Highway from Hell
Chapter Thirteen
"Trying to what?" Joe snapped, cutting Callie off in mid-sentence, afraid she would mention Frank's absence from the Hardy home. "I told you before school let out we were through."
Callie's eyes widened in shock for a fraction of a second, then quickly narrowed. She looked over at Tara. "You dumped me for her?" she demanded, assuming the role Joe had given her.
"No," Joe replied. "But if I had it would be a step up," he sneered.
Callie looked hurt. "You never used to be so mean," she said in a small voice.
"Grow up," Tara told her, reaching down and ruffling Joe's hair. "He belongs to me now." Callie turned and stomped away.
"Thanks," Joe said, standing up and looking into Tara's eyes with an affection he never felt.
"Why did you break up with her?" Tara asked.
Joe shrugged. "I was going into my senior year," he explained. "She was the only girl I had dated for ages. It was time to move on."
"Where's Trey?" Tara asked, changing the subject.
"Back at the apartment, I imagine," Joe answered. "Jack brought me here to get some new shoes before we went out to dinner at Terrances."
"He still wants you to work for him?" she asked, her sharp eyes watching Joe's face.
"Oh yeah," Joe replied. "But he's not near as much fun to be around as you are," he added, smiling into her eyes with a boyish grin.
"You're so sweet," Tara cooed, kissing Joe on the lips. "I'd better vanish before he shows up. Remember, see if you can find out where he gets his supply," she added, touching Joe's cheek tenderly before walking away.
"I will," he promised as she left. Joe tried out the shoes then took them off and put them back into the box. Putting his old shoes back on, he carried them up to the counter where Jack stood. Tara was looking at a pair of blue sandals and a man whom Joe hadn't seen before was standing patiently to one side, holding her purse as he waited for her.
"I'll take these," Joe told Jack.
"Great," Jack replied, a big smile on his face. "And I took the liberty of picking these out for you as well," he added, showing Joe a pair of black loafers. Joe wrinkled his nose. "Come, come," Jack urged Joe with a small laugh. "They won't let you in Terrances in sneakers and jeans."
"Oh, yeah," Joe said, looking down at his attire. Jack paid for the shoes and they went into Serge's Men's Clothing Store where Jack bought Joe two suits, four pairs of pants, a blazer, and five shirts. Jack asked that all their purchases, except for one suit and a shirt,be delivered to his apartment.
"Don't you think you're overdoing it?" Joe hissed at Jack when no one was around.
"Not a chance," Jack whispered back. "You didn't see the wad of cash that joker with the redhead pulled out. We have to make them think I bring in more than he does."
"Have you seen that guy before?" Joe asked, remembering the way the man's hazel eyes had kept glancing at Jack.
"I think so," Jack admitted thoughtfully. "I can't remember where or when, but I am almost positive I've seen him somewhere."
"I could use a watch," Joe said as they neared the jewelry shop.
"Okay," Jack replied. "But keep the receipt. Your dad will have a fit after this one."
"Why?" Joe demanded suspiciously as they entered the shop.
Inside, Joe saw Tara and the strange man looking at necklaces. Another clerk came over to help Jack and Joe. "Yes," Jack replied in answer to the clerk's question of service. "My friend here needs a new watch."
The clerk looked at Joe and promptly suggested another store which catered to the younger generation although his attitude left no doubt the price range of the store mentioned.
"Nonsense!" Jack declared. "How abut that one?" he inquired, pointing to a silver watch with a black face and diamonds where the numbers should have been.
"That watch is fifty-five hundred plus tax," the clerk began. "Perhaps..."
"We'll take it," Jack interuppted the man.
"Sir?" the clerk appeared shocked for a second but quickly recovered when Jack withdrew a roll of bills almost as thick as his fist. "Yes Sir," the clerk said. "Would you like it gift wrapped?"
"He can wear it," Jack replied, laying the money on the counter.
"Oh boy," Joe mumbled as they left the mall, knowing why Jack had told him to save the receipt now. "What if it breaks?"
