After slipping Jason the phone, Matt turned his attention solely on Frank. Frank really looked terrible, and his stomach wound was really serious. Matt knew he couldn’t take the bullet out without proper surgical equipment, nor could he sew up the wound. He also didn’t have any anesthesia, to stop the pain. He pressed the already blood-soaked towel on Frank’s wound, and then lifted it up. He let out a big sigh of relief. The bleeding had stopped! He knew that was good, but that Frank wasn’t out of danger yet. He turned to the guard.

“Hey!” Steve turned to him. “Yeah, you. I need to get this towel soaked with hot water. And, I need a glass of water,” he said, holding out another towel from his bag. Steve looked at him for a minute, and then deciding that there was no way they’d go and leave Frank there, it was okay to go.

“All right, fine,” he replied, taking the towel, and then opening the door and walking out. As soon as he was gone, Matt turned to Jason.

“Jason, listen to me!” he said, urgency in his voice. Jason looked at him, with his big, brown, innocent looking eyes going wide. “On the phone, I have pulled up Fenton’s cell hone number,” Matt said.

“Daddy’s?” Jason asked in a small voice.

“Yes, Daddy. I need you to ask them to go to the bathroom. When you’re in the bathroom, call Fenton. I already have his number up on the screen. Tell your daddy that we are at the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser streets. Where are we?” Matt asked Jason to repeat him.

            “At the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser streets,” Jason dutifully replied.

            “Good boy!” Matt praised Jason. “Okay, so what are you going to do?”

            “I’m going to ask them to go to the baf-room, and when I’m there, I’m going to call Daddy, and tell him we are at the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser streets,” Jason repeated, staring intently at Matt to see if he got it right.

            “All right! Good boy! Good boy, Jason…okay, after you call, hang up right away, and put the phone in your pocket, so no one else sees it, okay?” Jason nodded. Matt sighed and hoped Jason knew what he was to do. He seemed to…he hoped he wouldn’t forget. Then, Jason spoke up.

            “Um…mister…” Matt interrupted him.

            “Uncle Matt, honey…I’m your Uncle Matt,” he smiled at Jason, who gave him a hesitant smile in return.

            “Uncle Matt, will Frank be okay? I…I don’t want him to die,” Jason said, his lower lip trembling. Matt caught himself trying to hold back tears as he reached for little Jason.

            “Oh, little one,” he said softly. “Frank will be okay…just fine.” He told Jason. Jason sniffled and looked at Matt.

            “Promise?” he asked Matt. Matt hugged him even tighter.

            “I promise,” he whispered, secretly hoping he could keep that promise. Just then, the door opened, and Steve walked back in.

            “Here,” he said, thrusting the glass of water and towel soaked in hot water at Matt. “Sorry it took so long,” he said gruffly. “I couldn’t get the water hot quickly.” Truth of the matter was, Steve didn’t mind kidnapping, or robbery as long as no one, especially kids, didn’t get hurt. That’s why he was letting Max handle the killing part. He didn’t want Frank Hardy to die. Matt nodded curtly at him, and turned back to Frank. He cleaned Frank up the best he could, and then slipped an aspirin he took out of his bag into his mouth. Then he gently forced the water down his throat with the pill by pouring some water into his mouth, and then massaging his throat so the water went down. Then, he took a white gauze band-aid out of his bag, and began to wrap the wound up. Jason and Steve watched with fascination, both hoping Frank would be okay. Then, when Matt was done, he took out yet another towel and wiped his hands. He then looked at Jason and raised his eyebrows, indicating he should make his move. Jason smiled at him, and then looked at Steve.

            “Hey, mister, I need to go to the baf-room,” he told Steve. Steve looked down at him, and asked,

            “You mean the bathroom?” Jason nodded more insistently.

            “Yes! That’s what I said! The baf-room! And I have to go bad!” Matt and Steve had to smile at the insistency Jason put into his voice. “Come on!” Jason said, grabbing Steve’s hand. Steve started laughing, opened the door, and led Jason to the bathroom. Matt smiled.

