Brookshier thanked the Hardys for their help on the case and apologized for treating them so roughly.
"We must avoid publicity in these cases, you understand," he said again, trying to justify his methods. "That's why I had to hit and run from the start. It's vital that not too many people know that millions of dollars' worth of diamonds are delivered all over the country every day. As far as Annie goes—well, you see I had to scare her to get her to lead me to the jewels."
Officer O'Hara made her way to where Callie, Frank, Joe, and Fenton Hardy stood. "Joe," she said with some difficulty, "I guess I owe you an apology." She put out her hand. Joe took it with no hard feelings. "Before I met you and your brother, I had the idea that teenagers couldn't be trusted. I guess I'd better revise my thinking."
"What about the charges against Joe?" Fenton Hardy asked.
"They've all been dropped," Officer O'Hara said. "Annie finally told us the whole story, clearing Joe. Phil Sidler was already dead when Annie pushed him in front of the van Joe was driving."
"Annie killed him?" Frank said in an astonished voice. He had figured out that Annie pushed Phil, but not that she'd killed him first.
"She had a gun in her purse," O'Hara explained.' 'She hit him in the back of the head with it. Then she pushed him so it would look like Joe ran over him."
"Those staring eyes." Joe's face, already grim, showed even greater grief. Although he was glad to hear the charges against him were dropped, he didn't want to hear that Annie was a murderer.
"I think she may have even planned it, Joe," Officer O'Hara said. "She definitely meant from the beginning to set you up. She's a regular Black Widow. I'm arresting her for first-degree murder."
Joe shook his head in utter disbelief, but said nothing.
"Joe, she asked if she could see you again," Officer O'Hara said. "It's all right with me if you want to see her."
Joe hesitated. Then he shook his head slowly again. "No — I don't want to see her."
"I think this case is finished," said Frank, taking Joe's arm. "Let's get out of here, Joe."
Frank steered Joe toward the front door of the police station after taking the car keys that Callie slipped into his hand. He smiled at her gratefully, knowing she understood that he and Joe needed time alone.
In the lot, they climbed into the car and sat quietly for a minute. Joe stared into space, utterly exhausted.
"Want something to eat, little brother?" Frank asked, starting the engine.
"It's funny," Joe said in a quiet voice. "I really am hungry. But I don't want pizza."
"Fine, pizza it's not. I'll surprise you."
"I may never eat pizza again. And remind me of one thing, Frank." Joe looked out the window at the growing darkness. "Not even to look at the waitress."
Joe spoke in a flippant manner, but Frank knew the remark covered a lot of pain. He also knew the pain would stay with Joe for a long time.
"Good idea, partner. We need to keep our minds on business anyway. And food. How does this sound - double cheeseburgers, fries, extra-creamy chocolate malts?"
"Mind-boggling." Joe smiled wearily.
The End.
Witness to Murder Page 10
