To those who reviewed: thanks for the feedback. The reviews have been very helpful for us in deciding whether we should change the "direction" of the story or not.

So now, on with the story!

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Chapter 8:

To Frank's surprise, he had actually worked better the following day. It was amazing what being on a case can do. The case had completely taken his mind off Callie and Steve. In fact he hardly even gave them a thought, much less a glance that whole morning. The only thing that came between him and his books were thoughts about their van.

And Katie. He found his gaze drawn towards his left once again - where Katie was sitting with Vanessa, obviously oblivious to his glance while she penned her notes. He had caught up with the girl first thing that morning and was relieved to see that she had recovered from her shock the day before, even if her usually high spirits were a little subdued. But he was no where closer to solving the case – she hadn't seen anyone near her car or their van, and neither had anyone else.

Police efforts in locating the culprit had yielded negative results. They had picked Brian up, of course, but he denied having anything to do with the bombing. No one had any evidence, much less a clue where the case was concerned, but despite that, the week was actually going rather well for Frank. Not only was he coping well in lessons, but the boys had wanted him to be quarterback again this year too for the second year running. At first, he felt a little bad about not giving his juniors a chance. After all, he had already tried the position last year, but as Biff and Joe pointed out, it was the team's choice. The team had voted for him, and there was nothing to feel guilty about. Well, that's easy for Joe to say because Joe had already been chosen baseball captain, Frank thought. He wondered what the other boys thought.

He was even almost top in Mr. Wilson's history test that week; much to Mr. Wilson's surprise. He was a close second, losing only to Katie Ryan by only one mark. Katie had surprised the class by doing brilliantly, as Mr. Wilson had put it.

"Gosh, Kate! I never knew you're so good in history," remarked Chet enviously.

Vanessa chuckled. "You've got new competition, Frank."

Frank held out his hand to Katie. The younger girl shook his hand playfully and grinned. "There's Frank congratulating you," Joe teased. "You surpassed my brother as class geek today. It's a rare opportunity, I tell you."

Katie laughed. "It's only history I'm good at," she replied. "I suck at all the rest." She made a face. "Especially calculus."

"Hmm, we'll soon see about that," Frank smiled at her. But Katie shook her head.

"Dad is a history teacher. He doesn't teach anything else," she said with a grin.

Chet Morton interrupted them by rapping impatiently on the table "I vote we go to Mr. Pizza and celebrate," he announced. "It's been quite a while since we've been there."

"Oh, yes," Katie put in eagerly. "I haven't been to the mall much since I came here."

So off they went towards the school gates. "Shall we take our bikes?" asked Frank, glancing at the motorcycle bays. He and Joe had been riding their bikes to school since their van got blown up.

Joe shook his head. "I'm riding with Vanessa. She's driving me and Kate."

"We can easily take one more," Vanessa told him. "Hop in."

It took them about twenty minutes to get to Bayport Mall that day. Jerry, Biff and Chet were already ahead of them. "Come on," Joe called impatiently as he jumped out of the car, tired, hungry and cross at being stuck in the traffic for such a long time.

Vanessa pulled him back. "Aw, don't be such a grouch," she cooed playfully, as she linked her arm in his, holding hands as they walked down the road. Katie skipped cheerily alongside them, while Frank followed a little way behind.

"Come on," Vanessa coaxed, with a laugh, seeing the persistent scowl on Joe's face. "We'll soon be there. It's just a short walk. I wonder – "

What she wondered nobody knew. Coming behind them was a loud roar of engine, drowning her words. Joe turned, just in time to see a large green car speeding furiously at them.

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So how do you like chapter 8?

Till the next chapter!