Hours later, the group split up and went in separate directions. Joe Clark along with C. J. and Frank were going to the oil company called ‘Wilson-Thompson Oil.’ If they could get inside the company, maybe they could find something.

Joe Hardy and Mr. Silver were going to meet up with the men in the exchange. Joe was going to be nearby in case any help was needed. There was a chance that it was all a trap.

C. J. gave directions from the map while Joe Clark drove. They were lucky that it wasn’t far from the airport. The three only hoped to be able to get inside. The huge, gray buildings soon came into view. The teenagers glanced at each other, wondering how long it would take to search the place. It was only starting to get dark outside by now. No one was out front at the moment and they were able to pull in and park. That was the easy part.

C. J. was the first inside the building, looking around. The hallways were pretty much empty, except for a few people walking around some. Most everybody was in the back, working. Joe Clark was right behind her, followed by Frank. When they found out that the main offices were on the second floor, the three rushed up.

Mr. Thompson was in and when he saw three teenagers walk into his room, he stood up from behind his desk. He was an older man, around forty, C. J. guessed. Mr. Thompson had brown hair and green eyes. He wasn’t at all what C. J, Frank, and Joe Clark were expecting.

"What can I do for you," he asked, "We don’t get many kids in here asking for jobs."

"Actually," Frank said, "We’re from a school paper in the area and thought that it would be interesting to know some more about this business." They had thought of the story on the way over.

"Well then," Mr. Thompson said, walking out in front of the desk. He was slightly shorter than Joe, "What do you want to know?"

"How about a tour," C. J. asked suddenly, "I always wondered what was in this place. Maybe it would help for our column."

"Okay," Mr. Thompson agreed, "I don’t see any harm in that. One question though. Why did you choose to study the oil business?"

"It’s a major business here sir," Frank said, "We thought that we could learn some more about this city and check this out."

"This could be a major story," Joe came in, "I’m sure tons of people are interested in this business. There aren’t many chances to come to a place like this."

"True," Mr. Thompson said, "It’s just that no one has come for a story in a long time. It just seemed odd, that’s all." He led them all down the hallway and passed a row of doors.

"Where’s that go," C. J. asked, pointing to a door with no plate on it.

"That’s just the maintenance closet," Mr. Thompson answered, "There’s nothing in there but cleaning supplies and uniforms." C. J. mentally took note of the information.

Minutes later the tour was done and the teens returned to the closet. The door was unlocked and they easily got on uniforms and got some supplies too. C. J. passed back some gray shirts and hats. She somehow managed to hide her hair under the hat she got for herself.

Joe and Frank had a harder time at disguising themselves, since Mr. Thompson had already seen what they looked like. Hopefully, they wouldn’t run into him on their search. A ring of keys was in the closet as well and C. J. handed them over to Frank. Then they started looking around.

Joe Hardy watched as Mr. Silver waited in the lobby of the hotel. The meeting and exchange were supposed to take place there, but so far nothing had happened. The lobby was empty, since everyone was either in their rooms or walking around Midland.

The wait seemed to take forever when a man approached Mr. Silver from across the room. The man was dressed in a nice suit with a cap pulled down over his eyes and face. Joe was just close enough to hear the conversation, "Mr. Silver," the man asked. Rob Silver nodded.

"Yes," he replied, "What do you want?"

"We have a deal to make with you," the stranger said, "but I’m afraid that you’re going to have to come with me. We don’t want to chance that anyone is listening to this conversation."

"How can I be sure you’ll keep your word," Mr. Silver asked in reply, "I don’t think I entirely trust you."

"You really have no choice," the man said, "Now, if you would follow me. We have to get going. If everything works out, we’ll pretend this whole scam never happened."