Half an hour later, Frank and Callie were outside the ice cream store. Chet was on a break.

"How’s Joe?" Chet asked.

"He’s doing the best he can," Frank said.

"I can’t believe it happened to Joe. It’s so unbelievable."

"It is," Callie said.

"So, why do I get the visit?" Chet asked.

"We’re trying to figure out what’s going on were wondering if you saw anyone near the cars last Sunday."

"Why do you want to know?"

"I’m trying to find who is involved. Joe could’ve been killed. I don’t think these incidents are pranks. Someone is after the students."

"What can I do to help?" Chet asked.

"Tell me everything you can remember from before the accident."

"What do you want to know about it?"

"What was going on before you left the pizza parlor?"

"I was there getting a pie. Some of the guys from the football team arrived a few minutes later. Matt was with them. They were talking about a game on the beach and invited me along. We left for the beach and then there was the accident."

"Did you see anyone out of the ordinary at the pizza parlor?" Callie asked.

Chet shook his head. "It was just our classmates at the parlor."

"Anything unusual?" Frank asked.

"Everything seemed fine."

"This is useless," Frank said angrily. "Someone pulled these stunts and we need to find out who."

"I wish I was more help." Chet said.

"Thanks for using your break to talk with us, Chet," Callie said.

"I need to get back in," Chet said getting to his feet. "But, if you need my help for anything at all, give me a call."

"We appreciate it, Chet," Frank said.

As Chet made his way back inside, Frank started pacing wondering where they would get a lead to who was responsible. He wanted to make sure the one responsible for taking Joe’s hearing away would pay for what they had done.

"There wasn’t much there," Callie said.

"I know," Frank said as he stopped pacing. "There has to be something we missed. There’s a lead somewhere. I have a feeling it is right under our noses and we are missing it."

"What’s the next step?"

Frank looked at Callie and shook his head. "I don’t know."

"Frank! Callie!"

They turned and saw Rachel making her way toward them carrying several bags. When she reached them, Callie said, "Hi Rachel."

"Hi," Frank added. "How are you doing?"

"I’m all right," Rachel said. "How about you two?"

"We can’t complain," Callie said and pointed at the bags Rachel was carrying. "Are those for the party?"

"They are. It didn’t realize how much was involved in planning a party."

"You know," Callie said, "We were wondering why you were having a party."

"I wanted everyone to have fun and thought it would be a good idea."

"It is a good idea," Callie said.

"I hope you’ll both be coming," Rachel said, hesitantly.

"We’re thinking about it," Frank said.

"I hope you do."

Frank smiled. "There’s a good chance."

"How is Joe doing? It’s a shame about what happened."

"He’s doing okay," Frank said.

"Is his hearing coming back?"

"Not yet," Callie said.

"It is a shame he got hurt," Rachel said.

"It is," Callie said.

Rachel looked at Frank. "I bet you’re looking into it."

"I am." Frank looked at her. "I thought I saw you at practice that day. Did you see anything by any chance?"

"I was there, but only for a little while."

Did you see anything?"

"Nothing. I was tutoring another student. We left before the incident. I wish I was more help."

"Thanks," Frank said.

Callie changed subjects. "So, Rachel, how did you get the use of the museum for the party?"

"My father owns the museum and its the ideal place for a party."

"But aren’t there a lot of valuable items in that place?" Callie asked.

"The valuable pieces won’t be there. My father is putting them someplace safe."

"That’s probably a good idea," Frank said.

"I agree." Rachel looked at her watch. "I need to get going. There’s a lot to do. I hope to see you both at the party."

"We’ll probably be there," Frank said.

"Good," Rachel said. "I’ll see you then."

"Bye," Frank and Callie said as Rachel left.

Once alone, Callie looked at Frank. "What’s the next step?"

"I’m not sure, but I’ll figure something out."

*****

The next morning, Joe rolled out of bed and glanced at the clock. It was late morning. He climbed out of bed, showered and made his way down to the kitchen. As he entered, he saw Frank sitting at the table. His older brother looked up and waved a hand.

"Morning," Joe said as he moved to the cupboard. He pulled out a bowl and moved back to the table. As he sat down, he poured cereal into the bowl and ate breakfast.

He was frustrated. He hated not being able to hear including his own voice. He wondered if he should start learning to live without his hearing and accept the fact that is wasn’t coming back. He wondered if it was time to get on with life. He knew plans to continue investigating with Frank were out of the question now. He knew it would be difficult to investigate without being able to hear. He knew it was time to level with his brother.

Joe looked at Frank and was about to say something but stopped as Frank got to his feet and moved past him. Joe looked and watched as Frank picked up the phone. He saw Frank’s face was serious. He assumed whoever he was talking to was telling him something important.

Frank nodded his head and a moment later, put the phone down.

"Who was on the phone?" Joe asked. He watched Frank start speaking and he creased his forehead.

Frank moved to the table and wrote. "Coach."

"What did he want?"

"To see us."

"About what?"

"Not sure. Will be back."

"I’m coming along," Joe said.

Frank nodded his head.