Back Before Dark

7/29/2019 Back Before Dark

1/14


2/14

!"#$ !&'()& *")$

!"#$%$' )$'*+&,- . /)&$,0 /)"# 0.)1,$'' #$.,' -"&,- &, ./%$) %2$#3

!+ ,-. /0(&."$&)

1&2&"3& *"4&5 67897:;86

?99

@A&)+ $-BC3 D()34 E-F04.")&G " )-B& 40)(HF0 40& I")$ F&43 J()B+ "KBH#4&B?

,0& $-B3 '-EB 40&.3&2A&3 -E 40& D)(EF I2"#& "4 40& D)(EF 4-.&? L4C3 &A&)+ $-BC3 D()34

E-F04.")&G D0&E " )-B& 40)(HF0 40& I")$ F&43 J()B+ "KBH#4&B? ,0&-) I(D&)3 ('

(K3&)A"4-(E ")& IH4 4( 40& 4&34 2-$& E&A&) K&'()&G "3 40&+ '-F04 40& #2(#$ 4( '-EB 40&-)

')-&EB? LE 40& B")$G 40-EF3 ")& E&A&) D0"4 40&+ 3&&.?

!"#$% %'( !$%'#)

,-. /0(&."$&) -3 " 3I&"$&) "EB "H40() (' &-F04 K(($3G -E#2HB-EF *"EF&)(H3 *&A(4-(E3

'() JH+3M /."30&B ,(."4(&3G !(442& 1(#$&43G "EB N40&) NH4B(() *&A(4-(E"23M O"30&B


3/14

ZONDERVAN

Back Before Dark

Copyright 2013 by Tim Shoemaker

This title is also available as a Zondervan ebook. Visit www.zondervan.com/ebooks.

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Shoemaker, Tim.

Back before dark : a Code of silence novel / Timothy Shoemaker.

pages cm

Summary: When Gordy is abducted in the park, his cousin Cooper will do

anything to rescue him and although Hiro and Lunk fear that Cooper will get

himself in trouble, too, they join the race against the clock to save their friend.

Includes authors notes about friendship, discussion questions, and tips for

avoiding abduction.

ISBN 978-0-310-73499-4 (hardcover)

[1. KidnappingFiction. 2. Best friendsFiction. 3. FriendshipFiction.4. Conduct of lifeFiction. 5. Christian lifeFiction. 6. Mystery and detective

stories.] I. Title.

PZ7.S558625Bac 2013

[Fic] dc23 2012049855

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible,

New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are

offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement

by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers

for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photo-

copy, recording, or any other except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without

the prior permission of the publisher.

Published in association with the literary agency of Hartline Literacy Agency, 123 Queen-

ston Drive, Pittsburg, PA 15235. www.hartlineliteracy.com

Cover photo: Thinkstock

Cover design: Sammy Yuen

Interior design: Ben Fetterley

Printed in the United States of America

13 14 15 16 17 18 /DCI/ 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


4/14

Dedicated to all those who know me as Uncle Tim . . .

Authors often create characters that reflect bits and pieces

of people they already know. Youll find yourselvesin almost everything I write.

Thanks for giving me so much material to work with!

Special Thanks to . . .

Frank Ball . . . for his skillful help fine-tuning the mechanics

of Back Before Dark

Dr. Dale McElhinney . . . for his expertise adding realism

to two scenes

Rich Hammer . . . for his time, undying support,and valuable input

Jeff Aiello . . . for his endless fight to protect kids,

and for helping me to do the same

Mrs. Wendy Fanella and her enthusiastic students . . .

for making this series a special part of their class

Nancy Rue . . . for her encouragement and expert advice

Kim Childress . . . for her insight and flexibility

with the content and edits

Nathan Williams . . . for a great quote that inspired

the tagline of this book

Cheryl Shoemaker . . . for never doubting even when I did

Kim

Kevin Karl

KristyMaddy

Meg

Gabe

Brandan

Emma

Trentonn

Jennie

JordanJoy

Jamie

Karin

KatieJuli

eJake

Stephen

Ben


5/14

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life

for ones friends.

The Bible, John 15:13

Sometimes calling people out of the darkness means going

in after them.

