Frank left Oliver’s residence over an hour after arriving. He had found nothing helpful or incriminating in the efficiency that Oliver lived in. He hoped his dad was having better luck. He frowned and pulled out his cell phone and hit the speed dial for Chet.

“Is Tarlton still at work?” asked Frank when he heard Chet pick up.

“No,” Tarlton answered sending rivulets of fear down Frank’s spine. “I’m not.” Tarlton tossed the cell phone to the ground beside Chet’s still form and looked over at Oliver. “Let’s take their van and get Hardy,” he snarled.

Frank quickly called the Bayport Police Department and told the answering officer he had to speak with Chief Collig. “Frank? What’s wrong?” barked Ezra Collig.

“Tarlton is on his way home and Dad’s still there,” Frank informed him. “Tarlton answered Chet’s cell when I called so he probably has Biff and Chet too.”

“I’ll have all cars in the area head out there,” promised Collig before hanging up.

Frank was flagged to a stop when he reached the turn off to Tarlton’s. As he pulled to a stop he spotted an ambulance pulling around the curve and take off for Bayport Memorial. He leapt from the van and raced to the nearest officer.

“Easy, Frank,” Officer Desmond ordered Frank, recognizing him at once. “One of your friends regained conscious before he was put in the ambulance and the other one has a concussion.”

“What about Dad?” asked Frank.

“No word,” Desmond replied. “But Raymond and Tomlin are there now. If you want, you can pull on through. We just have to get the boys’ car out of the ditch.”

“Car?” asked Frank, frowning. “They were in a van.”

“Your friend said they had rigged it so Tarlton would go off the road but the plan kind of backfired. They must have taken the boys’ van. Hey, look on the bright side,” he added seeing how depressed Frank was looking. “If nothing else, we can bust those two for breaking parole, assault and battery and grand theft auto.”

“I just hope that’s all,” murmured Frank hoping his dad and Joe were all right. He hurried back to his van and continued on his way. He pulled to a stop beside a police cruiser in Tarlton’s driveway and got out.

“Dad!” shouted Frank rushing over to him as he entered the house and saw is dad showing something to one of the officers.

Fenton looked up as Frank approached. “Tomlin,” he nodded at the officer beside him, “And his partner arrived as Tarlton was getting out of the van,” Fenton explained to Frank. “Any idea who was with him?”

“Ben Oliver most likely,” replied Frank. “They work together at the factory and shared a cell in the state pen. Any leads on Joe?” he asked hopefully.

Fenton shook his head. “No, but I did find a hefty stash of cocaine in a flowerpot in the kitchen.”

“Which means there is probably more,” Tomlin put in. He was familiar with Tarlton’s history and knew the man had gone to prison for dealing drugs, not using them.

Fenton nodded. “Let me know what you turn up?” he requested.

“Will do,” Tomlin acknowledged and moved away as Fenton led Frank outside.

Frank filled his dad in about Oliver and told him the search had revealed nothing. “Great,” Fenton replied with sarcasm laced with sadness. “Two dead ends.” He looked at Frank. “We had better go to the hospital and check on the boys and make sure their parents have been notified before we go home.”

“I’ll follow you there,” Frank agreed.

They arrived at the hospital as the Hoopers and Mortons were getting out of their vehicles. The group made their way inside where they were sent to the emergency waiting room. After only a few minutes Chet entered the room.

“Son, how are you feeling?” demanded Mr. Morton leaping to his feet and running to Chet’s side.

“I’m fine,” Chet replied slowly, one side of his face turning colors. “Just really sore.” He looked over at Frank and Mr. Hardy. “I guess we blew it.”

“No,” Frank denied. “You and Biff went beyond the line of duty. Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Chet agreed, a slight slur in his voice.

The door behind Chet opened again and Dr. Benson entered the waiting room. “Mr. Hooper?” he asked looking around the room.

“How is he?” Mr. Hooper asked, walking over to him.

“He seems to be fine,” Dr. Benson quickly assured him and Mrs. Hooper who was squeezing her husband’s hand tightly. “A slight concussion is all. You can take him home but be sure to awaken him every two hours. If he gets dizzy or starts throwing up then bring him back.”

“We will,” Mrs. Hooper replied. “Thank you.”

The door opened again and a nurse rolled out Biff in a wheel chair. Biff was scowling. He hated being treated like an invalid.

“So?” Biff demanded once they were outside. “What happened?”

Frank brought Biff and Chet up to date while Fenton arranged with the Mortons and Hoopers to cover the expenses their insurance would not.

“I guess your van will turn up abandoned later,” Frank said apologetically.

“If not, my insurance should cover it,” Biff told him. “I’m just sorry you guys didn’t find any sign of Joe.”

Frank’s cell phone went off as Biff was speaking. “Hello?” he answered. He looked over at his dad. “It’s for you,” he said. “Chief Collig.”

Fenton took the phone and listened, his face turning as white as his knuckles. “We’re on our way,” he rasped, closing it. He looked at Frank. “Laura’s been taken.”

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.