The Demon Conspiracy by R. L. Gemmill Read Free Book Online

ground. You see them all the time in movies to show
what an actor is looking at, or to show continuity. They cutaway
for a quick look at a plant, or something.”
    “I can tape anything I want?”
    “Knock yourself out.”
    I searched the area around the cave entrance
for a bug or a cat or a cool looking plant. Nothing. Just for
practice I got a close up of Ripper the wonder dog. Ripper tried to
lick the lens.
    As we were about to go
into the cave, a yellow, original style VW Beetle raced into the
parking lot and skidded to a halt beside Anton’s car. Maria
Sanchez, Jon’s girlfriend, got out of the Beetle and ran to Jon.
Maria had thick dark hair and big, beautiful brown eyes that made
Jon want to hold her whenever she looked at him. I knew that
because I was inside his head again. It was so romantic being around them. He
quickly blocked me out.
    She wrapped her arms around his neck and
they kissed without shame in front of everybody. She gave me a
quick girly hug and even rubbed Travis’ white hair, which messed it
up a little more than it already was. It seems funny to me how
people rub his hair like that. Is it because he’s got curly Troll
hair? I mean what’s the big deal? Does it bring good luck to rub
it?
    As usual Travis blushed just being near her
and I knew exactly what he was thinking. Maria was drop-dead
gorgeous and genuinely kind all rolled into one.
    “Want some gum?” Maria produced a pack of
gum from a pocket in her very tight blue jeans and passed it
around. Of course Travis took a piece, he always did. He’s got a
thing for gum like he does for food. I took one, too, to be polite.
Travis whispered to me.
    “She’s pretty and she gives us gum! No
wonder Jon likes her so much!”
    “No wonder.” I rolled my eyes at him. Not a
major roll, but enough to calm him down.
    Travis popped the gum in his mouth and
wandered off toward the cave. I, on the other hand, hit the record
button and kept the lens pointed at Jon and Maria. This was good
stuff and I didn’t want to miss a second.
    “I can’t believe you came here!” said Jon
happily. “It’s so early!”
    “I wanted to wish you good luck,” said
Maria, kissing him again. “So good luck! And be careful, okay?”
    I moved around them, taking in every
romantic shot with the camcorder. I even zoomed in on their
interlaced fingers. I’d call that a cutaway shot.
    “That’s good. Now don’t move your hands.
Okay, I got it.” This directing stuff was kind of cool. Maybe I
should look into it.
    “Get out of here,” said Jon, grabbing for
the camcorder. I dashed out of his reach but came back to finish
the scene.
    “I wish you could come with us,” said Jon.
“Mr. Edwards makes it sound like a life changing experience.”
    “Don’t change too much, okay? I like you the
way you are.”
    “Do you want to go with us, Maria?” said
Anton, stepping over to greet her. I changed the camera angle to
include Anton in the shot. “I’ve got some extra equipment.”
    “No, no, no, Mr. Edwards!” said Maria
quickly. “Thanks, but I don’t like dirty old caves. Call me when
you get back.”
    “Absolutely.” Jon kissed her again and they
pulled apart. Maria waved and got back in her car. When she was
gone Jon caught up with the rest of us and got a big applause. He
blushed, but grinned from ear to ear as he took back the
camcorder.
    “When a girl gets up this early and drives
forty minutes for a kiss, it’s serious. Nothing beats true love.”
Anton said it matter-of-factly, but Chris and Parrish both nodded
like they totally understood and approved. “Are we ready to hit the
underworld? Let’s go, team!”
     
     
    ***
     
    The cave opening was half the size of a
normal doorway and made of smooth, gray rock. A path of loose dirt
led into the cave, where a jagged, curved ceiling gave it a
yawning, toothy look.
    Anton stopped at the edge of the darkness.
“Follow me.” The way he said it was kind of eerie and when he
stepped into the