Hide-and-Sneak Read Free

think the behind-the-scenes story might be more fun than the actual movie. Helooked at the three students and could almost write the plot himself. Melody and Kerwin had probably hooked up with Zack, figuring his fast talking would make it easier to get some money to make their film. To judge from the amount of jewelry on Ms. Athelney, Zack had found a rich producer, but . . .
    â€œOur budget will allow us to shoot for three days.” Zack’s smile got even bigger. “That should give us enough footage to make a feature-length film!”
    There it was, Frank thought. Most student projects were short films, twenty minutes or so. Zack wanted to create something four times as long.
    I bet he had to dump his friend’s script to do it, Frank thought. He looked over at Kerwin’s tight expression. Something isn’t making him too happy either.
    â€œSo why did you need us to bring boats?” Joe asked.
    â€œThat’s part of the fun.” Zack brought his hands together in a sharp clap. “Also, it’s why we’re calling the project Hide-and-Sneak. ”
    The door flew open, and a handsome face peeked in.
    â€œHey, is this the movie thing? Sorry we’re late. I was helping my bud Hal move out of his dorm, and there was all this traffic. We got held up.”
    The salesman’s smile slipped off Zack’s face at the interruption, but it soon reappeared. “As I was saying, welcome to Hide-and-Sneak. ”
    This time he was cut off by a loud, metallic crash.
    â€œSorry!” a voice outside shouted.
    Zack sighed, looking around at his audience. “Okay,” he said. “I suppose we might as well start by introducing the McGuffin.”

3 The Phantom of the Marina?
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    â€œWho’s this McGuffin?” Joe Hardy asked as Zack stepped outside. “An actor? The stunt coordinator?”
    Kerwin shook his head. “You’ll see.”
    A second later two newcomers came staggering in, carrying a large piece of metal junk.
    At least that was what it looked like to Frank Hardy. Somebody had welded together a bunch of steel rods and balls into something five feet tall, that was very hard to move around. The two guys almost dropped it twice just getting it through the door.
    â€œHey, Hal, watch it!” The guy who’d first poked his head through the door said as he managed to keep the ugly thing from crashing to the floor. Hegrinned at the girls. “I’m Andy Slack,” he said. “Everybody calls me the Slacker. And this is my best bud, Hal Preston.”
    Zack paid no attention, his eyes on the large, ugly metal construction. “This is the McGuffin,” he announced.
    â€œAnd what’s that?” Trisha asked.
    â€œI guess you’re not fans of Alfred Hitchcock.” Zack gave them a superior smile.
    The girls shrugged.
    â€œHitchcock was a director of mystery films, a cinematic genius, I’d say, and I know Ms. Athelney will agree with me.” Zack smiled at the businesswoman. “Whatever caused the mystery or action in Hitchcock’s films, he called the McGuffin. It could be a clue, a person, an event—”
    Or a really ugly thing, Frank finished for him silently.
    â€œIn our film this is what you’ll be looking for,” Zack said. “First you’ll have to find it; after that you’ll be searching for whichever team has gotten hold of it. Tomorrow evening bring your boats to the Bayport Marina. You’ll get a package of charts and . . . other things that should lead you to where the McGuffin will be hidden. Find it, keep hold of it for three days, and bring it—well, clues about what youshould do with it will be in the package for you too.”
    â€œWhat about filming?” Willow Sumner asked.
    â€œYeah,” Chet said. “Lines and things.”
    â€œThere’s no script.” Zack looked as if he were above such things. “Our film will be