A few minutes later, Chief McGinnis came into the room with another officer. Chief McGinnis said, “Release them.”

The officer released the handcuffs, one at a time. Once they were released, the officer left the room. Chief McGinnis said, “I can see the three of you were having an adventure tonight.”

“We caught those guys going into the store,” Nancy said, sitting down at the table massaging her wrists. “But the police believe we were involved.”

Frank and Joe also sat down. “But we’re not,” Joe said. “We found out about the robbery and tried to stop it.”

The three of them told the Chief how they found out about the robbery. They told him how they had hidden until the mall closed, then confronted them after the crime had been committed. When they finished, the Chief was shaking his head.

“I can’t believe those kids were involved in the robbery,” Chief McGinnis said.

“We were lucky someone wanted to get out,” Joe said. “She turned them into us and luckily was the person we were looking for in the first place.”

“I’m going to want to talk to her,” Chief McGinnis said.

“We’ll bring her by in the morning,” Nancy said.

“Good.” The Chief started to get to his feet.

“Wait,” Nancy said.

“What is it?”

“There’s one person missing. He was the one in charge,” Nancy said. “He wasn’t rounded up with the rest of them.”

“You’re right,” Joe said.

“Who is this person?”

“His nickname is Chief. His real name is Henry,” Joe said.

“He’s about six and a half feet tall,” Frank said. “He’s bald with a black mustache. He’s the leader of the group.”

“He shouldn’t be too hard to locate,” Chief McGinnis said. “I’ll have the officers keep a look out for him. It won’t be long before he’s in custody.” The Chief looked at each of them in turn. I’m glad you guys got this taken care of. You are free to leave.”

“Thanks,” Nancy said.

The three of them left the police station. Once they were outside, Nancy looked at Frank and Joe. “I’m glad that’s over.”

“So am I,” Frank said and Joe nodded.

“I really appreciate your help,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to solve this without you guys.”

“We were glad to help,” Joe said.

“Friends help one another, no matter what,” Frank said.

Nancy smiled.

* * * * *

Hours later, Frank and Joe returned to the hotel. They had gone to the motel to pick up Joe’s things before returning to the hotel.

Frank was sitting on his bed while Joe showered and changed into his regular clothes. Frank wondered what he could do to get Nancy and Ned back together. He knew they belonged together. He had to figure a way to get them in the same place at the same time to talk.

“Hey.”

Frank looked up. Joe was standing by the bathroom door. Joe asked, “Are you all right? You seem miles away?”

“I’ve been thinking about Nancy and Ned.” Frank looked at Joe. “Nancy and Ned should be together. I just wish there was something we could do.”

“Maybe there is,” Joe said, moving over to his bed. He sat down facing Frank.

“What are you talking about?”

“What if we got Nancy and Ned back together?”

“We need to, but right now, I don’t see how.”

“I’ve got an idea.”

Frank saw the gleam in his brother’s eyes. “Wait a second, Joe. We need to remember this is Nancy.”

“Frank, trust me. I know this will work. Nancy and Ned will be back together in no time.”

Frank looked hesitant, but finally said, “I hope you’re right.”