Free Shadows at Predator Reef by Franklin W. Dixon Page A

though. This argument was between Aly and Mr. V. Tempers were hot, and we were just caught in the crossfire.
    â€œI’ve spent more time with Captain Hook than either of them. And I’m family. They’re not,” Aly added, emphasizing the point.
    â€œWhich is exactly why I want to keep you safe,” Mr. V tried to explain.
    â€œThis is totally unfair,” she complained. “You’re really going to choose a couple of strangers over me? You don’t need to protect me. You should just tell me what you know about the kidnapping and let me decide for myself if I can help.”
    â€œThe truth is that there are things I need to discuss with the boys that could get us all in a lot of trouble with the police, and I can’t let you be involved.”
    That caused Joe and me to exchange a look. What else hadn’t Mr. V told us?
    I think Aly could tell her uncle wasn’t going to give in, but she didn’t look happy about it.
    â€œFine,” Aly conceded. “But promise me you’ll call me as soon as you hear anything. If you don’t . . .”
    â€œYou’d probably kick my butt. I know, my dear,” Mr. V said with a sad smile. “You have my word.”
    He gave his niece a hug before she left.
    â€œBye, Aly,” Joe said tentatively.
    Aly walked out the door without looking in his direction.
    I felt bad for my brother. I knew he liked Aly a lot, and I didn’t think her appearance in the middle of our case was going to do much to help his romantic prospects. Something was bothering me more than Joe’s love life, though.
    â€œWhat did you mean about us getting in trouble with the police?” I demanded. We weren’t strangers to Chief Olaf’s bad side, but we certainly weren’t looking for new reasons to get into his doghouse. Or worse, a jail cell. He’d threatened it enough times, and I didn’t think he’d hesitate to make good on his threat if we gave him a good enough reason.
    â€œThe kidnapper said if he sees any sign of the police, he’ll kill Captain Hook,” Mr. V replied.
    â€œIt sounds like a bluff to me,” Joe said. “Not with that much money on the line.”
    â€œI’m not willing to take that chance,” Mr. V said. “That’s why I want you boys to handle the drop.”
    I wasn’t expecting that. But Mr. V was right. Chief Olaf most definitely would not approve of Joe and me going behind his back and confronting a kidnapper on our own.
    â€œI know it’s risky. Frankly, it’s more than I have a right to ask, so I won’t think any less of you if you decline,” Mr. V said.
    â€œCount us in,” I said. I didn’t even have to look at Joe to know he was with me.
    Mr. V gave a solemn nod. “It’s settled then. I would go myself, but the press has been following me, anglingfor a scoop, ever since I left the aquarium this morning. Jonathan,” he said to his butler, “please go to the safe and pack two briefcases for Frank and Joe.”
    The kidnapper called again a minute later. We were to take the money to a construction site a few blocks from the harbor and await further instructions. Mr. V had his own plan, which the kidnapper had agreed to: insisting that the payment be made in two parts—half up front and half after Captain Hook was safely back in our possession. It was quick thinking on Mr. V’s part. That way the kidnapper had incentive to make good on his promise to deliver the turtle and, more importantly, not to harm us after we handed him the first installment.
    â€œDo any of the tunnels have an entrance near there?” I asked Mr. V, hoping he might be able to provide us with some intel about Captain Hook’s potential location.
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “I designed my plan around use of the main tunnel, since that was the most direct route. I didn’t have time to map the