Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

Consumed with the reason for her sudden trip to New York City, Vanessa stared out the window of the train at the passing scenery, yet saw none of it. Deep inside she knew confronting Jodi was probably not a good idea. But she had to do it no matter how foolish it might be, for her own peace of mind. Vanessa needed to hear directly from Jodi that she was no longer in love with Joe.

‘But what if she is?’ Vanessa thought miserably, leaning her forehead against the cool glass of the window. While those who knew Vanessa would describe her as an eternal optimist, always looking for the good in any situation, she was also a realist. And it was this side that forced her to acknowledge that when all was said and done, she might not have the answer she wanted. Still, she preferred knowing up front whether or not Jodi had any feelings at all for Joe. If this child was Joe’s son, Jodi would become a permanent part of their lives and Vanessa wanted to get an idea of Jodi’s intentions right from the start.

Sighing, she leaned her head back and stared at the luggage rack above her. Once she’d gotten over the shock of Joe possibly having a child with another woman, she had prayed endlessly for Joe not to be the father. While it was true she hadn’t known Joe at the time he’d been with Jodi, if this child did turn out to be his, how could she not feel some kind of betrayal or resentment at having it essentially thrown in her face every time the boy was with her and Joe? While she had no qualms about accepting the child into their lives if and when that time came – he was just an innocent victim of a regrettable situation - he would still be a constant reminder… of Jodi. Vanessa wasn’t at all sure how she’d handle Jodi becoming a permanent fixture in the family she and Joe wanted to create.

Even more worrisome to Vanessa was the impact having to see Jodi on a regular basis could have on Joe. It would be a constant reminder of Iola, the horrible way she died, and the enormous guilt that had for a period of time consumed Joe, to the point of considering the most permanent of solutions as the only way to escape. It had taken Joe years to get past the guilt – past it but not over it; never over it.

Vanessa wasn’t naïve enough to think he’d ever stop blaming himself, but at least he’d learned to live with it. What would happen if he suddenly had a constant reminder in his life? Every time he saw Jodi or their son, it would bring up painful memories of guilt so deep Joe had considered ending his own life. Would he regress to that reckless, angry person who couldn’t stand living in his own skin? The one who thought dying was the only way to escape the crushing pain and remorse? Would it once again trigger the spiraling bouts of depression he’d finally learned how to deal with?

“Next stop, Penn Station.” The announcement roused Vanessa from her disconcerting thoughts. Standing, she walked to the platform and waited for the train to come to a stop. The doors whooshed open and she stepped off the train, falling in step behind the other passengers. Climbing the stairs up to the main concourse, Vanessa hurried to one of the exits and took another set of steps to the street, quickly merging into the crush of people on the sidewalk. She felt the same familiar rush she got every time she returned to New York City, as if she were coming home to an old and cherished friend. As much as she had come to love Bayport, she still missed the city she’d grown up in.

Several minutes later Vanessa stopped in front of a towering office building. She double checked the address and then stepped through the revolving door. Glancing around the massive lobby, she saw a directory on the wall directly across from her. Walking closer, she scanned the names of the hundreds of tenants in the building until she saw the name of Jodi’s company. Noting the suite number, she got on one of the six elevators and pressed the button for the eighteenth floor. After several stops and starts for others on the elevator, Vanessa finally exited on her floor.

Standing in the corridor, she looked around. The offices of the architectural firm took up the entire floor on this side of the building. Slowly Vanessa walked a few feet and leaned against the wall, debating what to do. The one thing she didn’t want to do was simply walk in and ask to see Jodi. She would have to be ‘announced’, giving Jodi the option of declining to see her.

Considering her options, Vanessa thought back on her high school and college days when she and Callie sometimes helped Frank and Joe on their cases. She smiled, having learned a thing or two from the brothers about not being noticed until and unless she wanted to be.

