Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the HDA - Lost Sons

“No arguments, no questions, no nothing, Frank! You will go with Leona back to the hotel. I will be there in an hour to put you on the train to Bayport.”

As Fenton turned away, Leona turned to the boys. “Why don’t you wait outside?” she said kindly to them, her expression sympathetic. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

With a last glance at their father, Frank and Joe left the room. The door closed behind them and they turned to one another wearing matching expressions of shock.

“What was that?” Joe asked Frank, dumbfounded. The older boy shrugged, his expression troubled.

They remained in silence outside the door for several minutes until it opened again and Leona came out.

“Are you ready, boys?” she asked gently.

They nodded and followed her through the precinct and out the door. She escorted them to an unmarked patrol car and they climbed in. Not a word was spoken between them during the drive back to the hotel. Leona wasn’t quite sure what to say, and Frank and Joe were too perturbed at their father’s out of character behaviour to speak.

They arrived back at the hotel and Leona came in with them so they could retrieve their key. They expected her to leave after that and were much surprised when she didn’t.

“I told your Dad I’d keep you company until he got back,” she explained as they walked towards the elevator.

“More like keep an eye on us so we can’t sneak out,” Joe muttered.

“Joe!” Frank hissed.

“It’s okay, Frank,” Leona told him. “Joe, I understand that you’re upset, but you need to respect your father’s wishes. He doesn’t want you near this case and he has good reason for it.”

“Do you know why?” Frank asked, while Joe glared mulishly at the ground.

She nodded. “But it’s not my position to tell you why.”

The teenager didn’t ask anymore questions. He felt frustrated but was unable to give voice to it; his brother’s obstinate silence was doing that more than enough for the both of them.

The elevator ride upstairs was silent and uncomfortable. Frank and Joe were disappointed and frustrated, and Leona was tense and unsure in the company of two irate teenagers. Joe was glad to finally tumble out of the claustrophobic confines of the elevator when its doors pinged open.

In their room, Frank put on the TV to cover the tense silences that fell amid the nervous small talk until Fenton reappeared in the room just under an hour later. He looked pale and grim, making the boys nervous.

“Leona, I really appreciate this,” he told the woman in a low voice. “I’ll put the boys on the train, then I’ll see you back at the station.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then. Bye, boys,” she called to them. “It was nice meeting you.”

The boys smiled politely and thanked her, but they were itching for her to leave so they could speak to their father.

The door had no sooner closed behind her when they pounced on him.

“Okay, Dad, what gives?” Frank demanded indignantly. “You said we could help!”

“I did, and I’m sorry to have to disappoint you, but Mike is right, this case is no place for either of you.”

“But why?” Joe burst out. “Dad, don’t you think we can do it?”

“That’s not what this is about,” Fenton replied. “Look, please sit down.”

The boys shot each other a look and sat on their respective beds. Fenton started to pace the room in front of them.

“I let you boys come to New York with me because I thought it would be a good experience for you,” he began. “I didn’t realise how serious this case was. It’s very important to me that you boys aren’t involved in it and I need you to respect that.” He finished speaking and they looked at him in anger.

“That’s it? That’s your explanation?” Frank demanded. “Dad, that tells us nothing!”

“Exactly! I said I don’t want you involved and that means not even telling you about it! Now, you boys must be hungry. We have a few hours before the next train so-”

“You were serious about the train?” Joe was shocked. “Dad-”

His father held up his hand. “I’m sorry, Joe. I know you two are disappointed but this is the way it’s going to be.”

“We get no say in it?” said Frank bitterly.

“None,” said his father sadly. “I’m sorry, Frank.”

“But why?” Frank was upset. “We won’t say a word to anyone, you can trust us. If you just tell us-”

“NO!” his father shouted, then lowered his voice. “This has nothing to do with doubting your abilities or not trusting you. I just don’t want you near this case, okay? Can we just leave it at that?”

The three Hardys stared at one another unhappily. Finally, Frank sighed. “Okay, Dad.”

Fenton looked at his youngest son. “Joe?”

