CHAPTER 3

What was supposed to be a 45-minute drive turned into a three-hour nightmare. First, Frank kept missing his exits, and found himself driving around the whole city of San Antonio.

"Frank, you were supposed to go westbound on I-10, not south!"

"I know Joe, I know! But all of a sudden it turned into southbound!"

Once he made it into the downtown area, it took him awhile to maneuver around the one-way streets to get to their hotel.

"I don't know how you kept missing the exits," Chet complained.

"You try figuring out how the highway can head east and west but also go north and south!" Frank replied, frustration tingeing his voice.

"How can you go east and west and at the same time go north and south?" Biff glared over at Frank.

"Now we know why it's called a Loop," Joe sighed.

"Let's just get checked in, relax, and get something to eat," Frank said as they approached the front desk.

Everyone agreed to Frank's suggestion, and he rang the call bell that sat on the counter. A woman in her mid-thirties appeared a few minutes later.

"May I help you?"

"Yes, we have a reservation under Hardy, Frank Hardy."

Typing in Frank's name, the woman gave Frank a warm smile. "Yes Mr. Hardy, I have two adjoining rooms for you. You have a nice view of the Riverwalk."

"Will we be able to see tomorrow night's parade from our window?" Chet asked.

"Why yes, you will, you'll have the best seat in the house."

Frank signed the registration card, then was given the keys to the rooms.

"My name is Melinda Johnson, I'm the night manager. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Thanking Ms. Johnson, the boys headed for their rooms up on the second floor. As Frank and Joe, Chet and Biff got into the elevator, Melinda Johnson watched them. Once the elevator doors closed, she picked up the phone.

"They finally arrived….Yes, they're going up the rooms now….Yes, I put them in 210 and 212, just like you said….Don't worry, everything is in place."

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Arthur Gray looked up from his desk as his secretary walked in. "This just came over the wire." She handed him a small Teletype.

"Damn! When did this happen?"

"According to Agent Kirkpatrick, less than half an hour ago."

"Was she on the phone long enough for us to get her location?"

"No sir, but it wouldn't have mattered. Kirkpatrick believes that she will be on the move."

"Where…where would she go, not back to Bayport?"

"No sir, it seems Chester Morton won an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, Texas."

Arthur Gray slammed his fist down his desk in frustration. "They're trying to lure her out of hiding by getting to the Morton kid."

"That's not all, Mr. Gray, the Hardys are with him."

"I'm ashamed to admit this, but that's one good thing that's come out of this mess." The Gray Man chuckled softly. "I believe the Assassins are going to regret bringing in Joe and Frank Hardy."

His secretary smiled to herself; she knew her boss was right.

"Find out if we have any operatives out there and book me the next flight out to San Antonio ."

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Mark stood frowning as he read the note that Carolyn had left behind. She was leaving the safety of the reservation, and all because she had a dream that Chet was in trouble.

"She's been hanging around Mary Twofeathers for too long."

Mark sighed, there was nothing he could do. He knew his folks would be worried. At least Carolyn was in good company' if anyone could get her out safely, Mary Twofeathers could.

"I hope you know what you're doing Carolyn."

**END OF CHAPTER**

Authors Note: Please read the author's profile for this story. The author, copagirl, passed away in 2013. I am posting these stories up with the permission of her family, who want her to be remembered as well. Lola was a long-time member of the Hardy Detective Agency and we miss her soooooo much! Love you Lola!

Thanks to those of you leaving feedback! I know copagirl would love all of it.