Meta says: Alright, we can hear ppl asking: Where's the mystery?
Scrawler says: Good question. That reminds me: It's time to blow them up! Kaboom! (evil grin)
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Chapter 4:
"An hour detention after school, Hardy," Joe said to Frank, mimicking the teacher's voice. The last bell had rung, and the students were leaving the room. "Detention on our first day! What a record!"
"Bad luck," Biff said sympathetically. "But really! I agree, Mr. Wilson must be the most awful teacher in Bayport High."
Jerry Gilroy let out a loud guffaw. "Wilson is a terrible bore. I wonder how he became a teacher." he mimicked. "Really, this is a classic. We should use it as a caption in our yearbook."
"Hey! It's not funny," Frank protested, and swatted Jerry lightly on the arm.
"Yeah! And he's giving us a test this week too!" Chet groaned. "Whoever heard of tests on the first week of school?"
Jerry shook his head gloomily. "I think I'm gonna to fail that test. I don't even know what he's talking about the whole lesson."
"Battle of the Ardennes. Also known as Battle of the Bulge," Katie prompted helpfully, and Frank smiled at her. She had gotten to know the 'gang' by now – Vanessa had introduced them between classes, and they rather liked her. Then again, Katie was an amiable, friendly girl, and got along with most people easily.
Biff shot her an incredulous look. "Wow! You mean you were paying attention this morning? I thought no one did. Even Frank didn't. And you were late!"
Vanessa laughed. "Well, her dad is a history teacher. He writes history books."
"Hey! Are you guys coming?" Chet interrupted. "I'm hungry!"
Biff laughed. "You'll never win your battle of the bulge if you keep eating like that!" he remarked as he hit Chet's tummy playfully. He turned to the others, Frank and Joe in particular. "We are meeting up with Phil and Tony at Mr. Pizza's, Call one of us when your detention is over. We may still be there. Or at least Tony will." Mr. Pizza was the name of a pizza parlor in Bayport mall where they loved to hang out, and where Tony regularly worked after school. "Hey Katie! Wanna join us?"
Katie shook her head lightly. "I'd love to, but I can't. I need to meet with the school counselor; she's expecting me about…,' She glanced at the clock on the classroom wall and grinned sheepishly. "… right now." Waving cheerfully, she bid her new friends goodbye and exited the room.
"Alright," Biff nodded. "We should go too. Enjoy your detention!" he called as Jerry slapped a hand on Frank's shoulder.
"I wonder what Phil will say when he hears that Frank Hardy's in detention!"
Frank laughed and waved them off. Then he and Joe set off to see Mr. Wilson.
They were about half an hour into their homework when they heard a loud boom outside, followed by the sound of shattering glass. A slight tremor vibrated through the building as thick black clouds billowed into the sky above. A second explosion followed a few seconds later.
Sensing an emergency, Mr. Wilson hurriedly went out to check out the commotion. Frank and Joe leapt to the window in a trice.
They stared in a mix of horror and dismay, momentarily stunned by the sight. Thick dense smoke were rising from the far end of the school parking lot and flames could be seen leaping up from a burning wreckage. The Hardys' van, as well as the car next to them, were in the fiery blaze; one had probably caught the fire from the other. No one was seen about.
"Our… our van," Joe spluttered, turning a ghastly pale, as memories of a similar incident flooded his mind. The explosion… their convertible…. Bayport Mall… Iola… all that happened a couple years ago. His former girlfriend, Iola Morton, had died in that one. He shook himself, trying to relieve his mind from these horrible memories. Frank placed a protective arm on his brother's shoulder and ushered him away from the window.
They were stunned for a few moments, not knowing what to say. "W…was anyone in there?" Joe stuttered, finally breaking the silence. His voice was still shaking from the shock.
Frank did not answer. He had turned his head to the window again. He stared silently at the blazing vehicles, suddenly realizing that the bomb had probably been timed to blow them up on the way home. Had they not been in detention, they would probably have died.
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Alright, mystery starting. Stay tuned. We'll build it up slowly until it ends.
By the way, for you sadistic ones out there – if you have a particular preference of what you want to see happen to them, let us know. We'll try to work it in, tho we can't promise that we will be able to weave each and every suggestion into the story.