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.

5. Chapter 5

At lunch the boys sat away from their friends, talking in hushed tones as the prelude for their mock fight. This drew a few glances from their peers, who found it odd the boys weren't in the center of their friend group as was their habit.

"You're missing the point!" Frank suddenly broke out in a sharp voice. He immediately hushed his voice again, but now the cafeteria was more hushed, as the high schoolers bent their ears to try and catch Frank and Joe's conversation. These words, however, were all part of the meticulously practiced show.

As the lunchroom returned to its usual clamor, the boys continued their quiet argument. Suddenly, Joe snapped to his feet, seized his backpack, and shouted at Frank, "Whatever! I'm done."

When Joe turned around Frank followed and grabbed Joe by the shoulder, "You can't walk away from this!" The lunchroom was dead silent as all students turned their heads to watch.

Joe whipped around, knocking Frank's hand off his shoulder. He pushed Frank back with both hands, "I'm sick of it!" As Frank righted his stance, he pursed his lips, his cheeks flushed and angry.

"Fine," Frank spat, "Whatever. Walk away." He returned the push, but harder, and Joe staggered backwards.

Quick as a flash, Joe punched Frank right in the jaw, and Frank charged right back at him. Teachers and students from around the cafeteria jumped in to pull them apart, while girls cried out. The bout was fast, less than a minute, but it caught the attention of everyone present. Held back by their friends and peers, Frank and Joe maintained eye contact. They were both breathing hard and glaring at each other.

The bewildered principal wiped his glasses on his shirt. "Are you boys going to tell me what that was about?"

Apparently calm now, Frank straightened his collar. "Nothing to worry about." He glanced about, as if just now seeing the people around him. "Sorry Mr. Wilder," (this was directed to the principal) "It won't happen again."

Joe yanked his arms free of the people who held him. He drew his hand through his hair, but was still glaring. "Damn right, it won't."

He walked out of the cafeteria, leaving Frank and the others to stare after him.