Hardy Detective Agency featuring Hardy Boys Fan Fiction

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Wednesday, 3.30pm

When Frank, Joe and AJ returned to the Hardy house mid afternoon, Frank was surprised to find to find the driveway full. As Frank was parking out the front on the road, AJ let out a long, appreciative wolf whistle.

‘Check out this hot chick!’ he said enthusiastically. Frank laughed heartily as Joe hastily got out of the van.

‘That hot chick happens to be Joe’s girlfriend, Vanessa,’ Frank explained, as AJ’s mouth dropped open in shock. As Joe and Vanessa greeted each other as though they had just reluctantly spent a year apart, Frank and AJ climbed out of the van.

‘When Joe comes up for air,’ Frank said disgustedly, ‘I’m sure he’ll remember his manners and introduce you.’

Still with his arm around his girlfriend, Joe managed to drag his eyes away from Vanessa’s face for a moment.

‘ Ness , this is AJ. You already know my ancient brother!’

Vanessa smiled at AJ, her beautiful, grey eyes warm and welcoming. AJ felt he could just melt into those eyes and happily disappear into oblivion.

‘Great to finally meet you, AJ,’ she said. ‘Joe’s told me a lot about you. I hope you’re not putting up with too much nonsense from him!’

‘Nonsense from me!’ exclaimed Joe, pretending to look hurt. Vanessa took his hand and started to walk towards the house.

‘Come on,’ she urged him. ‘Your mum’s decided to have a barbecue this afternoon. Sort of like a ‘start to the holidays’ party. Your aunt said it would be a good way to introduce AJ to everyone as well. That’s why the gang’s here. Well, besides Phil and Tony. Phil’s gone to an I.T. convention and Tony’s working. Callie and I have been waiting for you guys to come and help set up chairs and stuff outside.’

As Joe allowed himself to be led inside like a helpless puppy, AJ and Frank followed. As they entered the house they were greeted by Chet Morton, Biff Hooper and Callie Shaw. Callie slipped her hand into Frank’s and kissed his cheek before turning her attention to the brothers’ new friend.

‘Hi AJ,’ she said warmly. ‘I’m Callie. I was going to wait for Joe to introduce you to everyone but he goes off in la la land every now and then. Allow me.’

The group laughed, including Joe and Vanessa. Callie put her arm through AJ’s.

‘This is Chet Morton,’ she said. ‘We’ve all known him for just about forever.’

Chet extended his hand to shake AJ’s, his round face friendly and enthusiastic.

‘Great to meet you AJ.’

‘And Frank tells me you’ve already met Biff Hooper,’ she added. AJ grinned at the tall, blonde and muscular young guy he had initially known as Joe’s older brother.

‘Couldn’t stay away?’ Biff joked good-naturedly as he shook AJ’s hand. ‘Don’t you realise these Hardys are nothing but trouble by now?’

‘Oh they’re not so bad,’ said AJ with a laugh. ‘Although they’ve already put me to work looking through old newspaper files. I’ve never spent so much time in a library.’

‘Shame on you both,’ said Callie, pretending to scold them. ‘Can’t you just be friends with someone without dragging them into a mystery?’

‘Oh come on Cal !’ said Joe, still with his arm around Vanessa. ‘You love a bit of a mystery! Admit it. That’s why you go out with my tall, dark and mysterious brother!’

‘Alright, put a sock in it,’ muttered Frank. He could see that Joe was warming to one of his favourite sports: Making Jokes At Frank’s Expense. And Biff and Chet would only be too pleased to egg him on. Luckily, he was saved by the appearance of Aunt Gertrude.

‘They’ll be no putting of socks anywhere except on the feet they belong to,’ Gertrude announced briskly. ‘Frank and Joe, I need the extra garden chairs taken out of the shed and arranged outside. No, not you AJ. You’re a guest. You can come and have a cool drink and tell me what the three of you got up to today.’

With that, Gertrude walked smartly into the kitchen. AJ, not quite believing his luck, grinned at everyone as he followed her. This Aunt Gertrude was certainly full of surprises!

…..

