Prologue
Southeast, Washington, DC
April 1973
FENTON HARDY HAD BEEN considering this for a long time. He had joined the top secret American intelligence agency known only as the Network when he was twenty. Back then he had been looking for adventure and excitement. And he had been single.
Now, however, things were different. He had a wife and new two story house they just bought in the small town of Bayport, New York. He had responsibilities. He was starting a family.
And this life had to end.
He walked into the office of his superior, the Assistant Director of the Network, a balding man who had to be at least eighty. Rumor was that he had been a kingpin in World War I military intelligence. That was over fifty years ago. Jesus.
"I want out," Hardy bluntly stated.
The Assistant Director looked up from the stack of papers he was thumbing through. "What?" He asked with a Southern drawl.
"I want out. I can't stay in the Network any longer. I've got a wife now and kids can't be too far off. I'm twenty-five, sir. I have my whole life ahead of me. I want to make it a peaceful one."
The old man shook his head. "You're a damn good agent, Hardy."
"Thank you, sir."
He seemed hesitant. "You sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
"Then I guess there's nothing more to discuss. You are hereby released from the employment of the Network and forevermore obligated to tell no civilian of our existence. Do you understand?"
A huge smile came across Hardy's tanned face. "Yes, sir."
"Pick up the official papers tomorrow and go clean out your desk. Good luck, Hardy. You've got one hell of a beautiful wife. Make her happy."
Hardy began to feel embarrassed. "I will, sir."
And that was that. Fenton Hardy's spying days were over.