HDA - December Magic by RM Chapter 1

The next day, Frank and Joe made their way to the tailor to get their tuxedos for the wedding. They had agreed to do it then because Frank didn’t know what the evening was going to entail.

Frank knew Joe had planned his bachelor party and was well aware that anything was possible. He had questioned Joe numerous times as to what was planned, but his little brother avoided the question or switched subjects, but there was a gleam in his eye. So to be prepared for the unknown, he had decided to get all of the important tasks out of the way knowing there was a possibility that he wouldn’t be in any condition to do anything the next day.

After collecting their tuxedos, Frank and Joe headed to the mall. Frank had ordered a special gift for Caren than she would receive right before the ceremony. He knew the ceremony would be memorable, but he wanted her to have a special memento.

When they arrived at the mall, they made their way to the jeweler. Stepping into the store, the jeweler acknowledged Frank’s presence and motioned that he would be there in a moment since he was helping another customer.

As they waited, Frank looked at the different pieces of jewelry displayed on the velvet mats in the glass case. All of the jewelry was of top quality and he knew whoever received a piece was truly loved.

Turning away from the counter, Frank saw Joe looking in the glass case that held the engagement rings. He had a feeling that sometime in the future his brother would be popping the question to Vanessa.

“Mr. Hardy,” the man said moving toward them.

Frank turned around and smiled at the proprietor, Mr. Dimmond.

“Hello, Mr. Dimmond,” Frank said. “I’m here to pick up that package.”

“I have it all ready for you,” Mr. Dimmond said. “Let me go get it.”

As Mr. Dimmond walked away from the counter, Joe stepped up beside Frank. Joe asked, “So, what is it that you are getting for Caren?”

“Something special,” Frank said vaguely. He knew Joe could keep a secret, but he wanted it to be a surprise.

Mr. Dimmond returned a moment later with a black velvet rectangular box. He handed the box to Frank who opened the box a small bit to peer inside, making sure it was just as he wanted. And it was.

He closed the box and smiled at Mr. Dimmond. He said, “Thank you so much for doing this.”

“It was my pleasure. This is an exquisite piece of art. She will truly love it.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Frank handed Mr. Dimmond a check and in a moment’s time, was given a receipt in return.

He looked at Joe and they left the store. They then left the mall.

“So, where are we heading to next?” Joe asked.

“Anywhere you want,” Frank said. “We took care of the errands that needed to be done, so we’re free to do whatever we want.”

“Aren’t you meeting up with Caren today?”

“Caren and I talked this morning and we’re going to meet up tomorrow.”

Joe’s eyes perked up and a grin filled his face. “So, you’re assuming you’ll be in a condition to meet Caren tomorrow?”

Frank saw the gleam in Joe’s eyes and knew he wasn’t prepared for what the night had in store. He just hoped he survived it.

Reaching the van, they climbed in and Joe started the engine. Joe asked, “Have you come across anything that will lead us to the chest?”

“Not really,” Frank admitted. “I’ve been reading through the journal, but I haven’t found anything. Part of me thinks that the chest is long gone.”

“I have the same feeling,” Joe said. “Nothing we’ve come across actually tells us where it was. Even thought the family believe it’s still on the property, I think it’s long gone.”

“And we’re probably wasting our time looking for it,” Frank said.

“Do you think we should tell Dad and give up the case?” Joe asked.

Frank remained quiet. He hated the thought of giving up the case, but they didn’t have anything solid to go on. None of the information they had been given gave them any indication as to where the chest was stashed. While he wanted to find the chest and see what was hidden inside, he began to doubt they would get it done before the wedding.

“I think the only way we could give up the case is if we can’t find anything. There could be something we’ve missed, but for the life of me, I don’t know what it is.”

“I have that same feeling,” Joe said. “And we’ve been all over that building. If that chest was there, we would have found it.”

“I guess you’re right. And now that the wedding is in two days, there are other things that need our attention.”

“You should be focusing on the wedding,” Joe said. “The case is something Dad and I can pursue after you go on your honeymoon. It’s not like we’re tracking down a murderer or where time is a factor. This is a chest. If it’s been hidden this long, a few more days won’t hurt.”

“I guess you’re right, but I feel bad leaving this to you two. We all belong to the agency and were given this case together.”

“Frank, you have helped on this case by going through the journal and creating the diagram of the building. You’ve done your part. We just haven’t found what we’re looking for.”

“I guess it’s bothering me that we haven’t found anything. I just feel as if we failed solving this.”

“We only fail if we give up,” Joe said. “And we’re not giving up.”

“I like the sound of that,” Frank said. “So, now that we’ve finished discussing that, what’s our next step?”

“Well, we could go to Mr. Pizza and hang out until the time for the party. More than likely, everyone will trickle in there sooner or later.”

Frank looked at Joe curiously. “What do you mean ‘trickle in there sooner or later’? What do you have planned?”

Joe grinned but remained silent. Frank had a feeling his party was starting a lot sooner than he expected.

Frank secured his seatbelt and looked at Joe. “Let’s head to Mr. Pizza.”

“Gladly.” Joe pulled out of the mall parking lot and they were gone.

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Disclaimer

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The authors 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.