Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the HDA - Brain Child

Chief Collig managed to convince the attending physician to keep Lydia in the hospital for a few days. He was afraid that she might grow suspicious and run. This way he knew where she was at all times. Luckily, Sam was able to find out who ‘Lydia Barlow’ really was.

Sam had entered the x-ray of Lydia’s jaw into the database of a group of dentists and orthodontists who had created a web page showcasing their specialties and prices. Early the next afternoon Sam called Chief Collig. Fenton, Frank and Joe were already there, along with Con Riley. Also in the room was Asst. District Attorney Anthony Jamieson – who happened to be at the police station on another case. Collig put Sam on the speaker phone.

“Okay Sam – everyone is here; tell us what you found out.”

“I was contacted by a Dr. Garcia; he works at Southwest Dentistry in Austin, Texas. The patient’s name was Amanda Rowan; she was brought in by her foster mother, a Mrs. O’Connor. I visited with the O’Connors and showed them the photo you sent me, Fenton – they identified ‘Clair Miller’ aka ‘Lydia Barlow’ as Amanda.”

“Now we know who she really is,” sighed Fenton.

“But why would she do something like this? Why be a…a teenager?!” asked Frank.

“Yeah, it’s bad enough with all the peer pressure of sex, doing drugs and alcohol! Who wants to go through that again?!” Joe shook his head in puzzlement.

“She’s definitely defrauded the City of New York by taking funds for her care and education. If she is the girl who visited Mr. Tanner then there will be an attempted murder charge as well as murder for Mrs. Tanner. I’m sure her court appointed attorney will claim this woman is insane. I’ll make sure that one of our psychiatrists sees her,” Anthony Jamison said with conviction.

“Sam, do you have a positive ID proving that ‘Lydia Barlow’ is Amanda Rowan?” asked Fenton.

“I don’t know if I have enough to hold up in a court of law, but the O’Connors are willing to fly out to Bayport. They want to see Amanda.”

“Sam, tell Jack he’s going to have two more passengers. How soon can you get here?” Fenton knew that Chief Collig and the Asst. District Attorney would want the O’Connors flown in as soon as possible so he hadn’t bothered to consult them about his idea.

“The O’Connors are ready to leave right now. So am I; it’ll take us a few minutes to get to the airport. I know Jack has the plane ready. We should get to Bayport about ten p.m.”

“I’ll meet you at the airport, Sam. Tell the O’Connors I’ll have a room for them at the Bayport Inn.” Fenton looked over at Collig.

“We’ll go see Miss Barlow or whatever her name is tomorrow morning. I’ve got an undercover officer at the hospital – she’s not going anywhere.” Chief Collig looked grim.

The call ended, and the Asst. District Attorney left, letting Chief Collig know that he would get the charges written up. Frank and Joe stood glumly off to the side. How were they going to face Phil? Frank pulled Joe away while Fenton, Chief Collig and Con spoke quietly.

“We need to go see Phil. I know the Chief isn’t going to like it but I think we should tell him what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Frank whispered.

“I agree – Dad will understand and he can handle Collig.”

Fenton walked over to Frank and Joe. “I’m going with Con over to the hospital. We’re going to talk with Ms. Chase about Lydia.”

“Dad, Joe and I want to be the ones to break the news to Phil. We weren’t sure how Chief Collig would feel about that,” said a worried Frank.

“No need to worry, Frank – Ezra wanted me to ask you two if you would go over to Phil’s. He felt that Phil might take the news better if you told him,” Fenton informed his sons.

“We better go – come on Joe.”

With some reluctance, Frank and Joe left the police station. Joe drove the van – Frank wanted to think how best to break the news to Phil.

*****

Visiting hours at Bayport General didn’t start until 2 p.m. – Frank had called Phil to make sure that he was still home. Mrs. Cohen answered the phone and assured Frank that Phil was there; she was going to take him to visit Lydia but had wanted him to rest after lunch.

“I’ll let Phil know that you’re on your way, Frank,” Mrs. Cohen had told him over the phone.

“I have to say, I’m not looking forward to this, Frank,” sighed Joe when his brother ended the call.

“How do you think I feel?! Phil is my best friend! And he really cared for Lydia.”

“Oh Lord! I just had a horrible thought! Did Phil and Lydia…did they get…you know, physical?” Joe glanced over at Frank, his face a mask of concern.

“No…at least I don’t think so. I mean…Phil never mentioned it. He’s been IM-ing me since he and Lydia started dating. He was a little frustrated that she only kissed him on the cheek so I’m don’t think they got farther than that.”

“That’s a relief….I know he wouldn’t be considered a minor if they had gone…you know, all the way, but Phil’s the type of guy who would be…well…humiliated!” exclaimed Joe.

Frank silently agreed.

All too soon they arrived at the Cohen home. With heavy hearts, Frank and Joe walked to the door. Mrs. Cohen greeted them with a smile.

“Phil’s upstairs in his room – he wanted to make a ‘Get Well’ card for Lydia on his computer.”

“He should be making her a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card,” mumbled Joe.

“What was that?” asked Mrs. Cohen.

“Oh nothing,” said Frank, elbowing Joe in the ribs. “We know our way to Phil’s room!”

Joe rubbed his side as they walked down the hallway towards Phil’s room. They found him sitting in front of the computer, Frank knocked lightly on the doorframe.

“Hey Phil, we need to talk.”

Phil stared at the wall. Frank and Joe had just finished telling him about Lydia. He finally turned his head and glared at his good friends.

“I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it until Lydia tells me herself.”

Phil grimaced as he stood up, his chest was still sore from the seat belt. Frank quickly moved to help his friend.

“Slow down, Phil. Joe and I will take you to see Lydia.”

*****

Phil, Frank and Joe walked off the elevator when it stopped on the fourth floor. Phil noticed Ms. Chase in the waiting room; she was with Fenton, wiping tears away from her eyes. He quickened his steps, Frank and Joe following behind him. Walking into the hospital room, he saw Lydia sitting up in bed. When she saw him she burst into tears.

“I’m sorry, Phil! I never meant….I’m so sorry.”

“Frank, Joe – could you give us a few minutes alone?” Phil turned to face his friends.

“Come on, Joe.” Frank pulled on Joe’s arm and the two walked out the door.

Phil closed the door then went over to Lydia.

“Okay…tell me everything.”

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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.