The Desert Thieves Read Free Page A

they report anything, we tell them that, yes, there has been some damage and we are investigating. That’s all they need to hear.”
    â€œWell, it sounds to me as if you could use a little help,” Joe said. “We—”
    â€œI appreciate the offer,” Grish said, glancing at Joe in the rearview mirror. “But why don’t you relax, enjoy yourselves, and take in the sights?”
    As he turned the car into the campground, Grish became quiet. They drove between rows of large motor homes, each parked at a designated campsite with a picnic table beside it. Couples and families sat around the table at most of the sites.
    â€œSome of these campers look as if they’ve been here for a while,” Fenton said.
    â€œSome of them stay for weeks,” Grish said. “Most move on after a day or two, though.”
    â€œHave any of them been here for longer than a few weeks?” Joe asked.
    Grish nodded as he pulled up behind the Hardys’ motor home. “As a matter of fact, this guy right next to you has been here quite a while. His name is Townsend. He’s a university professor. He and his daughter are doing biological research of somekind—she’s his assistant. She’s nice enough, but he’s a little hard to talk to. They aren’t here all the time, though. They leave for a couple of days every week or two.”
    â€œIs there anybody besides Kidwell who might be involved in the cactus thefts?” Joe asked. “Any of the tourists?”
    â€œNo,” Grish said. “But listen. I know you’re dying to get involved. I’m sure you are all very good detectives, but I don’t want word of my suspicions to get out. There are just too many big ears around.”
    â€œGrish, we are experienced investigators,” Frank said, “and we know how to keep our mouths shut. We could be a lot of help to you.”
    Fenton joined in and said, “That’s true. It’s your business, if you don’t want our help. But you know as well as we do that we can keep things confidential.”
    Grish turned around in his seat and said, “I appreciate the offer, but let me handle it. If I need help, you’ll be the first to know. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do at the office.”
    Putting the car into gear, Grish paused. “This job used to be fun,” he said. “Now we’re looking at budget cuts, downsizing, people losing their jobs, and now all this thievery. I’m getting tired. Is that dinner invitation still open?”
    â€œWe’ll be waiting for you,” Fenton said.
    As the Hardys got out of the car, Grish said, “Great. And if you come by the office in themorning, I’ll show you a map of the very best places to see in the park.”
    He drove away. Frank and Joe watched him go, then looked at each other.
    â€œNow, guys,” Fenton said with amusement, “I know that look in your eyes. But you’ve got to remember, this is Grish’s concern. Let’s do as he asks and stay out of it. If he wants help, he’ll ask.”
    â€œRight, Dad,” Joe said, with a wink at Frank. “It sounds interesting, though. Cactus rustlers?”
    â€œIt does,” Fenton said as he took a seat at the picnic table. “In the meantime, who’s cooking? I’m starved.”
    â€œIt’s Joe’s turn to cook,” Frank said, taking a seat beside him.
    â€œThat’s right,” Joe said. “Tonight we’ll be having Joe Hardy’s Gourmet Beans and Wienies.”
    â€œThe last time we had Joe Hardy’s Beans and Wienies,” Frank said with a laugh, “they were burned to a crisp.”
    â€œThat,” Joe said, opening the door of the motor home, “is because you weren’t paying attention when I stepped out and asked you to watch them.” He disappeared inside to get the food and drinks, then poked his head out for a