"No worries," Jack replied, grinning. "That was Ted who waited on us."
"Ted?" Joe asked.
"A friend of your dads," Jack explained. "I guess you were too busy to notice the look he threw at that watch. Your dad must have expected you to need one."
"That's a relief!" Joe breathed. "I was watching Tara and her friend," he admitted. "You think they'll follow us to Terrances?"
"I hope so," Jack answered. "Your dad's got a special surprise planned. But first, you had better run into Bob's Beefy Burgers and change," he added, coming to a stop in front of the burger joint. "I'll call us another cab while you change."
Back at the Hardy home, Callie stood anxiously at the threshold, knocking continually. Laura opened the door, took in Callie's distraught state, and ushered her inside, calling up the stairs for Fenton.
"I've done something terrible," Callie told the Hardys. "I saw Joe in the mall and I didn't know he was undercover."
"Calm down," Fenton ordered gently. "What happened?"
Callie told him about the scene at the mall. Fenton gave her a half-smile. "It sounds like you both put up an excellent save," he complimented her.
"But..." Callie started, but Fenton interupted her.
"Joe's only cover is as himself," he told her. He then gave her a brief description of the case.
"Can I help?" she asked.
Fenton shook his head. "Not this time," he declined her offer. "I'll have Frank call you as soon as he can," he promised as she got up to leave.
After Callie left, Fenton kissed Laura on the cheek and told her he was off to meet Frank at Pete's Diner. Fenton stopped by Sam Radley's house, a close friend and associate, to don his disguise. As the meeting time approached, an old gentleman with graying hair and a beard, using a cane, ambled into Pete's Diner. No one gave the man's wrinkled face a second glance as he made his way to a back table where a young boy with black hair sat. "Mind if I sit with you?" the old geezer croaked. "I hate to eat alone, Sonny."
Frank looked up and hid a smile. "Sure," he said and watched his father sit down across from him.
The waitress arrived and took their order. After she had departed, Frank glanced around to make sure no one was paying any attention to them, then he told his father about Cory.
Fenton frowned. "I know Biff's a little bigger than Joe, but do you think from a distance, Cory might think he was Joe?"
"After he finds out Joe is still alive, he might," Frank replied wryly. "Why?"
"If Biff will agree, we'll set up a buy between you and Joe--Biff, and arange for Cory to see it," Fenton told him.
"So Cory will follow Biff and try to kill him?" Frank asked.
Fenton nodded. "We'll arrange the perfect spot with no visible witnesses. When he tries to go after Biff, we'll nab him."
Frank and his father discussed the particulars of the plan over dinner. When Frank left, he returned to the apartment and filled in Chet and Biff who were enthusiastic about the plan.
Jack and Joe arrived at Terrances and were seated at once. A few moments later, Tara and her friend were seated at the next table. Jack leaned over toward Joe. "Let the show begin," he whispered, then stood up as two men, both in three piece suits, came over to their table.
Jack greeted the two men and introduced Joe who also stood to shake hands with the men.
"Joe's my new vice president," Jack told the two men as they all sat down.
"Oh?" asked the midddle aged Craig Donovan, looking at Joe in surprise.
"I've decided to stick with the transport division of the company," Jack informed the group. "Joe is a native of the area and will make an excellent distributor."
"His qualifications?" asked Jeffery Hail, looking at Joe questioningly.
Jack smiled. "He's a former detective who, shall we say, had a change of heart. He has experience in local distribution and I foresee a..mmmm... lucrative future for him."
"Former detective?" Hail demanded. "Hardy?" he added, his voice hardening as his eyes narrowed angrily on Joe.
"Relax," Jack ordered the man. "Joe is indeed Fenton Hardy's son. But, Hardy believes Joe died from an overdose while at the Dulcimer Foundation. Joe has been working at a lower level in the trade ever since."
Hail stared at Joe. "Take off the shades," he ordered him. Joe looked over to Jack who nodded. He slowly removed his glasses, blinking at the increased brightness before looking Hail in the eyes.
