The Invitation
Jake Reynolds stared at the cream-colored envelope on his desk. The paper felt thick and fancy under his fingers.
"This can't be real," he whispered, running his hand through his messy brown hair.
The envelope had a special mark on it - a little owl and the words "Bohemian Grove." Jake knew about this place. It was where very important people met every summer in California. Presidents, business leaders, and famous people would gather there under tall redwood trees.
Fun Fact: Bohemian Grove is like a super-secret summer camp for grown-ups who run the world!
"Hey Sarah, come look at this!" Jake called to his friend who worked at the newspaper with him.
Sarah walked over, her eyes getting big when she saw the envelope. "No way! How did you get invited?"
Jake shook his head. "I have no idea. I'm just a regular reporter who writes stories about local stuff."
He carefully opened the envelope and pulled out a fancy card:
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
You are cordially invited to attend this year's gathering at Bohemian Grove. Your presence is requested for the full two-week retreat beginning July 1st.
Discretion is appreciated.
Jake's hands were shaking. Getting invited to Bohemian Grove was like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory - but for grown-ups who wanted to know secrets!
"What should I do?" Jake asked Sarah. "If I go, I could write an amazing story about what really happens there."
Sarah looked worried. "But Jake, nobody's supposed to talk about what goes on there. It could be dangerous."
Jake walked to his computer and started typing. He needed to learn everything he could about this mysterious place. Here's what he found out:
Important Things About Bohemian Grove:
• Started over 150 years ago in 1872
• Located in Monte Rio, California
• Has huge redwood trees everywhere
• Only special invited people can go
• Has weird ceremonies at night
The more Jake read, the more curious he got. He learned about a strange ceremony they did called the "Cremation of Care" where they burned stuff in front of a giant stone owl.
"I have to go," Jake decided. "This could be the biggest story of my life!"
Sarah frowned. "Just be careful, okay? Rich and powerful people don't like their secrets getting out."
Jake nodded, but his mind was already racing with plans. He would need a small camera, a notebook, and his best sneaking-around skills.
That night, Jake couldn't sleep. He kept thinking about the huge redwood trees and all the secrets they might be hiding. What did powerful people talk about when they thought nobody was listening?
He got up and wrote in his journal:
Day 0: Got invited to Bohemian Grove. Still can't believe it. Two weeks in the redwood forest with some of the most powerful people in the world. I need to find out what really happens there. This could change everything.
As Jake packed his bags, he wondered if he was making a huge mistake. But his favorite teacher in school always said, "The best stories are the ones that scare you a little."
The invitation sat on his desk, glowing a little in the moonlight. In just a few days, Jake would walk into a place few people ever got to see. He didn't know it yet, but his life was about to change forever.
The redwoods were waiting.Into the Grove
Jake's rental car crunched over pine needles as he drove through the massive gates of Bohemian Grove. The redwood trees stretched up so high, they seemed to touch the clouds.
"Welcome, Mr. Reynolds," said a guard in a crisp uniform. He checked Jake's invitation three times before letting him pass.
Grove Note: The redwood trees here are over 1,000 years old! They're as tall as 30-story buildings!
Jake parked his car and grabbed his bags. His heart was beating fast. All around him, men in expensive suits were getting out of fancy cars.
"First time here?" asked a friendly voice. Jake turned to see an older man with silver hair and a kind smile.
"Yes, sir. I'm Jake Reynolds."
"George Hamilton," the man said, shaking Jake's hand. "Come on, I'll show you around. It can be a bit overwhelming at first."
As they walked, George pointed out different areas:
Important Places in the Grove:
• The Dining Circle - where everyone eats together
• The Lake - for swimming and relaxing
• Owl Shrine - where they do ceremonies
• Camp Areas - little cabins in the woods
• Meeting Spots - for secret talks
Jake tried to remember everything while keeping his face calm. His tiny camera was hidden in his jacket button, recording it all.
"Over there," George whispered, "that's where we do the Cremation of Care tonight."
Jake saw a huge stone owl statue peeking through the trees. It looked spooky in the shadows.
"The owl watches over all our ceremonies," George said. "Been here since the beginning. Some say it has special powers."
Later, in his small cabin, Jake wrote in his journal:
Day 1: Made it inside! Place is amazing. Saw three senators already. Everyone's excited about tonight's ceremony. Something feels strange here - like the trees are keeping secrets.
At dinner, Jake sat with George and some other men. They talked about regular things like sports and weather. But sometimes they would whisper and look around first.
"Tonight's ceremony is very special," one man said. "We've done it the same way for over 100 years."
As the sun set, Jake heard drums in the distance. Men started putting on dark robes with hoods. The trees seemed to grow darker and taller.
"It's time," George said, handing Jake a robe. "Remember - what happens at the Grove stays at the Grove."
Jake's hands shook as he put on the robe. The drum beats got louder. Through the trees, he could see torches being lit near the giant owl.
A bell rang deep in the forest. All the men started walking toward the owl. Jake followed, his hidden camera recording every step.
The real secrets of Bohemian Grove were about to begin.
As Jake walked into the darkness, he wondered: What had he gotten himself into? And would he make it out to tell the story?Dark Rituals
The moon hung like a silver eye above the grove. Hundreds of men in black robes moved through the shadows toward the giant owl. Jake's heart thumped against his hidden camera.
"Stay close," George whispered, leading Jake through the crowd. "The ceremony is about to begin."
