Hardy Boys Fan Fiction at the HDA - With This Ring

“Yeah, okay. Tell him I said hi. See you then. Bye.” Frank hung up the phone and turned towards her. “Joe,” he said in answer to her raised eyebrows. “Wanted to tell me he’d be late today. He and Vanessa are going to stop by the hospital and see Tony this morning.” While he spoke, Frank had poured a fresh cup of coffee, added the perfect amount of sweetener and milk and now handed it to her.

“Thanks,” she smiled, taking a sip. “How is he?”

“Joe or Tony?” Frank asked. “Or both?”

“How about all three of them,” she said, knowing Frank would understand she was referring to Vanessa.

Frank pulled out a chair, sat down at the kitchen table and picked up the morning paper. “I called Mr. Prito this morning,” Frank began to answer, stopping to take a long drink of coffee. “Tony has eight stitches and a mild concussion. They kept him overnight just as a precaution. He’ll probably be released today. As for Joe and Van,” he stopped, sighed heavily and shook his head. “Vanessa is heartbroken and Joe wants the thief’s head on a platter – and he’d like to put it there himself.”

Callie sat down next to him, absently twined her fingers through his, and sipped her coffee, staring off into the distance for a moment. “She was just devastated last night.”

“Yeah, I can imagine. Poor kid… she loved that ring,” Frank said. “But better she lose the ring than her life. I know Joe had it insured; I’m sure he can get another one.”

Callie looked at him, shook her head and smiled sadly. He didn’t get it…

“What?” Frank asked.

“It won’t be the same.”

“Sure it will,” Frank replied, sounding a little put out. “Joe said Mr. Kumar was so thrilled with the way it turned out he kept the exact specifications – all his drawings and measurements, from conception to final product, and even a picture of the ring once he finished it. He promised not to make another one like it but he wanted to show potential customers who might want him to create a piece for them what he could do.”

Callie squeezed his hand and leaned over giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “That’s not exactly what I meant. I know he can make an exact duplicate but… it still won’t be the same.”

Frank sat back and spread his hands, helplessly lost.

“It’s not just a ring,” she tried to explain. “It’s so much more… What it represents, the memories that go with it…” she sighed heavily. “I’m not doing a very good job of this am I? Yes, she can get another ring. An exact duplicate of the one she had. No one would ever know the difference – no one except Vanessa. Every time she looked at it, she would know it wasn’t the ring Joe put on her finger when he asked her to be his wife…”

Frank’s eyes were thoughtful for a moment as he considered what she said. “Well, yeah I guess I can see that. But still… no one can steal her memories and if it came down to it – which it apparently did – better she give up the ring than get hurt or killed trying to keep it for the memories attached to it.”

“I guess,” Callie murmured. She took another sip of coffee, Frank returned his attention to the paper and they sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. “You know,” she finally said quietly. “Vanessa didn’t give it up right away.”

Frank looked up from the paper. “I gathered that. Isn’t that how Tony ended up getting hurt?”

Callie nodded, swirling the coffee in her cup and watching the mini-whirlpool it created. “Mm-hmm… And I know she feels horrible about that but…” She looked up now and stared straight into Frank’s eyes. “If it had been me, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done it any differently.”

Frank let out a breath of frustration and slumped back against the chair, his eyes darkening slightly. “I don’t ever want you to get hurt, or worse, because of those,” he said, nodding towards her engagement and wedding rings.

“And I wouldn’t,” Callie assured him. “I’m just saying I know how Vanessa felt. I wouldn’t immediately hand them over either, just because someone told me to. They’re more than just expensive jewelry – much more.”

Frank stared at her for a moment, then put down the paper and took her hand in both of his. “I get it. Believe me, I do. They’re more to me too than just jewelry, but no matter how many memories are attached to those rings…” He stopped and shook his head. “You…and Vanessa… you’re priceless – and irreplaceable. And don’t you ever forget that.”

Callie felt her eyes start to burn, struck by the intensity and emotion in Frank’s voice...and the look in his eyes. When she’d come home the previous night and told him what had happened – that they had been held hostage and threatened by four armed men, however briefly – his first reaction, judging by the look that had flashed in his eyes, was pure fear. It had been immediately followed with overwhelming relief and a bone-crushing embrace. He’d held her like that for several moments, unable to say a word. When he’d finally stepped back and looked at her, his eyes were moist with tears.

