Unless what," Fenton asked, noticing the change in Rob’s voice.

"Unless C. J. called them here," Rob finished, "That explains why she hasn’t been calling to see if anything has changed."

"Do you think they really decided to leave like that," Fenton asked.

"I wouldn’t put it past C. J. although I am surprised. She’s the sensible one, but Vicki is her best friend."

"All right," Fenton said, "Do you have any idea where they might have gone?"

"No," Rob answered, "I’ve had no contact with her in about two days. I had no idea they were even gone. I’ll try to get in touch with C. J. soon." He then explained the whole situation, "I believe that Vicki wanted me to call you. I don’t know what for though."

"What did the papers mention," Fenton asked, but got silence, "You don’t mean…those papers do you?"

"I’m afraid so," Rob said, "I had no idea those people would try something like this."

"Without those papers," Fenton continued, "We’ll never get those people in jail." The paper contained information on a price fixing racket. An oil company in Texas had made a deal with others, and they were fixing their prices for better service.

"Should I do what they asked," Rod questioned Fenton, "I really don’t want to do that. Vicki deserves to see these guys put to justice."

"I would go along with part of it for now," Fenton replied, "Give them the idea that you’ll do anything. Offer the money, but not the papers. Make up an excuse for that. Say that the papers haven’t been finalized yet. As for the kids, don’t worry about them. From what I’ve heard about Vicki and C. J, they can handle themselves."

"I know," Rob replied, "I just want them to be safe. A few months ago, I would never have imagined Vicki getting interested in this detective stuff."

"She didn’t want to be a lawyer," Fenton asked, "I’m not surprised actually. From what I’ve heard about her before, she’s not that kind of person."

"I know, but I want to keep the line free now," Rob said, "I need to go. Bye." He hung up and turned to his wife, who was looking at him questioningly.

"Who were you talking to," Marie asked, "Does it involve the case?"

"Yes," he replied, "I should never have given Vicki those papers to deliver. This would never have happened."

"Don’t blame yourself," Marie said, "Even if you hadn’t had them delivered, something might have happened."

"That doesn’t matter," he said, "We can only hope that these people will call back soon. Maybe I can make a good deal with them for now. I’m also going to call C. J. up and see if any leads have been found."

C. J. jumped as the familiar tune of her cell phone went off. She glanced down and seeing the number, immediately picked up, "Hello?"

"C. J," Mr. Silver asked, "I know you’re trying to solve the case. Now tell me, have you found any leads?"

"We’re about to follow up on one now," C. J. told him, "You see, we’ve been finding clues left for us everywhere. We’re in Houston, Texas right now."

"What are you doing way out there," he asked.

"Believe me Mr. Silver," C. J. replied, "It has to do with the case. We’ll find Vicki soon. Don’t worry. With these clues, she’ll be found in no time." She paused, "Have you received any word yet?"

"Yes," Mr. Silver said, "They want money and some papers in return for getting Vicki back. I’m trying to hold them off as long as I can."

"That will give us a better chance," C. J. said, "Hopefully by then, these people will be behind bars. Keep me posted, will you?"

"Of course," he replied, "Bye." Then he hung up and C. J. ended her call.

In all the hours that Vicki had been there, she hadn’t yet had a chance to undo the knots on her rope. After about five minutes of nothing but silence, she started working on them. It was evident to her that these men were excellent at tying ropes.

It was useless to try and reach her knife; it had been taken up earlier. The only resources that she had were the light, light bulb, and the door. The low light was right in front of her by now. The light bulb shone dimly in the small room. If only she could smash the bulb, maybe she could use it to break free.

She thought for a moment before giving up on the idea. Vicki had another thought that would attract some attention and acted on it. She rocked her chair back and forth before giving a final shove. It hit the floor, giving off a satisfying crash!