Joe looked upset and bit his lip, then nodded. “Okay.”

Their father smiled at them, but it was a little strained. “Thank you, boys. Now lets get you some lunch, okay?

Lunch was quiet and forced. Fenton seemed distracted and on edge, and was constantly looking around. It made Frank and Joe feel very uncomfortable and they kept glancing at each other, unsure how to deal with their father like this. It was almost a relief when it was time to get the train.

“You mother will meet you at the station,” Fenton told them. “So no getting off at stops along the way and coming back, got that?”

The boys nodded.

“Good.” Fenton smiled and hugged them both. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

Frank and Joe got on the train, still upset and uneasy. Their father’s behaviour was most out of character. As they took their seats, they could see Fenton standing on the platform, watching them. Joe raised his hand in a small half-hearted wave and his father smiled sadly back.

***

“Bayport Station will be our next stop,” announced an automated voice.

Frank sat up from where he was huddled on his seat and looked out the window. They were pulling into Bayport Station. Quickly, he reached over and shook his brother who had fallen asleep.

“Joe! Wake up! We’re here.”

“Huh? Wassat?” Joe sat up, his blond hair mussed. “Oh, right.”

The boys gathered their bags quickly. As they hopped off the train and made their way to the station’s entrance, they heard a voice call them.

“Frank! Joe!”

They turned and saw their mother waving to them. She hurried towards them and they were surprised to see that she looked a little agitated.

“Hi, boys,” she greeted them, her voice overly-bright. “You were up and gone with the lark this morning, I didn’t even see you to ask you about the party. How was it?”

“Okay,” Frank replied, glancing at Joe. They could see their father had told their mother more than he had told them.

“And how was Nick?” asked Laura, still in the same too-bright tone as they exited the station and crossed the parking lot.

“He was good,” Joe answered.

“I’ll bet Sheila is glad to have him back home,” Laura continued, referring to Biff’s mother.

“I suppose,” Frank said uncomfortably as his mother unlocked the car. “We didn’t really talk to her.”

“That’s nice,” his mother muttered absently.

“Mom, what’s going on with Dad?” Joe asked, sitting into the car.

His mother glanced quickly at him in the rear view mirror. “Nothing, honey. He just doesn’t think this case is suitable for you.”

“But why?” Joe persisted and his mother averted her eyes.

“I really don’t know,” she mumbled.

“Mom, come on!” Frank begged. “We know he told you. What is it?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Mom, please?”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry boys, but I happen to agree with your father and I’m glad he sent you home. This case is not something you should be involved with.”

“Mom-” Frank tried again.

“Please, Frank, just drop it!” she snapped, then softened her tone. “I’m sorry. I know you’re disappointed but you boys need to learn that as your parents, we’re only doing what’s best for you.”

Joe was silent while Frank nodded and said, “Okay, Mom. I’m sorry.”

***

“And he didn’t tell you why?” asked Tony the next day when Frank had finished telling them about what had happened in New York. They were on their way to the Marina to see Mr. Prito’s new boat, and Frank was driving.

“Not a word,” Frank replied gloomily. “And Mom wasn’t talking either.”

“Weird,” Chet shook his head. “Your Dad usually tells you about all of his cases, even the bad ones!”

“Which makes you wonder how bad this one really is,” Joe muttered.

Frank glanced at his brother. Joe had been very quiet ever since they returned home from New York. He knew he was thinking about Andrew Watson and was feeling bad about not being able to help him. Joe understood only too well the fear the missing boy must be feeling right now.

“Look at it this way,” said Iola, trying to cheer Joe up. “If you hadn’t come back last night, then you wouldn’t be coming out on the boat with us today.”

“That’s true,” Joe admitted with a slight smile as he glanced back at Iola whose small frame was squashed in between Chet and Tony. She grinned back.

“And Callie’s coming too,” Tony interjected, giving Frank a sly smile. The Hardy boy immediately blushed and Joe couldn’t help but snigger at his brother’s discomfort. Frank shot him a dark look.

“Has Callie got a ride to the Marina?” he asked Iola.

