I called Stacey to let her know I was about to head back to her dad's apartment, and she agreed to meet me outside. Then, after I'd said good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Walter and thanked them for dinner, Quint walked me downstairs.

"So you'll come over first thing tomorrow, right?" he was saying as we walked through the big door that led from the lobby to the street.

I was about to agree when I saw something that made me gasp. There, in front of Quint's building, stood Red and Frank. My heart started to pound, and I turned to Quint, speechless. He grabbed my arm and steered me past the men, down the block, and around

the corner. I was sure the men were right behind us, but I was too afraid to look over my shoulder to check. So much for never seeing them again. I was terrified. They were following us already!

Quint hailed a cab that was speeding by. "Stacey's waiting for you," he said. "We'll talk tomorrow. There's no time now." He opened the door for me and I slid in, unable to say a word. "I can go into our building through the back way," he went on. "Don't worry about me." He gave the driver Stacey's address, called good night, and closed the door. The cab took off before I could say a thing.

I tried to compose myself as the cab sped toward Stacey's. I didn't want to seem upset in front of her, or even tell her about what had happened. I had the feeling that she might not like my playing detective, and I knew that since she was feeling responsible for me she would probably try to talk me out of it. On the other hand, I didn't feel I could back out on Quint now; we were in this together.

I was calmer by the time the cab pulled up in front of Stacey's building. In fact, I was able to act normal, and I don't think she noticed a thing. We headed up to the apartment, and I asked her if I could call Mallory to find out how Becca was doing.