            “That kid’s going to be quite the actor one day,” he thought to himself with an amused smile. Then he sobered up as he remembered the predicament they were in. “I hope Jason remembers…oh, do I hope he remembers!”

********************

Meanwhile, Joe realized it was almost time to go. He was thinking about calling the Chief off his cell phone, but, not wanting to take the chance, ran upstairs to Frank’s computer and turned it on. The Chief was still online, and Joe IMed him quickly.

• JHBestboy1: Chief! I have to type fast! Look, Max called. I have to go in about fifteen minutes to grab the plans from your house!
• BigChiefBpt: Okay Joe. I’ll have Riley go over with the key and unlock the window. The plans are right where we agreed for them to be.
• JHBestboy1: Okay, thanks. Bye! 
• BigChiefBpt:  You’re welcome and good luck! Bye.

Joe signed off, grabbed his cell phone and wallet, and ran downstairs. He stuck his head into his Dad’s study.

            “Dad, I’m off. Be back in about half-an-hour. Bye!” Without waiting for a reply, he ran out the door, and was gone. Fenton, sitting in his office, as a little stunned by Joe’s quick departure, sat back and wondered if he should start praying for everything to go okay. But, just then, his cell phone started ringing. He quickly answered it.

            “Hello?” he said into the phone.

            “Daddy? It’s me, Jason!” Jason whispered into the phone.

            “Jason!” Fenton exclaimed loudly into the phone. “Are you okay, Son? Is Frank okay?” he asked anxiously.

            “Shhh, Daddy,” Jason shushed his father. “I can’t talk long. I’m on important business for Uncle Matt!” Fenton smothered a laugh at the serious way his youngest son was speaking. “But, I’m fine. And Uncle Matt promised me Frank would be okay. So, I guess he’s getting better. Uncle Matt told me to tell you that we are on the corner of Grant and, and…” Jason stopped talking for a second. Fenton’s heart dropped.

            “And what, Son?” he asked.

            “I don’t remember!! Grant and…” Jason was on the verge of tears, as he realized he had messed up his important mission.

            “Shh, sweetie, don’t cry,” Fenton comforted his younger son. “Is it Grant and Ft. Laser?” Back at the house, Jason’s eyes lit up.

            “YES!!” he shouted loudly, and then quieted back down to a whisper. “That’s it, Daddy. Grant and Ft. Laser!” he grinned happily.

            “Okay, Jason, good boy. Take care of yourself. I love you!” Fenton said, knowing he couldn’t talk to Jason long.

            “Bye Daddy! I love you too!” Jason hung up, and slipped the phone into his pocket. And then, realizing he did have to go to the bathroom, quickly used it, flushed the toilet, and then washed his hands. As soon as he opened the door, Steve looked at him.

            “Why did you say ‘yes’ really loudly?” he asked Jason. Jason, realizing that Steve had heard him, furiously thought of an answer.

            “I, um, I…I had a big pee-pee!” he said, giving Steve an angelic smile. Steve looked at him for a second, and then cracked up. He led Jason back into the room with Matt and Frank. Matt was sitting on the floor next to Frank, and Jason bounded into his arms. He clasped his hands behind Matt, and whispered into his ear.

            “I did it!” Hearing these words, Matt hugged Jason even tighter.

********************

Back at the house, Fenton sat back after talking to Jason. He glanced at the clock and realized it was already 12:30.

            “By the time Joe comes back…” he mused to himself. “It’ll be one thirty, if not two…and then Max is going to call, telling us where to put the plans for him…by then it’ll be late…” Thinking it through, Fenton realized it would be logical to wait until the next day to rescue Frank, Jason, and Matt. He sat back, and decided to wait until Joe came home before he made his next move.

