Trouble in Warp Space Read Online Free PDF Page A

earlier,” Frank said. “It must have gotten moved during the commotion over the fire.”
    “Well, it doesn’t matter how it got moved,” Webb said. “We don’t have power to continue the shoot today. Everybody pack up your gear. We’re heading back to Jewel Ridge.”
    “Just another day in Warp Space ,” Stan Pekar said, shaking his head. “Come on, Marge. Let’s put our gear away.”
    Sandy O’Sullivan appeared crestfallen. “Everybody remember to return your costumes to wardrobe and your props to Stan, since Rich isn’t here.” She turned to the teens. “Iola and Chet, you’d better let Stan and Marge help you out of those getups.”
    Iola sighed. “My first day on TV and I don’t even get to shoot a scene,” she said.
    “Don’t worry,” Sandy said. “We’ll work you in somewhere else. It may not be as glamorous a part as being wounded by the Slayer from Sirius, but—”
    “Oh, I wasn’t complaining,” Iola said. “It’s been thrilling, even if I didn’t get on camera.”
    “A little too thrilling, I’d say,” Jerri Bell said.
    “Come on, Jerri,” Claudia Rajiv said. “We need to get out of costume, or we’ll have fans following us home.” Jerri nodded and the two of them headed for the costume tent. Chet and Iola walked to the makeup tent to get their gear removed.
    “Oh, my gosh!” Sandy said as they left. “Rich still has my car! I need to find a ride home.”
    “We’d be happy to give you a lift,” Frank said, “if someone can ferry us to the parking lot.”
    “I’m sure I can arrange that,” Sandy said. “Thanks, guys.”
    “No trouble,” Joe said. “We need someone to show us the way to our hotel, anyway.”
    At that moment a ranger who had been patrolling the scorched area came down into the camp. “What’s all the commotion?” he asked.
    “An accident with the electrical truck,” Sandy said. “We’re quitting for the day. We’ll be back at the end of the week, though, with any luck.”
    “The fire’s out,” the ranger said, “but we’d appreciate it if you’d be more careful in the future. The guy in the hospital must have been careless with his cigarette.”
    “Peck’s usually very conscientious,” Sandy said.
    “Nevertheless. Our people will probably want to talk with your lawyers about it.”
    Sandy sighed. “All right. You have the number in the location use contract that we signed.”
    The ranger nodded. “Right. Is there anything we can do to help you get going?”
    “Well, some of us need a lift back to the main parking lot,” Joe said.
    “I’ll send someone down with a truck,” the ranger replied. Nodding goodbye, he hiked back over the ridge.
    “I need to organize a few things before I can leave,” Sandy said. “I’ll meet you back here after Chet and Iola are out of costume.”
    “Sounds good,” said Frank.
    Some of the tents were already coming down as Sandy hiked off. The Hardys paced around the area, watching the commotion.
    “Do you think TV shows are always this exciting?” Joe asked.
    “I doubt it,” Frank replied. “I’m sure that cablewasn’t there earlier. That and the fire make two accidents in one day.”
    “It could just be the hustle and bustle of the production,” Joe said. “Everybody seems on edge, and we know they’re short on both time and money.”
    “Could be,” Frank said. “But, after the lights fell, when everyone was coming to see what happened, I saw someone taking off into the hills away from camp.”
    “A ranger, maybe?” Joe suggested.
    Frank shrugged. “Let’s just stay on our toes,” he said.
    •  •  •  
    “So, where are we staying?” Joe asked as he pulled the van onto the highway.
    “The Benson studio in Jewel Ridge,” Sandy said.
    “The studio?” Iola said.
    “We’re giving you the guest star trailer on the lot,” Sandy said. “It’s a nice touch, don’t you think?”
    “Cool,” Chet said.
    “And saves money, too, I’ll bet,” Frank