by:
Official Disclaimer
The characters of Frank and Joe Hardy, Nancy Drew, and other characters associated with the books published by Franklin W. Dixon and Carolyn Keene are not owned by me in any way, shape or form. No profit is being made from this story. This disclaimer shall apply to all chapters following this chapter as well as this chapter. Thank You.
Author's Note:
I've always loved to read the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Now I'm going to attempt to write a decent fan fiction with both the Hardys and Drew in it. I hope you enjoy this story. Please read and review!
Thank You,
Lord Dreadnault
Hired
The taxi cab dropped Frank and Joe off at the Fairchild building in downtown Denver. Frank glanced up towards the top of the massive building. At sixty stories it was the tallest building in the city. This was the center of the mighty Fairchild financial empire. Some said that Andrew S. Fairchild, the sole owner and director of the company was more powerful than many world governments. After a little research on the Internet about the company, Frank didn't doubt it for a second.
Frank glanced at his watch. It was ten minutes to nine. Plenty of time to report to Fairchild's office. He grabbed Joe who was gawking at an attractive woman walking down the street and the two walked into the door.
The two brothers approached the receptionist. "We're here to see Mr. Fairchild." Frank told her calmly.
"What are your names?" the middle aged lady asked.
"Frank and Joe Hardy." Frank replied.
The receptionist glanced down at a sheet on her desk. "Report to the sixtieth floor please."
The brothers thanked her and headed for the elevator passing various people in business suits and dress who were on their way to their offices. They walked into the elevator and Joe punched the button for the top floor. "So, what do you think Fairchild wants?" Joe asked Frank.
Frank shrugged. "I don't know. He said that some mutual friends had recommended us to him and would we please come to see him about a job."
"What kind of job?"
"He didn't say, although he did mention it was slightly dangerous. But then, he seemed to know about our past record and thought that we would be able to handle anything that came up." Frank answered.
"I wonder how he got all of that information?" Joe mused.
"He's practically the richest man in the world Joe." Frank said, "Getting the goods on us wouldn't be very hard for him."
"Whatever." Joe muttered as the elevator doors slid open with a small ding.
They stepped out into a medium-sized reception area just as another man was leaving. He wore a black three-piece suit. Frank glanced over his shoulder at the man as he walked towards the elevator wondering who he was.
A desk stood at one end of the room where another, younger receptionist sat. "You may go right in to Mr. Fairchild." she told them, flashing them a dimpled smile.
Frank and Joe walked into a large office. Every wall was covered with built-in bookshelves which were filled with books. A large window overlooked the city. At the center of the room stood a large and expensive desk. A man with raven black hair, bright blue eyes and a pale complexion sat at the desk. Frank estimated the man to be approximately in his late forties.
The man stood up and shook their hands. "Hello! I'm Andrew Fairchild. Thanks for coming."
"No problem." Joe replied.
"What was it you wanted to see us about?" Frank asked Fairchild.
Mr. Fairchild motioned for the brothers to sit down as he did. "I want to hire you to work on a case for me."
"What case is that?" Frank inquired.
"I believe that my sixteen year old daughter is in danger of being kidnapped." Fairchild said.
"I believe that this is more of a case for the authorities than for us." Frank said quickly.
"No, it isn't." Fairchild replied while fiddling with a pen. "I've had no threats, and there have been no attempts to kidnap her."
"Then why do you think she's about to be kidnapped?" Joe asked, wondering if the guy was just a bit paranoid.
Mr. Fairchild frowned in thought. "There are suspicions, whisperings, vague hints in certain circles."
"What do you mean?" Frank asked, his interest sparked.
"A friend of mine has. . . connections." Fairchild said hesitantly. "He's heard a few hints here and there. Some coincidences that he has run into. He saw fit to warn me. However, there isn't enough to prove that something is about to happen."
Frank nodded accepting the explanation. He could tell that Joe was still a bit skeptical. "We'll take the job." he told Mr. Fairchild.
"Good!" Fairchild responded. "The job pays fifty thousand dollars for protection until I feel that the threat has gone away."
"That's ridiculous!" Joe said. "What if you feel that she's going to be kidnapped sometime in the next five years?"
Fairchild looked at Joe disapprovingly. "The time period for the possible kidnapping is set within the next two to three weeks. Fifty thousand is plenty for that amount of time."
"Oh." Joe said, feeling embarrassed. He had been more worried about time than money. Now Mr. Fairchild thought he was greedy.
"Now back to what I was saying. If an actual attempt happens and you help to foil it, or rescue my daughter if it succeeds then you'll receive five hundred thousand dollars."
Frank's mouth dropped in shock. "That's a lot of money Mr. Fairchild. . . I don't feel comfortable taking that much."
Fairchild rolled his eyes. "We can negotiate then after the job is completed. The job also pays for expenses. Think you can handle that?"
Both Frank and Joe nodded affirmatively.
"Good." Fairchild said. He proceeded to open a desk drawer and pull out a pair of pistols. "These are for you, as well as these pre-registered concealed weapon permits. Be careful with them and keep them concealed at all times."
Frank and Joe reached out to take the guns. One for each brother. Although Frank knew how to handle a pistol he always felt uncomfortable with one. "Thank you, Mr. Fairchild." Frank said.
