hardy boys fan fiction
TRIAL BY FIRE
hardy boys nancy drew fan fiction
by
PiperMerlyn
Chapter 17
hardy boys fan fiction
THE CHAPTERS
"Report."
"Early morning fog, no rain. Sun should be rising in about thirty minutes."
"Good. Everyone here?"
"Yeah." The voice dropped to a whisper. "I feel like I'm on a recon mission briefing."
"Consider it a mission to see two people in love get married without a hitch," said Donovan, having overheard Joe's comment.
"Oh please, spare us," muttered Erick.
Adrian just yawned. Ian punched him in the shoulder. "Stop that."
Adrian blinked sleepily at Ian. "Well, who's brilliant idea was it to stay up?"
Ian grunted. "What was the point of going to sleep when we had to get right back up?"
Carl frowned. "What time did you get home last night?"
"What do you mean, last night," said Erick. "It's only been three hours since we got back."
Carl turned to Ethan. "You just had to be different, didn't you. Sunrise ceremony, ha."
Joe shrugged. "It's supposed to be a MacFairlaigne traditon. Right, Marc?"
Marc's only answer was a gentle snore.
"How can he sleep in a folding chair?"
"How can he sleep?"
"You didn't see him at Rosie's," said Ian. "For shame."
"Him?" Erick grunted and gestured to Donovan. "What about Mr. Saint over there."
"You leave me out of this," said Donovan.
"How many times did Candy stop by?"
"Do you think he'll fall out? Be kind of bad if he had a big bruise for the wedding," said Joe.
"He's slept in chairs before. Just ask Kari."
"Maybe it would be better if we didn't mention last night to Kari."
"What do you mean, last night. It was three hours ago."
"Would you puh-lease stop harping about that? You can always skip the reception and go to sleep."
"Yeah, right, never live it down either. Vannah would constantly remind me," muttered Erick.
"Should we wake him up?"
"Let him sleep it off. He might actually be coherent when the time comes," said Ian.
"You know you scare me when you use big words," said Erick.
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, I wonder if you may be an alien in disguise."
"Who is Candy?" asked Carl. He'd begged off going to the bachelor party due to a migraine headache he still blamed on Erick's shenanigans yesterday.
"Gorgeous stripper, tight buns and abs and---" began Adrian.
"I didn't ask for a detailed description."
"Oh. Anyway, she likes Donovan."
"I said leave me out of this."
"Likes Donovan?"
"Yeah, amazing, isn't it."
"Leave the poor guy alone. At least now we know Brittani falling for him wasn't a fluke."
"Exactly. Some women like the scholarly type."
"You're no help, Jareth." Donovan glared at Ethan. "And leave Brittani out of this."
"And how many is some? Three?"
"Three? Donovan's only had two, and one he married," said Erick.
"Are you going to wake him up," asked Joe.
"Hell, no. Be my guest." said Ian.
"No way. Not till you tell me why you won't wake him up."
"What about his girlfriend?" said Adrian. "That makes three."
"Leave her out of it, too," said Donovan. "Keep it up and I'll mention the dancer hot for you."
Instead of looking worried, Adrian just smiled and his eyes went unfocused. "Delilah..."
Erick arched an eyebrow. "Didn't she get Samson in trouble?" he asked no one in particular.
"Wake him up," said Joe.
"You," countered Ian.
"Not till you tell me."
"He gets....a little excited. It's a good thing he's not holding a knife."
"Shut up, Ian, that was a long time ago."
Joe scowled. "What was a long time ago?"
Carl shrugged. "Aw, nothing much."
Everyone fell silent and looked at Carl. "Nothing much?" repeated Joe.
"Really, nothing."
"Oh, stop it, C.D.," said Erick. "It was a butter knife."
"A very sharp butter knife," said Ian.
Donovan sighed and shook his head. "Can we get on with this? Ethan, come here."
"What'd I do?"
Erick gave his brother a shove. "Just go."
"Okay, Ethan, you stand here. Joe, come stand by Ethan."
"I think we've seen enough movies to know the drill." Joe went to join his partner, adjusting his tuxedo jacket. "Don't tell me we're going to stand here for thirty minutes."
"Hey, I know. We could sing a song," said Ian. "It's---"
"Shut up, Ian."
Marc jumped and nearly fell out of the chair. "Wha---? Where's the airstrike?"
Joe squinted over at him. "Airstrike. What kind of dream were you having?"
Marc winced as he got to his feet. "You don't want to know."
