Thunder and Lightning

About the Book

Thunder and Lightning:  Julian's Private Scrapbook, Part 4

Days nine, ten and eleven at Camp Walker.  Adventure and high risk taking are the fare in this segment of camp life in the 1960s.  A thunderstorm in the middle of the night provides challenges and opportunity, and two serious injuries change the course of events. A few new story developments and characters appear, and Julian gets much closer to reaching his goal than he realizes.

Ninth Day: Second Monday
The story begins just after midnight on the dock at Camp Walker. Sunday night, Robin and Jack snuck out of their respective camps to meet for an overnight tryst. They plan to greet the sunrise and slip back into their tents before anyone else is awake.
The second week at the scout camp has begun; everyone will be back on task working on merit badges and advancing to the next rank. The mid morning activity break includes intramural water polo, where Mark Schaeffer is one of the coaches. Mark is scoutmaster of Troop Nine.
Mark has been targeted by Geoff Staples, the sophisticated scout from California. Geoff was on duty at the special service yesterday. He was totally entranced by Mark when he led Troop Nine up to the building. On the spot he decided to add Mark to his considerable list of sexual conquests. He pursues his quest with vigor. Mark does not suspect Geoff's motives, and he has a few extremely awkward experiences.
Mark's skill and purpose as a scoutmaster gets some attention; he deals with the problem of camp politics and relations with the other scoutmasters.
Nick Harrison and Tom Dawson are the top officers in Troop Nine. With Julian's assistance, they have created a special sleeping arrangement in the troop supply tent, and disguised it to avoid detection by the scoutmaster. Their romance has brought purpose and happiness to Tom, who is determined to make amends for his years of bad behavior whenever he can; he follows through on his promise to Kurt, who he had forced to have sex a year and a half ago. This is accomplished, but it gives Kurt a new problem to solve.

Tenth Day: Second Tuesday
Yesterday afternoon's close order drill lesson gives subconscious minds an impetus to reveal inner drives; that phenomenon is experienced by Mark and Geoff in an oddly similar way.
Geoff begins to clear his private trail, and discovers the secret romance of Jack and Robin.
Danny suspects Geoff's intentions and takes it on himself to stand guard and protect his unsuspecting scoutmaster.
Julian's natural ability to perceive others' needs makes him invaluable to both Mark and Sid as it had on Saturday for Nick and Tom. Julian's artistic skill evolves by leaps... portraits and personal qualities become his subject matter.
Nick helps Kurt find a way to move forward.
Nick and Tom have a rare afternoon free of responsibility or obligations, and they give Leonard a little vicarious pleasure.
Leonard becomes discreetly supportive of several of Troop Nine's scouts and their personal needs.
Alex mentors Clint during an overnight Backpacking merit badge hike.

Eleventh Day: Second Wednesday
Camp Walker is shaken by a thunderstorm shortly after midnight. Some are better prepared to meet the challenge than others. We get a peek into the world of Troop 419, and Geoff's natural leadership ability. The overnight hikers are caught out in the open. Alex and Clint are forced into an unexpected survival compromise.
Danny is welcomed as a water polo strategist; he has his very best day yet at camp. He ends the day setting an even higher personal goal.
Julian is given an unexpected promotion. His day is packed with variety and achievement. He becomes acquainted with the Camp Director.
Doug, one of the stopwatch boys, discovers Julian.
Nick debuts as a solo lifeguard; he offers the Shooting Gallery operators a special event that he and Tom have

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