********************

At the same time, Joe had reached Chief Collig’s house. Seeing the window was open, he quickly went in, and within five minutes, had the plans and was out the window again. He decided to take the long route home for the heck of it, and landed at home at about 1:45. As soon as he walked in, the phone rang. He smiled grimly to himself, knowing that it was Max, knowing the house was being watched. He picked it up, and sure enough, it was Max.   

            “Well, Hardy, looks like you can follow directions. Very good, little boy!” Joe bristled at being called little boy, but said nothing. Then Max spoke again. “Listen to me. Here are the rest of your directions. Go to Bayport Community Park, and go to the big dinosaur. Wait there for me. I’ll be there, so you’d better be too!  Leave now. And, don’t even think of trying to sic the cops on me, or tail me, or hand me bogus plans. Because, remember, I have both your brothers…one who is already dying…and one who will be dead, if you don’t listen. And, oh yeah! I have your uncle too! So, don’t even try anything, Hardy!” With that, Max hung up. Joe looked at the phone, fear coursing through his body. Max said Frank was dying! He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself not to cry. Luckily, he mom and aunt came in right then.

            “Who was it?” Laura asked him.

            “Max,” Joe replied, not saying anymore as he went into his father’s study. He looked at his Dad who was sitting there, staring at him. Joe was about to open his mouth, but Fenton held up a hand.

            “I heard it all,” he said. “You’d better leave.” He gave Joe a tiny smile. Joe realized just what his father was going through right now. He had lost two sons to a kidnapper, one of whom may die, and two daughters to Social Services…and when they got Jason back, he’d be taken away too!

“God,” he thought to himself. “Dad must feel terrible…and Mom probably does too!” On a whim, he went over to his father, and gave him a quick hug. Fenton squeezed him back, and then pushed him gently towards the door. Joe left, and within ten minutes, was at the park. He went over to the dinosaur, and waited, the envelope with the plans clutched tightly in his hands. Within seconds, Max had materialized next to him, and Joe realized he had been hiding behind the dinosaur.

            “You have the plans?” he asked Joe. Joe held them out. “Good, Hardy. Remember…no funny business! And, no cops!” With those words, he was gone. Joe considered tailing him, but then decided it was too risky, and he went home. Once there, he went in to his father’s study. His Dad looked at him expectantly, inviting him to start speaking.

            “I gave him the plans. He took them and warned me not to call the cops, or do anything like tailing him. I was going to tail him, but then decided it was too risky. I came straight home.” Fenton sighed and looked at his son.

            “It’s a good thing you did come straight home. I got a call from Jason. We know exactly where they are. They’re at the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser!” Joe jumped up from his seat excitedly.

            “Then what are we waiting for?” he exclaimed. “Let’s go!”

            “Wait, Joe,” Fenton said. “We can’t go ‘til tomorrow. Tomorrow, the house should be empty. It would be safer that way.”

            “But, Dad! Frank may die by then!” Joe protested. Once again, Fenton patiently sighed, and told his son,

            “Joe, Frank is doing better. That’s what Jason told me over the phone. Matt is there, taking care of him. He’ll be fine!” Even as he reassured his son, he hoped he was right. Finally, Joe agreed with his father. “Why don’t you IM Chief Collig,” his father said. “Then, you can see what he wants to do. We’re going to need some officers tomorrow, tell him that.” Joe nodded, and left, heading upstairs to his brother’s room to the computer. He turned on the computer, and saw Chief Collig on. He went to click on his name, and saw, with amusement, the handcuffs on the before and after his name. He IMed the Chief.

