Grisham's Lessons #18 Balanced Risk

As Larry describes a scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, you will see in The Island Gang reflections of two previous entries of Grisham’s Lessons; #16 Reckless Caution, and #14 Innocence Counts.

Having drifted to an unknown location, they are trying to determine their best course of action to get back home when their attention is sidetracked by a suspicious rail truck that has pulled into a secluded mine entrance. Curious to learn what the men are doing in the mine, Gary determines he is going to take a look. Justin and Curtis think he’s lost his mind, and while Travis and Wendy agree that it’s a crazy idea—they end up going in with him.

The kids don’t have enough experience to plan for not letting Gary go alone, and leaving half of the team outside of the mine, but innocence works in their favor and that is what happens. Inside the mine they learn that it is a marijuana growing operation, and realize that they have entered a dangerous situation. Having Shadow with them on the inside, they benefit, both from their combined knowledge and insight, and the instinct of man’s best friend—an intelligent malamute. With half of their team outside the mine there is someone to go for help should things not go as planned.

When they become temporarily trapped inside the mine, Shadow helps them find a way out. Those on the outside have worked on an alternative plan, but wait patiently hoping for a good ending. Innocent as it may be, they balance their risk and safely yet narrowly, escape what could have been a tragic situation.

The end result is greater depth of experience, and while they may not do things that much differently in the future, they will have a better plan for recovery in case things don’t go as planned. When entering territory where things can change rapidly, it is good to have experience on your side, and to balance the risk.