The List
Chapter Eleven
"What do you mean? Kind of?" Frank demanded. He now knew, without a doubt, Joe wasn't suicidal. But he also knew, from Joe's remark, that Joe had an idea about what was going on.
"You found that list after I was attacked at school, didn't you?" Joe asked.
Frank nodded. "Vanessa found it in one of the books you gave her. Why?"
"Amy had us seperate into groups and make a list of things everyone in the group had in common. The names on that list are all the names of the kids in the group I was in," Joe explained.
"So whoever knocked you out was stealing the list when you interrupted them," Frank deduced. "But it would have to be someone who knew about the assignment and knew the purpose behind the class," he continued. "Otherwise, why try to make it look like a suicide?"
"Also, was Craig's death an accident and did Paula really commit suicide?" Joe asked. Mr. Hardy looked at Joe quizzically. "Craig was killed just after class that day," Joe explained.
"But his death wasn't even considered to be a suicide," Frank pointed out.
"What if the killer never thought of the suicide angle until later?" Joe asked, grinning.
"Then..." Frank began, then saw Joe's grin. "Why are you smiling?" he demanded. "Someone is trying to kill you."
"Exactly!" Joe happily agreed. Frank looked at him in shock as did his parents. "You believe me!" he said, his grin growing bigger.
"Aw, baby brother," Frank said, giving Joe a big hug. "I'm so sorry I ever doubted you."
"We are too," Mr. Hardy said, smiling at his son in relief for a brief moment. "But is someone trying to kill everyone who was in your group, or are they only after you and killing the others to cover their tracks?" he asked, frowning.
"I can't answer that," Joe said. "But whatever is going on, it has to do with the theft and murder at the jewelry store."
"Why are you so sure?" Mr. Hardy asked him.
"I don't know," Joe responded wearily. "But the guy, even in his black outfit and mask, seemed familiar. And the guy that attacked me tonight, although I only saw him from the waist up, was wearing the same clothes."
Joe shook his head as if trying to clear it. "I know this person," he insisted, thinking out loud. "If I could just put my finger on what seems unique about him, maybe I could place him."
"I think we should go down to the police station," Mr. Hardy said thoughfully. "Maybe we can get a copy of the surveillance tape."
They dropped Mrs. Hardy off at home then continued to police headquarters. "Dad," Joe said, on the way. "I realize you know I don't need this class at school anymore, but could I keep it until the end of this semester anyway?"
"If you like," Mr. Hardy agreed with a puzzled frown.
"Why?" Frank voiced the question his dad wanted to ask.
"Because of the other students," Joe said. "Valerie and Tim mainly. I don't want them to feel like I've deserted them."
"You're willing to give up study hall to hang out for an hour with them?" Frank asked.
Joe shrugged. "I wouldn't want them to think they didn't have anyone to talk to," he replied.
"I'm proud of you, Son," Mr. Hardy said.
"Me too," Frank concurred.
Mr. Hardy pulled to a stop close to the station and they all got out and went inside. Con wasn't there, but Chief Collig was still in his office, so they went in to see him. Mr. Hardy explained about the note and told him about the attack on Joe earlier that evening.
"I've been thinking," Frank spoke up. "The killer had to get Joe alone, so maybe he was the one who broke into Callie's earlier."
"He would have to of known you and she were dating," Mr. Hardy pointed out.
"And what about mom?" Joe asked. "How would he have known she would leave later even if he was the one who broke in Callie's?"
"It was just a theory," Frank replied with a shrug.
"I'm glad things weren't as they appeared to be," Chief Collig said, smiling at Joe. "I'll get a copy of the tape brought up here," he continued. "And when Con comes back on duty, I'll have him get in touch with you."
A few minutes later, a tape was brought into Collig's office. He put the tape in his VCR and turned the TV on, before handing Joe the remote. Joe played the tape four times before stopping it and ejecting it. "I'm sorry," he said. "I just can't figure out what makes him familiar."
"But you're positive he is?" Chief Collig pushed.
"Yes," Joe affirmed.
"Take the tape home," Collig told him. "It's a copy. Maybe you can figure it out later."
"Okay," Joe agreed. "Dad said he gave you the suicide pact with the signatures on it," he added.
"That's right," Collig admitted. "I alerted the parents of the other students on the list to keep an eye on their children."
"Do you still have the list?" Joe asked.
"Yes," Collig admitted. "Why? I thought you never signed the agreement."
"I signed the paper and so did the other students," Joe said. "But the actual agreement wasn't there when we signed. Have you thought about who could have written it?"
"That's right!" Frank agreed, picking up on Joe's train of thought. "Whoever wrote it has to be the killer."
