HDA - Classified Secrets by Cherylann Rivers Introduction

A few hours later, Callie Shaw entered the hotel where they had all been staying, and headed up to the room that she shared with Iola. She knew that Joe and Iola were there already, but she needed to speak to Joe alone. Callie had hated to leave Frank, even for a few minutes, but she wanted to get changed and, more importantly, she absolutely needed to see Joe. Besides, Frank was still weak and in pain, and she knew that he needed rest. She would return with Joe and Iola in a little while. Well, she hesitated, maybe not. Maybe I’ll have to go back myself.

Callie approached her room, where she took out the sliding card for entrance. She couldn’t help but to notice that Joe’s room had a "do not disturb" sign out front. With a sigh, she realized that she’d have to call over there before she popped in. Callie was extremely worried, and very, very tired. She couldn’t remember when the last time it was that she had slept. She’d been trying to solve the case with Frank a few nights before, and then there were the past two traumatic days where she had made every effort to concentrate on Frank and not herself. Now, she found herself longing for bed, but knowing that wasn’t an option.

Twenty minutes later, Callie felt a little better. She had showered and dressed, and put on a little bit of make-up. At least I feel slightly human again, she couldn’t help but to think to herself. She had taken the bloody clothing she had worn from the night Frank had been shot, and put them away in a plastic bag. She could barely look at them, as they brought back the horror and the fear she had felt, holding Frank in her arms, thinking he wouldn’t make it. She fought back tears at the thought. Okay, Shaw, time to get it together, she thought. Callie’s stomach had been churning at the discovery of the "Prince Charming" ads, and that this person, whomever he or she was, was responsible for killing high-schoolers.

The first problem was that there was no motive or no way to track the person, at least based on what she had seen. The second, and by far worse, problem for Callie was that she had been trying to call Vanessa all day long yesterday. At first, there had been no answer, but then she had received a message on Vanessa’s answering machine, which apparently she had changed at some point during the day, which said, simply, "Hi guys. I’m out. I’m away for a few days. Leave me a message and I’ll call you back." Immediately, Callie had panicked. She had tried to logically convince herself that Vanessa’s probability of being selected by this person was slim to none. Then again, Vanessa was a school attendance junkie. Even though she and Frank were in the top five percent of their class, it was actually Vanessa who probably worked the hardest. She had been nervous, after moving from the city, that she would fall behind, so she always made it a point to go to school, even when she was sick. It had driven Joe crazy, who tended to push the attendance limit to the number right before credit withdrawal, himself.

So, Callie had known, right away, that something wasn’t right, and her gut instinct, which Frank would have told her to ignore, was telling her that Vanessa had been contacted by "Prince Charming." She couldn’t tell Frank about it; he needed to rest, and besides, he’d try to use logic to tell her that Vanessa’s chances of even meeting the guy were minimal, even if she WAS selected, which was even more unlikely. Iola certainly wouldn’t want to hear about it. Not now, at least. Callie looked at her hands. They were trembling. Was it because she hadn’t eaten, or slept, or because she was consumed by guilt and terrified of speaking with Joe? Probably all of the above, but the latter was weighing by far the most heavily on her mind. She looked down at the phone and then, slowly, dialed Joe’s number.

"Come on, come on," she whispered as the phone continued to ring. Finally, Joe picked up. "Hello?"

Callie took a deep breath. "Joe, it’s Callie. I need to talk to you."

"What is it? What’s wrong? Where’s Frank?" Joe’s voice was filled with urgency, and Callie realized he hadn't known that she had left the hospital.

"Frank’s fine, Joe." She heard him breathe a sigh of relief.

"Look, but I’m not. I seriously need to talk to you. Please, Joe. Right away. It’s important."

"Are you okay?"

"For now."

"Where are you?"

"Um, next door, in my room."

"You’re not at the hospital?"

"Right." She figured now would not be a good time for sarcasm on Joe’s listening abilities.

