Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the HDA - Lost Sons

The next morning Frank left early for school, leaving his aunt to tell his mother about the visit from the Police the evening before. It had been late when Laura returned exhausted from the hospital, and Gertrude had felt it would be better to let her get some sleep before they told her about Con’s visit.

Frank scowled to himself as he walked down the almost empty school corridor. He understood that the discovery of the body was very serious and warranted an investigation, but he was also afraid, despite Con’s reassurances, that its discovery would overshadow what Kenneth Nash had done. His actions had nearly gotten Joe killed and Frank wanted to see him punished for it.

Nash better hope he doesn’t run into me! he seethed furiously.

Muttering darkly to himself, Frank never spotted Chet and Iola until he ran straight into them.

“Whoa! Sorry, guys,” he apologised at once. “I didn’t see you.”

“That’s okay. How’s Joe?” asked Iola anxiously.

“He’ll be fine,” Frank assured her. “He just needs to rest for a day or two, the doctors are letting him home this afternoon.”

“That’s good,” said Chet with relief. “Phil called us, but we were still a little worried.”

Frank nodded. “What about you?” he asked, pointing to the large white gauze that covered Iola’s temple. “Should you be at school today?”

Iola waved away his concerns. “It’s just a few stitches. But, Frank, what about Nash? The police called around yesterday evening, but they seemed more interested in the body then what he had done!”

“I know,” said Frank tersely. “But Con promised me that they would look into it.”

“Look into it?” repeated Chet angrily. “What’s to look into? He nearly got Joe killed!”

“I don’t like it either, Chet, but they have to follow protocol. So can we just trust them to do their job?” Frank was feeling more than a little disconcerted at hearing his own fears voiced back at him.

Chet grunted his displeasure at hearing this, but dropped the subject.

“What about the body?” asked Iola. “Have they identified it yet?”

“No.” Frank shook his head and Chet shuddered.

“Imagine a body actually turning up like that in Barmet Bay! Think it was an accident, Frank?”

“I doubt it,” said Frank grimly. “Con Riley wouldn’t give me any details last night, but he seemed pretty rattled by it.”

Chet lapsed into troubled silence and Iola bit her lip. They both looked disturbed by Frank’s words.

“Frank!” another voice shouted.

The three of them turned to see Callie hurrying up the hall towards them. “How’s Joe?” she asked breathlessly.

“He’ll be fine,” said Frank, feeling the familiar butterflies in his stomach. “Just needs to rest up for a day or two.”

“Oh, good,” she smiled warmly at him and Frank felt his face go warm.

“Callie, thanks…for yesterday. For driving Iola to the hospital so I could go with Joe. I really appreciate it.”

“It was no problem,” she answered softly. “I’m glad he’s okay.”

By now, the crowd in the hall had grown and the four teenagers felt themselves being jostled back and forth. Several of the other kids were staring curiously at Frank and Iola, and the Hardy Boy guessed that news of the previous day’s events had already begun to circulate.

“I think we’d better get to class,” ventured Chet. “The bell will be going any minute now.”

“Good idea,” Frank muttered, already intensely uncomfortable beneath the stares of the other students. The teenagers said their goodbyes and scattered to attend their various classes.

***

The school day passed agonizingly slowly for Frank. He was tired of the whispered stares aimed in his direction, and was anxious to get home and see Joe. Their mother had said she would bring him home from the hospital around lunch time, and despite knowing that his brother was fine, Frank would feel much more at ease once he could see it with his own eyes.

When the final bell rang to signal the end of the school day, Frank quickly gathered his things together and said a hurried goodbye to his friends before rushing home.

“Mom? Joe?” he called as he came through the front door.

“In the kitchen, honey,” came the reply.

He headed for the kitchen, relief washing over him when he saw Joe sitting at the kitchen table eating a large slice of their aunt’s chocolate cake. His brother had a large bump and was a little pale, but was otherwise none the worse for wear.

“Well, you’re obviously feeling better,” Frank remarked dryly, as he indicated the cake.

