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mountain bike. Despite the dim light, the brothers recognized the woman as Kelly Hawk.
    â€œKelly,” the big man with the deep voice said, “there’s a lot at stake here—more than just you and your rep.”
    â€œToo much to risk by cheating,” Kelly Hawk snapped. “How are you going to do our people any good by messing with this race? Don’t you think I can win on my own?”
    The big man dug the toe of his boot into the ground. “I didn’t mean it that way, Kelly,” he said.
    â€œOf course we think you can win,” the thin man said. “But it would be better if it were a sure thing. If you won, people would have to pay attention to our cause.”
    â€œNot if I won by cheating,” Kelly replied. “Cheating would bury us quicker than a herd of bulldozers. And think of the shame to our families, our friends, our nation if anyone found out.”
    She looked from one of the men to the other, her eyes gleaming in the darkness. “I couldn’t live with myself if I cheated, and I won’t have you two cheating on my behalf. Do I make myself clear?”
    The men nodded slowly and said, “Yes, Kelly.”
    â€œGood. Now, load my bike into the van and catch some rest. I need everything in top condition for the road race stage. I need both of you thinking clearly, too. Don’t do anything stupid, understand?”
    The men nodded again. “Yes, Kelly.”
    â€œOkay, scram,” she said. “I’m going to turn in.”
    The two men turned and walked toward the parking lot, taking the bike with them. Kelly sighed and shook her head. She tried to go in through the service door, but it was locked. Frustrated, she kicked the door with her boot.
    â€œAny trouble back here?” Frank asked. He stepped from the shadows with Joe right behind him.
    Kelly jumped. “Whoa! Don’t sneak up on a girl like that!”
    â€œWe heard arguing,” Joe said, “and thought we’d better check.”
    A wry smile cracked Kelly’s lips. “You two are real Boy Scouts, aren’t you?”
    â€œJust concerned citizens,” Frank said.
    â€œWell, this doesn’t concern you,” she replied.
    â€œIt does if someone is trying to sabotage the race,” Joe said. “Some competitors will do anything to win.”
    Kelly’s dark eyes narrowed. “How long were you two lurking around that corner?”
    â€œLong enough to hear what you said to those men,” Frank replied. “It sounds like they want to make trouble.”
    â€œJohn and Jim?” she said. “They just talk big. Look, you two, I’m in this race to win publicity for my people and our cause, I told you that before. You think I’m going to let a couple of goons screw that up?”
    â€œIt sounded like they might have ideas of their own,” Joe replied.
    â€œI can handle them, believe me,” Hawk said. “You worry about your support team, I’ll worry about mine. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to catch some rest. Don’t bother walking me ‘home,’ I can find my own way.” She pushed past them and headed for the lodge’s main entrance.
    Joe and Frank watched her go. Then Joe said, “What do you think?”
    â€œShe seems sincere,” Frank replied. “We’ll have to keep a careful lookout, though.”
    â€œAnd double check our equipment every day.”
    Frank nodded. “Come on. Let’s get some sleep.”
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    The aches and pains of the previous day’s ride had ebbed somewhat by the time the Hardys woke the next morning. They ate a quick breakfast andheaded down to the boathouse to check over their equipment. They saw no sign of Kelly Hawk or her crew, but many of the other racers were down near the docks. Frid, Collins, and Curtis spent some time talking to their hired support team before checking their