So sorry for not updating sooner. I've been really busy. If you work in retail and with the holidays coming,you'll understand.
Here is my new chapter, Hope you like it. Let me know what you think?
I don't own Hardy Boys
Iola's Treasure 4
Joe took another look at his watch that said seven thirty. He was feeling a bit anxious about the party tonight. Endless thoughts of what to say to Mr. Douglas went through his mind. "He'll just have to understand... He simply has to." Finally taking in a deep breath, Joe let out a sigh to calm his nerves as he stood in front of the bathroom mirror fixing his satin blue tie.
Reaching into his back pocket, Joe pulled out a small picture of a girl of about seventeen with a medium frame. The girl was wearing a yellow spaghetti strap sundress and her dark hair hung in soft waves, cascading over her shoulders and down her back. Instantly his anxiety began to fade away, looking into the emerald green eyes of his late-girlfriend.
"Iola, don't worry. That island belongs to us. Frank and I will do whatever it takes to save Barmet Island. I assure you." Joe vowed, scrunching up his face with determination before placing the picture back into his pocket. He grabbed his black jacket off the hook on the door and headed downstairs to find Frank.
Meanwhile, Laura had gotten home from the church rummage sale. Even though she was exhausted from her busy day, all her thoughts were on Joe. She simply couldn't stop herself from worrying about him. She walked into the kitchen to find her oldest son all dressed up in a navy suit and tie standing by the sink drinking a glass of water.
"Hey Mom," Frank greeted, trying to sound nonchalant. "How was the church rummage sale?"
"It was really good. We raised a lot of money for the homeless shelter." Laura answered. "You look nice. Why are you all dressed up?" She inquired, tilting her head inquisitively.
"Joe and I are going to a party tonight."
"Party, what party? Who's throwing it?"
"You might want to sit down first." Frank advised, while setting his empty glass in the sink.
Just by the serious look on her son's face, Laura knew right away, she wasn't going to like the news. She sat down at the kitchen table and, calmly asked. "Frank, what's going on? Where is this party?"
"It's at the Bayport Pier Hotel," Frank said, joining his mother at the table handing her a newspaper.
Laura's eyes widened when she saw the headline on the front page, "Coming soon to Bayport! Barmet Island Hotel Marina & Getaway Resort."
"Is this true?" She whispered back at him.
"I'm afraid so."
"Where's Joe?"
"He's upstairs getting ready."
"How did he react to this?" Laura caught the hesitation in Frank's eyes. "Frank. Tell me. Is he alright?"
"Joe didn't take the news so well." Frank quickly began to explain to his visibly-upset mother about Joe's erratic behavior at Prito's. "He doesn't want to see the island destroyed with all the construction. Because of it being his and Iola's secret place, he says he feels a part of her is on the island. All the big names in Bayport are supposed to be at this party. Mayor Dixon and Dad just to mention a few," Frank continued on showing her the invitation. "In fact, our whole family is invited."
"There is no way we can go." Laura shakes her head. "Mrs. Granger fell this morning and fractured her ankle. That poor woman is in her late eighties and, lives in that big house all by herself. Aunt Gertrude and I will be busy looking after her. Your aunt is with her now; I will be taking my turn in a couple of hours." Laura pause for a moment before going on, "You know your father is out of town."
"I'm sad to hear about Mrs. Granger. She's such a sweet lady." Frank said sympathetically. "It's all right. I understand you two wanting to look after her." He added, "And since Dad isn't here, Joe and I thought we would go in his place."
"I've never heard of this Mr. Albert Douglas." Laura acknowledged after reading the invitation.
"I haven't either." Frank nodded. He was beginning to find that part strange. Maybe this party would be worth it after all. At least we could find out what this billionaire is all about. "All I know is that this Mr. Albert Douglas is some billionaire who owns a real estate company in New York." Frank answered his mother. "He and his business partner Richard Underwood bought Barmet Island to build this resort."