“Yup! Nothing like Aunt Gertrude’s chocolate cake to make you feel better,” Joe retorted cheerfully, shooting a sly glance at his aunt.

“Don’t you try and butter me up, Joe Hardy!” sniffed his aunt. “You still have to eat your dinner before you get any more cake.” But despite her peppery manner, the boys could tell that she was pleased.

“Worth a try,” Joe shrugged and grinned at Frank.

Frank laughed and sat down beside his brother, all anxiety gone. “Guess he who dares, wins.”

“Huh?” said Joe, confused.

“Never mind.”

Joe’s expression grew serious. “Mom told me what happened yesterday. Do you know if they’ve identified the body yet?”

Frank shook his head.

“This is really creepy,” Joe muttered. “Was it an accident?”

“Not if Con’s reaction was anything to go by,” Frank replied grimly.

“Why? What’d he say?”

“It’s more what he didn’t say, but he seemed really spooked.”

“Con? Spooked?” Joe was surprised. “The body must have been pretty bad.”

“Can we talk about something else, please?” their mother cut in suddenly. “I don’t like this train of conversation.”

“Sure, Mom,” said Frank, catching his brother’s eye. Both boys knew they could discuss it later when their mother wasn’t listening.

Just then, they heard the front door open and Fenton’s voice called, “Laura? Joe?”

“Kitchen,” Laura called back.

Fenton Hardy came striding into the kitchen, his eyes landing on his youngest. “Joe, how are you feeling?”

“Fine, Dad,” answered Joe, smiling up at his father’s anxious face. “Honestly.”

Fenton broke into a relieved grin, but both Frank and Joe noticed how tired he looked. “You okay, Dad?” asked Frank.

He nodded just as two men in dark suits moved into the kitchen behind him. One of them coughed politely.

“Oh, sorry,” said Fenton, turning to the men. “This is Agent Reston and Agent Mulder of the FBI. They’re here as part of Mike’s investigation.”

“Agent Mulder?” Joe spluttered with laughter. “As in…The X-Files? You’re kidding, right?”

“No!” snapped the older Agent, with more than a hint of irritation in his voice. Joe could tell at once that he was more than tired of that x-files reference.

“Sorry,” he mumbled, attempting and failing miserably to hide his laughter.

His mother shot him a warning look before turning her attention to her husband. “Fenton, did you say these gentlemen are here as part of Mike’s investigation?”

Fenton nodded grimly. “The body found in Barmet Bay has been identified. It’s Andrew Watson.”

“That poor boy!” exclaimed Gertrude.

“Here in Bayport?” Laura cried, looking at her husband. “He’s here in Bayport?”

“Laura!” hissed Fenton, with a quick glance at his sons.

Frank and Joe stared at their parents in complete confusion. “Dad, what-?” Frank began, but his father cut him off.

“Boys, I want you to go to the station and give your statements to Con Riley about what happened yesterday. Frank, give Chet and the others a call and ask them to do the same.”

“Dad, what about Kenneth Nash?” Frank demanded angrily. “Isn’t anything going to be done about him?”

“Action will be taken as soon as everyone has given their official statement,” Fenton replied grimly. “William Nash will not be getting his son out of trouble this time, believe me, Frank. But right now I need you to go to the station and give your statement, okay?”

Frank nodded, but his gut told him that something was very wrong. His father’s face was strained and tense, and he could see fear on the faces of his mother and aunt. There was more to this than his father was letting on.

***

Frank called Biff, Chet and Tony to ask them to go to the station and give their statements. There was no answer at Callie’s house and Phil was out, but the others promised to go down that evening and do so. Frank could hear the confusion in their voices and wished he was able to give them some answers.

The two FBI Agents had collected some files from their father and left. They mentioned nothing about the case, but Frank could tell by their grim expressions that something big was going on.

