Dinosaur Stakeout

by Judith Silverthorne

  Speaking of which, he’d need to get some strong rope and plastic tape for marking his trail. There was some of it around from the dig site, because they used it to indicate potential find sites and for cordoning off areas, but he wasn’t sure there was enough left. Instead, he’d take his mom’s narrower green plant tape that she used to tie up her sweetpeas and other trailing vegetation. She wouldn’t be looking for it yet. He’d get those items ­later.

  With nothing left to do immediately for the trip, Daniel joined the others outside where they waited for the first afternoon tour to assemble. Soon they were back in the rhythm of taking tourists on tours and trails. Daniel took their guests on the horse trails, and the afternoon flew swiftly ­by.

  In the early evening, Daniel approached the Nelwins while they were outside feeding the stock in the pasture. Todd looked up when he approached. Craig was on the other side of the cattle, pouring chop into another ­trough.

  “How’s it going?” Daniel asked, trying to be ­casual.

  “Okay, I guess,” Todd looked at him ­guardedly.

  “Look, I was, uh, wondering, if maybe, uh, I could ask you to do me a small favour?” Daniel stumbled through his request. He’d have to do better than that if he didn’t want them guessing the importance of what he was up ­to.

  “I don’t know,” said Todd. “What is it?”

  “Well, I sort of have something really important I need to do early tomorrow morning,” Daniel leaned casually against a fence post. “I was just wondering if you’d consider taking care of all of my ­chores – ­you know, do the milking, and separating, and all?”

  Todd grimaced. “I suppose. We still owe you.” He called over to Craig, “Daniel wants us to do his chores tomorrow.”

  “Shhhh!” Daniel said, noticing that Mildred Roost had come out of nowhere and was crossing the ­yard.

  “Ahh! A secret. What are you really up to?” Todd said, suspiciously, as Craig ­arrived.

  “Nothing much. I just want an early start is all.” He shrugged his shoulders and pretended what he wanted wasn’t any big deal. All he needed was for his cover to be blown!

  “Think you’re about to find something special after today’s digging?” asked Craig, keenly ­interested.

  “Yeah,” Daniel said reluctantly. “It does have to do with a little paleontology research.” That was the truth. So what, if they thought it had to do with the quarry? He was going to relatively the same place, only a few million years ­earlier.

  “Sure, I guess,” Craig said. Todd ­nodded.

  “Only what if someone asks where you are?” Todd eyed Daniel apprehensively. “Do we tell them?”

  Daniel tried to act nonchalant. “Sure. If I’m not there, then I’ll be at my hideout.” He figured that if anyone went to look for him and couldn’t find him at one place, it would take them a while to look in the other. He could always say he had gone off prospecting, or was somewhere in between the two ­places.

  As Daniel left to feed the horses, he could feel Craig’s curious eyes on him. His heart pounded in his chest. So far, so good, the chores were covered. Now he just had to devise the rest of the plan. He’d noticed there were quite a few sandwiches left over from lunch today, so he could probably snag a few without anyone noticing. He had a ­back-­up plan in mind too. Whistling, he finished his ­chores.

  He still was whistling as he headed back to the house, where he encountered ­Pederson.

  “You seem mighty pleased about something, lad,” Pederson stared at him in sudden surprise. “Anything you’d like to share?

  “Just plenty of exciting things going on, I guess.” Daniel skirted a direct ­answer.

  Pederson squinted at Daniel disbelievingly, but said nothing for a few ­moments.

  “So, what’s the next step with the Stygimoloch?” asked Daniel, trying to divert attention from ­himself.

  “We definitely need more of the overburden removed to get to the entire skeleton.”

  “Let me help,” Daniel suggested.

  “No, you’re not ready.”

  “But...”

  Suddenly, Daniel became quiet. He didn’t want to promise to go too early in the morning, as he didn’t know when he’d return from the past. He ­shrugged.

  “Okay, I’ll give myself another day.”