“Yeah. She got her car back and she’s picking Biff and Phil up too.”

“She got her car back?” repeated Chet, surprised. “When?”

“Yesterday,” replied Iola. “But they still haven’t caught the jerk who crashed into her.”

“I wonder why someone driving a stolen car would draw so much attention to themselves?” Tony wondered.

“Probably some kid who panicked and tried to ditch the car as quickly as possible,” Frank guessed.

“He’s lucky no one was hurt!” snorted Iola in disgust.

“Well, lets not let some idiot ruin our day,” said Tony as Frank drove down by the docks.

Callie, Biff and Phil were standing there waiting. “Hey, what kept you guys?” Biff called.

“Frank. He drives like Aunt Gertrude!” Joe joked, then ducked to avoid a slap on the shoulder by his brother. Iola giggled.

“Come on, guys!” said Tony impatiently. “Lets get going!”

The teenagers all followed Tony down to a little boat shed towards the end of the dock. “Wait till you see it, guys,” said Tony, as he fumbled with the lock. “Dad hasn’t put a name on the boat yet, but he’s thinking of calling it The Napoli.”

“That sounds-Wow!” Phil exclaimed as Tony threw open the door to reveal a gleaming red motorboat.

“I know! Isn’t it great?” said Tony gleefully, clambering into the boat. “Well, what are you waiting for?” he demanded as he turned to face them expectantly.

They needed no further invitation and piled into the boat, laughing and chattering.

“Er, Tony?” Callie questioned, looking a little nervous. “You do know how to drive this thing?”

“Bit late to be asking now, Cal!” Iola grinned, as Tony started the boat. “But don’t worry, Tony knows what he’s doing.”

“I’ve been sailing boats since I was twelve,” Tony reassured her. “So relax and enjoy the ride.”

He guided the boat slowly out of its shed, before shooting off across the open water. The teenagers all revelled in the gush of the open sea air.

“Alright! This is great!” Joe cheered from his vantage point at the front of the boat and Frank grinned at his brother’s exuberance. He was pleased to see he had forgotten about the case, if only for a little while. Turning to speak to Tony, Frank paused as he felt someone’s fingers digging into his arm.

It was Callie.

Frank had not realised that she was sitting beside him. Leaning towards her, he tapped her arm. “Are you okay?”

“What?” she looked back, a little pale. “Oh, Frank! I’m sorry!” she gasped, as she realised that she was clutching his arm and immediately removed her fingers.

“It’s okay!” he was quick to reassure her. “But are you alright? You seem a little nervous.”

“I’m fine,” she gave him a shaky smile. “I just haven’t been in a boat in a very long time.”

“Why?”

“It’s a long story,” she replied softly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Just give me a few minutes to find my sea legs again.” She gave him a small smile and Frank could feel a familiar heat stealing over his face.

Why did he always have to blush when Callie Shaw smiled at him like that?

“Hey, who wants sandwiches?” they heard Chet call from behind them and turned around to see him opening his bag and pulling out what was obviously a picnic lunch.

“Trust you to be the one to remember to bring food,” said Tony from beside Chet, shaking his head.

“Well someone had to!” Chet retorted. “And you’ll be thanking me when you guys start to feel hungry.”

They were now quite far out on the Bay and Tony killed the motor. “Hey, guys? Do any of you feel like having something to eat here? Chet brought sustenance.”

“Oh yeah, tease me and then take my food!” Chet muttered good naturedly, passing out the sandwiches.

Everybody laughed.

The afternoon soon shone brightly overhead while the Bayport teenagers chatted and enjoyed their little meal.

“Pity we didn’t think to bring our suits,” Tony commented, lying against the side of the boat. “It’s a nice day for swimming.”

“I’m too full to swim,” Joe groaned.

“Serves you right,” said Iola from beside him. “You ate four sandwiches…and half of mine!”

“And you guys tell me I have an appetite,” Chet interjected. “Now, aren’t you glad I brought so much food?”

“Yes, Chet, you are the man!” Biff teased him lazily.