Warning: The Cremation of Care is the Grove's most secret ritual. No one has ever filmed it before!
Torches flickered around the owl statue. The flames made scary shadows dance on its stone face. Men Jake had seen in suits earlier now wore masks shaped like monsters.
"Brothers of the Grove!" boomed a deep voice. "We gather to cast away our cares!"
A small boat floated across the dark lake. In it was a wooden figure wrapped in black cloth. Jake's camera clicked softly as he took pictures.
"That's Care," George explained quietly. "All our worries and problems. We burn it to be free."
The drums got louder. Men started singing in deep voices. The boat reached the shore near the owl's feet.
Jake saw famous faces in the crowd:
Important People at the Ceremony:
• Movie stars
• Big company bosses
• Government leaders
• Rich business owners
• Famous scientists
"The time has come!" shouted the leader. He wore a red robe with gold stars. "Bring forth the flame!"
Men with torches stepped forward. The wooden figure called Care was lifted high.
"Care, we burn you away!" everyone chanted. "Care, leave us free!"
Jake's hands shook as he filmed. A senator he recognized lit the first torch. Then a famous movie star lit another.
Suddenly, the whole figure burst into flames. The fire reached up toward the stars. All around Jake, men cheered and raised their arms.
"Look there!" George pointed at the owl's eyes. They glowed bright red in the firelight.
After the fire died down, men gathered in small groups. Jake moved closer to listen:
"The Saudi deal is ready..."
"We'll announce the merger next week..."
"The vote is guaranteed..."
Jake's Thoughts: These aren't just party talks. They're making big plans here!
Later that night, Jake crept back to the owl. His flashlight showed marks on its base - old writing in a language he didn't know.
"Finding everything interesting?" asked a cold voice behind him.
Jake spun around. A tall man in a white mask stood watching him. And he was holding Jake's dropped reporter's notebook.
The moon disappeared behind clouds. In the darkness, Jake could hear more footsteps approaching...Whispers in the Dark
Jake's heart raced as he faced the masked man. The notebook seemed to glow in the moonlight.
"I can explain," Jake started, but the man raised his hand.
"Mr. Reynolds," the voice was smooth like honey. "Walk with me."
Danger Alert: Jake's secret is out! Who is this mysterious man?
They walked past sleeping cabins. Jake noticed three men following them at a distance. The masked man spoke softly:
"You see, Mr. Reynolds, Bohemian Grove has many secrets. Some should stay hidden."
They reached a fancy cabin with gold trim. Inside, Jake saw maps on the walls and a big table covered in papers.
"I'm Senator Collins," the man removed his mask. "And we need to talk about what you've seen."
Important things Jake overheard in the cabin:
• Plans for new oil wells
• Secret space program
• Big company team-ups
• Special computer chips
• New medicine tests
"Why tell me this?" Jake asked. His recorder was still running in his pocket.
The Senator smiled. "Because you're going to help us tell our story. The right way."
Through the window, Jake saw more men gathering outside. Some wore fancy suits even at night.
"Think about it," Senator Collins said. "You could be part of something big."
Big Choice: Should Jake join them or expose them? ♂️
Just then, George burst in. "Sir, sorry to interrupt. But it's happening - the China deal!"
The room filled with excited whispers. Jake watched as secret papers came out of hidden drawers.
"Stay here," the Senator ordered Jake. "We're not done."
Left alone, Jake noticed a folder marked "TOP SECRET" peeking from under the table. His camera felt heavy in his pocket.
Outside, owls hooted in the dark trees. Jake had to choose - take pictures of the folder or gain their trust?
His hands moved toward the folder just as footsteps approached the cabin door...The Breaking Point
Jake's fingers froze above the secret folder. The doorknob turned slowly.
Quick as a cat, he slid back into his chair. Senator Collins walked in with two new men in dark suits.
"Mr. Reynolds, meet Mr. Zhang and Mr. Smith. They're very interested in our conversation."
Jake noticed Mr. Zhang's fancy gold watch catching the lamplight. Mr. Smith carried a black tablet that glowed blue.
Warning Signs: The room feels different now. More scary. More serious.
"Show him," Senator Collins nodded.
Mr. Smith turned his tablet around. On the screen, Jake saw pictures of himself taking notes, sneaking around cabins, and using his hidden camera. His stomach dropped.
"We've been watching you, Jake," Mr. Smith said quietly. "Very carefully."
Jake's mind raced. His phone! He reached for his pocket, but it was empty.
"Looking for this?" Mr. Zhang held up Jake's phone with all his secret recordings.
What They Know About Jake:
• His real job as a reporter
• All his secret photos
• His hidden recorder
• His phone calls to his boss
• His fake invitation
"I have a deal for you," Senator Collins leaned forward. "Work with us, and you'll have the biggest story of your life."
Jake's throat felt dry. "And if I say no?"
The men didn't answer. The owl hoots outside seemed louder now.
Danger Time: Jake must make his biggest choice ever!
Suddenly, a loud BOOM shook the cabin!
Everyone jumped. Through the window, orange flames lit up the dark forest.
"The Owl Shrine!" Senator Collins shouted. "It's on fire!"
As the men rushed outside, Jake saw his chance. He grabbed the TOP SECRET folder and ran for the back door.
Behind him, angry voices yelled "Stop him!"
Jake ran into the dark woods. Branches scratched his face. His heart pounded like a drum. ♂️
He heard heavy footsteps chasing...
[Content restricted to members only]