Mr Fairchild nodded. "No problem. Just be extra careful with them." As if reading Frank's thoughts he continued, "If you feel uncomfortable with it, just keep it close at hand."
"We'll do that." Joe said.
"Good." Mr Fairchild said. "I think its time for you to meet my daughter."
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"What shall we do today?" Bess asked Nancy as she exited the hotel room's bathroom. "Your father is away at his conference and we have a whole day to kill!"
"What did you have in mind?" Nancy asked, already knowing the answer.
"Shopping!" Bess replied instantly. "Maybe we'll even run into some cute guys."
Nancy rolled her eyes. Shopping was sometimes fun but with Bess around she got too much of it to suit her. "All right." Nancy said. "Where shall we shop?"
Bess picked up a tourist guide book from the coffee table. "This says that we can find some really good stores and restaurants in Denver. It even lists several."
"Lead the way." Nancy told Bess. "Just remember, we need to be back by three to rendezvous with my father."
"Of course, of course." Bess replied, not really paying attention.
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Mr. Fairchild led Frank and Joe through the other door in his office. They were now in a hallway. "Might as well introduce you to some of the staff as well." Fairchild said as he led them.
He stopped at a open door and knocked on the frame. "John? Is Greg in yet?"
Frank and Joe looked into the office to see another man sitting at another desk. The man replied to Fairchild's question. "No, he's been showing up late for the past week. He'll show up in about twenty minutes most likely."
Fairchild frowned for a moment. "Okay," he said. Then he turned to Frank and Joe. "Frank, Joe, this is John Barcross, he is my assistant personal secretary. Greg, who isn't here, is my personal secretary."
"Nice to meet you." John said, smiling at Frank and Joe.
"Same here." Joe replied.
Mr. Fairchild led them down the hallway. "You'll be staying at my house of course, and here's Elayne."
They entered a private waiting room where a very attractive red-head stood waiting. She had sparkling green eyes and hair that fell just past her shoulders. "Elayne, this is Frank and Joe Hardy. They'll be looking after you for the next couple of weeks."
"Nice to meet you!" she said cheerfully stretching out her hand to shake Frank and Joe's.
Taking her hand and shaking it Frank smiled. "The pleasure is all mine."
Elayne smiled. She then turned to Joe and said, "What about you?"
Joe blushed. "Very nice to meet you," he managed to get out.
"Elayne will be showing you around and introducing you to everyone that you'll need to know." Mr. Fairchild told them. "She'll also provide your transportation."
Elayne beamed at the Hardy's as her father walked back down the hallway to his office. "Where shall we get started?" she asked them.
"Perhaps we should pick up our luggage at our hotel and drop it off at where we'll be staying." Joe suggested.
"That works." Elayne said brightly and began to lead them out of the waiting room.
Just as they were leaving a harried man burst in the office carrying a briefcase. He nodded his head towards Elayne as he rushed by. "Who was that?" Frank asked.
"That's Greg Hales, my father's private secretary." Elayne answered as she led them to the elevator.
"Is he always in a hurry?" Joe asked suspiciously.
"No, not usually." Elayne said as they stepped into the elevator. "But then again, he's late and he is a stickler about being punctual so that's probably why he was so rushed."
"So," Joe said, "your father mentioned you were sixteen. Do you have your driver's license?"
"Yes!" Elayne replied. "How do you think I'm supposed to drive you around town?"
"We've handled cases like this before Elayne." Frank began. "Most the time the person we're protecting isn't to thrilled about it. How do you feel about it all?"
Elayne laughed as they stepped into the lobby. "At first I was a little irritated, but then when I found out my father was hiring someone cute I calmed down." She winked at Joe.
"Um, do you feel like you're in danger of being kidnapped?" Frank asked.
"No, not really." Elayne replied. "My father tends to be rather paranoid, but he is my father and I shall respect his wishes about my safety."
Wow, Frank thought, for someone who appeared to be so young that was mature. She led them to a blue convertible parked next to the curb and hopped in with Joe in the front seat next to her and Frank in the back. She pulled out and started down the busy street.
"Which hotel are you staying at?" she called.
"The Marriott." Frank answered.
"That's close," Elayne said, "we'll be there in no time."
As Elayne said, they arrived in front of the Marriott quickly. "I'll go in and grab out stuff," Frank told Joe, "you stay out in the car with Elayne." Joe nodded and Frank jumped out of the car and walked into the hotel.
He strolled over to the elevator and stepped in. Why did Andrew S. Fairchild think his daughter was about to be kidnapped. If there were indications or rumors abroad in the world, how did he pick them up? The biggest question, why was Elayne a target. Most certainly because her father was rich. But then, they would send warnings, or demand money so they wouldn't kidnap her or something? This case intrigued Frank and he had a feeling it would be perhaps one of his most interesting.
He stepped out onto the sixth floor of the hotel and strode to his room. He pulled out his electronic key card from his wallet, opened the door, and walked in. Something on the desk caught his eye as he walked to the bedroom. It was an envelope.
Funny, Frank thought, that wasn't there this morning. Perhaps the housekeeper left it. He picked up the envelope and opened it. It was a single sheet of notepaper with a message printed on it:
LEAVE TOWN- THE AFFAIRS OF THE FAIRCHILD FAMILY ARE NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS- LEAVE OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES-
To be continued. . .