"How about a hiking trip with people we do know," C. J. suggested, "Remember, Frank and Joe couldn’t join us. They’re still working on that case. And I wouldn’t mind it being a little warmer." C. J. was two inches shorter than Vicki at five foot six. Her dark brown hair and brown eyes were almost the exact same color. Both girls were wearing sweaters by this time of year. It was only fall, but it wasn’t quite cold enough to keep them from the trip.

"You know what I mean," Vicki replied, "Yeah, I wish they could have come. They said they might meet up with us later, but I can’t help but agree about the weather."

"Might," C. J. reminded her friend, and looked forward, "Let’s meet up with the rest of the group." They quickly walked forward and listened to the man leading their hike.

"Okay," Brian Stevenson, their leader said, "This is how it’s going to be. I want everyone here to understand that this isn’t just a pleasure trip. You will have to work at everything. We will be doing a lot of activities. There is climbing, hiking, and camping out. Any questions?"

With his light brown hair and brown eyes, it was evident that Brian worked out a lot. He couldn’t be much older than twenty-one and stood around six feet tall as he glanced at the small crowd in front of him. He was used to this, and didn’t want to bother with people who couldn’t handle the trip. No one raised his or her hand, "Good, now we can move on."

Brian turned back to the trail, leading the way to their first camping ground. The small group of about fifteen followed behind him, consisting of eleven guys and four girls. Vicki and C. J. were among the youngest there.

The group soon came to a large clearing. It was surrounded by trees and a large circle of stones sat in the middle. Trails led in and out of the woods. They had been hiking most of the day, and were glad when Brian announced that the group was stopping there for the night. Vicki and C. J. found a spot basically clear of rocks and sent up their tent, not needing to listen to the instructions on how to do so.

"Vicki," C. J. asked suddenly, "I really hope you’re right about this being an actual vacation. Running into a case is not what we need right now."

"I know what you mean," Vicki replied, "After that last case, we definitely deserve a break." They both glanced up as Brian made his way over to them.

"Girls," he began, "I hope this isn’t going to be too tough for you to handle. Most of the younger group have a harder time than the others."

"I think we can keep up with you," Vicki told him, "You’d be surprised at how much we know about this sort of thing. I only hope the others don’t trail too far behind." She was only joking, but he seemed to take the comment seriously.

"Just watch it," Brian said, "I don’t want any setbacks because a couple of girls can’t get through." He then turned and walked away, Vicki and C. J. glaring at his back.

"Was that a threat," C. J. called out suddenly, causing him to turn back. Many of the other hikers turned to watch too, "Because I’ll let you know that we don’t appreciate being threatened by some guy we don’t know."

"Let’s just call it a friendly warning," Brian replied, "As long as you keep up…well we’ll see what happens from there." He turned back around and continued on. Vicki glanced over and tapped C. J. on the shoulder.

They both looked over at the girl who was watching them. She had to be at least a year older than them with blonde hair and dark green eyes, which at the moment were studying them carefully. When she noticed their glances, she stood up and walked over.

"Hey," the girl said, "I’m Kara. I’m sorry about Brian giving you a tough time. Personally, I think you two intimidate him. He’s been like this as long as I’ve known him."

Vicki and C. J. introduced themselves, "Anyway," Kara continued, "Sorry about staring but I was trying to place where I’ve seen you before. Do you go to Sportview High?"

"Yeah," C. J. answered, "Do you go there too? That might explain where you’ve seen us."

"No," Kara answered, "I go to the University of Maine, it’s nearby, at least a ten minute drive. I’m sure I’ve heard your names before though." She thought for a moment, "What were they’re names…oh yeah…it was Joe Clark and Justin Ice. Do you know them?"

"Pretty well," Vicki replied, smiling slightly, "Joe and Justin are our boyfriends from Maine. They’ve probably told everyone about our detective work by now."

"I knew it," Kara said excitedly, "You two are the detectives I’ve heard so much about." The three talked for a while longer before getting ready for the night. C. J. and Vicki rolled out their sleeping bags and soon everything was quiet.