The Genius Thieves (13 page)

Frank and Joe watched as Jim Castigan, Lloyd Pierce, Stu Goldman, Ty Farnsworth, and Sarah Waterbury were escorted into squad cars and driven away.

Fenton walked up to them. "Amazing story," he said. "The guy had dreams of his own little world, a high-tech paradise with no financial problems. His lifeline to the real world would be a paid group of young geniuses who served his every wish.

"It almost worked," said Fenton as he walked to his car. "But he didn't know who he was up against." He winked. "See you at home, boys."

Frank turned to Joe as their father drove off. "You want to know the truth? I am not going to miss being a student at Chartwell."

"You mean you're not going to finish out the semester at least?" Joe said in mock horror.

Frank chuckled. "No way. And I think I'll destroy every reminder of this place." He reached into his side pocket and pulled out an Electrojam. "Including this."

As Frank walked toward the Dumpster, the squeal of tires cut through the still night air. An old sedan spun around the administration building, barreling right toward Frank and Joe.

"Look out!" yelled Frank. He and Joe hurled themselves behind the Dumpster.

The sedan screeched to a halt. Music blasted from its huge speakers.

"OH, BABY, BABY, PLEASE LET ME BE! OH, YEAH! OH, NO!"

"I know who that is," grumbled Frank.

"Hey, Frank! Is that you?" Arnie called from his open window. "I stuck out. I can't get to sleep, either! Want to go for a ride? Where are you?"

Joe gave Frank a sidelong glance. "Now?" he whispered.

"Now," his brother answered, handing Joe the Electrojam.

Dzzzzit!

Once again, the night was silent. "Hey, what happened to my new CD player?" Bewildered, Arnie turned his full attention to his dashboard.

"If we split now," Frank said, "we'll get to Bayport in time to sleep part of the night in our own beds."

"We're out of here!" said Joe. "You lead the way!"

With smiles of triumph on their faces, Frank and Joe slipped into the night.

The End.