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there was a lot of work to do, and Rusty didn’t have the time or the desire to do it.
    At this point, Max took over the story.
    He explained to the girls that more than a year ago, he and Luke had been climbing trees on Luke’s land. It used to be one of their favorite ways to spend a lazy afternoon. On this particular day, they had separated in order to find some new spots to climb.
    Max had wandered off deeper into the woods than he’d ever been before.
    That was when he came across Mr. Kull.
    He was out there, just past a thick band of trees that made him hardly visible, putting the finishing touches on a huge cabin. The construction materials covering the forest floor around him made it clear that this cabin was freshly constructed. And it looked to him like Mr. Kull had done an amazing job.
    â€œI remember thinking at the time, man, Luke is so lucky. Not only does he have the best house in town, and the best land, but now he has this awesome cabin, too.”
    Max admitted that he wanted to get a closer look. But because Mr. Kull had done his fair share of yelling in Max’s direction over the years, he was in no rush to be seen by him and forced into an awkward “Hello.” He made his way out of the woods and headed back to find Luke. It was a task that took more than hour, by which time Max had completely put the whole Mr. Kull scenario out of his mind and never mentioned it to Luke. He had actually forgotten about it—until now.
    â€œOkay, here’s what we’re going to do,” Tim began. “We’re going to find that cabin because I think that’s where they’ve got our friends.”
    Nina looked visibly shaken.
    â€œNo, Tim, you can’t do that!” she practically yelled. “It’s way too dangerous. We have to tell our parents.”
    Her reaction took Tim by surprise. Nina was always the adventurous one—up for anything. She had more courage than anyone he ever knew. He’d never known her to be afraid of anything.
    Wait, was she shaking?
    â€œYou’re right, it might be dangerous, that’s why you and Emily aren’t coming along,” he said looking directly into her eyes . . . her green eyes. “But Max and I are going out tonight to find this cabin and bring our friends home.”

Chapter 11
Cabin Fever
    Nina was in a panic.
    Tim and Max had just explained their plan to her, and even though she begged them not to go through with it, she could see they would not be deterred.
    After quickly escorting both girls back to the safety of their respective homes, the boys set off on their own, into the dark maze of woods on Luke’s property.
    Nina climbed up the trellis leading to her bedroom window and pulled herself inside.
    She had to tell someone . . . fast.
    â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢
    The section of property closest to the house was manicured to the hilt, dotted with flowers, gardens, a huge barbecue pit, and a pond filled with colorful fish. Paths led out to various other areas, including a sand volleyball court, and benches where one could sit and take in all the beauty of nature.
    But the path Tim and Max took was not well traveled. It led to the woods and some of the most enormous trees Tim had ever seen.
    â€œI can’t remember exactly where it is,” said Max. “I found it by accident last time.”
    So the two boys walked . . . and walked . . . and walked . . .
    And the woods became thicker, and darker, and wilder.
    Finally, Max stopped.
    â€œThis looks like the area.”
    Tim had no idea how he could tell one area from the next out here, especially in the dark of night.
    â€œTake a good look around,” Max whispered. “It’s really hard to spot. It’s hidden by the trees.”
    Tim could barely see the ground beneath him. The darkness was overwhelming.
    He slowly turned in a circle and tried to make out the shapes around him.
    All of them were trees.
    There were huge,