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    The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4)
    The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4)
    The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4)
    Ebook177 pages2 hours

    The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4)

    By B L Hoffman

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    About this ebook

    Spencer Kane continues his chilling adventures, this time with a last-minute change of plans for spring break. With his Florida beach trip canceled, he agrees to help a friend, Cassie Vance, check out a home her family inherited from her uncle in southern Indiana. The generous notion to help clean up the property while Cassie's parents were in London, was met with shocking surprises.

    A lake dweller, fixated on Cassie before she arrived, wants possession of her and the house. The man spent time with her uncle, pretending to be his friend, before her uncle was forced to spend his last days in the hospital. A dispute on the will and property location kept the home available for the man to inhabit for months.

    Spencer and Cassie work together, at times separated unwillingly from each other, to rid the house of this man and secure it from all uninvited guests.

    A young boy, Daniel, who is among the lake dwellers, captures the hearts of Spencer and Cassie, and desperately needs their help to survive ... and to escape.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherB L Hoffman
    Release dateMar 28, 2014
    ISBN9781311072016
    The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4)
    Author

    B L Hoffman

    I'm married and live in Indianapolis, IN with my husband and baby Ziva (2 1/2 year old Pom/Shih-Tzu mix). I worked in the insurance industry for 34 years before starting my first book. I love the outdoors (except for the bugs), boating, fishing, cruising and traveling to new places. I love seafood, especially fresh lobster and catfish! Friday is normally pizza night. I'm very detailed (to a fault), and have been the family cruise planner, itinerary organizer and travel consultant; and think I still hold the title for most efficient dishwasher packer!

    Read more from B L Hoffman

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      Book preview

      The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure (Book #4) - B L Hoffman

      The Lake Dweller

      A Spencer Kane Adventure

      Book #4

      B. L. Hoffman

      Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

      The Lake Dweller - A Spencer Kane Adventure

      Book #4

      Smashwords Edition

      Copyright © 2014 Brenda L Hoffman. All rights reserved.

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Prologue

      Spring 1997

      It had been almost three years since Spencer Kane and Cassie Vance had first met at Shadow Lake during summer vacation. The following semester, they’d been seniors at different high schools, almost fifty miles apart. They had kept in touch occasionally but became closer friends once they attended the same college.

      Both were sophomores at Purdue University in Indiana. They attended several classes together, one taught by Cassie’s father, Professor of Archaeology. Since Spencer and Cassie’s past adventure with American Indian relics at Shadow Lake, both had a particular interest in his class.

      After months of intense study, both were more than ready for the upcoming spring break. While both had their sights set on completely different types of off-campus activities, they found themselves sharing the week at an old run-down house inherited by Cassie’s family.

      Far from any town, and with no phones or power, a broken lock on the door, and a lake dweller determined to stake claim on the property - and Cassie - , the two had to fight for each other’s safety.

      Chapter 1

      Hey, Spencer, wait up!

      Spencer turned to the familiar voice with a smile. Hi, Cassie. How do you think you did on your dad’s exam? Both continued to walk down the sidewalk away from the science building.

      I’m not sure. It was tough. I thought I’d do well, but the questions weren’t what I expected. If I don’t pass, my Dad will kill me!

      I doubt he’ll go that far, but I wouldn’t want to be at your next family dinner if you failed. I’m sure you did fine, though. When we studied together, you had all the answers. I’m sure you did much better than you think.

      Thanks. I hope so.

      They continued to walk through the campus and toward the dorm rooms, comparing their test answers along the way. The weather had finally turned spring-like, and the need for heavy jackets was behind them for another season. It was a welcome change for the beginning of spring break.

      So, what big plans do you have for break? Cassie asked.

      Oh, my plans are awesome. I really hate to brag, Spencer replied with a smirk and a roll of his eyes.

      Okay … I take it that your plans didn’t work out?

      You won’t believe this. Benny talked me into this trip to Panama City. He said his grandparents had a condo we could use for free. He also offered to drive. I’m thinkin’ how could I go wrong?

      With Benny, I could think of a lot of ways. Sorry, go on.

      Where were you when this idea came up?

      I don’t know … probably studying.

      "Anyway, a few days later, Benny came to me and said his car wasn’t running. A new part was on order, and it’d take a week for the garage to get it. He needed me to drive to Florida now. You know my truck. It gets about seven miles to the gallon. It would cost a fortune."

      I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh.

      No, go ahead. I deserve it. That’s not all. Then, Benny told me that Critter was going with us and he’d forgotten to mention it.

      Critter? Isn’t he the guy who still picks his nose in public … among other things?

      Oh, yes, that’s him. Plus, he can’t afford to pitch in for gas. Benny told him that was okay because he and I could cover it.

      Oh, no.

      Oh, yes. Just before class today, Benny stopped me and said the condo wasn’t available, and we’d have to get a hotel room for the week. The dollar signs were swirling around my head. He still thought this trip was going to happen. I was caught off guard and had to get to class, so I told him I’d see him later.

      How could he afford to pay for that? He told us last year that his parents were both working two jobs so he could go to college.

      Spencer shook his head. "Needless to say, I’m looking for Benny. This trip is not going to happen."

      Sorry to hear that your plans were ruined, Cassie said sympathetically.

      It’s okay. I didn’t need to spend the money, anyway. I guess I can just go home and help Dad with the fire pit he wants to build in the backyard.