"What are you two planning on doing?" Laura pushed on.
"Nothing," Joe cut in coming into the kitchen all dressed up in a black suit and satin blue tie. "We only want a chance to talk to Mr. Douglas, to let him know how we feel about his resort."
"Joe, your brother just told me about what happened at Prito's." Laura voiced angrily.
"Mom, I'm sorry," Joe replied. "I'm going to apologize to Mr. Prito and to Chet as well."
"What about Chet?" Laura looked straight at him, raising an eyebrow.
"The two of us have some things to work out." Joe told her. Then exchanged looks with his brother.
Frank nodded in agreement.
Laura had a feeling that there was something more to it, but decided to let it go for now. "Joe, I don't want you going to that party."
"Mom, I have to go!"
"Joe!" Frank exclaimed.
"Don't shout at me young man." Laura said reprimanding her youngest son.
Joe took a deep breath to cool his temper. "I'm sorry for shouting at you, Mom."
"Thank you." Laura replied, "Now sit down," She ordered. "I want to talk to you." Joe did as instructed plopping down in a chair across from his mother and brother. "Did you make threats to stop the resort?" Laura asked, getting right to the point.
"Yes," Joe huffed.
"Frank also told me all about this morning."
Joe glared at Frank.
"Sorry Joe." Frank apologized. "Mom already knew something was wrong the moment we walked in the church. She was concerned about you, so I told her you were upset about finding the gift and a letter from Iola."
"It's okay," Joe said. Frank again could see tears began to seep from the corners of his blue eyes.
Laura spoke soothingly to him. "Joe, I understand why Barmet Island is special to you and Iola. You two had created some fond memories that no one can ever take from you. Baby, I'm just worried about you. I know it's been a pretty rough year for you coping with Iola's death. Now it's time for you to start moving past this. We can help you through this." Laura paused for a moment as she chose her words carefully, "Joe let this island go."
There was a heavy sting of silence in the air. Frank could see the wheels turning in his brother's head.
"Mom you don't understand…" Joe's voice quivered, fighting back tears. "I can't let it go. Barmet Island belongs to Iola. If Mr. Douglas destroys it… she'll be gone forever. "
"Joe-"Laura started to say.
"-We're going to be late." Joe said, cutting her off. He quickly began to blink back the tears that threatened to break free, and then he said to Frank. "I'll meet you in the van." He then jumped to his feet and headed out the kitchen door leaving his mother and brother sitting in silence.
"Frank, keep an eye on him." Laura pleaded with him.
"I will. Don't worry, everything will be okay." Frank said reassuring her while getting to his feet. Unsure of who he was trying to convince, himself or his mother.
Laura walked out the doorway with him. Joe was already in the passenger side of their black van. She watched as Frank slide behind the wheel. As soon as he pulled out of the driveway Laura immediately took out her cell phone and began dialing, frowning when it went straight to voicemail. "Fenton, call home, it's urgent..."
The Hardy brothers were walking through the busy lobby of the Bayport Pier Hotel. People were flowing into the place just bursting with excitement.
Frank saw some of the men dressed in formal suits and ladies in fancy dresses going into the banquet room where the party was to be held. Off to the side was an easel with a large blackboard in white lettering that read, "Barmet Island Resort celebration"
"Alright, let's go find Mr. Douglas." Joe said eagerly, making his way to the room. "The sooner we find him. The sooner we can put an end to his stupid resort…" Then suddenly out of nowhere someone grabs him firmly by the arm, the iron-like grip pulled him back out into the hallway. He whirled around to see that it was Frank.
"Frank…"Ignoring his brother's protests, Frank led him to a small lounge area no one was occupying at the moment.
"What's gotten into you?! Have you gone crazy?!" Joe shouted, jerking his arm out of his brother's grip.
"Have a seat." Frank demanded, pointing to the couch. "We're not done talking about this."