"Time?" asked Donovan. Of all the days for his watch battery to quit on him.
"Five-forty-two a.m.," said Carl.
Marc yawned and stretched. "When's O'Neal gonna get here?"
"Top o' the morning t'ye," called a friendly faced man with a shock of thick white hair, clad in the robes of a parish priest. Fergus O'Neal had been in Killarney for nearly sixty years and had seen three generations of MacFairlaignes blessed, married and eventually buried. "An' where would the groom be?"
Ethan suddenly got a bad case of nerves. "Uh, over here, Father."
Joe nudged him. "Relax. It'll be over before you know it."
Sounding more fervent than he should have, Ethan muttered, "God, I hope so."
***
"Where is it?"
"Where's what?"
"The garter."
"This one?"
"No. The ecru one."
"Ecru. They used to call it cream-colored," said Alannah.
"Haven't seen it."
"Oh no....Fifteen minutes to go. Kari?"
"Wha---? Ouch, that hurt. Stupid shelf had to be there, didn't it....I haven't seen it."
"No way. That's not going to work," said Oriana. "You have to put the veil on before you fix your hair, otherwise it'll look dorky."
"Dorky?" asked Alyssa. "I haven't heard that word in a while."
"Found it."
"What? The pearl earrings?"
"Earrings? What earrings? I found the garter."
"What garter?"
Cassandra rolled her eyes. She'd been dressed for nearly twenty minutes and already her stockings were bothering her. "It's ecru satin with pale blue ribbons and blue-edged lace. It has Cathy and Ethan embroidered on it."
"Oh, this isn't it then." Alessandria tossed the garter she'd found into the corner of Catherine's bedroom.
Casi shook her head and took a deep breath. Almost over.
Zoe Saxon finished fixing Catherine's hair. "There. Like it?"
Catherine sighed. "It almost looks like Julia Roberts' hair in Steel Magnolias."
"Did you know that was based on real life? The writer of the play the movie was based on was the older brother," spoke up Oriana as she pulled on her ivory tinted stockings.
Zoe arched a perfectly curved, pencil thin dark eyebrow. "I thought everyone knew that. He's still supposed to live somewhere in Louisiana."
"So you're saying his father actually used firecrackers to scare away the pigeons?" asked Brittani.
"What about the dog?" said Catherine. "I liked the dog."
"I liked Weezy," said Alyssa with a grin.
"You know, I wouldn't mind visiting Natchitoches during Christmas. It looked beautiful," said Brittani, pulling her hair up into a soft French twist.
"Yeah, it'd be nice if it would be lit up all year around. That place is a major tourist beacon come November and December," said Savannah, putting on one last coat of mascara.
"You should take a buggy ride," said Kari.
Catherine glanced over at her. "You've been there?"
Kari nodded. "Two years ago, we were down there on tour, going from Houston to Lafayette---"
"How do you spell that?" whispered Oriana.
"---and we had some time to kill, so we went to Natchitoches." Kari shrugged. "They have lights crisscrossed over the streets facing the Cane River. And they have huge lighted displays right on the river bank, reflecting on the water."
"Do you know," said Penny Reyman, the concert coordinator for the band and Ian's sometime girlfriend, "that the oldest streets in that city are paved with bricks?"
"You're kidding," said Alannah. "Bricks? As in yellow brick road?"
"In this case, red."
Casi shook her head, glad she was already dressed. So many women getting ready in one room....flashback to college big time. "Anybody seen the garter yet?"
"Nope."
"Not me."
"Hey, Casi, look what I found."
Casi turned to see Kyra standing there in the doorway, clutching something blue, cream-colored and lacey.
"Thanks, Kyra," she said, taking the now crumpled garter. "Go tell everyone we're nearly ready." Casi shook her head again, then tossed the garter over her shoulder. "Somebody catch."
"Lord, I haven't played keep away in years," laughed Alessandria.
"Five minutes," called Casi, then left the room. It was time to get her father.
***
"What time is it?" asked Ethan plaintively. They were seated in the first row of chairs and he was still nervous.
Joe clapped him on the shoulder. "Just five more minutes," Joe assured him. "Don't fret, pard. Not long now."
"I don't know if I can go through with it." Ethan unclenched his hands from the sides of his chair to show Joe how bad they were trembling. "I'm shaking so bad I'll probably drop the ring."
"Relax, man," said Donovan. "There's nothing to it. Just a few words to say, put the ring on her finger and you're done." He patted every pocket in his suit. "By the way, who's got the ring?"