Fenton had insisted on driving them to the station, but said very little on the way. His shoulders were hunched and anxious, and his hands gripped the steering wheel harder than necessary. Frank and Joe kept shooting each other alarmed glances; they were beginning to get very unsettled by their father’s out of character behaviour.

When they finally arrived at Bayport Police Station, it was a very subdued Hardy family who clambered out of the car and climbed the steps to the main door. At the top of the steps, much to their surprise, they met Callie Shaw exiting the station with her parents.

“Callie,” said Frank as he stopped in front of her. “What are you doing here?”

“Chief Collig called me in,” she answered, looking upset. “They wanted to ask me about the car that crashed into me.”

“Why?” Joe wanted to know.

“Because it was stolen in New York and they found blood in the trunk,” she whispered. “They think it may have something to do with the body found in the bay.”

“What!” Fenton focused his attention on Callie. “What did you see?”

“I beg your pardon!” snapped Mr. Shaw angrily. “But who are you to presume to question my daughter?”

“My name is Fenton Hardy and I’m investigating this case. Callie, what did you see that night? Did you get a look at the other driver?”

“No.”

“You must have seen something!” Fenton insisted. “Think very hard. Did the driver have dark hair? Was he wearing glasses? Anything at all, think!”

“I really didn’t see anything, Mr. Hardy,” answered Callie uncomfortably.

“But how could you not see anything?” Fenton demanded.

“Dad!” cried Frank, mortified at his father’s interrogative tone.

Mr. Shaw glared at Fenton. “As my daughter told the Police when she initially reported the accident, she didn’t actually see the other driver. She was too busy trying to stop her car from driving off the road!”

“I’m sorry,” said Fenton, abashed. “But the body is that of a teenage boy and we’re anxious to establish who killed him.”

“And I hope you catch him,” replied Mr. Shaw. “But I’m afraid Callie won’t be of any assistance in that matter. Good evening to you, Mr. Hardy.”

“See you in school,” said Frank awkwardly to Callie. She gave him a small smile in return as she followed her parents down the steps and back to their car.

“Dad, why did you have to be like that?” Frank hissed, whirling on his father.

His father ignored him. “Come on, boys. Con is waiting.”

“Dad-” Frank began to protest but his father was already entering the station. Shooting a look of frustration towards his brother, Frank darted in after his father. Biting his lip, Joe tagged behind.

The air in the station was subdued and morose. As the boys followed their father to Con Riley’s desk, they started to feel more and more uneasy. It didn’t help that Con remained serious and professional when taking their statements, with none of the jokes or pleasantries that they usually shared.

When they were finished, Fenton gave Frank the keys of his car. “You boys head home. I’ll catch a ride with Mike later.”

“Fine!” Frank snapped. “You do that! Lets go, Joe.” Ignoring his father’s shocked expression, Frank stood up and strode angrily towards the door.

“See you later, Dad,” said Joe quietly, getting up and following Frank.

Fenton gave a weak smile as Joe hurried after his brother. He caught up with Frank halfway across the parking lot.

“Frank, you okay?” he asked.

Frank growled in response as he reached the car, unlocked the door and yanked it open.

Joe gaped at his brother’s strange behaviour. “Frank, what is the matter with you? Why did you have to talk to Dad like that?”

Frank stared at him across the roof of the car. “Because he’s being a jerk! He keeps treating us like we’re stupid little kids who don’t understand anything…and he didn’t have to talk to Callie like that!”

Realisation dawned on Joe. Frank wasn’t just angry, he was hurt by their father’s behaviour. It was bad enough that Fenton was treating them like he didn’t trust them and shutting them out of the case, but he had really humiliated Frank in front of Callie and he didn’t even seem to care.

“I don’t think Dad meant to be so tough on Callie,” said Joe quietly.

“Yeah, right!” Frank snorted angrily, sitting into the car.

“I’m serious,” Joe insisted, sitting in as well. “Dad’s obsessed with this case. It’s almost like it’s…personal for him.”

“What do you mean personal?” demanded Frank, an edge to his voice.

“I don’t know. But can’t you see how worried he is?”

