Frank sat in the office of Chief Black with Fenton Hardy. They had met to discuss developments and to wait for any news from ‘the operative’ as Black had referred to Joe. Frank had been tempted to tell him that the ‘operative’ was probably not operating on all four cylinders thanks to the little stunt authorized by him the day before, but a warning look shot by Fenton made him hold his tongue.

‘I’d say I have to agree with Frank and Joe about Alex and his friends not being involved in the serious crime going on at the school,’ Fenton was saying. ‘None of their background checks suggest it, and Frank says that Joe’s gut feeling is that it’s not them.’

Chief Black fiddled with the pen in his hand and raised his eyebrows.

‘Well, I don’t know about excluding suspects on the basis of ‘gut feelings’, but it’s true we haven’t got any solid evidence against any of them,’ he stated, further irritating Frank, although there was no evidence of this in the older Hardy’s cool exterior.

Suddenly Frank’s mobile rang. He answered it immediately, recognizing Joe’s number on the display.

‘Joe, how’s it going?’

‘Fine. Listen, I need you to do a more thorough check on The Deputy Principal, and a new one on David Banister’. Joe quickly relayed the story AJ had told him. Frank scribbled down some notes as he listened.

‘Okay. I’ll handle that and get back to you.’ Frank passed the notes over to his father and Black before lowering his voice and turning away from the table slightly.

‘How’s everything else? How are you..coping?’

‘The Welfare Officer has been into every class and told everyone there’s counselling available for anyone who wants it. There are lots of rumors flying around. I’m just keeping my ear to the ground.’ Frank was painfully aware of the off-handedness in Joe’s tone. He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked up at his father.

‘Hang on, Joe. Dad wants to talk to you.’

‘Sorry. Gotta go. Tell him I’m between classes at the moment. I don’t wanna get busted. Speak to you later.’

Frank hung up and relayed the message to his father who nodded, disappointment clearly etched in his face. Frank wanted to scream ‘What do you expect?! Why the hell would he want to talk to you?!’ at his father, but he didn’t. He couldn’t see how it would change anything.