 

• JHBestBoy1:  Hello, Chief
• BigChiefBpt:  Joe!  How’d things go?
• JHBestBoy1:  Fine, I guess. I got the plans, and he immediately called and told me to drop it off at the park. He took them, and I just came back from there.
• BigChiefBpt:  Ah, I see… Is Frank okay?”
• JHBestBoy1:  I don’t know…I hope so.  We got a call from Jason. The plan with him and Matt worked perfectly. So, we know where they are now.
• BigChiefBpt:  WHAT?!  What plan? Where are they?
• JHBestBoy1:  Oh, whoops…I forgot you don’t know! *grins sheepishly*  See, Max let Matt go to Frank to take care of him. Matt snuck in a cell phone, and instructed Jason what to say. Jason managed to call here, and tell dad that they’re at the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser!
• BigChiefBpt:  OMG… That is one smart kid!
• JHBestBoy1:  I know, LOL.  We’re going to go them tomorrow, after we’re sure Max is gone. Dad said it safer that way. He also told me that we’re going to need some police officers with us tomorrow. Could you send some plainclothes over to Grant and Ft. Laser tomorrow?
• BigChiefBpt:  Oh, man!  We’re already spread thin, what with the police protection given to the president and then those there to catch Max…there’s no way I can spare anymore!”
• JHBestBoy1:  We have to have some there, Chief!
• BigChiefBpt:  Tell you what. Tell some of your friends…you know, Tony, Biff, Chet, Phil…to help us out. Where Max is supposed to be, so they can help subdue him if needed. Then, I’ll send three police officers with you. How ‘bout it?
• JHBestBoy1:  Okay, let me ask them right now! BRB!

 

Joe ran to the phone, and quickly called all four at the same time, using conference calling with the first three, and then having Biff three-way Phil in. He knew the phone was probably still tapped, so he decided to have them come over first.

            “Hey y’all…you know how bad Frank is right now…well, I was wondering if all of you will come over…it would help big time for me and for the family if you guys could come over. Maybe you could pick up the girls…?” he let his voice trail off. His friends knew him well enough to know that there was something else behind this. So, immediately, they said yes.

“Of course we’ll come!” Tony said immediately. “Give me ten minutes!” Everyone else murmured their agreement, and Chet volunteered to pick up both girls and come. Joe hung up and went back to the computer.     

• JHBestBoy1:  Back, my friends are all coming in over in ten minutes.  I know they're going to say yes.  Is it okay now?
• BigChiefBpt:  Well... I had pretty much guessed they would say yes... so, yeah, I guess so.  I'll send three over... Riley, Thompson and Rodney.  Okay?
• JHBestBoy1:  Okay, thanks Chief!  I better go now, all my friends will be coming.  Bye, and thanks again!
• BigChiefBpt:  All right Joe.  Bye!  And you're very welcome.

As Joe signed off, he smiled softly. “Chief Collig has certainly changed! He always used to get mad at me and Frank…but, now he’s so nice! I like him so much better this way!” He laughed, and then went downstairs just as the doorbell rang. It was their entire ‘gang’. He ushered them all in, and they looked so grim.

            “Hey guys,” he said to all of them.

            “Joe, are you okay?” Vanessa asked him softly as he gave her a hug.

            “Fine,” he answered with a smile. He led his friends into the living room and looked at all of them.

            “Thanks for coming, you guys. The real reason I wanted you here was to ask for your help. Here’s what’s happened so far.” He gave them a long recount of what has happened, and then finished with,

            “So, you see? Chief Collig needs your help. Will you guys do it?” Immediately, all of the guys agreed. Vanessa and Callie pouted a little, but understood that it really was dangerous work.

            “Thanks so much!” Joe said, tears uncharacteristically coming into his eyes. “You’re all really the best friends anyone can ever have!” Everyone smiled at him. Then Callie sighed.

            “It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the talent show and stuff…are you still going to be in it?” She asked Joe.

            “If it can be done, then yes, I am.” Joe replied. He sighed softly. “It’s a pretty big if,” he mumbled, almost to himself. He looked at his friends, his eyes suspiciously bright. “That’s IF we get to them in time…that’s IF they’re okay…and that’s IF Jason gets to stay with us and not have to go to Social Services,” he said to all of them. “I don’t know if that can even happen…” Vanessa put her arms around Joe to comfort him, as Callie said,

            “Well, the show’s not for another month, right? Maybe by then things will be better…” she smiled as reassuringly at Joe as possible. Suddenly, Joe bolted upright.