“I don’t care, Joe! It wouldn’t kill him to take two seconds to talk to us!”

“Maybe he’s trying to protect us from something,” Joe mused.

“What could he possibly need to protect us from?”

Joe started to get angry. “Frank, Andrew Watson was the same age as you! Don’t you think that might be bothering Dad?”

“Why should it bother him? I’m not Andrew Watson! It’s not like Dad is in the same position as the Watson’s.”

“He was once.”

Frank froze and looked at his brother. “This is completely different!”

“Why? Because I didn’t die?” Joe turned away and looked out the window.

Frank was silent for several minutes.

“I’m sorry,” he said finally. “I didn’t see it like that.”

“It’s not me you need to apologise to,” Joe replied, looking back at him again. “Frank, Dad’s scared because he knows what can happen. He’s only trying to protect us…you can’t blame him for behaving like a Dad.”

“He doesn’t have to act like such a jerk,” Frank muttered, starting up the car.

“He may not be going about it the right way,” Joe conceded, “but you’re not exactly being Mr. Sensitivity either.”

“Okay. Maybe I could have handled it better,” Frank admitted.

“Maybe?”

“Fine. I could have handled it better!” Frank rolled his eyes and started to reverse out of the parking space.

Joe grinned.

“And just when did you get to be so smart?” Frank demanded. “I thought that was my job!”

“Oh, it is. But it’s my job to step in when you act like an idiot.”

“Smart ass!” Frank retorted, as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Joe just laughed.

***

The next day at school, speculation continued about the body found in the bay. Most of the students seemed to consider it some sort of sensational gossip, and theorised wildly about what had happened.

Frank, Tony and Biff found themselves the objects of several gruesome questions, much to Frank’s disgust. He found the excited attitude of his fellow students somewhat repugnant; didn’t anyone care that a teenage boy was dead? He was just glad that no one bothered Joe - who had returned to school that morning - with questions.

There was still no sign of Kenneth Nash, and Frank didn’t know whether to be furious or relieved. On the one hand, he wanted to pound the other boy into pulp but on the other, he was pretty sure that gaining a suspension was the last way to get justice for what he had done to Joe.

To celebrate Joe’s return, Tony had suggested that all the gang go to Mr. Pizza’s after school. Although Chet, Iola and Callie were unable to attend, Frank, Joe, Biff and Phil all agreed it was a good idea and had arranged to meet after school.

However, as the final bell went, Frank was delayed by his teacher asking to speak with him about an assignment. It was nearly twenty minutes before he could get away and by the time he had thrown his books in his locker, Frank was seriously late for his rendezvous with his friends. As he dashed down the hall, the teenager neglected to look where he was going and collided with another student at the main door, knocking them to the ground.

“I’m sorry-” he began then stopped abruptly as he realised the student on the ground was Callie Shaw.

Crap! he groaned inwardly. Why did it have to be Callie?

“I’m so sorry, Callie” he apologised, holding out his hand to help her up.

Grasping his hand, she pulled herself up. “It’s okay. But what are you doing here, Frank? I thought you were going to Mr. Pizza’s with the others.”

“I am, but Mr. Hayden kept me after Chemistry to talk about my next assignment.”

“Explains why you were in hurry,” she remarked dryly.

“Sorry about that,” he apologised again.

“It’s okay.”

Silence fell and the two teenagers stared awkwardly at each another for several minutes. Frank was cringing that he once more looked like an idiot in front of the pretty blond.

“I’d better go,” she murmured eventually.

“Callie, wait!”

She looked at him expectantly and he swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

“Frank, it’s okay. It was just an accident.”

“No. I mean…I’m sorry about yesterday…about my Dad.”

“Oh.”

“He shouldn’t have attacked you the way he did.”

“It’s fine, really.”

“No, it’s not,” said Frank uncomfortably. “I’m sorry about the way he acted.”

“It’s okay,” Callie began, then sighed when she saw Frank staring at her intently. “Okay. Maybe he was a little…intense about the whole thing.”

