Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the Hardy Detective Agency Presents "In the Name of Love" by CQB

–PAST...
The dark figure moved stealthily in the shadows along the fence of the Hardy’s backyard. He reached the house and moved toward the basement window near the back porch. With glasscutter in hand, he knelt beside the window and carefully cut away the glass, laying it on the grass before climbing through the window.

Once inside, the man turned on his flashlight, shielding the brightness with his gloved hand. He quickly made his way up the stairs to the kitchen.

Having watched the house all evening, he knew the children’s rooms were at the front of the second floor. He silently climbed the stairs, taking his time in case any of the steps were squeaky. He made his way down the hall to the two front bedrooms. Not knowing which of the boys occupied which room, he opened the door to the room on the right first. He quietly slipped inside.

The man moved toward the bed and was disappointed when he noticed dark hair on the sleeping boy. He exited the room as quietly as he had entered it, not touching the child.

He quickly entered the left bedroom, moving in close to the bed. He removed a small bottle from his pocket. He poured a small amount of liquid from the bottle onto a linen handkerchief. He gently lifted the boy’s head off the pillow, causing the child’s deep, blue eyes to flash open wide. The man placed the linen cloth over the boy’s nose and mouth before the child could cry out. He watched the boy’s terrified eyes close and his small body go limp. Within minutes of having entered the house, the man left with the still form of 4-year-old Joey Hardy in his arms.

~ ~ ~ PRESENT...

"Is there something wrong with your car?" Joe Hardy asked as he walked from his driveway to his new neighbor’s driveway. The hood of Mr. Reed’s green Chevy Lumina was open and the man wore a smear of engine grease across his forehead.

"’Fraid so. Wish I was a bit more handy with cars," Red commented.

"Mind if I have a look?" Joe asked, moving up to peer under the hood. "I like working on cars, especially old ones. I’m no expert, but I keep our van in good repair and look after my girlfriend’s car."

"Be my guest, Joe. I can’t even get it to turn over." Red said, "Thought it might be the battery."

"Could be," Joe agreed, checking the battery cables and clamps. He jiggled the wires and frowned. Joe moved to the driver’s door and reached inside, trying the key. Nothing happened. He turned on the radio and a local rock station blared from the speakers.

"Well, it’s not the battery," Joe said, moving back to the engine. "Could be the alternator, though. I can have my friend Biff Hooper check it out if you’d like. He works at a service station just outside of town."

"Sounds like a plan, but where’s the alternator?" Red asked with a grin.

Joe chuckled, "I’ll go change into some old clothes and take it out for you. When Frank gets back with our van, I’ll run it over to Biff."

Joe returned a few minutes later and began working on the Lumina. Red watched attentively, asking questions about what Joe was doing to the car. Soon, Joe had the alternator out and wrapped in newspaper, ready to take it to Biff at the BP Station.

"That was quick! Say, while we wait for your brother, why don’t we go down to the basement and get in a quick workout?" Red suggested.

Joe sighed inwardly. He’d love nothing more than to try out Red’s equipment, but he had promised his dad that he’d wait to hear from Sam.

"I’d love to, really," Joe said, trying to think up a good excuse to give Red, "But my mom has something she needs me to do."

"Joe, you’re not a good liar," Red said with a sad smile, "But it’s okay. Let me guess. Your parents probably said something about not knowing me very well and it wouldn’t be safe until you all know me better. Am I right?"

"Yes sir," Joe replied, "Something like that."

Red walked up and stood beside Joe. He pulled the hood down and handed Joe an old towel to wipe off his greasy hands.

"Joe, don’t look so disappointed. Setting a rule like that means you have parents that love and care about you very much. They only want to keep you safe," Red stated, "I will respect their wishes. They’re right. I’ll not extend the offer again until we’ve all had a chance to get better acquainted with each other."

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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.