A/N: Frank's up! It occurred to me that his part of the investigation wasn't written as I was submitting this, but nothing important happened and he couldn't find any leads. He won't be in the next few chapters, but then you'll see him a lot. Thanks for being patient!
Back in America, Frank returned to the Washington apartment that he and his father were until the case was concluded, exhausted from another day of masquerade and finding nothing. Fenton didn't even need to ask; he already knew what was going on. He had confided to Frank that he didn't think there would be much to uncover, most of the sleuthing lay with Joe.
Instead, the two Hardys, disguised as two old friends going for dinner to catch up, went to an Italian restaurant to discuss the case. The apartment would have been safer, but both felt ancy and, as long as they were careful, they would be fine.
As Frank pulled away from the curb in his rented car, Fenton received a phone call from his cell phone. He frowned, wondering who would be calling him, as he had specifically asked Laura to contact via Sam Radley.
He picked it up, not recognizing the number. "Fenton Hardy speaking," he said automatically, and then cursed himself. He was in disguise.
"Hardy? I'm sorry; I believe I have the wrong number. I am looking for a F. Harley."
Fenton froze and then motioned for Frank to pull over. "Wait! Are you calling about Joe Harley?"
There was a pause and then, "Yes. Then I do have the correct number?"
Fenton's heart raced. What had happened to Joe? "Yes, yes, this is correct. What do you want?"
"Mr. Hardy, I have bad news. The Wraith, and all of its occupants, including Joe Harley was lost at sea. My ship, the um, Ice Maiden, tried to answer her distress signals but arrived only it time to watch burn and sink. I'm terribly sorry for your loss."
Fenton slowly took the phone from his ear and stared at it in shock. He had known there was a risk in Joe's mission, there was risk in all missions, but he hadn't even considered that it might lead him to his death. Then he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, trying to be strong for Frank.
"Dad? Are you okay? What's wrong?" Frank stared at his father, amazed at what he was seeing.
Fenton wondered how he could ever tell Frank. There was no right or easy way to do it. He momentarily considered not telling him, but that wasn't fair. His son had a right to know. His only son.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Frank, the Wraith is gone. Joe is gone."
"What?" Frank stared at his father, not fully understanding, not wanting to understand. Somewhere deep inside told him it was true, but he ignored it, desperately thinking of another explanation.
"Are you sure? Could their have been a mistake?"
Fenton sighed heavily. "No, the man was telling us about Joe Harley, not Hardy. Joe Harley was a nobody; he had no reason to lie. He said his ship got there in time to see the Wraith go down." He was surprised how calmly spoke. Shock, some distant part of his brain told him. Just wait.
"No!" Frank howled as if the world was exploding in his face. Fenton tried to imagine what his son might be thinking, but couldn't. It truly might be the end of Frank's world.