Approaching the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of the office, she surreptitiously peered through them as she walked past. A receptionist sat behind a desk facing the doors. On either side of her were two large, inviting waiting areas. Entrance to the inner offices was strategically located behind the desk, making it seemingly impossible to get inside without going through the receptionist. Vanessa continued her reconnaissance, thinking back on the times she’d watched Joe gain entrance to places that seemed impossible to get into undetected.

Stopping a few feet further down the corridor, Vanessa positioned herself next to a large fern. She had a good view of the receptionist’s desk, but couldn’t be seen herself. She stayed out of sight, biding her time. Ten minutes passed, then fifteen, but Vanessa patiently waited, knowing an opportunity would eventually present itself.

Almost thirty minutes later, Vanessa saw the opening she’d been waiting for. A bicycle messenger had just stepped off the elevator and hurried into the office. He handed the receptionist a small package, exchanging a few pleasantries with her as she signed for it, then turned and left. Before he was even out the door, the receptionist got up and disappeared into the offices, carrying the package.

Seizing her chance, Vanessa walked confidently from her hiding place, smiling and thanking the messenger as he held the door for her. Quickly glancing around the lobby, she rushed forward and hurried down the hall behind the desk. Once in the inner corridors of the office she slowed down, acting as if she was supposed to be there. However, Vanessa quickly realized the appearance of the office from the lobby was deceiving – it was huge, with a maze of twisting turning hallways. She wandered for a few minutes, trying to get her bearings when a voice startled her.

“You look lost.”

Vanessa turned and shrugged sheepishly. “I’m afraid I am. I was in a meeting with Jodi Renault and had to use the restroom,” she said, thankful she had the same gift for quick and creative excuses that Joe did. “I’ve gotten a little turned around.” She smiled charmingly at the young man.

“Easy to do, this place is huge!” he laughed in agreement. “Follow me.”

Vanessa followed him down several halls with more turns until he stopped where four corridors converged. “There you go,” he said gesturing towards an open door to their left. “Right back where you started.”

“Thanks,” Vanessa smiled again. “I would’ve been wandering all day.”

“No problem,” he waved and continued on down the hall.

Vanessa took a few steps towards the door and heard the sound of someone moving around. Walking on past the open door she glanced in. A woman with short, cropped brown hair was standing behind a desk, rummaging through a purse. Behind her was another open door, leading to a larger office.

“Jodi, I’m going to lunch. Need anything before I go?” the woman called out without looking up.

Vanessa stepped back out of sight as she heard a voice reply. “No, thanks. I’m fine.”

Holding her breath Vanessa waited. Seconds later the woman emerged from the office and walked away, never even noticing Vanessa standing in the corridor. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Vanessa walked into the office.

“Carol? Did you forget something?” Jodi called out. “Carol?” she repeated when Vanessa didn’t reply.

With her heart pounding in her chest, Vanessa took a deep breath and walked to the open door. Jodi looked up and smiled at her. “Can I help you?”

Vanessa swallowed nervously, but squared her shoulders. “I’m Vanessa Bender. I think we need to talk.” Without waiting for an invitation, she stepped into Jodi’s office and closed the door behind her.

Jodi stared, the smile disappearing from her face, replaced first with shock and then apprehension and distrust. She sat back stared at Vanessa for a moment as if sizing her up.

“I’m sorry,” she finally spoke, “but I don’t really think we have anything to talk about.” Jodi reached for the phone. “I’ll have security escort you out.”

Vanessa wasn’t sure what kind of reception she’d get from Jodi but she certainly hadn’t expected to simply be brushed off and she most definitely didn’t come all this way to be summarily dismissed! Without even realizing it, Vanessa rushed forward, clamping her hand over Jodi’s, preventing her from making the call. “There’s a possibility that my fiancé may have fathered a child with you and you think we have nothing to talk about?” Vanessa repeated, barely controlled anger in her voice.

Jodi flinched but only for a second. Pulling her hand back, she stood and glared at Vanessa. “Until it’s proven that Joe is the father, my son is none of your business. And I have no intention of discussing him with you.”

