Chapter 11

"I'm going after them," C. J. suddenly said, "We can't just stay out here and leave them like that. Come on!" She walked towards the building, just as a deafening sound shook the ground.

Frank, Callie, and C. J. watched as an explosion rocked part of the building in front of them. Amazingly enough, the building was still intact. They froze in their tracks and looked at one another. Vicki and Joe were still in there!

"This can't be happening," C. J. finally said, breaking the silence, "We have to do something." She looked over at Frank.

"We'll just have to wait," he told her, "There's nothing we can do. The rest of the building might collapse too. Just stay calm."

"Easy for you to say," C. J. retorted, "You've been through this before, Vicki and I haven't been detectives that long."

"There's still a chance," Frank told C. J, "They may have been on the other side. Who knows?" C. J. went silent as they waited and hoped that something would happen.

Joe stumbled forwards when the explosion occurred. Then he stopped and looked back, waiting for Vicki, "Vicki," he called, "Can you hear me?"

"Yeah," Vicki replied, "but I can't see you. The smoke is too thick. Where are you?"

"Just follow my voice," Joe replied, and kept talking. Eventually, he saw Vicki beside him, "Hey."

"Hey," Vicki said, "What are we going to do now?"

"Try to find a way out," Joe told her, "We should try the back door first. I think the explosion came from up front."

"Okay," Vicki agreed, "but how exactly are we going to find the back door. I can't even see in front of me for more than two feet!"

"We'll just take it slowly," he said, "Take my hand and we'll eventually find a way out." Vicki took his hand and allowed him to lead her.

After minutes of trying, the two had to take a break. They stayed down near the floor and took deep breaths. By now the smoke had started to thicken even more and the air was getting harder to breathe.

Vicki suddenly made Joe continue, "Come on, we need to get out of here." That was when the second explosion sounded, sending both of them to the ground once again. It sounded closer now and gave Joe the motivation to keep moving.

He peered through the smoke, "I think we need to go this way," Joe said, not quite sure of himself, "We need to hurry." Vicki didn't argue and followed him.

"What about Frank, C. J, and Callie," Vicki asked, "Do you think they were far enough away?"

"I hope so," Joe replied, "We're pretty lucky ourselves though. We could have gone that way first. It's a good thing we didn't." They stopped talking now and continued forward silently. Vicki suddenly noticed a shaft of light ahead. It looked blurry at first, but she could finally make it out.

"I think that's the door," Vicki said and pointed to the thin stream of light. Joe and Vicki walked over as quickly as possible and kicked the door open. It would probably be too hot to touch.

The two soon found that they were outside and out of immediate harm. That was far from true. The second they stepped outside, the third and largest explosion sounded. The force of the blast threw both Joe and Vicki until they felt the chain links of the fence stop them.

C. J, Frank and Callie watched as the third blast came. The whole roof stayed intact and there had been no sign of either Joe or Vicki. Sirens were heard in the distance and several fire engines and police cars rolled up.

C. J. recognized the policeman who exited the first car. It was Chief Stevens, a man with brown hair and demanding blue eyes. This was the first time C. J. had been glad to see him. The Chief however wasn't startled to see her there.

"C. J," he asked, "I'm not surprised you're here. Who are they? And where's Vicki?"

"These two are Frank Hardy and Callie Shaw," she introduced them, "As for Vicki, the last time we saw her was in there." C. J. pointed at the building, which was engulfed in flames, "We haven't seen her or Frank's brother, Joe, since."

"Men," the Chief shouted suddenly, "Check the outside premises. We have two missing people. See if you can locate them. Move it!"

The other officers spread out and searched the area around the building. The fire fighters had managed to get the blaze somewhat in control and several joined in the search, "I hope my men find them," he told C. J, "I hate to say it, but we need you two around."

"Thanks," C. J. replied, "I hope they're found too. They had just started to be on friendly terms when this happened."

"Chief," a familiar voice called out. It was Ken Hawk, another officer, "We found them in the back, but we don't know what their condition is." The Chief walked back, while Ken walked up to C. J.

"I wish I could say better," Ken told the three, "but I'm not sure how well they're doing. Do you want to go back?" The three teenagers nodded, "Okay then, but be prepared." C. J. and Frank followed directly behind Ken, while Callie walked behind them. Then they turned the corner and were shocked at what they saw!