Wednesday, 6.00pm

Some time later, the Hardys' back garden was alive with music, laughter and jovial conversation. Even Fenton Hardy had managed to be home for dinner; a record according to Laura. As the sun began to set, the garden lights came on, creating a warm glow. AJ was rarely alone for more than a few moments. Frank’s beautiful girlfriend wanted to hear all about what had gone on at AJ’s school when the boys had gone undercover there. ‘I’ve heard a bit about it,’ Callie had said, her eyes twinkling, ‘but I’d love to hear about it from your perspective. How badly did Joe actually behave?’ Aunt Gertrude hovered by him every now and again, as if she was making sure he was fitting in okay. AJ wondered why she cared so much. He wasn’t used to adults genuinely worrying about how he was feeling! Joe and Biff engaged in several bouts of arm wrestling to the delight of the stunning Vanessa. Biff won every round. ‘But my poor baby still has a handicap,’ Vanessa had protested, to which Joe had added, ‘Don’t talk about Frank like that!’ Chet and Frank were having an animated discussion about some new piece of machinery the Mortons were buying for the farm. AJ found Chet so even-tempered and obliging. He couldn’t imagine anything being too much trouble for him.

‘I think I heard the doorbell,’ Gertrude suddenly informed Laura and Fenton.

‘I’ll get it,’ Fenton told her. ‘I’m not expecting anyone. I wonder who’s calling at this hour.’

He returned to the garden after five minutes or so with none other than Winston Carter. The elderly man looked horribly embarrassed and was protesting vigorously.

‘No, it’s an intrusion! I must decline. If I’d known you were entertaining, I would have postponed my visit until tomorrow.’

‘Nonsense,’ was Fenton’s reply. ‘We have plenty of dessert and coffee.’

Frank and Joe moved to stand next to their father. They both shook Winston’s hand.

‘I only came to see whether you boys had made any progress,’ explained Winston, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. ‘It’s been so long since anyone has shown interest in Angelica, I guess I’m a little impatient. Please forgive me.’

‘It’s cool,’ Joe told the man kindly. ‘We did do some investigating today. Just checked out the newspaper records and police reports. It’s kind of hard to come up with theories before you’ve got a complete picture.’

‘We’re on holidays for two weeks,’ Frank assured him. ‘We’ll be able to do a lot more looking over that time.’

‘Thank you boys,’ said Winston humbly. ‘It was worth the taxi fare just to hear you say you’re trying. I’ll be going now and letting you get back to your festivities.’

‘Nonsense!’ insisted Fenton. ‘You’ll at least stay for some cake and coffee.’ He took the still protesting man over to Gertrude who immediately provided him with some cake and a chair, and sat down beside him.

‘All these young people here remind me of my Angelica,’ Winston said, his eyes tearing up a little. ‘She loved getting together with her friends.’

‘You poor, poor man,’ said Gertrude, sympathizing with him. She had experienced the angst of having one of her nephews go missing temporarily. The thought of having one go missing for three years appalled her.

‘My nephews will do everything they can,’ she assured him as Laura handed him a cup of coffee.

Over the next half an hour or so, the adults listened to and enjoyed the banter of the teenagers. Biff was talking about how he’d offered to help out the local petrol station operator the next day. Chet told a few amusing anecdotes about a recently delivered litter of piglets, while he consumed much dessert. The Hardy brothers and their girlfriends thoroughly enjoyed the second night in a row of each other’s company. Finally, Winston got up with the help of his cane.

‘I really must be going,’ he told Fenton. ‘Thank you so very much for your hospitality. You are not only a fine detective; you’re a fine man.’

‘I’ll call you a taxi and wait outside with you,’ insisted Fenton. Amidst a chorus of goodbyes from the gathering, Winston left with Fenton.

As Fenton saw the taxi leave and re-entered the house, he was met by AJ.

‘You off too?’ enquired Fenton, shaking the boy’s hand.

‘Yes sir,’ he replied. ‘I promised a friend of mine I’d meet him at the mall. I didn’t know I’d be invited to stay for dinner. I’m really sorry to be leaving early. I’ve had a great time.’

‘Glad to hear it,’ said Fenton, clapping him on the shoulder. ‘You take care now. Good night.’

As AJ walked off down Elm Street , he could hear friendly laughter still ringing out into the night air. Yeah, he thought to himself with a smile, I’ve had a really great time.