"I'll have the handwriting anaylzed," Collig promised. "What was the name of your teacher?" he asked, looking at Joe.
"Amelia Norway," Joe answered. "But she asked us to call her Amy. Why?"
"The killer might be someone in your class," Collig pointed out. "How else would he know you had signed a slip of paper with these other students?"
They talked about the case for a little longer then the Hardys left. Joe wanted to drive over and see Paula's dad, but Mr. Hardy insisted it was too soon to go and disturb him without proof Paula had been murdered.
The next morning, Con called and asked if the boys could stop by the police station on their way to school. When they arrived, Con brought them up to date on his investigation. "Basically, all we have is the surveillance tape and the ballistics report," Con concluded. "Do you really believe this is connected to the Michaels' girl's death?" he asked them.
"And Craig's," Joe added.
"Craig Sommers," Frank expanded, then repeated what the chief had apparently told Con earlier.
"Be careful," Con cautioned. "This guy may try to kill you again," he added to Joe.
When they arrived at school, Callie was talking to Vanessa, who had made it to school because her mom's ankle had improved greatly in the past two days. Joe grabbed Vanessa and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, releasing her almost immediately so they wouldn't get into trouble.
"Hi, guys," Callie said. "How's it going?"
Frank told the girls about the attack on Joe last night and explained away the misunderstanding about Joe's alleged suicudal tendancies.
"I'm so glad," Vanessa said in relief, smiling up into Joe's eyes. "But that means there's a murderer lose on campus," she added, her eyes clouding over.
"Right," Joe agreed.
"We need a favor," Frank asked the girls.
"Name it," Callie told him.
"Check the girl's bathroom and make sure no one's in there and then keep watch while Joe and I check it out?" Frank asked.
"Okay," Callie and Vanessa agreed, leading the way. Frank and Joe went inside and searched the area, coming back out within five minutes.
"No luck?" Vanessa inquired, seeing their dour expressions.
"Nothing," Joe answered her. "George did too good a job cleaning it up," he added, referring to the school's janitor.
"What now?" Callie asked.
"Class?" Joe suggested casually as the bell rang.
"We'll discuss a plan of action at lunch," Frank said. "And Joe," he added, grabbing his arm as the girl's left. "Be careful. This person killed a student here yesterday. I don't want you to be today's tragedy."
"I will," Joe promised then took off for his Algebra class. The teens had already missed homeroom. During class, he decided to stop by and see Patty. When the bell rang, he headed straight for her office. The door was open and she was sitting at her desk looking at the computer monitor. He rapped lightly on the open door. "May I come in?" he asked.
Patty turned around, saw who was standing in her doorway, and gave him a big smile. "Of course you may, Joe," she said.
Joe came inside and closed the door behind him before sitting down int he chair beside her desk. "I know the purpose behind the Creative Expression class," he said, getting right to the point.
"I suppose you found out from your brother?" she asked. Joe nodded. Patty sighed in disillusionment. "I thought he cared more about you than that," she said softly to herself, but Joe overheard her.
"He cares a lot about me," Joe told her. "That's why I don't need this class."
"So you want your study hall now?" she asked, her face grim.
"No," Joe replied with a shake of his blond head. She looked at him in surprise. "Look," he continued. "I may be words in a textbook to someone who doesn't know me, but I am a really together type of guy. I know that no matter what I say or do, my family will always be there for me. If I have problems, Frank always picks up on them and we discuss them."
"Then why don't you wnat out of the class?" she asked, her eyes narrowing on him.
"Because I think I can help," Joe told her. "A couple of the kids already consider me a friend, and that's never a bad thing."
"Okay," she said slowly. "If you don't believe you need the class but have decided to remain anyway, why are you here?"
"Craig Sommers and Paula Michaels," Joe said. "We, that is, my brother, my father, and myself, believe they were murdered."
"What?" she asked, her eyes flying open in shock. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't have time to explain now," Joe replied. "But could Frank and I talk to you after school?"
"Of course," she answered at once. "I'll be waiting here for you," she promised.
"And thanks," Joe said standing up.
"For what?" she asked.
"For caring enough to put me in that class," he answered, giving her a smile before going to his next class.
Frank, Callie, Chet, Tony, Liz, Phil, and Vanessa were already in the lunchroom at their ususal table when Joe and Biff arrived. Word had spread among the friends about the misunderstandings and the attack on Joe the previous evening. All were ready to help before anyone else could be hurt.
Joe told them about seeing Patty. "I thought we could ask her about Paula and Craig after school. She should know as much as everyone else put together."
