Free The Borgia Dagger by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

and larger through the windshield. Frank yanked up on the emergency brake. SCCCRRREEEEEEK! The car jerked violently, throwing Harley and Frank into the dashboard. But then it continued rolling, as if nothing had happened.
    "We burned out the hand brake!" Frank said. The tanker was now fifteen feet away, still stuck! at the red light. Both of its doors flew open. Screaming, the driver and his partner ran for the sidewalk.
    There was only one chance. Frank to reach behind him and grabbed the steering wheel. He pushed hard to the left.
    The wheel moved a few inches, then clicke and stopped. The car swerved only slightly.
    "It locks when there's no key in the ignition!" Harley shouted, sweat pouring from his brow. He reached down on the floor for the brake.
    But it was too late for the brake. Frank felt his hair starting to stand on end as the car sped toward the tanker's left side. Then he remembered the keys on the dashboard. He grabbed them as Harley reached for the door handle. "Get off me!" he cried. "Let me jump!"
    Frank jammed the key in and closed his eyes. He didn't want to see this.
    A shudder pulsed through the car as he turned the key. It was still moving. Frank shoved his body against the wheel and opened his eyes. Through the right window he saw the side of the tanker whooshing safely by, maybe two inches away.
    Harley lifted his head. Together, he and Frank looked in the rear-view mirror. The car had sailed past the intersection just as the light turned green. Peeking out from the side of a brick storefront were the tanker's driver and passenger.
    With plenty of time to step on the brake now, Frank brought the car to a stop in the left lane. "D - drive us to the side of the s - street, okay?" Harley said, unable to stop his voice from shaking.
    Harley fanned himself with a newspaper as Frank pulled up to the curb. "Thanks," he said softly.
    "It's the least I could do, after the new body work," said Frank. "You may want to replace the emergency brake, though."
    Harley smiled weakly. "You saved my life. How can I ever — " "Repay me?" said Frank with a smile. "Well, you can start by being a little more friendly. We're in this together, you know."
    Harley sighed. "Sorry, Frank. I guess I've been letting my jealousy show. But it seems that every time I turn around some guy is falling madly in love with my girlfriend." "Look, Harley, I'm not in love with Tessa. I already have a girlfriend. And besides, the most important thing now is that someone is trying to kill her. If you really care that much for her, why don't you help us out?"
    Harley looked stunned. "I'm trying to, by keeping an eye on Tessa."
    "That's my brother's job. And I wouldn't worry about him. He gets that way with a lot of girls, and he's given up on Tessa by now." "So what else do you want me to do?" "Follow me to the Bayport Museum and help me pin down Ruppenthal. I could use some support."
    Before Harley could answer, Frank hopped out of the car and ran back up the hill to his van. He passed the tanker and glanced up at the driver, who looked as if he wanted to kill him.
    "Got to get those brakes fixed!" said Frank with a cheerful wave. He continued to run, without looking back.
     
    ***
     
    Harley nervously fingered his hair as he followed Frank into the museum. "Look, Frank, I'm no detective, but I really think we ought to get back to the mansion. Tessa needs us. Besides, she's probably worrying about where I am."
    "This won't take long," Frank answered. "We're just going to ask Ruppenthal a few more questions. Keep the heat on him."
    "Personally, I don't think a wimp like Ruppenthal is very dangerous. Besides, he says he's found his agreement."
    "Look, Harley, let me do the detective work. All you have to do is look menacing. Try hard."
    With that he turned and walked through the museum door. Harley scowled as he followed behind.
    Frank led him through the main hallway and into the outer office. The receptionist looked up from his computer. "Here