Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

"You think after all these years, they'd be tired of fighting over the shower. Maybe we should tell them that there is another shower available in our bathroom," Laura laughed.

"There can be ten showers in this house and they'd still fight for that one," Fenton said, shaking his head. "It's a ritual for them."

"We should consider ourselves lucky that our boys only fight over the shower. I see some of the other siblings and what they fight over. It's a regular bloodbath sometimes."

"Yup, our boys are pretty decent," Fenton nodded contentedly.

"More than decent, Fenton. I thank my lucky stars everyday for being blessed with them."

"With me for a father, what else can one expect but such stellar offspring?" Fenton grinned.

Laura narrowed her bright blue eyes at her husband. "So you claim all the credit, do you? And where was your voice just now when your son came home three hours late, huh? Did I even hear one word of reprimand from you?"

"You were doing such a fine job that I didn't think you needed my help," Fenton said comfortably.

Laura rolled her eyes. "I always get stuck being the evil parent. I dish out the punishments and you dish out the rewards. Doesn't seem fair to me, Fenton."

Her husband laughed. "The boys adore their evil parent, more so than the doting father, I'd say. Where's the justice in that?"

Laura giggled and Fenton found that, even after all these years, the sound of her girlish giggling affected him no less than the day that he first fell in love with her. He reached across the table and enveloped her hand in his. "Have I told you how much I love the way you giggle?"

The giggles bubbled again. "Yes, Fenton, more times than I can ever remember. That pickup line is getting to be pretty old. Isn't it time to get a new one?"

"Nope, if it works, why change it?"

"You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you, Mr. Hardy?" Laura cocked one brow at her husband.

"Only when you are concerned, Mrs. Hardy."

Laura frowned. "Hmm, I don't know whether that was a compliment or an insult. I'll let it go this time." She paused and tilted her head, listening for further noises from upstairs. "I wonder who got the shower first."

"Joe," Fenton responded without pause.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Have you known Frank not to give in to Joe in everyday things?"

"You're right. Sometimes I worry whether it's healthy for Joe to always get his way with Frank. What if we are brewing a spoiled brat in our midst?"

Fenton smiled. "Too late for that, my dear. Joe is a spoiled brat, but a reasonable spoiled brat. He gets his way with all of us, but only in the inconsequential things. He knows his limits and he'd be the last one to push those limits. Like I said, Laura, we have very decent boys."

Laura nodded. "You're right. What do you think of Joe volunteering at this Youth Centre?"

"I think it's great that he's doing something like this. And he seems to be enjoying himself," Fenton said.

"I know, but I can't help but feel a little apprehensive about him spending time there. It's not in the best area of town."

Fenton smiled. "Joe's pretty capable, more so than other boys his age. He and Frank have done some pretty amazing stuff in the past."

"Amazing stuff that would give any sane mother a bleeding ulcer," Laura added. "You might be proud of their achievements, but I am still a nervous wreck each time they take on a case."

Fenton looked at his wife with understanding. "I know you worry. The selfish and egotistic part of me can't be more pleased that they want to follow in my footsteps, but I too worry about them. Sometimes I wonder whether it would be better if they had chosen a more mundane career, like accounting or medicine. But it's what they want and I would never want to be the type of parent that imposes his will on his children in choosing a career."

"Yes, it's what they want and that's what I keep telling myself. It's their choice and I can't let my fear for what they do prevent them from pursuing what they want to do with their lives," Laura said a little wistfully. "It wouldn't be fair to them."

Fenton gave his wife's hand a squeeze. "It hasn't been easy for you, has it? First you have to put up with me being a police officer in New York City , of all places, then a private detective and now to watch our two sons following my footsteps. Sometimes I feel so guilty for what I have forced you to put up with."

"You haven't forced me to put up with anything, Fenton. I made my choice when I married you. As for Frank and Joe, I am their mother and I will support them in whatever they choose to do. I will continue to worry for them, like any decent parent would, but I would never hold them back," Laura said with determination.

"The boys and I are so lucky to have you behind us all," Fenton said, his brown eyes glistening with unspoken emotions.

"And I am blessed to have my three boys," Laura said with a smile, and then added with a glint in her eyes, "Not to mention all the excitement that they provide to my otherwise very dull life."

Fenton laughed. "Excitement that your bleeding ulcer no doubt can do without."

"Well, nothing comes without a cost," Laura said with a grin. "And I think the rewards more than compensate the cost in this instance."

From upstairs, they could hear Joe's voice yelling out. "Hey, Frank, the shower's free now. And I even left you a drop or two of the hot water."

Fenton and Laura looked at each other and both said at the same time, "Spoiled brat."

Let the author know what you think of this story

Home Library Authors Rogue's Gallery Vehicles Chums Message Board Rap Sheet Links Contact

Disclaimer

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The Hardy Boys Fan Fiction authors of the Hardy Detective Agency have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.