff, Raul, and Pauline glanced knowingly at Troy's prone form inside the open shelter.
    "Roberta," Ryan said, "Shonette and I were going to go get fruit before the weather gets bad? You want to come along?"
    "Sure."
    Stefan frowned, but said nothing. Jerry held his breath. If Stefan voiced his suspicions or directed Roberta to stay with him—or with Pauline and the others—their newly formed alliance was screwed.
    Instead, Stef's frown slowly transformed into a broad smile.
    "I'll stay here and—what's the euphemism you Yanks use? Hold down the fort?" Jerry shrugged. "Suit yourself, man." "Cheers."
    They split up, leaving Stefan alone by the