Sam stood up and asked Devin, “Is she always this agreeable?”
“So far, yes. We’re blessed to have Reverend Steele on our team this summer.”
Sam left after she and Devin promised to stay in constant contact and share any information they uncovered. Sam was going to use her database to search Mr. Gamble and the boy's backgrounds. It was a safe bet that the boys had no red flags in their history, but one never knew.
***
Before Devin led Bible class, He stopped off at the tent where the computer screens were shining brightly. He spoke with one of the counselors at the door.
"Hey, Jerry," Devin looked at his ever-present name badge. Everyone in the camp had to make their own badge. It was supposed to say something about him or herself. Jerry's had a picture of a graduating student wearing a mortarboard. "I take it you're a college student."
“Perceptive, Reverend Grant. I’m an education major at UNH and hope to go on and get my ME.”
“Maybe you’ll be at Kingsvale High someday. Is this camp job good preparation for your future career as a teacher?” Devin asked.
“No,” Jerry said emphatically. “Video games have no place in a summer camp. The parental board meets tonight, and I’m 99 percent sure these computers will be gone tomorrow. I know they were supposed to comfort the kids after the tragedy but if you ask me – it doesn’t work.”
“Can you explain the power these games hold over our youth?”
“I can’t begin Reverend. I have my studies, track and field and Sundays are devoted to God and family. I don’t have the time for video games – or the interest.”
“Good man. I have a class to teach so I have to run. Good luck in your studies and God Bless. Our schools need devoted teachers like yourself.”
Devin had an idea germinating in his mind as he walked to class and he needed Natalie’s help in the matter.
Chapter Seven
Devin had heard about parents battling with their children over the time spent on video games. Perhaps, they should learn about the games. Devin was going to find out if something evil lurked inside.
“Looks like you’re setting up some sort of side business out here on the porch. What’s with the computer and two chairs?” Natalie asked when she came upon Devin.
“I want to know as much as possible about this video game Kingdom X. It's all the rage, and in it, I might find a clue about what makes Todd and Javon tick. Since playing alone is no fun – I thought you might join me."
Natalie agreed, they logged in and took the tutorial which was more violent than either expected.
“I’m military, and this stuff shocks me. It looks like we have to join or form a team and the object is to impress the ruler of the kingdom.”
Natalie pressed an icon that brought up a ranking of the best teams. She had no idea what she was pressing, and Devin didn’t either. She kept pressing and scrolling until she came across the initials MG – NH. The name had a black mark through it - Max Gamble – New Hampshire. Natalie’s hand was shaking, and it was a warm day. Below were the initials TF – NH, JL – NH and NP – NH. The last set of initials was shaded, and the other two had icons after the initials that Devin couldn’t make sense of.
Devin puffed his cheeks before exhaling slowly and reaching for his phone. He had a friend in the IT department at the county office who would be able to answer some questions. If it regarded technology in any way, Dillon Baxter could help. He owed Devin a favor because he officiated Dillon’s brother’s wedding at the last minute.
“Dillon, Reverend Devin Grant from Kingsvale.” He listened as Dillon gave him updates on his sprawling family. Everyone in town knew at least one Baxter. “I’m calling because I need help deciphering a video game.”
“Are things in the God business that slow?”
Devin chuckled as did Natalie. He had Dillon on speaker. “No busy as ever. God’s a great boss but can be demanding at times.”
“Name the game Devin, and I’ll see what I know.”
Dillon told him that a black X on a player’s name meant they were taken out of the game permanently. A name that was shaded meant that someone was no longer playing on the team. The icons next to TF and JL were very good for the player, and they were in good favor with the ruler. Players with good standing gained access to secret levels of the game that Dillon knew nothing about. The apex in the game was only reached by a dozen or so players in the world. TF and JL were close. Devin ended the call when he had heard enough and thanked Dillon for his help.
