Crystal Cove, 1981

Brad and Judy shared the motel-room phone back and forth as they telephoned an old friend.

"Hi, Fred Jones? This is Brad."

"And Judy. We're back."

"I'm a bit surprised to hear from you," said Jones. "I thought you went missing in the caves."

"We disappeared a couple of years ago because of a threat that our parents would be arrested if we stayed, but all of a sudden we got to thinking..." said Brad.

"Let our parents fend for themselves," said Judy. "If they did the crimes they should do the time."

"I see," said Jones.

"We need your help," said Brad.

"To pick up again on the treasure hunt," said Judy.

"Right, to pick up again on the treasure hunt. Thank you, Judy," said Brad.

"You're welcome, Brad," said Judy.

There was a loud crying in the background and Judy said, "Oh sorry, I have to pick up the baby."

"You have a baby?" asked Jones.

"Yes, he's an adorable little guy," said Brad. "We named him after you."

"You did?" said Jones.

"Fred Sternum," said Brad. "We took a new cover name for our work."

"You were one of the nicest people to us in Crystal Cove," said Judy, getting the phone back as she cradled the infant in one arm.

"Even though the treasure hunt didn't work out last time, at least it brought us together. We got married and we're starting to make a success of our business as trappers," said Brad.

"So now we'd like to try again," said Judy.

"To find the treasure," said Brad.

"Right, to find the treasure. Thank you, Brad."

"You're welcome, Judy."

"Does anyone else know you're here?" asked Jones.

"Not yet," said Brad. "I'm not sure my old man will be glad to see me."

"On account of him probably getting arrested and all," said Judy. "Same with my mom."

"Where are you now?" asked Jones.

"At a cheap place called the No Tell Motel on Lurker Lane," said Brad. "We're in room 13."

"Stay where you are. I'll be right over," said Jones.

Brad and Judy put little Fred down for a nap and sat together watching television, waiting for Jones to arrive.

The door smashed open and it was the Freak of Crystal Cove. Waving his sword to keep them back, he ran to the bed and scooped up Fred before the parents could react. He backed out the door, holding the blade to show he would cut the child if they tried to stop him.

When they ran to the door a moment later, there was no sign of the Freak or their son.

Then the telephone rang in the room. Judy answered it.

"This is Fred Jones. I've decided not to come over there after all."

"Fred, you've got to help us. The Freak took our child!" Judy said.

"Your son will be all right. The Freak will bring the boy to me. In my historical research I learned of a charm that can control it."

"Thank heavens!" said Judy.

"You don't understand. I sent the Freak to you," said Jones.

"What?" said Brad, who had come close to the phone to listen.

"I want the treasure for myself and I don't want you in the way. The boy will be my hostage for your good behavior. If you don't leave town immediately without telling anyone, he will come to bodily harm."

"You can't do this to us! We'll hunt you down, you bastard!" said Brad. "We'll trap you and get our son back."

"If anything happens to me, the Freak will deal with your child," said Jones.

"No!" cried Judy. "Please don't let the monster hurt him."

"I'll take good care of the boy if you stay away, I promise. I'll raise him as my own son," said Jones. "After all, he's named after me."

Fred Jones hung up his new 30-ounce portable cell phone and cut off their cries.

He picked up the still-sleeping child and moved out of his place of concealment, the dried up swimming pool next to the motel.

"Let's go home, Fred Jones, Jr.," he said.

Back in the hotel, Brad and Judy looked at each other. Then they burst out laughing.

"Well done. He fell for it," said Brad. "I knew he had to be the Freak. I don't know how he managed the dream stuff, but it doesn't matter."

"We unloaded the rug rat on him. That brat was going to hold back our career," said Judy.

"We've given Jones a long-term weakness," said Brad. "While we get stronger all the time. We'll be back when we're ready."

"Sternum and Sternum are the best trappers," said Brad.

"The best in the business, Brad."

"Thank you, Judy. The best in the business."

"You're welcome, Brad."