"Yeah, okay. I’ll be right there."

"No, Joe. Look, can you have Iola come here? Tell her that she should get changed, or get something to eat for all of us, or something else. I need to speak with you alone. No Iola." She waited for the backlash to that one.

She heard him sigh loudly. "I don’t like this. Is that idea really necessary?"

By his word selection, Callie knew Iola was right there, and he didn’t want to have her hear what Callie was talking about.

"It is."

"All right," Joe grumbled. "Give me five minutes, then come over. This better be worth it."

He hung up.

Callie stared at the receiver in her hand, inwardly griping about Joe’s lack of manners. Then again, in about five minutes, he might want to kill her, so there were bigger issues to address.

True to his word, Iola had come knocking five minutes later. "Is everything all right?" she asked with concern.

Callie smiled feebly at her friend. "I guess so. It’s really been a horrific few days, huh?"

Iola agreed, and gave her friend a quick hug. She pulled back for an instant. "Callie? You look exhausted!" Callie, who was normally so put-together, still looked beautiful, but Iola couldn’t help to notice the dark circles under her eyes, which Callie had done a masterful job of trying to conceal, and the worry lines in her forehead.

"I’m okay. How are you?" Callie really did want to know how Iola was, but she was growing impatient needing to talk to Joe. Part of her, though, she had to admit, didn’t mind delaying the confrontation that she knew was inevitable.

"Good. Really good." Iola smiled. "I mean, Joe and I have a lot to talk about," her grin fell slightly, "but we do love each other and we’ll try to work everything out."

Callie was confused. Hadn’t Joe and Iola decided they would be together? She said, "I don’t understand."

Iola looked okay, though. Callie didn’t think she was lying about that. Apparently, Iola and Joe had spoken of something. "Look, Cal, just between you and me…. Joe and I will probably end up together. There’s definitely that love there. Although now—well, things are obviously a lot more complicated. Besides, in truth, I can’t ignore the presence of Vanessa in good conscience. I happen to like her, a lot. She helped me when I don’t know that I could have done the same, if circumstances were reversed."

Callie could only stare at her.

"Don’t look so surprised. I think Joe needs to talk to Vanessa and sort out his feelings. He hasn’t said anything, but an idiot could tell he’s still conflicted. I can’t even blame him. I’M conflicted, too." Callie watched Iola’s eyes brim with tears. "I don’t know what to do, or what I’d do without him. I don’t even want to think about that. But… Vanessa deserves the respect of Joe talking with her. I told him that, too. I’d want that respect. I know I’ve been a little slow lately. I HATE danger. The thought of something happening to me again like Lazarus is incomprehensible. Don’t think I’m stupid, because I didn’t understand the glass slipper. Don’t think I’m insensitive to Vanessa, because I’m not. Above all, don’t think I don’t love Joe, or that I’m using him, because that’s not true, either. I want this to work, so badly. I never knew love could be this hard."

Callie started to cry. She’d been so stressed out and had been literally worrying herself sick for the past few days. Besides, she had tried to be strong for Frank, and even for Joe. She realized, at that moment, how much others had been suffering as well. Iola was strong; much stronger than she had given her credit for. Callie couldn’t believe she had tried to push Iola into investigating. She felt guilty. Joe was strong, too. How was he dealing with Iola and Vanessa? Deep down, she had always known Joe had integrity, and he wouldn’t leave Vanessa alone, without explanation. Sometimes, things just took him a little longer than others. How would she have acted if she had lost Frank, and then had fallen in love with someone else, only to have Frank return? She honestly couldn’t say she would have been so quick to pick sides, herself. She felt guilty about that, too. Then there was Frank, who probably had come looking for her at the school, and had gotten shot. Maybe if she had insisted that they stay together, or that they had all dropped Iola off, he’d still be okay, probably holding her now. Guilt again. And her biggest regret was Vanessa. Callie really had meant well on that one; she wanted to distract Vanessa from her own pain. In hindsight, there would have been better ways to go about it, but now, left with the possibility that Vanessa might be hurt because of her, the guilt was consuming her. She had to sit down as she again felt her stomach flip-flop and a migraine headache coming on. For once, she almost had no control over her emotions. She literally could not stop crying.