Ethan went dead white. "Don't even."
Joe shook his head and wiggled his right pinky finger under Ethan's nose. "I've got it."
Seated on the other side of Ethan, Erick grunted. "Trying to do him in before the ceremony?"
"Don't act so sanctimonious, Erick. Your little gig almost sent us all over the edge," muttered Ian.
"Sure why not?" said Jareth. "All this stuff's refundable, right?"
"Guys," said Ethan weakly, looking ready to bolt.
"Ignore them," Joe whispered. "Think about Catherine."
"You been reading the dictionary again, Ian? Finally made it to the S's?" said Erick.
"I'll have you know I can read it in a year."
"That's the Bible you're supposed to read in a year," said Marc.
"I thought that was a five-year plan."
"Who says?"
"I thought that was the Fingerhut plan."
"Oh you shut up."
Stately organ music began filtering through strategically placed speakers and Joe, Ethan, Jareth and Donovan got to their feet and headed for the podium while the band memebers congregated in one corner of the patio. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, painting everything a hazy shade of pink as family came in, conversing quietly and finding their seats. Ethan's mother, Belinda, dabbed at her eyes carefully and waved at him. Ethan managed a smile and swallowed hard.
The men, Ethan, Joe, his best man and groomsmen Donovan and Jareth moved into position in front and slightly to one side of the podium and Father O'Neal as Meara Conroy, the young flower girl--a neighbor's granddaughter--and her brother Conor, the ringbearer, walked slowly down the aisle.
Seconds later, Kari Wylie came down the aisle made by the white folding chairs, clad in a short-sleeved calf-length dress of pale pink jacquard, a white straw hat with matching pink bow on her long golden hair. She held a small bouquet of spring flowers and stared straight ahead as she walked. Marc sucked in a breath and whispered almost reverently, "Wow..."
There was a pause, then Brittani, dressed exactly like Kari save that the dress and hat bow were soft yellow, came down the aisle. Donovan's smile widened into a goofy grin and he nodded to no one in particular. Lastly, came the maid of honor, Casi, in a light mint green dress exactly like the others with her white hat trimmed in a matching bow. The pale spring green brightened her auburn hair and Joe suddenly felt like he'd been sucker-punched. God, she was beautiful, he thought, finally remembering he needed to breathe.
As soon as the three women were in position, the Wedding March spilled forth from the speakers in rich pipe organ music. William MacFairlaigne started down the aisle, his daughter--clad in glittering and lacey white, her auburn hair piled in curls and a fragile-looking lace veil shadowing her face--on his arm. Joe sneaked a glance at Ethan and bit back a grin. The man was gazing at Catherine as if she was the only person there. His partner had it bad.
William and Catherine stopped in front of Father O'Neal and the music died away in the cool morning air scented faintly with heather and roses. "Who gives this woman away?" asked the priest in his lilting Irish accent.
"Her mother and I do," said William, sounding just a little choked up. Then he kissed Catherine's cheek and handed her to Ethan, who didn't look at all nervous now. Casi watched as Marc's clear alto voice began singing Joshua Kadison's Beautiful in My Eyes, just as the morning sun topped the rise and flooded the patio with gentle light. Everything was perfect....
***
It was loud.
Joe MacKensey had the irrepressible urge to clap his hands over his ears. He had forgotten how noisy get-togethers at Castle MacFairlaigne could be. Someone had set up speakers against the walls in the long high-ceilinged formal dining room and at the moment, a feisty Irish jig was blaring out. He had an urge to let loose and dance but he had to find Casi first.
He saw her a few minutes later, coming through a door, partially hidden by a colorful tapestry. She'd changed into a pink and white gingham short set--long pleated walking shorts and a hip-length sleeveless vest with cotton canvas sneakers. Joe watched Ian sweep her into his arms for a quick dance and felt a quick, burning prick of jealousy. He almost cut in when the music ended, switching to a slower instrumental piece and she spotted him.
He watched her walk toward him, talking to passersby. In a sudden instant, he felt like an outsider. He didn't belong here among the bloodkin, the friendship, the familial love and connections. He didn't deserve to be here.
"Well, I must say jeans and polos look better on you. You're not a tux kind of guy."
"Thanks...I think."
Casi studied his face a moment and lowered her voice. "You're leaving? Now?"
Joe took a deep breath and didn't even realize he'd reached out until she interlaced her slender fingers with his. "I have to go."
"I'll go with you."