“It’s time I had a chat with Todd Fox and Javon Lattimer. These games are designed to lead our young people astray. It baffles me how something like a computer can do so much good and bad at the same time.”
***
Todd and Javon were minors, and Devin knew it wasn’t appropriate to ask them delicate questions without a parent or guardian present. He was deciding whether he should call the Lattimers, Foxes or his cousin Sam. Before Devin could put his finger on a button his phone rang, and it was Sam.
“I was just about to call…” Devin started to say, but Sam spoke over his words.
“I found out something in Jake Gamble’s background. I’m relieved I didn’t hurl accusations at him or bring him in for questioning about Max’s bruises. Jake is a recovering alcoholic, went to rehab and has been studying to be a drug and alcohol counselor. No one in town knew because he intentionally kept it private due to the high profile of his position.”
“I’ve always known Jake to be a good Christian. We never know what our brothers and sisters are going through. I’ll say a prayer for Jake and hope he eventually pursues counsel in the church. Our drug and alcohol program has received national attention - addicts seek it out.”
“Why were you calling me?” Sam asked.
"I'm speaking with Todd and Javon tomorrow, and I think you have to be there in an official capacity. They're deep into a video game, and it seems to have jumped off the screen and into their real lives. Max was on their team, and I worry that his drowning had something to do with the game. Can you contact the parents? They need to be there, too."
"My friend's kids are restricted when it comes to gaming. They can be dangerous and addictive. When and where?"
“In the dining tent at 10 am.”
“I’ll be there, Devin. What’s with Natalie. She’s lovely – is she single?”
Devin sighed and brushed his hand over his short, military hair. “Natalie lost her husband in Afghanistan and has a son. She’s committed to her life as a mother and a Reverend in a small town.” Devin answered Sam’s question, Natalie was out of reach for those reasons, or so he thought.
“Good for you, Devin. You managed to talk yourself out of another great catch. See you in the morning.”
Devin turned around, and Natalie was standing in the doorway ready to go for an evening jog. "I love a short run before bed. Care to join?” Natalie asked. She wore purple nylon shorts and a long-sleeved camp t-shirt.
“That sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Give me a minute.”
Devin and Natalie went for a run along the river, past stands of pines, phlox, and daisies. The evenings on Lake Winnipesaukee were chilly as the cool air and fog crept across the lake. It was impossible not to believe in God when looking at natural perfection. Devin felt the stress falling off with every foot-fall. He normally ran with music but thought it rude to do so with Natalie by his side. The cadence of her breathing provided a constant beat that was more enjoyable than the Christian pop; he normally listened to.
“I’m guessing you do this regularly,” Devin said as he climbed the rickety porch steps. “My breath is labored, and yours is nothing close.”
“Full disclosure – I’m training for the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall. It’s a way of honoring John and making Caleb proud of his Mommy. Sunday is my long run, which I do right after services. I know Sundays are supposed to be set aside for the Lord, but I think He understands.”
“I’m officially impressed, Reverend Steele and I don’t think you have anything to prove to Caleb. I’m sure he’s already proud of his Mommy.”
“Goodnight, Devin and thanks.”
Natalie disappeared into her cabin. Devin was still for a moment and shook his head. Keep your head in the game, Reverend.
Chapter Eight
Interrogating kids with their parent’s present was tricky, but it had to be done. One of the boys had answers, and Devin was going to get them.
Bible study was more relaxed at summer camp than it was during the year at Kingsvale. Devin thought of incorporating some of the summer ideas into his ordinary curriculum. Studying the Bible should be fun, and it went a long way in welcoming the youth into the church. In his morning session, he had campers play proverb charades, which ended up with side-splitting laughter.
He tried to go into the delicate meeting with the boys with a positive attitude, which should always be the case for a man of the cloth. Devin was finding it harder to be the positive driving force behind the mystery – his smile muscles were exhausted.
Devin walked into tension so thick it was difficult to move. He walked over to his cousin who seemed pleased to be met by a happy familiar face. “Hey, Sam. Good job getting everyone here on such short notice.”
