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pretty good case against this bank manager. All circumstantial, though,” Frank said when Joe had finished. “It makes sense, too. A dummy like Meredith would definitely need help planning a bank job.”
    Joe retrieved the cell phone from the glove compartment and called information. “There’s an S. van Loveren on High Street,” he reported. “Take the next right.”
    High Street was in one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Bayport. The road curved around to a cliff high above the slate blue bay. Many of the huge houses were surrounded by stone and iron fences.
    â€œHere it is,” Joe said. “Eight-nineteen High.”
    Frank pulled over and they climbed out. Themassive redbrick house sat partly hidden behind trees and thick landscaping. Two stone lions stood guard on either side of an iron gate.
    Joe buzzed the intercom and waited.
    Frank pointed to a tiny camera perched up in one of the trees. “I’m getting tired of being on tape,” he whispered.
    The intercom crackled with static. “Who’s there, please?” a female voice said.
    Joe looked at his brother. “Who are we this time?”
    Frank pushed the button. “This is Frank and Joe Hardy. We were at Ron’s Salvage last night, and we’ve got some questions for Miss van Loveren.”
    â€œMiss van Loveren isn’t taking any visitors.”
    Frank started to push the button again.
    â€œForget this,” Joe said impatiently. He grabbed his brother by the arm. “Follow me.”
    Joe led Frank down the block, carefully checking for anyone who might be watching them. Even though it was now midmorning, the street seemed deserted except for a dog barking in someone’s backyard.
    Joe found a place where the house was completely hidden from the street. “Give me a boost,” he said.
    â€œYou’re kidding,” Frank whispered. “We can’t just climb over the fence.”
    â€œWatch me,” Joe said. He leaped high andgrabbed the top rung of iron. With a gymnast’s agility, he hoisted himself up and dropped lightly down on the other side. “Coming?” he asked, before disappearing into the foliage.
    Frank sighed. Now he had to follow. As he jumped for the top, he heard the barking again and realized the dog was in the yard they were entering. He reached the top and swung over, rolling forward as he landed to cushion the fall.
    Now it sounded like more than one dog—more like two, maybe three. And they were close. “Joe!” Frank hissed. “Where are you?” He heard animals running—lots of footsteps.
    With a ferocious growl, a black Doberman burst through the bushes less than ten feet from Frank. In two powerful leaps it was on him, fangs bared.

6 Bad Money
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    Frank held his forearm out for protection. The big dog slammed into him and Frank tumbled to the ground. His one thought was to protect his neck—he knew the dog would go for his throat.
    He kicked out, finding the dog’s ribs. It yelped in pain, then rushed him again. Frank could smell its hot breath as it bit at him again and again.
    â€œOff! Off!” Frank heard someone shout. “Off, Mouse! Now!”
    Instantly the dog withdrew.
    Frank looked up to see a young woman with shoulder-length blond hair standing a few yards away. The black Doberman now sat next to her. She held an even bigger dog at bay with a thick leash.
    â€œMouse?” Frank muttered, wiping his hands on his jeans to get rid of the dog slobber. “That’s a good name for a ninety-pound dog.”
    â€œOne hundred and ten pounds,” the woman said. The bigger dog lunged as Frank started to get up, but the woman yanked it back sharply. “And this is Bunny.”
    â€œFigures,” Frank said, checking his arms for cuts. “He looks warm and cuddly.”
    Bunny snarled.
    â€œYou must be Sylvia.” Frank found a rip in his T-shirt, but other than that, he