"Don't I wish! Sometimes you just get lucky."
"Yeah, it's about time," Joe answered. "You just make sure the Network knows we beat them at their own game. They couldn't shake Donner free and we did. Let them think about that the next time they want to take us for a ride."
"I don't think that'll happen again," the Gray Man said. "Donner told me to say goodbye, by the way. He's got his hands full right now."
"Is he taking care of Konstantin's defection?" Frank asked.
"No," the Gray Man replied. "Konstantin's staying here to stand trial for Martin's murder. That was part of our deal with Melendez. No, the person defecting is Vladimir."
"What?" said both Hardys in unison.
The Gray Man chuckled. "He feels he'd be safer in the decadent West, especially with his bank balance." He spotted two familiar figures entering the airport. "Company coming."
"Elena!" Joe shouted as she ran to him. Behind her Inspector Melendez walked at a steady pace.
Frank cocked his head at Joe and Elena. "Let's let them say goodbye to each other." He picked up the suitcases and, sandwiched between the two men, started for the departure gate.
"I'm surprised you came by to see us off," Frank told Inspector Melendez.
"I wished to be certain you were truly leaving," Inspector Melendez answered, a trace of a smile on his lips. "If you should ever choose to return to Spain — "
"Yes?"
"Do me a favor. Go to Italy," the inspector concluded. "Goodbye, Frank Hardy. Say goodbye to your brother for me." Frank and Inspector Melendez shook hands, and without another word Inspector Melendez turned and left.
Joe ran up as the line of passengers began filtering onto the plane. After a quick round of farewells with the Gray Man, they joined the line and headed up the ramp to the plane. Within minutes they were seated.
Frank took his Walkman from his suitcase and put it on as the plane taxied out to the runway.
"Sorry the vacation got cut short," he said apologetically to Joe.
"It's okay," Joe replied. "We met girls, we went swimming, we went boating, we saw a lot of scenery and sights. I've had enough vacationing for a lifetime."
Frank smiled and slipped on his headphones. Joe put his head back and closed his eyes. As the plane left the ground, Joe dreamed of Bayport and its quaint, quiet streets. He was looking forward to going home, he realized.
He would finally get to relax!
The End.
Too Many Traitors Page 10