Callie squeezed his hand tightly now, remembering, and knowing he really did get it, but for him the cost was simply too high to even contemplate. “I won’t,” she whispered.

Frank suddenly stood and pulled her up, enveloping her in his arms just as he had last night. He held her tightly for a moment, then kissed the top of her head softly and in a trembling voice said, “Good…”

*****

Laura stalked around to the other side of the bed, lifted the sheet and shook it hard. Once it settled down against the mattress, she savagely patted the wrinkles out. Grabbing the down comforter that was in a heap at the bottom of the bed, she yanked it up much more forcefully than necessary.

Unnoticed by her, Fenton stood in the doorway watching with a bemused smile. “Any particular reason you’re abusing the sheets?”

Laura jumped, startled, and turned to look at him. She flushed slightly, embarrassed at having been caught taking out her fury on the linens. “Because I can’t abuse that cretin who stole Vanessa’s ring.”

“And people think Joe got his temper from me,” Fenton winked. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, patting the spot next to him.

Laura sat down heavily and he took her hand. “I’m worried about him,” she said, forlornly.

“The cretin who stole Vanessa’s ring?” Fenton asked, amused.

Laura smacked him on the leg lightly and glared at him, though her mouth hinted at a smile. “I was referring to Joe. You didn’t see him last night, Fenton,” she said with a sigh. “He was angry beyond words. He’ll be out for blood today…maybe I should be worried about the cretin.” She stopped and stared at her husband intently. “Please… don’t let Joe do anything that could get him arrested.”

“You do realize the police in three towns are already working on this case, don’t you?”

She raised an incredulous eyebrow. “That idiot grabbed Vanessa’s hand and stole her engagement ring; practically yanked it right off her finger. You honestly think Joe is going to let the police handle it?”

Fenton shrugged and gave her a sheepish grin. “I can dream, can’t I?”

*****

Joe took the morning paper and his cup of coffee and hurried back to the bedroom. He settled back on the bed, eyeing the almost closed bathroom door and listening to the muted sounds of the shower. They had only been up for a little while but it was long enough for Joe to notice the change in Vanessa. He’d expected her to be quiet and depressed over the theft of her ring but there was something else he hadn’t expected, though maybe he should have given that for the first time in almost five months she woke up screaming in the night.

Whether subconsciously or fully intentional, since they’d gotten up Vanessa had followed Joe everywhere, exhibiting the same behavior of needing to be in constant visual, if not physical, contact with him at all times that she had in the weeks and months after the rape. Not sure if she even realized she was doing it, Joe had noted the way she hesitated taking her morning shower. She had found several excuses not to enter the bathroom until Joe stretched out on the bed. She had almost smiled at him - almost - which he thought was progress although the fact that she didn’t close the door all the way filled him with an aching sadness.

Once he heard the water turn on, he hurried to the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, retrieved the newspaper from just outside the apartment door and quickly returned to the bedroom. ‘At least she’s getting ready to go out,’ he thought absently, momentarily chilled at the memory of the way Vanessa had locked herself away in the apartment, refusing to see anyone in the days after she’d been raped, and decided he would take comfort in that. Maybe this was just a blip on the radar, Joe thought hopefully, rather than a complete backslide into those dark, dark days.

Forgoing the sports section, Joe turned to the Local section of the paper first, finding an article on the robbery at Prito’s on the front page. His forehead creased in concentration, he read the article – twice – the investigator in him mentally cataloguing every piece of information he might be able to use to track down the thieves, no matter how unimportant it seemed right now.

Tossing the paper aside, Joe settled back against the headboard noting there was no mention at all of Vanessa’s ring being stolen and wasn’t sure he was happy about that. He knew the police sometimes withheld information that only the thieves would know, especially in cases where they had no suspects. It helped narrow down the field when they finally did find someone to bring in for questioning. Professionally, he understood completely but personally it only fed his fury.