Joe remembered Donovan's words about maybe taking her with him would be safer. Joe swallowed hard. "No." He focused on their clasped hands, his nearly engulfed hers. "It's not....it won't be safe."
Casi yanked her hand free. "Fine. I hear Casablanca is a blast this time of year. Oh, and Marrekech is the place to shop. Oh, the rugs alone are worth the trip." She turned to leave."
Joe grabbed her wrist, pulled her to him hard enough for her to collide with his broad chest. "Don't, Casi. I've got enough to deal with, without worrying about you."
"Then don't worry about me, damn it. I can take care of myself." Her eyes bore into his, challenging, cocky. "Either I go with you or I'll follow. Your choice."
They stood there, eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Joe knew he couldn't back down, not this time, not after what happened last year. "Casi---"
"Hey, you got the clench down cold." Marc paused mid dance with Kari, breathless. "Now, you have to move your feet to the beat. One, two, three, four. One, two--"
Casi barely glanced at him. "Not now, Marcus."
Marc frowned, then nodded. "Gotcha. Midnight?"
"Go jump off a bridge, brother," muttered Casi.
Marc grunted and started dancing again. "Well, I guess I know where I'm not wanted."
Casi couldn't resist the jibe. "As if."
Marc glared at her, then left, muttering something about hell freezing over for an eternity before a certain sister touched his motorcycle again. Joe let go of her wrist and took a step back. "I'll come back when it's done."
"No you won't."
"I will. Either here or Provincetown."
"Liar."
"Casi--"
"Stop it. Just go." Casi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. So much for everything being perfect, she thought. The feeling of walking back up the aisle by his side was still fresh, still heartstopping. She'd imagined it would be a hundred times better if it had been their wedding. "Just.....go."
Joe took another step back, then turned and walked away, out of the main dining room. Casi stood rigid, muscles stiff, hands clenched against the desire, the command from her brain to go after him, make him stay. She strained to hear the door open and close, signifying he'd left, but the music and the voices drowned out everything else.
Slowly, she relaxed her muscles, feeling the tears fill her eyes. Suddenly, the music and voices sounded over-loud and obnoxious. She hurried out of the room and ran for her bedroom. She slammed the door and started to fall across the unmade bed when she saw it and froze as if it was a cobra coiled and ready to strike. The box was familiar enough, rectangular and made from a pale wood, the two latches and hinges silver and carved in the center of the lid, was a crocus, she knew now.
Voices, memories echoed in her head as she lifted the lid to see the pearl where she'd put it only days ago. Voices, memories echoed in her head as she stared at the silver chain, the creamy round pearl.What's really wrong....I love him. And he's leaving....And you're letting him....What other choice do I have?....Go with him....I know what I'm about to say is pretty lame, but follow your heart....
Casi let go of the lid, letting it fall sut with a snap. She set it back down on the bed and pulled her suitcase from under the bed. She began to pack with quick, hurried motions. She'd debated, argued, almost pleaded and now she had to do something. She finished packing, zipped up the suitcase, then straightened the bed and hung up the light green dress.
She hefted her one suitcase down the stairs and stopped in her father's study to make two calls. One for a taxi, the other for a reservation for a Moroccan-bound flight. If she could leave now she could avoid a fight with Donovan.
"There you are."
Casi hung up the phone and spun around, startled. "Dad, uh, hi."
William MacFairlaigne's green eyes focused on her suitcase, then on her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Dad. Tell Cat I lover her and bon voyage. I have to go."
He didn't move from the door. "Where?"
Casi sometimes forgot just where Donovan had gotten his obstinance from. Her father usually reminded her. "Morocco."
William frowned. "Do you think that's wise?"
Casi looked around the study, everywhere but directly at her father. "I have to.....I love him."
"I know," he said heavily, almost sadly.
This time she did look at him. "You know?"
"Cassandra, I've known for a long time. Since that Christmas party fiasco."
Casi stared at him, stunned. "Dad, that was eight years ago."
"Yes."
How did everyone know for so long but her. Cassandra took a deep breath. How could she have been so blind? William held out his arms and she ran into his embrace the way she'd done as a child. Tears spilled down her cheeks as her father held her close. "I can't lose him, Dad."
William leaned back to look her in the eyes. "Then go, Kitten, and be careful--I can't lose you."
Casi hugged him and bounced on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "You won't, Dad. I love you."
William watched her hurry out and took a deep breath. Had he just made the worst mistake of his life?
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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.