N. Paul Williams


6/14

9

CHAPTER

1

Cooper couldnt get home late. Not this time. Even at fourteenhe wasnt too old to get grounded a little fact hed beenreminded of before he went out with his friends. His legs felt like

concrete, but he kept pedaling.

His cousin Gordy didnt act at all tired riding next to him.

Gordy raised his chin and seemed to be enjoying the wind blowing

his nearly white blonde hair back around the edges of his helmet.

Cooper, on the other hand, could feel the sweat looking for an

escape route through his maze of curls.

They crossed Kirchoff Road and rode the sidewalk in front ofthe Jewel Osco grocery store. Frankn Steins Diner sign flicked on

down the block, beckoning to him, Come in.

Im starving, Gordy said.

You just had dinner, Hiro shouted from behind them. She

sounded out of breath.

Having troubles keeping up, Hiro? Gordy grinned. And for the

record, we ate over an hour ago. Ive burned it off. He pointed at

Frankn Steins. How about it, Coop. Monster shake? Fries? You in?

Cooper checked the sky. The sun was down, but they had a

little time before it was fully dark. Just not enoughtime. Well both

get brain freeze if we have to gulp it down that quick.


7/14

T im Shoemake r

10

Gordy nodded. Tomorrow. Right after school.

Coop, Hiro called. Slow up a little.

Cooper coasted, and Gordy shot ahead.

Hiro pedaled up alongside, taking Gordys place. Her long black

braid bucked down the middle of her back like it was trying to

break free. This was a stupid idea.

Biking to Walmart or promising wed be back before dark?

Hiro managed a weak smile. Both. Wevegotto take a break.

Five minutes.

They were close enough to home now. Cooper worked hisphone out of his pocket and checked the time.

Besides, were losing Lunk again, Hiro said.

Cooper checked over his shoulder. Lunk had fallen behind, just

like he had in school. Which is why he was still in eighth grade

with the rest of them instead of in high school where he belonged.

Then again, Lunk didnt really belong anywhere, although he was

trying hard with Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro.

And Cooper tried to make him feel accepted. But leaving him

in the dust wouldnt exactly help.

I dont know why Lunk doesnt get a bigger bike, Hiro said.

Lunk hadnt crossed the street yet, even though he was pedal-

ing his BMX like crazy. Lunk stood a full head taller than Cooper

yet rode the smallest bike. He even had some height on Gordy and definitely some weight over him too. Hed clearly outgrown the

bike years before. But Lunk couldnt afford a new one. Not that he

ever complained. Cooper wouldnt mind swapping bikes with him

in exchange for a few inches of height.

If only it were that easy.

Anyway, Hiro was right. Gordy, he said. Lets stop at Kimball

Hill Park.

Gordy gave a thumbs up, cut through the parking lot behind

the Dunkin Donuts, and stopped on the grass just past the park

entrance. Cooper and Hiro followed a short distance behind him.

Cooper hit the brakes, skidded to a stop, and got off.


8/14

BACK BEFORE DARK

11

Listen, Gordy. Hiro stopped and swung her leg over the seat,

moaning slightly. Next time you want us to join you for a little run

to Walmart my answer is no. Not unless weve got more time.

Gordy snickered. Your short legs tired?

Not too tired to kick you if you make another crack about my

height.

Height? Gordy looked confused. What height?

Cooper clapped him on the back. Youre living on the edge,

Cousin.

Hiro smiled and poked her finger at him. You willpayfor that,Gordon Digby. As soon as my legs stop cramping, youre in for a

little Hiro-schmeero. She karate-chopped the air.

Gordy took a step closer as if daring her try.

Lunk wheeled up and fishtailed to a stop. Sweat trickled down

his forehead and around his flushed cheeks. Dark strands of hair

stuck to his forehead and partially blocked his vision. Taking a

break? He stood there, chest heaving, looking ready to collapse.

Gordy needed a rest, Hiro said. We got tired of him whining.

Gordy? Tired? Right. Lunk dropped his bike and lay down flat

on his back in the grass.

Exactly what Cooper wanted to do but if he did, hed never

want to get up. Theyd be late for sure.

Check that out, Cooper pointed at the silver minivan drivingthrough the parking lot. Theres a backpack on the roof.