            “Cal! Whatever happened to…well, about you moving?” he asked, staring at her intently. He knew everyone would be heartbroken if Callie left. She really was a good friend. Callie bit her lip at the unhappy subject.

            “Nothing…nothing’s final yet,” she replied. Joe nodded softly, and then other subjects started. In this way, time passed to where it was late and night before all the Hardy’s friends departed to their own homes, promising to be at back at six the next morning. After they left, Joe did nothing more but to fall into bed and sleep a dreamless sleep.

********************

The next day, Joe woke up at five in the morning, and saw the rest of his family awake. All were so tensed and upset; they didn’t say much of anything during the quick breakfast consisting of leftover donuts. Although, Joe did make a slight face…donuts don’t taste nearly as good when they are a day old! At six on the dot, the doorbell rang. Joe opened it to find his friends on the doorstep, all ready for action. He quickly told the boys the location as to where they were supposed to be.

            “And remember, hide in the bushes! There are probably already some police officers there!” he reminded them. After wishing them good luck, Joe sent them on their way. He knew Max would already be gone, for the President was going to arrive at six thirty, and drive through Bayport at about seven. At seven, Fenton and Joe departed to the corner of Grant and Ft. Laser streets, expecting to meet officers there. When they arrived, they saw officers around, and within five minutes, had stormed the house. As soon as they entered, and man ran out from one of the rooms. But, seeing all the guns pointed at him, he surrendered quickly. Fenton and Joe pushed past him, and entered the room. As soon as they walked in, Jason leaped up, yelling,

            “Daddy!” He ran into Fenton’s arms, who scooped him up and hugged him very tightly. Then he put him down, and went over to Frank, which was where Joe already was. Joe was staring down at his brother worriedly. Con Riley walked in just then, saying,

            “I’ve already called for an ambulance,” He walked over to Frank, and looked at him with concern. “God, he looks bad…” he whispered. Fenton turned to Matt who had been holding Jason’s hand. He walked over to him and held out his hand.

            “Thanks…I’m honored for you to become part of my family. Sorry…OUR family,” he said. Matt grabbed his hand in a firm handshake, and then pulled Fenton into a quick hug, not saying a word. Joe, meanwhile, sat next to his older brother, holding his hand. He moved only when the paramedics came and whisked Frank away in an ambulance to Bayport General. Jason went with them in the ambulance, as he needed to be checked out too. Matt, Joe, and Fenton followed in the car.

********************

After two hours of waiting, a doctor came out. Jason had been checked out and released, but Fenton hadn’t taken him over to the police station yet, for Jason hadn’t let go of him since they had released him. Initially, he tried to go to Joe, but Joe was too engrossed in his own worries about Frank, that Jason, feeling the sense of pain, went to Fenton instead. In a way, Fenton liked it a lot. He had forgotten how it felt to hold a child in your arms, to know how much they trusted and loved you by the grip they tightly had on you. Laura and Gertrude had arrived at the hospital too.

            “The Hardys?” the doctor asked. Matt, Gertrude, Laura, Joe and Fenton stood, Jason still tightly held in Fenton’s hands.

            “How’s my brother?” Joe burst out, unable to hold it in any longer. The doctor sighed.

            “Right now, we’re not sure. He was rushed to surgery to take out the bullet. The bullet went in very deep. He lost a lot of blood, and there may still be internal bleeding. We also don’t know if the bullet damaged any vital organs…we won’t know until we give him another surgery. Right now, he’s going through a blood transfusion. Frankly, I don’t know how to say this, but…” the doctor paused for a moment, sizing up the situation. Joe, sensing what was coming, turned milky white, and started shaking slightly. The doctor continued. “I don’t know how to say this, but…I’m sorry…Frank may not make it out of this alive!”

           

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The authors 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 them without express permission of the authors.