"Good idea," Frank complimented his thinking. "I thought about asking Principal Dylan, but I like your idea better."
"You two are going to stay together outside of school, aren't you?" Vanessa asked, looking at Joe with a worried frown.
"Yeah," Joe replied, giving her a puzzled expression.
"You don't still believe Joe would hurt himself, so you?" Chet demanded.
"Of course not," she replied with a wave of her hand. "But there are three dead bodies and Joe's been attacked once already. What if the killer goes after Joe again?"
"And what about Aaron, Tim, Fred, and Ralph?" Joe asked. "They were on the list too."
"We have to warn them," Callie said, frowning.
"I'll tell them in class this afternoon," Joe promised. "But how are we going to keep an eye on them?"
"I can talk Fred into a game of hoops," Tony offered. "Then I can follow him home."
"Good idea, except Joe was attacked at home," Frank pointed out. "And Craig, if it was murder."
"And Paula was attacked here at school," Phil added. "Where they are doesn't seem to matter."
"No, but it does mean the murderer is at school," Liz observed. "Maybe we could make sure everyone at least gets to their classes safely," she suggested.
"It's a start," Frank agreed.
"I can keep an eye on Tim today," Phil offered. "He's in all my classes except the last one."
"I'll watch Aaron," Biff offered. Aaron was tough, but Biff was more than a match for him should Aaron get upset at having a shadow.
"Fred's in two of my classes," Frank said. "I'll watch him."
"And I'll cover Ralph," Joe said. "We've got the last two classes together."
"And Tony and I can watch you," Chet said.
"That's okay," Joe said, shaking his head. "I know what's going on and will have my guard up."
The friends split up after lunch and found their respective prey. Frank followed Fred to his next class, then went to his own. He had just sat down when a scream rang out. He jumped to his feet and ran in the direction of the scream. Another scream resounded through the halls before Frank reached the doorway leading to the classroom Fred had entered.
Frank came to a halt, grabbing onto the sides of the door frame to prevent himself from crashing into two girls who stood in the doorway, their books lying scattered on the floor at their feet.
Frank stepped inside, pushing his way between the girls to find out why they had screamed as the hall behind him began to fill up with students.
Fred sat at a lab table with his head lying on top. His face had been eaten away by acid which had been dispensed from a a glass vial lying less than an inch from his hand.
Chapter Eleven
"What do you mean? Kind of?" Frank demanded. He now knew, without a doubt, Joe wasn't suicidal. But he also knew, from Joe's remark, that Joe had an idea about what was going on.
"You found that list after I was attacked at school, didn't you?" Joe asked.
Frank nodded. "Vanessa found it in one of the books you gave her. Why?"
"Amy had us seperate into groups and make a list of things everyone in the group had in common. The names on that list are all the names of the kids in the group I was in," Joe explained.
"So whoever knocked you out was stealing the list when you interrupted them," Frank deduced. "But it would have to be someone who knew about the assignment and knew the purpose behind the class," he continued. "Otherwise, why try to make it look like a suicide?"
"Also, was Craig's death an accident and did Paula really commit suicide?" Joe asked. Mr. Hardy looked at Joe quizzically. "Craig was killed just after class that day," Joe explained.
"But his death wasn't even considered to be a suicide," Frank pointed out.
"What if the killer never thought of the suicide angle until later?" Joe asked, grinning.
"Then..." Frank began, then saw Joe's grin. "Why are you smiling?" he demanded. "Someone is trying to kill you."
"Exactly!" Joe happily agreed. Frank looked at him in shock as did his parents. "You believe me!" he said, his grin growing bigger.
"Aw, baby brother," Frank said, giving Joe a big hug. "I'm so sorry I ever doubted you."
"We are too," Mr. Hardy said, smiling at his son in relief for a brief moment. "But is someone trying to kill everyone who was in your group, or are they only after you and killing the others to cover their tracks?" he asked, frowning.
"I can't answer that," Joe said. "But whatever is going on, it has to do with the theft and murder at the jewelry store."
"Why are you so sure?" Mr. Hardy asked him.
"I don't know," Joe responded wearily. "But the guy, even in his black outfit and mask, seemed familiar. And the guy that attacked me tonight, although I only saw him from the waist up, was wearing the same clothes."
Joe shook his head as if trying to clear it. "I know this person," he insisted, thinking out loud. "If I could just put my finger on what seems unique about him, maybe I could place him."
"I think we should go down to the police station," Mr. Hardy said thoughfully. "Maybe we can get a copy of the surveillance tape."