  Pederson looked at him in surprise for a few moments, but then turned to acknowledge Dr. Roost, who had joined them again. Daniel stayed with them politely for a few minutes, but he was anxious to ­double-­check that he had everything, and to pack. While the adults talked, he thought about his plans. With all the extra people around the farm these days and the Nelwins covering for him, his absence would probably go unnoticed. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if he could find a Stygimoloch and maybe even get a ­photograph?

  Mr Pederson gave him a gentle poke in the ribs. “Right, Daniel?”

  Daniel brought his focus back to Mildred Roost and Mr. Pederson. He didn’t have a clue what they were ­discussing.

  “Uh, sorry, sir. What were you saying?” he asked, realizing they were both staring at ­him.

  “Nothing important, lad. You looked like you were millions of miles from here. What are you thinking about so intensely?”

  Daniel’s thought whirled. What could he ­say?

  “The Stygimoloch,” he blurted out. “I was just imagining what they might be like in real life.” He stumbled over his explanation. “For no particular reason.” Every time he opened his mouth, he was making it ­worse.

  Mildred Roost stared at Daniel curiously, her interest radar suddenly perking up. He shifted uncomfortably. She shot Daniel another questioning look. Pederson’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t say ­anything.

  Daniel added quickly, “I just think they’re interesting is all.”

  “I agree,” said Dr. ­Roost.

  She seemed about to say something else, but Pederson interrupted. “Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m hungry. Shall we go, Mildred?”

  Dr. Roost nodded. They were going into Eastend for supper at Jack’s Café. Daniel almost wished he were going with them. There was something exciting about being surrounded by a panoramic landscape, depicting the history of the area from the early years of civilization to ­modern-­day technology, while eating great ­food – ­their pizzas and garlic bread were ­scrumptious.

  “We’ll say good night then, Daniel, because it will probably be late when we return and we don’t want to keep you from anything important,” Pederson said. He had a strange gleam in his eyes as he guided Mildred towards his ­vehicle.

  “Good night for now, Daniel,” Mildred echoed Pederson’s suspicious mood with a raise of her ­eyebrow.

  That was a close one, Daniel thought. Those two early risers were the ones he’d have to avoid the most in the morning. Hopefully, he’d be long gone in the morning before they could notice and spoil his plans!

  Then Daniel remembered he needed to ask about borrowing Dr. Roost’s digital camera. He hurried after them, although he wasn’t sure if she’d agree to such a big ­favour.

  Daniel reached Dr. Roost just as she opened the truck ­door.

  “Dr. Roost?” Daniel ­puffed.

  “Yes, Daniel,” she said, surprised by his ­approach.

  “Uh, I was just wondering if I could ask you something? Sort of a favour,” Daniel ­said.

  Dr. Roost shoved her Tilley onto her forehead, leaned on her cane, and gave Daniel her full attention. Mr. Pederson waited patiently by his side of the truck, watching ­them.

  “What is it?” Dr. Roost ­asked.

  “Well, I noticed, uh, that you have a digital camera, and I was wondering, well,” Daniel hesitated, “well, if you might consider lending it to me for a short time.”

  Mildred Roost eyed him ­sternly.

  “When and why?” she ­demanded.

  “Early tomorrow morning,” Daniel shot out. “I wanted to get an early start and I thought maybe it would be good to get some photographs b
efore the tourists arrived,” Daniel stretched the truth again. “I figured if I took digital ones, then I could store them on my computer.” That part was definitely ­true.

  She shifted her cane, calculating his reasons. She pursed her lips, stared hard at him, and nodded. “Okay, but I expect it back in the condition I give it to you.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Daniel said, surprised that she’d agreed so ­easily.

  She swung her canvas backpack off her shoulder, and dug out the camera. “Do you know how to use it?”

  “I think so.” Daniel took it from her and looked at ­it.

  She pointed out a few things to him. He experimented by taking a shot of Mr. Pederson, leaning against the hood of his truck with his arms crossed over his chest. They examined the results on the screen on the ­side.

  “Go on with you, then, Daniel,” she said, tapping him gently on his arm with her ­cane.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said again, as he tried to avoid her eyes while hurrying ­off.