“Hey, guys,” said Callie. “What’s that little Island all the way out there?”

Frank glanced over at the tiny speck she was pointing to in the distance. “That’s Edmund’s Rock,” he told her. “Nobody lives there and the light house is the only building on it, but it’s a pretty spot.”

“Are people allowed on it?” asked Callie, still staring with interest at the Island.

“Sure,” Tony answered. “We can take a spin over there now if you like?”

“Really? Are you sure you guys wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not,” Frank reassured her. “It’s a nice spot.”

“Thanks, Tony,” said Callie happily as Tony started the boat again. “I really appreciate this. I love Islands, I think they’re so romantic!”

“Trust a girl to think that!” Joe groaned and Iola nudged him hard in the ribs.

“Ouch!” he said, turning to look at her. “What was-hey, who’s that?” he called, pointing behind Iola’s head.

They all turned to look. A large black motorboat was coming towards them at an alarming speed.

“He’s right in our path, he’s going to ram us if he’s not careful,” said Tony worriedly, slowing the speed of his own boat.

“What does that idiot think he’s doing?” said Frank angrily, trying to signal the other boat. The other boat either didn’t see him or ignored him, continuing its course towards their boat.

“I don’t like this,” Tony muttered, quickly manoeuvring his own boat out of the other boat’s path. The Napoli was big, but this boat was bigger and had more engine power; if there was a collision, they would not come out the best.

They watched anxiously as the other boat shot past them, then quickly circled around and came back towards them again. The Napoli rocked violently in the current and they all clenched their hands against the side.

Callie was digging her fingers into Frank’s arm again, but this time he could see that she looked really scared. “Tony, get us out of here!” he hissed in a low voice.

“I’m trying!” said Tony through gritted teeth. “But I can’t get past that other boat!

The large black boat was now circling around The Napoli, coming closer with each sharp turn and spraying them with water. The boat rocked violently again and Frank felt Callie being thrown against him. He grabbed the side of the boat with one hand to keep from toppling over the edge, and put the other around Callie.

He’s trying to capsize our boat! Frank realised, as the other boat drove straight at them and swerved at the last minute. Tony, he could see, was pale faced and grim as he attempted to manoeuvre The Napoli away from the other boat.

But the other boat wouldn’t even let him pick up speed, circling around them in fast, unpredictable circles.

“Hey! That’s Kenneth Nash!” cried Iola suddenly.

Kenneth Nash was in Frank’s year in school. He was a running back on the High School football team and one of the biggest bullies in the school. The fact that he had a wealthy father who was always there to bail him out of trouble made matters worse; Kenneth Nash thought he could get away with anything.

“Dammit!” Tony muttered under his breath as the boat swerved even nearer this time, spraying them all with water. Their boat tipped and nearly capsized, and Frank had to hold very tightly to the side to stop himself and Callie going over.

Quickly, he looked up to make sure no one had fallen out. Everyone was still in the boat but there was panic near the front. Frank’s eyes narrowed as he realised that Iola was holding her hand to the side of her head. He could see blood through her fingers, and Joe and Biff were leaning towards her in concern.

Joe caught his eye.

“She hit her head on the side of the boat!” he shouted.

“This is getting out of control,” Frank muttered. “Tony, can’t you do anything?”

“I’m trying, but every time we get a clear path, his boat cuts us off. Frank, I can’t just drive past him…his boat is bigger than ours and he could do some serious damage if he hits us!”

That jerk! thought Frank, his anger starting to simmer. He could feel Callie shaking in fear beside him and Iola needed medical attention.

He glanced at his brother. Joe’s face was red with anger as he stared at the black boat now speeding towards them again. “NASH! YOU JERK!” he bellowed as he stood up.

“JOE! SIT DOWN!” Frank yelled, fear taking hold as the other boat swerved around them once more and set the boat rocking again. Iola, who was still holding her bleeding head with one hand, was unable to keep her balance and slid down the seat and crashed into Joe, sending the younger Hardy flying off the boat and into Barmet Bay.

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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.