Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the Hardy Detective Agency - Presenting "South American Search & Rescue" by CQB

Frank Hardy exited the building in pursuit of his younger brother. Once in the courtyard, Frank heard a familiar, repetitive pounding sound coming from around the corner of one of the buildings. Frank walked quickly toward the sound to investigate.

Joe Hardy’s emotions were in turmoil. Worry and stress had turned to relief at the news of his father and Jack being alive. Then fear gripped his heart at the thought of what Santiago might do to them. But the words that pushed Joe over the emotional edge, was Conner excluding them from rescuing his dad and Jack. After exploding in the dining hall, Joe had run into the courtyard. There he found a basketball and a hoop attached to the side of the school building. Now he was slamming basket after basket in an attempt to burn off his anger and frustration.

Frank rounded the corner and saw his brother. He stood silently and watched Joe for a while. After a while, Joe glanced up and saw Frank watching him. He gave Frank a small smile and tossed the ball in his direction. Frank caught the ball and began dribbling toward the net. He moved into position and tossed the ball toward the net. Joe attempted to block, but the ball hit the rim and toppled into the net with a swish.

Sam Radley came running into the courtyard to check on Fenton’s sons. He was relieved to find the boys playing a fierce game of one-on-one basketball. Sam walked away without either of the Hardys ever knowing he was there. ‘I’ll talk with them both first thing in the morning.’ the detective vowed.

The boys played ball for almost two hours. Finally, they both collapsed against the wall of the school, panting for breath and sweating profusely.

"Feel better?" Frank asked, glancing at his younger brother.

"Yeah," Joe grinned, but became serious right away. "Frank? Can Conner send us back to Bayport?"

"I don’t know, Joe," Frank answered truthfully, "Technically, Dad asked us to come, but Dad also told Conner to look after us down here. I guess he’s pretty much in charge in Dad’s absence."

"Maybe we should call Mom..." Joe started, but caught himself. Their mother thought they were on a fishing trip with Sam. "Sorry, I wasn’t thinking straight."

Frank couldn’t help but smile. He looked closely at his brother’s sapphire eyes. They glistened with unshed tears.

"Joe, I’m 18 and legally an adult," Frank stated, putting a hand on Joe’s shoulder, "There is no way Conner can force me to leave."

"But I’m just 17," Joe looked into Frank’s warm, brown eyes, "He can make me leave."

The boys sat in silence for a few minutes before making their way to the dorm room. They both fell into a restless sleep.

* * *

Early Wednesday morning, Fenton Hardy and Jack Wayne were once again escorted into the inner chamber of Santiago’s living quarters.

Fenton and Jack had spent the previous night rehearsing a series of questions to ask Santiago about his operation. They felt confident until they were in front of the man himself. The two men were once again intimidated by the young man’s charismatic presence.

"Welcome Mr. Hammer and Mr. Watson, my American friends!" Santiago greeted, "I am ready to answer your questions."

Fenton Hardy began the questioning while both he and Jack took notes. Questions and answers volleyed back and forth for over an hour. Suddenly, Santiago rose from his over-stuffed chair.

"That is all," the militia leader stated, "You have enough to write your story. You will have it written in 4 hours. I will have my people deliver it to the United States Embassy in Bottasan. If your American newspapers print the story within 36 hours, I will set you free. If they do not, you will both be executed. Now, take them away!"

* * *

Sam Radley woke early and dressed, anxious to talk with the Hardy brothers. He needed to let the boys know that he wouldn’t allow Conner to send them away. Somehow, he would find a way for the boys to help.

Conner Bailey also woke early. He hadn’t slept much and was feeling irritable. He was determined to get Frank and Joe out of harms way, like it or not. This was no place for two kids, even if they were Fenton Hardy’s kids.

Sam and Conner sat in silence in the courtyard, neither had an appetite for the fresh fruit that was served for breakfast. Sam began to wonder what was keeping the boys. Finally, he glanced at Conner.

"Have you seen the boys yet today?" Sam casually asked.

"No," Conner replied, "I was about to ask you the same thing."

"Think I’ll go check on them," Sam said, rising from his chair.

Two hours earlier, two figures moved stealthily through the night. They tossed gear into the back of an old pickup truck on the compound grounds. They pushed the old truck out of the compound gates, toward the jungle. Once they were clear of the compound, the vehicle was hot-wired and the engine chugged to life. The truck headed down the rutted path toward the town of Di Heer.

One pair of small, dark eyes peered from the dorm window, watching the truck disappear in the darkness.

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Disclaimer

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The authors 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.