The Shark Rider Read Free Page A

things go, but any more incidents like this and that’ll be it. No more Sea Camp. And no missions.”
    Before Tristan could say anything else, his parents were out the door, still mumbling about his irresponsible and rash behavior. Tristan continued to gaze at the aquarium—so much for making his father proud. The confidence and pride he felt after last summer were gone. All his insecurities about being clumsy and not living up to his father’s expectations came rushing back. Tristan could just imagine what Director Davis would say. Coach Fred would probably make him swim a gazillion laps around the lagoon or scrub out all of the aquariums in the Rehab Center.
    Tristan got out his Sea Camp backpack, a duffle bag, and his T-shirt with the camp’s shark and wave logo on it. It read “SNAPPER” on the back. At least he was going back. He wondered if Coach Fred would demote him to Seasquirt because of his day at the beach.

2
    STRANGER AT THE WALL
    T HE ENTRANCE TO THE F LORIDA K EYS S EA P ARK was just as Tristan remembered it. Water spouted from the blowholes of three stone dolphins at the center of a fountain. Behind it was a white stucco arch draped with bright pink and purple bougainvillea blooms. And just like his first time there, he heard laughter and screeches of joy as kids and their parents rode down the park’s winding streams and snorkeled in its clear blue pools.
    Director Davis was at the entrance when they arrived. He was wearing an impossibly clean, bright white polo shirt with the camp’s logo and khaki shorts. His sandy hair was shorter than last year. Tristan noted a distinct scowl on the man’s rugged, pockmarked face.
    â€œMr. and Mrs. Hunt, good to see you again,” he said and then eyed Tristan.
    Tristan let his hair fall over his eyes and stared down at the man’s sneakers, one blue and one red.
    â€œThank you for letting Tristan come early,” his father said.
    â€œWe really appreciate it, given what happened,” his mother added. “We just didn’t know what to do. He could have lost a hand or been killed. And then all those reporters knocking on the door and the phone calls, and the photo of Tristan on the shark and what it . . .”
    Director Davis took Mrs. Hunt’s hand, interrupting her. “It’s not a problem. You did the right thing.” He glanced at Tristan. “We’re just glad it didn’t get out of hand and that Tristan is here.”
    Tristan looked up, his bright green eyes filled with hope. “I’m really sorry, but they were going to murder the shark.”
    The director acknowledged Tristan’s apology with just the slightest of nods and then turned to his parents. “Since you’re here, I assume you’re okay with your son’s continued involvement and training with us?”
    Tristan’s parents exchanged anxious glances. His mother appeared ready to grab her son and bolt.
    â€œIt’s all he’s talked about the entire year,” his father answered. “Probably would have run off down here on his own if we’d said no.”
    Tristan shrugged and smiled innocently at the camp director.
    His father looked sternly at him. “We’re not completely sold on the idea or sure that he should be here, given what happened. We’ll see how things go. Maybe you can teach him to think before he acts.”
    â€œExcellent!” Director Davis said. He grabbed Tristan’s duffle bag, shook his parents’ hands, and assured them he’d look after their son.
    Tristan thought his parents seemed uncertain, expecting further discussion or something. Before they could change their minds, he thanked his father awkwardly, hugged his mother, and said good-bye. He then ran to catch up with the director as the man walked quickly into the Florida Keys Sea Park.

    As they walked, Tristan prepared himself for the lecture that was about to come. But Director Davis