132-Maximum Challenge by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:15:04+00:00

Chapter 9

Trouble on the Line

"What's Rack doing?" BifF shouted as he watched the Champion charge Joe.

"He's gone berserk," Iola said, and gasped.

Frank was already in motion, bursting from the ranks of the Challengers. As he reached the wall holding back the gloop, he was joined by two figures in red.

"Rack, have you gone completely crazy?" Kendra Cassidy hissed. "We're on camera."

"For once, think before you swing," Rune said, rushing over. "'Champion decks kid.' Is that the kind of publicity you want? Who'll build your action figures then?"

For a second, Rack loomed over Joe, his fists still shaking. Frank began climbing into the tank.

But the Champion suddenly turned away. Frank noticed that Rack used the move to kick more gloop onto Joe.

Rack climbed out of the tank to reach Pat Serrone and his microphone. "Okay, so you pulled even," the Champion said. "That will just make it all the sweeter when we beat you tomorrow!"

Challenger and Champion fans alike cheered from the stands.

Frank blinked. He hadn't quite realized that the Challengers had won this bout. But that meant the tiebreaker would be the grand finale — the big obstacle-course race.

"It will all come down to you, Frank," Biff said in the locker room as they changed out of their uniforms.

"Thanks a lot," Frank told him. "That makes me feel so much calmer."

As he and Frank drove home, Joe tried to lighten the mood. "This will be the first time in days we'll get to bed at a reasonable hour," he said. "No walking wounded to take to the hospital."

"No burglars to chase," Frank said with a grin. "We have been burning the midnight oil lately— and right when we're supposed to be in training."

Joe didn't laugh. "I wouldn't mind a little burglar-hunting," he said. "Providing it let us nail Rack Rackham."

"You still think he's our cat burglar?" Frank asked in surprise.

"It could be anybody, from that quick glimpse we got," Joe admitted. "But Rack sure has the nerve for it. And I can always hope he'll be put away for six to ten years." He shrugged. "Anyway, he won't be doing anything tonight. Fenner has called a meeting of the whole Champions team. I heard he's going to chew them all out for losing their edge. Then he's going to go after Rack in particular for unsportsmanlike conduct."

Joe shook his head. "I'd say it was about time. At least it will keep Rack off the streets."

Frank stared out the van's windshield. "I don't think we're going to be bothered by any more burglaries."

Joe glanced over at his brother. "You don't?"

Frank nodded. "I don't think the burglar is up to it anymore. I had a chat with a doctor friend of Dad's at Bayport General. Artie Lake definitely has a broken collarbone, and they've got X rays to prove it."

"You've got Artie Lake on the brain," Joe said.

"Oh, yeah? And you aren't obsessed with Rack?" Frank inquired. "At least I can make up some sort of case against Artie. Artie as much as stuck a loaded gun in Iola's hands.

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