“He’s not usually like that, I think this case is just bringing back some bad memories.”

“Bad memories?”

“It’s a long story.”

An uncomfortable silence fell between them once more.

Say something to her! a voice in Frank’s head hissed.

“So…you’re not coming to Mr. Pizza’s then?” he asked awkwardly.

She shook her head. “I can’t. Mom and I are visiting a neighbour of ours. She’s in hospital.” She looked at her watch. “Speaking of which, I’d better get going or I’ll be late.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Frank offered.

She smiled warmly and Frank immediately blushed.

“So, do the Police have any leads about what happened to that poor boy in the Bay?” she asked, as they crossed through the front door into the sunlight.

“I don’t know,” Frank admitted. “Dad hasn’t exactly told us anything about the case.”

“Still? But…you were the one who found the body.”

Frank shrugged.

Sensing his frustration, Callie gave him a sympathetic smile and placed her hand gently on his arm. “I’m sure your father is only doing what he thinks is best for you.”

Frank was just about to respond when a loud voice cut through the air. “Hey, Frank! Hurry up, I’m starving!”

Frank sighed as he looked up to see his brother signalling furiously from where he was standing beside Biff, Tony and Phil. Excellent timing, bro.

“About time!” said Joe as Frank and Callie joined them. “What kept you?”

Callie laughed. “I’d better let you guys go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Frank.”

“Yeah, see you.” Smiling after her, Frank waited until she was out of hearing before turning on Joe and smacking his arm. “Your stomach couldn’t have waited five minutes?”

“What?” said Joe indignantly. “What did I say?”

As Frank groaned in exasperation, the other boys laughed. No one noticed that the man standing at the bus stop across the street was watching them intently.

***

After the upheaval of the weekend, the rest of the week passed uneventfully. Fenton was rarely home, but when he was the boys were careful not to mention the case to him. Neither of them missed the dark circles under his eyes or the worried glances his wife kept directing at him. They grew used to the long hours their father was putting in, and became almost oblivious to the FBI Agents who were calling to the house; although Joe was still inclined to laugh whenever he caught sight of Agent Mulder.

Kenneth Nash still had not returned to school. Frank suspected that it was because everyone had given their statements and the Police had begun proceedings to charge him with reckless endangerment, despite William Nash’s best efforts to contest the charges. The Hardy boy sincerely hope that this was the one time the man would be unable to bail his son out of trouble.

By Friday afternoon however, something happened to make Frank forget all about his father’s case and Kenneth Nash. He and Callie were paired together on a science project.

Part of him was thrilled because it meant that they would have an excuse to be alone together, but it also presented the problem of them…alone together. Speech always seemed to desert him when he was alone with Callie, and Frank was afraid of looking like an idiot. He had already done an excellent job of looking foolish in front of Callie on several occasions.

The thought of being alone with Callie preoccupied his mind for the rest of the afternoon and by the end of his last class, Frank had worked himself up into a lather. What am I supposed to say to her? I can’t just talk about science all the time, I’d look like such a nerd!

Sighing, Frank made his way through the crowded hallway to his locker. He stopped dead when he saw who stood propped against it, smiling at him.

Callie.

Swallowing as his stomach somersaulted, Frank made his way towards her.

“Hey, Frank,” she smiled. “Looks like it’s you and me, huh?”

“Yeah,” said Frank weakly, feeling his face burn under the scrutiny of those eyes. He now seemed to have lost the ability to think as well as speak.

“Do you want to start work on the project this weekend?”

“This…this weekend?” he squeaked, mentally kicking himself for sounding so moronic.

“Unless you have other plans,” she said hurriedly.

“No…no other plans. Uh…what about Saturday?”

“Sure-oh wait!” Callie smacked her forehead with the heel of her hand. “It’s my grandmother’s birthday, we’re going out of town. Rats, I forgot! What about Sunday afternoon? We should be back by then.”

“I have Karate class,” he said apologetically. “We could…um, get together afterwards?”