“No small feat, Devin. I don’t know if the parents were angrier at their kid or me. I spoke with Dillon Baxter because one of his sisters works at the station. She mentioned he’d been in touch with you. These video games are a scary beast, and it presents a first for me.”
“Me too, but I’m determined to find answers. May I take the lead?” Devin asked.
“Be my guest.” Sam sat behind Devin in the corner. It looked as if she was put in a time-out.
"Hey, guys. Sorry to pull you from the fun and games of the day. I have some questions about Kingdom X. Your parents are here to make you more comfortable. Are we clear?"
“Yes,” Todd said.
Javon nodded.
“In the game, you perform tasks to please the ruler of the kingdom and advance to higher levels. Do you ever do things in your real lives to please the ruler?” Devin asked.
Todd looked to his parents and said, “No, absolutely not.”
Javon looked at his father who was stern-faced. "Yes, that sometimes happened but it was never my idea. I was being a follower even though my father always taught me to be a leader and do the right thing."
Jaws dropped collectively, and Javon started to weep. Devin felt sick to his stomach; the guilt Javon felt was palpable. He was compelled to comfort the boy. “Javon take it easy. This is a safe place, and you aren’t being accused of anything. We’re just trying to figure out what really happened to Max Gamble.” Devin touched Javon, and the boy went from tense to relaxed.
The room was silent except for Javon taking a deep breath. “Max, Todd and I were close to the top tier in the game which is every 13-year-old’s dream. Max said he was dealing with issues at home and stopped meeting his goals. Todd and I were being dragged down, and the only way we could retain our position was to eliminate Max.”
Mr. Fox tried to quiet Javon, but he wasn’t successful. There was no stopping the young man who was trying to come clean. “I didn’t think we were going to kill Max, but that’s what N- I mean Todd decided to do, and I went along with it. We went beyond the buoys and held Max down. Max died, and it was my fault.”
Devin was shocked and knew the boys needed to know that God was by their side no matter what and that it was Him who was all-powerful, not the video game ruler. God would never ask them to take someone else's life, and, after the boys received the help they needed, it would become clear to them. If there was a silver lining, it was that the boys were juveniles and they would have the opportunity to pay for their crimes appropriately. He still had questions, but the boys had been through enough for one afternoon.
Devin spoke to Sam as the boys huddled with their parents. “You can take it from here for now. I have more questions, but they can wait for later. I assume you will take Todd and Javon to some sort of juvenile detention facility.”
“Yes, there’s a minimum-security facility in Nashua for juvenile defenders. They will be released to their parent’s custody eventually and be under strict rules and regulations until trial. The boys won't be sent to prison or anything like it. In these circumstances, the church will be a part of their rehabilitation if they are open to it.”
“I’m not letting these boy’s get lost in the system. In these cases, it’s important that they know God and the community are on their side.”
“I’ll be in touch, Devin. Once again, thank you,” Sam walked over to the boys who would be driven back to the Kingsvale police station by their parents.
Devin walked back to his cabin with a heavy heart. God forgive those boys who lost their way. Help them follow the path to forgiveness. When a question was answered, or a mystery solved, Devin usually celebrated but there were no winners in this situation. Healing was going to take a great deal of time and energy. As he lifted his head, he saw Natalie and a small boy waving to him from the porch. Devin quickened his pace because he was anxious to meet little Caleb Steele.
"Hello! You must be the young man your Mother couldn't stop talking about. It's great to meet you, Caleb.
The little boy jutted out his hand, displaying impeccable manners. "Hello, Reverend Devin. My Mommy talked about you, too – the next-door neighbor at camp. Are you going to play with us?" Caleb asked.
“Nothing would please me more. It’s Saturday, and we have nothing scheduled.”
“I reserved a canoe. Are you up for it?” Natalie asked Devin.
“You don’t have to ask me twice. Where’s my paddle?”