Hiro and Gordy turned at the same time as if theyd rehearsed it.

Lunk reacted a second later, like he was following their lead and still

trying to fit into the group. He propped himself up on his elbows.

Hiro stepped around Gordy. He must have left it up there

when he loaded the car.

Gordy still straddled his bike. Oops. He snickered. What a

bozo.

And now hes going to lose it, Hiro said.

Lunk fanned his sweat-soaked T-shirt. I give it ten seconds.

Nine. Eight.


9/14

T im Shoemake r

12

The minivan crept through the lot bordering the park, like

somebody looking for a lost dog.

Hiro turned to them and put her hands on her hips. Which

one of you is going to go tell the guy?

Lunk groaned. Im not climbing back on my bike. Not yet.

Besides, no way can I catch him.

Cooper felt the same way. His legs still burned.

Hiro lifted her bike off the ground. Theres probably some-

thing important in that backpack. Nobody wants to be the hero?

The van crawled away from them toward the far end of thepark toward the alley between the grocery store and Kimball

Hill School. The backpack stayed put.

Hiro looked at Gordy. Ill bet you couldnt catch that van if

you tried.

Cooper laughed. Dont fall for it, Gordy. Shes using reverse

psychology on you.

Reversepsychology? Hiro raised her chin slightly. Im using

child psychology.

Lunk snickered.

Hiro paused, as if giving one of them a chance to step up.

Hmmmm. A womans work is never done. She swung her leg

over her bike seat.

The last thing Cooper wanted to do was climb back on hisbike. The ride back from Walmart had been into the wind most of

the way. A real killer.

I got it. Gordy grinned. Ill catch him before he passes

the loading dock and well still make it back before dark. He

motioned to Cooper. How bout it, amigo, wanna join me?

Cooper judged the distance. Hed have to backtrack to the side-

walk through the park. There was no way not even on fresh legs.

He pictured Gordy chasing the car all the way to the far end of the

massive building. Hed be lucky to catch it before it turned onto

Meadow Drive. Just the thought of pedaling that hard made his

legs ache. Im staying right here.


10/14

BACK BEFORE DARK

13

Gordy put one foot up on a pedal. If I catch him before he

passes the dock, you treat at Frankn Steins. Deal?

Frankn Steins sounded good. A monster shake and fries would

do wonders for his sore legs. Cooper looked at the darkening sky.

Too late for a snack run. And it looked like rain again anyway. We

gotta get back.

I know, I know. Back before dark. No problemo. His cousin

pulled away. But youll oweme. Agreed?

Cooper laughed. Okay. Im in.

Im talking a couple of Chicago hot dogs, Gordy said over hisshoulder.

Whatever you want if you catch him in time. Which

seemed like a pretty safe bet to Cooper. Adios, amigo!

Gordy hunkered down his legs churning the pedals. He

veered off the path and raced across the grass.

Youre cheating, Cooper shouted.

Gordy waved. Shortcut. He angled off, bouncing across the

freshly mown park and picking up speed.

Hiro seemed to be judging the distance herself. She smiled. I

think somebody is going to owe Gordy a trip to Frankn Steins.

I cant believe the backpack didnt slide off by now, Lunk said.

Maybe its up there with Velcro. Cooper started to laugh, but

a quick glimpse at Hiro cut it short.Still focused on the minivan, Hiro wasnt smiling anymore. Her

eyes narrowed. That look was never good. She had that intuition

thing going again. Spooky.

Coop, she said. Lets go with him.

Gordy was halfway to the minivan and gaining easily. He

jumped his bike off the curb and tore across the asphalt. Puddles

from the storm earlier were everywhere, but Gordy sprayed right

through them. His little shortcuts were going to win him those

hot dogs.Nuts. It was always a mistake to bet Gordy when food

was involved.

Hes got a huge lead on us, Cooper said.


11/14

T im Shoemake r

14

Lunk is right. That backpack should have fallen off. Hiro

pushed off with one foot and pedaled hard.

This didnt make sense. But that look on her face . . .

Cooper grabbed his bike, hobbled a few steps, and mounted on

the fly. Gordy was nearly on top of the vehicle now, franticly wav-

ing the guy down with one hand.