"No." Joe replied. He turned abruptly to leave the lounge, "I have to see Mr. Douglas." Frank stepped into his path, preventing him from going anywhere.
"I said sit."
"Frank, what is there to talk about?" A flash of anger ignited in Joe's blue eyes as he sat down "We're here to save Barmet Island."
"The way you're acting right now, there is no way I'm letting you go into that room." Frank fired back raking his fingers through his brown hair, knowing what he was about to say was going to lead into an argument. "It would be irresponsible of me to do so." He sat down on a small table in front of Joe.
"Now, you're not going anywhere until we talk." Frank shot his little brother a look just daring him to make a move.
Joe knew by the serious tone and the expression on Frank's face there was no point in arguing with him, "Fine," He grumbled, folding his arms to his chest as his leg shook impatiently.
Frank took a deep breath, keeping his voice calm and steady. "Joe, your actions lately are so unpredictable, it's scary. I don't know what you're going to do next. You spout off at Mom, you spout off at me. What are you going to do, when you actually meet Albert Douglas? The incident at Prito's, of you threatening to stop him from building his resort, keeps playing over in my head."
Joe just sat in silence glaring at him, continually bouncing his leg up and down. Frank knew he was about to explode. But he didn't care at this point, he kept on going and praying his words would sink in that thick blond head of his.
"Joe, we haven't been on that island in years. In fact, we were kids at the time," Frank quickly pointed out. "I've never heard you talk about Barmet Island, until today. I think you're using this whole Barmet Island issue as an excuse to punish yourself for not saving Iola."
In response to that, Joe just turned his head away; Frank knew right then he'd struck a nerve. "Joe, look at me."
When Joe didn't comply, Frank put his hands firmly on his face, forcing Joe to look at him. "Little brother, you've got to stop blaming yourself for what happened to her. It wasn't your fault. "I don't mean to be hard; I'm trying to look out for you. I don't want you to get in to trouble. Please, Joe..." Frank pleaded, "Think this through before you do anything stupid. Saving Barmet Island won't bring Iola back."
Frank held his breath waiting for Joe's horrible temper to explode. It was one of the many traits that got him in trouble from time to time. He paused for a moment as he thought carefully choosing his words, "Mom was right. Let Barmet Island go." Frank then suggested. "We don't have to be here."
"We can't just leave Frank," Joe disagreed breaking his silence. "We accepted Mr. Douglas's invitation." He added as a final approach to convince him, "Don't forget, big brother we are here in Dad's place and representing the Hardy name. How's it going to look if we don't keep our commitments?"
"Joe..."
"No! Frank." Joe quickly pulled Frank's hands away from his face and jumped to his feet. "I'm not letting this go. Not until we see Mr. Douglas. We have to save Barmet Island."
"Okay fine. We'll just make a quick appearance." Frank stood up, nose to nose, with Joe. "You have to keep a cool head when you do talk to the man." Then he added warningly, "Remember, if do anything stupid, you'll answer to me. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."
A few seconds later the brothers stood in the entrance, letting their eyes sweep across the banquet room. It was a fairly large and elegant room with large windows and blackout curtains that were open to a view of a beautiful night sky filled with stars. There was a long table with white fancy linen draped over it with food on it in buffet style settings. Waiters bustled about, with trays of hors d'oeuvres and drinks offering them to their guests.
On one side of the room Frank spotted Chief Ezra Collig of Bayport police a well-built, middle aged man with iron-gray hair all decked out in his formal uniform. He stood talking to Mayor Dixon a tall, dark-haired man in a black suit and his wife, a slender woman in her forties wearing a long strapless green dress with a shawl draped loosely over her shoulders.
"I wander which one of these guests is Mr. Douglas?" Joe asked.
"You found him." A man's voice said coming up beside him.
Joe whirled around to see a bear of a man in his late sixties with a rugged face and with short gray hair wearing a black suit and tie. The man extended out a beefy hand as he made introductions,
"I am Albert Douglas."