If they could blanket the news media with information about the ring he was sure they’d get it back – and soon. It was the kind of story that tugged at the heartstrings – a made to order, one of a kind engagement ring being stolen, leaving its owner heartbroken. With the added benefit of the ring being so unique it would probably be easily noticed and therefore, quickly returned to its rightful owner. Exactly the kind of story people loved to see end happily. Joe cursed silently knowing that withholding information about the ring was going to make a happy ending that much harder to achieve.

‘Harder,’ he reminded himself, with anger-fueled determination, ‘but not impossible.’

Joe heard Vanessa moving about in the bathroom, indicating she’d finished showering and then the loud whirring of the hairdryer. Knowing she’d be out in a few moments he got up and dressed, finishing just as she emerged. He turned to look at her and though his heart ached, he plastered a smile on his face. The carefully applied makeup couldn’t completely conceal her red-rimmed and slightly swollen eyes and nothing could mask the despair reflected in them.

“We have time to stop for a quick breakfast if you want,” Joe suggested.

“Yeah, sure,” Vanessa shrugged indifferently.

Her voice was quiet and devoid of emotion and Joe cursed inwardly; this was not his bubbly, outgoing fiancée. Needing to do something to alleviate the emotional pain she was in, Joe took her in his arms and held her tightly. “I’m gonna get it back, Baby, I promise,” he said fiercely. Even knowing it was a promise he might not be able to keep, Joe couldn’t seem to stop. “The ring I proposed to you with, not a replacement.”

He felt her arms tighten around him and they stood for a moment before she pulled back and looked at him. “Thank you,” she said quietly, looking as if she wanted to smile but couldn’t quite manage it. She said nothing more but her eyes did; she hoped he could find the ring, wanted desperately to believe it, but the flicker of doubt told him she was also being realistic and knew she might never see the original again. And that only made Joe all the more determined…

*****

Kara watched as Tony wrinkled his nose and pushed the half-eaten tray of food away. Tony’s parents had called her the night before and she’d arrived first thing this morning, taking the day off work so she could worry, hover and generally baby him – something Tony was sucking up for all he was worth.

“I can go out and get you something if you want,” she offered.

Tony smiled, considering her offer when there was a soft knock on the door. They both turned as the door opened several inches and Joe Hardy’s blonde head appeared. “Hey, you up for a couple of visitors?” he asked with a smile.

“Yeah,” Tony grinned, come on in.

Joe pushed the door open all the way and held it while Vanessa walked in, then followed her. Immediately Tony was struck by the way Vanessa seemed to be practically standing on top of Joe, holding his hand tightly in both of hers.

“Hey, Van,” he smiled at her. “How are you?” Quiet and subdued, she wasn’t even close to the fun-loving girl who could match Joe quip for quip without missing a beat and that made Tony even more regretful he hadn’t been able to prevent the theft of her ring. Yes, his family had lost most of the weekend’s receipts but even his father had been more upset at the loss of Vanessa’s ring, telling him just this morning, “It’s only money, Antonio. We’ll make more tomorrow, but Vanessa, poor thing, lost so much more…”

Tony knew his father was furious when he let loose a string of profanity in Italian, something he reserved only for a select few, and ended with an Italian curse on the thief that left Tony blushing.

“Tony, I’m so sorry!” Vanessa blurted out, her voice shaking. “If I’d just given him the ring the first time he asked you never would have gotten hurt.”

“Stop right there,” Tony insisted, seeing she was on the verge of tears. “Don’t apologize for something that wasn’t your fault. He had no right to take your ring. He’s the only one to blame.”

“But-”

“But nothing,” Tony cut her off. “I just got a few stitches and a mild concussion. With this hard Italian head, that’s nothing,” he scoffed. “Besides, if not for this,” he pointed to the small bandage covering his stitches, “Kara wouldn’t be here spoiling me silly. So in all fairness I should be thanking you. I get the day off and my favorite girl is here to cater to my every whim.” He pulled on Kara’s hand and she leaned over for a quick kiss.

“Thank you, Tony,” Vanessa said quietly, giving him a split second smile. She hesitated and then released Joe’s hand, walked to the bed and gave Tony a hug.

Tony hugged her hard, wishing he could say something – anything – to fix this for her. As she stood, so did Kara and the two women hugged tightly. Feeling the weight of someone staring at him, Tony turned towards Joe.

