We definitely need this break, he thought. And we are looking forward to this time without any cases.

As he turned the corner, he watched several of the football players knock the books out of a girls hand. The players laughed as they continued down the hall. Frank made his way to the girl who was crouched on the floor gathering her books and loose papers. He kneeled down and helped her.

Handing the papers and books over, he realized it was Rachel Morris. She was also a senior. She had long, brown braided down her back.

Rachel looked at him. "Thanks Frank."

"You’re welcome," Frank said as they stood up. "I think we got it all."

"Thanks." Rachel turned and hurried in the direction Frank had come.

Frank continued to his locker. It wasn’t funny what they did to Rachel, he thought. But they are constantly picking on her just to get laughs. They just won’t stop. I don’t think they realize how cruel it is.

Reaching his locker, he saw his girlfriend of four years, Callie Shaw, standing there waiting for him. He shoulder length blonde hair circled her face.

She smiled as he approached. "There you are."

"Hey." Frank gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Are you ready for the weekend?" Callie asked as Frank opened his locker.

"Definitely." Frank put his books inside.

"Are we still going to Matt and Melissa’s party?"

"I don’t see why not." Frank fished through his books for his history and English texts.

"I wonder if the football players will be there."

Frank looked at her. "Have they been bothering you?"

Callie shook her head. "Not me. They’ve just been their usual mean selves to Rachel."

"They must be bored since it isn’t football season."

"Frank?"

"They knocked the books out of her hands a few minutes ago."

"I can’t understand why they pick on her."

"I don‘t know either," Frank said closing his locker. "They probably see it as fun. Come on, let’s not worry about it. We should be focusing on a weekend of fun."

"Okay. I won’t worry, but the only way we’ll have fun this weekend is if you and Joe don’t get involved in any cases."

"Joe and I are both looking for a relaxing weekend since baseball practice starts next week."

"Good thinking."

"Come on, Callie. Let’s get out of here. We’ll give you a ride home."

"That would be great."

They exited the building among the students and headed for the parking lot. They made their way to the Hardy van squeezing between parked cars. They were halfway across the lot when they heard an engine.

Frank looked and saw a red convertible coming toward them. The driver was busy talking with the passengers instead of watching where they were going. The car was speeding up.

He grabbed Callie’s arm and pulled her out of the way a moment before the car flew past. Frank looked at the car and saw it was full of football players wearing their school jackets. The car exited the lot.

Frank turned to Callie. "Are you all right?"

"I’m fine."

Joe suddenly appeared. "What happened? Are you two all right?"

"We’re fine," Frank said.

"Those guys need to be taught a lesson," Joe said angrily.

"Cool it," Frank said. "As I already said, we’re both fine. There’s no need for you to get into a fight with the entire football team."

"They better watch it."

"Just get in the van," Frank said. "And forget about it."

They climbed in with Frank behind the wheel. As they headed toward Callie’s house, she asked, "Joe, is Vanessa coming to the party tomorrow?"

"She’s going to meet me there," Joe said from the back seat. "She has to work with her mom for a while then she’ll swing by."

"The party is going to be so much fun," Callie said.

"It’s nice that Matt and Melissa are hosting it," Joe said.

"Definitely," Frank agreed.

"I hope someone has a party for my graduating class," Joe said, who was only a junior.

"Someone probably will. But the party won’t be as good as ours though."

"You’re real funny, Frank."

*****

Just after noon the following day, Frank, Joe and Callie were making their way to the beach where the party was being held. Frank parked the can in the lot and they made their way down to the party. Music was blasting. Some classmates were playing volleyball, others swimming or sitting on the beach and others were already at the food tables including their friend, Chet Morton.

Joe led the way over to Chet who was putting together a sandwich.

"If it isn’t the Hardy’s," Chet said, surprised. "Which case have you set aside to grace us with your presence."

"We’re not on a case," Frank said. "We’re on vacation."

"That won’t last long," Chet said. "You’ll get involved in one in no time."

"I doubt another case will come along," Frank said. "I’m looking forward to a vacation."

"I’m looking forward to it too." Callie took hold of Frank’s arm. "It’ll give us a chance to spend some quality time together."

At that moment, Matt Williams came over to them. He was six feet tall with black hair and blue eyes. He said, "I’m glad you all could make it."

"It’s a great party," Joe said.

"It is great," Matt admitted. "Enjoy yourselves." Matt moved to another group of partygoers.

"Matt’s a nice guy," Chet said.

"You think he’s nice because he has so much food at the parties," Joe said.

"Food is an important element for a successful party."

Frank looked at Callie. "Guys, we’ll catch you later. It’s time to have fun.

*****

Through the afternoon, Frank and Callie played volleyball with their classmates. Vanessa showed up a while later and joined the team Joe was on. When the game finally ended, everyone decided to go into the water to cool off. The volleyball was being tossed around along with several Frisbees.

Frank stepped back from the water games watching Callie and Vanessa attempt to dunk Joe. His brother was struggling, but the girls didn’t seem to want to give up.

A voice calling for help caught Frank’s attention over the loud music. He took his gaze away from his brother and the girls and searched the water. He tried to figure out where the voice was coming from. He continued to scan the water.

He suddenly spotted splashing in the distance. He watched for a moment and the splashing stopped. Frank realized the person was sinking.