Chapter Thirteen
"Trying to what?" Joe snapped, cutting Callie off in mid-sentence, afraid she would mention Frank's absence from the Hardy home. "I told you before school let out we were through."
Callie's eyes widened in shock for a fraction of a second, then quickly narrowed. She looked over at Tara. "You dumped me for her?" she demanded, assuming the role Joe had given her.
"No," Joe replied. "But if I had it would be a step up," he sneered.
Callie looked hurt. "You never used to be so mean," she said in a small voice.
"Grow up," Tara told her, reaching down and ruffling Joe's hair. "He belongs to me now." Callie turned and stomped away.
"Thanks," Joe said, standing up and looking into Tara's eyes with an affection he never felt.
"Why did you break up with her?" Tara asked.
Joe shrugged. "I was going into my senior year," he explained. "She was the only girl I had dated for ages. It was time to move on."
"Where's Trey?" Tara asked, changing the subject.
"Back at the apartment, I imagine," Joe answered. "Jack brought me here to get some new shoes before we went out to dinner at Terrances."
"He still wants you to work for him?" she asked, her sharp eyes watching Joe's face.
"Oh yeah," Joe replied. "But he's not near as much fun to be around as you are," he added, smiling into her eyes with a boyish grin.
"You're so sweet," Tara cooed, kissing Joe on the lips. "I'd better vanish before he shows up. Remember, see if you can find out where he gets his supply," she added, touching Joe's cheek tenderly before walking away.
"I will," he promised as she left. Joe tried out the shoes then took them off and put them back into the box. Putting his old shoes back on, he carried them up to the counter where Jack stood. Tara was looking at a pair of blue sandals and a man whom Joe hadn't seen before was standing patiently to one side, holding her purse as he waited for her.
"I'll take these," Joe told Jack.
"Great," Jack replied, a big smile on his face. "And I took the liberty of picking these out for you as well," he added, showing Joe a pair of black loafers. Joe wrinkled his nose. "Come, come," Jack urged Joe with a small laugh. "They won't let you in Terrances in sneakers and jeans."
"Oh, yeah," Joe said, looking down at his attire. Jack paid for the shoes and they went into Serge's Men's Clothing Store where Jack bought Joe two suits, four pairs of pants, a blazer, and five shirts. Jack asked that all their purchases, except for one suit and a shirt,be delivered to his apartment.
"Don't you think you're overdoing it?" Joe hissed at Jack when no one was around.
"Not a chance," Jack whispered back. "You didn't see the wad of cash that joker with the redhead pulled out. We have to make them think I bring in more than he does."
"Have you seen that guy before?" Joe asked, remembering the way the man's hazel eyes had kept glancing at Jack.
"I think so," Jack admitted thoughtfully. "I can't remember where or when, but I am almost positive I've seen him somewhere."
"I could use a watch," Joe said as they neared the jewelry shop.
"Okay," Jack replied. "But keep the receipt. Your dad will have a fit after this one."
"Why?" Joe demanded suspiciously as they entered the shop.
Inside, Joe saw Tara and the strange man looking at necklaces. Another clerk came over to help Jack and Joe. "Yes," Jack replied in answer to the clerk's question of service. "My friend here needs a new watch."
The clerk looked at Joe and promptly suggested another store which catered to the younger generation although his attitude left no doubt the price range of the store mentioned.
"Nonsense!" Jack declared. "How abut that one?" he inquired, pointing to a silver watch with a black face and diamonds where the numbers should have been.
"That watch is fifty-five hundred plus tax," the clerk began. "Perhaps..."
"We'll take it," Jack interuppted the man.
"Sir?" the clerk appeared shocked for a second but quickly recovered when Jack withdrew a roll of bills almost as thick as his fist. "Yes Sir," the clerk said. "Would you like it gift wrapped?"
"He can wear it," Jack replied, laying the money on the counter.
"Oh boy," Joe mumbled as they left the mall, knowing why Jack had told him to save the receipt now. "What if it breaks?"
