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

Frank and Joe Hardy woke early Tuesday after a restless night in the mission compound. Both boys dressed quickly in the camo-colored clothing Conner Bailey had provided for them. Frank put on a khaki tan shirt and dark olive, military style canvas pants. He tucked the gathered ankles of his pants into black combat boots. Joe, like-wise, donned a khaki green shirt, olive drab canvas pants and combat boots.

Frank then opened a large canvas bag, also provided by Conner, dumping the contents on the bed. He and Joe silently sifted through the items, stuffing many things into the multiple pockets of their clothing. Included in the pocketed items were things like pocketknives, flares, protein bars, waterproof matches, flashlights, batteries, mosquito repellant and compasses. Other larger items, like thermal blankets, ropes and canteens were put into matching backpacks.

The boys had not spoken and had barely even looked at each other the entire time they were preparing their gear. They instinctively divided everything between them. Finishing the task, Frank finally faced Joe, focusing on the younger boy’s eyes.

"We’re going to find Dad and Jack," Frank broke the silence, "We have to believe that, Joe." Joe raised his head and focused his deep blue eyes on Frank’s warm brown ones. Joe tried to give Frank a smile, but his face muscles refused to cooperate. Frank sensed Joe’s fragile emotional state and grabbed his younger brother in an encompassing embrace.

Though Joe tried to maintain his dignity and control his emotions, he failed miserably when Frank hugged him. The pent up emotions escaped in the way of deep sobs that wracked Joe’s entire body. Frank held his brother tightly until he felt Joe’s body release a final shuttering sob.

"Thanks, Frank," Joe said, embarrassed by the display, "I’m sorry for being such a baby."

"Don’t ever apologize for who you are," Frank admonished, "If it wasn’t for you helping to keep me sensitive, I think I’d be a pretty cold person. I’m here for you always, Joe." The boys gathered up their backpacks, ready to meet Conner Bailey and Sam Radley in the courtyard.

Conner and Sam were sitting with the Du Prees at a table in the courtyard, enjoying a breakfast of fresh fruit. Seeing the Hardy brothers, Sam tossed them each a piece of fruit.

Conner Bailey watched the boys as they sat down at the table. He looked them over carefully. He suddenly realized just how young they both were. ‘What in the world was I thinking when I brought these kids here?’ he asked himself.

"Maybe you boys should stay here while Sam and I check out the plane," Conner offered, "There’s no telling what we’ll encounter out there in the jungle."

"Out of the question," Frank stated, putting a restraining hand on Joe’s shoulder. He knew Joe was likely to explode if Conner tried to force them to stay behind. "We know the risks and are prepared to deal with whatever we face in the jungle."

Sam Radley, knowing the boys better than Conner did, was not surprised by the exchange between Conner and the Hardys. He gave Frank and Joe a wink. Conner looked at Frank, then nodded. He silently headed for the jeep.

Conner got behind the wheel as the others climbed in. He drove deeper and deeper into the jungle, until the trail they were following faded into a path that was barely visible to anyone unfamiliar with the area. Conner headed in the direction indicated by the sisters who saw the plane go down, toward the border of Peru.

As the neared the border of Peru, Conner pulled the jeep to a stop along the road. After the passengers had exited the vehicle, Conner pulled the jeep deep into the foliage, hiding it from casual view.

"We walk from here," Conner stated, "Stick together. Keep your eyes and ears open. Stay alert. Stay silent." They had all been briefed by Conner that many renegade militia groups had camps throughout the jungle. More than one of these groups had probably seen the plane go down and were searching for the remains, also.

The group had walked for almost three hours through the humid, dense jungle before Conner Bailey called a halt. He estimated that they were close to the crash site and should replenish before they went any farther. They all ate a protein bar and drank plenty of water.

When they started walking again, they split and separated, but stayed in visual contact with each other. After walking another 45 minutes, Conner signaled them to stop. Using hand signals, he told Sam, Frank and Joe to hold their positions while he scouted ahead.

Over an hour later, Frank Hardy absently swatted an insect away from his face. ‘Where is Conner?’ the youth wondered. Meanwhile, Joe Hardy was kneeling several yards away from Frank, nervously clenching and unclenching his fists. Sam Radley was also becoming concerned. He glanced in the direction Conner Bailey had disappeared.

All three men became instantly alert as they heard a command given in a foreign language. Movement could be heard in the jungle just a few yards away. Sam’s heart hammered in his chest. How could he get Frank and Joe’s attention without giving all three of their positions away?

Suddenly, Sam saw movement off to his right. He caught a brief glimpse of blond hair and sighed with relief. Joe was moving away from the sound; surely Frank would move, too. Sam didn’t hesitate another minute. He took off in the opposite direction of the voices.

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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.