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

Joe Hardy walked around the compound as Jason Hladley had taught him. He walked in the opposite direction of Jason, moving in an ever-widening circle that started near the buildings and completed at the outer wall, before beginning all over again. Joe was carrying a small flashlight and a small mirror. He hoped to get an opportunity to signal Frank outside the compound gates.

Frank Hardy noticed the two guards patrolling inside the compound and the guard posted in a tower on the south side of the wall. He knew that one of the two young men was his brother Joe. ‘Maybe Joe can’t signal me, but can I signal him?’ Frank wondered as he, Conner Bailey and Sam Radley sat waiting for darkness.

"Sam?" Frank asked, "What about sending Joe a message? From this angle, only Joe or Jason would be able to see it."

"Good idea," agreed Sam, looking at Conner for his approval.

"Let Joe know we are here," Conner confirmed his agreement, "and tell him we are going to be coming in the north side entrance as soon as we see him and Jason close to the gate."

Conner continued, "Jason and your brother will let you and Sam inside. They are expecting some of their own to return to the compound. They’ve sent 4 out since this morning and, thanks to our handiwork, none have returned yet."

Frank watched the men walking within the compound. He began using the small flashlight to send the message in Morse code, since it was already too dark to use a mirror. If the figure were Joe, he would somehow let Frank know he understood. Frank smiled as he watched one ‘soldier’ kneel to tie his shoe.

Joe pretended to be re-lacing his boot as he pulled out a tiny flashlight, after receiving the message he hoped was from Frank. He quickly flashed out a brief response, looking around carefully for spying eyes. He shielded the light so that no one could see it past his body. Without waiting for Frank to reply, Joe resumed his patrol.

Lt. Damien Azareel watched Prvt. Daniels and Prvt. Hladley as they worked their patrol. Both moved about the compound with military precision. Azareel was pleased and thought that both young men might become worthwhile assets to their cause if they continued to follow directions so well.

Lt. Azareel frowned as he suddenly noticed Daniels break routine. He peered intently at the youth, trying to see what the boy was up to. It dawned on him that the boy was merely fixing his bootlace. Azareel chuckled to himself, knowing he would have to scold Daniels for this small infraction. ‘I forget that they are in many ways, still children, having to retie a shoelace!’

* * *

"I got a response from Joe. He and Jason will meet us just inside the north gate. They have important information." Frank relayed to Conner and Sam.

"Good," replied Conner, "You and Sam will be able to walk right in, appearing to be returning from your patrol. You will have to create a distraction so that I can sneak in behind you and get to the ammunitions building."

"We can get into a heated discussion with Joe and Jason," Frank suggested, "That should draw the attention of anyone watching them."

"Not too heated," Sam said, "We don’t want any company." All three men agreed and headed around the compound wall, toward the north, side entrance.

"We’re bound to get company soon enough anyway," Conner responded, "They have some of their own still missing from patrol. As soon as you two are in, someone’s going to want some answers as to the whereabouts of the other patrollers."

"Hopefully, luck will be with us and we can keep that number to a minimal until we find Fenton and Jack." Sam added.

"I’m sure Joe has already located Dad and Jack," Frank added a lot more defensively than he had intended. Conner Bailey gave Frank a brief smile. He knew he hadn’t shown much faith in Frank or Joe’s abilities up to that point, so the comment from Frank was justified.

"You’re right, Frank," Conner replied, "I’ll bet Joe and Jason are a step ahead of us on that end." ‘At least, I hope so!’ Conner silently added.

* * *

"I can’t just sit here," Fenton Hardy hissed, dropping to his knees near his cot.

Jack Wayne chuckled softly, causing Mr. Hardy to stop digging for the key.

"What’s so funny, Jack?" Fenton asked, glancing toward Jack.

"Your impatience, Mr. H." Jack replied with a lop-sided grin, "You sounded just like Joe for a minute there!"

Mr. Hardy smiled. His younger son was the world’s most impatient person. Joe’s impatience all too often led him to jump into situations a little too impulsively. This often got Joe and his brother into hot water.

"You’re right," Mr. Hardy agreed, "Maybe Joe has more of me in him than I thought." Before Fenton could do anything else, the two men heard footfalls coming toward their cell.

Fenton hastily covered the key again as the sound ceased just outside their cell door.

* * *

Dr. Tomas’ Du Pree was a very patient man, but it had been too long with no word from Monsieur Bailey. He decided it was time for action.

"Forgive me, um ami," the doctor said, "but the time has come for assistance. I need to contact my good friend at the French embassy."

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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.