Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

“There’s plenty of snow at ‘Seven Points’ resort,” Robert suggested, referring to a place farther north, “How’d you like to test the slopes with me for a couple hours?”

“I didn’t know you skied,” Joe said, surprised.

“Guess you think I’m too old and feeble for such activities,” Robert replied in a fake ‘old-timers’ voice. Joe laughed as Robert pretended to be all bent over and frail, hobbling around the kitchen table.

“Okay, yeah,” Joe laughed, his face flushed in embarrassment, “I guess I did think you might be a little…well.” It was Robert’s turn to laugh.

Frank came downstairs and the brothers left for school. Robert watched them drive off in their black van. He sighed, knowing in a few days he would be leaving. He was going to miss the boys; especially Joe.

* * *

“When is Robert leaving?”

Laura looked toward her husband in the driver’s seat of his silver Concorde. “Are you anxious to get rid of him?”

Fenton Hardy hesitated. “You know, I never had anything but deep respect for your parents. They were wonderful people and I know you miss them. But there’s something about Robert that bothers me; maybe the fact that at 64 years old, he still acts like a thirty-something playboy.”

“A playboy?” Laura questioned.

Fenton smiled, “How many mature men do you know, who still live on a yacht and have no permanent address?”

“So Uncle Robert is a bit eccentric,” Laura agreed, “but he’s harmless. He really likes Joe, too.”

“H-m-m.”

“What?” the petite blond woman gazed at her husband.

“That, Love, is another thing that bothers me,” Fenton replied. “With Joe’s natural impetuous nature, it wouldn’t surprise me if he suddenly wanted to quit school and join Robert on his yacht.”

“You think Robert’s a bad influence on Joe?”

“I think we just need to keep an eye on the situation,” Fenton suggested, as he pulled the car into the parking lot of the Bayport Mall.

The couple walked hand in hand through the mall. They were shopping for some last-minute Christmas gifts to put under the family’s tree.

“You don’t really think Joe would take off with Robert, do you?” Laura asked suddenly.

Fenton laughed, “Joe is impetuous yes, but stupid, no. He has more sense than that; although, I’m sure the thought would be tempting.”

* * *

That same afternoon, Joe had just finished a terrific run on the slopes with his great uncle. At first, Joe was a little disappointed that Uncle Robert hadn’t extended the invitation to Frank, too.

Robert explained that he’d wanted some time with Joe alone, and that he’d do something with Frank alone before he left. Joe thought that made sense and decided to just enjoy the afternoon.

“That was great!” Joe enthused on the ride home, “Thanks so much for taking me skiing.”

“I enjoyed myself, too,” Robert smiled, “though I think me old bones might protest a bit in the morning!”

Robert became serious. “Joe, you know I never married. I was too busy cruising the seas and visiting port after port. I love the excitement and the traveling, but I’m tired. I want to settle down and I think I’ve found the perfect place.”

“Here in Bayport, right?” Joe added hopefully.

“Not quite,” Robert said. “The only problem is that I am alone. No wife, no kids. Other than nieces and nephews that I seldom see, I have no one. I have no one to, how shall I say it, pass the torch on to.”

Joe sat numbly, not sure what to say to console his uncle.

“I have a proposition,” Robert said carefully. “I have accumulated considerable wealth. I’m no millionaire, but an heir would never have to worry about finances.”

Robert glanced into his great nephew’s dark blue eyes, “I want you to consider coming with me when I leave next Monday, Joe.”

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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.