Naked Ambition. Dan Roberts

couldn’t help but guess that his friend was also thinking of another angle. And so he said, “Tom, I’m going to ask a question that you don’t have to answer. I know it’s none of my business, but I’m very curious. Do you plan on doing any investigating on your own while up there?”

      For a brief moment there was silence on Davis’ end of the conversation. Then with a slight chuckle he replied, “You’re right, Joe. It’s none of your business.”

      Larson smiled as he thought of the possible plans that Davis might have in mind once he got back home.

      “Well,” Larson said, “I hope you enjoy your vacation. By the way, say hello to Gram for me.”

      “Will do, Joe.” With that the phone line went dead. Larson, still holding his phone’s receiver, was wondering what the next step in the investigation would be. Somehow, he couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that Tom was going to be a part of it.

      THE MORNING SUN WAS SHINING BRIGHTLY, an indicator that this was to be yet another sweltering summer day. Nick had just gotten back from a run when, as he approached the Baker home, he saw Zach’s father walking toward his car. With perspiration pouring down his face, Nick wiped his forehead with the hem of his already wet T-shirt and then greeted his host. “Hey, Mr. B. You headed out?”

      “Morning, Nick. Yes, I’m off to D.C. I’ve got meetings down there this afternoon.” After opening the car door, Baker continued with concern in his voice. “Now, remember, Nick, you’ve got my cell phone number. Promise me you’ll keep me informed if any problems come up.”

      “Will do, Mr. B.”

      “I hope to be back sometime early Friday evening, if not before,” said Baker as he closed the door of his Camry. “Just to remind you, Clarkson said he would bring you home tonight and tomorrow if needed.” Baker, with his head now leaning out the window, said, “Nick, are you sure you’re going to be okay with the arrangement?”

      “Yeah, Mr. B. I’m fine with it.”

      ‘The arrangement’ was this: Baker was going to Washington, D.C. for the next couple of days. Zach was going to visit a friend and former neighbor, Keith Gordon, who now lived in Bryn Mawr, a suburb of Philadelphia, about one hour away from Reading. This was being done so that Zach would be away yet available should Nick need help. Nick’s car, which was supposed to be in the shop for repair, was, in fact, parked in the closed garage of the Baker home. He had agreed not to use it unless an emergency came up. Mr. Baker felt that was important since, if Clarkson would see Nick driving his car, it would destroy not only the story that allowed Nick to ask the coach for a ride home, but could possibly jeopardize Nick’s safety.

      Although aware of the danger, it was Nick’s idea to be put into as vulnerable a position as possible, making for a scenario that, hopefully, would expose Clarkson. That is, thought Nick, if the coach was actually doing something illegal. From the beginning Nick had been a little concerned about Clarkson being put in a bad light. He thought that the man might just be legitimately involving himself with some of the boys, trying to be kind and nurturing. That’s what many men do in their roles as coaches or teachers or scout leaders. That kind of attention was much needed by boys who either had no father or had fathers who were geographically or emotionally distant. Nick, himself, recognized the importance of several older men who had taken time and put forth the effort in guiding and supporting him in his young life.

      Challenged by the task he had taken on, Nick tried to hide any uneasiness by saying, “Don’t worry about me, Mr. B. I’ll be fine.” Knowing that Baker needed to leave, Nick tapped the top of the car and said, “Take care and drive safely.”

      “Will do, Nick,” said Baker as he put his car into reverse, backing it out of the driveway. When he was almost at the curb, he stopped and stuck his head out the window. “By the way, Nick, a guy by the name of Jerry from ComfortPro is coming today to fix the air conditioning unit. I told him you would leave the kitchen door open. He knows what to do. The A/C should be on for you by tonight.”

      “That’s cool.” Nick laughed at himself as he realized what he had just said.

      As Baker’s car reached the street, Nick saw Zach coming out of the house with a packed duffle bag. Approaching his sweaty friend, Zach said, “Did you have a good run?”

      “Sure did. But I’m glad I went when I did ‘cause it’s going to be another scorcher today.”

      “Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard. Too hot to put the top down.” Zach was referring to his VW Beetle convertible. What had been his mother’s car had become his after she passed away from cancer last year. Even though Zach felt it was more of a ‘chick car,’ he enjoyed driving the inherited Beetle, especially with the top down since that experience brought back pleasant memories of times with his mother.

      “So,” said Nick, “Looks like you’re heading out?”

      “Yup. Going to work this morning. And then I’m leaving from there. Should be at Keith’s by early evening.”

      “Well, bud, have fun.” After saying ‘later’ to his friend, Nick, needing a shower, turned and began walking toward the house. That’s when he remembered something. “By the way, Zach, you’re still planning on going to ‘The Bowl’ with me, aren’t you?”

      “I’m not sure…” Zach’s voice trailed off as he tried to hide a grin.

      “Aw, come on! You’re not gonna’ back out on me, are you?”

      Zach, not being able to keep a straight face, started laughing. “Yeah, dude, I’m going. Just wanted to get your motor revved.”

      “Damn you!” was Nick’s retort as he broke into a smile.

      Nick knew what Zach’s grinning and laughter was all about. It went back to a time—about two years ago—when the same question had been asked of Zach. Back then, he wasn’t so keen on saying yes. Not that he didn’t want to, especially when Nick told him of the number of girls that would be at the event. But, for Zach, it was going to be a big challenge, one of modesty. Actually, it was more like a challenge of embarrassment.

      Ever since they were boys, Zach and Nick had been friends, tightly bonded through their sport of volleyball. It was during those early years that Zach came to know Nick’s family and their history, one that was rooted in a rather different lifestyle. They were nudist and members of a nudist community that lay just south of Reading. Called Sylvan Acres Health Society, it was made up of several hundred acres of mostly forested land. However, in the center of that wooded acreage was a large residential and recreational area that included a swimming pool and several tennis and volleyball courts. It was no secret among most of his volleyball buddies that Nick’s parents belonged to Sylvan Acres. Nick’s grandparents even lived there, and had for over thirty years. Zach and several other close friends had heard Nick tell numerous stories about how he and his brother, Brandon, had spent many of their childhood summer days in the buff, swimming in the pool, slithering down the water slide and playing volleyball.

      Over the years Zach had heard Nick and Brandon talk about going to ‘The Bowl’ or SVB, referring to Super Volley Bowl, an annual naked volleyball tournament that was always scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day. It was a huge event, one that was the focus of nudists—even many non-nudists—throughout North America. Every fall several thousand players and fans from all across America and Canada descended on Black Oak, a large nudist resort located in western Pennsylvania, near the Ohio state line. It was four days filled with non-stop play. During that time, on more than fifteen courts, hundreds of naked players battled it out to see who would become the reigning team for the year. It literally exposed fans to some of the best volleyball players on the continent. For participants and spectators alike, this tournament was one of the most exciting, intense sporting events of the season. For the diehards, it was ‘volleyball heaven.’ And, according to Nick and Brandon, it was also ‘chick heaven’ since there were a number of girls and young women involved in the tournament play.

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