      They both stopped walking when they approached Cassie’s dorm building.

      So, what are your plans, Cassie? I hope they’re better than mine.

      Well, I thought I was going to Paris with my folks, but I didn’t feel right tagging along on their anniversary trip. They’ve asked me to take care of some family business instead.

      That doesn’t sound like fun.

      I don’t know. It might be, Cassie said with a shrug. I need to check out a lake house my Uncle Mike left us.

      Didn’t he pass away quite a while ago? I think I was at his funeral.

      Yes, you were there. It was over six months ago. Apparently, there was a problem with the will and the verification of the property address…. I don’t know. It was confusing. Anyway, I’m supposed to drive down to the house and make sure everything is all right. You know, check the utilities, clean the house, and see if there are any maintenance issues. Things like that.

      Where is this place?

      It’s on a small lake in southern Indiana. Dad said it’s about a three-hour drive from here. He heard from the lawyer that the house needs repair and the lot is overgrown. There’s also some sort of makeshift gate across the driveway.

      And you’re going to take care of this by yourself? That doesn’t sound like a great idea. I’m surprised your dad would want you to do this alone.

      Well…

      I’ve seen that look before. Okay, spill it.

      He just dropped this on me a few days ago, and he was hoping you could go with me. I had to wait and see if you had other plans before I asked. Are you interested in a spring break full of dirt, spider webs, and manual labor? Cassie asked with a twisted smile.

      It’s definitely the best offer I’ve had so far. Of course, you know that’s not saying much. Sure, I’ll go. It could be an adventure. Plus, I don’t want you going by yourself. You’ll owe me, though, Spencer said with an unconvincing smirk.

      I will owe you forever! My dad said he would pay for your spring break next year if you came along.

      "I can’t pass up that offer. I guess my dad will have to con Zack into helping him with the fire pit."

      Really? You don’t mind? Maybe you should check with your parents first. If they have something big planned for you, I don’t want to ruin it.

      I’ll call them when I get back to my room. I’m sure it’ll be okay. They’ll probably want to come and help.

      Call me after you talk to them, okay? We need to leave around nine in the morning to take advantage of the daylight tomorrow. I don’t know what we’ll find when we get there.

      Will do. Spencer looked up to see who was talking so loudly across the lawn. Oh, there’s Benny! I have to catch up with him. I’ll call you later.

      Okay. Good luck with that conversation.

      ≈

      Cassie opened the door to her dorm room, dropped her book bag on the floor, and fell on the bed. She let out a deep sigh, relieved that all the exams for the week were over. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

      ≈

      Cassie woke suddenly to a loud sound that she thought was her alarm clock. After a few seconds of tapping the snooze button, she realized it was the phone.

      Hello?

      Were you asleep? Spencer asked.

      Yes. Sorry. I guess I was more tired than I thought.

      I just got off the phone with my parents. They’re fine with me helping you at the lake house. Dad offered to pay Zack’s car payment next month, so he has help with the fire pit. My folks are a little worried that we don’t have the right gear for this place, though.

      My mom and dad filled the Jeep with supposedly everything we would need. His friend is supposed to deliver it here overnight to the professors’ parking lot. I can’t guarantee we won’t need anything else, especially since I have no idea what they packed. At least Dad made a list of everything, and it should be in the car.

      That was a good idea. I should have known he would think of that. Your parents are so thorough I’m sure they thought of everything.

      Yeah. I don’t know how they did all this at the same time they packed for Paris and Dad gave exams. They really amaze me sometimes.

      I think I’m in good hands. Should I meet you in front of your dorm a little before nine in the morning?

      That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Spencer, for going with me. You know I’m a fairly independent person, but I feel much better now that you’re going to be there.

      I would have worried about you if I hadn’t gone, so we’re both following our instincts. I’ll see you in the morning.

      See ya. Thanks again.

      Chapter 2

      Spencer woke up with the sun in his eyes and covered his head. He turned over to get comfortable and go back to sleep. He then remembered that he had to get up and meet Cassie. He turned to the alarm, panicked that it hadn’t gone off and he had overslept. The time was seven thirty a.m. His alarm was set for eight o’clock. He took a deep breath, covered his head, and went back to sleep to enjoy the extra thirty minutes of rest.

      Cassie was up and packing before seven a.m. She had no idea what type of clothing she would need or if doing laundry was an option within the next week. She filled the three suitcases she had available, knowing that Spencer would most likely give her a hard time about the abundance of luggage.

      They met in front of Cassie’s dorm room just as she dragged out her last suitcase to the sidewalk. Spencer approached with a large duffel bag and a small cooler.

      I thought you weren’t going to Paris.

      Ha ha. I expected that.

      Seriously, why did you pack so much?

      It isn’t all clothes. I threw in anything I thought we might need … a few blankets, pillows, plastic cups, my stun gun.

      Your stun gun? Are you expecting trouble?

      It’s just a precaution. Dad said I should take it with me everywhere. I had it packed before I knew you were coming.

      It’s a good idea, Spencer replied as he grabbed Cassie’s largest bag, moaning and groaning as he lifted it.

      You’ll thank me when you want a pillow.

      I probably will, but I don’t think this is the bag with the pillows … unless they’re made of concrete.

      Cassie gave Spencer a light smack on the arm and then grabbed her remaining bags. The two headed toward the professors’ parking lot.

      "How did it go with Benny? Was he upset

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