“That’s fine,” Vanessa said, crossing her arms over her chest. “Because I didn’t come here to talk about your son.”

Jodi’s eyes narrowed slightly, her look changing to one of uncertainty.

“I came here to talk about Joe.” Vanessa saw something flicker in Jodi’s eyes at the mention of Joe’s name and her heart skipped. Jodi did still have feelings for Joe!

“This is exactly why I didn’t want him to tell anyone,” Jodi muttered almost to herself. She sat down again, with a look of disgust, her seeming obliviousness to Joe’s feelings reigniting Vanessa’s anger and causing her to lose sight of the original reason for her visit.

“Do you have any idea what keeping your secret is costing him?” Vanessa demanded hotly. “You come out of nowhere and tell him he might be a father?! He might have a son out there somewhere but he won’t know for sure until he finds him? You drop a bomb like that on him and then tell him ‘Oh, by the way, don’t tell anyone about this!’ ” Vanessa cried out, knowing she needed to calm down but unable to do so. “Right now when he needs as much support as he can get, he’s cut himself off from his family, his friends…everyone! He’s completely alone! And he’s done it for you!”

“He told you,” Jodi commented. Her tone was cold but Vanessa didn’t miss the look in her eyes – pain…and jealousy. “What difference does it make anyway? From what I remember, he wasn’t all that close to his parents or his brother. He never confided in them all that much; in fact he spent most of his time trying to avoid them.” She quickly looked away and swiped at her eyes, but not before a lone tear escaped.

Vanessa was taken aback for a moment, trying to reconcile the Joe Hardy she knew and loved with the one Jodi remembered. Recalling Joe’s painful confession the morning he left, she realized Jodi honestly had no idea how close Joe really was to his family. As much as she resented Jodi forcing Joe to distance himself from the people who loved him, she understood that Jodi had no idea how difficult that was for Joe – or what kind of toll it would take on him.

“He’s changed since then,” Vanessa said somewhat vaguely. She tentatively sat down, waiting to see if Jodi would object. When she didn’t, Vanessa continued, choosing her words carefully. She was already negotiating a minefield of emotions and had no idea how Jodi would react if she let slip that Joe had shared intimate details of what their relationship had entailed. “He’s extremely close to his parents. And Frank…” Vanessa couldn’t even begin to explain the deep bond Joe shared with his older brother. “Frank is his best friend, his confidant. Joe tells him everything.” Vanessa sighed, feeling helpless and frustrated. “He could just really use their support right now.”

Jodi stared at Vanessa, her face completely neutral but her eyes showing a kaleidoscope of heart-wrenching emotions. “Are…are you going to tell them?” Jodi finally asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

“No,” Vanessa replied. “As much as I think you’re wrong for forcing Joe to keep this whole thing a secret and he’s wrong for agreeing, I gave him my word. I won’t betray his confidence.”

“But you’d betray mine,” Jodi accused.

Vanessa shivered, feeling the intensity of Jodi’s jealousy – jealousy that Vanessa had the relationship with Joe that she had always wanted.

“I don’t even know you. I have no loyalty to you,” Vanessa responded. Her anger rose again but she kept it under control, wondering if Jodi were trying to bait her.

“So you’d tell them if Joe hadn’t asked you not to.”

“I think they have a right to know, yes. But more importantly, Joe could really use their support now.”

“You don’t get it do you?” Jodi laughed bitterly but couldn’t keep the aching sadness from her voice. “Of course you don’t. Joe’s family loves you. You’re from the right side of town, no one thinks you’re the town slut, or your father is crazy.”

“My father is dead,” Vanessa cut in, her voice icy. “I don’t even remember him.”

