Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

Chris Bayer pulled to a stop outside the small building that housed a tourist shop on the main floor and the geology department on the second floor. He ran a hand through his short, sand colored hair as he glanced toward the entrance to the village.

Approximately twenty or so people were assembled; all bearing signs protesting the exploitation of Soda Canyon. Chris recognized the tall, bronzed skinned leader as Stan Lomayaktewa. Chris sighed.

Lomayaktewa seemed like a good, honest man, but he was as stubborn as an old mule. He worked part-time in the district office of Mesa Verde’s restoration department. Several times, Chris had tried to explain what the geology department’s purpose was in Soda Canyon, but Stan refused to listen. Stan was just convinced that the probes drilled into the canyon walls, were all going to destroy the historic area.

“Looks like Lomayaktewa’s got folks all stirred up again,” Bull Byron said, coming up behind Chris.

“You want me to try to talk to Stan again?” Chris offered.

“Give it another shot,” Bull said with a shrug. “If they’re not clear of the entrance in fifteen minutes, I’ll have to call the sheriff’s department to remove them. That’s not good for tourism.”

* * *

“How do we get up there?” Luke Martin asked, gazing up at the unbelievable dwellings carved into the side of the cliff above them. The group had just descended 100 feet into the canyon along a narrow, carved staircase.

“I sure…hope…there’s an…elevator!” Chet Morton panted, moving up beside his friend.

“No elevators here, I’m afraid,” Catherine chuckled. “Our passage to the top is right over here. I hope you’re not afraid of heights and you are all in top physical shape.”

The teenagers moved closer and stared at the ladder that stretched from the dusty trail to the lowest level of the pueblo.

“Unlike the original ladders, this one is checked regularly for safety,” Catherine explained. “It is a long way up…”

“And a long way down if you miss a rung!” Biff interjected, looking up apprehensively.

“Yes,” Catherine agreed. “If you feel dizzy, just stop and close your eyes for a few seconds. Whatever you do, don’t look down.

“Any volunteers to go first?” Catherine asked, eyeing the group with a mischievous grin.

“Okay,” Joe said, stepping forward. “How bad can it be?” He gripped the sides with his hands and began the climb. Joe was surprised that the ladder wobbled and swayed with each step he took. Joe felt his forehead break out with little beads of sweat as he quickened his climb, anxious to reach the top.

As he climbed over the edge onto a ledge, he waved at the group some thirty feet below him. “Piece of cake,” he called, glad that they couldn’t see his legs shaking.

One by one the rest of them ascended the seemingly rickety ladder, until they were all on the ledge leading into a tunnel.

“This way, please!” Catherine called out with a wave of her hand. The boys, having each regained some dignity from the perilous climb, gamely followed the dark-haired woman. She led them through a worm-like tunnel for about 12 feet.

Soon, they were in a large area, much like a courtyard. “This was an assembly area for the women of the tribe,” Catherine explained. She spoke about the many daily tasks the Hopi woman performed in the courtyard.

“I’m giving you guys some liberty here,” Catherine finally said. “Take your time and look around, but stay out of areas that specifically say ‘restricted’.

“Make sure to stay in pairs as you explore,” Catherine continued, “and if you do run into any trouble, give a shout.” She knew she could trust these young people. Chris had talked so much about the Hardy family, she felt as if she had known Frank and Joe all her life.

The boys acknowledged Catherine’s admonishments and split into three groups. Frank and Phil headed into the room Catherine had indicated was a worship center and ‘school’. Chet and Luke went to explore the smaller dwellings on the next level up. Joe and Biff followed Chet and Luke, but didn’t stop on their level.

“Let’s go all the way up and work our way back down,” Joe suggested and Biff quickly agreed. The pair climbed up to what appeared to be the highest, accessible level.

“Whoa,” Joe cried, peering over the low window ledge at the 92 foot drop to the original canyon trail below. “These people definitely didn’t have height-a-phobia.”

Biff laughed, his voice echoing slightly against the ancient walls, “You got that right, but the word is ‘Acrophobia’, smart guy.”

“Maybe they were like Spiderman and could cling to the walls,” Joe suggested as he started down a small corridor. He glanced back at Biff. “By the way, I knew the word was ‘Acrophobia’, but I didn’t think a dumb jock like you would know such big words!”

Joe ducked as Biff playfully swatted the back of his friend’s head. Joe and Biff were both blond and natural athletes, but people often mistakenly referred to them as ‘dumb jocks.’ While they didn’t like others calling them the unflattering term, they often used it to tease each other.

“You smell that?” Joe asked, suddenly dropping the light-hearted banter and seriously looked at his friend.

“Weird, like rusty water or something,” Biff replied, sniffing the air.

Joe swallowed as he moved forward. He couldn’t be positive, but he was quite sure he recognized the odor. It smelled like blood.

“Biff,” Joe heard himself whisper, “just be ready for anything.”

Joe flattened himself against the wall as the corridor opened into a larger room. Joe felt Biff follow his example and move against the wall, also. Both boys listened intently for any sound in the room.

They heard nothing but their own breathing.

Cautiously, Joe glanced at his friend. Biff nodded, understanding that he would be Joe’s backup if his friend encountered trouble in the room. Joe moved forward and entered the room, while Biff waited in the corridor.

“Biff,” Joe called moments later. Biff hurried into the room, but stopped suddenly. He stared at the body near Joe’s feet, but then looked at the younger Hardy brother with raised eyebrows.

“He’s dead,” Joe said solemnly. “I think we’d better call Catherine.”

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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.