"No worries," Jack replied, grinning. "That was Ted who waited on us."
"Ted?" Joe asked.
"A friend of your dads," Jack explained. "I guess you were too busy to notice the look he threw at that watch. Your dad must have expected you to need one."
"That's a relief!" Joe breathed. "I was watching Tara and her friend," he admitted. "You think they'll follow us to Terrances?"
"I hope so," Jack answered. "Your dad's got a special surprise planned. But first, you had better run into Bob's Beefy Burgers and change," he added, coming to a stop in front of the burger joint. "I'll call us another cab while you change."
Back at the Hardy home, Callie stood anxiously at the threshold, knocking continually. Laura opened the door, took in Callie's distraught state, and ushered her inside, calling up the stairs for Fenton.
"I've done something terrible," Callie told the Hardys. "I saw Joe in the mall and I didn't know he was undercover."
"Calm down," Fenton ordered gently. "What happened?"
Callie told him about the scene at the mall. Fenton gave her a half-smile. "It sounds like you both put up an excellent save," he complimented her.
"But..." Callie started, but Fenton interupted her.
"Joe's only cover is as himself," he told her. He then gave her a brief description of the case.
"Can I help?" she asked.
Fenton shook his head. "Not this time," he declined her offer. "I'll have Frank call you as soon as he can," he promised as she got up to leave.
After Callie left, Fenton kissed Laura on the cheek and told her he was off to meet Frank at Pete's Diner. Fenton stopped by Sam Radley's house, a close friend and associate, to don his disguise. As the meeting time approached, an old gentleman with graying hair and a beard, using a cane, ambled into Pete's Diner. No one gave the man's wrinkled face a second glance as he made his way to a back table where a young boy with black hair sat. "Mind if I sit with you?" the old geezer croaked. "I hate to eat alone, Sonny."
Frank looked up and hid a smile. "Sure," he said and watched his father sit down across from him.
The waitress arrived and took their order. After she had departed, Frank glanced around to make sure no one was paying any attention to them, then he told his father about Cory.
Fenton frowned. "I know Biff's a little bigger than Joe, but do you think from a distance, Cory might think he was Joe?"
"After he finds out Joe is still alive, he might," Frank replied wryly. "Why?"
"If Biff will agree, we'll set up a buy between you and Joe--Biff, and arange for Cory to see it," Fenton told him.
"So Cory will follow Biff and try to kill him?" Frank asked.
Fenton nodded. "We'll arrange the perfect spot with no visible witnesses. When he tries to go after Biff, we'll nab him."
Frank and his father discussed the particulars of the plan over dinner. When Frank left, he returned to the apartment and filled in Chet and Biff who were enthusiastic about the plan.
Jack and Joe arrived at Terrances and were seated at once. A few moments later, Tara and her friend were seated at the next table. Jack leaned over toward Joe. "Let the show begin," he whispered, then stood up as two men, both in three piece suits, came over to their table.
Jack greeted the two men and introduced Joe who also stood to shake hands with the men.
"Joe's my new vice president," Jack told the two men as they all sat down.
"Oh?" asked the midddle aged Craig Donovan, looking at Joe in surprise.
"I've decided to stick with the transport division of the company," Jack informed the group. "Joe is a native of the area and will make an excellent distributor."
"His qualifications?" asked Jeffery Hail, looking at Joe questioningly.
Jack smiled. "He's a former detective who, shall we say, had a change of heart. He has experience in local distribution and I foresee a..mmmm... lucrative future for him."
"Former detective?" Hail demanded. "Hardy?" he added, his voice hardening as his eyes narrowed angrily on Joe.
"Relax," Jack ordered the man. "Joe is indeed Fenton Hardy's son. But, Hardy believes Joe died from an overdose while at the Dulcimer Foundation. Joe has been working at a lower level in the trade ever since."
Hail stared at Joe. "Take off the shades," he ordered him. Joe looked over to Jack who nodded. He slowly removed his glasses, blinking at the increased brightness before looking Hail in the eyes.