HDA - A New Experience by Mili Chapter 9

When Frank got to the hotel, he quickly checked in, and went up to his room. He didn’t think of doing much more than falling into bed. But, once in bed, he found he couldn’t sleep. Finally sighing, he got out bed and left the room, planning on taking a walk. He started off but something happened that interrupted his plans…

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

Meanwhile, Joe found himself not able to sleep either. Sighing softly, he went over to Frank’s room and turned on his computer. Quickly, he went to his email account, and emailed Chief Collig.

Dear Chief,

I know you’ve sent Frank on his way, but, I’m just a tad bit worried. I was wondering if you’d given Frank all the stuff he would need to be a ‘person’ meaning, clothes, and other luggage. We’ve got to make it look as real as possible. Email me back as soon as possible.

Joe

After sending the email, Joe decided to surf the web, knowing he would not be able to sleep. Surprisingly, within 5 minutes, the "You’ve Got Mail" icon popped up. "Already…?" he thought. He clicked on it thinking, "Too bad it’s not Meg Ryan!" He chuckled wryly. Quickly, he read the chief’s email.

Dear Joe,

Surprisingly enough, I just thought of that! I guess we’re all tired, and I just forgot. I sent an officer over just now to give Frank that stuff. I grabbed a lot of stuff from the clothes we’ve collected here over the years, and sent it over along with a laptop computer. I told the officer to tell Frank to sign on to MSN Messenger, and we’ll talk about a few things, even though it’s late. Why don’t you sign on too?

Chief

Joe quickly went and signed on to MSN and IMed the chief right away.

"Hey Chief!"

"Hello Joe. You sound mighty perky…"

"Yeah, well, I have to be in this type of situation. I don’t have a choice." Joe replied.

"Yeah…you know, Joe, I was trying to call you earlier. Your phone was busy. Do you have any idea why?" Collig asked.

"No, I don’t. The same thing was happening yesterday! I have no idea why…" Joe said thoughtfully.

Just then, Frank signed in. Joe quickly included him into the conversation.

"Frank! Finally! You really are getting slow in your old age bro!" Joe said, grinning to himself.

"Hello Frank!" Collig said.

"Hey guys! Very funny, Brat. If only you’d know what I went through in the past few minutes!" Frank replied.

"What happened?" Joe asked.

"Well, I couldn’t sleep, so I went out for a walk. But, about 5 minutes after walking around, someone jumped me from behind! They pulled me into a dark alley, and spun me around." Frank said.

"Oh my God! Who was it?!" Joe asked, worriedly.

"The police officer!! He seemed to think it was funny too…anyway; he then gave me my clothes and stuff, and then went off! I came up here and logged on as fast as I could." Frank replied.

"*chuckles* I’m sorry Frank, I find that funny!" Collig said.

"Yeah…really funny Chief." Frank replied.

"Anyway, why did you want me online this late at night?" Frank asked.

"We have to talk. First of all, we need to figure out a way for Frank to get into their group, or at least work undercover to see Jason. Also, how is Joe supposed to put on the convincing act of stealing the file? And, last but not least, what about President Walker’s visit? He’ll be here next week, so, I guess we either get bogus plans, or make up new ones…right?" Chief said.

"Well…as for Frank getting into their group…I was thinking along the terms of Frank contacting them as a ‘helper’. He can then try to find Jason, and work with us on this." Joe said slowly.

"Yeah," Frank agreed. "And, as for Joe, I was thinking of him actually sneaking in himself, and getting the plans. I like the bogus plans idea. It would too much of a hassle to make up new ones. You think you can make up some bogus ones quickly, Chief?" Frank asked.

"Yeah, it shouldn’t be too hard," Collig replied.

"When exactly is Walker coming?" Joe asked.

"Next Friday," Collig replied.

"Ok, then," Frank said. "If that takes care of some of the stuff, I think I’ll go to bed. I’ll be up early tomorrow, prowling around to see if I can catch the criminals. I’m pretty sure they are keeping an eye on the house, so I’ll probably get them there. As it is, I’ll have to come to the house. The clothes you gave me Chief, STINK!"

"LOL," Collig replied. "All right then, good night!"

"Night!"

"Cya!"

Collig left, and Frank and Joe started their goodbyes.

"Bye big brother! Good night, sleep tight! Love ya!" Joe said.

"Good night," his older brother replied. "Wait!" Frank typed quickly.

"What?" Joe asked.

"Get some of my clothes, and carefully hide them in a bush. I’ll be sure to get them tomorrow. OK?"

"All right."

"OK, then, good night! Love you too."

Frank signed off, as did Joe, and both went to sleep.

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

The next morning, Joe woke up and went downstairs to get breakfast. He found his mother feeding the babies, and his Dad reading the morning newspaper. Just then, the phone rang.

"Hello?" Joe answered.

"Hello, this is the Henry Johnson speaking. May I speak with Fenton Hardy?"

"Sure, hold on." Joe gave the phone to his father.

"Hello, Fenton Hardy here." After that, Fenton only listened. And as he listened, his face got graver

and graver. Finally, he hung up the phone. Immediately, Joe pounced on him.

"Who was it?" he asked.

"That was the courthouse!" Fenton said. "They ordered me and Laura to court at 4 this afternoon! They said it has to do with us not being able to take care of our children!"