They dropped Mrs. Hardy off at home then continued to police headquarters. "Dad," Joe said, on the way. "I realize you know I don't need this class at school anymore, but could I keep it until the end of this semester anyway?"
"If you like," Mr. Hardy agreed with a puzzled frown.
"Why?" Frank voiced the question his dad wanted to ask.
"Because of the other students," Joe said. "Valerie and Tim mainly. I don't want them to feel like I've deserted them."
"You're willing to give up study hall to hang out for an hour with them?" Frank asked.
Joe shrugged. "I wouldn't want them to think they didn't have anyone to talk to," he replied.
"I'm proud of you, Son," Mr. Hardy said.
"Me too," Frank concurred.
Mr. Hardy pulled to a stop close to the station and they all got out and went inside. Con wasn't there, but Chief Collig was still in his office, so they went in to see him. Mr. Hardy explained about the note and told him about the attack on Joe earlier that evening.
"I've been thinking," Frank spoke up. "The killer had to get Joe alone, so maybe he was the one who broke into Callie's earlier."
"He would have to of known you and she were dating," Mr. Hardy pointed out.
"And what about mom?" Joe asked. "How would he have known she would leave later even if he was the one who broke in Callie's?"
"It was just a theory," Frank replied with a shrug.
"I'm glad things weren't as they appeared to be," Chief Collig said, smiling at Joe. "I'll get a copy of the tape brought up here," he continued. "And when Con comes back on duty, I'll have him get in touch with you."
A few minutes later, a tape was brought into Collig's office. He put the tape in his VCR and turned the TV on, before handing Joe the remote. Joe played the tape four times before stopping it and ejecting it. "I'm sorry," he said. "I just can't figure out what makes him familiar."
"But you're positive he is?" Chief Collig pushed.
"Yes," Joe affirmed.
"Take the tape home," Collig told him. "It's a copy. Maybe you can figure it out later."
"Okay," Joe agreed. "Dad said he gave you the suicide pact with the signatures on it," he added.
"That's right," Collig admitted. "I alerted the parents of the other students on the list to keep an eye on their children."
"Do you still have the list?" Joe asked.
"Yes," Collig admitted. "Why? I thought you never signed the agreement."
"I signed the paper and so did the other students," Joe said. "But the actual agreement wasn't there when we signed. Have you thought about who could have written it?"
"That's right!" Frank agreed, picking up on Joe's train of thought. "Whoever wrote it has to be the killer."
"I'll have the handwriting anaylzed," Collig promised. "What was the name of your teacher?" he asked, looking at Joe.
"Amelia Norway," Joe answered. "But she asked us to call her Amy. Why?"
"The killer might be someone in your class," Collig pointed out. "How else would he know you had signed a slip of paper with these other students?"
They talked about the case for a little longer then the Hardys left. Joe wanted to drive over and see Paula's dad, but Mr. Hardy insisted it was too soon to go and disturb him without proof Paula had been murdered.
The next morning, Con called and asked if the boys could stop by the police station on their way to school. When they arrived, Con brought them up to date on his investigation. "Basically, all we have is the surveillance tape and the ballistics report," Con concluded. "Do you really believe this is connected to the Michaels' girl's death?" he asked them.
"And Craig's," Joe added.
"Craig Sommers," Frank expanded, then repeated what the chief had apparently told Con earlier.
"Be careful," Con cautioned. "This guy may try to kill you again," he added to Joe.
When they arrived at school, Callie was talking to Vanessa, who had made it to school because her mom's ankle had improved greatly in the past two days. Joe grabbed Vanessa and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, releasing her almost immediately so they wouldn't get into trouble.
"Hi, guys," Callie said. "How's it going?"
Frank told the girls about the attack on Joe last night and explained away the misunderstanding about Joe's alleged suicudal tendancies.
"I'm so glad," Vanessa said in relief, smiling up into Joe's eyes. "But that means there's a murderer lose on campus," she added, her eyes clouding over.
"Right," Joe agreed.
"We need a favor," Frank asked the girls.
"Name it," Callie told him.
"Check the girl's bathroom and make sure no one's in there and then keep watch while Joe and I check it out?" Frank asked.
"Okay," Callie and Vanessa agreed, leading the way. Frank and Joe went inside and searched the area, coming back out within five minutes.
"No luck?" Vanessa inquired, seeing their dour expressions.
"Nothing," Joe answered her. "George did too good a job cleaning it up," he added, referring to the school's janitor.
"What now?" Callie asked.
"Class?" Joe suggested casually as the bell rang.
"We'll discuss a plan of action at lunch," Frank said. "And Joe," he added, grabbing his arm as the girl's left. "Be careful. This person killed a student here yesterday. I don't want you to be today's tragedy."
