"Of course we won’t," Frank said, "We’re bringing it with us. That way, nothing can happen to it. It’ll be with us at all times."

"Okay," Vicki agreed, "but only because I don’t want it stolen and have to explain to this guy what happened. It looks like we have a new case." She slipped it into her winter jacket and looked up, "Let’s go guys." They threw the package and the letter inside also.

Everyone piled into the van and drove over to the lake. It was iced over now and thick enough for skating. The lake shimmered with a soft glow from the bright sky overhead.

Frank and Joe headed onto the ice, making introductions to a few people. Joe had to stop suddenly when he almost ran into a girl with reddish-blonde hair. Skidding to a stop, he sprayed her with ice instead.

The girl turned around, "Hey, watch it," she said, "Do you mind?"

"Sorry," Joe said and turned around. He was immediately stopped again.

"Are you new here," she asked, "I’ve never seen you around before." Her blue eyes looked directly at him. She was only an inch shorter than he was.

"Just visiting a friend," he answered, "I’ll be going now."

"Wait," she said, "Who are you staying with? Maybe I know them. I’m Stephanie Blake by the way."

"I’m Joe Hardy," he replied, "I’m staying with Vicki Silver’s family. So is my brother, Frank."

"I know Vicki," Stephanie said, "and I think she and C. J. have mentioned you. We’re all best friends. Where is she?"

Joe pointed off to the right and Stephanie glanced over. Vicki was talking to another teenager and a younger girl. She hurriedly gestured for Vicki to join them. It took a few moments before Vicki skated over.

"Hey Steph," Vicki said, "I see you’ve meet Joe Hardy. Frank’s around here somewhere."

"What was that about," Stephanie asked, remembering to the two people her friend was talking to.

"Nothing," Vicki replied, "Don’t worry about it. They just needed me to help out with something. What’s up?" Vicki glanced over her shoulder, "You two talk. I’ll be right back."

"Anyway," Stephanie said, "I don’t think you’ve met Catlin Stage yet. I know she would love to meet you." Stephanie motioned to another girl in the crowd. Catlin was an inch shorter than C. J. with jet-black hair and brown eyes. She hurried over when she saw the company.

"Hi," Catlin said, "And you are…" She left the question hanging. She was always looking for new dates.

"Joe Hardy," he replied, glancing at Stephanie, "I’m friends with Vicki." He looked slightly uncomfortable. There was no way anything would work out, "I live in Bayport. I’m visiting."

"Oh," Catlin replied, not knowing what to say, "Well, we can hang out while you’re here right? Any friend of Vicki is a friend of mine. Do you need an escort around town?"

"No," Joe answered, "I’ve been here a few times already, but you can show me around again."

"Like where," Catlin asked, "I’m sure you’ve seen everything."

"Oh, the clubs, hangouts, places like that," he said, "I’m sure you know where they are." Stephanie sighed from behind him. She knew that Joe was trying to be nice, but this was ridiculous. Catlin was enjoying herself though.

"Tonight," she asked, "Seven at the Ultimate. Meet me there and I’ll show you around. Bring Vicki and C. J. along too."

"See you then," Joe said, and Catlin skated off. Frank appeared beside him just then. Introductions were made again.

"Who was that," Frank whispered to his brother.

"Nobody," Joe replied, "Just one of Vicki and C. J’s friends."

"You seemed pretty nice for just meeting her," Frank said, "Are you sure it was just nobody?" He gave Joe a knowing glance. Joe only stared back in return.

They both jumped as a voice yelled behind them, "Vicki, watch out!" They recognized C. J.’s voice now. The brothers turned to see Vicki standing on the other side of the frozen lake.

Vicki turned at the warning, but didn’t see anything suspicious. She looked at C. J. and shrugged her shoulders. Frank and Joe saw what was going on though. A figure skating on the ice was making his way over to where Vicki was standing.

When he heard the warning though, he had charged forward and was aiming straight for her. Skating passed, he shoved Vicki forward, making her lose her balance. Since Vicki couldn’t control where she was going now, she flew across the ice and crashed into pile of snow nearby!