Jodi looked contrite and flushed in embarrassment, but didn’t back down. Vanessa sensed she needed to release pent-up emotions that she’d been denying for years. “Well, you and I are worlds apart where the Hardys are concerned. They didn’t want Joe anywhere near me, thought I was a bad influence on him. If they found out about this…” She stopped for a moment, a hitch in her voice. “I’d just rather not have their contempt unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Vanessa found herself torn between reading Jodi the riot act and feeling sorry for her. She hadn’t been privy to Joe’s confession the previous morning. After all these years, Jodi still had no idea how much Fenton and Laura had wanted to meet her, get to know her, invite her into their lives. She was still under the impression they were the ones who had tried so hard to keep her and Joe apart, not knowing it was Joe who had kept her isolated from his family and friends, and not the other way around.

Vanessa bit her tongue, feeling the weight in her heart grow even heavier. This was yet another secret she would have to keep for Joe. As with the Hardys and the possibility they might have a grandchild, she felt Jodi had a right to know they hadn’t looked down on her but this too, wasn’t her secret to tell.

Misinterpreting Vanessa’s silence, Jodi railed on, years of repressed pain exploding to the surface. “You have no idea what it was like! They were the most popular crowd in school and Frank and his girlfriend…they were the unofficial leaders. If they didn’t like you it was the kiss of death,” Jodi spat out, her voice quavering so much Vanessa felt a pang of sympathy. “They all looked down on me, thought I wasn’t good enough for Joe, wasn’t good enough to be their friend…and the rumors they spread about me—”

“No,” Vanessa cut in her voice low, but determined. “No, I’m sorry, but there is no way they would spread rumors about you or anyone else. I know these people, they were my friends in high school…still are.” Vanessa stopped, suddenly thinking of how supportive these very same people had been of her and Joe in the past year. “They’re not perfect, but none of us is. Okay, they may not have done anything to quash those rumors but I don’t believe for one second they started – or spread – any of them.”

Jodi stared at Vanessa, pain in her eyes and bitterness in her voice. “What would you know about it? You were probably in the popular crowd no matter where you went to school. I’ll bet they all accepted you immediately, right? No questions asked. No rumors either. Joe’s family probably thought you were perfect for him, didn’t they?”

Vanessa bit her tongue understanding it was the pain of being the school outcast talking more than anything else. The last thing Jodi needed to hear was that, yes, as soon as she and Joe started dating, Vanessa had been accepted into his circle of friends with enthusiasm. And the reception from his family – Frank, Laura, Fenton – they had accepted her with open arms, so grateful for her calming influence and presence in Joe’s life.

Looking at Jodi now, Vanessa no longer saw a confident, successful businesswoman but a young girl, still reeling from the pain of rejection so many years ago. She understood they would never see eye-to-eye on this, but decided not to push it. She suddenly felt very sorry for Jodi. While her father had died when Vanessa was just a baby and she’d had no one other than her mother growing up, she’d always felt loved and cherished. She couldn’t even fathom what it must have been like for Jodi growing up feeling so utterly alone.

Vanessa stood to leave, suddenly needing to get home and away from the oppressive sadness Jodi lived with every day.

“Please…don’t tell them.” Jodi’s voice – quiet, trembling and scared – stopped her cold. “If this child is Joe’s, they’ll be told. But if he isn’t…I just don’t want to go through that kind of rejection again if I don’t have to.”

Vanessa nodded silently, turned to leave and then stopped uncertainly. She had already decided she didn’t need to ask about Jodi’s feelings for Joe; they were crystal clear even at just the mention of his name. But as she looked at Jodi now, the question flew from her mouth before she had time to stop it. “Are you still in love with Joe?”

Jodi’s eyes widened for a split second, her jaw dropping slightly. And then the look was gone. She was in control again, with no expression or emotion on her face. Silence hung heavy between them. Seconds ticked by and Vanessa realized Jodi wasn’t going to answer. This time she did turn to leave and had her hand on the door when Jodi’s voice stopped her cold.

“It wouldn’t matter if I was.” The words were soft and ached with sadness. “He’s in love with someone else.”

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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.