Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

Laura Hardy had started to clear the table to escape, for a moment, the tension at the dining table. It did not escape her critical eye that Joe had slimmed down, which was not surprising, given the situation.

There was also a stillness about him that was at odds with the super-active boy who was always on the move. There was a sadness about him that was contrary to the happy-go-lucky boy who could find joy in even the most mundane things around him.

He had grown up far too quickly over the last five months, Laura decided sadly.

<O>

At the other end of the table, Joe was focusing on his glass of orange juice, wondering how to start ‘The Talk’.

He thought he was ready, having replayed what he was going to say and how he was going to say it, hundreds of times in his mind. But now, the words seemed stuck in his throat. They seemed inappropriate, somehow. Finally, much to his relief, his dad made the first move.

“Joe, would you like to tell us, why?” Fenton Hardy went straight to the point, as was his style.

Joe fidgeted a little before replying, “I am not sure where to start…”

“Don’t worry too much about that,” Fenton told Joe gently. “Why not start by telling us what happened on the day you …disappeared?” he suggested, knowing that a narration of the events of that day would act as a buffer to the more sensitive issues, and would help ease the discussion more smoothly into the more serious issues.

“OK.” Joe took a deep breath, and started telling his side of the story…

<O>

Frank sat at the dining table listening patiently as Joe talked about the events of that fateful day, all the while wishing in his heart that it was just him and his brother. The darkness he glimpsed from Joe last night still bothered him. Unfortunately, his parents did have the right to expect to talk to Joe first, and to find out what happened.

Glancing at the clock, Frank noted without much surprise that a good half hour had passed and that Joe had essentially told them close to nothing. Well, maybe an insight into Joe’s perspective. But not what Frank needed to know from his brother.

Joe always had the ability to tell an engaging story, exploiting every single minor detail, but gave nothing of importance away. It was a skill, Frank admitted to himself, which got them out of trouble numerous times. Sometimes from the bad guys, but mainly from their parents. At the moment, it was a talent Joe could do without, Frank concluded.

‘What are you hiding, little brother?’ Frank wondered.

The story so far was not totally unexpected, but Frank could not help but feel a little guilty. He had been busy with his special projects, spending time with Callie, and excited about leaving for college back then. He realized now that Joe had not asked for any tutoring help the couple of months before he ran away. He had noted that Joe had spent time studying and had assumed Joe was coping. And in the meantime, Joe had struggled on alone.

In hindsight, he should have also realized the constant comparison between him and Joe by his parents would eventually lead to a confrontation. He had failed to see underneath Joe’s happy-go-lucky façade, to the resentment boiling below. In that sense, he was just as responsible for driving Joe away.

<O>

The ringing of the doorbell interrupted Joe’s narration.

Fenton Hardy excused himself and went to answer the door, still mulling over what he heard. He had no idea that Joe felt he loved Frank more. Nor did he realize Joe thought so little of himself. He also had a nagging suspicion that if he checked his scheduler, he might find that he had made more allowances for Frank’s academic activities than Joe’s sporting events. That truth sat a little uncomfortably on his conscience.

Fenton sighed. Some things have to change. Though, he still had to stress to Joe the importance of maintaining an average grade in his studies. However, this gave a new perspective and he would have to reconsider very carefully the punishment for Joe’s irresponsible behavior of running away from home. He had always taught his sons to be responsible and to face the consequences of their actions.

Laura raised a questioning eyebrow at him when he returned with two men in black suits.

“These are FBI agents, Brian Coolman and Ned Mayers. They are here for Joe.”

OHBHBHBHBO

5 months earlier, on that afternoon:

Joe was alone at the school’s basketball court, bouncing the ball and shooting hoops. He dreaded going home. His report card was in his bag and he did not want to show it to his parents. He had worked hard the last few weeks, but his grades were still border-line. In fact, he almost flunked this semester. He wished he was more like Frank, his elder brother, who as usual would be bringing home a perfect report card.

