Melissa and Dick dug through everything in the room. Currently, Melissa was thumbing through file folders. It was full of various things on mechanics.

"Hey, Dick I think I've found a clue," Melissa said looking up from the suspicious file.

"I think you're right Firecracker,"

"Another nickname?"

"The first one didn't fit you,"

"And you think this does?"

"Without a doubt!"

"Okay, now, can we please get back to the matter at hand?"

"Yes, of course,"

"Well, what do you suggest Bird Boy?"

"I think it's time we rejoin the others,"

"Agreed"

So, with the help of Speed Buggy, they returned to the race track. The group was soon seated at a nearby picnic table where Dick explained what they'd found while Melissa observed passerby. She studied them scrutinizing everything from the way they dressed to what they ate. After all, she was dead serious about solving this case. Then she would gloat to Daphne about it. Oh, it would be great to prove that she belonged. Natale passed by and shot her a dirty look. Melissa crossed her arms and glared in return. She looked from the rude woman to her friends.

"I think one of us should keep an eye on her," Melissa said.

"Is this just because she offended you?" Dick asked seriously.

"No, i'm just saying,"

"I'll watch her," Mark offered.

"You said there was a tunnel?" Debbie asked curiously.

"Yeah,"

"What's it for?" Tinker asked.

"We don't know but it seems kind of old," Melissa explained.

"Well, it's possibly an old mine tunnel. I'd guess it's being used for smuggling or something since that seems to happen a lot in this city," Dick commented tapping his fingers on the table in thought.

"Maybe we should talk to Mr. Finch and see if he knows anything about the tunnel," Melissa suggested.

"That's a good idea," Dick agreed.

So, Debbie, Tinker, Melissa, Dick and, Speed Buggy went to see Mr. Finch in his makeshift office. Mr. Finch was shuffling papers at his desk when the teens entered the room.

"Mr. Finch, would you happen to know anything about the tunnel under the track?"

"Tunnel?" Mr. Finch asked perplexed.

"Yes, there's a link to an old tunnel system right under our feet," Melissa declared.

"I had no idea after all this is only the first year of this race and quite possibly the last,"

"NO" the teens cried in horror.

"Yes, I'm afraid it's true. If we don't make enough money the city won't host another race. Everything is riding on the success of this race but that overgrown gecko may just ruin it,"

"That's awful,"

"Do you know of anyone who would want to put a stop to this?" Tinker asked.

"Well, this race did take the place of a few events,"

"Like what?"

"The homemakers pop shop"

"Not it,"

"The annual geek movie night,"

"That was going to end anyhow,"

"And the reptile convention,"

"I think we've found our answer," Melissa declared.

"There have been rumors of illegal happenings at that convention though," Dick added.

"Let's see where that tunnel leads,"

"Okay"

Please review.