“Okay,” she smiled. “What time should I come over?”

“Um, seven?” he squeaked again.

Callie give a little giggle. “Seven it is. I’ll see you then, Frank.”

“Bye.”

Frank stared after her, heart pounding and mouth open.

Smooth, Hardy, really smooth! Could you have sounded like a bigger dork?

“What’s the matter with you?” he heard a voice demand and looked to his right to see his brother standing there staring at him.

He closed his mouth. “Nothing, I’m fine.”

“Really? Cause you’re drooling like an idiot!”

Frank scowled and wiped his mouth. “I am not! And I thought you had practice?”

“It was cancelled,” said Joe cheerfully. “Faculty meeting.”

***

“Same time next week, everyone,” Mr. Stevens called as the end of class rolled around. “Remember to warm up beforehand and we can spend more time practising the moves. Frank Hardy, could I have a word, please?”

Frank, who had been stretching after the rigorous class, stopped mid-stretch and stared in surprise at the instructor.

“Just a quick word,” his tutor smiled and beckoned him forward. As the class filed out, Frank gathered up his stuff and made his way slowly to the top of the room.

“Um, yes?”

“Frank,” Mr. Stevens greeted him. “You did nice work this evening.”

“Thank you,” said Frank, surprised.

“I’ve noticed you have a natural aptitude for martial arts. You learn the moves quickly and execute them with a precision I haven’t seen in a beginner before. I think it may be time you moved on.”

“What?” Frank was confused.

His instructor smiled. “To another class. As long as you remain with me, you’ll be forced to learn and graduate at the same level as everyone else. I think it would benefit you to train at a higher level.”

“But I don’t-”

“Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you go off and find someone. I know of a martial arts expert living here in Bayport. He teaches about five or six students at a time, usually someone who as been recommended to him. If it’s okay with you, Frank, I’d like to put your name forward.”

Frank was stunned. “Me? But…why?”

His tutor laughed at his expression. “Frank, much as I enjoy having you in my class, you’re wasted here. Master Reynard would develop your skills much quicker than I could, and to a level most people in this class will never reach.”

“I don’t know what to say…thanks!”

“My pleasure,” grinned Mr. Stevens. “I’ll contact Master Reynard to organise it. “Drop in before class next week and we’ll discuss the details. See you then, Frank.”

“Okay,” said Frank enthusiastically as he watched Mr. Stevens walk out of the room. Oh man, I don’t believe this! Wait till I tell Joe!

Almost everyone had left by the time Frank exited the town hall. There was only one other vehicle in the parking lot; a black van. But the teenager was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice as he crossed to his car. It was only when something swished behind him as he put the keys in the lock, that Frank snapped to attention.

But it was too late.

Something hard collided with his skull and he reeled away from the object. His world spinning, the teenager swung out with his right hand, instinctively protecting his face with his left. There was a muttered “oomph” and he felt a rush of triumph.

But it was short lived as another blow ricocheted off the side of his temple and stars exploded behind his eyes. Strong arms encased him as he staggered back. Trying to quell his growing panic, Frank used his legs as leverage to propel his attacker backwards. He heard the thump of the man hitting something solid and felt the crushing grip loosen. The teenager used the opportunity to launch himself forward and started to run.

“HELP!” he yelled.

He had only gone a few steps when something smashed into him from behind, sending him sprawling. Quickly he rolled to his back and kicked up at the large shape looming over him. Although he couldn’t see clearly through the fog in his throbbing head, he felt his foot collide with something solid and the dark figure staggered back. Frank scrabbled to his feet and shook his head trying to clear it.

The man rushed him again, sending him flying into the black van. Then he was on him, punching the teenager hard in the stomach and face. Frank swung out again, only to have the man smash his arm off the van. The boy heard something crack and felt agony shiver through him. His cries of pain were muffled by a large hand clamping itself over his mouth. Something sharp pricked his arm and Frank felt himself slipping slowly into blackness.

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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.