  Wow! He actually had a digital camera. He could take great photos and even put them on the Internet. Then everyone would have to believe him! He watched Mr. Pederson and Dr. Roost drive out of the yard, giving them a final wave before he turned back to the house. He hurried to tuck the camera into his closet with the rest of his gear. Then he joined everyone outside for a barbecue to celebrate the successful first weekend of their ­venture.

  Later that evening, the Nelwins and Lindstroms gathered their belongings and began heading for home as the sun’s rays cascaded over the farm buildings in warm orange tones. A slight breeze rustled the poplar leaves, and a pleasant quiet settled over the farm. In the distance, they heard the muted voices of the campers from halfway down the valley, preparing for ­after-­dark campfires and marshmallow ­roasts.

  In his bedroom, Daniel spread everything out on his bed. He took inventory as he began stuffing the items into his backpack, making sure everything was compactly pushed down so he could fit it all ­in.

  A sudden knock on his bedroom door sent Daniel scrambling. He whipped the quilt off with everything inside it and threw it into his closet, along with the backpack, and slid the door shut. Then he messed up his sheets as if he’d been lying ­down.

  “Daniel?” Mom said, knocking again. “What are you doing in there?”

  “Just getting ready for bed,” he called. “Just a minute.”

  Daniel opened the door to let her in, holding his pyjamas in his hand as if he was just getting changed. “Hi, Mom,” he said ­nonchalantly.

  Mom had that concerned look on her face ­again.

  “Are you feeling all right?” She felt his forehead. “Your face is flushed. I hope you’re not coming down with something.”

  “Nah, I’m fine,” he said, standing in the doorway and unfolding his pyjamas. Anything to keep her from noticing his missing ­quilt.

  “Maybe you should take it a little easier tomorrow.” Mom ­suggested.

  Daniel couldn’t believe his good fortune. Here was an opening he couldn’t give ­up.

  “How about if I hang out at my hideout for a while in the morning? I wouldn’t mind putting it right,” he

  suggested, hoping Mom would agree. If she did, then anyone who happened to see him go wouldn’t question the load he was ­carrying.

  Mom thought about it for a few minutes. “I suppose that would be okay. As long as you don’t do anything strenuous. You need to give your body time to mend.”

  “I’ll be fine, Mom,” Daniel said. “Just a little walking, some puttering, maybe some picture taking.” What he planned to do was all true, just not exactly in the current ­time.

  Mom gave Daniel a quick hug and a kiss goodnight on his forehead, then left the room. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief as his heart pounded in his chest. That had been too close for ­comfort.

  Then a sudden stab of guilt hit him as he thought about how he was taking advantage of his mom’s trust. He felt bad about not telling her the truth, but she’d never believe him. He shook the moment off, and rushed over to his closet. He was just about to open it, when Mom appeared at his door ­again.

  “How about turning off your light right away and getting some sleep?”

  “Okay,” Daniel smiled, and shrugged his shoulders. “Not a problem.”

  Mom left again. Whew! He’d have to be more careful. This time he listened through his door to make sure his mom had gone back downstairs. Then he quickly finished repacking. He hid the backpack far back in the closet, draping an old sweater over it to make it look like it had fallen down accidentally. He rearranged the hangers full of clothes to hide the whole ­lump.

  He set his alarm and changed into his pyjamas. But Daniel knew he couldn’t sleep yet. His thoughts were clanging in his head, and his body practically vibrated with his excitement. Everything was in place. He couldn’t wait to ­go.

  Turning out his lights, he pulled a chair over to his open window. He opened the blinds and raised the window higher to let in more of the calm night air. He gazed out over the farmyard at the pasture beyond. Crickets chirped by the buildings, and farther away he could hear frogs ribbiting near the ­dugout.

  Calming his mind somewhat, he finally headed for bed. He lay there going over his plans, determined to make the most of his experience. Without realizing it, he sank into ­sleep.

