092-The Shadow Killers by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:13:30+00:00

Chapter 10

On the Road Again

Joe Hardy was grim as he drove the van through the early-morning traffic the next day. The danger to Paul seemed to grow with every piece of information they found.

Worse, Paul wouldn't listen to any warnings. Joe and Frank had put in a long night, figuring what to do next. They'd finally decided to visit the unsuccessful front-runners in the nearest towns. Had they received threats like Paul?

Tikko had called, insisting on coming along when she heard their plan. As they drove up to her house she was already standing by the road. An hour's drive brought them to Redcliff, where they quickly found the local newspaper. Another crowded city room greeted their eyes. Alec Wescott, a short, red-faced reporter, handled the local sports beat.

"I thought it seemed pretty strange at the time," he remarked. "Scott Bauman was favored to win by a long shot. There was no way Ray Newton was going to beat him. Then suddenly, Scott's out and Ray's got the title - and the trip to Japan."

"So what's this guy Ray like?" asked Joe.

"I don't actually know him very well," said Alec, "but he's not winning any personality awards. Scott was really looking forward to the trip - he'd been studying Japanese for about four years, now he had a chance to use it. So when he was dropped from the match, it was a big disappointment. Ray really rubbed his nose in it. Told him to go back to driver's-ed. class."

"Nice guy," said Frank.

"Sounds like he could be Keith's long-lost brother," said Joe.

"Where can we find Scott Bauman?" asked Frank.

"He's usually at the dojo this time of day," said Alec. "Right down at the end of this street, take a left. You can't miss it. It's just a few yards down from the big red-brick armory building."

"Thanks a lot." Frank, Joe, and Tikko headed outside, down Redclif's main street. All the buildings were brick with green tile roofs - even the dojo looked like an old-fashioned British store.

They entered to find a lanky blond guy leading the beginner students in exercises - Scott Bauman.

"His moves are good, but his heart isn't in it," Tikko whispered. Frank nodded.

Scott glanced toward them curiously as he continued the class. When the exercises ended, he came over to them. "Can I help you?"

"We were hoping you could tell us a little about the regional karate championships," Frank said.

"Well, it's no secret that the favorites haven't been winning their matches," said Scott. "I don't have any hard feelings toward Ray, but I think I got a stinking break."

"That's what we think, too." Frank briefly filled Scott in on the events in Bayport. "We'd like to know more about your car accident."

Scott's eyes flickered. "I'm sorry to hear about this attack on your uncle," he said to Tikko. "But I'm sure it has nothing to do with me."

"Lots of other people lost their chance at the championships through accidents - too many," Joe told him. "Do you think what happened to you was just dumb luck?"

"That's exactly what I think," snapped Scott.

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