HDA - Time Frame by the Herb Girls Introduction

Author: Minty, Evergreen and Silverfern aka the Herbgirls

Title: Time Frame

Rating: PG

Type: Alternate Universe

Main Characters: F. J, Fe, L, V, Con Riley, Liz Webling, OC

Warnings: Mild profanity, violence, death of character

Plot blurb: Fenton has been accused of and arrested for murder -- so naturally, Frank and Joe take time off from college studies and pursuits to clear their father's name!

Splash page: Two people? There are two people in on this? was the thought that flashed through Joe’s mind before he was racing in pursuit of the shadowy figure from the bushes. I hope Frank can catch the other one; this one’s up to me!

Making no attempt to hide, the elusive photographer was running along the shoreline, leaping over shrubs in various back yards, stumbling across the occasional rocky stretch next to the water, thumping across the little boat docks. Joe raced after him, hoping to avoid falling and spraining – or worse, breaking – an ankle on the rough terrain.

The stranger had long legs, and covered the ground rapidly, but the various obstacles in his way slowed him down. Joe, by making a furious effort, managed to shorten the gap between them, until he was within twenty feet or so.

The shadowy figure glanced around and seeing Joe’s close pursuit, redoubled his efforts. Again he pulled away, and Joe snapped his teeth in disgust and tried to coax a bit more power from his tiring legs. From somewhere deep in his reserves of strength, he managed to find just a little more speed, and again closed the gap.

With a wordless snarl, the quarry turned and headed down one of the docks toward the water. Joe pounded across a lawn after him. He’ll be cornered there! I’ve got him! I’ve got him! he thought exultantly, and ran onto the dock at full speed.

But to Joe’s shock and surprise, the stranger didn’t stop at the end of the dock. Instead, he leaped forward, and hit the waters of Barmet Bay with a tremendous splash!