Free Nowhere to Run by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

explained. "Biker asked them to help him. We came here looking for evidence that might prove Biker's innocence."
    Joe moved toward Mr. Dalton and was about to explain why they had sneaked into the offices when Trooper stood up and growled.
    "Out, Trooper," Mr. Dalton ordered, a deep scowl on his face. The black Doberman gave a small whine and meekly left the room. "Sorry about the dog, Joe," Mr. Dalton said. "I got him shortly after the trial, when the phone calls started." "What phone calls?" Joe asked. "Someone began threatening to hurt me. Although the voice was disguised, I thought it was Biker." Mr. Dalton sat in a chair opposite Sue's desk. Frank could read the weariness and worry on the older man's face. "I used to treat him like a second son."
    "Did you really think it was Biker?" Frank asked.
    "I know Biker's a pretty wild young man, and the evidence at the trial was damaging. I almost believed he was guilty myself."
    "What made you change your mind?" Joe asked.
    "The calls kept coming even after Biker's escape. Knowing Biker, I expected him to head for Canada or Mexico. He wouldn't waste time calling up to threaten me."
    "What exactly did the caller say?" Frank said.
    Mr. Dalton rubbed his forehead as if trying to forget a bad dream. "The caller said he would return the watches for two hundred fifty thousand dollars, about half their value. If I didn't go through with the deal, he would kill Brandon and then me. I'm no coward, but this guy really scared me."
    "Mr. Dalton hates guns. That's why he takes Trooper with him wherever he goes now," Sue added.
    "When I heard voices, male voices, coming from Sue's office, I naturally thought the caller was about to make good on his threats," Mr. Dalton said. "I'm really sorry if Trooper frightened you Joe."
    "Forget it. No harm, no foul," Joe said lightly.
    "Is Brandon okay?" Mr. Dalton asked Sue.
    "He was before we left Bayport," Sue replied. "Why do you ask?"
    "I can't get ahold of him. The hospital said he checked himself out, and there's no answer at the motel."
    "Maybe he's at the police station giving a statement about Biker beating him up," Callie suggested.
    "I can't believe that Biker attacked Brandon," Mr, Dalton said. "He knew Brandon wouldn't have a chance against him. This is very puzzling."
    "Maybe what I've found could clear up some of the mystery," Frank said.
    "I've always liked Biker," Mr. Dalton said. "I wish my own son had half his common sense. What have you found?"
    "This should reopen the case and reverse Biker's conviction," Frank said. "Look here."
    Joe, Callie, Sue, and Mr. Dalton gathered around Frank and the computer terminal.
    "Here's Biker's original invoice sheet for the shipment of watches to Boston," Frank said. "Notice the date—March third, the day Biker left on his crosscountry trip."
    He handed the paper to Mr. Dalton, who looked the sheet over and nodded his head. Frank turned to his computer.
    "But look at this." Frank played the computer keys like a classical pianist. Seconds later a similar invoice sheet appeared on the screen.
    Frank pointed to the screen. "Notice that the sales rep's code and invoice number are exactly the same as the numbers on Biker's invoice. But look here." Frank ran his finger straight across the screen to the date column. "March thirtieth," Joe said. "Right. Biker's original order wasn't shipped on March third—it went out the thirtieth."
    "That's the day Biker returned from his trip," Joe said excitedly. "And the day of the hijacking," Frank added. "This date could be a typing error," Callie said.
    "Maybe," Frank agreed, "except for this." He hit the keyboard again. Another form appeared on the screen.
    "Biker's original invoice form!" Joe exclaimed.
    "Right again. It was canceled on March fourth, the day after Biker left for his vacation." Frank punched the keys, and the two forms appeared side by side.
    "Except for the date, they look exactly alike," Sue said.
    "Too much alike," Frank said, "as if someone