Joe grabbed Frank by the arm and twisted up behind Frank’s back. He pushed Frank toward the exit. Frank turned his head slightly before going out the door. He saw Nancy was trying to come after them, but the big guy was holding her back.

Joe pushed Frank out the door. They stepped away from the door so they were out of sight. Joe released his hold on Frank. He turned to look at his little brother.

“Where have you been?” Frank asked.

“I was getting information.” Joe pulled out a piece of paper. He handed it to Frank. “This is the motel address and room number I’m staying on.” Frank took the paper and Joe continued. “I want you to meet me there at six tonight. I’ve got a lot of information. It’s important.”

“All right,” Frank said.

“I need to get back inside.”

“Fine, but be careful. I don’t trust them.”

“I will. Stay here. Nancy will come out as soon as I go in.”

“I’ll see you later,” Frank said and Joe went inside.

As he waited, Frank looked at the paper Joe had given him. He knew Nancy would know where the motel was. He wondered what Joe knew that was so important. He hoped it was something about the girl. He hoped they’d be able to help her.

Frank heard quick footsteps coming toward him. He stood still. A moment later, he saw Nancy and she hurried over to him.

“I’m so glad you’re all right. I didn’t think Joe would hurt you.”

“Let’s get out of here. I’ll explain on the way.”

They made their way toward the parking lot outside to avoid the group. As they walked, Frank told Nancy they were to meet Joe that evening in his motel room. He told her Joe had some information for them.

“I think Joe’s onto something,” Frank said. “I just wish I knew what it was.”

“I hope we can use whatever he comes up with,” Nancy said.

“So do I.”

* * * * *

At six o’clock, they made their way to the motel. The motel was really shabby. The paint on the building was chipped. Shutters were hanging from a single hinge or missing all together. There were weeds growing against the building. There were piles of trash laying everywhere.

Frank and Nancy made their way to Joe’s room. They carefully stepped over the shingles strewn on the ground. They reached the room and Frank knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door opened and Joe ushered them in. As Joe closed the door, Frank and Nancy looked around the room.

There were two beds in the room. One was wrinkled as if someone had just rolled out of bed. There was one phone and it was on the dresser. There were two doors. One was to the closet, which was open, and they assumed the other was to the bathroom.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Joe said.

Frank looked at his brother. “What did you find out?”

“A lot.” Joe ushered Frank and Nancy to sit down on the bed that was still made.

Joe went to the closed door and opened it. He reached in and pulled a girl out. Frank and Nancy realized it was Vicki. Joe and Vicki moved over to the other bed and sat down.

“What’s going on?” Nancy asked, looking at both of them.

“Vicki wants out of the gang,” Joe said, putting his arm around Vicki’s shoulder.

“Is it true?” Frank asked.

“Yes,” Vicki said. She reached up to her hair and started toying with it. She seemed to be nervous.

“Vicki, you can trust Frank and Nancy.”

Vicki looked at Frank and Nancy. She looked down at that floor. She said, “I know my mom thinks I ran away, but I didn’t. I was threatened.”

“Who threatened you?” Frank asked.

“Chief.”

“Why?” Frank asked.

Vicki remained quiet. Joe spoke up. “He makes people do things to show their loyalty. He had her steal things. Then he turns around and sells the items. He has all the members do something illegal.”

“Vicki, why did you get involved?” Nancy asked.

Vicki took a deep breath. “I didn’t fit in. I wanted to belong somewhere. I started hanging out with them. I was there with them every few days. I liked being with them. So, I spend more time with them. I started staying out late. Sometimes I didn’t even go home. There were times when I would be gone for days.” Vicki looked at Nancy and Frank. “I know I was wrong to join them. I just want to go home.”

“Why didn’t you?” Frank asked.

“I tried. But I couldn’t get away. Chief wouldn’t let me. Chief has plans for us.”

“What plans?” Nancy asked.

Vicki looked at them. Frank wondered if she was going to tell them. She seemed scared. Vicki finally said, “There’s to be a robbery at the mall tonight. I don’t want to get involved.”

“It’ll be okay,” Joe said. He looked at Frank and Nancy. “What can we do?”

“Vicki,” Nancy began, “are you sure there’s going to be a robbery tonight?”

“I’m sure,” Vicki said, looking Nancy in the eye. “That’s the reason we spend all that time at the mall. Chief was getting a feel for the layout. He told us what to look for while we were there.”

“So, you know exactly where they’re headed, don’t you?” Frank asked.

Vicki nodded.

Nancy looked at Frank as he looked at her. She said, “I think we’ll be able to help you.”

What do you plan to do?” Vicki asked.

“We’re going to put you someplace safe where no one will find you. Not even Chief.”

“But where?” Joe asked.

“At my house,” Nancy said. “She’ll be safe there while we take care of this.”

“Good idea.” Frank looked at Vicki. “Do you know their plans for tonight?”

“I do.”

“Good. Then there’s nothing to worry about.” Frank looked at Nancy, then Joe. “I think we’ll have this wrapped up tonight.”