Chapter Nine
Devin didn’t feel satisfied that the case was wrapped up. It was easy for Natalie to think their work was done because she had her son as a distraction. No offense to Todd or Javon but they hardly seemed like masterminds; they were followers and not leaders. Who were they following?
Natalie returned late in the day after putting Caleb to sleep at her parent’s cottage. She had an easiness about her after spending her day with her son. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered. It left Devin to think of the children who had been allowed to run wild on the internet. If those kids had been treated with such care, maybe things would have been different. Devin caught himself judging other parents – a habit he was trying to break. He had no biological children and couldn’t speak from experience. He did, however, have a townful of youngsters who looked up to him, so in that respect, he was a parent.
“We didn’t have time to talk much outside of generalities. Are Javon and Todd looking at years in custody?” Natalie asked.
“With kids this young, the courts will try to reform them, so at some point, they can reenter society as productive and law-abiding adults. Sam will take it from here and figure out what exactly happened. We don’t know if it was Todd’s idea and Javon was an accomplice of some sort. There’s a lot I’m still trying to figure out.” Devin thought back to Kyle’s mention that he saw four boys that morning. It was something he couldn’t shake off.
Devin went into his cabin to prepare the sermon for Sunday services. Sermons took up a lot of time on Saturday evenings because Devin always started from scratch. He didn’t recycle sermons because if one person had heard his words before, they’d be shortchanged. That was unfair and not why the Lord called him to be a pastor. He opened the laptop he was using to play the video game, and the page with the rankings was still up. NP – NH; the name was still shaded and in all the craziness of the day he forgot NP. Devin racked his brain as he tried to think or a 13-year old with those initials in Kingsvale. He pulled his phone out of the back pocket of his jeans.
“Patty, sorry I haven’t checked in until now, but I’m sure you know of Max Gamble’s death.”
“I know all about it. Polly and Jake Gamble have become family around here. Th
ey’ve set up a beautiful memorial for Max, and through doing it, they’ve started the healing process. I’ve been able to spend time with the family. Their emotions are raw, and I was nervous at first, dealing with them in your absence, but I handled them as I thought you would,” Patty said.
“You’re a natural Patty and congratulations. You’ve just taken off your training wheels. You have your own style and don’t need to think of how I would do things any longer."
Devin was truly happy for Patty, but he was a little jealous too. Was the student beginning to pull ahead of the master? His competitive side was coming to the surface, but he was able to suppress it. Devin cleared his throat. "I'm calling for a favor. Can you go through our files and find all the families with the last name beginning with P. In particular, I'm looking for an NP – a 13-year-old boy.
Devin heard rapid clicking as Patty went silent. “There are several P families but none with teenaged boys.”
“I’ve hit a dead end then.”
“Nope, Devin. Nicky Pearl lived here with his Mom for four years. Sherry Flannigan remarried, and her husband took Nicky for a while. He was having a hard time adjusting to life in Kingsvale. I remember him, nice boy.”
"Thanks, Patty: do you happen to know where Mr. Pearl lives?" Devin was getting ready to quit, but Patty’s can-do attitude saved the day once again.
“I do, only because I like the name of the town. It’s Bluebush. About 20 miles south. One thing, Devin; Nicky Pearl is 19. I’m not sure if that makes a difference.”
"Bless you, Patty, see you soon."
***
Devin pulled into the depressed town of Bluebush, New Hampshire. A paper mill that employed much of the town had shut down. Devin would make it a point to see if there was a Protestant church in town. It seemed now more than ever, the people of Bluebush needed to know God hadn’t forgotten them.
Devin hopped out of his 4x4 and walked up to the white house in need of a paint job. Money for paint would be a waste because a bulldozer is what it really needed. Devin rapped on the door, which he was afraid would knock over the entire structure. Thank God, that wasn’t the case. A slight man in his twenties answered the door.
Summer Camp Murder Page 3
