"Go," the man ordered, "Start the van, but don’t leave without me." The two hurried to obey his command. Vicki and C. J. turned to each other, searching for a plan, but it was clear what they had to do.

Vicki and C. J. rushed forward at the same time. Frank, Joe, and Justin watched as the two men exited from the back of the van. Then they came forward and prepared to fight.

"Good idea," Vicki said, "We can handle this one just fine by ourselves. Come on C. J. Let’s show this guy what we can do." They watched as the man reached into his coat pocket. Vicki came in, aiming a high kick for his gun hand, while C. J. came around behind him. A quick kick behind his knees sent him down.

He was down for a second, enough time for Vicki to come in with a headlock. The man fought back for a second, but quickly saw there was nothing he could do.

"C. J," Vicki said, "Go get Michael out of the van. I can hold this guy a while longer."

C. J. rushed off and entered the back of the van. Michael was in one of the corners of the van and looked up when she came in. Luckily, he hadn’t been tied so they didn’t waste any time. He quickly followed her out of the van and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

They had barely climbed out when the two men from earlier stopped them short. C. J. and Michael froze until they spotted something moving behind the two men. Without warning, C. J. spoke up.

"I’d watch out if I were you," she said, "My friends will be here in no time and you’ll be sorry."

"I’m not falling for any trick," one man said, "Do you really think we’re that dumb?"

"I was actually hoping you were," C. J. commented, "and obviously you still are Jake." Surprised at having his true identity revealed, Jake Roberts took his mask off.

"So you know who I really am," Jake asked her, "It’s not like you can do anything about it. I have this." He brought a gun out of his pocket, "Keep your hands where I can see them…Now hand over the ring." He kept the gun trained on her the whole time.

"I don’t have it," C. J. started to reply, but stopped herself. He wouldn’t believe anything she said. Jake was the shot first, ask questions later kind of guy. Something else stopped her also. Frank and Joe appeared behind Jake and were watching for the perfect time to come in.

"Hand it over slowly," Jake ordered, "You know the drill already. Let’s see it now." C. J. moved her hands down slowly, like the ring was in her pocket.

Barely glancing at the boys, she gave the slightest signal. They nodded in response. When the time was right, she kicked out, sending the gun flying into the street.

Frank and Joe stepped out then and grabbed both of his arms, pinning them down. Justin quickly did the same to the other man.

"You aren’t getting away this time," C. J. told Jake, "The police should be on their way by now. I’m sure they’d love to get you behind bars again." As if by evidence, sirens sounded and two police cruisers pulled up, "Looks like you’re going to be headed back to the slammer. I’m sure they’ll have a party waiting for you when you get there." The three men were escorted from the area after being read their rights.

A few days later, Vicki and the rest of the gang were outside, hanging out. C. J. and Catlin were talking about the case on the porch. Even Joe Clark had joined them that day. One thing that bothered them though was that none of the men arrested had the ring on them. Justin wasn’t with them. He and Michael had gone to do something together for the first time as brothers.

Vicki glanced over at where C. J. was sitting and packed the snowball she had been holding. Her friend didn’t suspect a thing as it was launched into the air. It landed right on top of C. J’s head.

"Vicki," C. J. exclaimed, glaring at her friend, "What was that for?"

"I said I’d get you back," Vicki laughed, "If not for that, then for that look on your face after it hit." C. J. jumped up from her seat and raced after her friend. She scooped up snow as she ran. Vicki did the same.

Joe Clark grabbed Vicki by the arm as she ran past, "Can I talk to you?" Vicki quickly nodded.

"Time out," Vicki called to C. J, "I’ll be right back. What’s up Joe?" He led her over to the side of the house.

Reaching into his pocket, Joe Clark brought out a small box. Vicki couldn’t see it from his angle. Bringing it out front, but still keeping it hidden, he leaned forward. Then he whispered these three words, "Diamonds and Rubies." Vicki looked up at him as he handed her the box. Inside was the ring, it’s gold band decorated with diamonds and rubies, "It’s a promise ring."

"You were," Vicki whispered, "You were the mystery person who threw this on my lawn?" Joe Clark nodded, "Why?"

"I thought you needed a good mystery," he replied, "After I heard about the men after it, I decided to ‘steal’ it myself before they got it. You didn’t even recognize me with the mask on." He glanced down as she slipped it on, "We’d better get back. They’ll be wondering where we are."

As Vicki came out, C. J. walked up to her, "I was wondering about that whole ring thing. Do you still want to investigate?"

Vicki, unseen to C. J. glanced down at the ring, "No, it’s okay. I think it’s in good hands." Vicki walked away.

"Not investigate," C. J. asked herself, "In good hands? Are you okay Vicki?"