July 3rd, 2008
Dear Dad,

I was really pissed off yesterday, but the we had dinner, and I found out this place is awesome, and so are (most of) the people here. Rusty's still a girly prick, and most of the actual girls here are kinda snooty, but the rest of his classmates? I gotta say, they're pretty cool. Shirwin's the kid who caught me during hide and seek, he's this little Italian guy with gelled-up hair. He's way smarter than he lets on, always talking about strategy and ways to promote himself. He wants to be a big league hockey player when he grows up, and he's got almost every play in the book memorized. The big guy, "Grim" (Greg Hognose), his parents are the Sheriff and the Hostess of the camp. How awesome is that? He doesn't even brag about it, he's totally humble. I used to think "Grim" was a stupid name, but it actually suits Greg really well cause he's tall, wide, pale, and mean-looking (especially with those braces, looks like a white guy with grillz)... unlike Rusty, who's average height, and skinny as a twig. I think Grim's dad said their family is from all over Europe and Russia, but their history got lost. "Whiteness" is all they know. That would sure suck if it happened to us! Oh yeah, it did. Well, I guess we're all in the same club now, huh?
The best part was, everyone loves me here! I told them I killed the Cold Cannibal, and they didn't believe me at first, but Rusty did the only thing he was good for and confirmed my story.
He said, "yep, it's true. Flint and I were running away from my grandpa in his pork factory, he tried to grind us up, so we pushed him in."
At first people weren't sure what to think. Rusty killed his own grandpa? I was friends with the little loser?
I said, "dude, that's not what happened. We took turns dangling over that thing in his zombie grip, then I pushed him in with that stick."
He had to admit, I was right. Then, it sounded like I saved him, which is the truth! Thankfully, they realized after we told the story that if anything, both Rusty and Sid were to blame for putting you and I in danger, having their stupid little chase next to a line of saw-blades. It was right then that I finally understood why you put me in that pig cage... it was the only safe place to be. I bet if I had just stayed there, things would have gone differently... but it's too late now.
Anyway, now that they know I'm not Rusty or Sid's friend, and that we were the ones at risk because you needed the job and I was in harm's way from all the hazards, they decided that I was basically the MVP of the whole story! That's Most Valuable Player.

Now, I'm a total hero around here! They're even calling me "Talon", after my necklace. Sorry, dad, but you gotta call me Talon now too. That's the rules when you're as cool as I am. I got leftover cake from Helda (same as Grim, but no complaints here). I got my own hat from Hero (that's the Sheriff's name), it's kinda silvery grey. I even got a hunting knife and a holster from Antonio! That's Shirwin's dad. He said he got it gambling, but he never uses stuff like that. Everyone is being really nice, I just wish you could see it. They're letting me go first for the wall climb, the zip-line, the obstacle course... Rusty, on the other hand, is serving his second week of detention that he says they already let him off from. Principal Oswell called to ask how camp was going, and the Hognoses told him how Rusty was picking fights with Shirwin and Grim again. I don't even feel bad for him. He's such a drama queen, always has to have everything his way, and wants ALL the attention ALL the time. Shoveling trash out of Killerdrop Chasm oughta set him straight.

* * *

Picking up where I left off... today, we visited the museum. They had a lot of neat shit, but here's the thing you're gonna like: there was a scythe blade called 'the Crow's Beak', property of MARTIN HERMAN! Y'know, like US, the HERMANS. So I called Bo up and sure enough, that was his father's name! Your grandfather, and my GREAT grandfather! Remember that stick you always beat me with? I bet this blade is what used to be on the end of it! There's just one problem – I gave it to Rusty for his birthday. Sorry. I know that was dumb, but at the time, all I could think about was how scary you are when you're drunk, and I just... lost focus.
Anyway, the blade was donated by Sid Becken, which is a hell of a coincidence. He probably stole it from someone's garage, and gave it away to promote his Special brand. Helda decided to call the Archive Association, and because I pointed it out that he had stolen a bunch of stuff before he died (like Bo's wolf hat), they're relisting everything as being donated by 'Anonymous'. Except the scythe blade and some old compass that doesn't spin, which used to be Martin's too, I guess.
So, I got this stupid idea... that once we got back, I might pay Rusty's house a visit and take back the staff. I know, you'd probably hate for me to end up in juvie, but everyone already hates this kid, and nobody would believe him – not when a Sheriff named Hero says I'M a hero. Turns out, I didn't need to steal it. Rusty is such a blabbermouth, he already told Shirwin where it was, sort of. He was complaining to himself out loud last month cause the school made him store the staff at Pearl's place, and get this: she's the janitor here. Hero caught wind, and made her drive all the way back to get it, or she's FIRED! I love when things work out for the good guys.

* * *

Update on the scythe situation, Pearl went back and got the staff, but it doesn't fit the blade, somehow. They're still keeping it, just in case. Also, Rusty got major sunburn while everyone else was chilling at the pool in town. AND, he was covered in scratches, cause he tried to pick up an iguana and hug it. Said he read they were herbivorous, but man, that don't mean they're friendly. Antonio was supposed to help him like any other kid, get him some ointment or something, but he just tossed Rusty a bottle of sunscreen and some sticker bandages. Y'know, so none of the bandages would stick. He can be a real asshole when he wants to be.

It's nighttime now, but I just learned this, so I had to share it with you. There's a legend that says the Crow's Beak can locate silver, or some kinda treasure, and Antonio thinks the blade can vibrate and magnetically hone in on a storage of Spanish Silver, or something like that. I was kinda tired when he said it, but it sounds awesome. If we find it, Hero says we can use it to post your bail and get you out! Even if the trip ends before that, they said they'll keep their word for the hero that killed Sid. I want to find it, like, NOW! Y'know? I don't think I really want to strangle Rusty like I did before, cause he's already choking just trying to swallow all of his failure. Just lunch and a good shooting trip is all I need, and I bet you're looking forward to stretching your legs instead of your cheeks (just a joke, don't get mad). All I can say is I'm really excited for tomorrow.