Legs feeling the fresh burn, Cooper stood on the pedals and

pumped, trying to work up some speed over the turf. Hiro, wait

up. I was kidding about the Velcro.

But what if it is?She didnt turn around, but kept pressing ahead. The brake

lights blinked on the van.

Cooper was gaining on her now. Why would somebody Velcro a

backpack to the roof?

The van stopped just before the loading dock. Gordy swerved

around and skidded to a halt alongside the drivers door. The back-

pack didnt move. Okay, that wasstrange. It hadto be attached

somehow.

Gordy propped himself up with one foot and motioned to the

roof. The drivers window zoomed down and it looked like Gordy

said something to the person inside.

Hiro pedaled faster. Gordy, wait. WAIT. She sounded . . .

scared.Cooper had a creepy feeling. He tried to pick up the pace,

but the grass made pedaling tough. Why wouldsomeone Velcro

a backpack and drive alongside a park? Was it some kind of joke?

His stomach tightened. Or a trap.

Gordy dropped his bike and stepped closer to the van.

Hold on, Gordy! Cooper shouted. Wait!

Gordy grinned and waved at Cooper, slid the side door open

on the van, and reached for the backpack. The guy must have asked

him to toss it inside. Gordy tugged it, but the pack stayed in place.

Not good.Notgood.

Back away, Gordy!


12/14

BACK BEFORE DARK

15

Lunks voice. Behind him. He sensed it too.

Gordy! Cooper shouted, and his voice cracked. He pushed

the pedals harder but couldnt make his legs go faster.

Gordy yanked on the backpack again, this time with both

hands.

The drivers door flew open and a man reached out, pressing

something into Gordys chest.

Gordy jerked back and collapsed like hed been hit by a bolt of

lightning.

Taser.GORDY! Hiros scream sliced through Cooper.

Cooper surged past her, his pulse pounding in his ears. Minivan

fifty yards away. God help me. God help me.

The man looked at Cooper for an instant as if gauging how

much time he had. Baseball cap. Dark hair sticking out on all sides.

Sunglasses. Beard. Black jacket and jeans. Gloves. Cooper wanted

to plow into the guy and send him flying, but he would need wings

to get there in time. Gordy! he screamed.

The man in black hooded Gordy with a dark bag and hefted

him inside whipping the door closed behind him. He dashed

back to the drivers seat. The engine roared even as he slammed

the door.

No!NOOO!Cooper nearly reached the back of the van.Stones shot from under its tires, peppering Cooper and forcing

him to duck. The van shot ahead. Illinois plates. CRM something.

Stop . . . STOP! Cooper pressed harder. The van sped down

the narrow alleyway.

Cooper squinted and caught the number. CRM 9147. He stood

on the pedals, throwing all his weight and strength into every

stroke while repeating the license plate number. CRM 9147. CRM

9147. CRM 9147.

The brake lights flashed on for a millisecond as the van

approached the turn onto Meadow Drive.

CRM 9147. CRM 9147. CRM 9147.


13/14

T im Shoemake r

16

Tires squealing, the van roared around the corner, heading

north on Meadow. The minivan disappeared.

CRM 9147. CRM 9147. CRM 9147. He kept the cadence going,

blazing the number in his head. No time to come up with a catchy

way to memorize it.

He raced to Meadow Drive and banked the turn. There was

the van, already past Kimball Hill School. It screeched off Meadow

and turned west onto School Drive. Cooper lost it again.

CRM 9147. CRM 9147. CRM 9147. Wind roaring in his ears, he

pumped hard through the school lot and cut across the lawn for aclear view of the street beyond.

Nothing. The van and Gordy weregone.


14/14

Other books by Tim Shoemaker

Code of Silence

Reboot Your Brain Byte Sized Devotions for Boys

Adult Devotionals

Dangerous Devotions for Guys

Bashed Burritos, Green Eggs and Other Indoor/Outdoor

Devotionals You Can Do With Your Kids

Mashed Potatoes, Paint Balls and Other Indoor/Outdoor


Smashed Tomatoes, Bottle Rockets and Other Outdoor


Contact Tim Shoemaker

www.timshoemakersmashedtomatoes.com

Back Before Dark

Documents

Transcript of Back Before Dark