The Pacific Conspiracy by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online

all the money in the world," Bob said.
    "Well, we're all going to have plenty of money," Krinski said.
    "How soon?" Joe asked.
    Boris pointed his fork at Susanto. "Should she be here now?"
    Krinsky shrugged. "She barely speaks English, but - as you wish." He clapped his hands and said something in Indonesian to Susanto. She bowed once, set the platter in the center of the table, and backed out of the room.
    "How soon are we going to have plenty of money?" Joe repeated.
    "I thought you were more concerned with avenging your girlfriend's death," Boris reminded him.
    "I'd like to do both," Joe said, taking another strip of bacon from the platter.
    "Well, don't worry," Krinski said. "You Won't have to wait much longer. Of course" - he turned and stared at Boris - "if you'd brought Professor Stavrogin here instead of eliminating him, I could have finished up a whole lot faster."
    Joe hid his expression behind another mouthful of food. He wanted to smile. He and Frank were the only ones at the table who knew that Stavrogin wasn't really dead. They'd saved the Professor back in Alaska by pretending to kill him. He was with the Network now, safe and sound.
    Bill frowned up from his teacup. "Stavrogin wouldn't have helped."
    "We could have forced him," Krinski said. "Without someone to double-check my equations this could take another two days."
    "If you're using a computer to check the equations, I can help," Frank said quietly.
    "Really?" Krinski asked. "Which programs have you worked with?"
    Frank rattled off half a dozen or so. Krinski looked impressed. "You can start this morning," the professor said.
    "Hold on," Bob said, shaking his head. "We're all supposed to go back to the boat together."
    "You can tell Nwali I insisted the boy stay," Krinski said. "If he wants to meet that ridiculous schedule of his, then I need help."
    Joe had to stuff more eggs in his mouth to keep from smiling. This was the biggest break they'd had in the case yet.
    "All right," Bob said reluctantly. He pushed his chair back from the table. "We'll contact you later in the day."
    Joe followed the other three out the front door to one of the main avenues, where they caught a cab. By the time they reached the Hatta it was midmorning. Nwali was waiting for them.
    "He is allowing the American to help with the equations?" Nwali shook his head. The leader clearly wasn't pleased.
    "We tried to bring him," Bill said.
    "Enough," Nwali said, and he turned to Joe. "I have a surprise waiting for you in your cabin, Joseph."
    "For me?" Joe asked, puzzled.
    Nwali nodded. "Come, I will show you. All of you, except Bob, please follow. Bob, go to the radio room."
    He took Joe's arm and guided him below deck. The others followed a few steps behind.
    Nwali said nothing, his eyes focused straight ahead. The younger Hardy was beginning to get a bad feeling about this.
    "Here we are," Nwali said, opening the door to the Hardys' cabin.
    Joe tried to keep his expression neutral. Sitting on Frank's bunk, holding an ice pack to her forehead, was Endang, appearing very small and very frightened.
    A million thoughts flashed through Joe's mind. Had Endang talked, told Nwali she was with the Network? No. She was too much of a professional. But what was she doing here?
    "Aren't you going to say hello to your friend, Joseph?" Nwali asked.
    "Hello," Joe said simply.
    "I saw her watching our boat from the pier and had her brought here. She must be very anxious to see you again, don't you think?"
    He continued without waiting for an answer. "Tell me, Joseph," Nwali said, "how is it that she knew where our boat was? Did you tell her?"
    Boris stepped up beside him. "I can make him talk," the Assassin growled. "Give me five minutes alone with him."
    Nwali held up a hand. "It's not necessary. I'm sure Joseph has a good explanation. Don't you, Joseph?" His voice was calm and reasonable. But his eyes were cold and dangerous.
    "How did this woman find our boat?" He leaned in closer. "And what else