He had just finished his last final exam for the semester and was looking forward to the month-long winter break including the holidays. He let out a breath as he trudged along the snow beaten path to the parking lot.

Joe was lucky he had his last final yesterday, Frank thought. He’s lucky he doesn’t have to be out here fighting this weather.

Frank and Joe were a senior and junior respectively at Bayport University majoring in criminal justice to give them additional knowledge since they were private detectives following the footsteps of their father, well-known private investigator, Fenton Hardy.

Frank finally reached the parking lot and unlocked his car door. He slid into the drivers seat, started the engine and turned the defroster on full blast. Taking a breath, he realized he needed to brush the snow off the car that had piled up while he had been taking his exam.

As he worked, he wished he had brought the van knowing there would be less snow to brush off since the windshield and hood were slanted. But he had opted for his own car since Joe had volunteered to run some errands for their mother, picking up last minute holiday gifts and supplies for Christmas dinner.

Frank brushed the snow off himself and slid into the drivers seat again. Turning the windshield wipers on, he was ready to head home. He was looking forward to the holidays, not just because the family would be together, but he had special plans of his own.

Heading off campus, he took his time since visibility was not the best and at the same time thought about his plans. On Christmas Eve, he was going to have a quiet dinner with his girlfriend of seven years, Callie Shaw. The dinner had become a tradition she since was attending New York University majoring in journalism.

They had made the relationship work since both campuses were an hour away from downtown Bayport, but in opposite directions. While Frank was living at home, Callie had jumped at the opportunity to live on campus when she found out it wouldn’t cost her a cent. Frank and Callie had quickly realized the challenges of being apart, but knew how much they loved each other and figured out ways they could be together.

"This is going to be great," Frank murmured as he got on the interstate. "I can’t wait to see her face."

Frank had planned the meal for the quiet dinner and knew they would have the house alone. His parents were going to a Christmas Eve service then to a party, and Joe had plans to spend the evening with Vanessa at her place. Everything was falling into place.

Glancing in the rear view mirror, Frank saw a pair of lights coming up behind him quickly. He mumbled, "What is this person doing?"

Frank held onto the steering wheel as he felt the road becoming more slippery as he traveled along. A glance at the side view mirror showed the lights getting closer.

Suddenly the vehicle swerved to the left of Frank’s car and started to pass him. Frank eased off the gas pedal to the let the other car go by. Looking out the windshield, he saw a pair of headlights coming toward them on the wrong side of the interstate.

The vehicle beside him swerved to the right hitting Frank’s car. Unable to hold the car still on the slick pavement, Frank pressed down on the brakes to keep the car from going into the ditch.

But it was too late. The car slammed into the ditch throwing Frank forward against the steering wheel, hitting his forehead. His head snapped back and slammed into the drivers side window and headrest. The last thing he saw was a sheet of white before he blacked out.

*****

Twenty-year-old Joe Hardy backed the van into the Hardy driveway, glad to finally be home. He was aggravated with all the errands he had run for this mother. He hadn’t minded before he left, but after being pushed around, cut off in the parking lots for spots and being yelled at by other customers in stores, he was glad to be home.

"Mom! I’m back!" Joe yelled walking into the house through the kitchen door.

"Did you get everything?" Laura Hardy asked coming into the room.

"Everything is in the van."

"I really appreciate you doing this for me today," Laura said. "There is so much that needs to be done before the holiday and I didn’t think I would get it done."

Joe forced a smile on his face. "I was glad to help." He turned back to the door. "I’ll start bringing the stuff in."

"Thanks, Joe."

Making numerous trips, Joe brought in all the items he had purchased and left them in the kitchen to be sorted. After bringing in the last bag, Joe slipped his jacket off and set it on the hook by the door. Joe took the food out of the bags and put the items in the cupboard of refrigerator where they belonged.

Just as he closed the refrigerator door, the telephone rang and he grabbed it. "Hello, Hardy residence."

"Hi, Joe," a female voice said that he quickly recognized.

"Hi, Callie. How are you?"

"I’m fine."

"Did you just get back?" Joe asked glancing out the window as the snow seemed to get heavier.

"I’ve been home a little while," Callie said. "I know Frank had a final today and was wondering if he was back yet."

"Not yet," Joe said looking at his watch. "But he should be here soon. Do you want him to call when he gets home?"

"I would appreciate it, Joe."

"No problem," Joe said.

"Bye," Callie said.

"Bye," Joe said and put the phone down.

He looked at his watch again wondering where his brother was. He thought, I know students are given three hours to finish the exam, and even if Frank used all that time, he still should’ve been home by now.

"Mom?" Joe asked heading into the living room where Laura was wrapping gifts for friends of the family.

She looked up as he entered the room. "What is it, Joe?"

"Has Frank called?"

"No," Laura responded. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"No," Joe said trying not to worry her. "I just thought he’d be home by now."

"Don’t worry about Frank. He probably is talking with his classmates or stopped to pick up some last minute gifts."

"You’re probably right," Joe said glancing out the window and saw the snow was coming down even more than before, making it impossible to see across the street. "I’ll go finish putting the groceries away."

"Thanks, Joe."

Joe made his way back to the kitchen. But before he got there, the phone rang again. He grabbed it. "Hello?"

"Hi, son."

"Hey Dad. Where are you?"

"On my way home, but I may be later than expected. The roads are in bad shape and the going is slow."

"Any idea how long?"

"Maybe an hour or two. Joe, did you pick up that item I asked you to?"

"Yeah, it’s here."

"Good. Now, how did Frank do on his final exam?"

"I don’t know," Joe said continuing to the kitchen so his mother couldn’t hear his end of the conversation. "He hasn’t gotten home yet."

"Really?" Fenton asked. "He should’ve been home by now even with this weather."

"I was thinking that too."

"He may have had car trouble and is waiting for assistance. I wouldn’t worry."

"You’re probably right," Joe said, but he wasn’t convinced.

"All right," Fenton said. "Well, I will see you when I get home."

"Okay, Dad," Joe said. "See you later."

"Bye."