Read Online McKenzie’s Oregon Operation by Shari Barr - Free Book Online Page A

and other sea lion projects. It’s isolated and quieter than any other resort,” Mr. Carney answered.
    The girls told their neighbor good-bye and headed back to their own yard. They plunked down into the hammock, swinging it back and forth.
    â€œDo you think we’ll find out what happened to Mario and Bianca?” Alex asked as she pulled on a hangnail and made it bleed. “Or do you think it’s too late…if you know what I mean.”
    McKenzie cringed at the thought. “I can’t believe Mario and Bianca are dead. Surely God wouldn’t let that happen to them, would He?”
    â€œI sure hope not,” Alex said glumly. “But it seems that some people are just born nasty.”
    â€œI know. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Mario and Bianca disappeared while we were out here doing a video report on sea lions. I think God allowed all this to happen so we can figure out what happened to them.”
    â€œMaybe,” Alex said as she wrapped the hem of her blue T-shirt around her bleeding finger. “Maybe we could go look around the resort lobby sometime and see if there’s an employee who looks like the woman you saw on the sun porch. At least then we’d know if it was Mrs. Franks or not.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea. And I’ve also been thinking,” McKenzie said, chewing her bottom lip. “Maybe Mrs. Franks, or whoever that lady was, stole Mr. C.’s book on caves. He said he couldn’t find it, and he was sure he left it on his nightstand.”
    â€œBut he also said the Frankses were experts on sea lions and caves. Why wouldn’t they buy their own copy? Mr. C. said they’re rich.” Alex tucked her legs beneath her.
    McKenzie folded her arms behind her head and sighed. “I don’t know why anyone would steal the book and leave Mr. C.’s valuables, but I’ll do everything I can to find out!”

A Cruel Hoax
    â€œThe tour doesn’t start for twenty minutes,” Alex said while the girls waited outside the Sea Lion Harbor lobby the next morning. “Why don’t you stand by the sign, and I’ll tape you. When I tell you to begin, start saying what we rehearsed.”
    McKenzie stood by the sign, trying to act like a professional news reporter. When Alex motioned for her to begin, she smiled at the camera and spoke. “Hi, I’m McKenzie Phillips, and I’m standing outside the Sea Lion Harbor observation area on the gorgeous Oregon coast. In just a few minutes, we’ll go inside the cave and take a close-up look at the amazing Steller sea lions.
    â€œThe Steller sea lion is in the same family as the seal,” McKenzie continued. “But the sea lion has an external ear flap while a seal only has a tiny opening for an ear. To move through the water, sea lions move their front flippers up and down. They walk on all four flippers on the ground, while seals scoot around. Let’s go inside and take a look at the fascinating Sea Lion Harbor.”
    â€œGreat!” Alex said, lowering the recorder. “I’ll record more after we get inside.”
    A steady stream of people of all ages hurried past them, forming lines at the ticket booth. Others stopped to pose in front of the large brass sea lion statue out front and have their picture taken.
    â€œLet’s go.” Alex grabbed McKenzie’s arm. “People are lining up for tickets already.”
    After paying their admission, the girls stepped inside the lobby and waited for the tour to begin. A young man wearing a red polo shirt and matching cap approached their group of about fifteen people. He had long blond hair and looked about twenty years old.
    â€œHi. I’m Colby, your tour guide. If you’ve never been to Sea Lion Harbor before, you’re in for a treat. I see most of you dressed warmly. That’s good. It gets chilly down in the cave. Let’s get started. Follow me,