"I will," Joe promised then took off for his Algebra class. The teens had already missed homeroom. During class, he decided to stop by and see Patty. When the bell rang, he headed straight for her office. The door was open and she was sitting at her desk looking at the computer monitor. He rapped lightly on the open door. "May I come in?" he asked.
Patty turned around, saw who was standing in her doorway, and gave him a big smile. "Of course you may, Joe," she said.
Joe came inside and closed the door behind him before sitting down int he chair beside her desk. "I know the purpose behind the Creative Expression class," he said, getting right to the point.
"I suppose you found out from your brother?" she asked. Joe nodded. Patty sighed in disillusionment. "I thought he cared more about you than that," she said softly to herself, but Joe overheard her.
"He cares a lot about me," Joe told her. "That's why I don't need this class."
"So you want your study hall now?" she asked, her face grim.
"No," Joe replied with a shake of his blond head. She looked at him in surprise. "Look," he continued. "I may be words in a textbook to someone who doesn't know me, but I am a really together type of guy. I know that no matter what I say or do, my family will always be there for me. If I have problems, Frank always picks up on them and we discuss them."
"Then why don't you wnat out of the class?" she asked, her eyes narrowing on him.
"Because I think I can help," Joe told her. "A couple of the kids already consider me a friend, and that's never a bad thing."
"Okay," she said slowly. "If you don't believe you need the class but have decided to remain anyway, why are you here?"
"Craig Sommers and Paula Michaels," Joe said. "We, that is, my brother, my father, and myself, believe they were murdered."
"What?" she asked, her eyes flying open in shock. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't have time to explain now," Joe replied. "But could Frank and I talk to you after school?"
"Of course," she answered at once. "I'll be waiting here for you," she promised.
"And thanks," Joe said standing up.
"For what?" she asked.
"For caring enough to put me in that class," he answered, giving her a smile before going to his next class.
Frank, Callie, Chet, Tony, Liz, Phil, and Vanessa were already in the lunchroom at their ususal table when Joe and Biff arrived. Word had spread among the friends about the misunderstandings and the attack on Joe the previous evening. All were ready to help before anyone else could be hurt.
Joe told them about seeing Patty. "I thought we could ask her about Paula and Craig after school. She should know as much as everyone else put together."
"Good idea," Frank complimented his thinking. "I thought about asking Principal Dylan, but I like your idea better."
"You two are going to stay together outside of school, aren't you?" Vanessa asked, looking at Joe with a worried frown.
"Yeah," Joe replied, giving her a puzzled expression.
"You don't still believe Joe would hurt himself, so you?" Chet demanded.
"Of course not," she replied with a wave of her hand. "But there are three dead bodies and Joe's been attacked once already. What if the killer goes after Joe again?"
"And what about Aaron, Tim, Fred, and Ralph?" Joe asked. "They were on the list too."
"We have to warn them," Callie said, frowning.
"I'll tell them in class this afternoon," Joe promised. "But how are we going to keep an eye on them?"
"I can talk Fred into a game of hoops," Tony offered. "Then I can follow him home."
"Good idea, except Joe was attacked at home," Frank pointed out. "And Craig, if it was murder."
"And Paula was attacked here at school," Phil added. "Where they are doesn't seem to matter."
"No, but it does mean the murderer is at school," Liz observed. "Maybe we could make sure everyone at least gets to their classes safely," she suggested.
"It's a start," Frank agreed.
"I can keep an eye on Tim today," Phil offered. "He's in all my classes except the last one."
"I'll watch Aaron," Biff offered. Aaron was tough, but Biff was more than a match for him should Aaron get upset at having a shadow.
"Fred's in two of my classes," Frank said. "I'll watch him."
"And I'll cover Ralph," Joe said. "We've got the last two classes together."
"And Tony and I can watch you," Chet said.
"That's okay," Joe said, shaking his head. "I know what's going on and will have my guard up."
The friends split up after lunch and found their respective prey. Frank followed Fred to his next class, then went to his own. He had just sat down when a scream rang out. He jumped to his feet and ran in the direction of the scream. Another scream resounded through the halls before Frank reached the doorway leading to the classroom Fred had entered.
Frank came to a halt, grabbing onto the sides of the door frame to prevent himself from crashing into two girls who stood in the doorway, their books lying scattered on the floor at their feet.
Frank stepped inside, pushing his way between the girls to find out why they had screamed as the hall behind him began to fill up with students.
Fred sat at a lab table with his head lying on top. His face had been eaten away by acid which had been dispensed from a a glass vial lying less than an inch from his hand.