  Chapter Seven

  Daniel’s muffled alarm rang at 4:30 in the morning. He shut it off and pulled it out from underneath his pillow. The sky was already becoming filled with early morning light. Quietly, he dressed and gathered his belongings. As he snuck down the stairs, he avoided the one creaky step, and made it to the kitchen without turning on any lights. Opening the fridge a crack, he pulled out some sandwiches and bottles of water. Quickly, he zipped them inside the front flap of his ­backpack.

  Once outside, he stared up at the bedroom windows, but couldn’t see anyone about. Dactyl appeared from under the step. He yawned and stretched, then padded over to ­Daniel.

  Already, Daniel had a problem. He’d forgotten about his dog. Dactyl wouldn’t stay behind, and locking his pet into the barn wouldn’t ­help – ­the dog would bark and wake everyone up. The only thing he could do was let him come, then hope to distract him with food temporarily when he made the leap into the ­past.

  Keeping in the shadows close to the buildings, Daniel made it across the farmyard to his mom’s garden shed. He had to make one fast stop. As gently as he could, he opened the squeaky door. He held his breath and looked again at the house, then slipped inside the gloomy ­darkness.

  Luckily, he knew approximately where the roll of plastic banding tape should be and was able to walk over to it. He couldn’t see much of anything, but used his hands to rummage through a couple of boxes. At last, he felt the roll. He grabbed it and slid it into a side pouch of his ­backpack.

  Warily, he slid back outside and pushed the workshop door closed as quietly as he could. Streaks of light radiated on the horizon, as he walked past the barn. Not long afterwards, Dactyl disappeared chasing some gophers. As quick as he could, Daniel covered the hills and descended to his ­hideout.

  He was just about to crawl inside, when he heard a voice that made him drop his ­backpack.

  “I knew you were up to something.” Mildred Roost came forward from the shadows on the side of the ­hideout.

  Daniel couldn’t speak. His heart felt like a bowling ball stuck in his ­throat.

  “So, young man, please tell me that you’re not doing what I think you’re doing.” Dr. Roost tilted her head and waited for Daniel to ­respond.

  He didn’t want to tell a lie and he couldn’t speak the ­truth.

  “There is no way you are going anywhere other than home, young man!” Dr. Roost insisted, guessing his ­intent.

  Daniel stood defiantly, facing ­her.

  “I have to go,” he said adamantly. “There’s only this one chance to prove a few things that are really important to Mr. Pederson and I.”

 
; “They may be important to Ole, but he would never want you to risk your life!” Mildred Roost ­countered.

  “But it’s my decision. Besides, I don’t plan on getting in any trouble!” Daniel ­declared.

  “I’d suggest you let me go instead,” suggested Dr. Roost. “It’s too dangerous for you, Daniel.”

  “Dangerous for you too,” he blurted ­out.

  “I’m an old lady,” she said. “I’ve lived my life, and haven’t much to lose now. You still have your whole life ahead of you.”

  “Aren’t you afraid of dying?” Daniel ­asked.

  Mildred Roost explained. “I don’t want to die, but I know it’s coming and I’m as prepared for it as I can be.”

  “No offence, but you’d never be able to get away from the dinosaurs in time,” Daniel said honestly, thinking about her age and her use of a ­cane.

  “I’m sure game to try,” she persisted. “Besides, it would be the most fantastic thing I could do in my whole life. What a glorious way to end it, if it came to that.”

  Daniel stared at her open-­mouthed.

  “If you think it’s safe enough for you, young man, it’ll be fine for me.”

  “But you might have to climb a tree,” Daniel pointed out as he tried to picture Mildred Roost climbing one of the huge trees. He’d have laughed if the situation wasn’t so serious. “There isn’t anywhere else to get away from them.”

  “I’m sure I have a few tricks up my sleeve,” she said confidently, patting her ­backpack.

  There was no way Daniel was letting her go without him after all his ­planning.

  “I’m not without experience in dangerous situations, you know,” she declared. “Just tell me how to get there, and I’ll be off.”

  Daniel shook his head. “But I know the way to the Edmontosaurus.”

  “I’m sure I can find ­her – ­you just need to give me directions,” said Dr. ­Roost.