Now, Joe was trying to locate David, hoping he would be led to his brother, but he was coming up empty.

Making his way closer to the garage, Joe saw the car being rolled toward the track. Joe approached Seth.

"Where’ve you been?" Seth asked.

"Looking for Frank."

"Any luck?"

"Nothing yet."

"Frank will show soon." Seth put his hand on Joe’s shoulder. "Come join us in the pits."

"All right."

"Joe?"

He turned, expecting to see Frank, but saw it was Jeremy hurrying toward them. Jeremy asked, "Has anyone seen Mitchell?"

Joe looked at Seth, then Jeremy. "Mitchell is with security."

"Why?" Jeremy asked.

"He was involved in Frank’s disappearance."

"I can’t believe that," Jeremy said.

"I’m sorry. Frank didn’t trust him."

"Why didn’t he trust him?" Jeremy asked.

"I don’t know," Joe admitted. "Frank didn’t tell me. That’s what we need to ask Frank when we find him."

"Good luck," Jeremy said and hurried to the pits as the driver introductions took place.

"Do you think you’ll find Frank?" Seth asked.

"I have to," Joe replied. "I’ll meet you in the pits."

"Okay," Seth said and went on without Joe.

Joe turned around and headed back to the garages. He wondered where his brother was hidden. He tried to figure it out, but knew there were more possibilities than he had time to search.

"Excuse me," A voice said.

Joe turned and saw Aaron. "Can I help you?"

"I was wondering if you’ve seen Frank Hardy around?"

"He isn’t here right now," Joe said. "But how do you know Frank?"

"He and I talked yesterday."

"Frank should turn up soon."

"I’ll look for him after the race then." Aaron made his way to the pits.

Joe knew his brother was onto something. He just wished he knew what it was. The case they were investigating dealt with the team being sabotaged. He wondered if Mitchell and David were really involved and figured that’s what it had to be.

He noticed another car being pushed toward the pits now. He realized the car was the one David drove. But he didn’t see David anywhere around. He wondered if David was up to something.

I know that Jeremy is in trouble of losing his ride, Joe thought. But it’s possible David is behind Team Starr’s problems. He could be doing it on purpose to tray and get the seat on the team.

At that moment, Joe saw the owner of David’s car, Ethan Leo moving toward pit row. Joe moved over to him.

"Excuse me, Mr. Leo," Joe said. "My name is Joe Hardy."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Ethan said shaking his hand. "Is there something you need? The race is about to start."

"I heard a rumor and was wondering if it was true or not?"

"What rumor is that?" Ethan asked.

"Will David Allin no longer be the driver for the team at the end of the season?"

"That is true," Ethan said. "David is looking to move to a different team. I already have another driver lined up."

"Why are you letting him go?"

"It’s David’s decision. If he wants to leave, I’m not going to stop him." Ethan looked at his watch. "Excuse me, but I really need to get to the pits."

Joe nodded as Ethan walked by. He stood there for a moment and wondered if David was trying to purposely knock Jeremy out so he could become the driver for Team Starr. He realized time was short and there was only one way to find out.

Heading into the security office a few minutes later, Joe saw Mitchell sitting there. Mitchell tensed up as Joe closed the door.

He looked at Mitchell and said, "I figured out your plan."

Mitchell looked at the security guard, then at Joe before wetting his lips. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"I believe you do," Joe said. "You see, I know you are a manager working for Jeremy and David. David is losing his ride next year because of his choice and is trying to get with another team. The team he wants is the one Jeremy is driving for. He’s willing to do anything to get it, even if it means permanently injuring Jeremy. Then, he will be a shoe-in for the ride."

Mitchell was staring at him with a pale face. Joe knew he was right on the money.

"What does David have planned?"

"I can’t tell," Mitchell whined.

"Two people will die if you don’t."

"I can’t."

"Then you’re a murderer also. You could get the death sentence for aiding in this course of action."

Mitchell’s eyes went wide. "I don’t know. I’m telling you the truth."

"Where is Frank?"

"I don’t know. David took him last night. But I don’t know where. I’m being honest with you."

Joe stared at him for a moment and felt he was telling the truth. He left the security office wondering what David was going to do.