The Criminal's Revenge

by trianglelionface

A Hardy Boys mystery inspired by the classics. When a high school acquaintance is attacked, Frank and Joe have to use all their wits to determine the cause. As the list of victims grows, so does the proximity to danger, threatening the lives of all whom Frank and Joe hold dear. Will they uncover the criminal before it's too late? Find out in The Criminal's Revenge! My first fic.

4. Chapter 4

The boys cleared the albeit dramatic idea to their father, who laughed at the thought and taught them some showy but believable attacks and responses that would substantiate their "fight."

The following Monday Frank and Joe planned to put their plan into action.

"Remember," Frank was telling Joe as they walked up the steps to Bayport High, "we don't want to start fighting until we're in view of those guys- Ron Jameson, Elijah Crowther, Adam Biggs, umm…"

"Randy DiAngelo." Joe added. "Relax dude, everything's going to work out. We should probably let Chet, Biff, and the girls know, though. We don't want them getting in the way or getting hurt."

Frank agreed, and the boys hustled to find Callie and Iola before class started.

The girls were in front of Iola's locker talking up a storm. They both smiled brightly at the sight of Frank and Joe.

After exchanging greetings (and a kiss on the cheek from Frank to Callie) the boys explained the case and their plan in hushed tones.

"Since these guys are pretty closed off, we're thinking a fight like this at least ought to convince them not everything's peachy-keen with Joe Hardy." Joe wrapped up the tale.

Iola frowned. "But if these greasers who hang out at Paul's are being targeted, won't becoming one of them be putting a target on your back?"

"Well, yeah, that's the idea. But don't worry, I'll be careful. Going undercover is just the fastest way to see exactly what the perp's deal is."

Frank added, "And Dad and I will be keeping a close eye on him."

Callie interjected, "But what if Ron's crash was an accident, and no one's targeting these guys after all? Maybe Danny's injuries were just a robbery gone wrong?"

Frank assured her, "The best way to know for sure is to get in with Paul and the guys. And we think this fight is a good way to make them see Joe as one of them."

Iola reached for Joe's hand and squeezed it. "Be careful."

Joe smirked and slicked his hair back. "No sweat, Doll. I'll get with these cats flat out, eyeball the scene, and cut out before you can say 'Right-o Daddy-o!'" He snapped his fingers and made finger guns before turning on his heel and strutting down the hallway.

Frank stared open-mouthed. "We may be in trouble."

Callie and Iola giggled.