Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

Joe stood nervously in front of the mirror, running a comb through his hair. He didn’t know why he felt so nervous; it wasn’t like this was the first time he went out on a date. A sad sigh escaped Joe’s lips; he had thought that when he met Vanessa he wouldn’t have to go on first dates anymore.

Going into his room, Joe sat down on the edge of his bed. He picked up a framed picture that was on his nightstand. A sad smile on his face, Joe stared down at the picture. It was of him and Vanessa; Callie had taken it a few days before Vanessa left to attend Todei University in Japan. At that time, Joe had thought that Vanessa would be coming back, but then she had been offered a full scholarship. Now she was living in Japan and Joe missed her very much.

Then he had met Rayne Preston. Joe smiled as he thought about his new friend. In so many ways her personality reminded him of Vanessa. She was bright, funny and smart. Although the two girls were the same height, that was where their similarities ended. Vanessa had long ash-blonde hair that fell past her shoulders, and grayish-blue eyes. She was fair-skinned, almost a peaches-and-cream complexion. Rayne had dark curly hair, almost ebony in color, down to her shoulders and cornflower-blue, almond-shaped eyes. Coming from a racially-mixed family, her skin was the color of light caramel.

As he continued to stare at the picture he remembered that carefree day!

Frank Hardy parked his car behind his younger brother’s. He had just dropped off Aunt Gertrude at the Community Center to play bingo. Frank noticed that Laura’s car was parked in the driveway but Fenton’s car was missing. He wondered where his parents were, then remembered that it was Friday. On the rare occasions that his father was not working on a case, Fenton and Laura would go play bridge with the Radleys.

Frank went straight upstairs; he had an essay that he needed to start. As he passed Joe’s room, Frank glanced in, and came to a stop. He saw Joe sitting on his bed, a sad, forlorn expression on his face. Then he noticed that Joe was holding something in his hand. It took him a second to realize that it was a picture frame that his brother was holding.

Frank walked into the room and sat next to Joe, placing his arm around his brother’s shoulders.

“Joe – you okay, little brother?”

When Joe didn’t respond, Frank grew concerned as he stared at him. He became concerned for Vanessa when he saw Joe’s hand tremble slightly.

“Joe – is it Vanessa – was she hurt or ill?”

Joe shook his head. “No – at least I don’t think so. I just – memories, that’s all.”

Joe placed the picture back on the nightstand; he gave Frank a small smile as he stood up. “I’m okay Frank – I just got a little overwhelmed with some good memories.”

Still sitting on the bed, Frank gave Joe a dubious look. “Are you sure that was it?”

“I’m sure – anyway, I have to go or I’ll be late for my date with Rayne.”

As Joe turned to leave, Frank stood up and placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Are you sure this is a good idea? You don’t think you’re moving a little too fast?”

“Frank its one little date! Rayne and I are friends – if it turns into something more, all the better.”

“Are you sure you’re not using Rayne because you’re lonely and miss Vanessa?”

Joe slowly turned to face Frank, an angry glare on his face. He only shook his head and started towards the door. “I thought you knew better than that Frank.”

Frank winced at the parting remark; he took a step to follow Joe but hesitated. Better to wait for Joe to cool off first.

*****

Rayne was frantic, Joe would be arriving soon and she still hadn’t found anything to wear! There was a small pile of clothes on her bed. Standing in front of her closet, she took out a skirt. ‘No, too short!’, she thought as she tossed it on her bed. ‘Too skimpy – too old – sheesh, this doesn’t even fit anymore; why do I still have it?’ There was a knock on her door, and Emma peeked in.

“Honey, Joe is here.”

“What –no, he’s too early – isn’t he?!”

Emma chuckled softly as she took in the chaos in her daughter’s room. She walked over to the bed and sorted through the clothes. She found a light chocolate brown pullover sweater. “Here, I always thought you looked pretty in this.”

“But what will I wear with it?”

“Your jeans are fine – just change your shoes. The brown loafers would be nice. Now hurry up – you don’t want to keep him waiting too long.”

Joe tried not to squirm as he waited for Rayne. He sat on the edge of the sofa; Mr. Preston sat across from him in a recliner.

“I hear you might try out for the basketball team?”

“Y-yes sir – I used to play on the Bayport High team.”

“College ball is a little more – intense. If you’d like I’d be happy to practice with you.”

Joe’s eyes lit up. Rayne had told him about Mr. Preston’s college playing days. Joe had even gone on the internet and searched the college Mr. Preston had attended. He had been very impressed with Mr. Preston’s playing skills.

“I’d like that very much! Frank and I usually meet up with a few of our friends at the park on Saturdays for a few games. Would you – we’d be happy for you to join us!”

Michael Preston smiled at the young man; he really did like Joe. At first he was concerned when Rayne continued to see him after the nightmare with Daniel Reese was over. But he could see how caring Joe was with his daughter.

Joe started to relax as he discussed some past games with Michael. Rayne walked into the living room a few minutes later. She had to smile as she watched her father and Joe speaking animatedly with each other.

“Don’t tell me, let me guess –basketball.”

Joe stood up, his sapphire eyes glowing with appreciation when he saw Rayne. “Wow, you look great!”

Michael beamed with pride, thinking that yes, indeed she did.

Rayne gave her father a kiss on the cheek and then pulled Joe out the door.

Later that night, as Joe walked Rayne to her door, he thought the evening had gone well. The young couple stood nervously at the front door.

“I had a really nice time,” said Rayne shyly.

“I did too.” Joe looked down at his shuffling feet, feeling like a scared thirteen-year-old.

“I guess this is good-night?” Rayne fiddled with her house keys.

Joe gently cupped her face as he leaned close, and softly kissed her on the lips. He felt Rayne’s arms go around his waist as the kiss intensified.

The kiss soon ended; Joe pulled back and gazed into Rayne’s eyes. A smile slowly flitted across his face.

“Wow – that was—” Rayne smiled and then giggled. “That was a really nice kiss, but—”

“Yeah – no chemistry, huh?”

“Nope – but it was a really great kiss!”

“Still friends?” asked Joe as he held out his hand.

With a laugh, Rayne took Joe’s hand and gave it a firm shake. “Friends!”

Making sure that Rayne locked the door behind her, Joe then headed for his car. As he got in one thought filtered through his mind.

‘At least now I can tell Frank he has nothing to worry about.’

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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.