Iola sat next to her and asked in shock, "Callie? Are you okay? What’s wrong?"

Callie could not stop herself from tears. She just nodded yes. Iola had no idea what to do.

About 10 minutes later, Joe came to Callie and Iola’s room, muttering, "What’s with that girl? She says ‘I need to talk now’ and Hello? Where is she? Chicks."

Joe was making a concerted effort on the outside to be nice to Callie. He sensed she was doing the same. In the hospital, he had realized that despite the fact that they’d always drive each other crazy, that Callie was a good and strong person. For perhaps the first time, he truly realized that she was his friend, too. Still, she DID drive him crazy, and he didn’t know how long this peaceful inclination would last. He knocked at the door. To his surprise, Iola answered.

"Hey," he said, giving her a quick hug. "Where’s Callie?"

"Joe," she responded, quietly closing the door behind her, "I have no idea what happened, but she totally flipped out. She’s exhausted, and she’s hurting—I can tell. But she won’t tell me why. She’s just crying in there, trying to calm down. I hate to ask you this, but could you talk to her? Please? It’d be a nice gesture, since Frank isn’t available."

Joe was concerned. He had to kiss Iola, though.

"What was that for?" she asked.

"Because you’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I love that about you. Yes, of course I’ll talk to her."

Iola gave him a hug back. "Thanks, Joe. I’ll, um, hang out in your room, I guess."

"Sounds good," he responded, as he entered the girls’ room.

Joe saw Callie immediately, sitting at the edge of the bed. She looked like she had calmed down, at least according to what he had been told by Iola. However, he saw what Iola meant, too. Callie had her head in her hands, and when he got close enough to her, she saw that her eyes were red-rimmed, and she was pale. Joe thought in an instant, despite himself, how physically pretty Callie was, and how being around Frank and him seemed to always drain her on these cases. THAT was just one reason he never liked her on them, among many others. She was a help often, he had to admit, but more often than not, Frank was distracted by her presence, Joe fought with her, and she ended up potentially being hurt or stressed. Joe sighed again. I guess s he must really love my brother to put herself through all this, he thought. Still, he really, really, wished she wouldn’t get involved.

Sitting down next to her, he put an arm around her slim shoulders. "Callie? Are you okay? What’s the matter? Why did you need to talk to me? Why are you so upset?"

She met his eyes, slowly. "I’m sorry Joe. For everything. For misjudging Iola, for doubting your sincerity, for Frank, and for Vanessa." She wiped away the last of her tears. "I know it doesn’t matter, now. I know you’ll probably never let me forget I cried in front of you, either. I’m so sorry."

Joe was confused. He tried to act like his brother in this situation. Getting up, he walked to the bathroom, got a cup of water, and went through Iola’s bag until he found some aspirins. He walked over to Callie and offered them to her. She looked surprised, but then accepted them. "Thank you,’ she said softly.

He sat down next to her again and tried to be patient. She really was upset about something. Normally, Joe could handle girls being upset. He’d certainly dated enough to know what women generally liked and disliked. However, not only was Callie generally not upset in front of him, but she was Callie---there had always been an inability to read her on his part. He guessed she must feel the same. They sat there in silence for a moment.

Finally, Joe spoke. "Listen, Callie, it’s okay to cry. Really. We all do. Even my big, strong older brother occasionally lets it flow. Occasionally. He’s like you, though. You’re both reserved in your emotions in public."

Callie smiled sadly at that.

"Now, I don’t know why you’re sorry about Iola or Vanessa or me, for that matter. But we’ll be all right. It’s our problem and we’ll handle it. Okay? I appreciate your concern, but with the case, Frank being in the hospital, and the fact that my dad’s flying in later, things are a bit hectic. Things’ll be okay," he added again.