‘Thank you,’ the younger Hardy mouthed, his eyes shining with gratitude.

Tony nodded silently and then, for the first time, noticed the bag in Joe’s hand and more importantly, noticed the delicious aroma emanating from it. “What’s that?” he asked hopefully.

Joe grinned and handed him the bag from a local fast food restaurant. “Hey, I’ve been in these places enough to know the food alone can kill you,” he joked, waving a hand to encompass the small hospital room. “Thought you might be hungry.”

“Aw man, you are awesome!” Tony cried out, digging into the bag.

“I know,” Joe replied, prompting Vanessa to roll her eyes.

‘A good sign,’ Tony thought, taking a large bite of the breakfast sandwich.

“So,” Joe continued, grabbing a chair and dragging it closer to the bed. “How many stitches did you get? And when are they gonna spring you?”

Tony held up a finger, chewing slowly and savoring each bite. “Eight,” he finally replied after swallowing, “and I’m getting out today, soon as the attending makes his rounds.”

“Eight?” Joe scoffed. “That’s it?! You’re still not even close to my record,” he boasted.

“What is it with guys?” Kara asked Vanessa, shaking her head. “Is everything a competition?”

“Yes!” Joe and Tony chorused, causing Vanessa to laugh out loud.

Tony grinned at Joe who looked relieved at least for the moment, and then returned his attention to the bag Joe had brought. He poked around in it for a moment then looked up at Joe and frowned. “Dude… where’s the coffee?” he asked, accusingly. “Don’t tell me you forgot coffee?!”

“Not exactly,” Joe responded and Tony was happy to see Vanessa actually smile, however brief.

“He dropped it,” she explained, throwing a loving but reproving look at Joe.

“You dropped my coffee?” Tony said, aghast. “Man can’t survive without coffee! At least this one can’t.”

Joe spread his hands helplessly and gave Tony a patented charming smile. “Just call me klutz.”

Tony threw him a mock glare, muttered “Klutz,” and was rewarded with a spontaneous giggle from Vanessa.

“You know I could use a cup of coffee myself,” Kara said sliding off the edge of the bed where she’d been perched. “Come on, Van. There’s a machine right down the hall.”

Vanessa hesitated for a moment but Kara smiled encouragingly at her friend and looped her arm through Vanessa’s. “We’ll be right back,” she said, hurrying towards the door and tugging Vanessa out with her.

As the door closed Joe turned to Tony, his eyes serious. “Tony, man, I can’t thank you enough for what you did last night. If you hadn’t been there…” His voice trailed off and Joe swallowed hard.

“I only wish I’d been more successful, then Vanessa would still have her ring,” Tony lamented.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Joe said, his voice ominous and his eyes flashing darkly. “She’ll get it back.”

Tony knew that look but before he could say anything, the door opened and the two girls came in bearing coffee for all of them. For the next several minutes, subtly coerced by Kara, the four friends talked about everything but what had happened the previous evening and by the time Joe and Vanessa were ready to leave, Vanessa seemed a bit more like herself.

After a round of hugs and kisses from the girls and a heartfelt handshake from Joe, Tony and Kara were alone again. Kara settled on the edge of the bed once more and Tony took her hand, caressing it gently. “You’re a very good friend,” he murmured, referring to the way she’d been able to put Vanessa at ease, even if only for a short time.

Kara smiled sadly and sighed. “She really loved that ring. I hope she gets it back but I just don’t know…” Kara picked up the newspaper strewn across the bottom of the bed and stared at the story about the robbery at Prito’s. “These guys are so good who knows when – or if – they’ll ever be caught.”

Tony glanced at the paper and smiled mysteriously. “Oh, they’ll be caught all right. I just wish I could be there to see it.”

Kara tilted her head, bemused. “How can you be so sure?”

“They just made their first mistake,” Tony said knowingly as he settled back against the pillows.

Kara arched an eyebrow. “Oh? What’s that?”

He looked at her and grinned. “Incurring the wrath of Joe Hardy.”

Let the author know what you think of this story

Home Library Authors Rogue's Gallery Vehicles Chums Message Board Rap Sheet Links Contact

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.