Frank. He and Frank were as different as night and day. Physically, Frank had dark brown hair with soft brown eyes and a lean build. Joe was blonde, with sparkling blue eyes and a more muscular build. Personality wise, Frank was meticulous and disciplined, while Joe was impulsive and quick-tempered. Frank was neat, while he was not. Frank reasoned out his actions while Joe acted on gut instinct. Academically, Frank was the studious one, and a straight-A student at Bayport High, whereas Joe was currently barely scraping through. Frank held a black belt in karate, while Joe took up boxing. While both of them excelled in sports, Joe was the natural sportsman, winning many medals for his school. Frank was always there to pull him out of scrapes. He could not say the same for himself. Well, maybe once? Twice?

It was no wonder everyone considered Frank the perfect son and the perfect brother, Joe muttered to himself as he prepared to go home, feeling more depressed than before. Not for the first time, he felt a twinge of resentment against Frank – which he quickly squashed.

‘After all, Frank does love me; just think of all the times he looks out for me and saves my life!’ Joe reminded himself. ‘And its summer holidays again! Weeks of fun in the sun and no school work!’ he cheered.

Joe took a deep breath before entering his home. As expected, his parents were waiting for him. Frank was seated on the corner couch pretending to read – a sure sign of nervousness. It didn’t look good at all. Joe put down his backpack on the sofa and faced his parents. “Hi Mom, Dad.”

His dad responded: “Joe, we need to talk. Your teachers called about your performance in school, and I think we need to make some drastic changes …”

“What do you mean drastic changes?” Joe asked in trepidation.

“Well, Joe, I know that I have been pushing you and Frank rather hard in terms of helping me out with my cases. But schooling is important, and you need to maintain at least an average level of grades. Border-line passes are not acceptable, Joe!” Fenton began.

“Dad, I’ve been working on it. Next semester will be better…”

“No, Joe. Both I and your mom have been discussing the matter. School comes before cases. We’ve decided that there will be no more detective work for you until you catch up with your school work…”

“But Dad …” Joe protested.

“Joe, we’ve also organized summer classes to help you catch up …” Laura chipped in.

“Wh-What!” Joe stuttered.

Without giving Joe time to react, Fenton continued and dropped the final bombshell. “Joe, we also think you should consider dropping some of your sporting commitments so that you have more time to spare on your studies …”

“No way!” Joe exploded. He could not imagine a summer studying, much less a semester without all his beloved sports. “Dad, I’ve been studying hard, really. I don’t deserve this!”

“Your grades say otherwise, Joe.”

“But Dad …”

“That’s our final decision.”

Joe stared at his father, then his mom. “I refuse to go to summer school! I’ve worked hard and I want my break and to have some fun with my friends …”

‘You will abide by our decision, Joe. Else you’ll be grounded for the entire summer break, and next semester as well, until we see improvements in your grades! And that’s final!’ Fenton ground out between clench teeth as he fought to hold on to his temper.

Joe grabbed his bag and headed to his room. A moment later, a resounding BANG vibrated through the house as Joe slammed the door to his room.

Joe heard his father say: “Let him be. He needs to learn his lessons and grow up. We’ll go out for dinner as planned – to celebrate your results, Frank. Joe can stay home and reflect on his actions tonight.”

Joe sat in his room fuming. He was angry that his parents did not give him a chance to explain his side of the story, even as he understood that his parents meant well and wanted him to get good grades for his own future’s sake. But he tried. He just wasn’t as smart as Frank. He just couldn’t ‘get’ calculus, nor remember historical dates and events. Joe also knew he wasn’t on model behavior for the last several months. Not since Iola died in the car bombing meant for him and Frank five months back. He had been moody and susceptible to extreme mood swings. He had been taking what his father and brother termed ‘unacceptable risks’.

He could hear Frank coming up the stairs. But instead of dropping by to see how he was doing, Frank went straight to his own room. Joe sat on his bed, stunned that even Frank ignored him. He listened to the sounds of the shower and Frank preparing himself for his dinner treats. Twenty minutes later, he heard the car pull out of the driveway, leaving him all alone at home.

Over the last twenty minutes, Joe’s anger had grown. ‘All they want is another Frank, and all they care about are grades’ he thought bitterly.

He turned to his shelf and looked at all the sporting achievements, the medals and trophies he won over the years. He recalled all the times when his father attended Frank’s chess and science tournaments, but missed his games. Joe knew he wasn’t being rational or fair. But it hurt to know he was the crappier one. As the minutes passed, his anger and resentment grew. It hurt so much to know no matter how hard he tried; he could not ever match up to his brother.

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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.