Callie stood up shakily, and Joe stood next to her to steady her. Something serious was bothering her, and he braced himself for whatever it was, because his instinct told him it was not good.

"What is it?’ he said at last. "You might as well tell me now."

"Joe, I… I really messed something up. You have to believe I had the right intentions, but now I think there's some real danger from it, and Vanessa might be in a lot of trouble."

"Vanessa? What does she have to do with this?"

Callie turned to him, and Joe recognized the guilt in her eyes. He had seen it in his own eyes a million times before, recalling the horror of Iola’s initial disappearance. Joe knew whatever Callie would come up with, it would be bad. He felt his heart beat faster, but tried to be calm. He was struggling there, though.

"Yes?"

"You know the case we’re working on?"

"MMM HMM," Joe bit his lip.

"Well, um, I think Vanessa is involved."

"What?" Joe just lost his last bit of patience. "How? What are you talking about?" He felt his hands clenched into fists.

"I… well, a week or two ago, you know, you and Vanessa were having problems, with Iola and all, and.."

"Get to the point!" he snapped at her.

Callie looked afraid, and Joe didn’t care, for the first time. If Callie was responsible for getting Vanessa hurt or in danger…. He couldn’t fathom what he’d do.

"Joe, I didn’t mean any harm. I honest to God didn’t. When I saw that Vanessa was hurting, I told her maybe she should look for a new man, as a distraction."

"You did WHAT?" Joe couldn’t believe this.

"B… but, I knew that she’d never do it, and I didn’t want her to, really. So.. (she choked back a sob) I told her that maybe for fun she should answer one of those "Prince Charming" ads."

Joe felt his face drain of color.

"And.. and well, I never thought she’d get called back, I really didn’t. I mean, what were the chances? So I didn’t think too much about it. B.. But…"

"But WHAT?" Joe yelled at her.

Callie felt tears start to form again but tried to hold them back. She deserved whatever Joe was about to do or say. "But I called her all yesterday and her answering machine said she went on a trip. And, you know how Vanessa is about not missing school. So I have a feeling that…"

"Oh my God!!!" Joe yelled. "How could you, Callie?! Where is she? We need to find her, now!"

"I know. I was afraid to tell Frank about the latest development…"

"Wait! Frank knew about this?!" This was getting worse and worse.

"Y.. Yes…" she stuttered. "But not about Vanessa not being home. He told me nothing would happen, and I mean, logically he’s right, so we decided not to tell you. But now…"

Callie looked at Joe and was shocked by the pure emotion and anger she saw reflected in his eyes. She was speechless.

He turned to her. "Callie Shaw, this is a new low, even for you. I thought you were different, but now I see you’re just the same person I always thought you were."

Callie started shaking. Joe was seething. "I’m sorry," she managed.

"Sorry? Sorry? Do you think ‘sorry’ is gonna cut it if something happens to Vanessa? Could you live with yourself, Callie? Because it would be all your fault."

Callie started crying. "I… know."

"Well, good! That’s the first thing you’ve ever said right. Don’t count on seeing me again, and, if I have anything to do with it, Frank will see you for the person you really are, too. DAMNIT!" He punched the wall, hard. Callie jumped.

"Thanks for nothing. I’m going to get my dad now, and then I’ll be at the hospital trying to solve this case which I HAVE TO at this point. Stay here with Iola. Better yet, leave. Go somewhere and don’t come back!" Joe glared at her.

Callie, trembling badly, ran out of the room, grabbing her purse on the way out.

Joe stared after her. Part of him knew that he didn’t mean a lot of the things he had said, but that part was way deep down, at this point. Right now, he wasn’t thinking of Callie Shaw. He was thinking of Vanessa Bender. And each second was counting and ticking away as he headed out the door.

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Disclaimer

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.